2013-14 NFL Preview

NFC East: The east is probably the hardest division in the NFC to predict. The Eagles and new coach Chip Kelly will run a very diverse offense that will put up points. But the Eagles defense is where there is concern. Practicing against that finesse type offense everyday makes it tough for a defense to get physical against a team that will run it down their throats. The Redskins depend on Robert Griffin III health. I think the Redskins regress because Shanahan knows he has to have RG3 run less because another injury to the franchise QB and Shanahan’s ass will be on the way out. The Giants have questions all over the roster but are always a tough out. A lot of high profile Giant players are on contract years so the pressure is on in New York. If the Giants can get their pass rush back and sustain a decent running game they can win enough games to make the playoffs. If they do, watch out. The Dallas Cowboys always fall down the stretch. If the Cowboys can stay healthy and Romo minimizes turnovers, they have more than enough talent to win a lot of games.

Division Winner: Dallas Cowboys

NFC North: The Green Bay Packers return a lot of talent and are the team to beat in the North. Injuries all over the offensive line seem to be the major question for the Packers. The Chicago Bears have improved the offensive line and have added some weapons for Jay Cutler. Detroit adds what they were missing on offense, a running game. Reggie Bush will be a threat in the passing game as well. Expect better play from the Lions defense especially the front 7. The Vikings season comes down to Christian Ponder making the next step in his progression of being a franchise quarterback.

Division Winner: Green Bay Packers

NFC South: The Falcons injuries on the offensive line definitely call for concern as well as an average defense. The Falcons can score with anyone but will need better play from the defense if they are going to make it to Super Bowl. The Saints will be better this year than last year with the return of Sean Payton. The defense still stinks though even with Rob Ryan. Carolina’s season depends on the progression of Cam Newton. He has limited offensive weapons at his disposal so it will be tough for the Panthers to win more games than they did last season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will improve if Josh Freeman can player better than last season. With a great secondary and some explosive weapons on offense the Bucs are set to improve on a 7 win season.

Division Winner: Atlanta Falcons

NFC West: The NFC West has the two monsters at the top of the division. Seattle and San Francisco are the class of the NFC and are mirror images of each other. The Cardinals will rely on Carson Palmer and the deep ball to revive them on offense. The Rams are stacked with young talent but how much will their youth progress this season?

Division Winner: Seattle Seahawks

AFC East: The New England Patriots remain the class of this division. Tom Brady will have new targets to pass to, but it’s hard to pick against Belichick and Brady. The Dolphins added a swarm of talent but I think they need a year to mesh with each other before they fight for the division. The Jets and Bills both have young quarterbacks that will struggle in their first season.

Division Winner: New England Patriots

AFC North: The defending Super Bowl champs have new players all over the field, but still have Joe Flacco and Ray Rice. The Steelers have no running back and don’t have many weapons for Big Ben to get the ball to. Their defense is still very old and Troy Polamalu isn't the same player he used to be. The Bengals have the most complete team in the North. Andy Dalton has a great defense to support him, along with some new weapons on offense that they acquired in the draft. The Browns improved and will be very tough every Sunday, but aren't ready for a playoff push just yet.

Division Winner: Cincinnati Bengals

AFC South: The Texans return much of the same team and have acquired a nice big target to go alongside Andre Johnson, in DeAndre Hopkins. They also brought over Ed Reed from the defending champs, and have the best defensive player in football. The Colts will have to improve on defense this year in order to have a chance to win the division. The Jaguars and Titans will have new quarterbacks next season.

Division Winner: Houston Texans

AFC West: Besides the Denver Broncos this division might be the worst in football. I expect Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense to carry them until Von Miller returns. The Broncos defense needs to play late in the year for Denver to reach the Super Bowl. The Raiders will be drafting in the top 3 next year, San Diego in the top 10. I think the Chiefs will scare some people under Andy Reid and will fight for an 8 win season.

Division Winner: Denver Broncos

Super Bowl Match Up: Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks

I think Matt Schuab will play better this year having two big targets on the outside in Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins will help him become a more efficient passer. Arian Foster and Ben Tate provide a great 1, 2 punch as well. The Texans defense last year was fantastic with Brian Cushing in lineup and he is fully healthy after his knee injury from last season. With J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and Ed Reed the Texans have maybe the best defense in the AFC. If the Texans can stay healthy I think its Houston’s year. The San Francisco 49ers have been right there the last two seasons and have the best defense in football. The NFC is going to be a gauntlet. Each week will be tough and I can see 5 to 6 different teams making a run in the NFC. However I think San Fran is surpassed this year by Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. The defense is the best in league and the Seattle secondary is downright scary to play against. With Percy Harvin giving them a boost late in the year, I think Seattle is the scariest team in the NFC.

Super Bowl Champion: Seattle Seahawks