NFC EAST
1) Philadelphia Eagles:
What I Like: I like the additions of DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews to the running game. If Chip Kelly has to run it a lot he will do that, so these moves will be beneficial to the Eagles. I also like the weapons they have in the passing game. Jordan Matthews, Riley Cooper, Brent Celek, Zach Ertz and rookie Nelson Agholor are all capable of helping this offense succeed. If Sam Bradford is healthy, and we all know how questionable that is, then this offense will be very good and the Eagles will be successful. I find no reason why Kelly can't get a lot of our Bradford in his scheme. Plus, if he goes down for a game or two, Mark Sanchez showed last year that he can step in a win a couple games Defensively, the Eagles added Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond to the secondary, and Kiko Alonso to the LB corps to go along with Fletcher Cox, Connor Barwin, Mychal Kendricks, and the underrated Vinny Curry. Their schedule helps them in their last eight games, in which five of them are home. They have a critical three-game home stand in Weeks 14-16 when Buffalo, Arizona, and Washington come to town. That is a very winnable stretch of games at the end of the year. Everybody is doubting Chip Kelly, and I know that he has opened himself up to criticism, but I have a feeling that somehow, someway he will guide this team in the right direction.
What I Don't Like: The question will be centered around Sam Bradford's health. Can Bradford stay healthy? What can he do in this scheme that Chip Kelly will run? You hate to have so much uncertainty at that position, but that really is the focal point for the Eagles. Also, when you lose talent like LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson over the last two years, you worry a little bit about having enough firepower on offense. Even Nick Foles put up some really good numbers in this offense to make you wonder if going from Foles to Bradford is actually a downgrade. Only time will tell, but when you have this much roster turnover, it takes time for it to gel and that might take a whole year.
Prediction: 10-6 and winners of the NFC East
2) Dallas Cowboys:
What I Like: Even with the departure of DeMarco Murray, you have to love the Cowboys offense. The number one reason is they have the best offensive line in football. Also, they added La'el Collins to that line because he went undrafted due to a legal situation that was resolved, so the best O-Line in football just added a guy who was going to be a top 20 pick. That offensive line will be able to protect Tony Romo once again, and Romo still has his top receiving weapons returning: Newly signed Dez Bryant, Terrence Williams, Jason Witten, and the dangerous Cole Beasley. A dominant offensive line can be such a huge difference maker in these games, so I would expect the Cowboys offense to be very good once again in 2015. On defense, the Cowboys gambled with the signing of Greg Hardy. He got his suspension reduced, and say what you want about the guy's character, he can be a dominant pass rusher. They also get inspirational leader Sean Lee back at LB after missing all of last year. In the draft, they gambled in the second round by selecting Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory, who has his own off-the-field issues. If Gregory keeps his head in check, he could be one of the steals of the draft. Their secondary finally feels like it is not a problem or concern heading into a season for once. The Cowboys were a controversial non-catch call away from beating the Packers and heading to Seattle for the NFC Championship. There is no reason why they can't go further than that this season.
What I Don't Like: You can't be happy with all the off-the-field nonsense. From Greg Hardy starting the year on suspension and the story with him to Rolando McClain being suspended for the first four games due to substance abuse to the character issues with Randy Gregory, the Cowboys just seem to have a lot of baggage heading into the season. Sometimes too many character concerns on one team could negatively affect it. Also, DeMarco Murray was such a factor in what they did last year. He defined them on offense. I have no problem letting Murray walk away, but to replace him with Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden didn't make much sense. I can't see those guys coming in and doing what Murray was able to do for this offense. Their schedule isn't the most favorable either. They always have to deal with the always challenging NFC East and all of their divisional rivals, and they get the AFC East out of conference. Road games at New Orleans in Week 4 and at Green Bay in Week 14 will not be easy, and they have some formidable home games out of division that include Atlanta, New England (Tom Brady might be suspended though), Seattle, and the Jets.
