2014 NFL Playoff Predictions
Here are my preseason predictions for the 2014 NFL Playoffs. To see my complete 2013-2014 NFL Regular Season Predictions, which includes team records and win/loss for each game… please visit (2013-2014 NFL Season Predictions).
2013-2014 NFL Season Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2013-2014 NFL Season. There are Win/Loss predictions for each game, as well as the team records and division/wild card winners.
LEGEND:
* – Division Winner
^ – Wild Card
“Et, tu, Harbaugh”
With the recent benching of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, many questions are swirling over head coach Jim Harbaugh’s decision to start 2nd year quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Although Kaepernick starting 2-0 in Smith’s absence helped to sway opinions, his recent struggles in a 16-13 OT loss to the St. Louis Rams has some calling for Smith’s return. In my opinion coach Harbaugh has opened a Pandora’s Box that can only be fixed by winning it all this year. At this point, it won’t matter who the 49ers start at quarterback… If San Francisco fails to win the Super Bowl, the talk after will be…“Well could the other guy have gotten it done?” This is the situation Harbaugh has put his team in. If Kaepernick remains the starter and fails, the ” I told you so” attitude will come out from those who felt Harbaugh made a mistake by not sticking with Alex Smith. If Harbaugh were to switch back to Smith, and Smith were to come up short again… his “limited ceiling of potential” being a hindrance to the team would flood discussions, and voices would credit Kaepernick with giving the 49ers a better chance to win. At this juncture in the season, I feel you have to stick with Kaepernick as the starter. I feel Kaepernick allows the 49ers offense to be more dynamic, and with 4 games remaining in the season he will have the chance to learn and try to build some momentum/chemistry with the team to potentially move into the playoffs with. If San Francisco were to win the Super Bowl, this quarterback controversy would be an afterthought regardless who finishes the game behind center… but if the 49ers fail this season, expect a turbulent offseason where Jim Harbaugh’s mettle as head coach will be tested.
Endangered Species
With about half the NFL season in the books and the Philadelphia Eagles sitting at 3-4… is it safe to say the birds have kicked the bucket?… of course not… but the clock is running out on their season and job security for some individuals. After picking the Eagles preseason to be tops in the NFL, I have backed off the prediction to say the least. However, I do not place the bulk of the blame for the Eagles woes on the players but rather the coaching. Being a New York Giants fan, I have to say I am thrilled with the struggles of the NFC East opponents this season; but as a fan of the NFL I am in agony. To sit week in and week out and watch Coach Andy Reid place his ego before his team is sickening. I typically hold to the idea that coaches don’t play and the players have to win the game, but when the coach doesn’t put the player in a position to win; the blame falls back on the coach. It is clear with a poor offensive line and a struggling Michael Vick; Andy Reid should be adapting his offense to be more productive. Instead he is firing Defensive Coordinators (Juan Castillo) that shouldn’t have had the position in the first place. Here is some advice Mr. Reid… RUN THE BALL!!! The Eagles have one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL (LeSean McCoy), and yet Reid consistently manages to only give him 20 touches a game. After coming off a record year in TD production, it seemed obvious Reid and the offense would lean more on their work horse… but games go by and all I see is Bryce Brown on the field where McCoy should be, and the Eagles throwing in situations they should be running. Although it is still early to give up hope, it is hard to see the Eagles climbing out of their huge hole in the NFC playoff picture. Unfortunately Reid may have finally lost his locker room and we could be watching the end for the longest tenured coach in the NFL.
Goodell’s “Stern” Approach
After the NFL’s week 8 game in London between the New England Patriots and the St. Louis Rams, I ask the question… Is overseas play good for the NFL? With the model for international success being how Commissioner David Stern elevated the NBA on the global stage, Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL owners are working to do the same for their league. What are the goals of the NFL’s efforts abroad… Is it the focus of the league to one day have teams in locations such as Canada, Europe, etc. or will the Commissioner and owners be content with the exposure received from the few regular season games played abroad now? I am all for promoting the game of football around the world; however, I am against expanding to new teams in such places. Although the NFL stands to benefit a great deal from expansion, as a fan I feel it will negatively affect the on field product. I seriously doubt players and coaches will be as sharp if their jumping continents for games each week… not to mention the league may have to look into altering its name to accommodate an expansion. “The IFL… Yeah, that just doesn’t sound right…”
To Play Or Not To Play?
