The NFL Preseason is coming to a close, which means that sooner rather than later Sundays will see the return of pro football to America. Last year, we saw the end of the Peyton Manning era as he rode off into the sunset to sip Budweisers and shoot more Nationwide and Papa John's commercials after winning Super Bowl 50. He'll be in Canton in 5 years, but this post isn't about Peyton, it's about who is going to have a chance to make it to Super Bowl 51. So, let's take a look at how the 2016 NFL season could play out.
AFC EAST
Courtesy of wsaz.com
1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 13-3
I know Tom Terrific is out for the first 4 games, but being that the Patriots get to play 3 home games, 2 of which are against teams that probably have a minuscule chance at best to make the playoffs, and the other team is breaking in a new QB, I think the Patriots go at least 2-2 in that stretch if not 3-1. When Brady comes back in Week 4, the Pats get Cleveland at home, and from then on out, nearly all of their big games with exception of the Jets and the Broncos are in Foxboro. I'd be shocked if the Patriots don't win the AFC East again this year.
Courtesy of www.nfl.com
2. NY JETS 10-6
The Jets start out with a brutal schedule to begin the year. Their season begins with Cincy, at Buffalo, at KC, Seattle, at Pittsburgh, at AZ, and then Baltimore. The season eases up after that, but they could have 5 losses before Halloween, and then they still have to face the Patriots twice. I think it was a smart move to bring Fitzpatrick back for a year, and not give him a big deal, but I'm not sure they improve on last year's record.
Courtesy of baltimoreravens.com
3. BUFFALO BILLS 7-9
I don't see how the Bills or the Dolphins have a chance to make the playoffs this year. Both teams have glaring holes on both sides of the ball, and you could easily flip their records. I could very easily see the Bills starting out 0-4 this year, and personally I think they made a mistake giving that deal to Tyrod Taylor. It's going to be interesting to see if Rex Ryan keeps his job after another season without a winning record. For reference, Rex hasn't had a winning season since 2010, and the Bills haven't been to the playoffs since 1999.
Courtesy of dailydolphin.blog.palmbeachpost.com
4. MIAMI DOLPHINS 6-10
I hopped on the Miami bandwagon last year, and that quickly broke down, as the team turned into a dumpster fire in 2015. I think Adam Gase has a chance to make this offense very good, but they still have big questions at Offensive Line and on the defensive side of the ball. Those are not things that get fixed overnight, and while Ryan Tannehill is a serviceable QB, I'm not sure he'll ever be a star in the NFL.
AFC NORTH
Courtesy of bleacherreport.com
1. CINCINNATI BENGALS 12-4
Cincy loses one of their best assets as Hugh Jackson heads to Cleveland, but I still think this team's roster is loaded. Now, the question is largely going to be will the Bengals finally win a playoff game? I think they have the best roster in the AFC North, and despite a tough schedule, they'll win that division again this year.
Courtesy of post-gazette.com
2. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 11-5
The Steelers won't have Le'Veon Bell for a couple of weeks to start the season, but Deangelo Williams has proved to be a very capable back up. The real issue this year for the Steelers, as it is every year, is how healthy will Big Ben remain as the season progresses. Landry Jones has not looked very good this preseason, so if the Steelers want to contend for the AFC North, Roethlisberger is going to have to stay upright. With arguably the best QB, RB, WR trio in the NFL, it's hard not to expect Pittsburgh to have another good season.
Courtesy of baltimorebeatdown.com
3. BALTIMORE RAVENS 8-8
Baltimore was plagued by injuries last year, and that ultimately led to a 5-11 record. They'll get Flacco, Suggs, and Steve Smith, Sr. back this year, but I still think this team has a lot of questions. Mike Wallace's best days appear to be behind him, and I expect Justin Forsett to continue to carry the load while they mix in Kenneth Dixon, the rookie from LA Tech. They won't be bad, but I think this is a team that hovers around .500.
Courtesy of lockerdome.com
4. CLEVELAND BROWNS 6-10
I think that Cleveland's roster is going to hold it back from truly competing for a division title for a couple of years, but I think they made a brilliant hire in Hugh Jackson. Robert Griffin III is going to be better than people think this year. While he's not going to have a pro bowl season, Hugh Jackson offenses have shown they know how to be productive. The Browns are going to have a lot of close games this year, but this team is probably still 2-3 years away from being a playoff contender.