Prediction: 8-8 and second place in the NFC East
3) New York Giants
What I Like: The G-Men could have one of the most dynamic passing games in the NFL. Eli Manning has rising superstar Odell Beckham, Victor Cruz, Ruben Randle, James Jones, and Larry Donnell at his disposal. This passing attack could be downright ridiculous. They are going to move the ball and score a lot of points. Defensively, they were really poor last season, but their best offseason move on defense was to get Steve Spagnuolo to come back as defensive coordinator. Spags was one of the big reasons why the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2007, and having him back in the fold could be one of the biggest improvements on this team. Also, the Giants ranked 32nd in the league the past two years in terms of injuries and lost games due to injury. That means that the Giants lost the most players to injury the last two years than anyone else in the NFL. The injuries usually balance out over the course of two years, but not for the Giants, so you would have to think that they won't get riddled with too many injuries this year. Their schedule is not too bad either. They have the AFC East, but they get the Patriots at home in November. They also get out of division home games against Atlanta, Carolina, and San Francisco, and their Thursday Night Game is at home against Washington in Week 3. The Giants are one of the most intriguing teams in the NFC, and it wouldn't surprise me if they find themselves in the playoffs come January.
What I Don't Like: When one of your top five players and best defensive player blows off a finger or two in a July 4th fireworks accident, then that is not a great sign for your defense or your upcoming season. There is a lot of unknown surrounding Jason Pierre-Paul, but one this is for sure: He is not going to be the same player even if he does return this year. The situation with JPP could be a deathblow on the Giants defense. When you lose your best pass rusher, then it is very difficult to get production from everyone else on that defense. It is a loss that I don't think the Giants can recover from. The Giants defense will continue to be under the microscope-especially with the loss of Antrel Rolle to free agency. Just in the preseason alone, their safeties suffered injury after injury, and it has really hurt their depth in that area. Although the return of Spagnuolo is a good sign, is there enough talent on the defense to make a significant improvement? Also, it seems like every year the Giants have question marks on the offensive line and after losing Will Beatty in OTAs, those same question marks continue to haunt the Giants. As I mentioned earlier, the schedule is pretty friendly, but the NFC East is always a tough battleground, and they have to deal with the AFC East this year, and all of those four games will be tough match ups no matter the venue.
Prediction: 8-8 and third place in the NFC East
4) Washington Redskins
What I Like: Um, so what do I like about the Redskins and their chances in 2015? I guess we will start with Ryan Kerrigan is locked up long term. Terrence Knighton comes over from Denver, and he is a run-stopping force in the middle. They added DTs Stephen Paea and Ricky-Jean Francois up front, and Dashon Goldson and Chris Culliver in the secondary, so the Redskins strength is their defense without a doubt. I like the selection of OT Brandon Scherff with the 5th overall pick in the draft, and second round pick Preston Smith will be asked to start right away at OLB. They still have Alfred Morris, DeSean Jackson, and Pierre Garcon on offense. With the RG III debacle behind them, maybe they can turn their attention to getter something out of Kirk Cousins. Their schedule is pretty friendly out of the gate with three out of four at home including Miami and St. Louis in DC in Weeks 1 and 2. Perhaps they got off to a good start, RG III plays with some confidence and the defense really shows how good it can be, and then the Redskins are the surprise of the league.
What I Don't Like: The whole way the RG III thing went down was just a disaster. First, the concussion situation after the first preseason game, and then the benching of Griffin, and just the overall way both sides handled it was a disgrace on all fronts. When you bench your supposed franchise QB, then you know your team has major problems. They also lost top free agent pickup Junior Gallette to an Achilles injury in preseason. By the way, does anyone really buy Gruden as a NFL head coach? There is nothing that he has done so far to make anyone believe that he is the right guy to turn around the Redskins. Bad coach and QB combinations just don't have a great deal of success in the NFL and that will most likely cause the Redskins downfall once again. I even think Gruden will be looking for a new job come January.
Prediction: 4-12 and last place in the NFC East.