With the NFL season underway and the introduction of Thursday night games into week 2 this year, the question must be asked… Are Thursday night games good for the NFL? In my opinion, from a fans standpoint, I would say NO. Aside from the inconvenience of having to pay for an extra channel, I feel it is unfair to give teams altered weeks of preparation due to the scheduling. If a team plays on Thursday and then has a Monday night game, that team would have 11 days to prepare for the game… If a team has a Monday night game and is then scheduled for a Thursday game, that team would have only 4 days for preparation. It is unsafe to give players that short of time to recover between games and it is unfair to give teams differing amounts of preparation time. With such a strong emphasis on player safety and game integrity today, its shocking a change hasn’t been made. From the NFL’s point of view, however, I can see how Thursday night games could be beneficial. The added game day provides more opportunity to generate revenue and gain exposure for the league. Although the NFL may benefit from holding games on Thursday, I feel the inconsistencies in preparation for teams surrounding Thursday night games will contribute to a lesser product of the field.
The Hot Seat
With a record-setting number of teams with new starting QB’s this season, it got me thinking of what teams could make a change at field general should their team’s record go awry this year. Below listed are the teams in order that I feel are most likely to make a change at QB next season. Let me know if you feel any other QB’s are in danger of losing their starting job…
-Arizona Cardinals: (Who Ever They Finish With)
The most obvious of QB changes coming, the Cardinals are crying for a QB to take control of the job. I can see their GM on the phone right now begging Kurt Warner to take the job back.
-Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning
With only a two-year deal, Peyton’s second year with the Broncos may depend solely on his first season back from injury. If the Broncos struggle or Peyton can’t make the comeback like most expect he will, I see Denver going in a different direction, especially if the Broncos get a high pick.
-Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo
When Jerry Jones spoke of the teams window closing, I believe he was speaking directly about Tony Romo. Another postseason absence will go along way in earning Romo a trip out of Dallas. I think a long shot scenario could be the Broncos trading Peyton Manning and a draft pick for Tony Romo.
-Seattle Seahawks: (Who Ever They Finish With)
Pete Carroll is like a kid in a candy store with QB’s. He can’t make up his mind what type of QB he wants to lead his team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he changes starters 3 times this season alone.
-San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith
With relations between Smith and the team already shaken from the beginning of the offseason, I don’t think it’s out of lines to say that the team would look in a different direction if Smith fails to get it done this season.
-Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Cassel
With injury issues and a list of team disappointments that are piling up, I see the Chiefs looking in another direction if Cassel can’t lead them to the playoffs this season.
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman
Going along the same lines as my Christian Ponder theory, if Freeman performs the way he did last season, new head coach Greg Schiano may want to make a QB change to someone he believes in. The free agents and rookies Tampa acquired during the offseason, however, should go along way to help Freeman keep his starting job.
-Oakland Raiders: Carson Palmer
Although the Raiders gave up a great deal to acquire Palmer, we have seen with teams like the Cardinals and Seahawks willing to bench high paid QB’s for a better producer. If Palmer shows the rust he displayed last season, he may not get another chance with the black and silver.
-Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Although recently signed to an extension, if Fitzpatrick leads the league in interceptions again this season, expect a QB change sooner than later.
-Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder
I give Ponder the benefit of the doubt, I think he has a chance to be a good NFL starter. However, if the Vikings have another poor season and the team changes head coaches, I fear for Ponders job. A new head coach may want to start over fresh, which certainly wouldn’t bode well for Ponder and an already aging Adrian Peterson.
