2015 season predictions.

[ravensdan]

2015 predictions... I'm sure everyone will agree. Haha

AFC East :

1. Patriots, their front 7 is being underrated and has turned in to a strength. Only a Gronk injury will derail them.

2. Jets, the rest of the East are very similar teams. I think the Jets coach could be the difference.

3. Bills, we know Tyrod is a limited player. The D will carry them so far.

4. Dolphins, as usual they will fade down the stretch. I don't see them as an improved team. The leadership and chemistry is bad.

AFC West

1. Chiefs, their interior Oline is a bit of a question but I think this could be the surprise team that always plays the Broncos well.

2. Broncos, Manning could be the third best Qb in this division at this point. It's a clash with Kubiak in styles.

3. Chargers, not much outside of Rivers to really get behind here.

4. Raiders, improved but still a poor roster.

AFC South

1. Colts, still haven't improved where they need to but still the best here.

2. Jaguars, the offensive line and offense should be vastly improved.

3. Texans, are they really doing anything right?

4. Titans, still a poor roster.

AFC North

1. Ravens, the first few games could start out slow but still the best roster in the division.

2. Bengals, I see no reason they won't have a good regular season.

3. Steelers, defense young flawed and changing schemes. Offense missing several players early.

4. Browns, could have a shot at the first pick in the draft.

Playoff seeds : 1.Colts 2.Patriots 3. Chiefs 4.ravens 5.Bengals 6.Jets

NFC EAST

1. Cowboys, their defense is going to be better. Especially up front.

2. Eagles, solid D especially up front is overlooked. Red zone defense overrated.

3. Giants, problems on the oline and defense falling apart.

4. Redskins, more similar to these other teams than they seem now.

NFC West

1. Cardinals, like this team to avoid the insane injuries and overtake Seattle.

2. Seahawks, Playing so many extra games the team starts to feel the effects.

3. 49ers, yes they've lost a ton but still have some good players left.

4. Rams, what's to like other than the D line?

NFC SOUTH

1. Panthers, i see no reason they shouldn't be heavy favorites in this bad group.

2. Saints, better run game. Don't see defensive improvement.

3. Buccaneers, still bad but Winston is going to upset a few teams.

4. Falcons, still bad. Woeful front office.

NFC North

1. Packers, I see no reason they take a step back.

2. Lions, still led by their defense and Abdullah on offense.

3. Vikings, Zimmer putting together a contender.

4. Bears, oh my.

Playoff seeds: 1.Panthers 2.Cardinals 3. Packers 4. Cowboys 5. Lions 6.Vikings

[BmoreBird22]

Putting the Panthers at the number one seed should be considered an extremely bold prediction 

[Cville-Raven]

Not sure if the panthers are even winning their division let alone earning a number 1 seed. 

Edited September 9, 2015 by Cville-Raven

[Willbacker]

No Seahawks?? And 3 teams from the NFCNorth. Interesting. Panthers#!? No way.

 

On the AFC side not much disagreement but I think you're underating the Dolphins and Chargers. Good QBs.

[ravensdan]

Putting the Panthers at the number one seed should be considered an extremely bold prediction

Well if you look at it logically the Panthers are in the softest division still(same thing aiding the Colts). Not my power rankings but seeding. The NFC west and AFC north are the two best divisions playing each other and knocking the records down overall. I wanted to put the Hawks in as a wc. But it's not out of the question they come up short record wise. I think all the NFC east teams are between 6-10 and 10-6 so that knocked the Cowboys down and the Eagles out.

[ravensdan]

No Seahawks?? And 3 teams from the NFCNorth. Interesting. Panthers#!? No way.

On the AFC side not much disagreement but I think you're underating the Dolphins and Chargers. Good QBs.

I'm not that high on Tannehll but that team just seems destined for failure. I like Rivers but what else do they really have?

[GrimCoconut]

I like the Bills to finish behind the Patriots because of their overall team and coaching. The Bills have a stronger secondary, TE, WR corps and arguably equal or better OL. The Jets have a better DL but the Bills have a strong DL themselves and have Rex. I think they're a wash at LB and QB. I do think the coaching and systems may favor the Bills, and I certainly like the RB the Bills have over the Jets even if I think McCoy is losing a step.

