DOL NFL Predictions

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Yeah, yeah, I know the season technically started last night but I've been busy and never got a chance to make my NFL preview/predictions blog. The Broncos and Panthers may have played last night but it's not really gonna change much for my predictions. Anyways, lets start with the NFC.
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NFC West: 

After being a laughing stock for like a decade the NFC West is now one of the premiere divisions in the NFL. The Seahawks and 49ers have both made Super Bowl appearances over the last 5 seasons, and last year the Cardinals went 13-3. Nuts to think that in 2010 a 7-9 team won this division. Now that will get you third place. Even the Rams are always a tough out. 

4. San Francisco 49ers 

As for impacting the rest of the NFL, the 49ers are irrelevant other than this whole Kaepernick saga. I'm just so over it I don't care for either side anymore, it's been like 2 weeks can we just move on? The talent on this roster sucks & 49ers have 0.00% chance of making the playoffs this year. Chip Kelly on paper should be a great fit because Kaepernick is the perfect Chip Kelly QB. At least he was in 2012-13. Now Kaep is washed up and can't even start over Blaine Gabbert. So crazy to me how quickly this team went from one of the NFL's best to one of the worst in like 18 months. Over 6 wins would shock me.

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3. Los Angeles Rams

Rams are very intriguing to me this season. While it's probably just because they were on Hard Knocks, I do think they could be a playoff team this season. The Rams have had a solid defense for what seems like the last 4 or so years but have never had anything offensively. Todd Gurley is a legit running back in the NFL and has serious potential to be a top 3 back seasons end. Rams success however like most teams is going to be all about the QB. Whether it's Case Keenum or #1 pick Jared Goff, the Rams only chance to squeak by the Seahawks or Cardinals is by getting legit production from the QB position, something they haven't had since Marc Bulger and that in like 2003. Rams ceiling is probably divisional round, but this team should be able to do what all Jeff Fisher teams do, and win at least 7 games.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Despite many injuries last year, the Seahawks still went 10-6 and won a playoff game (thanks to Blair Walsh) Even with Marshawn Lynch retired (although he's already talking comeback) they are still a top NFC team, and they could very easily win this division, I just think the Cards are hair better right now. Wouldn't be shocked if the Seahawks were like 12-4 and back in the Super Bowl. As corny as Russell Wilson is, he's also a great QB and will always have the Seahawks in the hunt. Hope they don't make the playoffs, but I have a brain and know they will.

1. Arizona Cardinals

I think Arizona is the best all around team in the NFL. They remind me a lot of last year's Bengals in the fact that they have great talent but questions at QB. Yes even though he threw for 35 TD last year I still don't trust Carson Palmer in a big game. He got extremly luckly last year against the Packers in the playoffs, and then had the worst game ever against the Panthers in the NFCCG. I love Bruce Arians and a lot of guys on this team. Wouldn't be mad seeing them win it at if it had to be a team that isn't my Patriots. 

NFC South:

This division is irrelevant. Don't even want to waste my time writing about it but here we go. 

4. Atlanta Falcons

Biggest fraud in all of sports is Matt Ryan. Don't let anybody on earth tell you Matt Ryan is a good Qb because that is a lie. 1 career playoff win, and the king of losing me money last year. Matt Ryan loves to throw redzone picks, I'm pretty sure that's what he majored in at BC. After starting 5-0 the Falcons died and went back to reality, while they have one of the best WR in the league with Julio Jones, it's Matt Ryan throwing him the ball. Expect at least 5 red zone INT from Matty Ice this year. 

3. New Orleans Saints

I like Drew Brees and Sean Payton, but the last two years the Saints have been a major disappointment. Pretty sure they still have nobody on defense. Don't care about this division. Saints have 6-8 wins written all over them.

RIP Will Smith

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I'm a big Jameis guy, liked a lot of what I saw from him last year.. Offensively I like what this team has going on, can't lie though, no idea on defense. Whatever, I think Jameis shows out and has this team on the verge of the playoffs, like 8th place in the NFC. 9-7 could happen.

1. Carolina Panthers

As for now, they are still the best team in this division. I don't expect nearly as good of a record this season, somewhere around 11-5. but that should be plenty  good enough to win this division. Still don't understand letting Josh Norman go but whatever, they did it. Wouldn't be shocked however if this team had a big super bowl hangover. Still don't think Cam is very polished as a passer. When I watch him I don't see a ton of accuracy, dude just has a rifle for an arm.ww

NFC North:

It sucks Teddy Bridgewater got hurt, I really like his game a lot and thought this year the Vikings would take the next step. Sucks that fanbase had it robbed from them, but let's be honest, I'm sure the Vikings would've found a way to screw it up. I feel like the Bears and Lions are the same team. They are interchangeable at this point. 

