Your "In or Out"

[TonyTone1192]

As fans we get upset when we hear sports analyst give their account on their playoff scenarios when our team isn't given its due respect.

I'm interested in knowing what 12 teams you guys think will make the post-season for this upcoming season... here's mine.

NFC
1. Niners - IMO they are the most complete team in the league
2. Packers - they have the best QB in the game today & I expect their D to be healthier
3. Falcons - Difficult to beat in that dome and they might have the best arial attack next season
4. Giants - The NFC east is a funny division and I believe the Giants have the best chance at winning that division
5. Bucs - A young offense that is making strides in the right direction and they've got youth and talent on that defense especially in their secondary.
6. Seahawks - I had them out at first b/c of the PED's but Wilson got better each game last season and I don't expect him to have a sophomore slump.

AFC
1. Broncos - They play in the second weakest division in football (AFC east weakest) and they have a talented team.
2. Texans - A well balanced, well coached team playing in a very YOUNG division
3. Us - I expect us to have our hiccups w/ all of our loses but at the end of the day we'll be right where we want to be.
4. Dolphins - They added a lot in the off season and the Pats TE's might miss a good amount of football next year.
5. Bengals - They're like a watered down Texans team. Very scrappy, good defense and can score when needed.
6. Steelers - I don't expect them to have another 8-8 season, injuries hit them hard last year & Tomlin is a good HC

I know that I've stirred up a bit of controversy w/ some of my picks but in this game ANYTHING can happen. Let the debates begin...

[SeaHawk]

Anyone sleeping on the Seahawks will definitely have a wake up call this Fall.

[hawkprey]

In no real order...

AFC:

Ravens

Colts

Steelers

Broncos

Patriots

Texans

 

NFC:

Packers

Giants

49ers

Saints

Falcons

Cowboys

[GrimCoconut]

2013 AFC Playoff Teams: 

AFCN: Baltimore Ravens

I'm not going to go into this too much on a Ravens forum. I think everyone knows why. If not, just ask me and I'll explain. 

 

WILD CARD1: Pittsburgh Steelers

Not as weak as people think & their 2012 & 2013 draft picks should make an impact. Last year their draft class was kind of banged up. Getting DeCastro back & having Adams another year should make big improvements for their OL. Despite the loss of Wallace, I don't think they'll lose too much. I like their RB pick, and Dwyer & Redman are both good. Can't discount Big Ben and the LeBeau defense. They also were the 3rd seed in the division last year and thus play all 3rd place teams, which are the Titans (at home) & Raiders (in Oakland) in addition to the AFCE & NFCN. I really like their chances. 

 

AFCS: Tennessee Titans

Going to get flack here but I really like this Titans team. They built a great OL with Roos, Levitre, Velasco, Warmack & Stewart. It's actually really dominant. CJ2K & Locker should be able to run with this. They also boast one of the very best WR corps in the entire league from top to bottom. I think their OL can withstand JJ Watt, and they have a very good blocking TE in Walker who should do wonders. Their defense isn't as bad as people think, and it got better with the additions Gooden, Wreh-Wilson & Edwards. This division is pretty weak, but I like the Titans' chances here. I think they surprise people by beating the Texans. 

 

AFCE: Buffalo Bills

After thinking about this long and hard (and it wasn't easy) I'm going with the Bills and here's why: I think they're the most complete team in this division at this moment. They don't have Tom Brady, but they have a QB with potential in Manuel and a decent QB in Kolb who can possibly be a game manager with the OL the Bills have, which is very underrated. They have some good weapons on offense and I really like their defense. In terms of a blend of offense & defense, I like their team the best. It was close between the Dolphins and the Bills for me. I really wanted to go with the Dolphins and they may still surprise. I ended up not choosing the Dolphins because of the mess their OL is in right now. 

 

AFCW: Denver Broncos

I don't believe their losses are enough to knock them out of playoff contention, but losing Dumervil will hurt. Fortunately, they sacrificed their defense to improve their offense with Welker. They have a very good OL with Manning as a QB with a lot of potential & proven commodities at RB. Good TE, a good secondary, with a very good pass rusher in Miller and a nice DL makes them a good team this year. I think they will have struggles against the Chiefs, but the Raiders & Chargers will keep the Broncos ahead this year. 

