The Hip-Hip Blog, Part 1

The year 2015 has been good for the members of N.W.A. First their biopic Straight Outta Compton became one of the biggest surprise hits of the summer. In collaboration with the film, Dr. Dre released his third studio album Compton to critical acclaim. Even though the group’s reign was short lived, this past week it was announced they will be inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The film Straight Outta Compton lived up to all expectations. We see how a young Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, MC Ren, DJ Yella and Eazy-E came out of South Central Los Angeles to become the most dangerous group of their generation. Although MC Ren was a major writing contributor and has a substantial presence on the groundbreaking record Straight Outta Compton, the film mainly focuses on Ice Cube, Dre and Eazy-E. We are taken down the paths the three take after money and egos led to the group’s demise, and learn of an almost reunion that never happened due to Eazy-E’s death in 1995. It is the story of how West Coast gangsta rap became a landmark on the pop culture map.

There’s no denying that the album Straight Outta Compton is one of hip hop’s best. Now that the film has brought the record back to life, where does it rank all time? To answer that question, the record itself as well as its contemporaries would need to be reviewed. Regardless of the order, all of these albums deserve to be on this list, or at least are in the discussion. If you agree or disagree, the following selections have not only heavily influenced the hip-hop genre, but all of music.       

10. Jay-Z, Reasonable Doubt

Release Date: June 25, 1996

Before Jay-Hova became a successful entrepreneur, he was rapping about hustling and the success of the criminal underworld. What Jay-Z did differently on his debut album was elevate himself to Don status while his west coast contemporaries were still rapping about the street’s violent and ugly side. Reasonable Doubt is filled with laid back beats and catchy hooks, but more than anything it’s a lyrical revelation. Its guest artists like Mary J. Blige and Foxy Brown add to the album’s key singles “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Ain’t No N***a,” but the album’s true highlight is “Brooklyn’s Finest,” with The Notorious B.I.G. It’s one of the only tracks where you’ll find two of the top MCs sparring back and forth. Fans could argue that The Blueprint is Jay-Z’s finest album, but Reasonable Doubt is both a classic New York landmark and a hip-hop breakthrough.     

9. Run-D.M.C., Raising Hell

Release Date: May 15, 1986

The rap pioneers had already established their signature sound on their first two albums, which incorporated loud beats and heavy guitar riffs. What Raising Hell did was not only introduce Run-D.M.C. to the mainstream, but the hip-hop genre as well. The album is chock-full of classic staples like “My Adidas,” “It’s Tricky” and “You Be Illin’,” but it was the crossover hit “Walk this Way” that took over the airwaves and became a regular video on MTV. The album reached a wider audience and went on to become a commercial success. Being one of the first rap albums to be influenced by Rick Rubin’s production, its classic sound is just as fresh today as it was almost twenty years ago.

8. A Tribe Called Quest, The Low End Theory

Release Date: September 24, 1991

The year 1991 was filled with quality hip-hop releases, including Ice Cube’s Death Certificate, Cypress Hill’s self-titled debut and Public Enemy’s heavily anticipated Apocalypse 91…The Enemy Strikes Black. While many of these albums take on more of a hard-core sound, Tribe’s second album is filled with funky bass lines and beats, mastering the fusion of jazz with hip hop. More than anything it’s Tribe’s smooth delivery, led by Q-Tip, which is the highlight of their laid-back, underground sound. With the help of Leaders of the New School and Busta Rhymes’ signature growl, the track “Scenario” has become a hip hop classic. A Tribe Called Quest might have operated under the radar compared to other rap acts, but there’s no denying that The Low End Theory rises above many its contemporaries.

