2014 NFL Predictions

Once again we are at that special time of year, the Christmas Eve for every NFL fan.  A fresh new season is upon us and I am willing to throw out my annual NFL picks.  I really forget how many years I have been doing this I just know it has been a long time, basically since i got my cool helmet magnet board.  Just so you know I am pretty good at this, just check out how I did last year.  Yep, that's right, feel free to take these picks to Vegas.  Okay, last year I got two of the final four teams correct, which isn't too bad, but I did not get any in the Super Bowl.  I hope I can do better this year. And yes I know I need new helmet magnets for some of the teams with new designs.  I swear I'm working on it.

 AFC:

North

1. Bengals - This team is full of talent on both sides of the ball. There is no reason they can not come out on top of this division by years end.  
2. Steelers - Some may say they are done, but I think they may be on a come back.  With the young blood they have integrated into the roster and the same Steeler attitude they could get some wins.
3. Browns - This may be one of the surprise teams of the year. Unfortunately, in a tough division they are third, but at least it's not in the cellar.
4. Ravens - I just have no faith in this team.  They might not be last place, but they will not do much better.

South

1. Colts - Andrew Luck proved last year he can carry this team. With a weak division he will do it again.  Luck MVP?
2. Texans - Houston still has one of the best defenses and great athletes on offense.  But, with no real QB they will not go far.
3. Jaguars - I'm a believer in Blake Bortles.  Once he gets the start this team will turn it around.
4. Titans - Honestly, the Titans just bore me. After the Colts the rest of the teams could finish in any order.  

East

1. Patriots - I'm going to leave what I wrote last year here: Tom Brady is too good, Bill Belichick is too good, and this team is way better than their division.
2. Bills - Alright, the Bills have the right pieces in place for a good run this season.  Don't disappoint me or you will end up in Los Angeles!
3. Dolphins - In a close race for second place in the division Miami just falls short. I just hope it's not the QB.
4. Jets - Ahh the Jets, even when they do win ball games it seems like an accident.

West

1. Broncos - This is and easy one. The Broncos may go undefeated. 
2. Chargers - Turn back the clock to 2009 Rivers and the Chargers are back.  Only Peyton blocks their way to a division crown.
3. Chiefs - I think the Chiefs still have a solid team. Maybe a little fall back down to Earth is in order...maybe.
4. Raiders - Hang in there Raider fans they are just a couple years away from breaking through.  Are as tired as I am of hearing that?

NFC:

North

1. Packers - Aaron Rodgers leads the Pack into another division title, but the other teams are tightening the gap.
2. Lions - Still with the offense that could score a million points the Lions are always a threat and with a new coach to bring a little discipline into the mix this team could go far.
3. Bears - With a pretty good offense and a mediocre defense it will be a close divisional race, but I think the Bears may lack the fire power.
4. Vikings - This team could be the team no one sees coming and vaults them selves into the playoffs.  I, on the other hand, am going to play it safe and place them in this number four spot.  

South

1. Saints - Drew Brees and the Saints will be on a mission this year to get back to NFL royalty.  With a solid defense behind him Brees may be putting up record numbers this year.
2. Buccaneers - The new head coach is the best thing this team could have done.  With playmakers on both sides of the ball and now great leadership the sky is the limit.
3. Panthers - I don't think the Panthers helped themselves or Cam this offseason.  No real weapons on offense, it will be tough for their top ranked defense to always be on the field.
4. Falcons - The nightmare that was last season may continue for Matt Ryan. He will at least have his receivers back, but that defense looks frightening.  Tough to win games that way in this division.

East

1. Eagles - Alright, the Eagles surprised me and much of the league last year.  I think they can duplicate it and may be a little better.
2. Redskins - A healthy RG3 all year would be amazing for this team.  With a lot of speed on offense and a solid D they should put up a battle for first place.
3. Cowboys - Everyone is saying that this is the worst defense in the league.  And by everyone I mean Cowboys fans.  At least they won't lose it on the last week of the season this year, it will be much sooner.  Hey Tony...it's not your fault.
4. Giants - What's up with these guys. Sometimes they look like a professional football team and then other times they roll out the JV squad.  Nobody knows which team they will be.