 

WILD CARD: Kansas City Chiefs

Gosh, this was the hardest one. I really wanted to go with a few other teams for the WC spot, such as the Dolphins, Bengals, Texans, & Colts. They're all such good teams. Really, any of those teams could get the wild card. I'm going with the Chiefs because I like what they have in game manager Alex Smith and a very good OL with a great RB in Charles with Bowe & an awesome defense. Reminds me of the SF Niners to an extent. I think this team is very underrated to be perfectly honest. Reid knows how to make a QB look good, so I do like him here. 

 

I'll have to do NFC another time.

[JO_75]

This is early but will update for my final prediction before the season starts.

 

AFC:

 

Division Winners:

 

1) Broncos: Weak Division gives them easy division championship

 

2) Ravens: We will be there again, and if we can get past Denver the # 1 Seed should be ours considering the Patriots ongoing issues.

 

3) Colts: Let's face it, Matt Schaub will not lead Houston to the Super Bowl. Schaub and Johnson are aging, their defense is good but when the Patriots put 40+ on you twice(regular season and playoffs), you still have issues. Sorry Houston but now that Indy has Manning 2.0, say hello to the wild card all over again.

 

4) Dolphins: This is the only team who can truly take advantage of the Patriots having issues. Essentially the Pats offense has been neutralized and if Miami's off-season spending actually works, they can win the East.

 

Wild Card Winners:

 

5) Patriots: They always find a way, and as long as Brady is the quarterback they will find a way to sneak into the playoffs.

 

6) Titans: Almost went with the Chargers but I think Tennessee will be a better team. I think the offensive line upgrade for the Titans will surely make CJ0K come close to CJ2K and will take pressure off Jake Locker. CJ carries the Titans into the playoffs.

 

Just Missed:

Bengals

Texans

Chargers

Steelers

 

NFC

 

Division Winners:

 

1) Seahawks: I can see them getting the 1 or 2 seed this season and if they do, they will be even more dangerous in the playoffs.

 

2) Packers: Just like the Patriots, as long as Green Bay has Rodgers, they will find a way into the playoffs. Rodgers carried them to a bye by himself in 2011. 

 

3) Buccaneers: Hello NFC South Champions! Tampa represents the old school NFL and I love it! Doug Martin running it down the opponents throat, and on occasion Freeman throwing to Vincent Jackson to give Martin rest, deadly. Defensively, that secondary is scary. They need to improve up front but they will over come the Saints and Falcons to win the division. 

 

4) Redskins: This is with or without RG3. If RG3 can stay healthy, they may have a shot at a higher seed than 4. 

 

Wild Card:

 

5) Falcons: They won't be able to take over the division like in years past due to Tampa improving so much but sneak into the wild card.

 

6) Saints: Payton is back and Brees/Payton is the NFC version of Brady/Belichick. I think them moving to a 3-4 will hurt them this season defensively and they will be good enough for a wild card.

 

Just missed:

 

Vikings

Giants

[Gordo52]

AFC: Ravens,Broncos,Patriots,Texans,Titans,Bengals.

Just missed-Chiefs,Colts


NFC: 49ers,Giants,Falcons,Packers,Seahawks,Saints

Just missed-Buccaneers,Redskins,Bears.

[arnie_uk]

This is early but will update for my final prediction before the season starts.

AFC:

Division Winners:

1) Broncos: Weak Division gives them easy division championship

2) Ravens: We will be there again, and if we can get past Denver the # 1 Seed should be ours considering the Patriots ongoing issues.

3) Colts: Let's face it, Matt Schaub will not lead Houston to the Super Bowl. Schaub and Johnson are aging, their defense is good but when the Patriots put 40+ on you twice(regular season and playoffs), you still have issues. Sorry Houston but now that Indy has Manning 2.0, say hello to the wild card all over again.

4) Dolphins: This is the only team who can truly take advantage of the Patriots having issues. Essentially the Pats offense has been neutralized and if Miami's off-season spending actually works, they can win the East.

Wild Card Winners:

5) Patriots: They always find a way, and as long as Brady is the quarterback they will find a way to sneak into the playoffs.

6) Titans: Almost went with the Chargers but I think Tennessee will be a better team. I think the offensive line upgrade for the Titans will surely make CJ0K come close to CJ2K and will take pressure off Jake Locker. CJ carries the Titans into the playoffs.

