2015-2016 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason

Hey guys! This year I’m doing my own NFL Power Rankings each week. Here’s what I’ve got going into week one.

1. Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks had few changes over the offseason and looked like a strong favorite for Super Bowl 50.

2. Packers

Even with the incredible loss of Jordy Nelson, the Packers look like the only team in the NFC who could contend with the Seahawks right now.

3. Broncos

Denver’s playoff struggles aside, Peyton Manning is still there last time I checked as is their more than serviceable defense.

4. Colts

Andrew Luck has advanced further into the playoffs every year since he entered the league and one would think that the addition of veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson only strengthen his case for a serious playoff run.

5. Patriots

Tom Brady’s suspension lifted, I can’t see how I can put the Super Bowl champions outside the top five. The receiving core is the same as last year and while the loss of Shane Vereen will hurt, it can’t compare with the huge losses of Revis and Cromartie. Their front seven should carry them through.

6. Cardinals

Bruce Arians is one of the best coaches in the league, demonstrated by his continual persistence and ability to coach a team despite nagging injury concerns. A healthy Palmer might be the only thing needed to put this team over the hump.

7. Chargers

If Rivers’ receivers can bounce back from last year’s woes and Melvin Gordon is the back we think he is, the Chargers are certain to grab a wild-card spot.

8. Ravens

The front seven is dangerous and Forsett was huge last year. Will they be able to handle the losses at receiver though?

9. Cowboys

The Cowboys’ offensive line is the best in the league, hands down. In a division with little defense, the Cowboys should own.

10. Eagles

However, the Eagles are right behind them. If the Eagles flop this year, the hate that Chip Kelly will get will be insurmountable and will surely end in his firing. The moves he made must work out because last year they had a great team and fans spent the offseason watching Kelly tear it apart and trade for Sam Bradford.

11. Vikings

I’ve got to believe the addition of Adrian Peterson boosts the Vikings a couple spots up. Mike Zimmer is one of the best defensive minds in football and a young squad should be up to the task.

12. Jets

The Jets are a whole different team after this summer’s additions. A whole different team. On paper, that defense looks scary.

13. Dolphins

I got to believe the Fins are right behind them. The Fins’ defense has a lot of potential and the addition of Suh is huge. Tannehill and Miller are a solid tandem.

14. Chiefs

The addition of Jeremy Maclin was huge for Kansas City. The defense is sturdy with last year’s sack-leader Justin Houston. I just worry there aren’t enough weapons on this offense for this team to succeed down the stretch.

15. Texans

I have the same concerns with Houston as I do with Kansas City. The defense is great and Vince Wilfork should be a huge addition for the defensive line. DeAndre Hopkins is a great up-and-coming receiver and Arian Foster, when healthy, is a top-five back. The when healthy part is becoming an issue for this team and I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade Foster or draft a running back next summer.

16. Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell may very well be the best trio in the league, but that secondary is one of the worst in the league.

17. Rams

Same story as with Kansas City and Houston. Where is the offense? This team’s offensive line is a huge problem and especially in the NFC West, will lead to struggles in division play.

18. Bills

The Bills are lower on this list than they should be but again, where’s the offense? Watkins wasn’t lights-out last year and uncertainties at quarterback make me skeptical.

19. Lions

The loss of almost their entire defensive line will reveal how weak this team’s secondary actually is.

20. Giants

This team’s defense? Where is it exactly?

21. Buccaneers

The defense has the talent to perform leagues better than they did last year.

22. Browns

Cleveland would have made the playoffs last year if they hadn’t choked down the stretch.

23. Bengals

This team has got to be better. They have the talent. Time to execute.

24. Falcons

Dan Quinn’s new team should make some strides on defense.

25. Panthers

This team’s receiving core is dry without Benjamin. Jonathan Stewart has big holes to fill. Can the defense take the pressure early on?

26. Saints

The loss of Jimmy Graham stings and the defense was putrid last year.

27. Bears

The defense was so bad last year. The Bears have lost their identity and are more offensive then they have been in a long time.

28. Jaguars

The defensive line had a lot of sacks last year and Posluszny returns. Bortles needs to step up to the plate.

29. 49ers

After quite possibly the worst offseason in sports history, the 49ers look doomed to struggle.

30. Redskins

All the talent on offense is there except for the quarterback position, which is what has led to continual struggles for the offense. The defense, on the other hand, is one of the worst in the league.

31. Raiders

Oakland holds a place in the bottom five once again.

32. Titans

Last and certainly least, Tennessee has a long way to go.

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Championship Week

Top 5

1. Seahawks amazing comeback vs. GB

Become first defending champion to make the Super Bowl in 10 years.

2. Jermaine Kearse’s redemption story: During the game, Kearse was thrown to five times and four of those passes resulted in an interception. Wilson didn’t give up on him and threw one pass his way in overtime, which ended in the game-winning score.

3. RB LeGarrette Blount 30 carries for 148 yards, 3 TDs vs. IND

4. RB Marshawn Lynch 25 carries for 157 yards, TD vs. GB

5. QB Tom Brady 23/35 for 226 yards, 3 TDs, INT, 100.4 QBR vs. IND

Worst of the Worst

1. GB kicks five field goals including two inside the 20-yard line, contribute to one of the biggest playoff losses in recent memory.

