NFL Predictions-Part 2:The AFC

Part 2 of the my 2014 predictions now features the AFC. I also included my Super Bowl pick at the end. Here we go with the AFC...

AFC East
1) New England Patriots
What I Like: It is easy to pick the Patriots to win the AFC East every year, and they do it every single year, but there is a lot to like about this year's version of the Patriots. Most notably it starts with the additions of CBs Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. The biggest thing that killed the Pats' Super Bowl chances the last two years was lack of talent and depth in the secondary. To quell that, they signed Revis and Browner. Those two key moves could actually tilt the balance of power in the AFC back to the Pats. Throw in the combination of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, a weak division, Rob Gronkowski coming back from injury, and a creampuff schedule to start the year (at Miami, at Minnesota, Oakland, at KC, Cincy, at Buffalo, Jets, and Chicago) and the Pats look like the real deal once again. There is a really good chance they are 7-1 to start the year, and they get Denver coming to Foxborough the next week. Looks like another AFC East crown and another run at another Super Bowl.

What I Don't Like: Maybe the Pats are hitting a wall here late in the Brady-Belichick run. Brady played well last year, but for the first time in a long time he looked mortal. Maybe it was the talent around him, but he just didn't seem like the same player. Also, you worry about injuries with guys like Gronk and Vince Wilfork. Their defense seems to break down every year towards the end of the season. The Pats usually don't have a lot of question marks, but I still don't think any of their WRs really scare any other team in the AFC.

Prediction: 12-4 (Winners of the AFC East)

2) NY Jets
What I Like: You start with their defense. Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Quinton Coples, David Harris, and DeMario Davis are the key cogs in their front seven. You know Rex Ryan will put together a solid defense. He must have a lot of faith in that group because he didn't seem to upset about losing some of their corners. If Calvin Pryor is a player at safety, then watch out for this defense. On offense, the Jets added talented players. Michael Vick, Chris Johnson, Eric Decker, and rookie TE Jace Amaro have to help the Jets anemic offense from last season. If Geno Smith plays well, then the Jets can make the playoffs. If he struggles, then Vick can probably guide the ship for at least one season and help them make a run at a wild card. I could see the possibility of Smith and Vick somehow  combining for 9-10 wins with this team this year. Remember, outside of the Patriots, their division is very suspect. Getting those four games with the Dolphins and Bills are huge for them. If they can survive their first seven games, then they can make the run at the wild card with a backend that features a lot of winnable games (Buffalo, at KC, Pitt, at Buff, Miami, at Minnesota, at Tenn, NE, and at Miami). Somehow and someway I think Rex Ryan finds himself in the postseason with this group.

What I Don't Like: The first thing that jumps out to me is the schedule. Here are the QBs the Jets have to face this season: Tom Brady (twice), Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger. That is a rough group of QBs for a defense to deal with. If the Jets don't get the pressure from the front seven that they expect, then their cornerbacks will get cut to shreds. The cornerback position is really shaky for them. Antonio Cromartie is gone to Arizona, Dee Millner will be dealing with a high ankle sprain to start the year, and Dimitri Patterson got cut for going AWOL in the preseason. Also, how much can you trust Geno Smith? He could completely fall apart this year, and no one would be surprised. Anyone who watched Eric Decker in Denver last year knows that he is a solid receiver, but in no way is he a #1 guy. How much does Chris Johnson have in his legs? It seems like the Jets have a lot more questions than answers going into the season.

Prediction: 9-7 (2nd place and a Wild Card Berth)

3) Miami Dolphins
What I Like: The Fish have enough talent to contend for the division title. Ryan Tannehill has made strides, and you can make the case that he could breakout this year. With Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and a retooled offensive line with the addition on Branden Albert, the Dolphins certainly have some key parts in place to be a good offensive team. Defensively, the Dolphins are solid too. Guys like Cameron Wake, Randy Starks, Dannell Ellerbe, Koa Misi, Phillip Wheeler, and Brent Grimes are all impact players. Maybe this is the year that the Dolphins finally put it all together and make the playoffs. Their first four games are not bad (NE, at Buffalo, KC, at Oakland) and they finish with three out of their four home games at home (Balt, Minnesota, and Jets). I could definitely see a scenario where the the Dolphins finish 10-6 and in the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

What I Don't Like: It seems like the Dolphins are snakebite. From the whole Richie Incognito bullying scandal last year to the fact that this team lost their last two games to Buffalo and the Jets, when all they needed to do was win one of those games and they would have made the playoffs. It seems like a dark cloud seems to hover over the Dolphins every year. The talent is there, but it just never seems to work out. I also don't trust Joe Philbin. He seems like a decent guy, but I don't know if he is a bonafide NFL head coach. I think the Dolphins is the type of team that either goes 10-6 or 6-10. They are one of the most baffling teams in the league this year.