Just Missed:
Bengals
Texans
Chargers
Steelers

NFC

Division Winners:

1) Seahawks: I can see them getting the 1 or 2 seed this season and if they do, they will be even more dangerous in the playoffs.

2) Packers: Just like the Patriots, as long as Green Bay has Rodgers, they will find a way into the playoffs. Rodgers carried them to a bye by himself in 2011.

3) Buccaneers: Hello NFC South Champions! Tampa represents the old school NFL and I love it! Doug Martin running it down the opponents throat, and on occasion Freeman throwing to Vincent Jackson to give Martin rest, deadly. Defensively, that secondary is scary. They need to improve up front but they will over come the Saints and Falcons to win the division.

4) Redskins: This is with or without RG3. If RG3 can stay healthy, they may have a shot at a higher seed than 4.

Wild Card:

5) Falcons: They won't be able to take over the division like in years past due to Tampa improving so much but sneak into the wild card.

6) Saints: Payton is back and Brees/Payton is the NFC version of Brady/Belichick. I think them moving to a 3-4 will hurt them this season defensively and they will be good enough for a wild card.

Just missed:

Vikings
Giants

49ers

[Cville-Raven]

Interesting to see how many are high on the Titans. Im not sold on Jake Locker at the moment one bit.  

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

alright then, here goes nothing:

 

AFCN - Ravens

AFCS - Texans

AFCW - Broncos

AFCE - Patriots

W1 - Bengals

W2 - Chiefs

just missed - Colts, Jets

 

NFCN - Packers

NFCS - Falcons

NFCW - 49ers

NFCE - Giants

W1 - Seahawks

W2 - Bears

just missed - Saints, Cowboys

[GrimCoconut]

Interesting to see how many are high on the Titans. Im not sold on Jake Locker at the moment one bit.

Nor I but I really lime their OL and RB situation.

[SteelersProphet]

alright then, here goes nothing:

 

AFCN - Ravens

AFCS - Texans

AFCW - Broncos

AFCE - Patriots

W1 - Bengals

W2 - Chiefs

just missed - Colts, Jets

 

NFCN - Packers

NFCS - Falcons

NFCW - 49ers

NFCE - Giants

W1 - Seahawks

W2 - Bears

just missed - Saints, Cowboys

what......the jets just missed, but the Steelers are no where on your list

 

theres no way the jets have a better season than the steelers

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

what......the jets just missed, but the Steelers are no where on your list

theres no way the jets have a better season than the steelers

 

i knew you'd come out and challenge this lol

my thinking here was that if ravens and bungals make it, it will be very hard for steelers to get in too, happened two years ago, but can't see it happening again; don't rate the bills, titans or chargers more than i like jets to bounce back to form, but just to miss out lol

[arnie_uk]

Miami have a better chance than the jets

[SteelersProphet]

i knew you'd come out and challenge this lol

my thinking here was that if ravens and bungals make it, it will be very hard for steelers to get in too, happened two years ago, but can't see it happening again; don't rate the bills, titans or chargers more than i like jets to bounce back to form, but just to miss out lol

worst case scenario which I don't see happening is that both the bengals and the ravens beat us twice.......that's 4 losses

 

the jets will lose at least twice to the patriots and probably at least one more to the other two teams......that's 3 losses

 

I think the Steelers do at least 2 games better during the rest of the schedule...the jets are terrible

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Miami have a better chance than the jets

 

i don't know about them yet - they look good on paper, but need to see how the team comes to play together

but if the jets make the move at QB sooner than later, then they could just make it on just missing out lol

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

worst case scenario which I don't see happening is that both the bengals and the ravens beat us twice.......that's 4 losses

the jets will lose at least twice to the patriots and probably at least one more to the other two teams......that's 3 losses

I think the Steelers do at least 2 games better during the rest of the schedule...the jets are terrible

 

steelers lost one to brownies last year, so yeah i see them losing four within the division next year

jets are terrible if they decide to keep sanchez at helm, if they don't then they could be a little bit better than average

pats won't be that good this season, see jets doing the split with them, then going two on the bills and splitting with the fins too

[Gordo52]

I've always really liked Jake Locker. I think he takes a huge step this year

[SteelersProphet]

steelers lost one to brownies last year, so yeah i see them losing four within the division next year

jets are terrible if they decide to keep sanchez at helm, if they don't then they could be a little bit better than average

pats won't be that good this season, see jets doing the split with them, then going two on the bills and splitting with the fins too

losing to the browns is a rare and freak occurrence.....and we didn't have ben for that game

 

but you think the jets are going to be much better than I do lol.......rex ryan would be a happy man

 

I think the steelers will sweep the ohio teams and split with Baltimore like we usually do.....im predicting a 12-4 season

[Gordo52]

I also think Matt Ryan takes the next step and performs well in the playoffs.