Sleepers, Keepers, or Bust
Here are the top 5 lists by position of who I think will be the top fantasy performers this season. I am sure I will raise a few eyebrows, but we will have to wait till the end of the season to see how it all pans out…
QB:
1. Aaron Rodgers – With no running game and a questionable defense, Rodgers will have plenty of chances again this season for fantasy points.
2. Cam Newton – Although I don’t think Cam will match his numbers from last year, I expect him to put together another solid fantasy season.
3. Eli Manning – Almost eclipsing the 5,000 yard marker last season, I expect Eli to be tops in fantasy with a backfield that will help him more this season.
4. Tom Brady – Hard to choose against the “Golden Boy”, I feel I would have rated him better had it not been for questions on the O-Line.
5. Joe Flacco – Maybe a surprise, I feel Flacco will take a big statistical step forward with more trust being given to him in the offense.
RB:
1. LeSean McCoy – Picking up from last year, I expect McCoy to have a monster stats year in an offense that will try to protect Vick from injury.
2. Steven Jackson – With Jeff Fisher at head coach, I can see Jackson back on top of the league as the premiere back people may have forgotten him to be.
3. Ray Rice – One of the most lethal offensive weapons in the NFL, I feel his numbers may drop slightly with an emerging Flacco.
4. Darren McFadden – As long as he can stay healthy, I don’t see defenses being able to stop McFadden from putting up huge fantasy points.
5. Chris Johnson – With an inexperienced Jake Locker getting the QB job, I see Johnson getting plenty of carries to help the young QB ease into the offense.
WR:
1. A.J. Green – It sounds weird but Dalton to Green has a chance to be one of the most prolific combinations in the NFL… Green will have a huge year!
2. Calvin Johnson – With teams likely having to quadruple team Megatron, I find it hard to see him repeating his production from last season.
3. Victor Cruz – Let the Salsa commence, Cruz’s production is here to stay.
4. Larry Fitzgerald – I would have rated him higher if Arizona actually had a QB on their depth chart…
5. Steve Smith (CAR) – Smith’s career has been resurrected with the arrival of Cam Newton, I see Smith putting together another top 5 fantasy season.
TE:
1. Antonio Gates – A healthy Gates is a deadly Gates. I expect him back to his dominant form coming off an injury plagued season a year ago.
2. Jimmy Graham – Now one of Brees’ go to guys, I see him getting a lot of the Saints red zone looks.
3. Aaron Hernandez – The more versatile of Belichick’s tight ends, I see Hernandez having a better fantasy year this season with “Gronk” drawing most of the double teams.
4. Kyle Rudolph – With Peterson coming off a bad injury and Harvin, who has always battled health issues, I see Rudolph getting plenty of targets as the young QB Ponder develops in his second year.
5. Vernon Davis – Davis will continue to show dominance but will always be held back statistically because of the offense he is in.
DEF:
1. Eagles – With a year to gel and bolster up at linebacker, I see the Eagles as tops in the NFL on all defensive levels.
2. 49ers – With basically all starters returning on defense, I find it hard to think Willis and the gang won’t impress.
3. Giants – Additions at linebacker and in the secondary will give the Giants the push to be an elite fantasy defense.
4. Buccaneers – Maybe a surprise pick, I feel the Bucs will have a youthful hunger on defense behind rookie head coach Greg Schiano.
5. Ravens – What’s a defensive list without the Ravens, however, I feel the loss of Suggs hurts them from a fantasy perspective.
K:
1. Mason Crosby (GB) – One of the most high-powered offenses in the NFL, I at least see him making a lot of extra points.
2. Matt Prater (DEN) – An already solid kicker, Denver’s altitude gives you the chance for longer field goal attempts, as well as Peyton Manning’s ability to get points when in the red zone.
3. Hartley/Kasay (NO) – Who ever is the winner of the Saints kicker duel will have plenty of chances to put of fantasy points in New Orleans’ high-powered offense.
4. Stephen Gostkowski (NE) – Always a safe fantasy pick, you are basically guaranteed points from Gostkowski once New England crosses the 50.
