With the season under way, here are some predictions of where teams will stand in the NFL.
AFC Rankings
1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos come in at number one with a strong chance to be conference champions for the second consecutive season. Offseason additions of DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and Emmanuel Sanders will bolster an already stacked roster. They will have to make up for the losses of linebacker Danny Trevathan (injury) and receiver Wes Welker (suspension) early in the season, but Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, and co. should be able to stay at the top of the AFC.
2. New England Patriots
The Pats return in 2014 coming off a disappointing playoff loss to the Broncos. Their secondary will get a needed boost from cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, who were signed as free agents this off season. With a healthy Rob Gronkowski returning, Tom Brady should have enough weapons to win the AFC East and make another playoff run.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts showed promise last season, but were blown out by the Patriots in the divisional round of the playoffs. Andrew Luck is one of the best, if not the best young quarterback in the NFL but will need to cut down on his turnovers for the Colts to advance to the AFC championship game. Luck threw seven total interceptions in the Colts’ two playoff games last year. The acquisition of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and the emergence of WR T.Y. Hilton should allow the Colts to cruise to the AFC South title.
4.Cincinnati Bengals
The reigning AFC North champions placed a lot of pressure this offseason on fourth-year quarterback Andy Dalton by signing him to a six year/$115 million dollar contract. Dalton, who has a 30-18 career record in the regular season, has never advanced past the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Star receiver A.J. Green and running back Giovani Bernard are both primed for successful seasons and should take some of the load off of Dalton’s shoulders. Getting past the first round of the playoffs will be easier with the return of defensive tackle Geno Atkins, who dominated in 2012 before his missing most of last season due to injury.
5. Baltimore Ravens
Two years removed from a Super Bowl victory, the Ravens will look to get back to the playoffs. Although Ray Rice has been released, Bernard Pierce and Justin Forsett will fill his spot nicely. New offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak will employ a west coast offense which will focus on play action and a physical running game. On defense, first round pick C.J. Mosely will give the Ravens an upgrade at inside linebacker. Look for the Ravens to be in the hunt to win the division, but a wild card spot is more likely.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers started last season 0-4, but rallied to finish 8-8. Another year of experience in Todd Haley’s new offense should bode well for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will rely on a young receiving corps, including standout Antonio Brown and speedy rookie Dri Archer. On defense, the Steelers tried to get younger and faster by drafting linebacker Ryan Shazier and defensive end Stephon Tuitt, both of whom will be counted on to produce early in the season. The Steelers have to create more turnovers on defense to have a chance at the AFC North title, one of the toughest divisions in football.
7. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers snuck into the playoffs last season, and this year may be no different. Quarterback Phillip Rivers will have his favorite target from last year back, as Keenan Allen looks to improve on his stellar rookie campaign. The Chargers will have a strong defensive secondary, led by Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Brandon Flowers, who was signed in free agency.
8.Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins look to rebound from a disappointing end to 2013. Needing to win just one of their last two games to make the playoffs, the fins lost both. Young quarterback Ryan Tannehill will look to build on his chemistry with playmaker Mike Wallace and tight end Charles Clay. Defensively, Cameron Wake, one of the most dynamic pass-rushers in the league, will be a huge difference maker.
9. Tennessee Titans
The Titans brought in head coach Ken Whisenhunt this offseason to help develop quarterback Jake Locker and advance the Titans’ offense. Locker will have plenty of young weapons, including RB Bishop Sankey and WR Kendall Wright. Jurrell Casey will be a force on the defensive line, and Bernard Pollard will lead their physical secondary.
10. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs return in 2014 with the playoffs on their mind. Alex Smith signed a long-term contract and running back Jamaal Charles will try to improve on his pro bowl season. The Chiefs drafted the quick Dee Ford in the first round to add to their already fast defensive line. Ford, Dontari Poe, and Tamba Hali will combine to be one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.
11. New York Jets
The Jets have to make the playoffs this season, or it’s likely that head coach Rex Ryan will be looking for a new job. Geno Smith will start at QB, but it’s debatable whether him or Michael Vick will give them the best chance to win. The Jets signed WR Eric Decker and RB Chris Johnson in free agency to bolster their offense, which was one of the least productive offenses in the NFL last season. Muhammed Wilkerson and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson will be key components of the Jets stout defense.
12. Buffalo Bills
The Bills gave up a lot acquire highly touted WR Sammy Watkins in the draft, but he should be worth it. Watkins and Robert Woods will make second-year QB E.J. Manuel’s job easier, but Manuel still has a ways to go before the Bills finish with a winning record.
13. Oakland Raiders
Rookie Derek Carr will start at QB, but he will have to rely on RBs Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew if he wants to have success. Without a real number one or even number two receiver, Carr will have trouble finding open targets. Additions of Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley will help on defense, but 2014 will be a long season for the Raiders.
14. Houston Texans
New coach Bill O’ Brien and top pick Jadeveon Clowney have excited the fan base in Houston, as they are seeking to return to the playoffs after an awful 2013 season. However, Clowney tore his meniscus, and the Texans have the interception-prone Ryan Fitzpatrick starting at QB. They still have stars J.J. Watt, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson, but getting back to the playoffs will be a tough task with Fitzpatrick at the helm.
