2015 NFL Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2015 NFL season.
*= Wild Card berth

AFC East
1. New England Patriots (11-5)- It is all well documented how DeflateGate played out (and there's still more to come) at this point. The Pats and Tom Brady are definitely going to out there with a lot to prove this season with a chip on their shoulder as they want to defend their Super Bowl title. The Pats offense remains pretty much intact other than the departures of Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley. Meanwhile, the secondary looks shaky due to the departures of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Kyle Arrington. The pass rush should improve with last year's first round pick Dominque Easley and the addition of Jabaal Sheard. Meanwhile, the AFC East has improved, but this is still the Patriots' division to lose because they are the defending Super Bowl champions and they have the best coach in the league and Brady's suspension has been overturned.

2. Miami Dolphins (8-8)- Many people expect improvement from the Dolphins, as well as I. Ryan Tannehill is only going to get better with new weapons around him such as first round pick DeVante Parker, trade acquisition Kenny Stills, and free agent signings Greg Jennings and Jordan Cameron. Lamar Miller is an underrated running back and expect good things from him. Something that may derail the Dolphins is their offensive line, which has been a weakness for awhile unless everyone is healthy since Brandon Albert is dealing with a knee injury this preseason. The defensive line will improve dramatically with the arrival of Ndamukong Suh and the pass rush is intact with Cameron Wake and Oliver Vernon. The linebacking core isn't great and there are holes in the secondary still. As I said at the top, I expect improvement, but I predict they fall a game or two short of a wild card because of their tough schedule against Super Bowl contenders and I think their a year (and perhaps a new head coach) away from making a leap as a franchise.

3. Buffalo Bills (7-9)- Out of Buffalo is Doug Marrone after opting-out of his contract with the Bills and in is former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. The talent is there for Buffalo but there's a major question mark at quarterback as Tyrod Taylor wins the starting quarterback job. Taylor does have some upside and breakout potential but I need to see it to believe it. LeSean McCoy is a big addition to that offense and the receiving core is intact with Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin, and Charles Clay. The strength of this Bills team is their defense. Stephon Gilmore leads what is a good secondary and the defensive line should be stout with Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams running the show while Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes will team up for a strong pass rush. If Buffalo had a quality and proven quarterback, than I would have predicted them to do better things.

4. New York Jets (6-10)- Out is Rex Ryan and John Idzik and in is Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan as new head coach and general manager. Like Buffalo, the quarterback position is their weakness as Ryan Fitzpatrick is their starting quarterback as Geno Smith broke his jaw thanks to his former teammate IK Enemkpali, who punched him in the jaw. The Jets running game should be better with Stevan Ridley and Zac Stacy joining Bilal Powell. Brandon Marshall joins Eric Decker to form a nice receiving duo. Second year tight end Jace Amaro is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Again, like the Bills, the Jets strength of the team is the defense. The defensive line is one of the best in the game and it got even better with Leonard Williams falling to their laps in the first round in last years draft. They have the talent to make a playoff push, hut they need better quarterback play and the offensive line needs to step up as well.

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)- Pittsburgh should be right up there in terms of contenders in the AFC. Expect a big season from Ben Rothlisberger although the team will miss the talented Le'Veon Bell for two games because of a drug suspension. Antonio Brown is one of the best receivers in the game and Rothlisberger also has Martavis Bryant and Heath Miller to catch passes from him as well. The offensive line took a big hit as it lost Maurkice Pouncey for some time with a lower leg injury. The defense is going to a bit of a transition period as the secondary looks a bit shaky, the pass rush needs to improve although first round pick Bud Dupree could provide some help. The linebacking core is intact with Lawrence Timmons, Cameron Hayward, and Ryan Shazier. Despite some issues on their defense, I believe their offense will power them to their second straight division title.

2. Baltimore Ravens* (10-6)- Baltimore, like Pittsburgh, should be a contender in the AFC this season. Joe Flacco had a great season last year and I expect him to have just as good as a year, if not, an even better year. Justin Forsett re-signed with the Ravens this offseason and he was an important part of the offense last season. The receiving core is very solid with the soon-to-be-retired Steve Smith Sr, rookie Breshad Perriman, who will replace Torrey Smith, and rookie tight end Maxx Williams, who'll replace Owen Daniels. The defensive line should be able to replace Haloti Ngata with Timmy Jernigan and they've got a strong pass rush duo in Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. The secondary isn't great by any stretch as Jimmy Smith is recovering from a foot injury. Expect Baltimore to make the postseason as a Wild Card team, although it wouldn't be a shock if they won their division.

