Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) after Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The first preseason game of 2015 is in the books, which means real, regular season football is right around the corner. I know you will see about 100 prediction pieces a day leading up to the start of the season, but there is a reason why everybody does them: they are fun to create, but they lead to even more fun discussions. Football is not an exact science, and part of the fun is debating with other fans about which teams will do well, and which teams will not. That is why I make these predictions. Because it is simply a fun thing to do for me, and the readers.
Looking at the eight divisions across football for 2015, it was fairly easy to pick five of the winners. The other three were very, very tough. I’m not going to give it away now, but it took me quite some time to finally decide on a winner for a few divisions, which only excited me more for the upcoming season.
And without further ado, here are my predictions for who will win each NFL division in 2015. Enjoy!
Next: NFC East
Nov 23, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) after their game at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
NFC East
Dallas: 10-6
NY Giants: 9-7
Philly: 8-8
Washington: 5-11
The NFC East is always a fun division to talk about, because everybody, no matter what fanbase, loves to debate about this division. I have been a big supporter of the Cowboys ever since I can remember, and despite losing DeMarco Murray to Philly, I believe Dallas will win this division in 2015.
I have four reasons why. First, they have the best quarterback in the division. Second, they have the best offensive line in the division NFL. Third, in a division full of weak defenses, theirs is just barely the best. It is still pretty bad by NFL standards, but I would take the Dallas defense of Philly’s, the Giants’, and the Skins’ in a heartbeat. And lastly, they have a top-five offensive weapon in the game in Dez Bryant.
Look, you can trash Tony Romo and his team all you want, the fact of the matter is this: Romo is a damn good quarterback, who to me, other than Tom Brady, is the most clutch in the league. When the chips are down, he can get it done, especially with that offensive line Dallas has built around him. Combine that with his plethora of offensive weapons, and I think the Cowboys will outlast both the Eagles, and the Giants for the division crown.
Next: AFC West
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) is hurried by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
AFC West
San Diego: 10-6
Denver: 8-8
Kansas City: 7-9
Oakland: 3-13
Yup, I did it. I have the Denver Broncos finishing at a measly .500 this year, and missing the playoffs for the first time since Peyton Manning took over.
What made this pick so hard, is I don’t like any of the teams in this division. The Broncos have major offensive line issues, along with issues in the middle of their defense, while the Chiefs have an extremely limited passing game, and San Diego just doesn’t do anything amazing that really sells me on a deep playoff run. But when I look at these three teams side-by-side, and I checked their respective schedules, I had to give the Chargers the slight edge in 2015.
The Chargers have a plethora of weapons on the offensive side of the ball, especially if rookie Melvin Gordon can make an impact in his first year. Their defense is also stellar, as they have a high quality secondary, and a front seven that while inconsistent, has a few dynamic players that you have to be on the lookout for when facing this squad.
Peyton Manning is getting up there in age, and he needs a running game to help him at this point in his career. And while C.J. Anderson is a good back, you need an offensive line to run the ball (and protect your aging quarterback), and Denver’s offensive line is going to be very bad this year. Because of that, the Broncos will miss the playoffs.
Next: AFC South
Dec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) shakes hands with Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) after their game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts won, 17-10 to clinch the AFC South Division. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
AFC South
Indianapolis: 11-5
Houston: 9-7
Tennessee: 6-10
Jacksonville: 4-12
This race is between the Colts and the Texans, two teams that are literally built in complete opposite fashions. Indy has a dynamic quarterback surrounded by great weapons, but his defense has more holes in it than swiss cheese. Meanwhile, Houston has a rocky quarterback situation, mediocre receivers, but a defense that boasts arguably the best front seven in the league.
At the end of the day, I’m going to give the edge to the Colts in the division, because quarterback trumps all in today’s NFL. You can make a case that Andrew Luck is the third best signal caller in the league right now, and when you combine that with all of his weapons, that unit will be enough to give the Colts another AFC South crown.
I absolutely love the Texans, as there are a ton of Patriots connections there, but until they fix that secondary, and get a quarterback that is more than an “above average” game manager, they won’t be able to overtake that loaded offense in Indy.
Next: NFC West
Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) breaks a tackle by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) during a 79 yard touchdown run in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
NFC West
Seattle: 11-5
Arizona: 9-7
St. Louis: 7-9
San Francisco 5-11
Oh, how times have changed in this division. Remember two short years ago when Seattle and San Francisco were not only the giants in this division, but in the entire league? Now, the Niners will be competing for a top 5 draft pick, and the Seahawks’ defense will definitely be taking a step back after their near miss at back-to-back Super Bowls. The Cardinals and Rams are both making up ground on Seattle, but this year, they won’t be able to overtake them.
