NFL Season Predictions 2016
7 Months gets longer every year. That's how long it's been since we've had an NFL game (worth watching... the Preseason is still unwatchable). But fear not fellow NFL fans. Tomorrow we get to open the season up with a Super Bowl rematch when the Carolina Panthers take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday night. If you're like me by this time you are probably so football deprived, you'd happily sit and watch a Browns/49ers game from start to finish. Enjoy that feeling, because chances are by mid-season you will no longer be so eager (unless of course you are a Browns or 49ers fan, in which case you may want to stop reading now because you probably won't like/agree with what I'm about to say about your teams Cough*Spoiler*Cough). In this post, I'll go over my season predictions for all 32 teams and include my pick to win Super Bowl 51. It's worth pointing out that this blog isn't for Fantasy football, but is more intended for an audience who actually likes to watch football games where they may not have a vested interest in any one player (a crazy concept I know). If you play Fantasy Football, I hope everyone's drafts went well and you have a good season (unless you're in one of my leagues, in which case I feel sorry for you because I'm about to open a can on your sorry teams ;) ). Since you probably skipped reading this section anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore virtual ink with it. Onward to the picks!
AFC NORTH
One of these days, my prediction that that Browns will be towards the bottom of the NFL in wins will be wrong and I'll have to eat my words here. However, this hasn't happened yet, and when they keep making stupid decisions like drafting Johnny Manziel, there doesn't seem to be an end in site. Look, before Cleveland fans start posting angry comments and try to find out where I live, let me say this: You seem to have decent management in place for the first time in many, many years. On another note, the Ravens might be the most boring team in terms of news this year. The most exciting news since free agency is when they cut and then resigned their running back. People in management there didn't have enough to do I guess. The most consistent team in the NFL award goes to: The Cincinnati Bengals. As long as consistency is measured by losing in the same round of the playoffs for the last 5 years. However, I'm calling that they finally break that streak this year, but not in the way that Bengals fans want. That's right, I believe they will actually miss the playoffs this year. It's nothing really against their team per say, I just think other teams in the AFC have done more and look like they're more likely to punch the playoff card this season. And as far as the Steelers go, a few thoughts: Antonio Brown is the NFL's best wide receiver. Their defense will be average at best. It won't matter since their offense has a chance to be the best in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers 12 - 4
Cincinnati Bengals 10 - 6
Baltimore Ravens 8 - 8
Cleveland Browns 3 - 13
AFC SOUTH
This is the only division of the NFL where I actually think all 4 teams have a genuine shot of winning the division. Part of that is because I think these teams are all on the upswing. Of course, the other part is that this division still isn't very good. Andrew Luck and that offensive line are going to have a bad day every time they have to take on Watt and Clowney. Really, the only advantage the Colts have is the best QB in the division. The other teams are better in almost every position. The Jaguars had a great draft and great Free Agency period. I still think they're maybe a year out from taking this division, but the arrow is pointing up for them. After Houston got Brock, everybody's been curious to see what they're going to look like this year with the best defense in the division and the best wide-receiver and running back. They should be a tough match every time they have to play, but people forgot all to quick that Osweiler had his fair share of mistakes and they benched him in favor of a shell of the once great Peyton Manning. Obviously it worked out for them, but if he's that good, why didn't Denver keep him? The Titans simply aren't as talented on either side of the ball as these other teams right now, but hey, if they keep getting the number one pick every year, they're bound to be good eventually right?
Indianapolis Colts 9 - 7
Houston Texans 7 - 9
Jacksonville Jaguars 6 - 10
Tennessee Titans 6 - 10
AFC EAST
No one is as unlucky as the Jets. Not only did they miss the playoffs after going 10-6 last season, but they are the only opponent in the AFC East who don't have a game against the Patriots while Tom Brady is out. Life isn't fair. Oh well, maybe next year. As far as Tom Brady's suspension goes, the Patriots could lose all 4 games and still win the division. Actually, that's probably what they'll do. Except, I don't think they'll lose all 4 games. I never know what to think of the Bills honestly. Rex Ryan's teams are always so hit and miss, they're near impossible to predict. Much like what comes out of Rex Ryan's mouth. Lastly, we have the Dolphins who's fans always tell me "this is the year". If by "the year" they're referring to another year of mediocrity, then I would have to agree. I'm sure they'll come up with a better excuse by the end of the season.