NFC NORTH
1) Green Bay Packers:
What I Like: It is so easy just to put the Packers as the winners of the NFC North and move on, and that is case again this year. We all know how good Aaron Rodgers is, and the Packers were smart because they locked up free agent WR Randall Cobb to a long-term extension. Even with losing Jordy Nelson to a season-ending injury in the preseason, Rodgers has Cobb in the fold with the emerging Davante Adams and big Eddie Lacy back at RB. Whatever problems the Packers have on offense will be okay with Rodgers at the controls. That is just how it is when you have one the best quarterbacks on the planet on your team. Their defense just has to be good enough to get stops when they need it and get a turnover on occasion. They are easily the best team in the division and one of the front-runners in the NFC. Their schedule is very friendly. They have four out of their first six games at Lambeau Field, they host their only Thursday night game (Chicago on Thanksgiving night), and they get Seattle and Dallas coming into Green Bay. The Packers were so close to going to the Super Bowl last year, and there is no reason why they won't make it there this year with this group.
What I Don't Like: Forget about offense, defense, scheme, and a schedule, the one aspect of the Packer that I don't like is the coaching of Mike McCarthy. He is awful with game management situations. His inability in this area cost his team the NFC Championship against Seattle. The Packers are going to be there in the playoffs this season. The question for them is about how McCarthy will handle the situations in this big games. Based on prior history, you have to worry about him more than anything else. His coaching might hold the Packers from winning another Lombardi Trophy. Also, it can never help when you lose your best receiver. The loss of Jordy Nelson can be overcome because the Packers have the best QB in the NFL, but it is certainly not a positive for them on offense.
Prediction: 12-4 and Winners of the NFC North
2) Minnesota Vikings:
What I Like: The Vikings are one of my sleeper teams this year because they have some very intriguing elements: Coaching, young talent, and a developing QB. Oh yeah, they also have a pissed off, healthy, and motivated Adrian Peterson coming back. I've loved the Vikings in 2015 as the 2-14 season ended. I think Teddy Bridgewater will be a solid NFL starter, and he showed flashes last year. I really like Mike Zimmer as a head coach in the NFL. Also, I like the talent stockpiled around Bridgewater on offense. Obviously, you have Adrian Peterson, but the Vikes also feature Cordarelle Patterson, the newly acquired Mike Wallace, and Kyle Rudolph on offense. Defensively, Minnesota has a pass rusher in Everson Griffen, Chad Greenway, Xavier Rhodes, and Harrsion Smith. Look for draft pick Trae Waynes and Eric Kendricks to make an impact right away as well. They go to San Fran in Week 1, then host Detroit and San Diego in Weeks 2 and 3. They could be 3-0 heading to Denver in Week 4. They get Seattle in Week 13, and the Bears and Giants at home in Weeks 15 and 16. The Vikings look like that team that is going to surprise a lot of people and find their way into the NFC playoffs. Plus, the best part is that no one is ready to pick them this year to make that leap.
What I Don't Like: You worry about Bridgewater not fulfilling his promising rookie campaign. It is hard for these young QBs to follow it up in their sophomore year. If Bridgewater falls flat, then the Vikings are headed for a dismal year. The offensive line was a weak point last year, and the combination of a leaky offensive line and a developing QB could be a rough situation all year. Their division won't be easy to navigate as well. The Packers are one of the best teams in the NFL, the Lions had plenty of talent and are coming off a playoff season, and the Bears will certainly be better this year, so getting through the North might be very tricky for them. There is an argument that the Vikings might be a year away from being a playoff contender.