2. QB Russell Wilson 14/29 for 209 yards, TD, 4 INTs, 44.3 QBR vs. GB

3. QB Andrew Luck 12/33 for 126 yards, 2 INTs, 23.0 QBR vs. NE

4. Colts get 209 total yards on offense, allow 177 on the ground and seven red zone drives in 45-7 throttling.

5. Marshawn Lynch continues press conference charades.

Before I go over my Super Bowl prediction, here are some of the Super Bowl records that are up for grabs on Sunday.

Most Super Bowl MVPs: 3, Joe Montana

Most starts at quarterback: 6, Tom Brady

Highest passer rating: 150.92, Phil Simms, NYG vs. DEN, SB XXI

Lowest passer rating to win game: 22.6, Ben Roethlisberger, PIT vs. SEA, SB XL

Most passing yards: 414, Kurt Warner, STL vs. TEN, SB XXXIV

Most rushing yards: 204, Timmy Smith, WAS vs. DEN, SB XXII

Most receiving yards: 215, Jerry Rice, SF vs. CIN, SB XXIII

Most interceptions: 3, Rod Martin, OAK vs. PHI, SB XV

Most tackles: 12, Gary Brackett, IND vs. NO, SB XLIV

Most sacks: 3, Reggie White, GB vs. NE, SB XXXI and Darnell Dockett, ARI vs. PIT, SB XLIII

Longest field goal: 54 yards, Steve Christie, BUF vs. DAL, SB XXVIII

Super Bowl prediction: NE vs. SEA

I’m not happy about this matchup because I didn’t want to see either of these teams win. The Seahawks are looking to become the first repeat champions in a decade and the Patriots are looking to continue their dynasty reign. I hate Blount and Gronk and I hate Carroll, Lynch and Sherman. Overall, I’m rooting for the Patriots because I just hate the Seahawks too much. It should be a close one, probably about 27-21 New England.

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Wild-Card Week

Top 5

1. LB Daryl Smith 10 tackles, 9 solo, 3 forced fumbles vs. PIT

2. RB Jonathan Stewart 24 carries for 123 yards, TD vs. ARI

3. LB Terrell Suggs catches interception between his legs vs. PIT

4. LB Jerrell Freeman 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble vs. CIN

5. WR Terrance Williams 3 receptions for 92 yards, 2 TDs vs. DET

Worst of the Worst

1. Bengals become first team in NFL history to lose four consecutive opening-round games. QB Andy Dalton ties Warren Moon for the most consecutive opening-round playoff losses by a quarterback (4). Coach Marvin Lewis ties Marty Schottenheimer, Jim Mora and Steven Owen for most consecutive playoff losses by a coach (6). Ties Mora for most consecutive playoff losses to start a career and ties Own for most consecutive playoff losses with one team. The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since January, 1991.

2. Cardinals are held to 78 total yards vs. CAR, the fewest in an NFL postseason game.

3. Refs blow pass interference call in DET-DAL game

4. Lions drop 20-7 lead in Dallas, lose 24-20

5. QB Matt Stafford 28/42 for 323 yards, TD, INT, 2 Fmb, 87.7 QBR vs. DAL

Divisional Round Predictions

4 Colts @ 2 Broncos

I picked this match-up in the preseason and I’m sticking to my guns and taking Luck and his magic. Peyton Manning completely fell apart in December and tanked my fantasy season. Perhaps I’m still a bit salty about that but the team didn’t perform well in December either. They got the two-seed but this is the upset to take this week.

6 Ravens @ 1 Patriots

It’s time for Flacco’s streak to end. The Patriots shut down all the naysayers early in the season calling for Brady’s head and their defense has been just as dominant as I thought it would be. True, the running game is stifled for the second straight year, but Brady is consistently clutch as always. The apparent disappearance of Torrey Smith for the Ravens this year and heavily leaning on Justin Forsett limits this Baltimore offense. If they can’t establish the run, they can’t take the shots down field. I’ll take Mr. Clutch (Brady).

4 Panthers @ 1 Seahawks

The Panthers set a new record for least total yards allowed in a postseason game but let’s not give them too much credit. They were playing against a third string running back and quarterback in a playoff game as well as a defense decimated by injury. Let’s see how they do against Russell Wilson, who has truly earned my respect this year, even if I originally hated the guy. I’m starting Seahawks defense for Gridiron Playoffs. Newton’s coming back down to Earth.

3 Cowboys @ 2 Packers

The Cowboys finally ended their playoff drought but let’s see how they handle Lambeau. Last time they were there it was the Ice Bowl and they left defeated. With Aaron Rodgers shushing the naysayers and an apparent Patriots-Packers Super Bowl seemingly predetermined, I’ll take Green Bay.

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Week 16

This one is really late and I apologize. Week 17’s will be out tomorrow as well as a regular season recap. Get ready for the playoffs!

Top 5

1. QB Russell Wilson 20/31 for 339 yards, 2 TDs, 122.9 QBR, 6 carries for 88 yards, TD vs. ARI

2. QB Ryan Tannehill 35/47 for 396 yards, 4 TDs, INT, 118.8 QBR vs. MIN

3. WR Odell Beckham, Jr. 8 receptions for 148 yards, 2 TDs vs. STL

4. RB Frank Gore 26 carries for 158 yards, TD vs. SD

5. TE Zach Ertz franchise-record 15 receptions for 115 yards vs. WAS

Worst of the Worst

1. 49ers drop to Chargers after 21-point lead

2. Colts smashed 42-7 vs. DAL

3. QB Joe Flacco 21/50 for 195 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 41.7 QBR vs. HOU

At one point, 4/22 for 80 something yards.

