NFL 2014 Preview

AFC East

New England Patriots: 11-5

Miami Dolphins: 8-8

Buffalo Bills: 7-9

New York Jets: 6-10

Another year, another trip to the playoffs for the Patriots. I think the Patriots will be a bit more stable on offense this year, hopefully with a healthy Rob Gronkowski. I just don't see the Dolphins improving upon their 2013. There are still offensive question marks, so a .500 season it is. Along with the Dolphins, I see mediocre seasons for the Bills and Jets. The Bills defense keeps building, but there are still questions on EJ Manuel, and while the Jets added Michael Vick, they still lack quality receivers, despite adding Eric Decker.

AFC West

Denver Broncos: 13-3

San Diego Chargers: 10-6

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7

Oakland Raiders: 5-11

I don't see anything changing with the West. Despite being without Wes Welker for the first 4 weeks, fact is the Broncos still have Peyton Manning, and an added defense that even saw some starters get released during the last roster cuts. I think the Philip Rivers renaissance last year was for real, and he'll lead the Chargers to a wild card spot. As for the Chiefs, I think they'll have a fairly up and down year, but just miss out. As for the Raiders? Well, the offense should be somewhat improved with rookie Derek Carr getting the start, but alas, they're still the Raiders.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6 

Baltimore Ravens: 9-7

Cleveland Browns: 5-11

The AFC North is up for grabs this year between the Steelers, Bengals and Ravens. Ultimately, I think stability on offense and increasing speed on defense will give Pittsburgh the edge. However, they'll have to stay healthy, especially the O-Line (where the depth is non-existent). Is Andy Dalton under or over-rated? The debate keeps going, but I think Dalton plays consistently, and gets the Bengals a wild-card spot. The Ravens should be in the playoff hunt until the end, but just miss out with inconsistent showings on offense. And while the Browns may now have Johnny Manziel, he'll probably experience some growing pains when he eventually gets his first start (which won't come in Week 1 against Pittsburgh).

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts: 12-4

Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9

Tennessee Titans: 5-11

Houston Texans: 4-12

The AFC South looks fairly weak. The Colts should run away with this division, with hopefully an improved running game from Trent Richardson and company. The only other bright spot in this division might be an improved Jaguars team. A laughing-stock the last couple of years, I think Blake Bortles can step in and lead the Jaguars to a 7-win season, a step in the right direction. 

Playoff Seeds:

1) Denver Broncos

2) Indianapolis Colts

3) New England Patriots

4) Pittsburgh Steelers

5) San Diego Chargers

6) Cincinnati Bengals

Wild Card Rd:

Once again, I think Andy Dalton will still be looking for that playoff win, as Tom Brady leads a prolific offense to a win. Patriots

An interesting match-up. I think the Steelers D is able to hold on, and the Steelers not only get back to the playoffs, but get a win. Steelers

Division Rd:

A re-match of the Steelers last playoff game before 2014, however instead of Tim Tebow, it'll be Peyton Manning. I think Manning would pretty much have his way here. Broncos

A rivalry begun anew? Analysts like to call Andrew Luck the next great young QB, but in this case the real Tom Brady marches on. Patriots

Championship:

Quite an intriguing match-up. Brady vs Manning once again. I actually think the Broncos D would be the difference here. The Broncos get to another super bowl. Broncos

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5

Dallas Cowboys: 8-8

New York Giants: 7-9

Washington: 6-10

Entering his second year, Chip Kelly's system keeps evolving. The Eagles have been trying to get their offense even faster. They may hit a few minor bumps, but I see the Eagles taking the division. The Cowboys are tough to gauge. Their defense has been inconsistent/ravaged by injuries in the past. Their offense shouldn't be much of a problem, baring Tony Romo is healthy. The Giants always seem to be a mystery, so I'll go with another mediocre year. Eli Manning has had some extreme up and down moments recently. As for Washington, it all rides on "RG3", whether he can bounce back to his promise.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks: 13-3

Arizona Cardinals: 12-4

San Francisco 49ers: 8-8

St. Louis Rams: 3-13

I don't see a super bowl hangover in the Seahawks' future. They will have to find some replacements, particularly with Golden Tate going to Detroit, but they really like rookie Paul Richardson, and they're hoping that Percy Harvin can stay healthy. However, the MVP of Seattle is their defense, which should be just as fierce. I see two surprises out of the West, Arizona and San Francisco. The 49ers offense has struggled to score in preseason, and while its preseason, its still a concern. Plus their defense will be without Ray McDonald (domestic violence) and Aldon Smith (suspension). Meanwhile, "Pittsburgh West" have been an up and coming team. I think Carson Palmer can pull off a 2013 Philip Rivers and have a mini-comeback of his own to lead Arizona to a wildcard. As for the Rams? Well, being without Sam Bradford, they may get a shot at the #1 draft pick.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: 11-5

Detroit Lions: 10-6

Chicago Bears: 9-7

Minnesota Vikings: 4-12

With a healthy year from Aaron Rodgers, the Packers should be able to take the division (as usual). However, I think the Lions are just too good not to make a run at the playoffs. The Lions have always been a team that's good on paper, but doesn't translate all the time on the field. The Bears (which seems to be a common theme) will likely also be in the hunt, up until the end. They're a good, but not great team. The Vikings are transitioning, and it'll remain to be seen if top pick Teddy Bridgewater will see the field this year.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: 12-4

Carolina Panthers: 8-8

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9

Atlanta Falcons: 6-10

A weak division, it shouldn't be difficult for the Saints to come away with it. The Panthers are experiencing a lot of offensive turnover this year, leading the way to a .500 season. Tampa Bay is a young team rising, but with their schedule, I don't see anything more than 7-8 wins. As for the Falcons, they still have major defensive question-marks.

Playoff Seeds:

1) Seattle Seahawks

2) New Orleans Saints

3) Philadelphia Eagles

4) Green Bay Packers

5) Arizona Cardinals

6) Detroit Lions

Wild Card Rd:

I think the Eagles fast-paced offense would be too much for the Lions. Eagles

An intriguing match-up. While playoff games at Lambeau field can be particularly difficult for visiting teams, there's just something about the Cardinals that I like. I think they're able to start a run here. Cardinals

Divisional Rd:

An NFC West match-up that many probably aren't expecting. Its always tough for a defending SB champion to repeat, and I think the Cardinals have enough defense here to hold on. Cardinals

In this match-up, I don't think the Eagles defense will be able to hold off Drew Brees, and that'll be the difference. Saints

Championship:

This is where the run from the Cardinals ends. Drew Brees and the Saints are just too good. Saints

A QB rematch of Super Bowl 44 between the Colts and Saints, Manning will be looking for a better outcome both from then and from last year. With an improved defense, and the Saints having a lesser D than the Seahawks, I think Peyton gets that 2nd Super Bowl ring. Broncos