Prediction: 8-8 (3rd Place in the AFC East)

4) Buffalo Bills
What I Like: I like the direction of the Bills under Doug Marrone. The Bills had the balls to trade up and draft Sammy Watkins, who looks like the best young receiving prospect in a while, and they meshed him with C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Robert Woods, Mike Williams, and Scott Chandler. There is some firepower in that offensive group. It seems like the Bills have been looking for a presence at MLB forever and maybe they found that missing piece with the addition of Brandon Spikes. The Bills lost four games by a touchdown or less last year, and they will be competitive every week. If E.J. Manuel plays well and progresses, then this team has a shot to make the playoffs.

What I Don't Like: It is hard to get a read on Manuel. At this point, I would have to bet against him. I don't know what he will be long-term, but I just can't put all my faith in him this year. Manuel's play will decide what kind of season this team has. Put it this way: When you sign Kyle Orton a week before the season starts, your team and your offense is in trouble. A few areas on their defense scare me too. They had a vaunted defensive line a few years ago, and you have to wonder about Marcell Dareus and his off the field issues. Plus, they lost Jairus Byrd from their secondary. How many times do the Bills develop a young player and find him leaving to go somewhere else? Their schedule is tough as well because it includes all those top QBs (Cutler, Rivers, Stafford, Brady twice, Peyton, and Rodgers.) They look like a team that is at least a year away.

Prediction: 5-11 (Last Place in the AFC East)

AFC North
1) Baltimore Ravens
What I Like: It is so hard to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, and when you see a roster get depleted like it did last year for the Ravens, you knew they were going to take a step back. After going 8-8, the Ravens have the look of a team that will rebound and get back to playoffs this year. I love the hiring of Gary Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator for Joe Flacco and that offense. Kubiak had his ups and downs as the Texans head coach, but he is a really good coordinator and a great play caller. He should do wonders for Flacco. Steve Smith seems like a perfect veteran to add to that offense to go along with Torrey Smith, Dennis Pitta, and Jacoby Jones. Defensively, I think they will be solid once again. Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs, and Elvis Dumervil are mainstays, but they added two potential impact rookies in the draft with C.J. Mosley and Tim Jernigan. Their schedule is very friendly. Their first two games are at home (Cincy and Pittsburgh on a Thursday night), and they get the fortune of playing the NFC South and AFC South out of division. All that adds up for a rebound year for the Ravens and a trip back to the playoffs.

What I Don't Like: You definitely worry about the Ray Rice suspension for two games. Also, did Joe Flacco just catch lightning in a bottle in 2012 on his way to the Super Bowl? Maybe Flacco isn't a franchise QB and his limitations hurt this team in the long haul. Although their defense is solid, you still have to worry about wear and tear with those veterans like Ngata, Suggs, Dumervil, and even a guy like Ladarius Webb. As stated above, their schedule is friendly, but can they withstand their division. The AFC North is brutal and having to deal with four games against Pitt and Cincy could give the Ravens some hiccups along the way.

Prediction: 10-6 (Winners of the AFC North)

2) Pittsburgh Steelers 
What I Like: I still believe in Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin. In the NFL, the head coach and QB combo can make or break your franchise, and those two guys are still a formidable duo. I have a lot of faith in Big Ben no matter who he is throwing the ball to. Defensively, they got younger last year, and you should see some improvement from a player like Jarvis Jones this year. I love the their addition of Mike Mitchell at safety via free agency, and their top two draft picks, Ryan Shazier and Stephon Tuitt, could start right away. I trust that Dick LeBeau will find a way to make it work on defense. Their schedule isn't that bad either. They have a three game homestand from Weeks 7-9 (Houston, Indy, and Baltimore) and they finish with their last two games at home (KC and Cincy). After back-to-back 8-8 seasons and out of the playoffs both years, I just can't see the Steelers missing the playoffs once again.