AFC SOUTH
Courtesy of fansided.com
1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10-6
The Jags and their awful helmets finally break through this year, as they win the AFC South and get to host a playoff game. I'm a believer that Blake Bortles is going to continue to get better, and Allen Robinson is quickly becoming a star in the NFL. Add that with a solid TE in Julius Thomas, another good WR in Allen Hurns, and Chris Ivory to the backfield, and you've got a pretty formidable offense. I know the Jags have questions on defense, but Jalen Ramsey can help sure up that secondary and Malik Jackson will be a big presence up front.
Courtesy of foxsports.com
2. HOUSTON TEXANS 9-7
While the Texans aren't going to fall of the face of the earth, they also aren't going to suddenly win 12 games a year because they signed a guy they believe is a franchise QB. Chemistry and synergy take time, and Brock Osweiler is going to have some growing pains in a new offense. I fully expect Houston to rely on Lamar Miller and their defense to win them games, and for Osweiler to be largely a game manager until he develops a good rapport with DeAndre Hopkins.
Courtesy of bleacherreport.com
3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 8-8
I've got a lot of concern regarding the Indianapolis Colts. Andrew Luck is a good QB, but right now he doesn't look like he's as good as he's been advertised. He missed a good portion of last year due to injury, but even when he was healthy he didn't look impressive. Pile that on top of a Defense that finished near the bottom third of the league, and a shaky Offensive Line, and you've got problems. I'm also skeptical that bringing back Chuck Pagano was the right business move for the franchise. Maybe Andrew Luck lights the world on fire this year, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Courtesy of staradvertiser.com
4. TENNESSEE TITANS 4-12
Tennessee has pretty much advertised to the world that they are going to focus on the run. That's not a bad recipe for success, but you have to give your QB someone to throw to who's not 35 years old. I think Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry will do some good things for the Titans this year, but they ranked 30th in the league in 2015 in total offense, and their Defense while respectable isn't enough to fill that gap. They made a good decision trading down in the NFL Draft this Spring, because they've got multiple needs to get back to the playoffs.
AFC WEST
Courtesy of axs.com
1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 12-4
With the Broncos losing both Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler the door is wide open in the AFC West, and Kansas City is the most complete team top to bottom. They finished 10-6 last year without Jamaal Charles and you have to think that his presence is only going to make them better. Andy Reid teams are usually fairly competent and Alex Smith, while not flashy, doesn't make a lot of mistakes.
Courtesy of todayspigskin.com
2. OAKLAND RAIDERS 10-6
The Raiders look to be on the up, even if their stadium deal looks to be on the down. I'm a believer in Derek Carr, and I think Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are only going to get better. Couple that with a salty defense and a 1,000 yard back in Latavius Murray and you've got a potential playoff team. For purely selfish reasons I hope the Raiders move to Vegas, but regardless of where they play the Black and Silver faithful have a lot to be optimistic about.
Courtesy of denverbronocs.com
3. DENVER BRONCOS 8-8
Denver got over the hump last year, winning the Super Bowl with sound defense and adequate QB play. As of today, it looks like Trevor Siemian may be the starter for the defending Super Bowl Champions. That means they are going to have to rely heavily on their defense, which lost several key pieces to free agency. Denver's Defense is going to keep them in a lot of games, but it's likely going to take some time for whoever their QB is to gel with his receiving corps.
Courtesy of bleacherreport.com
4. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 3-13
Poor San Diego. The Joey Bosa saga just keeps getting more and more depressing. The Chargers struggled last year, and their fans should get ready for another disappointing season. I still maintain they should have traded Philip Rivers to Tennessee before the 2015 NFL Draft and taken Marcus Mariota or another QB and tried to rebuild. However, they've dug themselves a hole that keeps getting deeper.
NFC EAST
Courtesy of usatoday.com
1. DALLAS COWBOYS 11-5
As I'm writing this, news just broke that Tony Romo is out for the first 6-10 weeks of the season, but based on what we've seen from Dak Prescott so far, I'm not sure that is going to be as big of a blow as people think. He's been nothing short of astounding. I know this is the preseason, but being that he's got the best Offensive Line in football, a 3 headed monster in the backfield, with Zeke, McFadden, and Alfred Morris, and a stud WR in Dez Bryant, he just needs to not make mistakes. The Dallas defense still has some major holes, but with an offense like this, I'm not sure they need to be more than average.