5. Dan Carpenter (MIA) – Maybe a shocker, the lack of offense in Miami gives Carpenter the opportunity for some 5 field goal games. Of course you also run the risk of getting a goose egg…
The Future
With one preseason game in the books, I felt it was time for a review and look to the future, beginning with number one overall pick Andrew Luck. The Colts QB couldn’t have asked for a better start to a career, connecting with Donald Brown for a 63 yard touchdown on his first pass in the NFL. After a strong showing during the game I expect Luck to perform solid throughout the season. Although I don’t see Cam Newton numbers, Luck is my lock for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Colts are certainly moving in the right direction, however, they are in need of help on defense and O-line before they can regain dominance in the AFC South.
Robert Griffin III the 2nd overall selection in the draft also had a strong showing in his first preseason game. Leading his team to the games only touchdown and a victory, Redskins fans are hopeful the Baylor standout will grow to be a star in the league. I have to say that I was impressed with RGIII’s first action behind center. He seems poised in the pocket and already commands respect in his huddle. My concerns for RGIII don’t have as much to do with him as the division he plays in. The NFC East is hands down the toughest division for QB’s when it comes to the pass rush. RGIII will have his hands full dodging the likes of Pierre-Paul, Trent Cole, and DeMarcus Ware. It is because of RGIII’s division that I think he will struggle in the NFL.
It was no surprise that the Miami Dolphins would draft QB Ryan Tannehill, what’s surprising is how well he has performed up to this point. Tannehill is the biggest question mark for me out of all the rookie QB’s this year. He has all the physical attributes you look for in a starter, but I am still not sold. I feel his efficiency may be skewed in the preseason because of his familiarity in the offensive system. Tannehill is going against 2nd team defenses learning their systems, while he is commanding an offense he ran in college. For the sake of the Dolphins franchise, I hope that Tannehill develops into a good QB. However, with his inexperience and total lack of offensive weapons, I see a bumpy start in the NFL for Ryan Tannehill.
With one of the more surprising picks in the draft, the Cleveland Browns selected QB Brandon Weeden 22nd overall. Although I like Weeden as a player and think he has a chance to be a good starter in the NFL, I don’t like the fit in Cleveland. The Browns are in a rebuilding phase, so choosing an aged rookie in Weeden is a bit of a head scratcher. The Browns drafted a player that is coming in with a potentially shorter career window, and with the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals in division, don’t expect easy trips to the playoffs anytime soon. After Weeden’s shaky performance in the first preseason game, I would anticipate more of the same during the season. If the Browns could land some playmakers to put around rookies Weeden and Trent Richardson, they may have a viable offense in the future,
Another interesting selection in the draft was the Seahawks choosing Russell Wilson in the 3rd round. Pete Carroll, who seems to be stockpiling QB’s, puzzled many experts with the pick. After an offseason where the Seahawks payed a hefty ransom for free agent Matt Flynn, it seemed obvious they would build around Flynn. However, Pete Carroll must have saw something from Wilson, which may have been on display in their first preseason game. Wilson amazed by using both his arm and legs to put up two scores. So who does Seattle go with? Although it may end up being the wrong decision, you have to go with Matt Flynn. Similar to the Kolb situation in Arizona, the team payed to high a price tag to not give it a chance. I wouldn’t count out seeing Wilson this season in some wildcat formations or if Flynn struggles badly. Either way, I feel Russell Wilson has the potential to be a solid player in the NFL, he just may need an opportunity on another team to prove it.