7. N.W.A., Straight Outta Compton

Release Date: August 8, 1988

At the time of Straight Outta Compton's release in 1988, a majority of breakthrough artists such as Run-DMC, LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys were rapping about the boroughs of New York. Straight Outta Compton aimed a bullseye right at South Central Los Angeles. Although topics include some of the shocking aspects of the gangster lifestyle, the album was widely accepted by a large suburban white audience. Dr. Dre's production mixed with Ice Cube and MC Ren's lyrics had the potential to produce more memorable and rebellious music for many years, however Ice Cube left a year after Compton's release due to royalty disputes. The rest of the group only ended up making one more full-length album together. As the film reinforces, both N.W.A. and Straight Outta Compton left their definitive mark on the hip-hop world. It's their legacy that leaves us to imagine what could have been.

6. Eric B. & Rakim, Paid in Full

Release Date: August 25, 1987

Listening to this album today, it’s hard to imagine that it was released in 1987. From two of the best in the business, Paid in Full is the debut album from the DJ and MC duo. Similar to Raising Hell, the record is packed with influential tracks that include “I Ain’t No Joke,” “My Melody” and “I Know You Got Soul.” Over Eric B.’s beats and production, Rakim implemented his signature rhyming style, which still stands up as one of the best ever. Being sampled numerous times over the course of hip hop history shows the reach of the record’s influence. Eric B. and Rakim continued on for several more years and released three more albums, but none was as impactful as Paid in Full.      

5. Wu-Tang Clan, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Release Date: November 9, 1993

Coming out of Staten Island, the Wu-Tang Clan was nothing the rap world had ever seen before, and they ended up taking the hip-hop world by storm. At the time a majority of rap groups featured one or two MCs, but Enter the Wu-Tang allowed all nine members to display their individual skills and rhyming styles. Led by producer RZA, the album infused underground beats and samples from classic kung-fu movies. Bringing a gangster edge to East Coast rap, we were schooled in "C.R.E.A.M." (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) as well as to "Protect Ya Neck." Building on the record's success, five of the MCs (Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Genius/Gza, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah) released solo albums within three years of Enter the Wu-Tang, all with RZA's distinctive production. The result allowed Wu-Tang's influence to dominate the 90's, all stemming from their classic debut.

4. Notorious BIG, Ready to Die

Release Date: September 13, 1994

An argument could be made that the late rapper never reached his full potential, even though his limited body of work released while he was alive deemed him one of the greatest MCs of all time. Ready to Die was the catalyst. With his baritone voice, Biggie reintroduced us to gangsta rap with his natural storytelling, and his delivery is effortless. The album boasts two of the most recognizable rap songs of all time in "Big Poppa" and "Juicy," with the latter being in the discussion of one of the greatest hip hop songs ever. The record also did wonders for the career of Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who eventually benefited more from Biggie's death than anyone. Biggie's tenure on top of the rap game might have been short lived, but as evident with Ready to Die, he deserved to be there.

3. Nas, Illmatic

Release Date: April 19, 1994

Before Reasonable Doubt there was Illmatic, the original hip-hop ode to New York. Nas's lyrics paint a picture of the ghetto and the world around him, and like Biggie, storytelling comes naturally. Although where Biggie was more in your face, Nas' delivery was more subtle. Illmatic could be considered a gansta album, but it's laid-back sound and production differentiates itself from its more hardcore contemporaries. Regardless of its underground feel, the record helped spearhead the shift of hip hop back to the East Coast in the mid-nineties, even without a substantial radio hit. More than anything it's a perfectly orchestrated album from start to finish. There might have been more commercially popular albums, but Illmatic still holds its place in time as one of the most influential hip hop albums of all time.

2. Public Enemy, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Release Date: June 28, 1988

Before hip-hop acts became all about sipping gin and juice, bitches and hoes, and smoking blunts, there was Public Enemy. The follow up to their blueprint debut Yo! Bum Rush the Show brought the noise, thanks in large part to the production of The Bomb Squad. With an abundance of samples that ranged from James Brown to Slayer, it revolutionized the standard hip-hop album. Chuck D is more of a commanding preacher and commentator than a rapper, focusing on social and political issues in his lyrics. On the opposite side of the spectrum burst Flavor Flav, who brought a sense of satire to Chuck D's hard demeanor. The result was a record that became one of the most influential in all of music, while also launching Public Enemy to one of the most important groups of their time. Although P.E. is still releasing new music, nothing will ever resonate consciously and powerfully as Nation of Millions.