The Texans, Jaguars and Titans are close. I don't see much separating them. I think Mariota could help carry that team if he's worth the hype. I think this division hinges on who stays the healthiest. I think the Colts are the strongest on paper, though. If I guessed it would concur but I could see this radically different, too.

I think the Chargers could take this division. I like their secondary facing the WR corps of their division and I think their DL is underrated. Their WR corps isn't flashy but it's good and they have potential at TE and a talent at RB. Their success hinges on Gordon imo.

[52520Andrew]

I'll throw my predictions out there as well just because

 

AFC North

1. Ravens: Easiest schedule of the top 3 teams although they need to avoid too many injuries and the weapons on offense need to gel

2. Bengals: Still will be a good team, same story as last year, depends on how Dalton does

3. Steelers: Great offense, terrible defense, can't outscore everyone

4. Browns: Still a QB away from being taken more seriously, as per usual

 

AFC South

1. Colts: As bad as their defense is, no one in this division is taking them down

2. Houston: Solid team, Watt is huge for that defense, still need a QB on offense

3. Jacksonville: Not sold on the offense doing much better but they are gonna prove to be a tough out due to their defense

4. Tennessee: Rome wasn't built in a day, this roster needs more talent and Wisenhunt needs to work his magic on a talented QB who needs development

 

AFC East

1. New England: Obvious

2. Buffalo: Defense is among the best in the NFL and I see a run heavy offense keep them competitive

3. Dolphins: Decent team but they need the O-line to protect better and the defense to get stops at the end of games

4. New York Jets: Good defense although they don't have much of an edge rusher and their QB situation and offense are a mess

 

AFC West

1. Denver: Will eventually get around to being a run heavy team(only real chance Peyton has of winning another Super Bowl) with a strong defense but Kubiak has his work cut out for him with that line.

2.  Kansas City: Defense among the best in the league but the interior O-line was an issue last year before they lost Hudson to FA

3. San Diego: Still a decent team due to Rivers but the defense has too many holes to be anything more for me

4. Oakland: Will be improved this year, could get 6 or 7 wins, still need work though

 

NFC East

1. Philadelphia: Biggest question for them is the O-line but they are going to be a good team this year

2. Dallas: Losing Murray is going to hurt, RB is a devalued position but you need to have someone and teams will adapt. 8-8

3. New York: Still a tough out but they continue to be an average to below average team

4 Washington: Just a mess right now

 

NFC South

1. Carolina: Only team that actually has a defense, too bad Michael Oher at LT prevents them from getting a high seed

2. New Orleans: Could make a case for any team but I think the offense from New Orleans should be a lot of fun even without Graham, should stay that way until Brees goes

3. Atlanta: Have a renewed focus on the trenches but it will take more than 1 year for Quinn to do his work

4. Tampa Bay: Still need a lot of work, Winston struggles with interceptions but makes some nice plays in the process

 

NFC North

1. Green Bay: Obvious

2. Minnesota: AP goes off, Bridgewater does well in his second year, the defense continues to do well

3. Detroit: Still a very solid team, very tough for me to put in this spot

4. Chicago: Defense needs work and Cutler needs a defense to take all the pressure off of him if he wants to do anything

 

NFC West

1. Seattle: Defense not as good and the O-line has issues but they pull through as the NFC West as a whole takes a step back

2. Arizona: Losing Cromartie hurts them as they can't get away with crazy blitzes to get pressure. Offense does better with Palmer healthy but O-line continues to hurt them(although they are better with Iupati)

3. San Francisco: Do better than people expect but just have lost too much from the past year

4. St. Louis: Good team that is a tough out with their defense but the O-line keeps them from being competitive and makes it tough to evaluate anyone on offense

 

Playoff projections

 

NFC

 

1. Green Bay

2. Philadelphia

3. Seattle

4. Carolina

5. Minnesota

6. Detroit although Arizona should be close

 

AFC

 

1. New England

2. Indianapolis

3. Baltimore

4. Denver

5. Cincinnati

6. Really close here for me between Kansas City, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh, I will go with Kansas City

Edited September 9, 2015 by 52520Andrew

[ravensdan]

Without quoting everything do you really think Houston over Jacksonville? I think their offense will be much worse at QB WR and no Arian Foster fir a large part of the year. I really think the jags oline plus Yeldon going to be a difference

Philly their oline not as good and they were horrible in the red zone especially after thanksgiving. And the amount of non offensive scores is not repeatable.