Courtesy of sportsworldreport.com
2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS 8-8
Kirk Cousins was famously franchised in the Spring, which means he's playing for a bigger contract this year, and I think he can be the answer at QB for the Redskins. While, I'm not sure he'll ever be great, I do think he can be very good and win them games in the playoffs. The bigger question mark for Washington is their defense, and running game. Letting Alfred Morris head to Dallas could really come back to hurt them.
Courtesy of elitesportsny.com
3. NY GIANTS 7-9
The Giants went out and spent a ton of money in free agency, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, as Jerry Reese is trying to justify why Tom Coughlin should have been let go and not him. New York has a very good QB and a top 3 WR, but that's about where their team's positive aspects end. A weak Offensive Line, a suspect Defense, along with no idea what to do about Victor Cruz put the G-Men in a bad position heading into 2016.
Courtesy of sportingnews.com
4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 5-11
Like the Rams, Philly mortgaged their future for a QB. The problem is they didn't get the first choice. Josh Norman ripped Sam Bradford earlier this week, but can anyone really say he was wrong about his characterization of the former No. 1 overall pick? Bradford has been injured constantly and his record as a starter is 25-37-1. Those numbers don't command a lot of respect. As you can imagine, Philly fans can't wait to see Carson Wentz, but even if he's named the starter before October this is likely going to be a rebuilding year for the Eagles.
NFC NORTH
Courtesy of foxsports.com
1. GREEN BAY PACKERS 12-4
The Packers are well aware they are wasting time with Aaron Rodgers, and they'll be much more aggressive on offense this year. The return of Jordy Nelson should help the Packers air assault, and Eddie Lacy's slimmed down frame is a welcome sight to Lambeau Field. While you can still throw and run on Green Bay, if their offense is clicking on all cylinders, it might not matter.
Courtesy of usatoday.com
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS 11-5
The Vikings had a heartbreaking loss in the playoffs to Seattle last year, but they still had a very good season, and they've set their team up for success for multiple years by building around their defense and running game. Additionally, they addressed the Wide Receiver position in the draft this year by taking Laquon Treadwell and Moritz Boehringer, to give Teddy Bridgewater some weapons. This division should be a two horse race, but when it comes down to Aaron Rodgers or Teddy Bridgewater, I'll take Rodgers every time.
Courtesy of det.247sports.com
3. DETROIT LIONS 6-10
The Calvin Johnson era has officially ended in The Motor City, which means that Matt Stafford is going to have to rely on replacement by committee between Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Anquan Boldin. Haloti Ngata and Ziggy Ansah should continue to stop the run and give the Lions pressure up front, but the Lions don't have a lot of other big names on Defense, and they are breaking in a new LT to protect Stafford's blindside.
Courtesy of heavy.com
4. CHICAGO BEARS 5-11
While a lot of fans in Chicago are eager to see Kevin White, I think the more intriguing player is going to be Jeremy Langford. Langford rushed for 537 yards with 6 TDS last year, but he only averaged 3.6 yards per carry. Replacing the solid production Matt Forte provided isn't going to be easy, but in John Fox's run-heavy offense, he's going to get plenty of chances to prove himself. Chicago had a middle of the road Defense last year, and if they want to be more than mediocre, they are going to have to get more production on that side of the ball.
NFC SOUTH
Courtesy of usatpantherswire.usatoday.com
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS 11-5
Last season, even the most homerish fan wouldn't have predicted the Panthers to go 15-1, and make the Super Bowl. This year they get Kelvin Benjamin back, but he's not their best receiver, Greg Olsen is. What made the Carolina Offense so good in 2015 was that Newton didn't have a go to Wide Receiver, so he was forced to go through his progressions. If he continues that development, he'll have another great season, but if he locks in on Benjamin and Olsen, it could hinder Carolina's chances to get back to the Super Bowl.
Courtesy of dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
2. ATLANTA FALCONS 9-7
I have a strong feeling that Atlanta is going to do a lot of what did they last year. Julio Jones is a top tier receiver, and Devonta Freeman provided a good spark for the Falcons out of the backfield, but the team lived and died with the decisions made by Matt Ryan. He has the ability to be really good or really bad. That uncertainty along with a weak line on both sides of the ball, caps the Falcons at about 9 wins. The Falcons went heavy on Defense in the NFL Draft addressing needs at Linebacker and the Secondary with 3 of their first 4 picks. If they produce early the Falcons could become a playoff contender, but I think they are still a year away.