1. Dr. Dre, The Chronic

Release Date: December 15, 1992

The Chronic not only brought Dre's innovative production styles to the mainstream, but it was a showcase for other talented rappers, including the breakthrough of one Snoop Doggy Dogg. Thanks to continuous air play on MTV of "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang," "F**k wit Dre Day" and "Let Me Ride," the album became a commercial success, spawning the launch of Death Row Records. It also established the G-funk sound that would be associated with popular West Coast hip hop throughout the early nineties. It might not have had the emotional depth or lyrical genius of some of the other records on this list, but The Chronic's influence reached farther and wider than any other hip-hop album of it's time.

Betting on the 2015 Emmy Awards

The 67^th Primetime Emmy Awards are taking place this Sunday, where the best in television will be acclaimed for another season of quality programming. This past year we’ve welcomed some new favorites (Empire, Better Call Saul, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and said goodbye to some classic characters and shows (Parks and Recreation, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men). Will any of the first time nominees surprise some of the regular incumbents? Will Mad Men be rewarded with a sweep for going out on top in its final season? Will Game of Thrones finally see Emmy gold? We’ll have to suffer through a whole day of football followed by a bunch of pretty people walking the red carpet in fancy clothes first before we find out.  

(Odds figured by Bovada)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Mayim Bialik, The Big Bang Theory: 30/1

Niecy Nash, Getting On: 25/1
Julie Bowen, Modern Family: 10/1
Allison Janney, Mom: 1/3
Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live: 50/1
Gaby Hoffmann, Transparent: 30/1
Jane Krakowski, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: 30/1
Anna Chlumsky, Veep: 3/1

Not to take anything away from Kate McKinnon, but when you’re part of a sketch comedy show, it’s hard to develop and be associated with a specific character that these other actresses have worked to accomplish. Unfortunately McKinnon, along with Bialik, Nash, Hoffman and Krakowski, become lost in the most crowded performance category. Bowen has history on her side, being nominated for the sixth straight year with back-to-back wins in 2011 and 2012, and the payout is appealing. The line on Chlumsky, with her third straight nomination, is also tempting. And if Janney wasn’t nominated, I’d put my money on the Veep actress. I made the mistake of picking against Janney last year. I won’t do it two years in a row. Chlumsky’s blowup against Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ President Selina Meyer in the “Convention” episode is priceless, but the character doesn’t reach the emotional depth as Janney’s Bonnie, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict whose sobriety was tested this past season. You’ll have to bet a lot to win a little, but you’re money’s safe with Janney.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine: 15/1

Adam Driver, Girls: 50/1

Keegan-Michael Key, Key & Peele: 25/1

Ty Burrell, Modern Family: 3/1

Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: 5/6

Tony Hale, Veep: 2/1

So if Keegan-Michael Key is nominated, why isn’t Jordan Peele? The both are equally hilarious, which is only furthered by the duo’s chemistry. You don’t associate one without the other. As creative and unique the sketch show was, Key falls in line with Kate McKinnon. Last year I picked Braugher in this category for his deadpan satire as Captain Ray Holt, only to come up empty. The payout for him is tempting, but I expect the same futile result. As the odds-on favorite, Tituss Burgess is a welcoming and scene-stealing newcomer as the egotistical fame seeker Titus Andromedon. As good as Burgess is, I’m leaning towards Burrell. Similar to Julie Bowen, Burrell has been nominated six years in a row, winning in 2011 and again last year. His bumbling Phil Dunphy is still the most amusing character of an enjoyable but repetitive show. Plus Modern Family has an edge with its viewership over Kimmy Schmidt. Burgess will have his day, but I’m keeping it safe with Burrell.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series     

Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey: 33/1

Lena Headey, Game of Thrones: 1/3

Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones: 33/1

Christina Hendricks, Mad Men: 9/4

Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black: 10/1

Christine Baranski, The Good Wife: 25/1

Is this where Mad Men will begin its farewell sweep? Not if Lena Headey has anything to say about it. There’s no denying that Hendricks’ Joan Halloway-Harris progressed the most throughout the series, rising to partner at Sterling Cooper Draper Price only to be pushed out after the merger with McCann-Erickson, all for being a strong woman in an era where the workplace was ruled by condescending men. With her odds, it’s a solid bet. However Headey’s Cersei Lannister reached new lows this past season, forced into chains for her sins that led to her harsh and unforgettable walk of shame. Cersei’s weakness showed a side of her that we’ve never seen before, and it will bring the award to the favorite Headey. Don’t count out Abuda here either. The odds being slightly against her could make a nice side bet that could pay out handsomely. When it comes to Aduba’s ‘Crazy Eyes,’ you never know what to expect.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Jonathan Banks, Better Call Saul: 2/7

Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline: 10/1

Jim Carter, Downton Abbey: 33/1

Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones: 3/1

Michael Kelly, House of Cards: 12/1

Alan Cumming, The Good Wife: 33/1

The scene between Dinklage’s Tyrion Lannister and Emilia Clarke’s Khaleesi might have been one of the most anticipated five minutes of television drama this season, and it didn’t disappoint. Dinklage once again was superb as sharp-tonged Tyrion Lannister, reaching foreign territory in being taken captive and eventually forced into slavery. Dinklage is on his fifth nomination, but his only win was in 2011. If he had another replicable rant similar to ‘The Laws of Gods and Men’ episode from last season, I would lay my money on Dinklage. As the favorite, Jonathan Banks reprises his role as Mike Ehrmantraut, where we learn his backstory as a caring grandfather before he becomes a private investigator and enforcer for Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. It’s a safe bet, but I’m going with long shot Mendelsohn. He brings sleaze to a new level as family black sheep Danny Rayburn, going from charming to sinister with the flick of his cigarette lighter. Bloodline slowly draws you in until it becomes addictive, and much of it is due to Mendelsohn. Look for the first time nominee in an upset.

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie: 50/1

Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback: 10/1

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep: 1/4

Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation: 4/1

Amy Schumer, Inside Amy Schumer: 15/2

Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie: 33/1

How can Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess be nominated for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and its main star Ellie Kemper not? Krakowski and Burgess are good, but Kemper is the life blood of the show. For the nominees we do have, I would really like to see Poehler win. Parks and Recreation sported one of the best comedy ensembles, and Poehler was their its fearless leader. It’s surprising she hasn’t won at least once in the past five years she’s been nominated, and it would nice to see her recognized as a finishing touch to the show’s farewell season. Peohler’s losses could have something to do with Louis-Dreyfus, who’s looking for her fourth straight win as now President Selina Meyer. Louis-Dreyfus continues to impress as Meyer as she leads her incompetent and superficial staff, even going as far as to secretly sabotage her own Families First bill to help her election chances. Like Janney, you’ll need a large bet for it to pay off, but Louis-Dreyfus is a sure thing.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Anthony Anderson, black-ish: 20/1

Louis C.K., Louie: 20/1

Don Cheadle, House of Lies: 25/1

Will Forte, Last Man on Earth: 12/1

Matt LeBlanc, Episodes: 25/1

William H. Macy, Shameless: 15/1

Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent: 1/15

  

Wait, where’s Jim Parsons? Are you telling me there’s an Emmy show without Sheldon Cooper? Parsons was automatic, winning four out of the last six years going back to 2009. It’s surprising he’s been left off the list. Maybe it’s time for Parsons to hand over the reins to Tambor. I would like to believe the other actors here stand a chance, but looking at the odds they’re not even close. Tambor won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of a transgender woman, and all signs point for that trend to continue with his first Emmy.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes, Homeland: 20/1

Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder: 2/5

Taraji P. Henson, Empire: 3/1

Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black: 8/1

Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men: 33/1

Robin Wright, House of Cards: 10/1

Any of these actresses could take this award, and I wouldn't be surprised. Homeland made a nice comeback this past season, so that could bring the trophy back to Danes for her role as bipolar CIA agent Carrie Mathison. Wright also had her best season as conflicted First Lady Claire Underwood. This could also be the year that Moss is finally recognized as part of Mad Men’s swansong. If Hendricks wins, don’t be surprised if Moss follows suit. All would make for a nice pay day. However this seems to be a two way race between Davis and Henson. Their characters share many characteristics: powerful, fearless and dangerous, but the edge has to go to Henson. Fox has scored a hit with Empire, and after one season Henson’s Cookie Lyon has already become one of the most iconic characters on television. Davis might be the front-runner, but I’m putting my money on Henson.

Lead Actor Drama Series

Kyle Chandler, Bloodline: 25/1

Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom: 33/1

Jon Hamm, Mad Men: 1/10

Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul: 7/1

Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan: 25/1

Kevin Spacey, House of Cards: 9/1

This award has belonged to Bryan Cranston four out of the past seven years. Now that Heisenberg is out of the way, it’s time for Jon Hamm to finally see the recognition he wholeheartedly deserves. I like the other characters in this category, but I’m not betting against Hamm. He’s been nominated in this category every year since Mad Men premiered in 2007, only to upstaged by Cranston, Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom) and Damien Lewis (Homeland). Hendricks and Moss might be rewarded as a homage for their work on a great series, but Hamm’s performance over the last episodes was captivating up until the very end and Don Draper’s blissful vision. He’s been snubbed for way too long, and it’s finally Hamm’s turn.

    

Outstanding Comedy Series

Louie: 20/1

Modern Family: 11/4

Parks and Recreation: 25/1

Silicon Valley: 20/1

Transparent: 5/2

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: 33/1

Veep: 20/23

I gave my praises to Silicon Valley last year, and it continues to be one of the more clever comedies on television. I also really miss Parks and Rec and all of the residents of Pawnee. It would be nice if the satirical comedy could be recognized as a farewell tribute, but unfortunately it’s not going to happen. Last year I made the mistake of picking against Modern Family by going with the more daring Orange is the New Black. I thought the prison dramedy had enough character depth and absorbing plot lines to overthrow the four time reigning champ. I was wrong. Veep has the best chance to take down Modern Family, and the odds are in its favor. However Emmy voters seem to love the safe vote, and Modern Family is still an entertaining show with a lot of heart. Look for it to continue its run.

Outstanding Drama Series

Better Call Saul: 33/1

Downton Abbey: 33/1

Game of Thrones: 10/11

Homeland: 33/1

House Of Cards: 25/1

Mad Men: 4/5

Orange is the New Black: 20/1

There’s a good future for Better Call Saul, and House of Cards is coming off its best season yet. Homeland had a strong return after a sub-par third season, but Orange is the New Black seems to be going in the opposite direction. Not much happened in Orange’s most recent thirteen episodes, and it shows in the lack of acting nominations. In the end it’s going to come down to the two favorites. Game of Thrones has a knack of holding a steady hand for most of the season, and then exploding with extensive and intense action scenes in the last couple of episodes that raises its game, Now that the show has caught up with the books, it’s anybody’s guess on what’s going to happen next. This is the fourth straight nomination for the show, and with Breaking Bad out of the way, it could pick up its first award. But as the Emmys awarded Breaking Bad last year after its final season, look for the same appreciation to come to Mad Men. After taking this prize home during its four first seasons, Mad Men took a back seat to Homeland and Breaking Bad for three years, all while putting out some of its finest episodes. This final season was as good as ever as we learned the fate of Don Draper and his fellow advertising colleagues on Madison Avenue. It will take the top prize of the evening, and will be remembered as one of the finest dramas in television history. 

   

       

2015 NFL Preview

This NFL offseason was summed up in one word: Deflategate.

Deflategate, Deflategate and more Deflategate.

If you were a sports fan in New England over the past eight months, that’s all you heard about. Red Sox season? There’s always next year. Bruins or Celtics off-season news?  Please. Just when the story appeared to die down, more gas would be tossed onto the fire, bringing it to a whole new level. And no matter what media outlet you were following, everyone had an opinion.