Arizona lost cromartie but gained more key playes than any team from injury. Those losses are not likely repeatable.

[ravensdan]

I like the Bills to finish behind the Patriots because of their overall team and coaching. The Bills have a stronger secondary, TE, WR corps and arguably equal or better OL. The Jets have a better DL but the Bills have a strong DL themselves and have Rex. I think they're a wash at LB and QB. I do think the coaching and systems may favor the Bills, and I certainly like the RB the Bills have over the Jets even if I think McCoy is losing a step.

The Texans, Jaguars and Titans are close. I don't see much separating them. I think Mariota could help carry that team if he's worth the hype. I think this division hinges on who stays the healthiest. I think the Colts are the strongest on paper, though. If I guessed it would concur but I could see this radically different, too.

I think the Chargers could take this division. I like their secondary facing the WR corps of their division and I think their DL is underrated. Their WR corps isn't flashy but it's good and they have potential at TE and a talent at RB. Their success hinges on Gordon imo.

You know Ingram could change a lot for the Chargers if he can be a real difference maker and stay on the field. That could be a big difference.

I think what Bowles did with the depleted cards defense last year was pretty impressive. Rex the head coach is a bit too over the top to be taken seriously.

[52520Andrew]

Without quoting everything do you really think Houston over Jacksonville? I think their offense will be much worse at QB WR and no Arian Foster fir a large part of the year. I really think the jags oline plus Yeldon going to be a difference

Philly their oline not as good and they were horrible in the red zone especially after thanksgiving. And the amount of non offensive scores is not repeatable.

Arizona lost cromartie but gained more key playes than any team from injury. Those losses are not likely repeatable.

 

Honestly I am still not sold on the Jags O-line, maybe I just need to see it but I think they still have issues at Center and LT

 

They lost both guards but at the same time, they still have guys at the other positions. Philly has kinda grown on me really, that and that I think Dallas takes a step back without Murray and New York and Washington aren't doing anything.

 

What about the Orioles this year gaining back key players like Machado, Chris Davis, and Matt Weiters? I like Powers but Cromartie and Peterson let Bowles stack the box and send crazy blitzes in key situations(speaking of, Bowles is gone as well). Then you get into Dan Williams leaving in free agency(we all know the importance of a good NT), I think the offense is better obviously but I think the defense takes a step back. 

[JO_75]

Guess I'll put mine here as well....

 

AFC East:

 

1. Patriots: With Br*dy back, the number one seed is theirs to lose. Buffalo will put up a fight but in the end, the Patriots win another division title. Now it be funny if Br*ady ends up having to serve his suspension at the end of the season, and miss the playoffs, talk about karma if that happened. 

2. Bills: Rex Ryan takes the Bills back to the playoffs as the AFC's 6th and final seed. Tyrod Taylor surprises many with his QB play and with Shady now at RB, along with their defense, the Bills playoff drought finally ends.

3. Dolphins: Joe Philbin gets fired at the end of the year for failing to take the Dolphins to the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Dolphins have a good team but just not the right coaching staff.

4. Jets: Defensively they will be fine but offensively has questions marks. Todd Bowles will do a great job as HC but will have to endure some growing pains as he tries to get the Jets their franchise QB.

 

AFC North

1. Ravens: If not for the injury bug hitting our secondary last year, we would have played Seattle in the Super Bowl, not New England. Everything goes our way in 2015 as we win the AFC North, finally get a home playoff game(number 1 or 2 seed) and end up in Santa Clara for Super Bowl 50.

2. Steelers: Think 2013 Cowboys, all offense but no defense. Tom Br*dy is going to think the Colts defense suited up on Thursday Night. They still get into the playoffs as the fifth seed.

3. Bengals: No playoffs for the first time in the Dalton era. Despite the fact the Bengals haven't won a playoff game with Marvin Lewis with Dalton, he's still there. Miss the playoffs in 2015, Mike Brown finally pulls the trigger and Lewis is fired at the end of the year.