4. QB Peyton Manning 28/44 for 311 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs, 61.8 QBR vs. CIN

5. QB Andrew Luck 15/22 for 109 yards, 2 INTs vs. DAL

Steelers Recap

Despite the narrow win the box score may give those who didn’t watch Sunday’s game against the Chiefs, it was one of the Steelers’ best games of the year. The offense may have struggled against one of the best defenses in the league, accumulating only 282 total yards of offense, but the steel curtain came to play, limiting one of the league’s best running backs to 29 yards rushing and forcing a fumble. Six times the Chiefs entered the red zone and they left with four field goals, a fumble and a failed fourth down conversion. This defensive highlight was only more impressive when you consider that the Chiefs were second in the league in red zone touchdown percentage coming into the game. The Steelers are 7-2 since losing to the Browns and dropping to 3-3 in October.

In my week 13 Steelers Recap, I said I was disappointed with the team this year because of their lackluster play against substandard opponents. As we’ve been saying in Pittsburgh for the last three seasons, the outcome of Sunday’s game usually doesn’t depend on who we’re playing. It depends on which Steelers’ team decides to show up.

This season has been one of the most stressful seasons of Steelers football that I’ve watched but looking at the blooming talent the team has right now, including the B3 attack of Ben, Bell and Brown, the Steelers look to have a bright future right now, especially with the Bengals poor season this year.

The Steelers will win on Sunday night and will clinch the division. And they did by the way.

Game of the Week: Lions @ Packers

Week 17, aside from finalizing playoff spots, is the least exciting week in football, leaving for few big games. However, the Lions were looking to hold on to a NFC North division title and Aaron Rodgers is probably this year’s MVP. It was a game to watch, but as always, the Lions choked in December and the Packers maintain their dominance of the division.

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Week 12

Top 5

1. QB Ryan Tannehill 26/36 for 228 yards, 3 TDs, INT. 104.9 QBR, 4 carries for 15 yards, TD vs. DEN

2. WR Odell Beckham Jr. 10 receptions for 146 yards, 2 TDs vs. DAL

Also had one of the greatest catches I’ve ever seen.

3. RB C.J. Anderson 27 carries for 167 yards, TD vs. MIA

4. RB Justin Forsett 22 carries for 182 yards, 2 TDs vs. NO

5. QB Peyton Manning 28/35 for 257 yards, 4 TDs, 135.4 QBR vs. MIA

Worst of the Worst

1. Jets allow seven sacks, only get 218 total yards vs. BUF after Buffalo had no practice because of snowstorm

2. QB Brian Hoyer 23/40 for 322 yards, 3 INTs, 52.3 QBR vs. ATL

3. QB Josh McCown 25/48 for 341 yards, TD, 2 INTs, Fmb, 64.7 QBR vs. CHI

4. QB Robert Griffin III 11/19 for 106 yards, five sacks, Fmb, 73.6 QBR vs. SF

5. QB Matt Stafford 18/46 for 264 yards, INT, 49.5 QBR vs. NE

Steelers Recap

The Steelers had their week 12 bye, which hopefully allowed them to resolve some in-house issues with the team. CB Ike Taylor and S Troy Polamalu are expected to return for this Sunday’s game against the Saints. The Saints have been deflating since the beginning of the year and I expect that to continue when they come to Heinz Field, where in his last two game, Ben has thrown a combined 12 touchdowns.

Game of the Week: Patriots @ Packers

Probably the easiest pick I’ve made all year, it’s the first time Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers will face off, which is surprising considering the amount of time they’ve both been in the league. Aaron Rodgers missed the previous meeting in 2010 with injury. Matt Flynn started the game but the Patriots won in Foxborough 31-27. Rodgers came back the next game and went on a six-game winning streak in route to winning Super Bowl XLV.

However, these teams are very different from what they were four years ago. In 2010, the Patriots had BenJarvus Green-Ellis behind Brady and Welker was Brady’s top target. Jerod Mayo led not just the team, but the league in tackles (175). He’s out for the season with a knee injury. New England also led the league in points per game (32.7).

The Packers had Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.

Despite all the changes, this should still be one of the best games of the season and I’d be surprised if it was a blowout. In Lambeau, I got to take Green Bay.

 

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Week 8

Top 5

1. QB Ben Roethlisberger 40/49 for franchise-record 522 yards, franchise-record 6 TDs, 150.6 QBR vs. IND

Fourth QB to win 100 of first 150 starts (Tom Brady, Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw) and first QB to throw multiple 500 yard games.

2. QB Tom Brady 30/35 for 354 yards, 5 TDs, 148.4 QBR vs. CHI

3. WR Jeremy Maclin 12 receptions for 187 yards, 2 TDs vs. ARI

4. RB Arian Foster 20 receptions for 151 yards, 2 TDs, rec TD vs. TEN

5. TE Rob Gronkowski 9 receptions for 149 yards, 3 TDs vs. CHI

Worst of the Worst

1. QB Geno Smith 2/8 for 5 yards, 3 INTs vs. BUF

2. Falcons drop 21 point halftime lead, tying biggest comeback loss in franchise history in loss to Lions.

3. Eagles allow 80-yard and 75-yard touchdown passes in loss to Cardinals

4. Green Bay throttled in loss to New Orleans Saints

5. Jets commit six turnovers in loss to Bills

Steelers Recap

Steelers were awesome against the Indianapolis Colts, besting their week 7 performance against the Houston Texans with a sensational performance against the Colts secondary. All of the offense clicked during the game and the defense finally got pressure on a quarterback throughout the entire game, pressuring Andrew Luck the entire game and reminding us of the Steel Curtain we used to know. This Sunday night match-up against the Ravens is crucial but after two incredible home wins, I got to believe the Steelers make it three.