4. Chicago Bears

Look I have no issues with the Bears, I think Cutler is the man even though he's not very good. Talent wise Bears roster just isn't that good. But John Fox is there and he will somehow make this awful team look not so awful. Still don't think they come anywhere close to the playoffs.

3. Minnesota Vikings

I understand panicking after losing your franchise QB, but a 1st and 4th for Sam Bradford my be the worst trade in NFL history. I think it's a lost year in Minnesota. 7-9 city. 

2. Detroit Lions

After making the playoffs in 2014, the Lions disappointed greatly to start the season. They turned it around after making a change at offensive ocordnator. Jim Bob Cooter may have a ridiculous name, but even without Calvin Johnson this year I still expect the Lions to sling it. Matt Stafford is a gunslinger, never know what you're getting but I think the Lions make some noise this season and possibly sneak into a wild card spot but gun to my head they miss the playoffs.

1. Green Bay Packers

Packers got bit by the injury bug pretty hard last year. Now Jordy Nelson is back, and while the entire defense is on steroids, it's still the Packers. You know as long Aaron Rodger is healthy that they'll be fine. Aaron Rodgers will be Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be a 10-13 win team.

 

NFC East:

Always the toughest division to handicap, I have no idea what to expect. I could go 4-4 or 0-4 on division picks and neither would shock. Actually that's not true, we can all pencil in the Eagles at 4.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

New coach, new QB, expect growing pains in the city of brotherly love. 

3. New York Giants

New coach in NY as well. Well sort of new, it's their offensive coordinator from last year. Lot of talent offensively, but I still think there's too many question marks on defense. Eli and Odell may put up some crazy numbers, but I don't expect a ton of wins.

2. Dallas Cowboys 

LOVE Zeke Elliot. Think he's gonna have a monster year. Dak looked legit in the preseason. Cowboys will probably go 4-12 and make me look stupid for putting them here but whatever this doesn't matter.

1. Washington Redskins

NFC East teams never win the division back-to-back years so this pick from the jump is stupid. That being said I really like Kirk Cousins as an NFL QB, I think he'll keep them in the hunt in a very competitive NFC East. Again I think 3-4 teams in the division have a legit chance to win it.

AFC:

​AFC West:

AFC West has 3 teams with legit playoff hopes. Sorry Chargers. I'm very interested to see how things play out. Are the Raiders back or are they still a year away? What can we expect from the defending Super Bowl Champion Broncos? Will Andy Reid learn how to manage the clock?

4. San Diego Chargers

Love Phillip Rivers but this team is just not talented enough to be a playoff contender. Sucks they're leaving SD too most likely. 

3. Denver Broncos

Even after squeaking out a win last night I'm still not sold on Denver. They could very well make the playoffs again on the backs of this defense and the Seimien kid didn't look terrible last night. I have them in 3rd more so because I think the next two teams are the real deal, more so then just bashing the Broncos. 

2. Oakland Raiders

Raiders took a step in the right direction last season. Another year of Carr and Cooper I think the Raiders end their playoff drought this season.  They need a new stadium in Oakland too. It's a shame they're gonna lose the Raiders again.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

I don't like the Chiefs chances this year,  I love them. I think 1-53 the Chiefs are one of the deepest teams in the NFL. I'm a Pats fan and obviously want them to make the SB, but KC scares me a lot. I think this year they shine, after stringing together a 11 game win streak last year. Don't be shocked if the Chiefs win the AFC.

​AFC South:

I think the AFC South is one of the most interesting divisions in football. Going into last year it looked as if it wasn't going to be the Colts division again for the next 5 years or so. Then Andrew Luck went down and it opened the door for the Texans. The Texans who replaced Brian Hoyer at QB, now have Brock Osweiler (who I still don't fully believe) which is a clear upgrade from Hoyer. Do the Jags take the next step forward after showing last year that offensively they can hang with almost anybody?

4. Tennessee Titans

I like Mariota a lot, I just think this team as a whole is a little ways a way from being a playoff contender. I do like the future of this team, and think the backfield of Murray and Henry will cause problems, just as a whole Titans are still years away. 