Courtesy of nola.com
3. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 7-9
The Saints have not looked good in the preseason, but that doesn't mean that Drew Brees won't will this team to 7 wins. The Dome Patrol Defense isn't getting fixed in 2016, but they've got to be better than they were under Rob Ryan. Even if the Saints have a top 20 defense, with Brees's ability to move the ball, they'll be a better football team. That having been said, their Offensive Line is going to have to scheme better to protect Brees, or it's going to be a long year in NOLA.
Courtesy of cbssports.com
4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 7-9
The Bucs are a trendy pick on a lot of analysts' lists to make a big step forward in 2016, and I think they'll show some improvement, but I'm not sure how many additional wins that'll generate. It looks like the Bucs made the right decision in taking Jameis Winston with the first overall pick last year, and Mike Evans is only making him look better each and every week. If Tampa Bay's hype turns out to be real, they're not going to be an easy out for anyone.
NFC WEST
Courtesy of cardswire.usatoday.com
1. ARIZONA CARDINALS 13-3
Arizona may have the best top to bottom roster in the NFL. Carson Palmer is 36, so the Cardinals know their window is limited, but they've invested heavily in the next 3 years with him and Larry Fitzgerald, and their running game and Defense are more than solid. They get a Bradyless Patriots team in Week 1, so that should be a good test for how good the Cardinals can be. I think they're going to be better than Seattle this year, but the clock on their chances at a Super Bowl is ticking.
Courtesy of larrybrownsports.com
2. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 10-6
Despite his flaws, Marshawn Lynch was a vital part of the Seattle Offense and Russell Wilson has played a lot better than I or most people expected since his entrance into the league. The Legion of Boom Defense, along with Wilson's ability to make plays, and a strong running game, makes me believe that the Seahawks aren't going away anytime soon. Alex Collins out of Arkansas was a great pick up and by pairing him with Thomas Rawls I think Seattle will still be a playoff team come 2016.
Courtesy of ramblinfan.com
3. LOS ANGELES RAMS 6-10
Jeff Fisher said on Hard Knocks this month that he wasn't going 7-9, and he's right. He's going to be even worse. Todd Gurley is going to continue to get better, but the Rams have a big problem at WR. They just paid Tavon Austin, but he's not exactly been setting the world on fire, and playing with a rookie QB you're going to make mistakes. The Rams have a top tier Defense, and maybe they can help compensate for a substandard Offense, but I think this team isn't going to get a big return on their investment this year.
Courtesy of sfchronicle.com
4. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 5-11
The 49ers, like the Rams, aren't sure who is starting in Week 1, or at least they aren't telling anyone. They went out and got Chip Kelly after he was fired by the Eagles, and San Francisco is hopeful he can save Colin Kaepernick. Despite the new blood on the sidelines, the 49ers are a long ways from where they were in 2012. Their best option for this season might be to play Blaine Gabbert, and look to draft a QB early in 2017.
AFC PLAYOFFS
1. NEW ENGLAND
2. KANSAS CITY
3. CINCINNATI
4. JACKSONVILLE
5. PITTSBURGH
6. OAKLAND
WILD CARD
OAKLAND 14 vs. CINCINNATI 23
PITTSBURGH 30 vs. JACKSONVILLE 17
DIVISIONAL
PITTSBURGH 22 vs. NEW ENGLAND 27
CINCINNATI 16 vs. KANSAS CITY 17
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
KANSAS CITY 13 vs. NEW ENGLAND 20
NFC PLAYOFFS
1. ARIZONA
2. GREEN BAY
3. CAROLINA
4. DALLAS
5. MINNESOTA
6. SEATTLE
WILD CARD
SEATTLE 20 vs. CAROLINA 21
MINNESOTA 19 vs. DALLAS 17
DIVISIONAL
MINNESOTA 14 vs. ARIZONA 28
CAROLINA 24 vs. GREEN BAY 30
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
GREEN BAY 30 vs. ARIZONA 34
SUPERBOWL 51
NEW ENGLAND vs. ARIZONA
The two No. 1 seeds meet in Houston for Super Bowl 51, and it's a shootout from start to finish. Brady throws for over 150 yards in the first half, and Palmer keeps pace targeting Larry Fitzgerald for two TDs. In the 2nd half, Gronk takes over and punishes the linebacker corps of the Arizona Cardinals scoring with 3 minutes left. Palmer tries to lead a game tying drive, but a tipped pass falls in the hands of the New England secondary and Brady secures his 5th ring. Arizona 27 New England 34.
