So I decided to grab myself an NFL schedule, and predict the win-loss outcome of every game. I sprinkled in a couple of predictable suspensions, a few injuries that I thought might happen, and let 'er rip! Pretty similar to how I thought it was going to be in my last blog. Only a few surprises (Like Carolina's ridiculously tough schedule).
AFC East
1. New England Patriots 13-3*
2. Buffalo Bills 9-7*
3. N.Y. Jets 7-9
4. Miami Dolphins 5-11
No surprises really. New England should go 6-0 in division, and lock up home field for the playoffs. As long as Buffalo doesn't lose to Miami, the schedule should get them into the playoffs. Look out for New England/San Francisco this season, should be a doozy.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4*
2. Baltimore Ravens 11-5*
3. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
4. Cleveland Browns 3-13
Tough schedules abound for all 3 squads, but Pittsburgh should be good enough if they don't suffer serious injuries. I predict that Ray Rice misses a few games, and knock Baltimore down a bit.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans 11-5*
2. Tennessee Titans 6-10
3. Indianapolis Colts 5-11
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-15
I think Blaine Gabbert has one of the worst season's in NFL history. Not to say that they didn't give him weapons, but I really think he is of the Ryan Leaf ilk. Houston does what they're supposed to go; Locker and Luck have signs of stardom.
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs 11-5*
2. Denver Broncos 8-8
3. Oakland Raiders 7-9
4. San Diego Chargers 7-9
They all play really tough games this year. I think that Peyton misses a few, and ends Denver's season early. Kansas City stays healthy for once, and wins when it counts (7 of last 8)
NFC East
1. New York Giants 11-5*
2. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5*
3. Dallas Cowboys 6-10
4. Washington Redskins 6-10
Dallas very well could start out 3-0, but that's how brutal their remaining games are. Philly and New York are both good teams, but they have some tough games as well. Washington will win a few upsets, but really have it all to do to win 8+ games.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers 11-5*
2. Detroit Lions 11-5*
3. Chicago Bears 10-6
4. Minnesota Vikings 5-11
If I get this right, Detroit and Chicago will both be 10-5 when they play each other to get into the playoffs. That could be the game of the season, and I could see Detroit winning it. Packers may start 3-3. Vikings have a shot at 3-1, before it gets ugly.
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons 13-3*
2. New Orleans Saints 9-7
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6-10
4. Carolina Panthers 6-10
Prior to this, I had the Panthers making the playoffs. But, boy do they have some tough games. Cam has to see some really good defenses, and I think he struggles this year. If it all comes together for the Falcons, and they avoid serious injuries, they could really do this. Tough games are at home, easy games away. New Orleans has a brutal schedule including the Giants, Packers and 49ers, plus the Broncos and Chiefs early.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers 12-4*
2. Seattle Seahawks 7-9
3. Arizona Cardinals 5-11
4. St. Louis Rams 2-14
I have Sammy Bradford suffering an ACL tear. If he doesn't and plays a full year, 6-10. I think Arizona gets hot and wins 4 in a row, but lose a significant player (Fitz, Wells?), and struggle as well. It all comes together for the 49ers; really difficult schedule, but they win some really difficult games (New England, Chicago). Seattle does pretty well considering Russell Wilson plays all 16 games.
Playoffs:
Buffalo at Houston - Houston is made to go far, plus their defense is a bit better. Houston to go through.
Baltimore at KC - Baltimore knows time is running short, play very well and cruise.
Detroit at Green Bay - A shoot out for sure. Aaron won't lose again this early.
Philadelphia at Giants - Could go either way. Hate to bet against Eli. So I won't.
Baltimore at New England - Revenge for last season. Flacco outdoes Brady.
Houston at Pittsburgh - Could be 13-10. I like Ben to snake one out this year.
Giants at Atlanta - The stuff that makes legends. Eli does it again.
Green Bay at 49ers - Justin Smith was right. This is their time.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh - What could very well be the game of the year. Ray Rice and Ray Lewis lead.
Giants at 49ers - A rematch of last year's game, and revenge is served again. 49ers get there!
Baltimore vs. 49ers - In what I still think will be the Harbaugh Bowl, a Harbaugh will win a super bowl. Just not sure yet which one.
Injuries: Sam Bradford, Peyton Manning, Justin Blackmon, Ray Rice, DeAngelo Williams.
Surprises: Julio Jones, Jeremy Maclin, Ashlon Jeffery, Dashon Goldson, DeMeco Ryans, Brooks Reed, Matt Cassel.
Enjoy the season! Thank God it's finally here!
