The 2014 NFL Season is almost here, and as a Seahawk fan, I am extremely
excited. The Seahawks enter a season for
the first time as defending Super Bowl Champions, and they are hungry for
another. Let's take a look at how I
think each team will do, just so I can see how wrong I was come end of the
season. I have calculated each team's
record so that there are an equal number of wins and losses throughout the
league. Some may surprise. Here are my predictions for each team's
record, by division:
* = Wild Card Team
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 11-5
2. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
3. Miami Dolphins: 6-10
4. New York Jets: 5-11
Summary: The AFC East won't be a particularly strong division, and the Pats will get a good chunk of their wins from their division rivals. The Bills may entertain thoughts of the post-season for a while, but their playoff drought will continue. The Jets and Fins will struggle without having competitive rosters.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
2. Cleveland Browns: 9-7*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-10
Summary: You heard it here first, folks. The Super Bowl Champs from just a year and a half ago will finish in last place. The Ravens will be inconsistent on both sides and struggle (And they'll regret that contract they gave Flacco). Expect the Browns to compete with an improving D and a fierce QB battle.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2. Tennessee Titans: 7-9
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9
4. Houston Texans: 5-11
Summary: The Colts will benefit from inferior competition in their division (6-0 in division play is a possibility) and Andrew Luck will get even better. The Jags and Titans will compete but it won't be enough. The Texans, without a legit starting QB, will be in rebuilding mode.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos: 11-5
2. San Diego Chargers: 8-8*
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10
4. Oakland Raiders: 6-10
Summary: I was gonna say this division will be decent, but seeing as they play the NFC West, I don't think they'll do too well. The Broncos offense will have a drop-off and they'll lose a few close games, especially to the NFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers are likely headed for slightly worse seasons, and the Raiders will be... the Raiders.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7
2. Washington Redskins: 8-8
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7-9
4. New York Giants: 4-12
Summary: Expect this division to be competitive, for the most part, but don't expect to have any really competitive teams to emerge and do some damage in the playoffs. There will probably be a team that falls apart and does horribly, and I'll pick the Giants (watch me be wrong), because they're in real bad shape if Eli Manning gets hurt.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Detroit Lions: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11
Summary: Green Bay is one of the better all-around teams in the league... if they stay healthy. Which they should, after dealing with a rash of injuries last season. Detroit will smoke a lot of teams out but lose some shootouts. The Vikings should surprise some people, while I'm picking the Bears to really struggle, especially if Cutler gets hurt.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 12-4
2. Carolina Panthers: 8-8
3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9
Summary: New Orleans will have an improved D and a solid team. Carolina will have a bit of a regression and miss the playoffs. Atlanta will be improved, but not enough for the playoffs. And the Bucos underwent too many changes to succeed overnight, but they'll have their moments.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 10-6*
3. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7*
4. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
Summary: I think the Seahawks will go 12-4, which surprisingly will give them a two game lead over the 2nd place team. The Rams are going to be the surprise team of the west and shock everyone. The 49ers will deal with injuries and off the field issues, but will remain competitive. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will lose a lot of close games and be the hard luck team of the league, perhaps the best 6-10 team in history.
And now, for the playoffs. Do the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champs? Let's find out.
Playoff Seedings
AFC
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
2. New England Patriots (11-5)
3. Denver Broncos (11-5)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
5. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
6. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
5. St. Louis Rams (10-6)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
Wild Card Games
(6) Chargers at (3) Broncos: Broncos win
In a rematch of last year's division round game, the Broncos again get the upper hand... barely.
(5) Browns at (4) Bengals: Browns win
In what might be their first ever playoff meeting, the entire state of Ohio shows up and Browns fans take over Paul Brown stadium and the Bengals again fail to win a playoff game.
(6) 49ers at (3) Packers: Packers win
In another rematch of a division round game last year, the Packers this time get their revenge and beat the 49ers.
(5) Rams at (4) Eagles: Rams win
The Rams D proves too much for the Eagles high-flying offense, and Foles gets sacked several times.
Division Round Games
(5) Browns at (1) Colts: Colts win
The Colts have just enough magic and offense to power past the Cleveland D.