West

1. Seahawks - The defending champs.  They seems to be the same dominating team, maybe some teams have found a weakness or two... or not
2. 49ers - Still one of the top teams in the NFL.  The 49ers will only go as far as Kaepernick can take them.
3. Cardinals - Quietly this was one of the better teams in the league last year. I expect more of the same in the toughest division.
4. Rams - No QB = no chance in this division.  They may have the best D-line in the league but who is behind them?

Playoffs

AFC Playoff Teams

1. Broncos - The regular season isn't the problem for this team.  Easy number one seed.
2. Patriots - Brady is able to collect the wins this year which will give his team a much needed first round bye.
3. Colts - The Colts have strong season but will just miss a week off in the first round
4. Bengals - In a tough division the Bengals get out on top but only to secure the last spot of the division winners.
5. Chargers - After a strong seasons Rivers and the Chargers take the number one wild card spot, and may even have a better record then their hosts in the wild card round.
6. Steelers - Well well, look who sneaks into the playoffs.  Watch out for this team they've been here before and can do damage.

NFC Playoff Teams  

1. Saints - After a dominating season, New Orleans is just able to lock up home field throughout the playoffs.
2. Seahawks - These birds apparently live and die by the 12th man.  I hope those hiccups during the season doesn't effect their shot at a repeat.
3. Eagles - The Eagles get another shot at home in the playoffs.  Will their style work in January is the major question.
4. Packers - Another fourth seed isn't too bad, home field is always a good thing.
5. 49ers - A strong wild card team faces a familiar task trying to run the table on the road.
6. Lions - A very respectful season is rewarded by an entry into the playoffs.  It will be a good experience for these players, especially if they win.

Wild Card Round

Chargers @ Bengals - Both teams go punch for punch, but it is the Chargers defense that forces the late turnover to help them advance.

Steelers @ Colts - The young Colts get taught a lesson by Big Ben and the Steelers.  The defense shows up to silence Luck and the Colts.

Lions @ Eagles - We get to see a track meet out here for one high scoring playoff game.  Eagles get a couple big plays on special teams that push them into the next round.

49ers @ Packers - Much like last year it will be close throughout the match.  The 49ers defense will hold strong and a late field goal will help San Francisco move on.

Divisional Round

Chargers @ Patriots - Rivers and the Chargers face a familiar playoff foe in Brady and the Patriots. Rivers leads his team to a late lead and the defense shuts the door on a Brady come back.

Steelers @ Broncos - There are no surprises here these teams know each other well.  The fire power of Manning and the Broncos are too much for the Steelers, and the Broncos go on to host another Championship game.

Eagles @ Seahawks - The 12 man comes in loud and proud plus the great Seattle D is bigger and faster than the Eagles high flying offense.  Seattle cruises to a victory and on to consecutive Championship games.

49ers @ Saints - The immovable object faces the unstoppable force.  The home field advantage helps the Saints get a huge win in a low scoring game.

Conference Championship

Chargers @ Broncos - I love when Championship games are played against divisional rivals.  It has a more personal feel to it.  Both know each others weakness and how to exploit them.  The Chargers take a half time lead but are unable to hold as Manning leads the comeback to go back to the Super Bowl.

Seahawks @ Saints - A playoff rematch from last year.  This time the Saints having their own 12th man advantage.  Seattle just isn't the same on the road against premier teams.  Brees is able to find holes in the Seahawk secondary and they are able to knock off the champs.

Super Bowl XLIX

Broncos vs Saints - Manning gets his Super Bowl rematch against the Saints.  Manning and Brees put on a show out in the Arizona desert.  With two 400 yard passing QBs on sports highest stage the NFL is loving this match up.  With each team nearing 40 points each it is the Broncos Von Miller who causes a fumble and returned by TJ Ward for a touchdown to seal the game late in the 4th quarter.  The Broncos get their Super Bowl redemption.  And for the first time ever the NFL names co-Super Bowl MVPs.  With nearly a combined 1000 yards and 9 touchdowns passing Brees and Manning share the honor.