4. Browns: To the top QB in 2016, if you have another year left, wait for 2017 or if you don't pull an Eli before your NFL career is killed before it even starts. Browns will be holding the first overall pick in 2016.

 

AFC South

1. Colts: Their season will end like it always has the past couple years, defense failing miserably. Can't believe analysts think the Colts can actually make it to the Super Bowl, have they not seen their defense? Irsay opts to not re-sign Chuck Pagano as he grows desperate to win and gets a big name Head Coach in 2016.

2. Texans: Will not get anywhere without a legit franchise QB, end of story. Feel sorry for Watt.

3. Titans: Looking back at the 2015 draft will be the story of how the Titans became relevant again. Mariota will lead the Titans to more wins than most people think, and their defense? Dick Lebeau. All is needed to be said.

4. Jaguars: Gus Bradley ends up getting fired as the Jags continue to show no improvement under him. 

 

AFC West

1. Chargers: Chargers reclaim the west in what very well could be a 3 team race if it wasn't for aging Peyton Manning. Chargers and Chiefs battle it out for the division title but the Chargers win with a balanced offense as Melvin Gordon takes pressure off Rivers. 

2. Chiefs: Still think Alex Smith holds their offense back but will have his moments. Defensively I don't see where they would slow down at all. Houston is back and could sneak into the playoff picture at 6 but like last year will fall short in week 17.

3. Broncos: Peyton should have retired. He doesn't have it anymore, but luckily for him Kubiak will do for CJ Anderson what he did for Forsett. Allowing Peyton to hide his aging arm and will be more of a run team. Miss the playoffs as the Manning experiment offically becomes a flop for Denver.

4. Raiders: They will show a lot of promise under Jack Del Rio. McKenzie has failed at being a GM but his three best picks will be why Oakland is moving up. Carr and Cooper will lead the way on offense and Mack will set the tone on defense.

 

NFC East

1. Cowboys: They got better on defense in the offseason. Signing Greg Hardy who will no doubt be a huge player for them. Getting Randy Gregory in the second round will be the steal of the 2015 Draft. Byron Jones in the first is another great pick. Offensively they will be the same. Number 2 seed in the NFC.

2. Eagles: Chip Kelly's bold moves pay off as the Eagles get back to the playoffs in 2015. Sam Bradford will surprise everyone and be the NFL Comeback Player of The Year. 

3. Giants: It's not a question if Tom Coughlin will be fired if they miss the playoffs, it's a matter of where does Eli play in 2016? Giants miss the playoffs again and just like big brother, Eli plays on a new NFC team(keeping up with the fact Peyton didn't want to sign with a NFC team because of Eli, so Eli will sign with an NFC team because of Peyton)

4. Redskins: RG3 will be traded by midseason or at the start of the next offseason. Kirk Cousins doesn't prove to be any better, Jay Gruden is fired as Dan Snyder is again looking for a new head coach in 2016.

 

NFC North

Packers: The NFC's number one seed and the NFC Champions in 2015. Their defense is so-so but Aaron Rodgers has proven he carries this team regardless of the defense. 

Lions: Lions return to the playoffs in 2015 but again just not there yet in terms of competing with The Pack.

Vikings: AP returns and gives Bridgewater some relief with the running game. Teddy Bridgewater is finally the QB the Vikings have been waiting for. Not ready in 2015 but 2016, look out.

Bears: Jay Cutler will be the downfall of this team in 2015. They will be right there with the Browns looking for a franchise QB in the 2016 Draft.

 

NFC South

1. Falcons: Atlanta got the right Seattle DC unlike Jacksonville. Dan Quinn will lead a turnaround for the Falcons as they reclaim the NFC South from the Panthers. Also, they will win the division with at least 10 wins lol.

2. Saints: Panthers may have a great defense but they have no receivers. So the Saints also jump the Panthers in the division. Drew Brees will be Drew Brees, but because the NFC Wildcard race is so tight, they miss out due to how strong the conference is.

3. Panthers: Defensively they will be fine but offensively, meh. No Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess should be a TE not a WR, leaving Cam with no weapons, outside of Greg Olsen. Also Michael Oher is their starting LT, expect a lot of holding lol. This also means their OL isn't any better and their receivers atop the depth chart are Corey Brown and Ted Ginn, poor Cam Newton.