What I Don't Like: I don't trust their receiving corps. They are really banking on some young guys like Markus Wheaton and Martavius Bryant to step up and help Antonio Brown. Also, how much does Lance Moore have left now that he is out of New Orleans? You also have to wonder about some of the health of the older veterans left on that defense. Troy Polamalu is banged up every year, and how much can you count on him giving you a complete season. The one thing that is tricky about their schedule is that they have four sets of back-to-back road games. Their first road game is on a short week at Baltimore on a Thursday night. That wasn't a kind deal that was dealt to them by the schedule makers.

Prediction: 10-6 (2nd Place and a Wild Card Berth)

3) Cincinnati Bengals
What I Like: On paper, the Bengals have about as talented of a roster as anyone in the AFC. A.J. Green, Giovani Bernard, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham, and Andy Dalton on offense. Defensively, Carlos Dunlap, Domata Peko, Geno Atkins, Vontaze Burfict, and Leon Hall area all really good players. This team has the talent to win the division and make a run in the AFC. They added some help to their secondary with the addition of Darqueze Dennard in the draft. Everyone is talking about the Broncos, Pats, and Colts in the AFC, and maybe the Bengals sneak up on everyone and take the AFC in 2014.

What I Don't Like: I don't trust Andy Dalton in a big spot at all. He is the Brian Griese of this generation. He looks great against average to below average defenses, but whenever he plays in big game against a good defense, he folds like a deck of cards. Also, give Marvin Lewis credit for getting this franchise turned around and getting to the playoffs the last three years, but you can't trust Lewis as a big-game coach either. Maybe this is the year, they turn it around, but I have to see it to believe it. Their schedule is a nightmare. They play five really good teams in their first seven games (at Balt, Atlanta, at New England, at Indy and Baltimore again.) They also finish with their last two games against Denver and at Pittsburgh. I think the Bengals take a disappointing step back in 2014.

Prediction: 7-9 (3rd Place in the AFC North)

4) Cleveland Browns
What I Like: I think that Brian Hoyer gives them a fighting chance at QB to start the season. If he struggles or the team is out of it, then they get to turn it over to Johnny Football! Regardless of how bad the Browns are once Manziel gets on the field, then they are a must watch. Maybe Hoyer breaks out and keeps them in contention or maybe Manziel catches fire and pulls a Tebow-esque run and the Browns become the story of 2014. If you are looking for another strength for this team, then look no further than their defense. Phil Taylor anchors the defensive line, and they have two bookend pass rushers in Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. Joe Haden is a top-level cornerback and rookie 1st round pick Justin Gilbert was considered the best cornerback in the draft. New head coach Mike Pettine should be able to dial up some good schemes to maximize that talent.

What I Don't Like: The Johnny Football saga will not die until he plays, and that could fracture the team all year long. How many times will Browns players and coaches have to deal with questions regarding him? Outside of TE Jordan Cameron, who the hell are the Browns QBs going to throw to? How about the duo of Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins? I didn't think so. The looming Josh Gordon suspension really hampers this offense from getting off the ground. They are in a brutal division where they clearly aren't better than the other three teams, and their schedule is tough. Their first three games (at Pitt, New Orleans, and Baltimore) are really tough, and they close with their last two on the road (at Carolina and at Pitt). They will be competitive, but I think they are the classic "One year away" team.

Prediction: 5-11 (Last Place in the AFC North)

AFC SOUTH
1) Indianapolis Colts
What I Like: Andrew Luck is the man. Plain and simple. It is his time, and the Colts have the players around him on offense to support him. The addition of Hakeem Nicks might be one of the best bargains in the offseason. T.Y. Hilton is a great compliment, Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen are a dangerous tandem at TE, and Reggie Wayne comes back from injury. It is safe to say that the Colts will be able to score a lot of points this year. Their division is a joke, and their is no reason why they can't go 6-0 or 5-1 in their AFC South match ups. They also get the NFC East out of division and they get a break in the schedule with a three-game homestand from Weeks 11-13 with New England, Jacksonville, and Washington all coming to Indy. Put it all together and the Colts can make a serious run at an AFC Title and a Super Bowl appearance in Year 3 of the Luck Era.

What I Don't Like: Losing Robert Mathis for the first four games due to suspension is going to be tough for them. He is their best defensive player and their best pass rusher. Their defense doesn't jump off the page in a few key spots-especially in the secondary. They can't leave it all up to Luck every week to bail them out. Their schedule is tricky in a few areas as well. They open on the road against Peyton Manning and the Broncos on Sunday Night Football, and they have to play at Houston on a Thursday night in Week 6. From there, they have tough back-to-back road games at Pittsburgh and at the Giants in Weeks 8 and 9, and they have to finish the season on the road in their final two games at Dallas and at Tennessee.

