Hello, football fans! Lumination Senior Editor and self-described NFL nut Cory Woodroof here.
We’re just around the corner from the start of the 2014 NFL season – a season that is sure to be filled with all the patented drama, excitement and intrigue that always accompanies another installment of professional football.
Will this be the year Broncos QB Peyton Manning finally gets his second Super Bowl ring? Will Aaron Rodgers take his Packers back to the top after being sidelined for most of 2013? Will the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, become the first team to win two top titles in a row since the heyday of the Belichick-Brady Patriots? All these questions and more lay ahead in what is shaping up to be a stellar year in the NFL.
Below, I’ve broken down each division, picked a winner and have provided even more speculation into some of the league’s top awards. So, without further ado, down, set, hut, hut, hike!
AFC PREDICTIONS
AFC NORTH
With the AFC North, it’s all about who can stop the Bengals. With one of 2013’s most potent offenses in the NFL remaining largely intact, Andy Dalton and company should be able to produce the same results as last season. Their defense is also one of the more feared in the NFL. But, the Ravens, with added weapon Steve Smith on offense and Alabama great C.J. Mosley now at linebacker, could cause some noise. The Steelers need a little more help on offense before returning to the postseason, and the Browns are still in the middle of an identity crisis at the QB position. Johnny “Football” Manziel could shake things up in the division, but that won’t be for a while. Watch for Baltimore to pick up one of the wild card spots.
PREDICTED WINNER: BENGALS
AFC EAST
The Patriots have held such a monopoly over this division that it’s beginning to get boring. The Jets’ front seven may give Tom Brady fits (especially with guard Logan Mankins now in Tampa Bay), but their secondary has its questions (expect a monster campaign from Calvin Pryor, though). The Jets’ offense all depends on if QB Geno Smith can grow in his second year. The Dolphins have too many iffy areas, particularly with the o-line and its ability to keep QB Ryan Tannehill upright (outside of new left tackle Branden Albert). The Bills also are still trying to find their way with sophomore QB EJ Manuel trying to put together his first full season under center. This should be another easy year for the Pats.
PREDICTED WINNER: PATRIOTS
AFC SOUTH
The AFC South title will be an easy win for Andrew Luck and the Colts. Make no mistake without it. The Texans and Jaguars are in the midst of rebuilding, and the Tennessee Titans face a major decision at their most important position if QB Jake Locker can’t perform the way he did before his injury last season. The Colts are far from perfect (their offensive line a primary suspect), but as long as Andrew Luck has his arsenal on offense, he will be fine. The Colts also get major help with TE Dwayne Allen returning from injury. The Titans’ underrated defense, with DT Jurrell Casey and DE Derrick Morgan leading the charge on the d-line and coordinator Ray Horton calling the shots, could be one to watch, and the Texans’ pass rush with a newly-paid J.J. Watt and a rookie Jadeveon Clowney will present a problem for opposing offenses. But despite all of that, the Colts should easily prevail.
PREDICTED WINNER: COLTS
AFC WEST
It’s harder to win out west, even when the best QB in the game is slinging your passes. The Broncos spent plenty of money and draft picks on shoring up their defense and giving Peyton Manning even more toys to play with. With their explosive passing game and potentially terrifying pass rush (Von Miller AND DeMarcus Ware!?!), the Broncos shouldn’t have too many issues getting the division title again. However, their opponents will be nothing to shake a stick at. The revitalized Chargers under head coach Mike McCoy have every chance to give the Broncos a run for their money, especially with QB Philip Rivers playing at a new level. The Chiefs lost a lot of pieces in the off-season, but head coach Andy Reid and QB Alex Smith proved last year not to doubt them. RB Jamaal Charles will be an Offensive Player of the Year candidate. Even the Raiders have new life with the decision to start rookie QB Derek Carr. If Carr comes through with their intriguing running game (a healthy Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew sound pretty intimidating) and veteran-heavy defense, Oakland won’t be an easy out. As long as Peyton patrols this division, it’ll be his for the taking. However, San Diego has a real chance of making it to the playoffs with its offensive attack and growing defense.
PREDICTED WINNER: BRONCOS
PLAYOFFS
1. BRONCOS
2. BENGALS
3. PATRIOTS
4. COLTS
5. CHARGERS
6. RAVENS
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION: BRONCOS, PATRIOTS
In a rare rematch game, the Broncos and Patriots, who went into an arms war in the off-season, will battle in Denver for a spot in the Super Bowl. Even though the Patriots will be far more disruptive on defense (especially with Darrelle Revis in the secondary), the Broncos’ offense has too much firepower to stop. Expect another trip to the big game for Peyton and company. Manning will have a chip on his shoulder after last year’s abysmal Super Bowl showing. Do you really want to mess with him getting his second ring?