Regardless of what your thoughts might be about the New England Patriots and their quarterback Tom Brady, the whole fiasco reached levels of absurdity over allegations of tampering with equipment. The violation equates to rolling through a stop sign, and the league’s investigation resulted in no hard evidence that Brady had any involvement in deflating footballs. The fact that the NFL forced Brady to bring the case to federal court and taking us all along for the ride was embarrassing. Now that it’s over (for the time being, subject to the NFL’s appeal) and fans can now focus on football, what effect will the whole ordeal have on the 2015 season?

You poked the bear Roger Goodell, and the rest of the league should be warned.  

AFC Playoff Teams: (1) Indianapolis Colts, (2) New England Patriots, (3) Denver Broncos, (4) Baltimore Ravens, (5) San Diego Chargers, (6) Miami Dolphins

AFC Championship: New England over Indianapolis

NFC Playoff Teams: (1) Seattle Seahawks, (2) Green Bay Packers, (3) Dallas Cowboys, (4) New Orleans Saints, (5) Detroit Lions, (6) Philadelphia Eagles

NFC Championship: Green Bay over Seattle

Super Bowl: New England over Green Bay

AFC East

1. New England Patriots (12-4)

2. Maimi Dolphins (10-6)

3. Buffalo Bills (9-7)

4. New York Jets (5-11)

Tom Brady

On paper, all of these teams improved except the Patriots. In the end, it won’t matter. The addition of Derrelle Revis in the Jets secondary is going to bolster their defense, which will help keep them in games. Receiver Brandon Marshall will spread the offense, but how frustrated will he be when no one will be able to throw him the ball? When Geno Smith is your quarterback, things already look bleak. When you have to turn to Ryan Fitzpatrick because your starting quarterback broke his jaw courtesy of a former teammate’s sucker punch, things can only become worse. It’s going to be a tough first year for Coach Todd Bowles. Coach Rex Ryan, also in his first year with the Bills, will have an easier path to a playoff spot. Although the quarterback situation in Buffalo also doesn’t look promising, Ryan has inherited a quality defense, which has always been his strong suit. The addition of defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the Dolphins defensive line will have opposing quarterbacks running for their lives. However Miami has a recent history of starting off well and fading down the stretch. The same pre-season hype is there, so it’s time for quarterback Ryan Tannehil to live up to his new contract extension and have his breakout season. Until that happens, this is still the Patriots’ division. Brady’s suspension from Deflategate has been eradicated, and the Pats will be playing with an “us against the world” mantra. They may not be as talented as last year, but Brady and coach Bill Belichick will be more motivated than ever. Not only will they win another division title, their seventh in a row, but look for them to make another run to the Super Bowl.    

AFC North

1.      Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

2.      Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

3.      Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

4.      Cleveland Browns (5-11)

Joe Flacco

Last season Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore all made the post-season. Don't be surprised if they do it again this year, even though the Steelers and Bengals have to two toughest schedules in 2015. For the Browns, their main concern is if quarterback Johnny Manziel can blossom into the regular starter they hope he can be. The potential is there, but for now Manziel will be watching the ever revolving door of Browns quarterbacks and Josh McCown. Pittsburgh took a hit by losing center Maurkice Pouncy to a broken bone in his ankle, and will miss running back La'Veon Bell for the first two games of the season due to a suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. But Bell is one of the most versatile backs in the league, and Antonio Brown led all receivers in receptions and receiving yards last year, so the offense should be able to duplicate its production this season. Not much has changed in Cincinnati. Their problem has not been the regular season but being one-and-done in the past four post-seasons. Quarterback Andy Dalton and the offense should be able to put points on the board, which could lead to another playoff berth. If they don’t hurdle their playoff hump, this could be the last season for head coach Marvin Lewis. Not much has changed in Baltimore either besides the loss of defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. They found a solid runner in back Justin Forsett, and Joe Flacco is a serviceable quarterback that turns into Superman in the playoffs. Coach John Harbaugh’s teams are a model of consistency, and he finds a way to win with the talent he has. He should make his seventh trip to the post-season.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)