4. Buccaneers: There will be growing pains but Winston will get there, just not as quick as Mariota progresses for the Titans.

 

NFC West

1. Cardinals: Carson Palmer stays healthy and they don't finish what they started last year but will eventually. Palmer leads Arizona to the playoffs, wins the NFC West and does his best Kurt Warner impression.

2. Seattle Seahawks: I think they are going to start feeling the effects of the big contracts, considering Chancellor is still holding out, that is going to hurt their secondary. They won't win the division this year as well, they have to fall off at some point... right?

3. 49ers: I'm going to put the 49ers ahead of the Rams, why? It's a QB driven league and as long as they have Kaerpernick they will be fine. Their defense has question marks but will get better as they rebuild it.

4. St. Louis Rams: The Jeff Fisher/Les Snead experiment comes to an end in St. Louis as they clean house getting ready for their fresh start in LA. New City, New Head Coach and New General Manager. 

 

AFC

1. Patriots

2. Ravens

3. Chargers

4. Colts

5. Steelers

6. Bills

 

NFC

1. Packers

2. Cowboys

3. Cardinals

4. Falcons

5. Eagles

6. Lions

 

Super Bowl 50: Ravens vs Packers. 

 

Ravens 34

Packers 28

 

Super Bowl MVP: Joe Flacco

 

Coaches Fired:

Gus Bradley, Jay Gruden, Jeff Fisher, Chuck Pagano(Colts opt not to resign him), Marvin Lewis, Joe Philbin.

[RaineV1]

Alright, I'll do one too:

 

AFC East

1. Bills: I believe their offense will play better this year and they'll manage to actually win the big games during the season. I think they win the division by beating the Patriots in their head to head matchups.

2. Patriots: They'll come close to winning but in the end fall short to the Bills.

3. Dolphins: They'll keep improve as a team but as a whole they aren't quite ready to unseat the better teams of the conference.

4. Jets: Their offense will simply not be able to put up enough points to win a lot of games.

 

AFC North

1. Ravens: The best overall team of the division.

2. Bengals: They'll play well but Dalton continues to be Dalton.

3. Steelers: Their defense will be abused by a lot of teams.

4. Browns: Great defense, horrible QB situation.

 

AFC West

1. Chargers: Good offense, good enough defense to at least slow down the other teams. They retake the division.

2. Broncos: They won't be the same team they were the last couple of seasons, but they won't be pushovers either.

3. Raiders: They're improving.

4. Chiefs: Their inability to score will cost them games against improving teams in the division.

 

AFC South

1. Jaguars: And this is my boldest pick. If their offensive line is improved, they could be the most well rounded team in the division.

2. Colts: Their lack of defense and less than stellar offensive line finally backfires. They're going to start losing the important games.

3. Houston: Would probably easily win the division if they had a decent QB.

4. Titans: Will improve, but they just don't have enough weapons on offense or defense to be scary.

 

NFC East:

1. Cowboys: Best offense and defense of the division.

2: Eagles: They won't be as good as last year and only end up second due to the other teams being worse.

3: Giants: They'll be cleaning house after this season.

4. Redskins: They'll continue being the Redskins.

 

NFC North

1. Packers: No team in the division can stop their offense, and their defense is solid too.

2. Vikings: We'll finally get to see Bridgewater and AP on the same offense. Their defense could be better too.

3. Lions: Barely edged out of the playoff hunt later in the season. They'll be a tough team to play against.

4. Bears: Cutler has even fewer reliable targets this season, which is bad for an unreliable qb.

 

NFC West

1. Seahawks: Best defense and best QB of the division.

2. Rams: Foles proves to be a huge upgrade at QB, and their defense continues to be great.

3. Cardinals: Definition of a good but not great team. Will be in the playoff hunt but come up short.

4. 49ers: Question marks with their defense, and Kaerpernick isn't the qb you want to use to try to outscore teams.

