Gazing into the NFL Crystal Ball
It is that time of year again, soon fall will be in the air (spring here in Australia), the fans of all thirty two NFL teams are giddy with anticipation and hope that it's "the" season for their team.
The road to Houston in early February 2017 will be littered with what ifs, maybe next years and if not for injuries but ultimately, two will make it to the grand finale.
That being said, let's get to my version of who will make it!
Last year, not sure how my brain was functioning but I predicted a Seattle over Indianapolis game for the title in my 2015 Season Preview.
Hmm....looking for a bounce back of sorts this season....here we go!
American Football Conference
AFC East
Buffalo Bills (8-8)
On paper, the Bills look improved ... on the field it may not show but with anything above an 8-8 finish, this emerging squad may sneak into the playoffs. Unfortunately, not this season either.
2016 Prediction: 7-9
Miami Dolphins (6-10)
The revamped Dolphins will be interesting but not quite prime time players just yet as far as postseason possibilities are concerned.
2016 Prediction: 4-12
New England Patriots (12-4)
Will survive the Brady suspension and most likely win the division.
2016 Prediction: 10-6
NY Jets (10-6)
The Jets have maintained the status quo and will remain a step behind New England with BuFfalo closing the gap.
2016 Prediction: 9-7
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (5-11)
After a very un-Raven like season in 2015, the Baltimore Birds should be right back into contention for a wildcard spot, possibly more this season. The addition of veteran return man Devin Hester and uber safety Eric Weddle could get them back into contention for more than just a one and done in the playoffs if they make it.
2016 Prediction: 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
Could this be the season that Cincy finally cracks through and wins a playoff game...or two?? The team is solid across the board so the adjustment must be mental to advance.
2016 Prediction: 11-5
Cleveland Browns (3-13)
The Browns are looking to rebuild yet again and have cast their lot with RG III. Don't expect a lot this season!
2016 Prediction: 1-15
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
The Steelers will again be in the mix for a division, Conference and possible Super Bowl title.
2016 Prediction: 12-4
AFC South
Houston Texans (9-7)
Though division winners last season, the Texans are looking to improve their record and playoff position this year. The defensive squad will have to stay relatively healthy.
2016 Prediction: 9-7
Indianapolis Colts (8-8)
More of the same for Indy unfortunately but maybe a few things to build on.
2016 Prediction: 5-11
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
The Jags are slowly, quietly heading in the right direction and could pull a few surprises.
2016 Predictions: 7-9
Tennessee Titans (3-13)
The Titans are also improving and will pull a few surprises in their own right this season.
2016 Prediction: 6-10
AFC West
Denver Broncos (12-4)
The defense will be solid in Denver but this season, the offense may depend on it more for wins. Not a twelve win team but will contend.
2016 Prediction: 9-7
Kansas City Chiefs (11-5)
Primed to usurp Denver in the West! Will need to consolidate to advance past first round of playoffs though. The return of Jamaal Charles should help though.
2016 Prediction: 10-6
Oakland Raiders (7-9)
In a quiet hushed tone....they're almost back baby!! The Raiders are revamped and ready to surprise. They just might sneak into the playoffs.
2016 Prediction: 9-7
SanDiego Chargers (4-12)
My beloved Bolts are still in a state of flux, nearly time to clean house and start over!!
2016 Prediction: 6-10
Division Winners
New England
Pittsburgh
Houston
Kansas City
Wildcards
Baltimore
Cincinnati
National Football Conference
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (4-12)
It's that period of eternal optimism in Dallas...hope for the season that brings the StarBoys back. Yes...you have the foundation of a great offense, yes you have a potential star at running back....yes...you will be better than last season.
But...basically your whole defense is suspended....you will not give Romo a clipboard and thank him for his time and above all...you still have the wrong JJ in charge...Jimmy Jones.
If...you would have left Jimmy Johnson in place....you'd have won a few playoff games since '96 and a few Super Bowls...so again ...you will be improved and maybe make the playoffs while still looking at the what ifs at the end of the year....
2016 Prediction: 8-8
NY Giants (6-10)
The G-Men spent big on defense and if the new offense can muster some points....possible division winners!
2016 Prediction: 12-4
Philadelphia Eagles (7-9)
Another new regime in Philly is looking to establish itself. The Eagles may pull off a few wins but not likely to get into post season.
2016 Prediction: 4-12
Washington (9-7)
Firstly, I refuse to recognise the team name for personal reasons. Secondly, they won't "surprise" people this season and finally the end of their schedule is brutal. Combine that with a suspect at times defense and no return to playoffs this year.
2016 Prediction: 6-10
NFC North
Chicago Bears (6-10)
Jay Cutler still QB?? Yep! Bears still can't cut it then!
2016 Prediction: 7-9
Detroit Lions (7-9)
Will remain a step or two ahead of Bears but leaps behind the Packers and Vikings!
2016 Prediction: 6-10
Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Post season is pretty much a given but may fall short to Vikings in division again...from there...luck of the draw.
2016 Prediction: 13-3
Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
Vikings will be improved, playing in new stadium with a tough defense but may still lose the division, however wouldn't want to face them in a playoff situation!
2016 Prediction: 13-3
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons (8-8)
Will we get the fast start Falcons or horrible finish Falcons?? QB Matt Ryan and the defensive unit hold the key!
2016 Prediction: 7-9
Carolina Panthers (15-1)
Won't go 15-1 again with an almost new secondary but still ahead of the rest of division and may be good to go come playoff time.
2016 Prediction: 12-4
New Orleans Saints (7-9)
Explosive offense...impotent defense!
2016 Prediction: 5-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
The Buc's will be improved across the board this season. May sneak past Falcons for second best in division.
2016 Prediction: 7-9
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals (13-3)
No weaknesses here, number one offense from last year, key additions on defense...could come down to play of Carson Palmer.
2016 Prediction: 13-3
Los Angeles Rams (7-9)
Quite a bit of the unknown in the return to Hollywood. Might be a tough season.
2016 Prediction: 5-11
San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
New coach, no depth and tough division...not looking good.
2016 Prediction: 4-12
Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
Still the top defense around and although the offense is in transition the 'Hawks could go all the way...again!
2016 Prediction: 12-4
Division Winners
NY Giants
Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Wildcards
Minnesota Vikings
Seattle Seahawks
So...with the conferences don here we go....
AFC Champions
Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Champions
Seattle Seahawks
Super Bowl Winner
Seattle Seahawks
Opening Night
Opening Night
Carolina @ Denver
The Panthers have been preparing all offseason for this one in the Mile High City. Basically, it well be a job well prepared for. The Denver "D" will still be tough but the Panthers will get by
Carolina 27-14
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