2. Houston Texans (7-9)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

4. Tennessee Titans (2-14)

Andrew Luck

Same sub-par division, same results. The Titans certainly addressed their quarterback issue by drafting Marcus Mariota. He has looked impressive in the pre-season, however the team did little to address their run defense, which was last in the league in 2014. It will be hard for Mariota to learn and develop when he’s watching from the sideline. The Jaguars took a step in the right direction by bringing in tight end Julius Thomas, which will be a big target for sophomore quarterback Blake Bortles. They will be a combination to watch if they can develop a rapport, but Jacksonville is still far away for competing for a playoff spot. The Texans hope that linebacker and first overall pick from 2014 Jadeveon Clowney can stay healthy and on the field. They did add nose tackle Vince Wilfork to bolster the defensive line, and still have the most dominant player in the game in J.J. Watt, so the defense has the capability to be one of the tops in football. However when you bring in journeyman and Browns castaway Brian Hoyer to be your starting quarterback, things aren’t so promising. The Colts are a popular pick by many to win this year’s Super Bowl, and rightfully so. They have the most talented signal caller in the game in Andrew Luck, and brought in veterans Frank Gore and Andre Johnson as more weapons to Luck’s arsenal. The Colts will dominate during the regular season due to their cookie-cutter schedule, but until they can figure out how to defeat their nemesis New England Patriots, they will remain second in the conference.

AFC West

1. Denver Broncos (11-5)

2. San Diego Chargers (10-6)

3. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)

4. Oakland Raiders (6-10)

Peyton Manning

There has to optimism in Oakland. Second-year quarterback Derek Carr looks to improve on his strong rookie campaign, and adding receivers Michael Crabtree and fourth overall pick Amari Cooper will help. An increase in wins is probable, but a playoff spot is still unlikely. The Chiefs did little to make improvements, but did bring in receiver Jeremy Maclin to replace the aging corpse of Dwayne Bowe. With Alex Smith at quarterback, they will continue to run back Jamaal Charles into the ground. Expect close to the same results as last year, including coach Andy Reid’s stellar display of clock management. The Chargers were in the playoff hunt in 2014 despite their dismal running game, which ranked 30^th in the league. They looked to fill that void by drafting running back Melvin Gordon out of Wisconsin. If Gordon can help open up the offense more for quarterback Philip Rivers, then the playoffs will be within reach. At the moment the division still belongs to the Denver Broncos, which will all depend on the health of quarterback Peyton Manning. If the Broncos have the Manning that showed up for the last five games of last season, where he threw six interceptions compared to five touchdowns, then it could be a long season for first year coach Gary Kubiak. The good news is that besides the loss of tight end Julius Thomas, Denver’s high-powered offense is still intact. If Manning stays healthy and is efficient, then the Broncos will win their fifth straight division title.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)     

2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

3. New York Giants (8-8)

4. Washington Redskins (3-13)

Dez Bryant

It’s really hard to believe that three years ago RGIII was going to be the savior in Washington. He had a quality rookie season, leading the team to a division title. Now the team is having trouble trying to trade him. Will his name be in the same breath someday with Ryan Leaf and Jamarcus Russel? When you lose your starting job to Kirk Cousins, it’s not a good sign. The Eagles gave the keys of the ship to coach Chip Kelly, who traded for quarterback Sam Bradford and his bad left knee He also signed leading rusher Demarco Murray and back Ryan Matthews, giving the Eagles one of the more versatile backfields in the game. Kelly’s off-season moves will either pay off significantly, or it will be a frustrating season for Philly fans. The Giants scored one of the gems of the 2014 draft with the emergence of receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and with the potential return of receiver Victor Cruz, there are plenty of weapons on the offense for quarterback Eli Manning. However the Giants defense was one of the worst in the league last year, and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul’s status is still up in the air after losing his right index finger to a fireworks accident on the 4^th of July. The result could see the Giants playing from behind. Dallas took a hit by losing Murray to Philly, but the offensive line that allowed Murray to thrive last year is still intact. Receiver Dez Bryant will continue to dominate opposing defenses, and the Cowboys should see the same success as last year with another division title.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (12-4)