Game of the Week: Broncos @ Patriots

Perhaps the final match-up between two of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time, this is certainly the one to watch this week.

Tim Sports Report for 2014 NFL Week 4

Top 5

1. QB Aaron Rodgers 22/28 for 302 yards, 4 TDs, 151.2 QBR vs. CHI

Neither team punted, only 2nd time it happened. Rodgers gets to 25,000 yards with fewest pass attempts and fourth-fewest games played.

2. RB Jamaal Charles 18 carries for 92 yards, TD, 3 receptions for 16 yards, 2 TDs vs. NE

3. WR Antonio Brown 7 receptions for 131 yards, 2 TDs vs. TB

NFL record 20th consecutive game with 5+ receptions

4. RB DeMarco Murray 24 carries for 149 yards, 2 TDs vs. NO

Joins Emmitt Smith as only Dallas RBs to eclipse 100 yards in first four games

5. WR Steve Smith 7 receptions for 139 yards, 2 TDs vs. CAR

Worst of the Worst

1. Steelers lose to Bucs in final seconds

2. QB Kirk Cousins 19/33 for 257, TD, 4 INTs, Fmb, 53.0 QBR vs. NYG

3. Patriots held to 290 total yards, allow 443, 207 on ground vs. KC

One of Belichick’s worst losses as coach

4. Saints destroyed 38-17 on Sunday Night Football vs. DAL

Allowed 1584 total yards through four games (third-worst) and allowing 27.5 ppg

5. QB Geno Smith 17/33 for 209 yards, TD, INT, Fmb, 68.9 QBR vs. DET

Steelers Recap

The Steelers had 13 penalties for 125 yards in their shocking loss to Tampa Bay. The Steelers top-ten offense (8th in passing, 5th in rushing) could not beat one of the worst teams in the league (last in passing, 24th in rushing, 29th against the pass, 17th against the rush). They had multiple opportunities to close the game out, most notably when Antonio Brown dropped a perfectly thrown flea flicker from Roethlisberger. Had Brown caught that, it was probably six points for the Steelers considering the lead he had on the defender and the game was put out of reach. That dropped pass was the momentum-changer and also describes the Steelers of the last two years accurately. It describes missed opportunities. This team’s discipline remains a huge blight on the team. Stupid football is exactly that: stupid. Stop it, Tomlin.

Despite losing to Tampa Bay at home, the Steelers schedule is still favorable to a playoff appearance, but it is crucial the Steelers win their next two games against Jacksonville and Cleveland. Following those two games, the Steelers play against Houston, Indianapolis and Baltimore at home. Pittsburgh and Baltimore usually split the season series home-and-home and the Steelers should be able to beat Houston, giving them two W’s out of three. They also face the struggling Jets and Titans in back-to-back weeks. It’s crucial the Steelers do their winning now because following their week 12 bye, their schedule gets a lot tougher (New Orleans, Cincinnati twice, Atlanta and Kansas City). If it weren’t for the Steelers’ weak schedule, I’m not sure a playoff appearance would be on the horizon but with this schedule, missing the playoffs would be almost inexcusable. Get back to winning and take it to the Jaguars.

Game of the Week: Bengals @ Patriots

The Sunday night match-up takes my game of the week once again, this time with the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals traveling to the always-tough Foxborough. Beating the Patriots at home is always a challenge, but man, did they look terrible on Monday. I didn’t get to watch any of the game but the box score and recaps alone show the lack of communication that Brady has with his offensive line and receivers. A defense that has plenty of high-caliber players also got scorched by a team whose number-one receiver is Dwayne Bowe. That’s pretty terrible. Also acknowledging that the Chiefs whole offense is based on Jamaal Charles, you would think the Patriots defense could have done better than 41 points. With that said, the Patriots usually lose at least one game they were favored to win every year. Last year, it was the overtime loss to the Geno Smith-led Jets. The year before that it was the loss to the Kevin Kolb-led Cardinals in Foxborough. With all that said, the Patriots haven’t lost in Foxborough since their January 2012 playoff game against the Ravens. Even with the Patriots mediocre stat line (30th passing, 23rd rushing, 1st against the pass, 23rd against the rush), ain’t nobody going to have an easy time in Foxborough. It won’t be easy, but the Bengals are the more complete team and therefore, should break the Patriots win streak at home.

2014-2015 NFL Preview: Playoff Picks

First off, if you haven’t gotten a chance to read my division previews, here were my predictions.

AFC North               AFC West               AFC East               AFC South

4 Bengals 10-6        1 Broncos 12-4      3 Patriots 10-6     2 Colts 11-5

6 Steelers 8-8          Chiefs 8-8              5 Dolphins 8-8     Titans 6-10

Ravens 8-8               Chargers 8-8         Jets 6-10               Texans 5-11

Browns 5-11              Raiders 5-11          Bills 5-11                Jaguars 4-12

 

NFC North               NFC West               NFC East               NFC South

3 Packers 11-5         1 Seahawks 13-3    4 Eagles 8-8          2 New Orleans Saints 11-5

5 Bears 10-6            6 49ers 10-6           Redskins 8-8         Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

Lions 6-10               Cardinals 7-9          Cowboys 5-11        Falcons 7-9

Vikings 4-12            Rams 6-10               Giants 3-13           Panthers 6-10

 

Wild Card Round:

4 Bengals vs. 5 Dolphins

The Bengals defense is arguably the best in the AFC which will prove to be a tough match-up for Tannehill and his sub par offensive line. The Dolphins running game was terrible last year and I’m not sure how much of a difference Knowshon Moreno will be able to make. The Dolphins defense is pretty good but I think they’ll struggle to contain A.J. Green and keep their eye on Giovanni Bernard at the same time. It’ll be a low-scoring game, which means you pick defense, and the Bengals have the better one hands down. I’d watch out for the Dolphins though. They have potential.