Prediction: 9-7 and a Wild Card berth
3) Chicago Bears:
What I Like: Although he limped his way out of Denver last year, John Fox is a good enough coach to fix the Bears problems on defense to make that unit respectable. Also, he is such an upgrade over Marc Trestman as far as head coaches go. The Bears were so bad last year in their 5-11 campaign that there is no place else to go but up. They had to stay with Jay Cutler at QB because of his contract, but that might not be such a bad thing. I'm not the biggest Cutler fan, but with the addition of Adam Gase as the new OC, I can see Cutler playing relatively well for his standards. They still have Matt Forte, Alshon Jeffrey, and Martellus Bennett they added Kevin White in the first round of the draft, and many people believed that White was the best receiver to come out last year. Also, getting rid of Brandon Marshall was a blessing and they added Eddie Royal to be their slot guy. Their defense will have to improve from last year and getting a guy like Pernell McPhee will help them tremendously. Antrel Rolle will help them in the secondary, and they still have Jared Allen to come in and help their pass rush. Fox will stabilize the defense enough that they should be competitive in every game unlike last year's debacle.
What I Don't Like: As good as Fox is as being a quality NFL head coach from Monday through Saturday, he is not the best game coach. I worry about him having a guy like Cutler too. Cutler is what he is. He hasn't proven himself to be a consistent QB in the NFL, and he makes some really bad decisions every game. It is going to be hard for Fox and Gase to change that overnight. How many times have new coordinators come in and said they were going to fix Jay Cutler? Every time it has happened, it just hasn't worked put, yet Cutler is still in Chicago. Their schedule didn't do them any favors this year either. They host Green Bay in Week 1, and they have back-to-back road games three different times this season (KC and Detroit, San Diego and St. Louis, and Minnesota and Tampa Bay.) They have to go to Green Bay on Thanksgiving night, and they have to go to Seattle in Week 3 and host Denver in Week 11. They also will be without rookie WR Kevin White for at least the first six games of the year, and he might miss the whole season, so that will be a big blow to their offense as well. I'm not really sure what to make of the Bears this year. They won't be as bad as they were last year, but they are not ready to make a jump into the playoffs either.
Prediction: 8-8 and 3rd place in the NFC North
4) Detroit Lions:
What I Like: Surprisingly, Jim Caldwell did very well in his first year in Detroit going 11-5 and making the playoffs. They still have Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate coming back on offense. There is enough firepower there for them to be a force offensively. I also like the pick of Ameer Abudullah in the second round to help their running game. Defensively, they added Haloti Ngata up front to ease the loss of Ndamukong Suh. Ziggy Ansah is on the cusp of being a major player on the defense as well. Their defense held opposing offenses to under 20 points in 11 out of 16 games last year. They changed their formula and it led to the playoff berth that they earned. As long as they stay healthy and Stafford plays well, they have enough talent on both sides of the ball to be very competitive and in every game.
What I Don't Like: I really didn't like their offseason at all. Losing Suh is going to be a tough blow for them. They also lost Reggie Bush and Nick Fairley. I'm also still not sold on Jim Caldwell being a quality NFL head coach. I know he did well last yeah, but he has enough on his resume to suggest that can be liability on the sideline. Some teams just don't respond well after a year in which they exceed expectations. There is always that one team that drops from a double-digit victory year to a mediocre year. The Lions are that team this upcoming year. I don't like their schedule at all. They open on the road their first two games at San Diego and at Minnesota. They come home and host Denver on SNF, and then they head to Seattle. That is a rough first four weeks. Although they have two three game home stands during the season, they still have to travel to London to play the Chiefs in Week 8, then they go to Green Bay two weeks later. They finish with a very tough December: Green Bay, at St. Louis, at New Orleans, San Francisco, and at Chicago. I just don't see the Lions getting back to the playoffs once again this season.
Prediction: 6-10 and last place in NFC North
NFC SOUTH
1) Atlanta Falcons:
What I Like: As bad as the Falcons were last year, they were still 6-9 and playing for the AFC South crown and a playoff spot at home against Carolina. The fact that they got crushed 34-3 showed you just how bad they were, but at least they were still in the hunt at the end of the season. This team has a new coach in Dan Quinn, who comes over from Seattle. I know he is a first year head coach in the NFL, but you can't get any worse than the coaching job that Mike Smith did last year. Immediately, Quinn is an upgrade. They still have Matt Ryan, and the duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones. They also added RB Tevin Coleman in the third round of the draft to help out the running game. Their defense is where you should see the most improvement. They added Adrian Clayborn, Tyson Jackson, Brooks Reed, and O'Brien Schofield in free agency to help on that side of the ball. They drafted Vic Beasley in the first round to be a pass rush specialist, and Jalen Collins in the second round to help at cornerback. With new coaches, a new scheme, and some fresh faces, the Falcons defense should help turn this team around. Their schedule is very friendly. They open at home on MNF against the Eagles. From Weeks 4-9, here is their slate: Houston, Washington, at New Orleans, at Tennessee, Tampa Bay, and at San Francisco. Even their three game road swing in December is manageable (at Tampa Bay, at Carolina, at Jacksonville.) In this division, it won't take much to turn things around and win it, and the Falcons look like the team that will do that.