2. Detroit Lions (10-6)

3. Minnesota Vikings (7-9)

4 Chicago Bears (5-11)

Aaron Rodgers

The most impactful addition to the Chicago Bears is head coach John Fox, who has a lot of work ahead of him. Versatile back Matt Forte is still manning the backfield, but quarterback Jay Cutler needs to improve on his league leading 18 interceptions for this team to begin to turnaround. The Vikings are also a work in progress, and sophomore quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a step in the right direction. Minnesota will also benefit from the return of running back Adrian Peterson, who sat out 15 games last season due to a suspension. Peterson has all the capabilities to return to one of the top rushers in the game, but a playoff spot is still a way off. Detroit filled in the loss of tackle Ndamukong Suh with Haloti Ngata, so one of the league’s top defenses from 2014 shouldn’t miss a beat. With receivers Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate giving the Lions a vibrant receiving core, a return to the playoffs is imminent. The loss of receiver Jordy Nelson for the season to a knee injury will show on the Packers offensive, but it still has viable pieces in receiver Randall Cobb and running back Eddie Lacy. The most important factor is that reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is still manning the ship. With Rodgers at the helm, this team has the capabilities of making another deep playoff run.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (9-7)

2. Carolina Panthers (7-9)

3. Atlanta Falcons (6-10)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13)

Drew Brees

Not much has changed with this lowly division from a year ago, with the only playoff representative winning only seven games. The biggest highlight is the addition of number one overall pick Jameis Winston to Tampa. The question still remains if the Bucs new quarterback has put his days of stealing crab legs behind him. The combination of Winston and sophomore receiver Mike Evans can give some hope to Tampa fans, but the playoffs are still a long way off. To fix Atlanta’s woeful defensive problems, Atlanta brought in former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as its new head coach. The offense with quarterback Matt Ryan and receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White has the capability to put points on the board, but they need more consistency from the running game. Carolina took a hit by losing blossoming receiver Kelvin Benjamin to a knee injury, which leaves them weak at wide receiver. They have the best defense in the division, which will keep them in games and close to repeating as division champions. Even with a quarterback as mobile as Cam Newton, the rest of their offense is limited. The Saints lost end zone target Jimmy Graham, but Brandon Cooks has the tools and potential to be quarterback Drew Brees’ new favorite receiver. The Saints also brought in running back C.J. Spiller, who should complement Mark Ingram in the back field and also be an asset in the passing game. With Brees still manning the offense, the Saints will score a lot of points. It should be enough to win a poor division.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

2. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

3. St. Louis Rams (8-8)

4. San Francisco 49ers (5-11)

Marshawn Lynch

Letting head coach Jim Harbaugh go might have been a mistake for the 49ers. What’s worse is that the once stingy defense lost Patrick Willis, Justin Smith and Chris Borland to retirement while also releasing troubled linebacker Aldon Smith after his third arrest for suspicion of drunken driving. To say things are a mess in San Francisco is an understatement. The strength of the St. Louis Rams will be their defense. Their success will be based on how well quarterback Nick Foles can adapt to the mediocre offensive parts around him, all while hoping rookie back Todd Gurley can fully recover from an ACL injury. The Cardinals had a laundry list of injuries last season, but still managed to sneak into the playoffs. The biggest relief is to have quarterback Carson Palmer back, and their defense should be good enough to make another push towards the post season. The division still belongs to the Seahawks. They gave quarterback Russell Wilson another target by acquiring tight end Jimmy Graham, and work horse Marshawn Lynch shows no signs of slowing down. Even though Pro Bowl safety is Kam Chancellor is too busy being disgruntled and holding out for a new contract, Seattle’s defense is still one of the best in football. They are primed to make another deep playoff run.