3 Patriots vs. 6 Steelers

I love my Steelers but this is a tough one. Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell and Big Ben are all great players but it’s hard to see them bettering the Patriots. The Patriots might be thin on receivers and runningback but their defense is top-notch and probably the only one that can be argued to be better than the Bengals. There are so many big names on this defense from Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, Jerod Mayo, and Dont’a Hightower to Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Devin McCourty. Defensively, the Steelers can’t match up with a battered Polamalu, declining Ike Taylor and young Lawrence Timmons. Unless the Steelers manage to play their best game of the season on the day they play the Patriots, I got to go with Tom Brady’s Pats.

4 Eagles vs. 5 Bears

This one is a serious toss-up because neither team has a very good defense and both are offensive-minded. I’ll take Cutler over Foles this year, but McCoy over Forte, leaving me to debate the receiving cores, which isn’t much of a debate at all. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffrey and Martellus Bennett vs. Jeremy Maclin, Riley Cooper and Zach Ertz. Do I have to answer that? Taking that into consideration, the Bears also have some veteran linebackers and two of the best corners in Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings, so I got to take the Bears in an upset.

3 Packers vs. 6 49ers

This match-up has come to the board in two of my last three playoff predictions. Both times I took the 49ers. Both times I was right. The Packers have a great offensive scheme with Rodgers, Lacy, Nelson and Cobb, there’s no doubting that. However, if you watched the Thursday night game between the Packers and Seahawks, it was disgusting. The Seahawks dominated in every facet. McCarthy couldn’t get Lacy into a groove and after the first half, Rodgers lost sync with his targets. I was reminded how bad the Packers defense is. They were really bad. QB Russell Wilson didn’t have to make any big plays. He just had to throw it to the open receiver seven yards down the field and let them run through the open field again…and again….and again. I don’t know who the defensive coordinator is for the Packers and I don’t feel like looking it up right now, but he’s terrible and so’s this defense. The 49ers have bigger chinks in the armor than before but they have all the offensive weapons they need to dismantle this one-layer defense.

Divisional Round:

1 Broncos vs. 4 Bengals

This is super tough. As I said earlier, the Bengals have arguably the best AFC defense. The Broncos have the best offense in the league. Peyton Manning’s better than Dalton, but I’ll take the Bengals backfield, leaving us with Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders and Wes Welker vs. A.J. Green. Not very fair is it? What really pisses me off is that the Bengals are one step away from being the best. If only they would draft a receiver in the first round. Until they do, I got to take the Broncos in a close one.

2 Colts vs. 3 Patriots

The Colts got the two-seed because of a weak schedule and an even weaker division but that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated. Andrew Luck’s limited his mistakes and Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton are fantastic. The defense receives a lot of hate it doesn’t deserve because stats say they’re a top ten defense. Trent Richardson needs to prove he can produce when it matters. Tom Brady has been to the playoffs many times before but I think this Colts team can do it. I’m not as high on Stevan Ridley as I used to be and the receiving core for Brady is going to end up being the deciding factor in this one and I don’t think they’re up to the task. The Patriots D will be rock-hard, but Andrew Luck will find the will and the luck to win.

1 Seahawks vs. 5 Bears

The Seahawks defense is record-setting. The Bears offense could be record-setting. It depends on if Jay Cutler decides to play this year. If the offensive line can provide Forte the alleys they provided him last year, the Bears could pull the upset. The Seahawks defense is fantastic but the offense is weak. As great as they were on Thursday against Green Bay, that was Green Bay. When they are truly tested, how will the Seahawks offense fair? Against the Saints in last year’s divisional round, QB Russell Wilson threw for just 103 yards. All the offense was Marshawn Lynch and while he’s one of the best runningbacks in the league, he’s still only one man and one man can only do so much. See Adrian Peterson. With all that said, I think the Bears will come up short but reveal the Seahawks may not be as perfect as we think.

2 Saints vs. 6 49ers

The Saints defense is thousands of times better than it used to be, which is why the Saints should be able to grab the two-seed this year. However, the running game and receiving depth are problems and those are even bigger problems when your team can get too comfortable being offense-based. The 49ers have one of the best aerial squads in the league and if Colin Kaepernick can be a middle-of-the-road quarterback, this team should find tons of success. Frank Gore is still trucking as is this offensive line and the defense has some bruises and injuries to deal with but I think they will find a way to overcome them whereas the Saints will collapse when they can’t get the ball to Jimmy Graham. Relying too much on one man will do that to you as you advance in the playoffs and I think that’s what will happen here.