3. Cincinnati Bengals* (10-6)- Cincinnati is one of the more polarizing teams in the league with Andy Dalton running the show and it's well documented with Dalton's four one-and-done's in playoff games. Dalton has a terrific supporting cast with running backs Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard and a receiving core of AJ Green, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones, and tight end Tyler Eifret. The defensive line should be great with the return of Geno Atkins and Michael Johnson, who was a bust with Tampa Bay last year, should be motivated to be back with the Bengals. The linebacking core is probably a weakness of the team but the secondary is pretty solid with players like Adam "Pac-Man" Jones and Darqueze Dennard. The Bengals should return to the postseason for the fifth straight season.

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)- Cleveland got off to a surprising 6-3 start last season only to finish with a 7-9 record overall. I don't see them replicating that as Josh McCown replaces Brian Hoyer as the starting quarterback and Johnny Manziel was a disaster last season on and off the field. This is a arguably the worst offense in football with unknowns at running back, Dwyane Bowe as it's number one receiver, who by the way didn't catch a touchdown pass with Kansas City last year. The strength of the team is the defense, which will keep them in some games with what should be improved run defense with Randy Starks and first round pick Danny Shelton. The secondary is fine with one of the leagues best corners in Joe Haden, Tashaun Gibson, free agent signing Tramon Williams, and safety Donte Whitner. Expect Cleveland to finish in the cellar yet again because their division opponents are significantly better offensively than they are.

AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)- When you got one of the leagues best quarterbacks in Andrew Luck, you know what your going to get from him in terms of stats. Luck's running game should be vastly improved with Frank Gore, although he's aging. The receiving core is great with Andre Johnson, TY Hilton, and first round pick Philip Dorsett. The offensive line isn't that great other than starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo. The defense is definitely the weakness of the team but it could be improved with Kendall Langford coming over from the Rams to help out the defensive line. The linebacking core is OK with Robert Mathis, and aging Trent Cole, and new trade acquisition Sio Moore. The secondary outside of Vontae Davis is pretty much a mess. This is definitely a contender in the AFC so it shouldn't be a surprise to see them in the hunt.

2. Houston Texans (8-8)- Bill O'Brien did a terrific job last season getting nine wins out of a quarterbacking trio of Ryan Fitzpatrick, who's season ended due to an ankle injury last season, Case Keenum, and Ryan Mallett. That's not only because of O'Brien, but it's also due to a terrific supporting cast. Arian Foster is out for at least the first month of the season with an injury. There's not much more receiving depth behind De'Andre Hopkins. The offensive line is quietly pretty good hut their defensive line is great because the best defensive player in football resides on that line in JJ Waat. Houston also needs Jadeveon Clowney to have a breakthrough season after a season-ending injury last season to help the linebacking core and Brian Cushing. Kevin Johnson should help in the secondary as well. This could be a playoff team if things break right, but the quarterback situation is shaky and there is better competition out there.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)- In what could be a make-or-break season for head coach Gus Bradley, the Jags look to improve on back-to-back 3-13 seasons. Second year Blake Bortles should improve after an inconsistent rookie season. Bortles has an improved supporting cast with running back Toby Gerhart, free agent signing Julius Thomas, who's out for the first month of the season with a finger injury, and receivers Marquise Lee, Allen Robinson, and rookie TJ Yeldon. The offensive line should improve the additions of center Stefen Wisniewski and tackle Jeremy Parnell, could be better as well but ultimately, that unit comes down to the disappointing Luke Joeckel. The Jags wanted big things from rookie Dante Fowler Jr, but he is out for the season with a torn ACL. That puts more pressure on the aging Chris Clemons as well as free agent signing Jared Odrick to boost the pitiful pass rush. Improved health should help the linebacking corps improve and safeties Jon Cyprien and Sergio Brown could be a promising duo. This is certainly a team heading in the right direction, but there are a few years away from contention.

