Summer has come to a close and we all know what that means: The NFL is back baby. Basketball and baseball are fun to watch, but let’s face it, there’s nothing like football on Sunday. There is just something about inviting your whole dorm over to watch grown men destroy each other that is oddly refreshing. Before you wear your team colors, grab your popcorn and plop down in front of your plasma screen, read this guide for the upcoming season.
Let’s start things off by talking about the burning question on everybody’s mind: Which team will be crowned Super Bowl Champion by season end? I’m placing my bets on the Kansas City Chiefs. All joking aside, this year is going to be a tough race. Baltimore, the defending champions, will seek to repeat without their fearless leader Ray Lewis who retired this past summer. Meanwhile, New England will look to win with Tom Brady and his highly experienced receiving core (sarcasm) and the Denver Broncos will aim to avoid choking in the playoffs–again.
Just like every other season, this year will be filled with excitement, drama and plenty of juicy matchups. Here is Minaret Sports’ division by division breakdown for this year.
AFC East Winner: New England
What a mess. The New York Jets have yet another quarterback controversy, the Patriots lost half their offense, the Bills finally have a glimpse of hope at the quarterback position and the Dolphins are, well, the Dolphins. While it won’t be as lopsided as it has been in previous years, the Patriots should still be able to take this division with ease.
AFC North Winner: Baltimore
I’m sorry Cleveland, but the Browns aren’t quite playoff caliber yet–hey, at least the Indians are playing well this year. It’s not too often that the Steelers miss the playoffs, so I expect them to bounce back and make a splash this year. Ben Roethlisberger will be more comfortable with Todd Haley’s offensive game plan, and the Steeler defense will go back to doing what it does best: shutting down high-powered offenses. Cincinnati and Baltimore both made the playoffs last year, but the Ravens are still the clear favorite. Assuming they stay healthy, Baltimore should have no problem making another run at the Super Bowl.
AFC South Winner: Indianapolis
Yes, I’m picking the Colts over the Texans. Why? Andrew Luck. Luck dazzled last year and brought the Colts back to life after a dismal season the year prior to his arrival. Head Coach Chuck Pagano’s inspiring recovery from cancer last year truly propelled the Colts to rally as a team. Now that Pagano is back on the sidelines, I expect the Colts to nab this close divisional race.
AFC West Winner: Denver
This division has been the Broncos to lose for a while. Oakland, San Diego and Kansas City are all mired in mediocrity and don’t pose as major threats to Peyton and the boys. The road might not be so simple for the Mile High crew, though. Defensive beast Elvis Dumervil bolted for Baltimore and young superstar Von Miller will be lost for the season’s first six games after a performance enhancing drug suspension. Not to mention that KC and Oakland significantly upgraded their quarterbacks. The Chiefs quarterback is Alex Smith and the Raiders is Matt Flynn.
NFC East Winner: Washington
This is by far one of the most interesting divisions this season. I hesitate to pick Washington because much of their success depends on the health of Robert Griffin III and his productivity. Nonetheless, I believe Washington will snatch this repeatedly interesting divisional race through a potent running game and smart coaching. As far as the other teams go, here are my predictions: The Giants will do their usual routine of inching their way to the playoffs and miraculously playing well once the postseason starts. The Cowboys really haven’t changed much, and until they do change, I don’t foresee any imminent greatness. The Eagles are certainly still rebuilding, but perhaps Chip Kelly will find a way to resurrect the old Mike Vick and bring success in his first year.
NFC North Winner: Green Bay
Cheeseheads, rest easy. After a disappointing loss to San Francisco in the playoffs last year, I see Green Bay doing big things this season. Ryan Braun may have mired your state in pro sports shame, but fear not! A man called Aaron Rodgers still holds the role of quarterback on your beloved Packers and will restore the great name of Wisconsin once again. Yes, the road will be tough. These teams are loaded with offensive talent. It will be no chore trying to stop the likes of Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte and Megatron, aka Calvin Johnson.
NFC South Winner: Atlanta
I want to pick the Bucs. I really do. In fact, I don’t think you realize how much I want my hometown team to crawl out of the hole they’ve dug themselves in the past few years. However, I can’t turn my back on the Atlanta Falcons, a team that hasn’t been in a hole in the past couple of seasons. The “Dirty Birds” have been dominant under the guise of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Roddy White. They fell one possession short of wrapping up a ticket to the Super Bowl last year. Also, the New Orleans Saints are expected to make a splash in this division. While I don’t see them winning the division, I expect Drew Brees and Co. to bounce back from a forgettable season last year and at least grab a Wild Card spot. Sean Payton is back, so anything can happen.
NFC West Winner: Seattle
I know, I know. San Francisco is normally a shoe-in for this pick, but I have to go with my gut on this one. Seattle is such a loveable team and dazzled in the postseason last year. They have an amazing home stadium and fans, an underrated QB and the league’s top defense. Regardless of who wins, this division is exceptionally fun to watch. Colin Kaepernick (49ers) and Russell Wilson (Seahawks) are two of the game’s most prolific option-read quarterbacks and are only entering their second year as starters. The Rams & Cards will certainly show improvement, but at the moment the ‘Niners and Seahawks are the teams to watch.