NFC PREDICTIONS
NFC NORTH
The NFC North had its chance to capitalize on an injured Aaron Rodgers last year, but the Packers still, somehow, won the division. With a healthy Rodgers behind center, Green Bay will be just a fearsome as they were before the QB was injured. RB Eddie Lacy also should have a big year in his second go-around. The Bears will be far more competitive this year with their offensive attack, but their defense still has to prove itself after getting somewhat of a makeover. The Lions have a new coach in Jim Caldwell, and if he can get QB Matthew Stafford and the offense going, Detroit could be a headache for opposing defenses. WR Calvin Johnson could have a great year in the new system. The Lions’ defense, though, will need to step up in order for the team to have a chance at the playoffs. Head coach Mike Zimmer’s first year with the Vikings will largely be about trying to figure out who the starting quarterback is between Matt Cassel and Teddy Bridgewater, but as long as RB Adrian Peterson is in the backfield, the team has a chance. This is a tough division to win in, but a Rodgers-less Packers won it last year, so with the prolific QB back in green and yellow, Green Bay should be able to win here. But, don’t discount the Bears. They’ve got a real chance at making the playoffs this year.
PREDICTED WINNER: PACKERS
NFC EAST
Before Chip Kelly and his experimental playbook hit the NFC East, this division could have been won by any of its teams. But, the Eagles have become one of the scariest teams in the league under Kelly’s system. Their offense, led by QB Nick Foles and RB LeSean McCoy, is a point machine that’s hard to take down. Philadelphia is the best bet for this division, but there are a lot of variables at play. Washington could flourish with a healthy Robert Griffin III, new WR addition DeSean Jackson and new pieces on the defense, but RGIII’s health and ability to work in new coach Jay Gruden’s system could make or break this team’s chances. The Cowboys wisely avoided the conundrum of putting Tony Romo into a QB battle with Johnny Manziel, but the team’s defense could be one of league’s worst after a plethora of injuries hit the unit. Can their offense get the job done if the defense can’t hold up? The Giants used to be one of the surest teams in the league, but both sides of the ball have issues. However, history has taught us never to doubt the G-Men, and rookie Odell Beckham Jr. could add a spark to their offense and give QB Eli Manning some needed help. For now, it’ll be Philly who marches to the postseason, but this division always holds a few surprises.
PREDICTED WINNERS: EAGLES
NFC SOUTH
The NFC South is one of the toughest divisions in football, with each team having a shot at the top crown this year. The Saints, riding high off of 2013’s return to form, have added explosive rookie WR Brandin Cooks and free safey Jairus Byrd to their roster, which only bolsters their chances of winning the division. The Falcons fell apart last season after an unbelievable run of injuries decimated their depth chart, but the team was aggressive in the off-season, adding plenty of big bodies on the offensive and defensive lines. Star WR Julio Jones also returns from a season-ending injury. The Panthers were the NFL’s breakout team last year, but a string of losses, notably on the o-line, in the receivers core and on defense, could hamper the team’s chances at claiming the division’s title for a second year. Plus, QB Cam Newton has struggled with injuries. The Buccaneers, under new head coach Lovie Smith, have one of the more talented defenses in the league, but the offense still has to prove itself with new QB Josh McCown calling the shots. Here, New Orleans has a pretty good chance of taking the title due to its complete roster and experience, but don’t count out the Falcons to come back to their winning ways and claim a playoff spot.
PREDICTED WINNER: SAINTS
NFC WEST
The NFC West is often called the best division in football, and it’s hard to argue with that logic. The Seahawks, fresh off a Super Bowl win, stand to have a great shot at once again claiming the division title. Their highly-touted defense shows no signs of slowing down, and their offense will have a full season of a healthy Percy Harvin for the first time. The 49ers don’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon, but the team will be without defensive studs NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith for a large chuck of the season. Their offense also struggled to put up points in the pre-season. Will this be the year that the Niners take a step back out of the playoff hunt? The Cardinals have defensive injuries and have to replace LB Karlos Dansby’s production, but their offense could be special with RB Andre Ellington primed to have a big year. And, it’s hard to doubt WR Larry Fitzgerald, likely hungry for his first championship. The Rams lost QB Sam Bradford for the season, but their scary front seven should be enough to keep the team in games. But, Seattle should be able to handle each of the teams and claim the title, and, this year, there may only be one team from this division to reach the playoffs.