Denver is finally able to celebrate another Super Bowl victory.  With all the emotion in the locker a tearful Peyton Manning announces his retirement going out on top just like the man who brought him to Denver did.  Five years later Manning is in the Hall of Fame.

Alright, that's my opinion. What do you think? I know you wanna say something...

2013 NFL Predictions

Every year right before the first game of the NFL season I like to make my picks on where every team will end up in the standings.  I have been doing this for five or six years. I have gotten it right once, the Packers in 2010.  Just about every year I have at least gotten one team right that made it to the Super Bowl. It turns out I'm good at picking Super Bowl losers, but I think its good I at least get close.  So, for the first time being on a blog I present to you my 2013 NFL picks

 AFC:

North

1. Bengals - I believe Hard Knocks will do these guys right. With a great defense and a balanced offense this team is ready to take the next step.
2. Ravens - Ever heard of a Super Bowl hangover? This team has lost their identity on defense and with money already in the bank Flacco may take a small step back.
3. Steelers - A lot of big names still on the roster but they are names that have been around for a while.  I feel this team will have a tough time integrating old vets with the new youth.
4. Browns - A lot of young talent here. A tough division to break threw, but this may be the last year they are on the bottom looking up.

South

1. Texans - The best talent in the division hands down. Really there is no other team ready to take the top spot from them yet.
2. Colts - Last seasons was unbelievable for this team. I don't think lightning will strike twice. But with Luck anything can happen. (Did you see what I did there?)
3. Titans - Other then Chris Johnson can you name anyone else. Well there's Jake Locker, but he isn't ready to lead the team yet.
4. Jaguars - Well they got cool uniforms.  Their super stars are wearing down and then there is Blaine Gabbert...Tim Tebow anyone?

East

1. Patriots - Tom Brady is too good, Bill Belichick is too good, and this team is way better then their division.
2. Bills - There should be a good offense for the Bills this year.  Lets see if they have a defense to back it up.
3. Dolphins - New uniforms. Nice. At least they are not the Jets.
4. Jets - Really this is the biggest joke in all of sports right now. They can't make up there mind on which quarterback to throw interceptions to start for them. Their coach is a lame duck. Basically everyone from the owner on down is just a screw up. It's not the players fault they suck

West

1. Broncos - Fool me once Peyton, but not this time. Take a great offense plus a good defense then times that by a weak division equals a run away for the division crown. (Sorry for the algebra.)
2. Chiefs - I'm buying into to this crazy idea that the Chiefs will be good. Alex Smith has turned his career around and he also has a young pro bowl caliber weapons to use. Plus the defense really isn't that bad.
3. Chargers - It just looks like there is a lack of talent then usual out there. This team will fight every game, but I feel this is not their year.
4. Raiders - Hey, Pryor could be the surprise of the year! But probably not. It will be another long year for the black hole.

NFC:

North

1. Packers - High powered offense  will still leave the others in their wake.
2. Lions - Another high powered offense trying to replicate the Packers. But the student is not quit ready to become the teacher.
3. Vikings - Love the new uniforms guys. AP is not enough to win games in this league. Work on the quarterback spot and sure up that defense. See ya next year.
4. Bears - Should not have fired Lovie Smith. I'm not sure what to expect. There should be close fun games if nothing else.

South

1. Falcons - The offense is back and they added Steven Jackson. Yea, that's all I need to hear.
2. Buccaneers - The Bucs have created a "no fly zone" in their secondary, which was there weakest spot. Josh Freeman, I believe will make that leap and join the other good young quarterbacks in his era.
3. Saints - Sure they have Drew Brees, he is great! But now they have Rob Ryan as their Defensive coordinator and his track record isn't that great.
4. Panthers - Everyone wants Cam Newton to lead this team to greatness. Well Carolina, give him some offensive weapons. The defense should be solid but Cam can't do it all on offense.

East

1. Cowboys - Every few years or so they get it together and win a division. Here you go Dallas I think it's your turn.
2. Giants - A revamped defense will do this team right. Eli is as consistent as they come. It will be a little bounce back year.
3. Redskins - The coaching staff I fear will run RGIII into the ground. Back down to reality for this team this year.
4. Eagles - The offense will be fun to watch. The defense will...well...the offense will be fun to watch.

