NFL fanatics, it is of my highest pleasures to announce that we are only two days away from opening up training camp. In last week's article, I resourcefully predicted which teams were going to make the playoffs for the NFC conference. Now this week, I will stray from the norm and write about the AFC. So for all those die hard Broncos, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots, and Dolphins fans, this one is for you. However, if you are a Jets or Jaguars fan, I would highly suggest moving on to your next article about bare all Mark Sanchez or worse … Blaine Gabbert. Also, I am going to switch this article up a bit and include some teams that I think could be sleepers and why they could be sleeper playoff picks, while additionally, I will also detail about some playoff team snubs.
AFC East:
New England Patriots: 11-5 (5-1 divisional record)
Everyone seems to be so down on the Patriots due to the fact that they had some talented players who had some legal trouble (Alfonzo Dennard and Aaron Hernandez) and some unfortuitous injuries (Rob Gronkowski). But many people, including the so called "NFL experts", are overlooking the fact that the Patriots still have Hall of Fame QB Tom Brady and Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick. Those two in tandem is enough to get a team at least 10-11 wins per season. Okay, so they are lacking skill players in the wide receiver position, but what do you hear every Sunday Night or Monday Night football? It’s the quarterback that makes the players better, not just their pure speed and route running. Tom Brady is still playing at an extremely high level and statistics will prove that. Come Week 5 and the team is still struggling in terms of their passing game, look for them to start running the ball. The Patriot offensive line, led by Nate Solder and mauler Logan Mankins can create gaping running lanes for Steven Ridley or Shane Vereen. Although, I will admit, seeing the Patriots as a running based offense would catch me on my left foot while sleep walking. With that being said, Patriots will still win the division.
(Wild Card) Miami Dolphins: 9-7 (4-2 divisional record)
The Dolphins were the offseason Super Bowl champions. But unfortunately for them, nothing counts until the pads are put on and the hitting begins. They added a plethora of weapons for sophomore quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but the question remains: can he utilize them properly and will he take the steps needed to become a franchise quarterback? At some points last season, his poise and confidence were amplified, and thus, yielded wins. There were also some bad points in the season for him as well. For example, getting stomped in Miami by a lowly Tennessee Titans team where he threw three interceptions. Yikes! All in all, the Dolphins play in an extremely weak division which will give the final nod into the playoffs.
AFC North:
Cincinnati Bengals: 10-6 (3-3 divisional record)
The Cincinnati Bengals have been a team on the upwards swing for the last two years. They make some noise during the regular season, but always seem to fall short in the playoffs. Well, I think this is their year to usurp the throne of the AFC North. Both the Steelers and the Ravens are on the downturn, not to mention the Browns have a starting quarterback who is already 30 years old. Barring a total disaster in terms of losing Andy Dalton or AJ Green, the Bengals have the explosive power and offensive scheme to make some noise.
AFC South:
Houston Texans: 10-6 (4-2 divisional record)
The Texans are stacked on both sides of the line. As long as Arian Foster and Andre Johnson stay healthy, this team will make the playoffs. Heck, even if they did lose one of the two due to injury, their division is so weak that they can literally sleep walk their way into the playoffs. How deep they will go into the playoffs rests solely on the shoulders of Matt Schaub, who has floundered at every opportunity given to him. One play to keep an eye on for fantasy is rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from Clemson. This guy is a stud and if he starts opposite of Andre Johnson, he is going to face easy single coverage all day long. Don't get me started on the unnatural human being who has been given the name of JJ "Swat".
AFC West:
Denver Broncos: 13-3 (6-0 divisional record)
There are some mile high expectations for John Fox and company after a disheartening first round exit for an extremely talented Broncos squad. With this team, you have, arguably, the best two players on both sides of the ball. The Professor in Peyton Manning, and The Butcher in Von Miller. Throw in a little spice aka Wes Welker and this team is going to be hands-down dominant until Peyton Manning retires.
(Wild Card) Kansas City Chiefs: 9-7 (3-3 divisional record)
Matt Cassel was awful for them. He really was. He was the benefactor for the ingenious strategies and scheme developer Bill Belichick. Now they have Alex Smith, who is more a game manager than a leading quarterback. I do believe though that the hiring of Andy Reid to this team will do the Chiefs franchise a lot of good in the short and long run. As long as they do not boo him out of town like the City of Brotherly love did so many times.
But back to the Chiefs, they actually have a myriad of talent on defense and offense. In fact, the Chiefs sent the most players to the Pro Bowl in 2013. Names like Hali, McCluster, Charles, and Flowers will become household names under the watch of Andy Reid.
Snubs:
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are not players you replace easily. I heard Mel Kiper on draft stating that Arthur Brown (who was drafted by the Ravens), would be the prototypical new "Ray Lewis". I don’t believe it. A team cannot simply lose two hall of fame players and remain intact with its winning ways.
Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck is an extremely gifted quarterback. But the Colts still lack that true offensive #1 receiver that every team has to have. Another problem is that their offseason were kind of, well, not exciting. Signing Erik Walden to a huge deal is not going to impress anybody, including the fans. The only reason the Colts made it to the playoffs last year was due to the fact that their schedule was one of the softest.
Super Bowl Pick:
Seeing that I just got back from Vegas and threw down 20 Washingtons on the Denver Broncos to win it all, I think I will go with my money and say that Peyton Manning will earn ring number two. But don't stress, Seattle Seahawk fans, I assure you that the Seahawks will not only make the playoffs, but they will make the Super Bowl as well.
31- 28 Denver Broncos
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