Prediction: 11-5 (Winners of the AFC South)

2) Houston Texans 
What I Like: Like the Kansas City Chiefs last year, the Texans have the makings of a team that could go from the 1st overall pick in the draft to the playoffs the following season. You have the like the fact that Houston was able to get Bill O'Brien in as head coach. O'Brien did a masterful job at Penn State with all the circumstances surrounding that job. Plus, the Texans had the fortune of drafting Jadeveon Clowney with that first pick in the draft. Anyone who has seen Clowney play knows what kind of disruptive, impact defender he is. Combine him with J.J. Watt and you have a pair of pass rushers that could really help the Texans get back to respectability. A great pass rush can obviously help improve a defense, but it can totally help out the entire team. It changes field position for your special teams, and it makes the offense better in the process. Five of their last eight games are at home, and they finish with two in a row at home to finish the year (Baltimore and Jacksonville.) Also, they get Indy at home on a Thursday night in Week 6.

What I Don't Like: Everything about the Texans offseason was positive except for the fact that they are going into the season with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback. We know what Fitzpatrick is from watching him in Buffalo all those years. He can put up good numbers, handle a high volume of offense, and move the team effectively at times, but in crunchtime and late in games he always seemed to make a bad throw or play and lose the game. I actually think that the Texans would have benefitted from keeping Matt Schaub. Fitzpatrick isn't the guy to get the Texans over the hump and into the playoffs this year. The day after the rosters were cut down to 53 players, the Texans traded a conditional pick to New England for Ryan Mallett. I don't know if you would consider that an upgrade over Fitzpatrick. I'm sure that Mallett will get his chance at some point, but I'm also not sure of what the hell he brings to the table as a starter. Houston will be better and in the playoff hunt in the end, but I think they just fall short this year.

Prediction: 8-8 (2nd Place in the AFC South)

3) Tennessee Titans 
What I Like: I love the hiring of Ken Whisenhunt as head coach. Of all the new head coaches, I think Whisenhunt has the best chance at being successful in year one. They made some good moves in the offseason with the signings of Dexter McCluster, Wesley Woodyard, and Shaun Phillips. Also, they got a solid OT in the draft with the pick of Taylor Lewan and adding RB Bishop Sankey in the 2nd round. They weren't that far off last year when they finished 7-9, and if Jake Locker didn't get hurt, they probably would have made the playoffs. If Locker can stay healthy, and with the emergence of WR Kendall Wright, the Titans could surprise this year. Their schedule is friendly down the stretch and they finish with three of their last four games (Giants, Jets, and Indy) at home with a road trip to Jacksonville in the middle. It would not surprise me to see the Titans in the wild card mix come Week 17-especially in that weak AFC South.

What I Don't Like: Locker is the key because he hasn't been able to stay healthy. He shows glimpses of being really good, but hasn't been able to do it for long stretches or for a whole season. If Locker goes down, then the Titans are relying on the immortal Charlie Whitehurst to lead them. Their offensive line hasn't helped them, and they have done everything to try and fix it the last two years. Although Chris Johnson isn't the same player, he still was their most explosive offensive player and they let him go via free agency. Jurrell Casey is their biggest pass rushing threat, and you have to wonder how much their secondary will hold up without a stellar pass rush. Although their schedule is friendly at the end, it is very tricky in two spots. The first one is that they start with three out of their first four games on the road (at KC, at Cincy and at Indy). Then, from Weeks 10-12 they play at Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and at Philly. The Titans will probably end up much like last year-which is on the outside looking in come playoff time.

Prediction: 7-9 (3rd Place in the AFC South)

4) Jacksonville Jaguars 
What I Like: Head coach Gus Bradley seems like he has the ability to turn this team around. He wants to build this team like Seattle was built, and added pieces like Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, and Ziggy Hood to their defense. I like that the team also decided to move on from Blaine Gabbert and drafted Blake Bortles in the first round. If gives the franchise hope for the future. Plus, they drafted WRs Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson to give that offense some juice. Their division is not strong, and that could help them get into contention, and their out of division schedule includes the NFC East which is not the same division it was a few years ago. Finally, they revamped their stadium and added the ability for their fans to watch games from a pool on the club level. What a deal!

