2013 NFC West Predictions

1. San Francisco 49ers
There is a reason that the 49ers were the NFC representative in the Super Bowl last year. They have talent littering both sides of the ball and a successful coaching staff to keep order. They managed to avoid tragic losses of talent, though they are now a little thin at the WR position. If injuries hit the WRs or Kaepernick then this team could be in deep trouble. But that being said, a healthy 49ers team must simply remain constant and carry on where they left off last year.

2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have a chance to knock the 49ers from the top of the division. Pete Carroll has somehow worked magic and found talent from other teams and through the draft. QB Wilson was the surprise of the year last year, though I expect a little regression as all second year quarterbacks tend to have. Defenses will also be able to defend the read option better after an off-season of study. But the strength of this team is really the defense, especially the secondary. The loss of CB Trufant hurts a little, but the depth here is so great the unit should remain solid with CB Sherman and CB Browner. They have a chance to keep the major quarterbacks of the entire NFC in check.

3. St. Louis Rams
The Rams showed enormous improvement under Jeff Fisher in his first year and expect them to improve even more. Unfortunately, they play in a highly competitive division which will hamper them. Yet, last year they held their own against the big boy 49ers and can expect to again. QB Bradford has his last shot to prove himself this year. The addition of T Jake Long should help this by keeping Bradford on his feet, rather than on his back. The departure of RB Jackson hurts more than anything for this team. Still, look for the whole team to improve in the second year of Fisher's system.

4. Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Arians was the coaching catch off the off-season and the Cardinals landed him. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much to work with besides Larry Fitzgerald. Carson Palmer has come in to sort of help the quarterback situation, but he's aging and hasn't shown true talent since he was with the Bengals. Off season additions have been mostly to sure up the defense -- CBs Arenas, Cason and Power, as well as S Bell and LB Brinkley. Maybe RB Mendenhall will give an offensive boost, but he's had problems with injuries and isn't considered an every down back. Overall, there is future hope for the Cardinals, but not this year. This is the first rebuilding year. 

2013 NFC East Predictions

1. New York Giants
The Giants had everything under control last year, until they fell apart. I'm still not quite sure what happened, but their own failings allowed the Redskins to come up and steal the division from the Cowboys of all people. As always in New York, the talent is there. Eli Manning has proved himself to be a worthy quarterback and I believe is capable of winning another Super Bowl. (Bold prediction, I know.) They have good wideouts in Cruz and Nicks (if he can stay healthy.) They need a running back, with injuries once again plaguing the position already. However, the defense is a concern with major losses including LB Blackburn, LB Boley, DT Canty and DE Umenyiora. The arrival of Cullen Jenkins DT will help, but they need more. The secondary must sure up to in case the pass rush isn't there.

2. Washington Redskins
The RGIII show took off last year, but I'm still not sold. I don't like the way he handles certain things in the media and the second surgery on the knee is a major concern. Also, his lack of desire to play to protect himself, and therefore the team, is a major concern. He is this team. Without him, they are average. Alfred Morris is a good solid running back, but he's not the sort of back that can carry an entire team. RGIII said this season he has 'nothing to prove'. How about a playoff win? How about a conference Championship? How about a Super Bowl? I think he gets none of the above this year.

3. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys window has closed. I have always been a supporter of Tony Romo, though he has always under-performed. There have been flashes of brilliance, but overall he has been a disappointment since he burst onto the scene. The talent around him has been there including WR Bryant, TE Witten, and RB Murray. The defense mirrors Romo in the sense of having lots of talent and under-performing; they were ranked 19th last year. The Cowboys can't come together as a team and make it work and this year it will cost Head Coach Garrett his job.

4. Philadelphia Eagles
Welcome to the Chip Kelly era. Where the goal is to recreate Oregon's success on the NFL level. The question remains if this is even possible, but the Eagles have nothing to lose and everything to gain. However, they must protect Michael Vick, who will fit in Kelly's system if he remains on his feet. However, this is a rebuilding year for the whole team and I don't think Kelly can have instant success. He needs to highest level of performances out of his players and I'm not sure if the talent can live up to the hype. They've added a lot of new pieces that need to come together and that always takes time.

2013 NFC South Predictions

1. New Orleans Saints
I'm putting the Saints above the Falcons because of their schedule. They only have four games that could be tricky (Atlanta twice, New England and San Francisco). Plus, the return of Sean Peyton makes a huge difference -- this team missed him last year. New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has his work cut out for him to improve the unit which held the team back last year. A full year for Jonathan Vilma will bring stablity to the unit as a whole. Look for the Saints to have a bounce back year.

2. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had 13 wins in two of the last seasons and have finally tasted playoff success. Matt Ryan has silenced some of the critics, but not all of them. Especially now that Flacco, his draft mate, has won a Super Bowl, Ryan needs to at least get to one. He has the weapons; WR Jones and TE Gonzalez. The loss of RB Turner hurts, but picking up RB Jackson was brilliant. The defense has reassured itself after the loss DE Abraham. They brought in Osi Umenyiora from the Giants. They must learn to control not only Drew Brees in their own division, but the high powered quarterbacks they will face in the playoffs.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccs floundered after some improvement in previous year, but seem to be once again on the up with second year head coach Greg Schiano. QB Freeman must prove himself for real this year, showing that he was not merely a one shot wonder. The muscle hamster, RB Martin proved to be an excellent find for the team to bring another level the offense. The defense was terrible, ranking 29th in the league last year. Improvement here is a must, though they only brought in one 'name' and that's Revis who is coming off an injury. One player doesn't make a defense and improvement will take time.

4. Carolina Panthers
I have never been sold on Cam Newton. And am still not. Sophomore slump hit him hard and he showed a few cracks this year in the public eye. The weapons around him are aging and eventually the will run out of time. The defense seemed to be the only redeeming quality of the team last year, ranking 10th in the NFL. LB Luke Kuechky leads the charge and is the heart and the soul of the defense. But there are not many bright spots on the horizon for the Panthers, who will continue to be mediocre until they can find a real quarterback. Coach Ron Rivera isn't on the hot seat yet, but he's very very close. 

2013 NFC North Predictions

1. Green Bay Packers
The Packers under-performed last year. Yes, they made the playoffs, but they didn't win the division. And they got knocked out by the 49ers. The offense's production fell off and the defense couldn't make a stop when they needed to. Letting San Fran put up 45 points is not good. They haven't had too much player movement, besides the departures of S Woodson, WR Jennings and C Saturday (who was injured much of last season anyway.) However, they also don't have any notable pick ups. The only things this team needs to do is perform up to expectations. But that is easier said than done.

2. Detroit Lions
I put the Lions here last year and they disappointed me. But I've liked what I've seen from them so far in the preseason and have high hopes for them this year. This is another team in the division that far under-performed compared to the level of talent on their roster. Stafford, Johnson and the new addition of Reggie Bush should be a lethal combination. Should be. The defense must improve. The addition of S Quin from Houston should help as well as building through the draft with CB Slay. The Lions lost many games last year either on the final drive or by 7 points or less. If they can find some discipline they can take the league by storm again. Otherwise Schwartz's job might be in question.

3. Minnesota Vikings
It is tough to downplay any team with Adrian Peterson on it. But Christian Ponder has only shown flashes of brilliance and must improve if this team is to have long term success. Losing WR Harvin is a blow, but picking up WR Jennings should give them more stability and less injuries to the position. I just don't think that the Vikings have the ability to compete with the other teams in their division, let alone in the league. They may make playoffs again, though I am doubtful. Defense must improve especially against the pass, which hurt them significantly last year. Lesile Frazier is a defensively minded head coach and he needs to show it.

4. Chicago Bears
The Bears had 10 wins last year, but didn't make playoffs and the result was the firing of their head coach. Now there's a new man in tow, Marc Trestman, from the Canadian football league. I'm not sure if he's prepared for the speed and competition at the NFL level. Cutler has improved and Brandon Marshall has settled down and become a reliable receiver. The offensive line must improve and keep Culter on his feet. Blocking for Matt Forte is also incredibly important, as he can be their strongest offensive weapon. The defense ranked highly last year (5th in the NFL), but it will be interesting to see how they perform without the leadership of LB Brain Urlacher, who left discontented with the team and management. Though he may have been aging, there is no replacement for the leadership. 

AFC West 2013 Predictions

1. Denver Broncos
Though Denver is the easy choice here, it is not like this team hasn't made changes during the off-season. After what one might call a 'lucky' loss to the Ravens in the post season, Denver reloaded...on offense. Bringing in Wes Welker (WR) and Monte Ball (RB) will give Peyton more weapons in an already powerful aresenal. However, the defense has serious problems, including the losses of DE Dumervil, DT Bannan and LB Williams. Also, Von Miller, LB, has been suspended for the first six games of the season, which will do more than hurt. But as always, with Peyton Manning on offense, the team will have enough firepower to compensate for a perhaps lacking defense.

2. Kansas City Chiefs
They are my 'sleeper' pick this year. The Chiefs had plenty of talent last year with six Pro Bowl players on the roster. That talent never materialized and trouble off the field gave the Chiefs some unwanted attention. But with Andy Reid at the helm and Alex Smith to lead the offense, the rest of the talent should fall into line. Reid is notorious for developing QBs and struggling offenses and building consistent success. The Chiefs never lacked weapons -- it was more the execution. Remember, this team won the division in 2010 and can count on seeing major improvement this season.

3. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are on their last legs. In fact, some people would say that the window for their championship run has closed. I believe this, to a degree. Philip Rivers is not past his prime, but he does not have much talent around him. TE Gates is always consistent, but RB Matthews has under-performed and been injury prone. Unfortunately, they haven't added many offensive pieces, except to grab Danny Woodhead from the Patriots. The defense ranked well last year (9th in the NFL), but lost many key pieces including S Bigby, CB Cason, CB Jammer, LB Phillips and LB Spikes. Only bringing in CB Cox (from W&M!) and drafting LB T'eo doesn't seem to fill those gaps. A new coaching staff is in for a rebuilding year.

4. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have been out of the playoffs for longer than anyone in Oakland would care to remember. They are seen as a joke of the NFL and never seem to have a feel for building through the draft. Al Davis has been gone for nearly two years now and there is a consistent GM trying to take control. The biggest change here MIGHT be the addition of QB Matt Flynn. Flynn hasn't played in a regular season game since he was with Green Bay and is still at risk of getting edged out by a combination of Pryor and injuries. Until Flynn takes the field, it is impossible to tell if he can replicate his brief success in Green Bay. the defense was middle of the pack last year, but look for it to improve under the second year of DC Jason Traver. The whole team should improve in their head coach's second year, but still won't be able to compete with the others in the division. 

AFC South Predictions

1. Houston Texans
Since starting their upward trend in 2011 by making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, the Texans have only improved. That being said, I don't think they will beat their win total from last year (12), but I do think they will win the division. Key pieces on offense, including QB Schaub, WR Johnson and RB Foster, all return, somewhat healthy. Losses on defense include LB Barwin, S Demps and S Quin, which will hurt, though the addition of Ed Reed and the return on Brain Cushing will ease the blow. The Texans are still the most complete team in this division, though they will not be a true Super Bowl contender.

2. Indianapolis Colts
After the devastating loss of Peyton Manning, the Colts got "Lucky" once again with a clear franchise quarterback to pick number one in the draft. Luck turned out to be everything advertised, and in many ways more. He will continue to improve in his second year, along with the attention of Pep Hamilton, a familiar face from Stanford, as offensive coordinator. Though there are minor questions at running back, the addition of speed Heyward-Bey will give Luck another weapon. Additions in the secondary of Landry and Toler will attempt to sure up a secondary that struggled last year. The Colts won a lot of game based on emotion and playing for a cause -- they won't have that this year, but they will have improved talent and players.

3. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been looking for a firm identity and quarterback since the departure of Steve McNair. The further departure of Jeff Fisher didn't help and Mike Munchak hasn't been able to find the magic. I am not sold on QB Locker, and his mediocre receiving core. RB Johnson has under-performed since his record season. The defense must improve to control Luck and Schaub, though bringing in SS Pollard should help bring some physicality to the defense. But it simply won't be enough in this division and certainly not enough to make the playoffs.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars do not have a single redeeming quality among them. No quarterback, wide receiving cores always in trouble and an aging running back, a defense that ranked 30th last year and a new head coach; all of these things combine to spell disaster for Jacksonville. 1st round pick Luke Joeckel has turned out to be injury prone. Nothing on this team excites me as far as talent. It will be another tough year for Jacksonville.  

AFC East Predictions 2013

1. New England Patriots
Is there any other choice in this division besides the Patriots? Even given their rare off-season problems and drama, the team still has many key pieces. They lost Hernandez, Lloyd, Welker, Woodhead and Chung, and injuries are threatening to hurt them -- especially the one to Gronkowski. Most importantly, they still have Belichick leading them. With Tom Brady, he is the glue that makes the Patriots a force every year. The team is fading, and I don't see a Super Bowl run in their future. I don't see another Super Bowl for the Patriots in the Brady/Belichick era, but they will win the division.

2. Miami Dolphins
I don't have much reason to put the Dolphins here, except for the fact that both the Jets and Bills are in shambles. The Dolphins are on an upward trend and showed promise many times last year. They've made some interesting additions to help Tannehill -- Gibson, Wallace and Keller, though Keller has been knocked out in the preseason. On the defense they added Ellerbe and Grimes, which should help sure it up a little bit, though not enough to control Tom Brady and company. The loss of Bush, Long and Dansby hurts, but some of the important faces, like Wake remain. If Tannehill continues to develop, they should see improvement to at least a .500 record.

3. New York Jets
The New York Jets are a show. That's about it. There is major debate about whether Rex Ryan has already lost control of this team...before the year has even started! I believe he has. With the way the Jets have spiraled down in the last two years, I think he is a coach on the hot seat. There needs to be improvement this year, but there won't be. The losses are heavy, including major hits in the secondary -- Bell, Reviws and Landry. They haven't brought in anyone of note, except for Geno Smith, who has looked mostly lack luster in practice and in games. But now with Sanchez injured, they may not have a choice but to start Smith in the first game. And you all know my feelings on Sanchez anyway, no great loss. Rex Ryan is probably relieved that he doesn't have another decision to screw up.

4. Buffalo Bills
If the Jets quarterback sitution is bad, then the Bills is worse. If that's possible. Kolb has yet another concussion and EJ Manuel, their quarterback of the future just had minor knee surgery. They are left with undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel, though they signed Matt Leinart. If Tuel starts week one, he will make history and be the first undrafted rookie free agent quarterback to start a game on week one. It's not even worth mentioning much more about the Bills team because there's really not much to say, sadly. New head coach Doug Marrone has his work cut out for him.