(3) Broncos at (2) Patriots: Patriots win
In what may be the final matchup between Brady and Manning, Tom Brady gets the upper hand and the Broncos are sent home disappointed... again.
(5) Rams at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
This game will be close and low-scoring, but the 12th man is just enough for the Hawks to squeeze out a win to move to the next round. The Hawks have faced the Rams in the playoffs before (the year before the Super Bowl appearance against the Steelers, I believe) and they barely lost that one. The same won't happen here.
(3) Packers at (2) Saints: Packers win
Aaron Rodgers is gonna have a career year after an injury-riddled 2013. He's gonna be determined.
Conference Championship Games
(2) Patriots at (1) Colts: Colts win
Lucas Oil Stadium will be electric, and Tom Brady will be mad at his teammates for some reason. Colts prevail in a shootout.
(3) Packers at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
For the 3rd straight time, the Packers will lose an exciting game at Century Link Field, and the Seahawks punch their 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl. Should be as exciting as last season's NFC Championship game between the Hawks and Niners.
Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, AZ:
Seahawks 30, Colts 21
In what will be the matchup of the two best QB's from the 2012 draft class,
Wilson will prevail over Luck because Wilson won't be facing that tough of a
defense, and the Hawks repeat as Super Bowl Champions!!!
Now, for some awards:
* = Wild Card Team
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: 11-5
2. Buffalo Bills: 7-9
3. Miami Dolphins: 6-10
4. New York Jets: 5-11
Summary: The AFC East won't be a particularly strong division, and the Pats will get a good chunk of their wins from their division rivals. The Bills may entertain thoughts of the post-season for a while, but their playoff drought will continue. The Jets and Fins will struggle without having competitive rosters.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7
2. Cleveland Browns: 9-7*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
4. Baltimore Ravens: 6-10
Summary: You heard it here first, folks. The Super Bowl Champs from just a year and a half ago will finish in last place. The Ravens will be inconsistent on both sides and struggle (And they'll regret that contract they gave Flacco). Expect the Browns to compete with an improving D and a fierce QB battle.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts: 12-4
2. Tennessee Titans: 7-9
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-9
4. Houston Texans: 5-11
Summary: The Colts will benefit from inferior competition in their division (6-0 in division play is a possibility) and Andrew Luck will get even better. The Jags and Titans will compete but it won't be enough. The Texans, without a legit starting QB, will be in rebuilding mode.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos: 11-5
2. San Diego Chargers: 8-8*
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10
4. Oakland Raiders: 6-10
Summary: I was gonna say this division will be decent, but seeing as they play the NFC West, I don't think they'll do too well. The Broncos offense will have a drop-off and they'll lose a few close games, especially to the NFC West. The Chiefs and Chargers are likely headed for slightly worse seasons, and the Raiders will be... the Raiders.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7
2. Washington Redskins: 8-8
3. Dallas Cowboys: 7-9
4. New York Giants: 4-12
Summary: Expect this division to be competitive, for the most part, but don't expect to have any really competitive teams to emerge and do some damage in the playoffs. There will probably be a team that falls apart and does horribly, and I'll pick the Giants (watch me be wrong), because they're in real bad shape if Eli Manning gets hurt.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-5
2. Detroit Lions: 9-7
3. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
4. Chicago Bears: 5-11
Summary: Green Bay is one of the better all-around teams in the league... if they stay healthy. Which they should, after dealing with a rash of injuries last season. Detroit will smoke a lot of teams out but lose some shootouts. The Vikings should surprise some people, while I'm picking the Bears to really struggle, especially if Cutler gets hurt.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: 12-4
2. Carolina Panthers: 8-8
3. Atlanta Falcons: 8-8
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-9
Summary: New Orleans will have an improved D and a solid team. Carolina will have a bit of a regression and miss the playoffs. Atlanta will be improved, but not enough for the playoffs. And the Bucos underwent too many changes to succeed overnight, but they'll have their moments.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks: 12-4
2. St. Louis Rams: 10-6*
3. San Francisco 49ers: 9-7*
4. Arizona Cardinals: 6-10
Summary: I think the Seahawks will go 12-4, which surprisingly will give them a two game lead over the 2nd place team. The Rams are going to be the surprise team of the west and shock everyone. The 49ers will deal with injuries and off the field issues, but will remain competitive. The Cardinals, meanwhile, will lose a lot of close games and be the hard luck team of the league, perhaps the best 6-10 team in history.