 

NFC South

1. Falcons: Defense should be better with the new coaching staff and a few new players.

2. Saints: They'll do what they usually do, outscore teams in the division.

3. Panthers: Benjamin was the only true weapon they had on offense. This could be a very long season for them.

4. Bucs: They'll be improved, but they still have too many glaring holes.

 

AFC:

1. Ravens

2. Bills

3. Chargers

4. Jaguars

5. Patriots

6. Broncos

 

NFC:

1. Packers

2. Cowboys

3. Seahawks

4. Falcons

5. Rams

6. Vikings

Edited September 9, 2015 by RaineV1

[JO_75]

Putting the Panthers at the number one seed should be considered an extremely bold prediction 

 

 

Not sure if the panthers are even winning their division let alone earning a number 1 seed. 

 

 

Panthers#!? No way.

 

Goes to show we as fans don't know as much as we think lol. Now the Panthers are on their way to 16-0 and being the number one seed in the NFC. Crazy.

 

 

NFC East

4. Redskins: RG3 will be traded by midseason or at the start of the next offseason. Kirk Cousins doesn't prove to be any better, Jay Gruden is fired as Dan Snyder is again looking for a new head coach in 2016.

 

NFC South

1. Falcons: Atlanta got the right Seattle DC unlike Jacksonville. Dan Quinn will lead a turnaround for the Falcons as they reclaim the NFC South from the Panthers. Also, they will win the division with at least 10 wins lol.

2. Saints: Panthers may have a great defense but they have no receivers. So the Saints also jump the Panthers in the division. Drew Brees will be Drew Brees, but because the NFC Wildcard race is so tight, they miss out due to how strong the conference is.

3. Panthers: Defensively they will be fine but offensively, meh. No Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess should be a TE not a WR, leaving Cam with no weapons, outside of Greg Olsen. Also Michael Oher is their starting LT, expect a lot of holding lol. This also means their OL isn't any better and their receivers atop the depth chart are Corey Brown and Ted Ginn, poor Cam Newton.

4. Buccaneers: There will be growing pains but Winston will get there, just not as quick as Mariota progresses for the Titans.

 

 

Kirk Cousins showed me otherwise, he's about to lead them to a division title on Sat from the looks of it. Damn you Falcons for falling off the wagon after starting 5-0.

[BmoreBird22]

Goes to show we as fans don't know as much as we think lol. Now the Panthers are on their way to 16-0 and being the number one seed in the NFC. Crazy.

Kirk Cousins showed me otherwise, he's about to lead them to a division title on Sat from the looks of it. Damn you Falcons for falling off the wagon after starting 5-0.

Their receivers are playing out of their minds (seriously, how are they always wide open?), Oher is playing like he was drafted to play, Khalil is back to form, and that defense is absolutely absurd.

Did not see all that coming

[ludy51]

Their receivers are playing out of their minds (seriously, how are they always wide open?), Oher is playing like he was drafted to play, Khalil is back to form, and that defense is absolutely absurd.

Did not see all that coming

Neither did I. Thought there season was over when KB went down. Their Wide Receivers are playing out of their minds right now

[Willbacker]

Goes to show we as fans don't know as much as we think lol. Now the Panthers are on their way to 16-0 and being the number one seed in the NFC. Crazy.

 

 

Lol. Its always fun to backcheck predictions. A lot of people(including so called experts) were predicting Ravens being SB champs. Now we may get the #1 pick.

[ravensdan]

Well. I did get the Panthers and Cards but I can't believe I put the Colts as the #1 seed. Yikes

[Inqui]

Well. I did get the Panthers and Cards but I can't believe I put the Colts as the #1 seed. Yikes

How do you think they would have fared had Luck played all 16 games? I haven't really followed them all that closely but they didn't look too inspiring when he did play iirc.

[usmccharles]

Lol. Its always fun to backcheck predictions. A lot of people(including so called experts) were predicting Ravens being SB champs. Now we may get the #1 pick.

kind of reminds me of when David Robinson got Injured for the spurs and they ended up drafting Tim Duncan and got a dynasty out of it. Now I know one player can't change a NFL roster like like it can in the NBA, but the premise still stands. Adding a good player to a team that is "already goos" can really change a team

[ravensdan]

How do you think they would have fared had Luck played all 16 games? I haven't really followed them all that closely but they didn't look too inspiring when he did play iirc.

They were pretty terrible with Luck. He was not playing well when he was in. They still have a one in 3326 chance to make the playoffs. Haha. Honestly though my thinking was more that the other three teams were very bad this giving them an inflated win total.

Edited December 29, 2015 by ravensdan