[descent into the maelstrom]

The Dolphins remind me of the "dream team" Eagles a few seasons ago.  They grabbed some individual talent, hoping to make a playoff run.  That individual talent didn't quite work as a team in the case of Philadelphia.  I think Miami will probably have a similarly disappointing result, but I do hope they give a loss or two to the Patriots along the way.

[Sizzlebshu]

AFC

 

AFC North Champ - Baltimore Ravens - obvious pick is obvious. Our D will return to top 5 form and our offense will do just enough to get us by. 

 

AFC South Champ - Texans - As good as some of the other teams in the division are, I can make an argument that DeAndre Hopkins may have been the most important add of any team in the entire off season. That's not saying Hopkins will be a star, but rather the Texans getting another passing threat was just that important a need to their success. The Texans run the ball better than anyone else and have a dynamic albeit injured passing weapon in Johnson. Giving Schuab one more playmaker should open up the passing game tremendously considering how effectively they run the ball. 

 

AFC West Champ - Broncos - Check Peyton Manning off for another 10 win season 

 

AFC East Champ - Miami Dolphins - Probably in the minority with this pick but let me explain. Philbin is an offensive genius and finally has the tools to make the team a top 10 offense as he was able to do before in GB. In addition, the Dolphins (assuming they can start the season healthy) will have the most talented D in the division. The health of some of said players will be in question, but still.  The reason I'm discounting the Patriots here is due to 

 

1. Gronk's injury

2. Hernandez's arrest - in one way or another this will cost the games as I doubt he gets out of this without a suspension or anything at all. 

3. Hernandez's health

4. Amendola's health 

5. The offensive line's health 

 

There are way too many things working against Brady and while I expect them to make the playoffs, winning the division would be hard for me to justify despite the track record of success. I just don't think the offensive supporting cast will be available enough for Brady to work the miracles he usually does. Its worth noting that with Hernandez out, the team was .500 through its first 6 games. 

 

Wildcard #1 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Easy schedule + a return to form should let the Steelers make one more run at the playoffs. We will battle the division with them, but will win just due to superior talent overall. 

 

Wildcard #2 - New England Patriots - They wont miss they playoffs, but it wont be a normal typical 12 win season for NE either. Realistically, division games will matter immensely for how the Pats finish. 

 

NFC

 

NFC North - Greenbay - The Bears haven't done enough to save their o line which is a shame, since it cripples the effectiveness of Cutler and Forte. Lions D is as bad as the Packers, and the Vikes would need AD to have a 3k yard campaign for them to have a shot. 

 

NFC South - Atlanta - They will suffer a little bit on defense, but ultimately return as strong as last year. 

 

NFC West - The Seattle Seahawks. This is the most complete team in the league on paper. I fully expect them to go undefeated at home due to Russel Wilson's emergence and the absolute advantage created by the 12th man. I think their passing game is far above the Niners. I expect the Niners (Vikes, Rams last year for example) to drop games they shouldn't and I don't expect that with the Seahawks. 

 

NFC East - This is the hardest pick of the bunch for me, but I have to go with the Philadelphia Eagles. From a talent perspective, they are the most talented team. If that o line is healthy, it should be able to neutralize any pass rush and give whoever the quarterback is hours to throw. 

 

Wildcard #1 - The New Orleans Saints - The LT situation is concerning enough to me not to flat out give them the division.(Note this doesn't apply to Miami because there really is only one other challenger in that division, and it may potentially lose 4-5 players from its offense) 

 

Wildcard #2 - The San Francisco 49ers - obv reason is obv. 

[descent into the maelstrom]

Why not - something a little different.