And now, for the playoffs. Do the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl champs? Let's find out.
Playoff Seedings
AFC
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
2. New England Patriots (11-5)
3. Denver Broncos (11-5)
4. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)
5. Cleveland Browns (9-7)
6. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
NFC
1. Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (12-4)
3. Green Bay Packers (11-5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)
5. St. Louis Rams (10-6)
6. San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
Wild Card Games
(6) Chargers at (3) Broncos: Broncos win
In a rematch of last year's division round game, the Broncos again get the upper hand... barely.
(5) Browns at (4) Bengals: Browns win
In what might be their first ever playoff meeting, the entire state of Ohio shows up and Browns fans take over Paul Brown stadium and the Bengals again fail to win a playoff game.
(6) 49ers at (3) Packers: Packers win
In another rematch of a division round game last year, the Packers this time get their revenge and beat the 49ers.
(5) Rams at (4) Eagles: Rams win
The Rams D proves too much for the Eagles high-flying offense, and Foles gets sacked several times.
Division Round Games
(5) Browns at (1) Colts: Colts win
The Colts have just enough magic and offense to power past the Cleveland D.
(3) Broncos at (2) Patriots: Patriots win
In what may be the final matchup between Brady and Manning, Tom Brady gets the upper hand and the Broncos are sent home disappointed... again.
(5) Rams at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
This game will be close and low-scoring, but the 12th man is just enough for the Hawks to squeeze out a win to move to the next round. The Hawks have faced the Rams in the playoffs before (the year before the Super Bowl appearance against the Steelers, I believe) and they barely lost that one. The same won't happen here.
(3) Packers at (2) Saints: Packers win
Aaron Rodgers is gonna have a career year after an injury-riddled 2013. He's gonna be determined.
Conference Championship Games
(2) Patriots at (1) Colts: Colts win
Lucas Oil Stadium will be electric, and Tom Brady will be mad at his teammates for some reason. Colts prevail in a shootout.
(3) Packers at (1) Seahawks: Seahawks win
For the 3rd straight time, the Packers will lose an exciting game at Century Link Field, and the Seahawks punch their 2nd straight trip to the Super Bowl. Should be as exciting as last season's NFC Championship game between the Hawks and Niners.
Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, AZ:
Seahawks 30, Colts 21
Now, for some awards:
MVP: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks
Going on a HUGE limb here, but if Earl leads us in tackles and interceptions, all the while our defense being the best in the league, again... it'd be hard to not include him in the conversation.
Offensive Player: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers will have a career year and will have plenty of support and protection to go with it.
Defensive Player: Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
He might set the sack record. Twenty sacks is a very real possibility for Quinn.
Offensive Rookie: Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans
A bit biased, but I'd love to see Sankey, a running back, win Offensive Rookie of the Year, instead of a quarterback. The quarterback crop isn't particularly strong, so this is definitely a possibility.
Defensive Rookie: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders
Regardless of how the Raiders do, they know they have a good one in Mack. He'll lead them in sacks more than likely.
Coach: Jeff Fisher, St. Louis
If the Rams do as well as I predict them to, Jeff Fisher deserves Coach of the Year.
Comeback Player: Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
His team may not too particularly well but I think RGIII will have a better season than the last.
Pepsi Rookie of the Year: Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings
This always seems to go to a different rookie, so I'll go with Teddy Bridgewater to propel the Vikings... to 3rd place.
Well, there you have it. The Seahawks will repeat as Super Bowl champs, I predict. If the 49ers somewhat struggle, and if the Hawks are able to win the division, a 2nd straight Super Bowl championship is a very real possibility. Let's hope for a great season, and a 2nd straight Super Bowl win! GO HAWKS!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment