After ending my regular season picks and predictions season I felt that a heavy weight was off my shoulders – but having seen how much I enjoy the playoffs this year, I’ve decided to give you my playoff prediction.
See, originally in my NFL 2014 Season Preview-post I called a lot of things wrong – though I still stand by the idea that Jay Cutler has had a great year, I did not see the Chicago-nosedive coming – and I definitely didn’t see the failure of the NFC South coming. Not at all.
In my season preview-post, however, I predicted that the Seattle Seahawks would defend their Super Bowl crown against last year’s opponent again – the Denver Broncos. Do I think that’s still possible? Yes. Is it my prediction? See below.
For the regular season picks and predictions, week-by-week, I ended up with a win-percentage of 61 (158-98). I’m actually very pleased with that, with the NFC South and Chicago-nosedives in mind.
Now, last week I went 2-2 in the playoff-prediction. I predicted that the Panthers & Ravens would lose – but that the Cowboys and Colts would defeat the Lions and Bengals respectively.
Here’s my prediction for the rest of the playoffs:
Last season went by super fast, and now we only have a few days until we’re really back in action. Before the greatest sport in the world begins again. Everyone should know by now that I’m a Bears fan, and at times my bias may show – but I’ve always felt I’m fair in the playoff predictions. Now, just like last year, my prediction process functions like this: I start by writing down every game, every week. Then I go over each and every game, and pick a winner for the game in question. That leaves me with a record for every team, following that I predict the playoffs, as it would play out with my predictions in mind. That is how I give you my complete predictions for this NFL Season. Final note before we begin, I’ve added a section for some specific awards I’ve tried to predict already – enjoy.
◊American Football Conference
Can Brady Pick The Broncos Apart?
Going over this division by Division, and I’m leading with the AFC North. I’m really starting to like what Coach Lewis is building in Cincinnati, and I’m stating that truthfully, well knowing that Andy Dalton got a deal that was.. Uhm.. Too big. I like what he has to work with though, and the Red Rifle HAS to start delivering big time. I think he will this year. I have him winning this division at 12-4 – and heading into the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens (wildcard) at 9-7. These two teams beat out a lackluster Steelers team (7-9), and an overrated Cleveland Browns (3-13) team.
Now, going into the south we spot my division winners, the Indianapolis Colts (9-7). This division is not very good, frankly. The Colts are rather good, and limp into the playoffs with the defensively led Texans (9-7), through to the promised land through a wildcard. The Titans are irregular (4-12), and I don’t feel they have much to offer this year. I really like what Khan’s Jaguars are doing, building an interesting team – hopefully with Blake Bortles this year – however, I don’t see them getting more than 5 wins.
In the AFC Wild Wild West, the Denver Broncos are kings. And that does NOT change this year. I have them finishing 14-2, and they’re going straight into the AFC Playoffs with the no. 1 seed. The Chargers (7-9), Raiders (5-11) and Chiefs (6-10) all miss the playoffs – they’re just not that good… Yet. I see something in the Chargers; however, I don’t think they’re ready.
Finally, the AFC East features only one playoff contender – seeing as the wildcard spots have already been taken by the Ravens and the Texans. Here in the eastern division, I see the Patriots slowly, but surely, becoming very strong and very confident. They’re much better than the rest of their division I’m afraid. The Jets (3-13), Bills (4-12) & Dolphins (5-11) will have a tough year, and they could end up losing some coaches at the end of the year. Take all of this with a grain of salt though, as I’m primarily an ‘expert’ in the NFC North. If you can even say that.
◊National Football Conference
Go Deep…
Beginning with the NFC North, my Bears will have an interesting season. Going up against a tough division with a new-look defense, after an abysmal season. However, Cutler has got an amazing offense to work with, and if the defense is league average – they can go far. I have them winning the division and going 12-4. Now, I have a few surprises in the NFC predictions – and the first one is that the Green Bay Packers won’t go to the Playoffs this year. I have them finishing 2nd in the division at 11-5, but you’re going to see better 2nd ranking records than that. To finish off the division I have the Lions (6-10) and Vikings (5-11) finishing 3rd and 4th.
This year I have high expectations for the NFC South. To me, it is one of the toughest years for the division contenders in a long time. Some things don’t change however, and the New Orleans Saints take the division at 14-2; Drew Brees is becoming the best quarterback in the league. I have the Panthers as a top team this year, and rank them at 12-4, and taking a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Finally, Lovie Smith’s Bucs (6-10) and Mike Smith’s Falcons (9-7) finish 4th and 3rd.
The strongest division in the NFL, the NFC West, will once again have participation in the playoffs from Seattle (13-3) and San Francisco (12-4) – but don’t count out the rest. I have a very strong Cardinals team finishing 7-9, and that’s not their season ceiling at all – while the Rams finish 10-6. If the 49’ers perform worse than 12-4, the Packers/Bears or Rams will take their wildcard spot.
Finally, the NFC East features a battle-hardened Washington squad, get ready to see RGIII take the division title. I have them finishing 10-6, beating out the 7-9 Eagles, who fall to the floor after a great rookie HC season for Chip Kelly. The Giants and Cowboys are not ready yet, at all, and both finish 4-12. However, the Giants could surprise some people if they get their quarterback some confidence.