Seattle still has arguably the best running back in the game in Marshawn Lynch, and despite some losses, they still have a top defense to lean on. Arizona’s defense has holes in the front seven, and the Rams’ defense has holes in the secondary. And when it comes to the offenses, the Rams aren’t in the same planet as the Seahawks or Cardinals, which is why they will struggle to stay with them in the divisional race.
Why Seattle over Arizona? A better front seven, a better running game, and a home-field advantage that the Cards absolutely cannot match. Seattle will contend once again.
Next: NFC North
Dec 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after officials ruled a 2-point conversion attempt by the Detroit Lions failed in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
NFC North
Green Bay: 12-4
Detroit: 9-7
Minnesota: 8-8
Chicago: 6-10
I like how Green Bay is looking heading into the 2015 season, and while I won’t make my prediction right now, I am leaning towards giving Packers the nod as the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. They have Aaron Rodgers, the second best quarterback in the game, they have a loaded offense, and an opportunistic defense that knows how to make big-time plays. In a lot of ways, they remind me of the 2010-12 Patriots, because they will put up a ton of points on you, and while the defense will give up yards, they will hold up in the red zone, and create a lot of turnovers.
Detroit is frustrating, because Matthew Stafford has all the talent in the world, all the weapons in the world, but they can never put it together and make a deep playoff run. And this year, they won’t have a lights-out defensive line to lean on when the offense struggles. Because of their offensive firepower, they will win a lot of games, but not enough to pass Green Bay.
The Vikings are a team that is slowly building a contender, but that won’t come into play this year. They have some nice pieces on defense, they have a very talented young quarterback, and they have some playmakers to compliment Adrian Peterson. They will wins some games, but not enough to be playing in January.
Chicago: I’m sorry.
Next: AFC North
Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) runs with the ball as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) chases in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
AFC North
Pittsburgh: 11-5
Baltimore: 9-7
Cincinnati: 8-8
Cleveland: 5-11
This division was the second toughest to figure out, because those three teams at the top are all very close to each other in talent, and I think this race will come down to the very end of the regular season. The problem with these teams are all obvious: the Steelers will have a loaded offense, but a suspect defense, the Ravens’ defense is not what it used to be, and the Bengals have Andy Dalton.
At the end of the day, I’m going with the Steelers to take the division solely because of their offensive firepower. This group is going to put up a crazy amount of points this year, and for most matchups, that should be more than enough to make up for their defense. Ben Roethlisberger has all the weapons in the world to work with, so if that offensive line can keep him upright, he will have a record year.
Joe Flacco frustrates me because he can look so bad in the regular season, but then turns around and looks like Tom Brady in the postseason. If normal Flacco shows up from September to December, the Ravens will struggle to get into the playoffs. There will be turnover on the offensive side of the ball, and their secondary is going to be very bad once again. However if Flacco can somehow squeak into the postseason, then you better watch out.
Next: NFC South
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Akeem Spence (97) defends New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
NFC South
New Orleans: 10-6
Carolina: 8-8
Atlanta: 6-10
Tampa Bay: 5-11
I’m banking on Drew Brees and company to rebound this year, because if not, this division is going to be just as bad next season. A lot of people made fun of the Jimmy Graham trade earlier in the offseason, but in my mind, the Saints won that trade. They got a quality center from Seattle, and a rookie linebacker that will serve as a much needed infusion of talent in that front seven. Add in the additions of Brandon Browner and rookie P.J. Williams (corner from FSU), and I think this team will rebound enough to win the division. I’m counting on Drew Brees and that offense to go back to dominating in the dome, especially with an offensive line that might just be able to protect their quarterback this year.
Carolina has a great front seven, but once again, lack of offensive weapons outside of Kelvin Benjamin, and a secondary that will get exposed against good quarterbacks. Atlanta’s defense and offensive line isn’t where it needs to be to contend, and Tampa is still in rebuild mode.
Next: AFC East
Dec 14, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after catching the ball to score a touchdown during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
AFC East
New England: 12-4
Buffalo: 9-7
Miami: 8-8
NY Jets: 6-10
Based on everything that has came out, Brady’s suspension will be overturned in federal court, which means the Pats will have 12 back for the season opener, and not only that, but they will be getting a Tom Brady that is pissed off at the world. He will be wanting to annihilate the rest of the league for this past offseason, and with a loaded offensive group, it will be easy to put up points for New England.
The defense won’t be as good as last year, but it won’t be as bad as a lot of people are making it out to be. The front seven is deep, talented, and young, and the secondary has the best coverage safety in the game in Devin McCourty, and a budding star in Malcolm Butler. They won’t be top 5, but they will get the job done.
As stacked as Buffalo/Miami/Jets may be on defense, they all are extremely limited on offense, and if you want to overtake the Patriots in the AFC East, you need a quarterback that can outduel Tom Brady on a consistent basis. And Matt Cassell, Ryan Tannehill, and Geno Smith cannot do that right now.
Brady is coming for you, NFL. Be prepared.