Conference Round:

1 Broncos vs. 2 Colts

The Broncos put everything they had into making a Super Bowl team. Veteran defensemen were brought in to replace youthful inexperience. The price tag wasn’t a question and that’s because the end of Peyton Manning career’s coming to a close. He’s probably got two years left, maybe three. Based off last year’s performance, he might be able to go even longer but I think deep down he might be tired. Moving on, I complained that the Bengals, had they had another aerial threat, would have made it here over the Broncos. You know who has more than one aerial threat? The Colts. Do you know who has a top ten defense? The Colts. Do you know who’s lucky? Andrew Luck. You know who’s going to win? The Colts in probably the best game of the year.

1 Seahawks vs. 6 49ers

The Seahawks offense worries me but Kaepernick’s indecision, rookie mistakes, and the defense’s wound wrappings worry me more. With the 12th man at their side, the Seahawks overpower the older version of themselves and assert themselves once again as the NFC’s best.

Super Bowl XLIX

2 Colts vs. 1 Seahawks

Taking the Colts over the Broncos is a gutsy call. The Broncos could easily see themselves in a rematch with Seattle but I hate picking rematches because very rarely do they happen. Luck will be tested more than he’s ever been tested before. If Trent Richardson gets stuck in the mud, he’ll have to face the Seahawk secondary a lot. He’ll have to be precise and overly cautious but not so cautious that he fails to act when he should. That balance of composure and controlled action must be found. I know reading that I’m even contemplating picking the Colts over the Seahawks is lunacy, but keep in mind a couple of things. This is the same team that beat the 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos in five weeks. This team doesn’t quit. If you watched last year’s Super Bowl, you know the Broncos quit on themselves. They got beat down and they stayed down in front of millions of onlookers who had waited all year to see this game. The Colts don’t quit. They were losing by 28 points in the third quarter of last year’s playoff game with Kansas City and they came back and won when no one believed it was possible, including me. Luck, as a leader, showed some real heart, some dedicated passion and an unbending resolve and in turn, so did his team. This is what I think we’ll see on Super Bowl Sunday. The Seahawks will jump ahead early. Luck will rally the troops, deliver a speech that we all in the audience wish we could hear, and he will make us believe in young underdogs again. He will tear down the era of Peyton and become the Colts’ Aaron Rodgers. No one could replicate Brett Favre, said everyone. Everyone but Aaron Rodgers. Any Luck doubters will, if not like Luck, at least respect him by the end of this game if it goes the way I visualize.

2014-2015 NFL Preview: NFC North

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS

GET: DE Julius Peppers, DT Letroy Guion

LOSE: S M.D. Jennings, WR James Jones, OT Marshall Newhouse, C Evan Dietrich-Smith, G Greg Van Roten

RE-SIGNS: CB Sam Shields, DT B.J. Raji, QB Matt Flynn, RB James Starks, DE Mike Neal, TE Andrew Quarless, FB John Kuhn

DRAFT: 1st round: S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama     2nd round: WR Davante Adams, Fresno State     3rd round: DT Khyri Thornton, Southern Miss     TE Richard Rodgers, California     4th round: OLB Carl Bradford, Arizona State     5th round: C Corey Linsley, Ohio State     WR Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin     6th round: CB Demetri Goodson, Baylor     7th round: WR Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley

SUMMARY: If there was a year for someone other than the Packers to win the NFC North, it was last year. TE Jermichael Finley: Out. QB Aaron Rodgers: Out. WR Randall Cobb: Out. LT Bryan Bulaga: Out. RB DuJuan Harris: Out. S Morgan Burnett: Suspended. WR James Jones, RB James Starks, and LB Clay Matthews all missed time, too. Despite all of that, this team persevered. Rookie running back Eddie Lacy was in the top ten in rushing last year (1,178). Practically the only healthy receiver for the Packers was Jordy Nelson, who landed in the top ten for receiving (1,314). The Packers defense had 44 sacks (eighth-best) but as always struggled in total yards and points allowed. However, there is some change going on in Green Bay. They were still in the top ten in sacks allowed last year (45) but it’s not as bad as it used to be and you have to keep in mind that was with an inexperienced and young offensive line. Clinton-Dix was a great addition to the secondary and Julius Peppers is being moved to linebacker in the Packer 3-4 scheme. A.J. Hawk and Clay Matthews will balance the strong side and Burnett and Shields should provide an average cloak of coverage. Even with all the injuries this team had, they still managed to land in the top ten in both passing (6th) and rushing (7th). Imagine how high they’ll go now.

SCHEDULE     PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5

Week 1: @ SEA   Week 2: vs. NYJ   Week 3: @ DET   Week 4: @ CHI   Week 5: vs. MIN   Week 6: @ MIA   Week 7: vs. CAR   Week 8: @ NO   Week 9: BYE   Week 10: vs. CHI   Week 11: vs. PHI   Week 12: @ MIN   Week 13: vs. NE   Week 14: vs. ATL   Week 15: @ BUF   Week 16: @ TB   Week 17: vs. DET

CHICAGO BEARS

GET: DE Jared Allen, S M.D. Jennings, DE Israel Idonije, S Ryan Mundy, DE Lamarr Houston, DE Willie Young, WR Domenik Hixon, WR Josh Morgan

LOSE: DE Julius Peppers, DT Henry Melton, WR Devin Hester, S Major Wright, WR Earl Bennett, DE Corey Wootton, C Brian De La Puente, QB Josh McCown, CB Zack Bowman

RE-SIGNS: LB D.J. Williams, G Matt Slauson, CB Kelvin Hayden, DT Nate Collins, FB Tony Fiammetta, CB Tim Jennings, CB Charles Tillman, C Roberto Garza, DT Jeremiah Ratliff