PREDICTED WINNER: SEAHAWKS
PLAYOFFS
1. SEAHAWKS
2. SAINTS
3. PACKERS
4. EAGLES
5. BEARS
6. FALCONS
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: SEAHAWKS, PACKERS
After Golden Tate’s ever-controversial touchdown catch in 2012, the Packers will get a chance to spoil Seattle’s chance at a second title. It’ll be the closest of games, but Green Bay has a pretty good chance of taking the NFC title and trying to get Rodgers his second ring. But, Seattle’s defense won’t go down without a fight. Expect this to be one of the year’s best games to watch.
SUPER BOWL XLIX: BRONCOS, PACKERS, WINNER: BRONCOS
Talk about a marquee matchup: Peyton Manning vs. Aaron Rodgers in a game that would give one of the QB’s his second ring. The Broncos’ well-oiled machine of an offense will likely have little trouble with the Packers defense, but the Packers’ offense may hit a roadblock if Denver’s pass rush does what it’s capable of. Picking the Broncos to take it all may seem like the obvious choice, but this could be Peyton’s last year, and, like legendary QB John Elway, he’s likely going to want to go out on top. Peyton gets ring no. 2, and the Broncos finally get the championship they’ve so heavily invested in since Manning’s arrival.
SUPERLATIVES
COACH OF THE YEAR: MIKE MCCOY, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Perhaps one of the most underrated coaching turnarounds in recent memory, former Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy came into San Diego and helped make the team into a winning franchise in his first year. A rejuvenated Philip Rivers, a deep passing and rushing attack and an up-and-coming defense will keep the Chargers relevant for years to come, and McCoy deserves a lot of the praise. In his second year, McCoy will continue to have San Diego playing solid football, and perhaps, making a push to surprise in the playoffs. McCoy should get honored for his work this season in continuing to make the Chargers relevant again.
CONTENDERS:
If Pete Carroll puts his Seahawks back in the Super Bowl, he’d have a pretty strong chance at the award. The Falcons’ Mike Smith could get looks if he gets Atlanta back in playoff contention. Denver’s John Fox and New England’s Bill Belichick always deserve consideration. Will Philadelphia’s Chip Kelly get recognition for the job he’s doing with the Eagles?
MVP: PEYTON MANNING, QB, DENVER BRONCOS
There’s no player in the NFL right now playing like Peyton Manning is. Even with the goose egg the Broncos laid in February’s Super Bowl appearance, Manning is still Manning. With a deeper receiving core this season, Manning’s numbers should be close as his 2013 campaign, where he set the NFL record for passing yards and touchdowns for a QB in a season. While he may not be able to do exactly that, Manning should still be the best gunslinger in the NFL, and with this a real chance of being his last year in the league, one last MVP title on the way out makes perfect sense.
CONTENDERS
The Saints’ Drew Brees and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers always deserve to be in the conversation. If monster pass rusher J.J. Watt carries the Texans this season and sets any records, he may have a good chance of competing for the title. Being a quarterback always helps when it comes to MVP consideration, so if Atlanta’s Matt Ryan gets his offense back to its old ways, or if San Diego’s Philip Rivers is able to continue his resurgence, they could both be in play.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JAMAAL CHARLES, RB, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Outside of Adrian Peterson, no running back means more to its team than the Chiefs’ Jamaal Charles. He rushed for 1, 287 yards and had 12 touchdowns in the regular season last year, and with Kansas City’s passing game outside of Dwayne Bowe looking iffy, the Chiefs may be relying on Charles more than ever to help them try to duplicate their surprise 2013 success in 2014. Even though the offensive line might not be what it was last season, Charles is the kind of offensive talent that should be able to rise above the conditions and help carry his team. He’s no lock for the title, but of any offensive player in the NFL, Charles could be in the best position to prove his importance to his team, which could warrant an OPY title.
CONTENDERS:
Outside of the league’s top quarterbacks all deserving contention here, WR Calvin Johnson could go back to setting records in Jim Caldwell’s offense. Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Cincinnati’s A. J. Green should have monster seasons. Adrian Peterson is never one to count out, and Philadelphia RB LeSean McCoy could continue to flourish in Chip Kelly’s offense. Could second-year Chargers WR Keenan Allen continue to get better and be in the conversation?