 

AFC:

Ravens

Chiefs

Colts

Jets

Steelers

Bengals

 

NFC:

49ers

Saints

Redskins

Packers

Buccaneers

Giants

 

AFC:

Brady drops 4 games to the AFC North as he gets rattled by strong defenses.  The clown car comes rumbling in and the Jets take the division.

Houston has neither the coach nor the quarterback to win the games that count.  Indy does.

The Chiefs' talent finally gels which puts Peyton into situations that actually matter in the regular season.  He starts throwing picks.

 

NFC:

Teams play.  Stuff happens. 

[ravensdan]

1. New England. The offense takes a step back but the young defense takes two steps forward. The bills challenge but are still too young. The jets switch to Gino too little too late. The dolphins won the offseason but will be the biggest train wreck of any team and Finnish in the bottom 5.
2. Baltimore. Still post a great record despite stiffer competition. Both the offense and defense are better than 12.
3. Indianapolis. Texans succumb to a thin team on both the offensive and defensive lines as well as fragile running backs qb and top wideout.
4. Denver. Win the division but not as handily as last year. Kc puts up much more of a fight.
5. Pittsburgh. Do not count this team out. They will battle all the top dogs all year but drop a few more games than the others due to injury. They will be a very formidable playoff team
6. Tennessee. Locker takes a big step forward behind a much improved oline.

NFC:

1. Green Bay. Not slowed by injury and the left side of the line holds up. They run away with the one seed.
2. Ny giants. They finally put together a consistent season and play up to their full potential throughout.
3. Tampa bay. This division is notorious for worst to first flips. They have the best d in the division by far. Their oline is also tops in the division allowing for more consistency from freeman.
4. St. Louis. Underestimated. Fisher has finally built this team to be tough and nasty like an afc team. Their d can play smasmouth ball and Bradford finally has some options who can stay on the field and make plays.
5. Seattle. Wilson is the best of the sophomore qbs and proves it with a second playoff trip.
6. San Francisco. Takes quite a step back sustaining alot of injuries on both sides of the ball but squeak into the playoffs.

Just missed: cincinnati, buffalo, Houston

Just missed: Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans

[gabefergy]

AFC

1. Baltimore (12-4) A Top 5 defense to go along with a fast and versatile offensive attack will lead the Ravens to a 3rd consecutive AFC North crown and #1 seed.

2. Denver (12-4) Peyton has another great season, but the defense takes a small step back. A week 1 loss to Baltimore seals their fate as the #2 seed.

3. Houston (11-5) Another dominant season by JJ Watt leads a stout defense whole Again Foster and Andre Johnson pace an offense that is great when play in with a lead.

4. New England (10-6) NE takes a step back this year do to all the off season losses on offense, but Tom Brady and a strong rushing attack still dominate their weak division.

5. Cincinatti (10-6) A very strong defense carries this team to their 3rd straight playoff appearance. Dalton has more weapons and might finally win a postseason game.

6. Kansas City (10-6) A weak schedule aids a sneaky talented team into the last WC spot. Alex Smith is the ultimate game manager.

Just missed AFC:

Pittsburgh (9-7) Injuries once again mount their ugly head as their aging roster misses the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

Miami (9-7) A strong D is not enough to take the leap even as Tannehill has a very solid sophomore year.


NFC

1. Green Bay (13-3) Aaron Rodgers has another MVP type season and is helped by a solid rushing attack. The defense is also improved.

2. Seattle (11-5) Seattle comes out on top of a brutal division led by a stellar sophomore season from Russell Wilson. Percy Harvin trade turns out to be a huge move.

3. New Orleans (11-5) The return of Sean Payton and an improved defense makes a huge difference in NO. Brees has another 5000 yard season.

4. New York (10-6) A healthy and talented offense makes up for a porous D. Eli has a bounce back season.

5. Chicago (10-6) Marc Trestman and his WCO pays dividends in Chicago as the Bears make it back to postseason. The defense takes a step back but is still a very formidable unit.

6. St. Louis (10-6) Jeff Fisher proves why he is a great coach as Sam Bradford finally breaks out. The young and talented Rams defense is a top 5 unit.


Just Missed NFC:

San Francisco (10-6) Losing Crabtree has a very big affect on the SF offense and injuries finally bite a defense that isn't very deep. Their division record keeps them out by virtue of tiebreaker.