4. Tennessee Titans (4-12)- Tennessee is looking to improve on last years 2-14 disastrous season. Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota has a bright future in this league but he has a lot of work to cut out for him in his rookie campaign. Bishop Sankey was a disappointment last season but at least Mariota has some intriguing weapons to throw to with Kendall Wright, former Falcon Harry Douglas, rookie Dorial Green-Beckham (should he stay out of trouble) and tight end Delanie Walker. The offensive line is a mess, though. The defense that the Titans fielded a year ago was awful and it should be better, partly because it may not be able to get any worse. Recently acquired Brian Orakpo should pair with Derrick Morgan but what would really help is a resurgent Jurell Casey. The entire linebacking unit returns which could spark improvement but who really needs to improve is the secondary as it was pitiful a season ago. I just think this is arguably the worst team in the league, despite having Mariota as their quarterback.

AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (11-5)- I don't know if there is another player in the league with more to prove than Peyton Manning. A lot of experts are writing him off after a poor finish to the season last season due to a quad injury and I believe he'll have a chip on his shoulder and prove everyone (for at least another season) that he can still put up the big numbers on a talented football team. New head coach Gary Kubiak's offense will take some pressure off of Manning and use the running game a lot, so expect CJ Anderson to have a productive year. Manning still has his weapons in Demaryus Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and second year receiver Cody Lamiter, who is a possible breakout candidate. Owen Daniels replaces Julius Thomas at tight end which is basically a wash because Manning gets a lot of his targets. The offensive line is a weakness due to some injuries, but the Broncos made a wise free agent signing in Evan Mathis. The Broncos defense should improve with Wade Phillips as the new defensive coordinator and his 3-4 scheme looks to be an excellent fit for Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. A strong pass rush always helps a secondary but the Broncos already have a good one led by corners Chris Harris and Aqib Talib. One player the team could miss on that side of the ball with Terrance Knighton leaving town to head east. Expect Denver to prove doubters that their still a contender and win the AFC West despite tough competition.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)- The Chiefs are one of the most underrated teams in the league. Alex Smith is a quality quarterback that can win you games, but has limitations. The Chiefs have an excellent supporting cast around Smith led by the talented Jamaal Charles. Jeremy Maclin reunites with his former coach in Andy Reid and he's an upgrade over Dwayne Bowe. Travis Kelce is a very good and underrated tight end in this league as well. The defense is terrific led by the terrific pass 
Prush of Justin Houston, and Tamba Hali and Dontari Poe is a terrific nose tackle. Getting full seasons from linebacker Derrick Johnson and lineman Mike DeVito would be beneficial. Rookie Marcus Peters should team with Sean Smith to form a strong cornerback duo but ultimately, the success of the defense will come down to health. I do think this could be a playoff team, but I feel that the division is too tough as well as their out of the division games.

3. San Diego Chargers (9-7)- The Chargers surprised some folks about a month ago when they signed quarterback Philip Rivers to a contract extension. Most rumors were out there that Rivers wanted out of San Diego around the draft so there were talks at the draft that the Chargers would trade him. Anyway, the running game has improved with the drafting of Melvin Gordon and an improved offensive line by bringing in guard Orlando Franklin and tackle Joseph Barksdale. The receiving core is great with Keenan Allen and a good tight end duo in Antonio Gates and Ladarius Green. The defense isn't great by any stretch, though. Eric Weddle is a tremendous player at the safety position but much of the defense's successes largely come as a result of coordinator John Pagano's schemes. The corners, Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett, are both pretty good but the defensive line and linebackers need to show some improvement. I do think the Chargers can make the playoffs but like the Chiefs, the division is very tough and their schedule isn't easy.

4. Oakland Raiders (5-11)- Oakland is certainly heading in the right direction, but it may be another few years. Derek Carr looked promising in his rookie season and he should be one of the more improved quarterbacks in the league. The running game is pretty much a weakness of this offense, despite the emergence of Latavius Murray. The receiving core is headlined by first round pick Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Andre Holmes, and tight end Mychal Rivera. The free agent signing of Rodney Huston will improve the offensive line and Carr with benefit from it. New head coach Jack Del Rio is a defensive guy and he has a franchise piece to work with on that side of the ball. Khalil Mack's rookie campaign was terrific and he has himself a big future ahead of him. The rest of the defense leaves something to be desired even after bringing in nose tackle Dan Williams and drafting FSU lineman Mario Edwards. As I said earlier, the Raiders have what looks to be a bright future, but it will be a few more years until they'll be contenders.

NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (11-5)- Dallas was arguably the biggest surprise in all of football last season when most people thought they would be a last place team, they turned out to go 12-4 and win the division. The biggest key to their success a year ago was having the best offensive line in football led by Tyron Smith, Travis Fredrick, and now second year guard Zack Martin. Tony Romo had one of the best years of his career last season and expect similar numbers again this year. The biggest loss of the offseason for Dallas was losing DeMarco Murray to the rival Eagles. Dallas will probably do a running back by committee featuring Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and recent trade acquisition Christine Michael. The receiving core is terrific led by Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, and tight ends Jason Witten and Gavin Escobar. The defense should be better this season with the return of Sean Lee coming off an ACL injury. It will also be important to see what domestic abuser Greg Hardy provides when he returns in Week 5 after a suspension for assaulting his former girlfriend. The defense also took a hit when cornerback Orlando Scandrick tore his ACL and is now out for the season. Expect Dallas to win the division for the second straight season with the Giants and the Eagles in the mix.

2. New York Giants* (10-6)- Pretty much every season there's a team that exceeds expectations and sneaks into the postseason and I believe this is the team. Eli Manning is in a contract year and I expect him to be motivated and to put up similar numbers to last season, if not, better. The running game should be improved with a healthy Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams, and an underrated free agent signing of Shane Vereen. The receiving core is one of the best in football with second year stud Odell Beckham Jr, Victor Cruz (who's currently dealing with a quad injury), Rueben Randle, and tight end Larry Donnell. The offensive line isn't good by any stretch, but it could improve with first round pick Erick Flowers. Will Beatty is out the first two months of the season with a pectoral injury. The defensive line isn't that good either but Jason Pierre-Paul finally saw the team after the well documented Fourth of July fireworks incident, but he isn't ready to come back yet. The secondary outside of Dominique Rogers-Cromartie isn't all that great either but rookie safety Landon Collins should help out. Despite some issues on the defensive side, Manning and the offense may just carry them to a Wild Card berth.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)- The Eagles are one of the more fascinating teams in the league. Chip Kelly is one of the finest coaches in this league and he should get a lot out of his new quarterback Sam Bradford, who is perhaps the biggest Wild Card in the league this season coming off back-to-back ACL injuries. The Eagles may have the best running game in the league with free agent acquisitions DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews joining Darren Sproles. The receiving core has seen some change with first round pick Nelson Agholor joining Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, and tight end Zach Ertz. Meanwhile, the defense isn't great by any means. What really sank the Eagles last season was a truly dreadful secondary so Kelly aggressively sought to remake it. They dedicated a lot of money to cornerback Byron Maxwell and while there is a nice risk with that, he should still provide an upgrade. I really liked bringing in Kiko Alonso and he should help provide a solid boost to Philadelphia's linebackers next to Mychal Kendricks. Connor Barwin should team with Brandon Graham to create a strong pass rush while a solid defensive line returns in full. This team could very well win the division if things break right, but Bradford must stay healthy and the defense has to step up.

4. Washington Redskins (4-12)- Washington is arguably the worst team in the NFL and the most dysfunctional franchise in all of sports. Kirk Cousins won the starting quarterback job over Robert Griffin III and Cousins is a hit-or-miss type of quarterback. The running game is fine with Alfred Morris and the receiving core is solid with DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garçon, and tight end Jordan Reed. Washington lost tight ends Niles Paul and Logan Paulsen to injuries so their on the IR. The offensive line isn't good outside of Trent Williams, but first round pick Brandon Scherff should help. The defense is among the worst in football. Chris Culliver should be an upgrade at corner but it is still a question as to who will be opposite him. Terrance Knighton will be an upgrade at the nose if he can control his weight and he can help Jason Hatcher play well too. Beyond those two and Ryan Kerrigan, there is not a huge amount to be inspired by defensively. Expect Washington to finish in the cellar of the division for the third straight year.