♥Championships
Who Will Play At The University of Phoenix Stadium?
In the AFC Wildcard Round, the Ravens faces off with the Indianapolis Colts – and Joe Flacco’s experience and proven playoff success will lead them past Luck’s Colts. Meanwhile, the Patriots take a win, by beating the Houston Texans – who can only perform defensively against the NE-units. In the NFC Wildcard Round, the 49ers and Bears beat the Redskins and Panthers respectively.
The real competition begins in the divisional round, as I have the Broncos and Patriots knocking the Ravens and Bengals out, respectively. In the NFC, I have to make some tough decisions as my Bears face the New Orleans Saints and the defending Super Bowl champions face the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers will fall to the Seahawks, due to home-field-advantage – but it shouldn’t be the most entertaining game this round. The Bears offense will be doing everything possible to keep up with the Saints offense, but in the end will fall short…
For the AFC and NFC Championships, the matchups are as follows: The Patriots vs. the Broncos & the Saints vs. the Seahawks. All four quarterbacks has at least one Super Bowl ring, but it won’t be the offensive talents that decide these games. The defensive units in Denver and Seattle, will give us a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.
This is what Peyton Manning needs, another try at another Super Bowl ring – trying to solidify his place in NFL history as the best ever. But it won’t be easy. The Seattle defense has NOT gotten worse, and they will have to do something special to keep up. In what I predict to be a very tight game, I have the Seattle Seahawks defending their Super Bowl title from last season – not due to Sherman, necessarily. But this team is set-up to win; and they will.
♣Awards
This year I’ve written a list of players that will be viewed as award-material. On the following list you’ll probably see some surprises that will shock you, or maybe you’re still infuriated at my Playoff Prediction – sound off in the comments. Some of the names have notes added to them, just in case you were wondering where I’m coming from when making these predictions.
Most Valuable Player – Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints. For me, Drew is becoming the best quarterback in the NFL – I only see one guy better than him – Peyton. This year will be big for Brees – future Hall of Famer.
Offensive Player of the Year – Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints.
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers. Now, I almost picked Blake Bortles here in stead – a great young QB, but I’ve been liking what I’ve seen from Benjamin, and I cannot wait to see him in the regular season.
Defensive Player of the Year – Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Carolina Panthers. The best middle linebacker in the NFL.
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End, Houston Texans. They may have some trouble offensively, but defensively they’re rock solid. This pick will go over well in Houston. Star.
Coach of the Year – Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints.
Comeback Player of the Year – Jay Cutler, Quarterback, Chicago Bears. Cutler’s last full season was in 2009 – and he only played 11 games in the regular season last year. Jay Cutler will return with a bang – with the best receiving duo in the NFL, Bennett & Forte. This unit has to succeed. Quick stat prediction? 25 Touchdowns, 16 Interceptions – 4.500 yards.
’85 Bears getting their White House opportunity, with Bears fan / POTUS Obama.
Look at the picture, what’s the first thing on your mind? My guess is you think, that I’ve said the Bears will win this year; this season. While I’d love that to happen, and I don’t think that’s inpossible, that’s not my prediction. But before I go any further, let me tell you how my predictions work: I start by writing down every game, every week. Then I go over each and every game, and pick a winner for the game in question. That leaves me with a record for every team, following that I predict the playoffs, as it would play out with my predictions in mind. That is how I give you my complete predictions for this NFL Season. Here we go.
AFC EAST
The most exciting QB ‘battles’ happen in the AFC East this season. Yes, the Brady-division – heck, why not? Let ’em have some fun for once. First and foremost, I have the Buffalo Bills finishing 6-10. The Bills have strengthened their team, and I’m a big fan of E.J. Manuel, but the fact that Jeff Tuel (an undrafted rookie) is starting week one, leaves me worried that they won’t get to 7-9. The battle between Manuel & Kolb was fun, but in the end it sucked. Manuel was clearly better than QB-Journeyman Kevin Kolb. Next up are two disaster teams, that I fear will be nothing more than simple notes, when we look back at this season, one year from now. The teams in question are the New York Jets & the Miami Dolphins, I have them both finishing 3-13… Brace yourselves, fans. The Jets are always fun to watch, not because they’re good, but I imagine lots of drinking games are built on their turnovers and losses. Mark Sanchez battled Geno Smith this pre-season, and it would probaby be smart to start Geno – seeing as Mark Sanchez, clearly, is not the future of the New York Jets. I fear for Rex Ryan, he will have to become a coordinator once again to regain credability. The Dolphins aren’t ‘that’ bad, but they’ve not really improved – and I don’t see them making anything exciting this season. Sorry ‘Phins. Finally, the Patriots look great as always – even with Tim Tebow on their proposed 53-man roster. Danny Amendola will become a great receiver for this team, and they will once again win this division with a record of 14-2.