DRAFT: 1st round: CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech     2nd round: DT Ego Ferguson, LSU     3rd round: DT Will Sutton, Arizona State     4th round: RB Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona     S Brock Vereen, Minnesota     6th round: QB David Fales, San Jose State     P Pat O’Donnell, Miami     7th round: OT Charles Leno, Boise State

SUMMARY

The Bears’ offense saw a serious revamp, landing at number five in passing and that’s with Josh McCown having started five of those games. Cutler hasn’t played a full season since 2009 but last year may have been his best year yet as he had his highest quarterback rating (89.2) and his best completion percentage since 2007 (63.1). He also limited the turnovers, which is why Cutler has gotten such a bad rap over the years. The offensive line was very impressive, allowing only 30 sacks and aiding RB Matt Forte to a career-high 1,339 yards. WR’s Alshon Jeffrey and Brandon Marshall accumulated 2,716 yards and 19 touchdowns together. However, what Marc Trestman’s arrival did not bring was the Bears defense they’ve become famous for. They may have been 15th against the pass but watching them play, it certainly didn’t feel like it. They were also dead last against the run. The defense has got to improve if they want to clinch the division and while they made some great additions over the summer, I’m going to need to see some results before I pick the Bears.

SCHEDULE     PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6

Week 1: vs. BUF   Week 2: @ SF   Week 3: @ NYJ   Week 4: vs. GB   Week 5: @ CAR   Week 6: @ ATL   Week 7: vs. MIA   Week 8: @ NE   Week 9: BYE   Week 10: @ GB   Week 11: vs. MIN   Week 12: vs. TB   Week 13: @ DET   Week 14: vs. DAL   Week 15: vs. NO   Week 16: vs. DET   Week 17: @ MIN

DETROIT LIONS

GET: WR Golden Tate, S James Ihedigbo, DL Vaughn Martin, FB Jed Collins, DT Corey Irvin, QB Dan Orlovsky

LOSE: S Louis Delmas, DE Willie Young, DE Israel Idonije, WR Nate Burleson, QB Shaun Hill

RE-SIGNS: RB Joique Bell, C Dominic Raiola, TE Brandon Pettigrew

DRAFT: 1st round: TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina     2nd round: OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU     3rd round: C Travis Swanson, Arkansas     4th round: CB Nevin Lawson, Utah State     DE Larry Webster, Bloomsburg     5th round: DT Caraun Reid, Princeton     6th round: WR TJ Jones, Notre Dame     7th round: K Nate Freese, Boston College

SUMMARY: The Detroit Lions were in prime position to surprise every one after a 4-12 season when they led the NFC North with a 6-3 record after a week 10 victory in Chicago. The Packers were 5-4 but without Aaron Rodgers and the Bears defense looked dreadful. However, the Lions did what they always do: they choked under the pressure, losing six of their last seven games to fall to third place in the division. Matt Stafford is always one of the best quarterbacks and Calvin Johnson is still the best receiver in the league and RB Reggie Bush had a good first year in Detroit and Joique Bell was a great backup. That’s pretty much where the compliments end and we start pointing fingers. The Lions have gone year after year without a capable receiver opposite Calvin Johnson and finally decided to get one, although it’s Golden Tate. Is he a capable receiver? Yes, but you couldn’t do better? The defense is still terrible. The D-line is stacked but with the Lions continuing to use first round picks on defense lineman instead of needs like corner and safety, this team will continue to struggle and fail to advance anywhere.

SCHEDULE     PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10

Week 1: vs. NYG   Week 2: @ CAR   Week 3: vs. GB   Week 4: @ NYJ   Week 5: vs. BUF   Week 6: @ MIN   Week 7: vs. NO   Week 8: @ ATL   Week 9: BYE   Week 10: vs. MIA   Week 11: @ ARI   Week 12: @ NE   Week 13: vs. CHI   Week 14: vs. TB   Week 15: vs. MIN   Week 16: @ CHI   Week 17: @ GB

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

GET: LB Jasper Brinkley, DE Corey Wootton, CB Derek Cox, CB Captain Munnerlyn, DT Linval Joseph

LOSE: RB Toby Gerhart, TE John Carlson, DE Jared Allen, DT Letroy Guion, OT J’Marcus Webb, CB Chris Cook, QB Joe Webb

RE-SIGNS: QB Matt Cassel, OL Joe Berger, DE Everson Griffen, WR Jerome Simpson, CB Marcus Sherels

DRAFT: 1st round: OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA     QB Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville     3rd round: DE Scott Crichton, Oregon State     RB Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern     5th round: G David Yankey, Stanford     6th round: CB Antone Exum, Virginia Tech     CB Kendall James, Maine     7th round: DT Shamar Stephen, Connecticut     OLB Brandon Watts, Georgia Tech     CB Jabari Price, North Carolina

SUMMARY: The Vikings had a pretty solid draft this year. Anthony Barr was a great pickup to play alongside Jasper Brinkley and long-time Viking, Chad Greenway. The secondary also looks decent with Xavier Rhodes and Captain Munnerlyn on the corners and Harrison Smith at safety. The d-line needs improvement but it’s getting there one step at a time. The loss of Jared Allen will hurt a lot. The real concern here is the offense. Christian Ponder has been degraded to the third-string spot behind Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater. The question is: will Bridgewater see any playing time? You want to believe he will but is he up to the task? The Greg Jennings trade didn’t work out well for the Vikings at all as he got close to no production last year. Cordarrelle Patterson will start at receiver this year and the Vikings really need his play-making ability. Adrian Peterson is Adrian Peterson and will truck through tackles, but remains the only real threat since the quarterback spot is such an issue. They’re looking better on paper, they just don’t look better on the standings sheet yet.