What I Don't Like: Every team in the NFC South has holes, and the Falcons have some question marks that need to be answered. If Tevin Coleman doesn't get going his rookie year, can the Falcons really rely on Devonta Freeman to carry the load at RB? Outside of Roddy White and Julio Jones, who is the third option that will really scare teams? Can Devin Hester be that guy? The tight end position is thin with Tony Moeaki, Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo. They might be better off asking Tony Gonzalez to come out of retirement. If they don't get anything out of Beasley, Jackson, Reed or Schofield, then they are screwed on defense. The lack of pass rush has killed them the last two years. There are some viable questions regarding this team, and if they were in another division they probably wouldn't be a playoff team, but since they are in the South then they have a real shot of making it.
Prediction: 9-7 and winners of the NFC South
2) New Orleans Saints:
What I Like: Drew Brees is a top five QB in the league, a perennial All Pro, and a future Hall of Famer, and after throwing for over 4,900 yards and 33 touchdowns last season, I don't think he is done being a top-flight player in this league. As long as he is around, the Saints will be competitive and a threat to make the playoffs. Getting Max Unger from Seattle in the Jimmy Graham trade was very helpful in solidifying their offensive line. They also drafted OT Andrus Peat in the first round of the draft, and he was considered one of best lineman to come out last year, so he can become an instant starter. Brees still has Marques Colston, and Brandin Cooks was having a very solid rookie season until he got hurt and missed the last six games of the year. Mark Ingram was very productive last year, and you have to love the move to get RB C.J. Spiller in free agency. You would think that Sean Payton will find ways to exploit defenses with Spiller. On defense, they brought back old assistant Dennis Allen to help Rob Ryan fix that unit. Jarius Byrd returns from injury to help bolster the secondary with Kenny Vaccaro, and the additions of Anthony Spencer, Dannell Ellberbe, and Brandon Browner along with draft picks Stephone Anthony and Hau'oli Kikaha should resurrect that defense to some degree. Let's put it this way: There is more talent and better coaching on that defense this year than there was last year. Their division is weak and that is the key. It won't take much to win this thing. They don't have any back-to-back road games, and they start with Arizona on the road, Tampa Bay, at Carolina, and they host Dallas. Their Thursday night game is at home against Atlanta in Week 6, and they host three of their last five games at home (Carolina, Detroit, and Jacksonville). The odds are definitely in their favor of bouncing back from last year's 7-9 season.
What I Don't Like: They seem like a very perplexing team to figure out. First, their salary cap situation is such a mess. You wonder if all these cap problems will affect their roster to the point that they don't have enough talent, or they don't have enough talent to replace guys if they go down with injury. Also, the Jimmy Graham trade could be very tough for their offense to recover from. You can't underestimate how lethal Graham was for Drew Brees the last few years. Do they have enough firepower on offense now that Graham is gone? That is a very big question for them as they head into the season. Also, they released Junior Gallete before training camp, and you have to wonder who is going to pick up the slack in the pass rush department. When you release your best pass rusher before the season starts, that isn't the best sign for your defense. This team used to be a lock at home, but last year they lost their last five games of the year at home. You worry that this team hit their peak a few years ago, and their window has already closed.
