Okay, so it's that time again! The NFL season begins later today with a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the defending champions, the New England Patriots, who will host this contest.
Also, I promised to get my predictions out before the season started, and realized it, with mere hours to spare!
Whew! Just got this in on time, then, right?
I already made predictions for each division, so here are my predictions for the playoffs:
NFC Playoff Seeds:
1. Green Bay Packers - I think that the Packers were right up there with Seattle last season. They meet again early this season, at Lambeau Field, and my suspicions are that the Packers serve some measure of revenge against the 'Hawks this time, paving the way for the Pack to earn the top seed in the NFC Playoffs this season.
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Yes, I picked the Cowboys to win. But the Eagles looked scary good in the preseason. I hesitate to pick them still, because of how good Dallas played last season, and because of Bradford's history with injuries. However, if this all works out well for them, the Eagles with Bradford are the most talented team in the NFC East, and good enough to contend with the very best.
3. Seattle Seahawks - I still believe Seattle is one of the teams to beat, and possibly still the best team in the NFC. Yet, looking at their schedule, and seeing Chancellor not yet in the lineup, it seems to me that every loss could be crucial. They are going to have a hard time in Green Bay, and I suspect will struggle with early season losses. They should still win the division but, like last season, they will probably have to play catch up to the Arizona Cardinals, who I see getting off to another hot start. This time, though, Seattle will not do nearly enough to win the precious home field advantage, and that will be their undoing, as they likely cannot win in the playoffs having to be on the road against tough opponents.
4. New Orleans Saints - Yes, I am less than confident about the Saints. In truth, the entire NFC South feels uncertain. They were a weak division last season, and probably will be this year again. I see the Saints possibly winning, although as a sign of how unreliable each team in the division is, I could also see them struggling through a 6-10 season. Still, they should be good enough to win the division and earn a home playoff game, although that certainly does not mean that they will automatically win that game.
5. Arizona Cardinals - Arizona was very close to winning the NFC West last season, but then got pummeled by the Seahawks. They need to find a way to solve Seattle if they have any hopes of winning the division. My guess is that they still fall short against them this season. Still, they are a solid enough team to qualify for the playoffs, and possibly even take a game or two, if they get hot enough.
6. Dallas Cowboys - Last season was no fluke, and the Cowboys looked for real. Their running game will not be as solid, although that offensive line could prove very strong. Romo is a big question mark still, and the defense needs to play at least as well as they did last season. But they should be good enough to qualify for a playoff berth.
AFC Playoff Seeds:
1. Indianapolis Colts - They were the second best team in the AFC last season, and with the Patriots possibly having a championship hangover, maybe it's time the Colts finally ascend to the top. Luck is emerging as one of the very elite quarterbacks, and the offense in Indy is starting to look amazing! It will be very hard for anyone to keep up with the Colts in the AFC this season, assuming that they do not allow silly losses to teams that they have no business losing to.
2. Baltimore Ravens - Like with the Eagles, I am changing my pick with the AFC North, from Cincinnati to Baltimore. This team won the Super Bowl a few seasons ago for a reason. And remember, Flacco started looking like he was in amazing form again in the postseason last year, too, before the Pats finally won a tight game. This year, I think the Ravens avoid the pitfalls of the last two regular seasons, and find a way back to elite form with one of the top seeds.
3. New England Patriots - You didn't think that they would simply go away? This team is still solid, still the champions, and I suspect that the whole "Deflategate" controversy that many level at them to diminish them or take away from their accomplishments actually should fuel New England's drive to win this season. They should take the AFC East again, and should have one of the best records in the AFC, although not enough for the crucial home field advantage, or even a playoff bye. That means that last year's playoff run by the Pats should also not be repeated, but they are still very good.
4. Denver Broncos - Another one of my picks that I feel is on shaky ground. San Diego is a tough team in the division, as are the Chiefs. That playoff loss to the Colts, where the Broncos as a team looked completely lifeless, does not feel like all that long ago, and it is all too easy to picture Manning suddenly looking quite pedestrian, and Denver looking less than stellar. Still, I cannot change all of my picks, so I will stick with the Broncos. I just do not see them looking quite as solid as they have in recent seasons, although it would be nice if they can prove me wrong.
5. San Diego Chargers - For what might be the last hurrah for this franchise in San Diego, and possibly also the last season with Rivers at the helm, the Chargers will be strong, and tough to beat. I predicted that they would give Denver a run for the money, and that still holds. If they do not win the division outright, then maybe they beat Denver when it matters most: in the playoffs. The Chargers should be very tough this season.
6. Kansas City Chiefs - Yes, the AFC West is a division filled with quality teams (except maybe for the Raiders). The Chiefs are an old style team, relying more on efficiency and pounding out wins, rather than on offensive explosions and burying an opponent under an avalanche of points. They were a playoff team not that long ago, then narrowly missed last season. They are a solid team, and can reach the playoffs this season, as well.
Predictions:
NFC Wildcard Games: Seahawks defeat Cowboys, Cardinals defeat Saints
AFC Wildcard Games: Chargers defeat Broncos, Patriots defeat Chiefs
NFC Divisional Round: Eagles defeat Seahawks, Packers defeat Cardinals
AFC Divisional Round: Colts defeat Chargers, Ravens defeat Patriots
NFC Championship Game: Packers defeat Eagles
AFC Championship Game: Colts defeat Ravens
Super Bowl L: Packers defeat Colts (in a shootout)
Seattle begins trying to erase Super Bowl disappointment By TIM BOOTH (AP Sports Writer), September 7, 2015:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/seattle-begins-trying-erase-super-bowl-disappointment-182437189--nfl.html
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