SCHEDULE     PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12

Week 1: @ STL   Week 2: vs. NE   Week 3: @ NO   Week 4: vs. ATL   Week 5: @ GB   Week 6: vs. DET   Week 7: @ BUF   Week 8: @ TB   Week 9: vs. WAS   Week 10: BYE   Week 11: @ CHI   Week 12: vs. GB   Week 13: vs. CAR   Week 14: vs. NYJ   Week 15: @ DET   Week 16: @ MIA   Week 17: vs. CHI

AFC North   AFC West   AFC East   AFC South   NFC West   NFC East   NFC South

2013-2014 NFL Preview: Playoff Picks

First off, if you haven’t gotten a chance to read my division previews, here were my predictions.

AFC North                AFC West               AFC East               AFC South

Y Ravens 10-6          Z  Broncos 12-4    Y Patriots 10-6   Z Texans 12-4

X Bengals 9-7           Chiefs 8-8               X Dolphins 8-8   Colts 8-8

Steelers 8-8              Chargers 6-10       Bills 5-11               Titans 7-9

Browns 5-11             Raiders 4-12          Jets 2-14               Jaguars 3-13

 

NFC North               NFC West               NFC East               NFC South

Y Packers 10-6        Z 49ers 13-3           Y Giants 10-6        Z Falcons 12-4

Vikings 9-7               X Seahawks 12-4  X Redskins 9-7     Bucs 9-7

Bears 7-9                  Cardinals 6-10       Cowboys 8-8        Saints 8-8

Lions 6-10                Rams 4-12              Eagles 4-12            Panthers 5-11

 

Wild Card Round:

4 Ravens vs. 5 Bengals

I have the Ravens winning the division because while the defense won’t be the same, the Bengals still only have one receiver to throw to. The Bengals defense is now better than the Ravens though and I think the Bengals will overtake them in the playoffs.

3 Patriots vs. 6 Dolphins

The Dolphins will squeak out a playoff spot but are no contest for the Patriots.

4 Giants vs. 5 Seahawks

While the Giants get the playoff spot, they face one of the best defenses in the Seattle Seahwaks. If I was talking about the Giants in years past, I would pick the Giants to win this game, but after they’re poor season last year, my faith in them only goes so far. I’ll take the Seahawks in a close one.

3 Packers vs. 6 Redskins

The Redskins are a good team but they’re still young. Too many offensive weapons for the Packers for the Redskins to keep up.

Divisional Round:

1 Broncos vs. 5 Bengals

The Bengals don’t have enough firepower on offense to contend with the Broncos.

3 Patriots vs. 2 Texans

This Patriots team is not as good as in years past. The rushing game is definitely improved as is the defense, but Tom Brady just doesn’t have enough receivers to throw to. The Texans don’t have a lot either, but they’re defense is better, so I’ll take Houston.

1 49ers vs. 5 Seahawks

This 49ers has a practically impenetrable defense. The receiving core will be limited during the regular season but WR’s Michael Crabtree and Mario Manningham are predicted to return towards the end of the year. With them back, the offense should be tough to stifle, even with a Seahawks defense that is just as tough. At the end of the day, I have more faith in the passing game of the 49ers then I do in the Seahawks. QB Russell Wilson is in only his second year. I’ll take the 49ers in a close one.

3 Packers vs. 2 Falcons

Both of these teams have decent defenses but not elite ones. If QB Matt Ryan plays like he did last year it will be a shootout game. I have more faith in the Falcons running game with a veteran in RB Steven Jackson then I’m willing to put in rookie RB Eddie Lacy.

Conference Round:

1 Broncos vs. 2 Texans

This is so hard to choose because these teams are so close to perfection on defense. The Texans secondary is one of the best in the league and the Broncos aren’t too shabby themselves. I think RB Montee Ball is going to have a great year and RB Arian Foster should demonstrate that he is only behind AP when it comes to running the ball. I think QB Matt Schaub will have a great year this year, too, but his receiving core is weak. Meanwhile, one of the best quarterbacks to play the game, QB Peyton Manning, is on the opposing sideline, and if that wasn’t enough, he has three great pass-catchers in WRs Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, and Eric Decker. I think it will be just enough to overpower the Texans. This will be a single-digit win at the end of the game.

1 49ers vs. 2 Falcons

A rematch of last year’s championship game is what I have planned and while the Atlanta Falcons are one of my favorite teams, their defense worries me, especially their linebacker core. Meanwhile, the 49ers have some of the best linebackers in the league, and one of the best secondaries in the league…and one of the best receiving cores in the league. There’s just too much “one of the best” squads on this team for it to fall short. The Falcons need to improve their defense as well as prove to me that RB Steven Jackson is the runningback for this team before I’m willing to put them in the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLVIII

1 49ers vs. 1 Broncos

I hate picking one seeds in a final match because very rarely does it end up that way. However, I really do think these are the two best teams in football right now. The Broncos made some key additions during the offseason that really helped them. The 49ers defense is nearly undefeatable, but nearly is the key word there. The Ravens proved it’s possible last year and I think with a playmaker like QB Peyton Manning at the helm, it can be done again. I’m just not willing to put my faith in a quarterback who hasn’t even played two full seasons in the NFL.