3. Indianapolis Colts

Andrew Luck is back but will he be 100%? Defensively this team cannot stop anybody. At least they have a great punter. Colts probably will still win this division but I sure hope not. I think Pagano is gone after this year if the Colts miss the playoffs again.

2. Houston Texans

Texans will be better offensively with Brock, and the addition of Lamar Miller. They could win this division easily with this defense. I just think all 4 of these teams will beat up on each other. I don't think you can sleep on the AFC south anymore. Texans are weird because last year they were fake good and just replaced a terrible QB with an okay one. No idea really what to expect here, any total between 5-11 wins wouldn't blow my mind. Also am I the only person who despises their uniforms? Soooooo boring and ugly.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Love Blake Bortles. Great WR. Added a legit 20 carry a game back in Ivory. I loved their draft. Improved a lot on D, and have their #3 pick from last season Dante Fowler Jr returning from injury. Going all in with the Swaguars. 

​AFC North:

I know I've said it for like three other divisions, but I think the North is wide open. Bengals and Steelers are the two best teams but you cannot count out the Ravens, especially with Flacco back. Even when they were losing with him last year they were all very close games. Even the Browns, who knows? New coach, and maybe RG3 can save his career. 

4. Cleveland Browns

The other 3 teams in the division are too good to try and get cut and think the Browns will be good this year. I feel like this happens every 3 years, new coach, new QB, time to get excited in Cleveland, then it's 4-12.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Love the addition of Weddle for this defense. Flacco and Steve Smith are back as well. Ravens could finish in 3rd with 10 wins. 

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals will make the playoffs and lose their Wild Card game again. Do we even need them to play out the season? We all know that is what's coming.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers may be the most talented team in the NFL offensively  over the last 3 seasons. However due to injuries and suspensions they have not been able to have their entire squad of playmakers on the field at the same time. If they can get into the playoffs with a loaded gun they're a scary team. On paper 2nd best team in AFC IMO. 

AFC East:

Even without Brady for 4 weeks I still think this is the Patriots division, as it has been for 15 years. However the other 3 teams, despite their flaws, all could find a way to sneak into the playoffs.

4. Miami Dolphins

I'm never going to believe in this team until they give me a reason to, and they haven't yet. Tannehill is a bum at the end of the day as well.

3. Buffalo Bills

We can hype up the Bills all we want but at the end of the day they're the Bills. Even if they miraculously make the playoffs they are not a legit contender. Although I'm sure Bills would sign up for a loss in the Wild Card round right now. Rex and Rob are probably out after this year if this season doesn't end with a playoff appearance, unless the Bills win like 10 games.

2. New York Jets

Lot of drama with Fitzy this off season but he's back. As well as most of the key pieces of last year's 10-6 team. Jets will be just good enough to give their fans hope, but not good enough to make the playoffs. Fuck this scumbag franchise and it's loser fans. 

1. New England Patriots

Even without Brady as long as the Pats go 2-2 they'll be fine. Most talented defense they've had in years. This year is all about staying healthy and keeping Brady protected, as we saw last year, those two issues were the Pats demise. 12-4 again yawn. I'm gonna officially say 13-3 though.

​Playoff Predictions:

NFC Seeds:

1. Green Bay Packers 13-3
2. Arizona Cardinals 11-5
3. Carolina Panthers 10-6
4. Washington Redskins 9-7
5. Seattle Seahawks 10-6
6. Los Angeles Rams 9-7

AFC Seeds:

1. New England Patriots 13-3
​2. Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
3. Kansas City Chiefs 11-5
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
5. Oakland Raiders 10-6
6. Cincinnati Bengals 10-6

Wild Card Round:

NFC: 

3 Panthers over 6 Rams
5 Seahawks over 4 Redskins

AFC:

3  Chiefs over 6 Bengals
​5 Raiders over 4 Jaguars

Divisional Round:

NFC: 

​1 Packers over 5 Seahawks
2 Cardinals over 3 Panthers

AFC:

​1 Patriots over 5 Raiders
3 Chiefs over 2 Steelers

Conference Championship:

NFC: 1 Packers over 2 Cardinals
AFC: 1 Patriots over 3 Chiefs

Super Bowl: 

Patriots over Packers

Awards: 

MVP: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack (Raiders)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliot (Cowboys)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Miles Jack (Jaguars)
Coach of the Year: Gus Bradley (Jaguars)
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson (Packers)