Prediction: 8-8 and second place in the NFC South
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
What I Like: You have to like the chances of the Bucs improving from last year's 2-14 debacle. Jameis Winston will be an upgrade right away for this team. Forget about his off the field transgressions, Winston is still a very talented player who deserved to go #1 overall in the draft. I would bet that he will have a promising rookie campaign-especially that he is flanked by two stud receivers in Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, who both had 1,000 yard seasons on a 2-14 team. If they can get RB Doug Martin going again, then they have themselves a nice little offense. Plus, you know Lovie Smith is eventually going to get things turned around on defense. They have some cornerstone pieces in Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy. Smith is a good enough coach to figure out how to improve that side of the ball. They will be much improved this year, and although the playoffs might be a year away, the future will start to look bright in Tampa Bay.
What I Don't Like: You have to worry a little about Winston's off the field decisions. What happens if he struggles during the season? Will he pout and react in a negative way? Those are questions that have to be answered by him, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. You know he will struggle at times, but how it will affect him will be the key. A lot of things went wrong for them last year on offense, but I'm still worried their offensive line. A rookie QB and question marks up front are a dangerous combination. Their secondary is still a question mark on defense, and when you have to deal with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton in your own division, that will make things very tough. Their schedule is tough at times. From November 1st to December 17th, here is what they have to deal with: at Atlanta, Giants, Dallas, at Philly, at Indy, Atlanta, New Orleans, and at St. Louis on a Thursday night. That is a tough stretch. It is going to be too much to ask for them to make the playoffs this year given their situation.
Prediction: 8-8 and third place in the NFC South
4) Carolina Panthers:
What I Like: You have to love Cam Newton's ability to put this team and this franchise on his back. He did it at Auburn, and he is doing it in Carolina. They have Jonathan Stewart back in the fold to go along with Mike Tolbert. Did you know that Greg Olsen had 84 catches and 1,008 yards to go along with 6 touchdowns last year? I didn't realize that either, so Newton does have some options on offense to help him out. If there is a QB that can basically do it on his own, Newton is that guy.Defensively, the Panthers were really solid down the stretch last year, and it all starts with MLB Luke Kuechly. He is one of the best defensive players in all of football, and if he was in a bigger market, he would be getting more credit nationally. Their schedule gives them a chance to get off to a good start with at Jacksonville, Houston, New Orleans, and at Tampa Bay. They also have a three game home stand in Weeks 7-9. They have won the division the past two years, so perhaps they will be able to make a deeper run in the playoffs this year if they get there.
What I Don't Like: They went from 13 wins in 2013 to 7-8-1 last year, but were able to claim the NFC South and make the playoffs. It looks like the Panthers are trending downward at this point. Yes, they have Cam Newton, Luke Keuchly and some young, quality players, but I don't think they have enough to compete in this division this year. Losing Kelvin Benjamin to a season-ending injury in training camp was a real blow. That cancelled out one of Newton's best options on that offense. The NFC South isn't the greatest division, but it will certainly be better than it was last year, and that will present problems for the Panthers. Their only big offensive offseason acquisition was Ted Ginn Jr. I am also not sold on Ron Rivera being a big-time NFL head coach. I know he led the Panthers to the playoffs the last two years, but I'm just not on board with him yet. Their schedule is light early, but it really ramps up later in the year. In Week 5, they go to Seattle, then they host there trio of Philly, Indy and Green Bay. That is a brutal homestretch. Four of their last six games are on the road. In Week 12, they have to play the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving, and they head to New Orleans, host the Falcons, and travel to the Giants and Atlanta in Weeks 13-16. The second half of their schedule is going to give them a lot of problems. This is more of a gut feeling than anything else, but I think the Panthers take a huge step back this year.
Prediction: 4-12 and last place in the NFC South
NFC WEST
1) Seattle Seahawks:
What I Like: Although there were some departures in the offseason, they have still locked up their core players. Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Marshawn Lynch, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Cliff Avril, and Michael Bennett are all coming back and will be back for years to come. This is the mainframe of a group that just went to back-to-back Super Bowls. To add to that core, Seattle received TE Jimmy Graham from New Orleans in a trade back in March. The Wilson-Graham combination could be really what this offense needed. You know they are almost unbeatable at home, you know that their defense will bring it every week, and they will use the terrible loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX as motivation all year long. Plus, their division actually got weaker this offseason. They are one of the best teams in the NFL, and they are one of the favorites to get back to a third Super Bowl in a row.
