2014 NFL Preview

As the summer winds down and we head into another NFL season (thank God), it’s a good time to look back at some of the offseason stories that dominated the headlines and how they will influence the upcoming season. Apparently Jonny Manziel and Michael Sam were the only players selected in May’s NFL Draft. Star Cleveland Brown wide receiver Josh Gordon was suspended for the year for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and ruined countless fantasy keeper leagues. Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon, who has been suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, was arrested for marijuana possession, making this his overall third arrest. Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice knocked out his fiancé then was caught on camera dragging her out of an elevator. San Francisco 49ers Aldon Smith has been suspended again for substance abuse and violating the league’s conduct policy. Even Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay decided to get in on the action, being arrested for impaired driving while being found with a pharmacy of prescription drugs and $29,000 in cash. There have been other arrests for DUIs, assault and battery extending from nightclub fights, and even a hit and run. The list seems to go on and on.

So what about some of the top stories that will take place on the field and not from a courtroom or jail cell? Are the Seattle Seahawks good enough to defend their title (Since the Patriots repeated in 2005, no other reigning champion has made a return trip to the Super Bowl the following season)? Will we see the Manning face early in the playoffs or can Peyton lead Denver to a Super Bowl victory? Will the Dallas Cowboys continue to drown in mediocrity? Can RGIII stay on the field and make the leap to a top tier quarterback? Besides Johnny Football, will fellow rookie quarterbacks Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater succeed in the NFL? Who will be this year’s Kansas City Chiefs? As we learn week to week in the NFL, nothing is certain and anything can happen. It all makes Sundays matter again.

AFC

Playoff Teams: (1) New England Patriots, (2) Denver Broncos, (3) Indianapolis Colts, (4) Cincinnati Bengals, (5) San Diego Chargers, (6) Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC Championship: New England over Denver

NFC

Playoff Teams: (1) Seattle Seahawks, (2) New Orleans Saints, (3) Green Bay Packers, (4) Philadelphia Eagles, (5) San Francisco 49ers, (6) Chicago Bears

NFC Championship: Seattle over Green Bay

Super Bowl: Seattle over New England

AFC East

New England Patriots (13-3)

Miami Dolphins (7-9)

New York Jets (6-10)

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Rob Gronkowski

The Miami Dolphins have moved past last year’s Richie Incognito/Jonathan Martin controversy, removing several members of their coaching staff. They have a new offensive coordinator, and heard coach Joe Philbin and quarterback Ryan Tannehill are going to be pressured to make a run towards the playoffs, each in their third year. The Jets brought in some additional offensive weapons with quarterback Michael Vick, running back Chris Jonson and receiver Eric Decker, but it’s still not enough to add significantly to their win total of eight from last year. If the Jets want to compete for the postseason, quarterback Geno Smith needs to progress as a starter in his second year and cut down on his turnovers. The Bills have a talented defensive led by their front four that will keep them in games, but quarterback E.J. Manuel will need to stay on the field and prove he’s a legitimate NFL starter for the Bills to improve. That leaves the New England Patriots to win their sixth straight division title. Their defense has improved with the addition of cornerback Darrelle Revis, and tight end Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to be ready for Week 1. With the additions and defense and a healthy Gronkowski, the Patriots are a better team that went to the AFC Championship last year. The Pats will post the best record in the conference and will host the AFC Chamionship, which will make the difference against Denver. With quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick still in charge, look for the Pats to make another trip to the Super Bowl.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

Baltimore Ravens (8-8)

Cleveland Browns (5-11)

Andy Dalton

The top three teams in this division can all compete for a playoff spot. The Steelers are looking to bounce back from another 8-8 season, and will need more of a boost from second year back Le’Veon Bell and the running game to increase their win total from last year. Baltimore has brought in new offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, who will also need to improve the running game for the Ravens to make the playoffs. Although their defense could be interesting, the loss of Browns receiver Josh Gordon for the year could hurt the offense, especially if the indecision at quarterback becomes a distraction. The Bengals are still the most talented team here, but newly paid quarterback Andy Dalton needs to step up and win in the postseason when it counts.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

Houston Texans (7-9)

Tennessee Titans (6-10)

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Andrew Luck

The Jaguars made the right choice by taking quarterback Blake Bortles in this year’s draft. He was impressive during the pre-season, but he still might be a year away. The Titans will once again have to rely on quarterback Jake Locker, who in his third year might be his last chance to turn Tennessee towards a winning season. Even with adding first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney alongside defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans have a gaping hole at quarterback. With a healthy Reggie Wayne, the Colts have a talented group of receivers for emerging quarterback Andrew Luck, and will win a second straight division title in an overall weak division.