What I Don't Like: While Bortles gets ready for the future, the team is baking on Chad Henne to hold the fort. Henne got credit for stepping in for Gabbert last year, but Henne only threw for 13 touchdowns and was picked 14 times. We know what Henne is and he isn't the guy to turn this team into a contender this year. It is only a matter of time before Bortles takes over. Also, are you really going to bank on Toby Gerhart being the guy to carry the load at RB? They don't have a lot of talent on offense to surround whoever the QB is. Their first five games are really difficult. At Philly in Week 1, at Washington in Week 2, and then they host Indy, travel to SD, host Pittsburgh, and travel to Tennessee. You can definitely see a scenario in which they are like 1-5 by Week 7.

Prediction: 5-11 (Last Place in the AFC South)

AFC WEST

1) Denver Broncos
What I Like: The Broncos scored over 600 points last year, and their offense under Peyton Manning might be even better this year. They signed Emmanuel Sanders to replace Eric Decker, and they get LT Ryan Clady back after he missed most of last year with a foot injury. They moved Chris Clark to RT and kicked Orlando Franklin inside to LG. On defense, the Broncos added Demarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward. Also, they get starters Rahim Moore, Derek Wolfe, and Chris Harris back from injury. Look for Von Miller to be rejuvenated after a nightmare 2013 season in which he was suspended for the first six games, then tore his ACL in Week 16. The Broncos might be more of a complete team than the team that won 13 games and went to the Super Bowl last year. Their schedule is tough, but they have four out of their first six games at home and one of those is on a short week against San Diego on a Thursday night game in Week 8. Oh, I forgot to mention the Broncos have Peyton Manning coming back on the heels of a 55 touchdown performance from last year. Manning looks good and is healthier than he was when he came to Denver in 2012, and he is certainly motivated from last year's Super Bowl debacle. He is easily worth about 10 wins on his own.

What I Don't Like: When you watch the AFC Championship from last year, guys like Knowshon Moreno, Eric Decker, Shaun Phillips, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie all made big plays to help Denver win and go to the Super Bowl. All those guys are gone along with Champ Bailey. That is a lot of key players leaving from that team, and all of those players were big contributors. I also worry about the fact that Von Miller and Chris Harris, two of our best defensive players, are coming back from ACL injuries suffered late in the year. If they can't recover in time, then that will really hamper their pass rush and secondary. Throw in the Matt Prater suspension for the first four games, and Wes Welker's concussion problems and things could certainly look different in Denver this year. The schedule is very tough. They have to play the following playoff contending teams this year: Indy, at Seattle, at the Jets, San Francisco, San Diego and Kansas City twice, at New England, at St. Louis, and at Cincy. Plus, they get a brutal three game road swing in Weeks 9-11 where they go to New England, St. Louis, and Oakland. You also have to wonder how much of a Super Bowl hangover is looming over this team heading into this year.

Prediction: 11-5 (Winners of the AFC West)

2) San Diego Chargers
What I Like: You have to love how Phillip Rivers responded last year in leading the Chargers to the playoffs and a win over Cincy in the Wild Card round. As long as the Chargers have Rivers, they will be a playoff contender. Their only big addition on offense was RB Donald Brown, so most of the offense will be the same, but Keenan Allen looks like the real deal at WR. Their defense was okay at times, but they added CB Brandon Flowers in free agency to help their secondary. They can score points, they can run the ball, and they have Rivers. The three toughest teams on their schedule, Seattle, Denver, and New England, all come to San Diego at some point in the year.

What I Don't Like: People forget that this team was a missed field goal away from losing their last game of the year to KC and missing the playoffs at 7-9. It was pretty remarkable that they got in considering they were 5-7 with four games to go. I don't think their defense is that much better, and it is pretty much the same unit from last year. I think Mike McCoy did a nice job in his first year as a head coach, but I'm not ready to anoint him as a big-time coach in this league. When you look at their schedule, it is really tough. They open up at Arizona on a Monday Night, then host Seattle. Here are their last five games: at Baltimore, New England, Denver, at San Francisco, and at Kansas City. That is a brutal way to end the season. I think San Diego will be in the mix in the AFC, but I think they stumble at the end and miss the playoffs.