Atlanta (10-6) Matt Ryan has a great year, but a spotty OL and lack of a pass rush on defense prove to be to much to overcome.

[flaccopoe]

As fans we get upset when we hear sports analyst give their account on their playoff scenarios when our team isn't given its due respect.

I'm interested in knowing what 12 teams you guys think will make the post-season for this upcoming season... here's mine.

NFC
1. Niners - IMO they are the most complete team in the league
2. Packers - they have the best QB in the game today & I expect their D to be healthier
3. Falcons - Difficult to beat in that dome and they might have the best arial attack next season
4. Giants - The NFC east is a funny division and I believe the Giants have the best chance at winning that division
5. Bucs - A young offense that is making strides in the right direction and they've got youth and talent on that defense especially in their secondary.
6. Seahawks - I had them out at first b/c of the PED's but Wilson got better each game last season and I don't expect him to have a sophomore slump.

AFC
1. Broncos - They play in the second weakest division in football (AFC east weakest) and they have a talented team.
2. Texans - A well balanced, well coached team playing in a very YOUNG division
3. Us - I expect us to have our hiccups w/ all of our loses but at the end of the day we'll be right where we want to be.
4. Dolphins - They added a lot in the off season and the Pats TE's might miss a good amount of football next year.
5. Bengals - They're like a watered down Texans team. Very scrappy, good defense and can score when needed.
6. Steelers - I don't expect them to have another 8-8 season, injuries hit them hard last year & Tomlin is a good HC

I know that I've stirred up a bit of controversy w/ some of my picks but in this game ANYTHING can happen. Let the debates begin...

 
Bucs: still too inconsistent on oiffense for me to trust.  Freeman really dropped the bar in terms of potential growth last season, imo.
 
MIA is not going to win the division just because of the WR/TE situation.  NE has replaced Welker w/ Amendola, who's great when he's healthy.  Likewuise, Gronkowski's #1 when able to play.  Edelman's decenet and they have a fierce run game.  MIA could still get a Wild Card easily, though.
 
PIT: I think their age is really catching up to them.  Rothliesberger is not the juggernaut he used to be and there's serious deficiencies throughout their offense.  Their D is far from elite, too.
 

Dark horse candidates:

STL: top-3 K, superb D, promising QB, very raw but potentially decent receiving corps; were 2 division wins from winning the NFC West
 
 KC: Also has an elite D, as well as a franchise RB;  their hopes lie largely on Alex Smith's ability to work with Bowe and the receivers
 
CLE: If Weeden can defy everyone's expectations, CLE could potentially snatch a WC spot; CLE improved subtantially last season; they have a solid receiving corps that includes a young star in Josh Gordon and an elite RB in Richardson; their defense is promising, so CLE will live or die by Weeden's development
 
CAR: Not sure if they count as a dark horse, but anyway: they have an elite possibly Top-5, 3rd year QB that propels CAR's stacked running corps; in addition, Cam's passing game showed substantial improvement last season; he made a lot less stupid mistakes in the pocket; they have a sturdy D helmed by LB prodigy Luke Kuechly; like the aforementioned teams, CAR will fall or rise based on the receiving game, but in this case the onus will fal largely on the hands of the reciving corps

[flaccopoe]

As fans we get upset when we hear sports analyst give their account on their playoff scenarios when our team isn't given its due respect.

I'm interested in knowing what 12 teams you guys think will make the post-season for this upcoming season... here's mine.

NFC
1. Niners - IMO they are the most complete team in the league
2. Packers - they have the best QB in the game today & I expect their D to be healthier
3. Falcons - Difficult to beat in that dome and they might have the best arial attack next season
4. Giants - The NFC east is a funny division and I believe the Giants have the best chance at winning that division
5. Bucs - A young offense that is making strides in the right direction and they've got youth and talent on that defense especially in their secondary.
6. Seahawks - I had them out at first b/c of the PED's but Wilson got better each game last season and I don't expect him to have a sophomore slump.

AFC
1. Broncos - They play in the second weakest division in football (AFC east weakest) and they have a talented team.
2. Texans - A well balanced, well coached team playing in a very YOUNG division
3. Us - I expect us to have our hiccups w/ all of our loses but at the end of the day we'll be right where we want to be.
4. Dolphins - They added a lot in the off season and the Pats TE's might miss a good amount of football next year.
5. Bengals - They're like a watered down Texans team. Very scrappy, good defense and can score when needed.
6. Steelers - I don't expect them to have another 8-8 season, injuries hit them hard last year & Tomlin is a good HC

I know that I've stirred up a bit of controversy w/ some of my picks but in this game ANYTHING can happen. Let the debates begin...

