NFL Season Predictions

My Predictions

The Usual Suspects
Because of division alignment there are a few teams that are pretty much guaranteed to be in the playoffs. Maybe not guaranteed, but I feel comfortable writing them in now. The Patriots are automatic. The defending champion Packers are unlikely to be overthrown in their division. Steelers are solid. While the Chargers missed the playoffs for the first time in 5 years, that probably helps make them a more solid lock this year since they get scheduling advantages. And unfortunately, a team from the NFC West is guaranteed a playoff spot. The Eagles, Saints and Falcons are among the league’s very best teams, but their division rivals are very competitive and a playoff berth will be hard-fought.

Dark Horses
Teams that could surprise many fans with a big season and find their way into the Playoff Picture are (in order of likelihood): the Buccaneers, Cowboys, Giants, Lions, Titans,, and Dolphins.

Likely Busts
Every year it seems five teams don't return to the playoffs the next year. Teams I am down on are the Colts, Bears, Jets, Chiefs, and any team that suffers a key injury/injuries. Other teams that could not be as competitive as some expect are the Vikings, Jaguars, and Lions (yes, I also listed them as a surprise candidate).

Season Standings
NFC EAST
*Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Giants 9-7
Redskins 5-11

NFC NORTH
*Packers 12-4
Lions 9-7
Bears 7-9
Vikings 6-10

NFC SOUTH
*Saints 11-5
*Falcons 10-6
*Buccaneers 10-6
Panthers 3-13

NFC WEST
*Rams 8-8
49ers 7-9
Cardinals 7-9
Seahawks 6-10

AFC EAST
*Patriots 13-3
*Jets 9-7
Dolphins 5-11
Bills 4-12

AFC NORTH
*Steelers 13-3
*Ravens 11-5
Browns 6-10
Bengals 3-13

AFC SOUTH
*Texans 10-6
Titans 8-8
Colts 7-9
Jaguars 4-12

AFC WEST
*Chargers 12-4
Chiefs 8-8
Raiders 7-9
Broncos 6-10

NFC Championship
Packers over Falcons
AFC Championship
Patriots over Chargers

SUPER BOWL
Patriots over Packers

MVP: Tom Brady
Offensive Player of the Year: Chris Johnson
Defensive PotY: Troy Polamalu
Offensive Rookie otY: Greg Little
Defensive Rookie otY: Von Miller
Coach otY: Raheem Morris

I initially picked the Chargers as champs, giving me a win-win with them or the Patriots. but that is kinda cheap. I like the Patriots and I think they will be the best team.)