After a long sabbatical, your favorite freelance NFL football writer is back and just in the nick of time too as training camps open up (Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys) on July 20th. As training camps loom on the horizon, I thought I'd put in a few predictions in what is to be an another amazing and exciting year of football. While my forecasting may yield exiguous accuracies, I can promise you the element of surprise. When glancing over my predictions, it would be worth noting that in the past decade only one team has made back to back Super Bowl appearances (New England 2004 & 2005) which, in my novice opinion, eliminates both the San Francsico 49ers and Baltimore Ravens from Super Bowl XLVIII in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Bearing that in mind, I'm going to get my hands dirty and give this a bludgeon.
NFC Playoff Teams:
Seattle Seahawks: 12-4 (4-2 division record)
The Seahawks added a bundle of sheer playmakers on both sides of the ball this offseason. They traded for the dynamic Percy Harvin and signed both Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril in the offseason. Both free agent acquisitions were great moves for an already stacked and swarming Seahawks defense. Not only are Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett reaching the zenith of their careers, they also signed for team friendly contracts, assisting the asinine amount of money they threw at Percy Harvin.
Many football experts have even loftier expectations for the Seahawks, but I think questions remain on their offensive line and protecting their prized possession: Russell Wilson. Even if he does stay healthy, I think they will pick up losses at Houston in Week 4, at St. Louis in Week 8, home against New Orleans on Monday Night Football against the Saints Week 13 and at San Francisco Week 14.
(WC) San Francisco 49ers: 11-5 (4-2 division record)
The Niners have a star studded defense but with the Michael Crabtree injury, their wide receiver corps is lacking in talent. Anquan Boldin is a few years from applying with AARP and AJ Jenkins has yet to see the field. Okay, they still have Vernon Davis, arguably the best all-around tight end in football, but it would be hard pressed to imagine him performing week in and week out in double coverage. Additionally, the Niners schedule is absolutely brutal from the gates.
Green Bay Packers: 11-5 (5-1 division record)
As long as Aaron Rodgers is at the helm, the Packers will continue to dominate the NFC North. The difference between this team being a playoff contender and a Super Bowl contender relies on the defensive performance, which will receive a boost with the addition of Datone Jones and the return of a healthy BJ Raji.
New Orleans Saints: 12-4 (4-2 division record)
Gunslinging quarterback Drew Brees will be reunited with head coach and offensive guru Sean Payton. As long as they avoid an early season debacle like last season, look for them to win the NFC South. I am led to believe that when Drew Brees and company come to town in Week 13, insidious revenge will be on their mind.
(WC) Atlanta Falcons: 10-6 (4-2 division record)
The Falcons have a star studded offense with newcomer power back Steven Jackson leading the way. Along with Matty "Ice" Ryan and the return of future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez, the Falcons will qualify for the playoffs and could very well make a push deep into the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles: 9-7 (3-3 division record)
Here is one of my surprise picks but in honesty, the NFC East is up for grabs. I could see any of the four teams making the playoffs, but I do fear they will not make it that far. Chip Kelly is going to revamp an already explosive offense. The problem though is the Eagles defense … do they have any? At any rate, I think they will beat out the Giants and Cowboys for the top of the division. And for those who think RG3 and the Redskins are going to make the playoffs, two words. Dream on. Frankly, no way he stays healthy. Talented player, but he is just too fragile for this man's game.
Super Bowl: Seattle Seahawks
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