What I Don't Like: Two areas on the Seahawks would worry me a little bit. One would be the offensive line after losing C Max Unger and G James Carpenter. Alvin Bailey and Patrick Lewis aren't household names at this point up front. The other area is depth in the secondary. They lost Byron Maxwell, and you worry about their third and fourth cornerback spots. Did you see Tharold Simon in the Super Bowl? Jeremy Lane won't be 100% by the time the season starts after suffering a wrist and knee injury in the Super Bowl. Kam Chancellor held out all of preseason, so that could also play a factor. Those are the two spots to point to if Seattle struggles. The one tricky spot in their schedule is the beginning when they open at the feisty Rams in Week 1 and travel to Lambeau to take on the Packers in Week 2. They do have road trips to Dallas in Week 8 and Baltimore in Week 14.
Prediction: 11-5 and winners of the NFC West
2) St. Louis Rams:
What I Like: It is all about that defense in St. Louis. They added LB Akeem Ayers and DT Nick Fairley to a group that has Chris Long, Aaron Donald, Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn, James Laurinaitis, Alec Ogletree and Janoris Jenkins. Jeff Fisher and the front office have comprised one the best young defenses to date in the NFL. Their defense could be scary good against the run, the pass, and in the pass rush department. They added Nick Foles in the offseason and traded away injury-prone Sam Bradford, so if Foles gives them anything like he did in Philly the last two years, that will be a huge upgrade over what the Rams got at QB without Bradford the past two seasons. Also, the move to get Todd Gurley in the draft was a great move and now they can add him with Tre Mason and they have a very explosive running game. The Rams have quietly built themselves a talented team, and they are very close to being that team that makes the leap this year.
What I Don't Like: I know this sounds ridiculous, but the possible announcement/foreshadowing of the Rams moving back to Los Angeles really scares me if I'm a Rams fan. I remember what happened to Browns in 1995 when the news of the move to Baltimore happened during the season and it just destroyed the Browns that year. I could see something similar happening to the Rams this year. You don't know for sure about when the announcement or plans could be made to go to LA, but the Rams are considered the front-runner. If the story starts to leak out during the season, I could see it really wrecking their year. I know it sounds kind of silly, the move to LA and how it affects them is the biggest factor for the Rams success in 2015.
Prediction: 9-7 and a Wild Card berth.
3) Arizona Cardinals:
What I Like: You have to admire the coaching job by Bruce Arians the last two years in Arizona. They go 10-6 in 2013, and they back it up with a 11-5 season and a playoff berth last year after losing Carson Palmer and backup Drew Stanton to season ending injuries during the year. When you watch the job that Arians is doing, you get a feel that the Cardinals are in good shape with him on the sideline. Also, they get Palmer back to start the year, and he was having a really good season before he went down in Week 11. With Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and Bruce Ellington back on offense with the addition of G Mike Iupati, Arizona should have a very capable offense. We know their defense is their strength with Calais Campbell, Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, but they also added some key veterans in free agency like Sean Witherspoon, LaMarr Woodley, Alfonzo Dennard and Cory Redding. This team is well-rounded and well-coached and they could be a very big factor in the NFC playoff picture.
What I Don't Like: You have to wonder if they are one of those teams that just got a lot of breaks one year and exceeded expectations to make the playoffs and then they come back down to Earth the following year. I would be worried about that scenario if I'm a Cards fan. You still have to wonder how well Carson Palmer will bounce back from a season-ending injury. Also, losing DC Todd Bowles was probably their biggest loss in the offseason. How well will that defense actually play without him? Their schedule doesn't do any favors for them. They open with New Orleans at home. They have a back-to-back road stretch at Detroit and Pittsburgh in Weeks 5 and 6, and then they come home to play Baltimore in Week 7. They head to Seattle in Week 10 and then host Cincy in Week 11. They finish with Minnesota at home on a Thursday night, travel to Philly, and then host Green Bay and Seattle to finish out the year. That is one tough schedule. I don't know if the Cardinals have it in them to replicate the success they had in the two previous years under Bruce Arians.