AFC NORTH
This division is the exact copy of the NFC North, even more than just the ‘north’ part. Every team is so equal, talentwise, and have incredibly intense games and rivalries. I have the Bengals winning this division with a record of 11-5, they win by having the most complete offense in the division. They should be proud of that, seeing as they are in the division of the Super Bowl Champions, the Baltimore Ravens (A team that I called would be in the Super Bowl last year.). Speaking of the Ravens, I have Baltimore getting an AFC Wildcard spot by going 9-7 in a faulty AFC. They have lost a lot of strong players, and I fear they will play catch-up all season. The Pittsburgh Steelers had long been the leaders of this division, but they’ve lost a lot since then – they are no longer who we thought they were. I have them going 7-9. Finally, I have the Cleveland Browns, the ultimate catch-up’ers, going 5-11. Yes, they are improving – but I’m not confident in Chudzinski or Weeden. They have some spots to fill, before they can be good again.
AFC SOUTH
Let’s not beat around the bush, Houston Texans are the best team in this division and will once again win. I see them going 13-3, with a strong team and a smart coach. This could be a great year if they learn to play in the playoffs. The other Wildcard team in the AFC are the Indianapolis Colts, I have Andy Luck stepping up once again – and getting them to a record of 10-6. The Anonymous team in this division is the Tennessee Titans, I don’t see them doing much – and I see them finishing 3-13. Sorry Jake Locker, not this year. Finally, the awful Jaguars, with new colours (la-di-da), will finish 1-15. Sad, but that’s how I see it. I liked how Blaine Gabbert did in the Pre-season against the Jets, but then again – that was the Jets… Sorry Shahid Khan (Khaaaaaaaan!).
AFC WEST
Welker & Manning = Division winners. Wes Welker is not just created by the Patriots, and he will regain it all this year. This is truly an impressive team, expect to see them A LOT. I have them going 16-0, yes I said that – and get used to reading that. I like the Kansas City Chiefs, there I said it, but why shouldn’t I? Andy Reid + Alex Smith = A great situation. I have them going 8-8, and that could be better if the Broncos fail. The Chargers look really, really bad. They’ve not really improved a lot, sure D.J. Fluker looks good and Manti Te’o could be good. But we’ve only seen bad things from San Diego. I have them going 7-9. Rivers should be shopped around next year. Finally we have the Oakland Raiders. They are just awful, sure Pryor has potential, but they are a BAD team. I have them going 1-15.
NFC EAST
R.G. Three. That dude is just awesome, I’m a fan. I have his Redskins finishing 8-8, and that makes me sad – I desperately want them to win this division. But, in the end, the Giants are too good. Eli will give New York a new Playoff-adventure, by going 12-4. There are two 7-9 teams in this division, the Cowboys & the Eagles. Vick will dominate, but overall his team is not good enough – and the Cowboys are not yet ready for the 4-3 / Tampa 2 defense. I suggest calling Lovie Smith, just don’t make him a Head Coach.
NFC NORTH
The Bears are good with Marc Trestman, and I’m not worried about Marshall’s hip-problems, it will all be good – and Jay will succeed with Marshall, Forte & Jeffery. This season will be good, because of a new O-Line with Long & Mills on the right side, and Bushrod and Slauson on the left. Also, don’t forget about Jon Bostic, that dude is amazing. I have my Bears going 12-4. However, they are NOT winning the division, they are ‘just’ getting a Wildcard spot. The Packers still have the best QB in the NFL, and they will win this division… 15-1… Moving on, the Vikings look good – but too many young/inexperienced players starting. Peterson is not God, and they will only go 6-10. Finally, the Lions will end 2-14. No discipline, fire that coach.
NFC SOUTH
Steven Jackson + Matt Ryan + Julio Jones + Roddy White = Best Offense in the NFL. They will win this division, 13-3. The Saints will return as a good team, but nowhere near as strong as Atlanta. N.O. will finish 9-7. The Panthers aren’t ready, and Cam is not mature yet. They will finish 6-10. Finally the Bucs, will finish 3-13. Shop your QB around, build anew.
NFC WEST
The Strongest Division in Football will once again see the San Francisco 49ers win, this time it’ll be with a record of 16-0. They are perfect. PERFECT. However, the Seahawks are good, and will get a wildcard, by going 10-6. The Rams are still a work in progress, and will finsh 7-9 – while the Arizona Cardinals will go 6-10. Not bad for a ‘rookie’ coach in AZ.
THE PLAYOFFS
The Wildcard round will result in the Bengals beating the Colts, the Texans beating the Ravens. In the NFC The Giants will beat my Bears in New York, sadly… Sigh… And the Falcons will beat Russel Wilson and the Seahawks. In the Divisional round the Broncos will beat the Bengals, The Patriots will beat the Texans. In the NFC the 49ers will beat the Giants, and the Packers will beat the Falcons… Do you see where this is going? No you do not. The AFC Champion will be the Broncos, after a match between Brady and Manning (AWESOME). The NFC Champion will be the 49ers! The Packers will not be able to beat the most exciting QB in the game, and the best Coach in the game. Harbaugh & Kaepernick are on their way to the Super Bowl yet again. Only this time, I see them beating the Manning-led Broncos! Two 16-0 teams, one PERFECT team. The San Francisco 49ers. The Perfect NFL Season? I think so.
I'm Jeffrey Rex 