West

1. 49ers - This team had the ultimate prize within their grasps last year. They haven't forgotten it. They are on a mission to get back to the top.
2. Seahawks - A great all around team. Any other division they would be top dogs. Too bad they share the division with a slightly better team.
3. Rams - The youngest team in the league has a lot to learn this season.  They have a lot of talent and a great coach. It should be fun being a Rams fan.
4. Cardinals - I just feel bad that one of the greatest receivers of the game has to waste away in the desert. Lets see if the co-coach of the year last year can help. I hope for Larry's sake.

Playoffs

AFC Playoff Teams

1. Broncos - Easy walk right to the number 1 seed
2. Texans - Just like the Broncos, the Texans weak division allows them to rack up the win to a first round bye.
3. Patriots - Good enough to take the division but not to secure a bye.
4. Bengals - A well earned and hard fought season is rewarded by a home playoff game.
5. Ravens - The defending champs wont go away that easy. Ravens make it to the playoffs for a sixth straight year as a wild card.
6. Chiefs - A magical season for the Chiefs gets them back to the playoffs.

NFC Playoff Teams  

1. 49ers - The number 1 seed in the playoffs is just one of the goals.
2. Falcons - The offense sells tickets but their defense propels the Falcons to a first round bye.
3. Cowboys - Jerry Jones and company can relax a bit and enjoy a home playoff game.
4. Packers - A fourth seed but still a dangerous team to see in the playoffs.
5. Seahawks - I'm sure in any other division they would have a home playoff game.
6. Lions - The Lions figure out a winning formula and sneak into the playoffs.

Wild Card Round

Ravens @ Bengals - Bengals air attack is no match for the Ravens and the Bengals get a late 4th quarter win

Chiefs @ Patriots - The bright lights are too much for the Chiefs and the Patriots get an easy win.

Lions @ Cowboys - The magical season for the Lions continues as Tony Romo does his version of a Romo bomb. A late interception seals the fate of the Cowboys.

Seahawks @ Packers - The Seahawks defense is too much for the Pack and with no D in Green Bay the Seattle offense gets by with the win.

Divisional Round

Patriots @ Texans - Houston is finally ready to take the next step. The defeat a worn down Patriots team and advance to their first ever conference championship.

Bengals @ Broncos - Brocos come out hot and take an early lead, but then the Bengals D takes over and causes Manning to have another playoff flop. Andy Dalton helps with a couple of touchdowns and the Bengals win it on a last second field goal.

Seahawks @ Falcons - A rematch of last years divisional round. This time the Seahawks get the late game winning drive to stun the crown in Atlanta.

Lions @ 49ers - The 49ers are too strong for the Lions as the defense dominates the night.  Kaepernick gets an old friend back in Crabtree and gets him a touchdown. The 49ers make it three in a row and get to the conference title game.

Conference Championship

Bengals @ Texans - For the third year in a row the Bengals and Texans meet in Houston for a playoff game. This one having more at stake. The Bengals are wiser this year and have learned from their mistakes from the past two years, besides the Texans are always hurt this time of year. Lightning doesn't strike a third time and the Bengals move on to their third Super Bowl.

Seahawks @ 49ers - To many around the league this is the title game. Arguably to two best teams in the league face off for a third time this season.  They know each other to well so its just strength versus strength, pure talent versus pure talent. The home team once again get a win from a quarterback bootleg for a touchdown that crushes the Seahawks.  The 49ers are going back to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl XLVIII

49ers vs Bengals - This is the Bengals third Super Bowl, and for the third time the face the 49ers.  The game is played in New Jersey in Febuary, it's snowing and nasty.  The Bengals pass offense with A.J. Green is slowed down and the 49ers front line are able to shut down the running attack for the Bengals. The Bengals cannot locate the ball in the 49ers read options. Kaepernick with two touchdown passes to Vernon Davis, runs his way to a Super Bowl MVP.

The 49ers don't mess around this time. The whole team shows up and they get a complete game out of every position. Glory is restored to the NFL as one of its most cherished franchises is back atop the mountain.

Alright, that's my opinion. What do you think? I know you wanna say something...