2012 NFL Season Predictions: AFC/NFC
Here is what I think is going to happen in the NFL this season…. barring any major injuries of course. Check it out and let me know what your predictions are… The red circles are the teams I have making the playoffs. For my play off predictions visit https://sportseat.wordpress.com/2012/07/28/20132014-nfl-super-bowl-predictions/
Stale Popcorn
“Get your popcorn ready…” Once again as controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens gets signed to the Seattle Seahawks. So is this a good or a bad move? I guess it depends whose side you’re looking from. In terms of the league as a whole, this is a great move. One of the biggest headline makers in maybe the last ten years gets back out on the field. In whats already the biggest sport in America, even an old T.O. will add to viewership. From Owens’ perspective, how could this not be a good thing. The 38-year-old receiver wasn’t fielding many offers from around the league, so I’d have to believe T.O. is excited just for the opportunity. Really the only loser in this whole thing is the Seahawks… With a team that struggles to find any offensive identity, I find it hard to see where T.O. fits in. Whether Owens is 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th on the depth chart, the focus will be on quarterback Matt Flynn. If Flynn can play well and validate the large contract he received in free agency, T.O. will be a non-issue regardless of his production. If Flynn fails to perform, a stronger light will be cast on what T.O. does during the season.
Offsides
Move over fellas we have a woman making her debut on the gridiron. OK, so she isn’t suiting up in pads but rather stripes and whistle. On Thursday Shannon Eastin will make history by becoming the first woman to referee an NFL game. Since the NFL announced she will be working the Chargers and Packers preseason game, there have been mixed emotions. On one side of the ball many feel any person has the right to be a referee. As long as they call a good game, there should be no issue what gender, race, or creed that person is. Others, however, believe football is a “mans” sport and the mere presence of a woman on the field would go against the NFL’s longstanding culture. Although I agree that a woman on the field would be a strange sight, I am more in agreement that referees should be chosen based on quality of work. As a sports fan I am less concerned with who is giving the penalty as opposed to what the penalty is. I understand this can be somewhat of a culture shock, but on the bright side, if the women are attractive it may help to bring people around… I might not mind so much if my team gets called for false start if the referee announcing the penalty doesn’t look like a foot… But I’m sure id still yell at the TV screen.
Old Man Weeden
The Cleveland Browns announced Monday Aug. 6, 2012 that they have named rookie Brandon Weeden as starter for the 2012 season. The move, which marks the end of the short-lived Colt McCoy era, comes to no surprise. The 22nd overall pick in the draft has been under scrutiny for his age since his days at Oklahoma State. Although the experts throw their caution flags at Weeden, I feel his age was one of the contributing factors behind him being named starter. Being drafted to a team with an established starter may seem like a bad situation for a rookie quarterback. In most cases the rookie would have to play behind the starter, and only see the field through injury or when the team felt it was time. Due to Weeden’s advanced age, coaches don’t have the luxury of waiting a season(s) to develop him. To wait even one season, Weeden would be starting at an age that some quarterbacks begin declining in production… If Weeden is successful you may see older players have more of an opportunity coming out of college or in free agency. Although certain to be shorter careers in the NFL, the life experience an older player may bring could prove to be valuable for the NFL and its franchises
MJD On NYG?
Maurice Jones Drew to the New York Giants? Sounds to good to be true, but maybe not when you look at all the variables. The former 2nd round pick from 2006, currently in contract dispute, has been disgruntled in Jacksonville. The owner Shad Kahn has made his position clear that the Jaguars will not renegotiate while MJD has years left on his deal. This does not bode well for Jones Drew who has put up monster stats throughout his career and was the NFL’s leading rusher in the 2011-’12 season. So how do the Giants fit into all of this? It is well documented how much New York’s rush offense suffered in 2011-’12, in a year they managed to win the Super Bowl. With the loss of Brandon Jacobs to the 49ers, Ahmad Bradshaw’s clay feet, and an untested rookie in David Wilson, the Giants have questions in the backfield once again. To make a trade for Maurice Jones Drew would be a colossal deal for all parties involved. The Giants get their proven back that they need to pair with Bradshaw and help mentor their young rookie. MJD would have a chance to compete for a championship on a team that is rich in football history and in a division that his talents would be in the spotlight. Of course MJD would still want his extension, which I’m sure the Giants would ink, assuming the teams trade… But what do you give up for a 27-year-old rushing leader? As a Giants fan speaking, I would be comfortable with trading up to a first round draft pick for the running back. A rebuild team in the Jaguars would have a hard time passing up high draft picks for a player they don’t want to pay and who is reaching then end of their career. Although a 1st round pick is a steep price to pay, the move would put the Giants in a position to win now. If New York could land an elite running back in MJD, expect their offense to be lethal for the foreseeable future.