Prediction: 8-8 (2nd Place in the AFC West)


3) Kansas City Chiefs
What I Like: You have to like where the franchise is headed with Andy Reid at the controls. He took a 2-14 team and turn them into a playoff team in one year. They get steady play from QB Alex Smith, RB Jamaal Charles and WR Dwayne Bowe. Their defense is solid with the pass rushing combo of Tamba Hali and Justin Houston, and SS Eric Berry is a top notch player in the secondary. People forget that they started 9-0 last year, and were the NFL's last remaining undefeated team at that point. In the draft, they added Dee Ford in the first round to help with the pass rush, and they drafted speedy playmaker D'Anthony Thomas in the fourth round. There is a chance that the Chiefs take the next step, and you have to like Andy Reid's chances of continuing to build a winning program.

What I Don't Like: The Chiefs didn't make any major moves in free agency to enhance their roster. Instead, they let Branden Albert and Jon Asamoah go, and their offensive line looks shaky at best. On defense, they cut ties with CB Brandon Flowers and we saw what happens to KC's defense if they can't get their pass rushers going. Just look back at the two Denver games and the playoff game against Indy from last year for evidence. Their schedule is really going to challenge them. Three out of their first five games are on the road (Denver, Miami, and SF), and they have to host the Pats in Week 4. After a bye in Week 5, they go to San Diego. There is the potential for a really rough start to their year. They play Seattle in Week 11, and they finish with two tough games (at Pitt and SD). It looks like the Chiefs will take a step back in 2014.

Prediction: 7-9 (3rd Place in the AFC West)


4) Oakland Raiders
What I Like: The Raiders had so much cap space that they had to sign veterans in the offseason. As a result, you have a roster that added: Matt Schaub, Maurice Jones-Drew, Donald Penn, Austin Howard, James Jones, Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Tarell Brown, and Carlos Rogers. If you hit on half of those moves, then that is very successful. You can't say that the Raiders didn't get better this offseason. They also added Khalil Mack in the first round of the draft, and Mack was considered one of the top players in the draft this year. The Raiders could be more competitive and might even surprise some people early on.

What I Don't Like: First, they are in a tough division and play the NFC West this year. I'll get to their schedule in a minute, but that is one strike against them. Also, how much do Schaub and MJD have in the tank? Schaub was really bad last year, and Jones-Drew hasn't been healthy the last two years. Schaub might not even start the year, and the Raiders might turn it over to rookie Derek Carr for Week 1. Also, how good is James Jones when Aaron Rodgers isn't throwing him the ball? Dennis Allen looks like he might be overmatched as a NFL head coach, and he could be the first coach fired if the team starts slow. We have seen this before with the Raiders and free agent signings, and there are plenty of times where they sign big-name free agents, and those guys flop badly once they start playing for the Raiders. Their schedule doesn't do them any favors. They have to make two East Coast trips in the first three weeks to the Jets and to New England. Also, in Weeks 9-11 they have to go to Seattle, host Denver, and travel to San Diego. Their last four games include San Francisco, at KC, and at Denver. The Raiders could be on track for another dismal season in 2014.

Prediction: 4-12 (Last Place in the AFC West)

Quick Recap:
AFC East
1) New England (12-4)
2) NY Jets (9-7)-Wild Card
3) Miami (8-8)
4) Buffalo (5-11)

AFC North
1) Baltimore (10-6)
2) Pittsburgh (10-6)-Wild Card
3) Cincinnati (7-9)
4) Cleveland (5-11)

AFC South
1) Indianapolis (11-5)
2) Houston (8-8)
3) Tennessee (7-9)
4) Jacksonville (5-11)

AFC West
1) Denver (11-5)
2) San Diego (8-8)
3) Kansas City (7-9)
4) Oakland (4-12)

AFC Playoff Seeds/Predictions
1) New England
2) Denver
3) Indianapolis
4) Baltimore
5) Pittsburgh
6) NY Jets


Wild Card Round:
3-Indy over 6-NY Jets (Andrew Luck solves Rex Ryan's defense)
4-Baltimore over 5-Pittsburgh (The Ravens outlast the Steelers in a classic playoff slugfest)

Divisional Round:
4-Baltimore over 1-New England (Ravens shock the Pats in Foxborough for the second time in three years in the playoffs)
3-Indy over 2-Denver (Luck outduels Manning in a shootout to upset the Broncos in Denver)

AFC Championship Game
3-Indy over 4-Baltimore (The Colts advance to their first Super Bowl since 2009)

Super Bowl XLIX
Green Bay over Indy (The Packers win their fifth Super Bowl in a classic over Luck and the Colts)