Bucs: still too inconsistent on offense for me to trust. Freeman really dropped the bar in terms of potential growth last season, imo.

MIA is not going to win the division just because of the WR/TE situation. NE has replaced Welker w/ Amendola, who's great when he's healthy. Likewuise, Gronkowski's #1 when able to play. Edelman's decent and they have a fierce run game. MIA could still get a Wild Card easily, though.

PIT: I think their age is really catching up to them. Rothliesberger is not the juggernaut he used to be and there's serious deficiencies throughout their offense. Their D is far from elite, too.
 

Dark horse candidates:

STL: top-3 K, superb D, promising QB, very raw but potentially decent receiving corps; were 2 division wins from winning the NFC West

KC: Also has an elite D, as well as a franchise RB; their hopes lie largely on Alex Smith's ability to work with Bowe and the receivers

CLE: If Weeden can defy everyone's expectations, CLE could potentially snatch a WC spot; CLE improved subtantially last season; they have a solid receiving corps that includes a young star in Josh Gordon and an elite RB in Richardson; their defense is promising, so CLE will live or die by Weeden's development

CAR: Not sure if they count as a dark horse, but anyway: they have an elite possibly Top-5, 3rd year QB that propels CAR's stacked running corps; in addition, Cam's passing game showed substantial improvement last season; he made a lot less stupid mistakes in the pocket; they have a sturdy D helmed by LB prodigy Luke Kuechly; like the aforementioned teams, CAR will fall or rise based on the receiving game, but in this case the onus will fall largely on the hands of the reciving corps

[flaccopoe]

 

There are way too many things working against Brady and while I expect them to make the playoffs, winning the division would be hard for me to justify despite the track record of success. I just don't think the offensive supporting cast will be available enough for Brady to work the miracles he usually does. Its worth noting that with Hernandez out, the team was .500 through its first 6 games. 

 

Wildcard #1 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Easy schedule + a return to form should let the Steelers make one more run at the playoffs. We will battle the division with them, but will win just due to superior talent overall. 

 

 

NFC West - The Seattle Seahawks. This is the most complete team in the league on paper. I fully expect them to go undefeated at home due to Russel Wilson's emergence and the absolute advantage created by the 12th man. I think their passing game is far above the Niners. I expect the Niners (Vikes, Rams last year for example) to drop games they shouldn't and I don't expect that with the Seahawks. 

 

NFC East - This is the hardest pick of the bunch for me, but I have to go with the Philadelphia Eagles. From a talent perspective, they are the most talented team. If that o line is healthy, it should be able to neutralize any pass rush and give whoever the quarterback is hours to throw. 

 

Wildcard #1 - The New Orleans Saints - The LT situation is concerning enough to me not to flat out give them the division.(Note this doesn't apply to Miami because there really is only one other challenger in that division, and it may potentially lose 4-5 players from its offense) 

 

 

NE: Luckily for the Brady Bunch, they play in probably the weakest division in the NFL.  There only competition is MIA, who is still very raw at QB.  I think NE will squeak by another pennant victory.

 

PIT: I think they wil fall short again.  The AFC North has vastly improved the past few years, so they have a lot more competition.  We all remember their infamous collapse against CLE last year.  Age has really taken a toll against Big Ben's Crew.

 

SEA: i hesitate to crown them the Pennant, if only because of their youth.  They could have a minor sophomore slump.  Not to mention STL has gotten much better and AZ could make a little noise if Palmer plays almost as well as he did last year.

 

PHI: They always fall short and will be doing some serious reconstructing w/o Reid and a healthy Vick.  Not to mention, they play in one of the most balanced divisions.

 

NO: It will be very interesting to see how they rebound with Payton back.  However, they play in an emerging young divison and their D is still in serious tatters post-Bounty Gate.

[flaccopoe]

6. Tennessee. Locker takes a big step forward behind a much improved oline.

 

Still an extremely raw team.  Mediocre D and ST.  Have a lot of WC competition in MIA, CIN, PIT, HOU/IND and even SD.