The Air Up There
Since signing with the Denver Broncos on March 20, 2012, Peyton Manning truly hasn’t explained how he came to his decision. Was it Denver’s solid offensive line? Youthful receivers? Or a defense that showed upside in the 2011-’12 season? Nope, I am here to tell you all that it was the AIR… What has the knock been on Peyton since his surgeries? That he doesn’t have the arm strength like he used to have, and that it may never return to 100%. Denver, with the high altitude, provides Peyton with assistance in his throws… He can throw further with less effort. I feel that slight advantage along with his friendship to John Elway were the leading factors in Peyton’s decision to go to Denver. Looking ahead, however, something tells me this isn’t Peyton’s final stop… Denver, whether people admit or not, is still in a rebuilding phase. I could see Peyton getting traded to a more veteran ready team such as the Ravens or 49ers for one more crack at it.
Tim Sanchez?
Can two quarterbacks both getting playing time exist peacefully on the same squad, and even stand to benefit the team? My honest opinion is yes…. unless the team is New York, and the backup quarterback is Tim Tebow. Sure, in a perfect world why couldn’t the starting QB drive the length of the field, then have the backup come in for the Red Zone score? Tebowmania, that’s why, the media hurricane that is Tim Tebow will simply not allow a healthy growth of an offense. The New York Press will look to exaggerate ANY storyline that comes out of training camp or during the season. I am in the minority, however, in thinking that Tebow’s signing is good for Mark Sanchez. The struggles and failures of Tim Tebow and the Jets hybrid offense will only cast Sanchez in a better light and help to repair his doubted value to fans. Don’t expect Project Tebow to last much longer then two seasons. Head Coach Rex Ryan is already extending himself in a city that has little patience for disappointment. I am surprised with all the talk of what Tim Tebow the football player can do, no one suggested he try punter. He could punt, run fakes, and most likely be an improvement in punt coverage… but then again that’s in a perfect world.
2013/2014 NFL Super Bowl Predictions
The defending champion New York Giants will have their hands full repeating in 2013, but I have gone and predicted them to 3-peat. Assuming the Giants make the Super Bowl in 2013, I predict the AFC representative will be the Baltimore Ravens. In what should have been the Super Bowl match-up in 2012, the Ravens will fall short with a less superior QB at the helm in Joe Flacco by a final score of 30-17. The following year the Chargers will make the Super Bowl in what will be the first year without Norv Turner at Head Coach. Eli will prove he was worth the draft day trade once again with a game winning drive for a 23-21 victory.
Bling-Bling-Bling?-Bling?
I will lead off by saying that I am a die-hard New York Giants fan. Having said that, it is with my unbiased opinion that I feel the Giants will win the next two Super Bowls, making it three in a row. New York is basically returning with the same offense for the 2012/2013 Season. With Rookie RB David Wilson, expect a better rushing attack this year from Big Blue. Although Rueben Randle was drafted to compete for the third WR spot, expect Ramses Barden to be a difference maker this season, especially in the Red Zone with his 6′ 6” frame. On the other side of the ball the Giants are getting a handful of starters back from injury. With the return of Terrell Thomas and a healthy Prince Amukamara expect the Giants secondary to be strength this year. as long as the team can make it to the “Chip,” Eli will have home-field comfort in the next two Super Bowls. In 2013 Eli has a chance to play in his hometown of New Orleans. The following year New York is the host stadium, although it’s argued Eli fares better away from home. Either way, if the Giants can claim 3 Super Bowls in a row making it 4 in 7 years, Eli will have surpassed the elite tag and entered into “GOAT’ talk.
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