15. Cleveland Browns
Johnny Football is the talk of the town, but it seems like he won’t play until at least Week 5, after Brown’s bye. Brian Hoyer will be able to manage games for the Browns, but without the suspended Josh Gordon, it will be hard for Cleveland to consistently move the ball. The defense is the strength of the team, with pro bowl CB Joe Haden and top-10 pick Justin Gilbert in the secondary.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags made a big splash by drafting QB Blake Bortles third overall in the draft, but plan to start Chad Henne until Bortles is completely ready to take over. Jacksonville has an extremely young offense, with rookie receivers Marquise Lee and Allen Robinson on the outside. Free agents Chris Clemons (DE) and Toby Gerhart should (RB) should help them out, but don’t expect the Jaguars to contend just yet.
NFC Rankings
1. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have made it to the NFC title game for the last 3 years in a row, and now it’s finally there time. They are powerful on the ground with veteran Frank Gore running the ball and have explosive plays with dual threat QB Colin Kaepernick. However the Niners aren’t without their weaknesses. The defense is looking strong again this year but has holes in need of filling, due to several suspensions and injuries. If the Niners are going to finally cement their Super Bowl win, the offense is going to have to put in some serious work.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Coming off of their resounding Super Bowl victory Seattle is a force in the NFC. They have an unrivaled defense led by “The Legion of Boom” back four and a solid defensive line. The Seahawks suffer from an offense that has the potential to explode at any moment, however may be stalled if coaches can effectively game plan against Marshawn Lynch. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks succeed in defending their Super Bowl title.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have the best QB in the NFC in Drew Brees, and he has plenty of targets to throw to, including all-star tight end Jimmy Graham and WR Marques Colston. With a strong backfield, the Saints also have the ability to pound out yards with RB Mark Ingram. Their weakness is their up-and-coming defense which has talent, but hasn’t proved itself able to stop threats like Kaepernick or Lynch.
4. Green Bay Packers
You can never sleep on Aaron Rodgers. Despite coming off of an injury Rodgers has the potential to lead a Super Bowl run, especially with talented receivers Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb catching the ball for him. Their defense is strong with a decent line, solid linebacking core and sufficient secondary.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles essentially have a walk into the playoffs this year, being the only team in the NFC East to boast a winning record last season. Nick Foles has proven himself as a solid QB and LeSean McCoy is one of the most versatile RBs in the league. The defense is not going to be making any headlines, but should be enough to make it to the postseason.
6. Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler and Matt Forte anchor a strong offense, along with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery making up a consistent receiving threat. The loss of Julius Peppers may be bad for the defense, but they make up for it with a strong secondary and the signing of Jared Allen, another veteran leader who will bolster the pass rush.
7. Arizona Cardinals
If judging only by talent the Cardinals would be much higher up on this list. They have a consistent and proven QB in Carson Palmer, who will be throwing to Larry Fitzgerald, one of the top receiving threats in the league. Their run game is strong with Andre Ellington getting a majority of the carries, and the defense is stacked with a great defensive line led by Darnell Docket. Their only weakness is playing in the NFC West which is by far the most competitive division in the conference. They will have a hard time getting past the Seahawks and the Niners.
8. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers may not win their division with the Saints looking solid this year, however they are still a playoff threat. Cam Newton is a dual threat QB who has proven himself as a clutch player. He has all-star targets to throw to in TE Greg Olsen and receivers Jason Avant and Jericho Cotchery. The defense is also strong with Luke Kuechly leading the way.
9. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have a chance of securing a wildcard spot this season despite disappointing performances in recent years. Matt Ryan has put up good numbers most of his career, but has failed to prove himself as a clutch player. He should do well this year while throwing to superb receivers in Julio Jones and Roddy White. Ryan is also supported by a decent run game with Steven Jackson getting most of the carries.
10. Detroit Lions
The Lions are a threat as long as WR Calvin Johnson is on the team. With the addition of Golden Tate to the receiving core and TE Eric Ebron who was drafted in the first round, QB Matthew Stafford has strong targets. The defense solid led by DTs Nndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, however both have been known for their less than excellent decision making, often resulting in penalties. The defense will be a force to be reckoned with, provided they have become more disciplined this offseason.
11. St. Louis Rams
During the offseason the Rams chances of coming out of the NFC West was good. They had an experienced QB who knows the system in Sam Bradford, a solid offensive line led by LT Jake Long and a defense with the potential to be a force in their division. However an offseason injury to Bradford’s ACL all but kills their hopes of making it to the postseason.
12. New York Giants
The Giants had a terrible year last year starting 0-6. As long as QB Eli Manning doesn’t have another horrendous season they will be looking better. They bolstered their already strong defense with the addition of LB Jon Beason and filled gaping holes in their run game by signing RB Rashad Jennings. Although they had a productive offseason, it may not be enough to score them a playoff spot.
13. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a strong run game by default with RB Adrian Peterson taking carries. However, a lack luster front 7 on the defense means that they wont be able to keep base with powerhouse NFC offenses. They have a roster with a lot of potential, but this isn’t their year.
14. Washington Redskins
It is difficult to know where to start when describing Washington’s weaknesses. The injury has clearly taken its toll on RG3, and he has abandoned his athleticism and sits in the pocket almost all game. With the exception of LBs Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo, the Washington defense cant stop anything. Sorry Washington fans, looks like another year of disappointment.
15. Dallas Cowboys
Before week 1 the Cowboys may have been in the 14 spot instead of their divisional rival Redskins. However, after their week 1 performance it looks like there is no hope for Dallas. The defense is essentially non-existent, letting the Niners have a complete field day week one. America’s Team may just be America’s worst this year.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs have nothing going for them. Their defense let in 19 last week against the Rams quarterback-less offense. Doug Martin, is a solid ball carrier but is currently battling a knee injury and the pass game just isn’t there. Tampa is a lot of changes away from competing for a title any time soon.