AFC West

Denver Broncos (12-4)

San Diego Chargers (10-6)

Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)

Oakland Raiders (4-12)

Philip Rivers

The Chiefs came out of nowhere last year to win eleven games and make the playoffs. Their defense is still pretty solid, but a more difficult schedule this year will lead to fewer wins. The Chargers also made a late season surge to sneak into the playoffs last year. Their offense, led by quarterback Philip Rivers, has the capability to put points on the board and make another trip towards the playoffs. The Raiders brought in some new pieces to revamp their defense, including fifth overall pick Khalil Mack, but they have an unsettled quarterback situation, and wins are going to be hard to come by. The division still belongs to the Denver Broncos. With great regular season quarterback Peyton Manning still at the helm, most of the pieces of their record setting offense are back, and they added some quality veterans on defense. They lost receiver Wes Welker for the first four games due to a suspension and post a difficult schedule, but Denver has enough talent to be an elite team and make a deep postseason run.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

New York Giants (7-9)

Washington Redskins (6-10)

LeSean McCoy

Nobody is more on the hot seat than Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, and owner Jerry Jones has little patience for mediocrity. Their offense is one of the best in the league and should be able to keep them in games, but their defense is on the far opposite end of the spectrum. The Giants success will hinder on which Eli Manning decides to show up this season. If it’s the Eli that tossed twenty-seven interceptions last year, then the Giants are in trouble. The same can be said for Redskins quarterback RGIII. Besides staying healthy, Griffin needs to learn to pass first and run second and utilize the offensive tools around him. His advancement as a quarterback will determine the success for the Redskins. Coach Chip Kelly’s offense translated well from the college game to Philly last year, and there’s no reason to believe that it will take a step back. As long as quarterback Nick Foles and leading rusher LeSean McCoy are orchestrating the offense, then the Eagles should win their second straight division title.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (11-5)

Chicago Bears (10-6)

Detroit Lions (7-9)

Minnesota Vikings (4-12)

Aaron Rodgers

The Vikings will need to be more consistent at quarterback if they want to add to their five wins from last year. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a step in the right direction, but he’s going to watch starter Matt Cassel to begin the season. Although Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford’s completion percentage and total passing yards have decreased over the past three seasons, he is part of the most dynamic quarterback/wide receiver combination in the league with Calvin Johnson. If Stafford’s turnovers increase for the fourth straight year, then the Lions playoff hopes look bleak. The Bears lost four of their last six games last season to miss out on the playoffs, but their offense was one of the league’s best, and most of its components including running back Matt Forte and receiver Brendan Marshall are back. The signing of defensive end Jared Allen should help bolster the Bears defense. As for the Green Bay, as long as Aaron Rodgers is still under center, the Packers are the team to beat in the division. This was evident last season when the Packers lost Rodgers for seven weeks after he broke his collar bone, going 2-4-1 during that span. Bringing in defensive end Julius Peppers to play alongside linebacker Clay Matthews is going to cause headaches for opposing quarterbacks. With a healthy Rodgers, the Packers can make a deep run in the playoffs.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (12-4)

Carolina Panthers (9-7)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

Atlanta Falcons (6-10)

Drew Brees

The Panthers lost most of their receiving core, which is going to pose problems for quarterback Cam Newton. Their defense is still one of the tops in the league, and will be able to keep them in close games. Atlanta is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 4-12 season after going 13-3 in 2012. They have star receiver Julio Jones back from a foot injury, which will help quarterback Matt Ryan and the offense regain some of their former success. Tampa has the capability to improve with the return of Doug Martin anchoring the running game, and new coach Lovey Smith will get the most out of an already talented defense. The Saints have improved their defense and still have a top notch offense led by quarterback Drew Brees. They have the talent to win the division and be one of the top playoff seeds in the NFC.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

San Francisco 49ers (11-5)

Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

St. Louis Rams (6-10)

Russell Wilson

Too bad St. Louis. The Rams are talented and had the capabilities to be a surprise playoff contender until they lost quarterback Sam Bradford for the season to another ACL injury. They are well coached and should be competitive, but losing Bradford and a tough schedule will be their downfall. The Cardinals lost some pieces of their defense, which could cost them in the win column as well as their playoff hopes. The 49ers have their problems off the field, but they’re an experienced and talented team that knows how to win. The Seahawks are still the elite of the NFC. The majority of their top ranked defense is still intact, they have a healthy offensive play maker in receiver Percy Harvin for the full season, and they boast the best home field advantage in all of the NFL.  Going into his third year, quarterback Russell Wilson is just entering his prime, and already holds the record for most regular season wins by a quarterback through his first two seasons with 24. Seattle has all of the tools to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.