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: J.J. WATT, DE, HOUSTON TEXANS
This year, the Defensive Player of the Year will follow 2012’s award and go to one of the best pass rushers in the business. J.J. Watt is the best player on the Houston Texans’ roster, and he may have the task of leading his team to victory on defense if the offense struggles. It’s hard for a player in Watt’s position to have a huge say in the final outcome, but if Watt, now with the help of pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, has his best season yet (especially under the circumstances), it could be enough for voters to once again honor him with the league’s top defensive award.
CONTENDERS:
If Watt is the league’s MVP, look at St. Louis DE Robert Quinn. Quinn is from the same school of ruthless pass rushing as Watt, and with the Rams leaning on its defense after the Sam Bradford injury, Quinn could have a huge year and be in contention for the DPY honor. Seahawks CB Richard Sherman and S Earl Thomas, members of the Legion of Boom, should both be looked at if they continue to terrorize offenses. Cincinnati’s phenomenal DT Geno Atkins is coming off an injury, so a return to form for him should warrant some looks. Also, will a change of scenery in Denver return DE DeMarcus Ware to his monstrous ways? If so, he could have a big year for the Broncos.
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: AARON RODGERS, QB, GREEN BAY PACKERS
After a major setback in 2013, Aaron Rodgers, one of the league’s best quarterbacks, should stand to have a huge year in 2014. Rodgers’ importance to the Packers was evident as the team struggled without him, but they still managed to make the playoffs, where Rodgers returned and gave the 49ers a tough game. Now that he’s fully healthy, a returning Rodgers doing what Rodgers does best should be enough to make this team a scary contender for the Super Bowl.
CONTENDERS:
Atlanta WR Julio Jones is returning from injury and is poised to have a huge season. The same goes for Cincinnati DT Geno Atkins. After a tough 2013, Lions QB Matthew Stafford could have a big year under new coach Jim Caldwell. A name to closely watch will be Cowboys LB Rolando McClain. The former Raider never lived up to his status of being a first rounder due to lackluster play and a string of legal issues. He technically retired from the league before being picked up by the Cowboys in a trade with Baltimore (where he never played a down) earlier this year. Now, McClain stands as the starting middle linebacker for Dallas in a defense that could absolutely use a leader. Will McClain finally step up to the role and give the Cowboys a needed dose of leadership and strong play on defense? If so, he would absolutely be in contention for this award.
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: DEREK CARR, QB, OAKLAND RAIDERS
When the Raiders made the decision earlier this week to make rookie signal caller Derek Carr the starter, they immediately put him in top consideration for this award. Carr has the chance to reverse the fortunes of a team that has struggled mightily since the early 2000s. The rookie looked great against Seattle’s defense, one of the league’s best units, in pre-season play, and if he’s able to get the Raiders to even an 8-8 record and in the right direction for the future, he would have to be the unanimous favorite for this award.
CONTENDERS:
Rookie receivers Brandin Cooks (Saints), Mike Evans (Bucs), Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers), Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants) and Marqise Lee (Jaguars) all have a solid chance to make huge impacts in their respective offenses. If the Jags go with QB Blake Bortles early in the season and he turns the team around, he’d also be in major consideration.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: CALVIN PRYOR, S, NEW YORK JETS
For the second straight year, a Jet gets honored with this award. Pryor is a hard-hitting safety who has a great chance to flourish in head coach Rex Ryan’s system. With the Jets secondary looking shaky due to a string of injuries and a lack of depth, Pryor has the opportunity to become the standout player in this unit. He will have a lot of slack to pick up until starting CB Dee Milliner returns from injury, but a huge 2014 campaign from Pryor could have the voting eyes on him for the top defensive rookie honor.
CONTENDERS:
The Texans’ Jadeveon Clowney and the Raiders’ Khalil Mack could have double-digit years in sacks, and that would be enough to put the rookies in strong consideration. The Rams’ Aaron Donald could quickly become one of the league’s most terrifying interior d-lineman. Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley could finally fill the void left by Ray Lewis for Baltimore. Steelers OLB Ryan Shazier has also been getting good reports from training camp and could stand to make a big impact for Pittsburgh.
Well, there you have it. The stage is set for an awesome year in the NFL, and I, for one, can’t wait to follow it.
Who do you think will be this year’s top team? Do you agree or disagree with my predictions? Feel free to let your voice be heard in the comments section.