[CARavensFan]

My 12 Playoff Teams:

 

NFC

1. Falcons - They are all in and the winning in the regular season is what they do (its the playoffs they can't figure out) they also get the advantage of playing the Panthers and Bucs twice which will inflate their record.

2. Packers - I think the offense is just as deadly as ever and the defense gets back to form, the only reason they don't have the number 1 seed is because their defense is tougher as a whole.

3. Seahawks - I think the hype is fairly justified for the 'Hawks, but they're division is tougher this year so I don't see them getting as many wins.

4. Giants - I think the Giants have a bounce back year and take advantage of the rebuilding Eagles and the Redskins playing it safe with RG3's knee, though I think it will come down to the end of the season with the Cowboys.

5. 49ers - I think Kap struggles, though not so badly that they can't recover and still make the playoffs.

6. Cowboys - This year I think it comes down to the Giants and Cowboys for the NFC East and I just trust the Giants more than the Cowboys.

 

Missed the cut: Bears, Saints, Rams

 

AFC

1. Broncos - They are like the Falcons of the AFC, they are great in the regular season, but can't hack it come playoff time.

2. Texans - Dispute their struggles they are still the most talented team in their division and they get to beat up on the Jags twice.

3. Ravens - I think we will win the division, but I think the start of the year could be rough on defense as the unit finds its chemistry and I think out division as a whole has gotten tougher.

4. Patriots - They have lost a lot, but I can't see anyone from their division taking the crown from them. The Dolphins or Bills might depending on their young QBs, but I don't see it this year.

5. Bengals - They haven't gained much, other than their draft picks, but the team is young and developing so they will be in the thick of things. This year is when Dalton steps up or the Bengals might start looking for the future QB again.

6. Steelers - They won't lose as many games to injuries and they have some younger guys stepping into starting roles on defense who have been raised in the system they play. I also think that, if healthy, the O-Line they have might be the best Big Ben has ever had so he could make it all 16 games. To be honest you could even swap them and the Bengals, I think it will come down to the end of the season here as well.

 

Missed the cut: Colts, Chiefs, Titans

[flaccopoe]

My 12 Playoff Teams:

 

NFC

1. Falcons - They are all in and the winning in the regular season is what they do (its the playoffs they can't figure out) they also get the advantage of playing the Panthers and Bucs twice which will inflate their record.

2. Packers - I think the offense is just as deadly as ever and the defense gets back to form, the only reason they don't have the number 1 seed is because their defense is tougher as a whole.

3. Seahawks - I think the hype is fairly justified for the 'Hawks, but they're division is tougher this year so I don't see them getting as many wins.

4. Giants - I think the Giants have a bounce back year and take advantage of the rebuilding Eagles and the Redskins playing it safe with RG3's knee, though I think it will come down to the end of the season with the Cowboys.

5. 49ers - I think Kap struggles, though not so badly that they can't recover and still make the playoffs.

6. Cowboys - This year I think it comes down to the Giants and Cowboys for the NFC East and I just trust the Giants more than the Cowboys.

 

Missed the cut: Bears, Saints, Rams

 

AFC

1. Broncos - They are like the Falcons of the AFC, they are great in the regular season, but can't hack it come playoff time.

2. Texans - Dispute their struggles they are still the most talented team in their division and they get to beat up on the Jags twice.

3. Ravens - I think we will win the division, but I think the start of the year could be rough on defense as the unit finds its chemistry and I think out division as a whole has gotten tougher.

4. Patriots - They have lost a lot, but I can't see anyone from their division taking the crown from them. The Dolphins or Bills might depending on their young QBs, but I don't see it this year.

5. Bengals - They haven't gained much, other than their draft picks, but the team is young and developing so they will be in the thick of things. This year is when Dalton steps up or the Bengals might start looking for the future QB again.

6. Steelers - They won't lose as many games to injuries and they have some younger guys stepping into starting roles on defense who have been raised in the system they play. I also think that, if healthy, the O-Line they have might be the best Big Ben has ever had so he could make it all 16 games. To be honest you could even swap them and the Bengals, I think it will come down to the end of the season here as well.

 

Missed the cut: Colts, Chiefs, Titans

 

Keep an eye out for the emerging Panthers and Colts.