New England Patriots 12 - 4
New York Jets 10 - 6
Buffalo Bills 7 - 9
Miami Dolphins 6 - 10
AFC WEST
I can't remember the last Super Bowl winner to start a less experienced QB. Either Siemian is that good or his competition was that bad. I'm betting on the latter. Either way, the Broncos might be the only team in the league that could go without a QB on the field and still probably win 8 games with that defense. With that being said, I think this is the year Kansas City takes over this division. They're a more complete team and I believe they're ready to take the next step. The Raiders are in the same boat, but are still about a year or two out from really contending with the really good teams. The Chargers are the definition of a middle of the road team this year. They've got a decent amount of talent and experience, they'll be a tough game for whoever they play, but they're not realistically going to win the Super Bowl unless a plethora of injuries sweeps over the NFL this season.
Denver Broncos 10 - 6
Kansas City Chiefs 10 - 6
San Diego Chargers 9 - 7
Oakland Raiders 6 - 10
NFC NORTH
Pop-Quiz: How many losing seasons have the Packers had in the last 24 years? The answer, to the dismay of all other NFC North teams is an astonishing 2 seasons. That's a better streak in that amount of time than ALL other teams. That streak has no end in sight. The Bears have gotten better on defense, but wow did they look awful in the Pre-Season. It seems to be another year destined for mediocrity for DA Bears. Losing Calvin Johnson will either make Matthew Stafford get better as a Quarterback since he can't just throw the ball up to Johnson anymore or it will expose him for who he really is. Only time will tell. And finally we get to Minnesota. Look, I feel really bad for Bridgewater. He seems like a good kid and that's a bad injury to come back from. It's not his fault in anyway, but losing him tanks the Vikings season. Even if Bridgwater was healthy, I didn't see this team replicating it's success from last season anyway. Their schedule is one of the most brutal in the NFL this year. At least Teddy got injured on a year they weren't making the playoffs anyway.
Green Bay Packers 13 - 3
Chicago Bears 7 - 9
Detroit Lions 5 - 11
Minnesota Vikings 4 - 12
NFC SOUTH
Newton and the Panthers will fall back to Earth this season. Luckily for them, the other teams in this division are still way behind them in terms of talent and experience. The Falcons are another great example of a middle-of-the-road team. They have some really talented players and experience, but they're just not good enough to push into the playoffs. The Saints offense should put up some major points, but their defense is so bad I don't think anyone would notice if they didn't ever get off the bus. Winston should continue to progress as a QB this season, but he's still a ways out from being among the top QBs in the league. Hopefully the new coaching staff doesn't mess up his progression too much. 2 new coaching staffs in 2 years is tough on a young quarterback.
Carolina Panthers 13 - 3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7 - 9
Atlanta Falcons 6 - 10
New Orleans Saints 6 - 10
NFC EAST
Where to start with the NFC East. The good news is Tony Romo was able to last a whole couple plays before he went down with injury this time. Maybe if they Dak plays well enough Romo can sit out till the Super Bowl and come out for the last few plays. Nahh, it's too risky. The Giants did a good job in Free Agency filling some needs on defense. I believe they're in for a bounce back year. No team in the NFL wants to face the Giants come playoff time. The Eagles will now begin the long process of fixing what Chip Kelly put together (or took apart i suppose). They begin this while starting a rookie quarterback. This will not be easy for them. And lastly for this division, this IS Kurt Cousins make or break year. He's playing on a franchise tag and if he doesn't play well this year, he will NOT be in Washington next year. We'll see if he's up to it.
Dallas Cowboys 10 - 6
New York Giants 10 - 6
Washington Redskins 8 - 8
Philadelphia Eagles 6 - 10
NFC WEST
I'll start with the bad. Their name is the San Francisco 49ers. Sorry, Niners fans, but you're in for a rough season. You just picked up a coach that was chased out of Philly after you already have had a run of bad luck with talent leaving or retiring. This is not exactly the recipe for a winning season. The Rams may not have got exactly what they wanted with Goff. You don't give up that much to get a QB who's riding the bench to start the season. Their defense will keep them competitive, but they'll struggle against the good teams. That leaves the Cardinals and the Seahawks. These 2 will fight all season for the division crown but I think in the end the Seahawks home field advantage will be too many games for the Cardinals to keep up. Don't worry Cardinals fans. You'll make the playoffs anyway as a wild card.
Seattle Seahawks 12 - 4
Arizona Cardinals 11 - 5
Los Angeles Rams 5 - 11
San Francisco 49ers 3 - 13
Super Bowl Prediction
After feeding all possible football data into the super computer that is my brain I have come out with the Super Bowl 51 matchup and winner. Here we go:
Green Bay Packers defeat the New England Patriots 31 - 24
I'll see you come playoffs!