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (11-5)- Despite the loss of talented receiver Jordy Nelson, this is Super Bowl or bust for the Pack. Aaron Rodgers is the leagues best quarterback and he should be right there in the MVP conversation. The running game is solid with Eddie Lacy and the offensive line remains the same. The receiving core is fine (even without Nelson) with Randall Cobb, breakout candidate Davante Adams, rookie Ty Montgomery, veteran James Jones, and tight ends Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless. The Green Bay defense isn't great by any stretch but it is a unit that can get the job done. Clay Matthews will likely have to slide inside at linebacker again which isn't ideal but he was a boost there a year ago. Julius Peppers was very effective a season ago and if he can continue to do that as he gets older, that will be big. The secondary saw a number of draft selections this year including top pick Damarious Randall and he could provide an upgrade at nickel behind Casey Hayward and Sam Shields. The safeties, Morgan Burnett and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, are solid. Expect 
Pthe Packers to win the NFC North and be among the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)- Many people expect the Vikings to make a big leap and perhaps win the division. I believe they have a bright future and will be in the mix this season. Second year Teddy Bridgewater is poised to take his game to another level and Adrian Peterson is back and will have a chip on his shoulder. The reviving core is solid with Coradelle Patterson, new comer Mike Wallace, and the reliable tight end Kyle Rudolph. The offensive line needs to step up and Matt Khalil needs to bounce back from a dreadful season a year ago. Head coach Mike Zimmer is a good defensive coach and the defense should be solid again this season. First round pick Tray Waynes and Xavier Rhodes lead an up and coming secondary. The linebacking core is intact with Anthony Barr, who had a great rookie season and expect him to be better, Everson Griffin, who broke out last season with twelve sacks, and Sharrif Floyd is up and coming. Like I said earlier, I think the Vikings are on the rise and could make the playoffs this season, but a few things need to break right and they have a tough schedule.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9)- Detroit had a good season last year by going 11-5 and losing to the Cowboys in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. I feel their headed for a step backwards this season thanks to the free agent departures of Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley on the defensive line. They did make a trade for Haloti Ngata in the offseason from the Ravens but Ngata is not the same type of player as Suh. The linebacking core is still solid and the secondary is still intact. The offense was disappointing last season but should be the strength of this team with Matthew Stafford and his running game should be good with Joique Bell and rookie Ameer Abdullah. His receiving core is great with Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate, and tight end Eric Ebron must bounce back from a disappointing rookie season. The offensive line wasn't good last season other than Riley Reiff and Larry Warford. Like I said before, a step backwards is very likely.

4. Chicago Bears (5-11)- Chicago had a disastrous season last season and I'm not sure it will get better other than the new coaching staff. Jay Cutler was the scapegoat of last years dumpster fire season and he may be motivated with a new coaching staff and new head coach John Fox does seem to get a lot out of his players. Matt Forte is still in town and the receiving core has a little new look to it after trading away Brandon Marshall. Alshon Jefferey is still in town and first round pick Kevin White may not play this season due to injury. Martellus Bennett is still in town as well. The offensive line is still a question as well. The defense was just as big as a mess as Cutler was last season and new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has his work cut out for him. The Bears in a midst of a transition on defense and most of that part of the roster probably won't be here for the long haul. Expect the Bears to be in the cellar for the second straight year.

NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers (10-6)- Carolina is a solid team and they should finish on top of the division for the third straight year. Cam Newton always seems to get the most out of a relatively weak supporting cast (especially that Kelvin Benjamin is out for the season with a torn ACL). The running game consists of Jonathan Stewart and really nothing else. The reviving core took a hit with Benjamin's injury, but rookie Devin Funchess, Jerricho Cotchery, and tight end Greg Olsen should help. The offensive line dreadful and free agent pick up Michael Oher is among the worst offensive lineman in football. The real strength of the team is the defense and the terrific front seven. The Panthers never really replaced Greg Hardy, but Charles Johnson and Star Lotulelei are fine players. The secondary is OK but there are some aging guys such as free agent signing Charles Tillman and Roman Harper. This is the weakest division in the NFC perhaps and like I said! Carolina should win the division again.

2. New Orleans Saints (8-8)- The Saints were the most disappointing team in all of football last season as many people (including myself) picked the Saints to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Expectations are lower as Drew Brees is declining and the team traded away Jimmy Graham. CJ  Spiller and Mark Ingram form a solid running game and the receiving core resists of Marques Colston, Brandin Cooks, and not much else. The offensive line should be better with first round pick Andrus Peat and trade acquisition Max Unger, who was the return in the Graham trade. The defense was a mess last season and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has his work cut out for him again this season. Jarius Byrd and Kenny Vacarro must bounce back from dreadful seasons from last season and cap issues prevented them from improving the defensive line and linebacking cores. If things break right, the can win the division. But I don't see it, especially after trading away Graham.

3. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)- Out is Mike Smith after back-to-back disappointing seasons and in comes Dan Quinn. Matt Ryan has a pretty good supporting staff with Devonta Freeman leading the running game, the receiving core is great with the duo of Roddy White and Julio Jones, and a new acquisition in tight end Jacob Tamme. The offensive line has to be better, though. The defense is in a transition and it may be a year away until their competitive on that end. First round pick Vic Beasley will fit in Quinn's defense and help the defensive line. The secondary will be getting help with rookie Jalen Collins as well. The linebacking core needs some help as well. Like the Saints, if things break right, they can win the division. I just think they need to improve on the defensive end more.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)- The Bucs are looking to have a better season after a disastrous 2-14 season last season and because of that, they drafted Jameis Winston first overall in the draft during the spring. The running game remains the same with Doug Martin, Charles Sims, and Bobby Rainey. Winston has some receiving targets to throw to in Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson, and tight end Brandon Myers. The offensive line was among the worst in football, but it should be a bit better. The defense was bad last season, but there are some good players on that side of the ball in Lavonte David, who is the leader of the linebacking core and Gerald McCoy, who is the leader on the defensive line. The secondary is shaky at best, though featuring guys like newcomer Tim Jennings and Major Wright. I feel that the Bucs are heading in the right direction, but it will be a few years.

NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)- Despite losing the Super Bowl last season and dealing with some turmoil, this is still the best team in the league. Russell Wilson signed a contract extension and the team had to get that done. Marshawn Lynch signed a new contract this offseason and he's the focal point of this offense. Newcomer Jimmy Graham is perhaps the biggest and best move by any team this offseason and he'll make a major impact in this offense. Along with Graham, Wilson also has rookie Tyler Lockett, Jeramine Kearse, Doug Baldwin, and last years Super Bowl star Ricardo Lockette. The offensive line is a bit of a weakness since they traded away Max Unger for Graham. The defense is the strength of this team as always with the great defensive line of Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. The linebacking core is still intact with Bobby Wagner leading the way. The secondary known as the "Legion of Boom" took a bit of a hit when Byron Maxwell left in free agency and Kam Chancellor is holding out because he wants a new contract. At least Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas are still around and are big parts of what Seattle does. Expect Seattle to win the division for a third straight year.

2. Arizona Cardinals* (10-6)- Head coach Bruce Arians has done a terrific job since taking over the reigns in 2013. This is a very underrated football team and they should be in the mix again. Carson Palmer is returning after tearing his ACL last season and Palmer's injury sabotaged the Cardinals, even though Drew Stanton done a respectable job filling in until he got hurt. The running game should be fine with free agent addition Chris Johnson, perhaps a breakout of Andre Ellington, and rookie David Johnson. The receiving core is very good led by Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, John Brown, and tight end Jermaine Gresham. The offensive line is dealing with some injuries to free agent signing Mike Iupati, but that until should improve once Iupati is healthy. The defense is great as well, but the linebacking core took a hit since Daryl Washington is out with an injury. The secondary should be fine despite losing Antonio Cromartie with guys like Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Matthew, who is also coming off an injury. A guy they failed to replace was Dan Williams and his presence will be missed on the defensive line. It would be a mistake to count this team out again and I believe they'll pick up a Wild Card berth.

3. St. Louis Rams (7-9)- The Rams are a very interesting team this season and it looks to be a make-or-break year for head coach Jeff Fisher. They traded quarterbacks with the Eagles as they acquired Nick Foles for Sam Bradford. The running game should be good with first round pick Todd Gurley joining Isaiah Pead and Tre Mason. The receiving crop isn't great, but it consists of Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, and tight end Jared Cook. The offensive line should be better with Greg Robinson leading the way. The defensive line is the strength of this team led by Robert Quinn, Aaron Donald, Chris Long, and free agent acquisition Nick Fairley. They should set the tone for a not so great linebacking corp that features former first round pick Alec Ogletree and the secondary isn't good outside of Janoris Jenkins. The Rams could very well finish above .500 and sneak into the postseason but with a tough schedule, it would be asking for a lot.

4. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)- The Niners are bound to head for a dramatic decline and the cellar of the NFC West after having the most disastrous off season of any team in the leauge. Jim Harbaugh, who might win more games at Michigan this year than his successor, Jim Tomasula this season. Colin Kaepernick is still the quarterback and this is a make-or-break year for him. Frank Gore is gone so second year running back Carlos Hyde will get more playing time. The receiving core isn't terrible though with Anquan Boldin, free agent acquisition Torrey Smith, and tight end Vernon Davis leading the way. The offensive line could get ugly outside of left tackle Joe Staley, though. The defensive line and linebacking corps got dramatically worse with the departures of Aldon Smith, Patrick Willis, among others whether it was retirements or other reasons, but Navarro Bowman is back after an injury last season. The secondary is also a mess as well. Like I said, this is a ship that's about to sink and it will be shocking to see this team in the playoffs thanks to their bad offseason and a tough schedule.

Playoff Predictions

AFC Wild Card Round
(6) Cincinnati Bengals vs (3) Denver Broncos- This should be a fun matchup between two good teams in the AFC. Home field advantage, Peyton Manning, and a revamped defense will send Andy Dalton to 0-5 in playoff games.
Prediction: Broncos

(5) Baltimore Ravens vs (4) New England Patriots- A rematch of the AFC Divisional Round last season would be a fun one to watch. It would be enticing to pick the Ravens here, but the Patriots should prevail with home field advantage and Tom Brady making the big plays.
Prediction: Patriots

NFC Wild Card Round
(6) New York Giants vs (3) Dallas Cowboys- This should be a fun playoff matchup as what you can make a case is the leagues best rivalry enters another chapter. I expect Tony Romo to make the big throws to Dez Bryant to lead them to a win here at home.
Prediction: Cowboys

(5) Arizona Cardinals vs (4) Carolina Panthers- A rematch of last years Wild Card matchup and let's assume Carson Palmer is healthy for Arizona. Assuming Palmer is healthy, expect him and Larry Fitzgerald to make big plays in a low scoring games.
Prediction: Cardinals

AFC Divisional Round
(4) New England Patriots vs (1) Indianapolis Colts- A rematch of last seasons AFC Championship game should be fun with an improved Colts offense. A motivated Patriots team with a chip on their shoulder continue their winning ways against Andrew Luck and the Colts.
Prediction: Patriots

(3) Denver Broncos vs (2) Pittsburgh Steelers- A rematch of the epic Wild Card game from the Tim Tebow era in Denver, except it's Peyton Manning under center. Home field advantage will help Ben Rothlisberger and the Steelers get by Manning and the Broncos.
Prediction: Steelers

NFC Divisional Round
(5) Arizona Cardinals vs (1) Seattle Seahawks- A good division rivalry here in which should be a low scoring game. The 12th man, the defense, and Marshawn Lynch helps Seattle get by Arizona.
Prediction: Seahawks

(3) Dallas Cowboys vs (2) Green Bay Packers- Here we got a rematch of last years Divisional Round. Both teams will be missing key components in Orlando Scandrick and Jordy Nelson, respectively. Thanks to the "Bad Man" in the leagues best quarterback that is Aaron Rodgers and Lambeau Field, Green Bay takes the rematch.
Prediction: Packers

AFC Championship Game
(4) New England Patriots vs (2) Pittsburgh Steelers- This is one of the AFC's best rivalries we got here. Tom Brady plays well in cold weather, even on the road. Brady and the Pats knock off Big Ben and the Steelers in a close game to advance to their second straight Super Bowl.
Prediction: Patriots

NFC Championship Game
(2) Green Bay Packers vs (1) Seattle Seahawks- One of the leagues best rivalries here too as we have a rematch of last years NFC Championship Game. Despite not having Jordy Nelson, I believe Aaron Rodgers and Company are poised to knock off the Seahawks because of their motivation after losing to them in last seasons NFC Championship game and of course, the famous Fail Mary game.
Prediction: Packers

Super Bowl 50
(A4) New England Patriots vs (N2) Green Bay Packers- Ratings for this Super Bowl would be through the roof with two of the leagues elite quarterbacks in Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. The Patriots will miss free agent departures Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner as the Packers overcome Jordy Nelson's injury en route to their second Super Bowl title this decade.
Prediction: Packers