Prediction: 6-10 and third place in the NFC West
4) San Francisco 49ers:
What I Like: Well, the Niners did add WR Torrey Smith to go with Anquan Boldin and give Colin Kapernick some other weapons alongside TE Vernon Davis. The addition of Reggie Bush should also help their offense out. Arik Armstead was selected in the first round of the draft, and he might be able to bring some instant pass rush and athleticism to the defensive front. Also, no one is picking the Niners to do anything this year (Frankly, why would they), and maybe this team uses that as motivation and shocks the world and plays way better than people ever would have dreamed of with this group.
What I Don't Like: Every year, one team endures a nightmare offseason, and this year that distinction goes to the 49ers. First, they let go of one of the best coaches in the NFL and the man who resurrected this franchise in Jim Harbaugh. That was their first and probably their worst mistake. Free agents left this team in droves. Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree, Mike Iupati, Stevie Johnson, Perrish Cox, and Chris Culliver all departed. Those were guys that were all key contributors on one of the best teams in the NFL the last four years. Then, the team suffered from a rash of retirements. Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Chris Borland, and Anthony Davis all suddenly retired. The losses of Willis and Smith really can't be justified. Ahmad Brooks was indicted on a battery charge as well. Finally, to top it all off Aldon Smith was arrested again for a DUI and a hit and run, and the 49ers had no choice but to release Smith. Quite an offseason indeed. They have certainly taken a step back in their division and first-time head coach Jim Tomsula doesn't exactly bring the same kind of optimism that Harbaugh brought to this franchise. Their schedule is a very difficult one. Check out their first 10 games: Minnesota, at Pitt, at Arizona, Green Bay, at NY Giants, Baltimore, Seattle on a Thursday Night, at St. Louis, Atlanta and at Seattle. Which game are they going to be favored in? Maybe Week 1 at home to the Vikings. The bottom line is that the Niners have gone through a complete makeover, and it doesn't look like they will be able to recover from it in 2015.
Prediction: 4-12 and last place in the NFC West
Predictions Cheat Sheet
NFC East
1) Philadelphia (10-6)
2) Dallas (8-8)
3) NY Giants (8-8)
4) Washington (4-12)
NFC North
1) Green Bay (12-4)
2) Minnesota (9-7) Wild Card
3) Chicago (8-8)
4) Detroit (6-10)
NFC South
1) Atlanta (9-7)
2) New Orleans (8-8)
3) Tampa Bay (8-8)
4) Carolina (4-12)
NFC West
1) Seattle (11-5)
2) St. Louis (9-7) Wild Card
3) Arizona (6-10)
4) San Francisco (4-12)
NFC Playoff Seeds and Predictions
1) Green Bay
2) Seattle
3) Philly
4) Atlanta
5) St. Louis
6) Minnesota
Wild Card Round
6-Minnesota over 3-Philly: The Vikings pull the upset and knock off the Eagles in Philly for their first playoff win since 2009.
4-Atlanta over 5-St. Louis: The Falcons return to the playoffs and take down the feisty Rams.
Divisional Round
4-Atlanta over 2-Seattle: The Falcons pull the upset on the 12th Man in Seattle and advance to the NFC Championship for the second time in four years.
1-Green Bay over 6-Minnesota: Aaron Rodgers leads the Packers to second consecutive NFC Championship Game with a win over one of their rivals.
NFC Championship
1-Green Bay over 4-Atlanta: The Packers put the memory of last year's NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle behind them with a thrilling victory over the Falcons in Lambeau Field. The Packers advance to their sixth Super Bowl appearance.
No comments:
Post a Comment