The NFL and Offensive Team Names

Fifty United States Senators have signed a letter to the NFL asking the league to forcibly change the name of one of its franchises. The Washington R-Words (I’m not using the actual name, as it is apparently so offensive it drives small children to commit heinous crimes and makes the elderly weep uncontrollably) are the franchise in question. In this Politically-Correct-at-all-costs society we are driving towards, anything that can be deemed offensive must be removed from the public sphere.*

(*: Except, of course, celebrations of abortion, or references to non-Christian religions. Christianity and pro-life speech is right out.)

After all, the term “R-Word” is a slang term applied to the indigenous peoples of North America during the early 17th century, as European settlers were migrating westward. The true origin of the term is lost in the mists of history.

Is that less offensive?

This debate seems to spring up every few years, and so far the league has been somewhat slow to force change. I can, in a way, understand the league’s hesitancy in the matter. Should the league and the team decide a name-change is appropriate, which looks likely this time, as the calls for change have more support than ever before, then there is a way in which the league needs to handle it in order to prevent further outside assaults. Otherwise, I fear a string of never-ending lawsuits in which PETA charges that any team with an animal nickname is exploitative of animal rights and must therefore change their name.

Or the San Francisco 49ers name is indicative of those who exploit the Earth for personal gain, which is a huge no-no among the educated and erudite liberal elites of these modern times. Or the Oakland Raiders could be accused of having a name that glorifies criminality, which is a poor example to the children. The same theory goes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The New Orleans Saints? Oh, no…no, no, no…we can’t have spirituality glorified in the public eye. “Saint” carries with it a connotation of Christianity. As we all know, Christianity is not allowed in public, especially with so prominent an organization as a city’s NFL franchise. (At least until the NFL truly gains a foothold in Europe and New Orleans is relocated to the Vatican. Then you have the Vatican City Saints. [The alternative being Arizona relocates to the Vatican, giving you the Vatican City Cardinals.]) Following the vein of the religious, we have the Tennessee Titans. The Titans were the earlier Greek gods deposed by Zeus and his cronies. While not Christian, it never hurts to simply remove all religion from public if possible.

The Dallas Cowboys? Look, if we’re changing the Washington R-Words because it is offensive to Native Americans, then surely this name is just as offensive to those same Native Americans, right? The New York Giants? That’s discrimination based on size, which simply cannot be tolerated. The New England Patriots? Everyone knows “patriot” is just a code word for white supremacist. The Minnesota Vikings? Surely everyone in Iceland and the entirety of Scandinavia is offended by that one.

The Pittsburgh Steelers? Obviously an homage to the city’s past and the rise of the steel industry. Still, this name celebrates capitalism, which is simply not a fair system, as some people are able to get more stuff than others. The Cleveland Browns? Really? Do I even need to explain this one to you?

Okay, for those of you who didn’t catch on earlier, this is a joke. No, the letter about changing the team’s name is real. Never mind the staggering debt we’re incurring as a nation. Never mind the fact that we still have soldiers overseas in what are basically combat zones. Never mind that the United States Department of Agriculture is requisitioning body armor and sub-machine guns. Never mind that we have congressmen telling us that the crime rate in El Paso, Texas is proof positive that “communism works.” No, thank the Lord above we have half the Senate worried about the fact that someone could be offended by the name of an NFL team.

Oh, and if you hear Senate Democrats boasting about how no Republicans joined them in condemning this awfully offensive name, remember this: They never showed this letter to the Senate Republicans.

2014 NFL Draft - Live!

For the first time ever, I'm going to try my hand at live-blogging. The NFL Draft begins tonight and I'll try my best to update this post after each pick, with my thoughts on what's going on and how I think the rest will play out.

The Draft begins at 8pm. The selection order is as shown below. I hope you enjoy this experiment in blogging...

2014 NFL Draft

Pick #1 - Houston Texans
Selection: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Discussion: The Texans now boast a defense with JJ Watt on one side and Clowney on the other. The offensive coordinators in the AFC South may start asking for hazard pay.

Clowney the Texan...Are you not entertained?

Pick #2 - St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)
Selection: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Discussion: This gives Sam Bradford some better protection against some of the toughest defenses in the league. When six of your games every year are against Seattle, San Fran, and Arizona, you need to protect your QB.

Pick #3 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Blake Bortles, QB Central Florida
Discussion: This is Jacksonville grabbing a potential franchise QB. Manziel would've brought more circus; Bortles brings you a Florida audience already in place, and he's pretty good to boot.

Pick #4 - Buffalo Bills, traded from Cleveland Browns
Selection: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Discussion: This gives EJ Manuel a big time weapon for the foreseeable future. Seems like a decent price for probably the best WR in this draft.
Trade: Bills swap first rounders, Bills give up 2015 1st round and 4th round picks

Pick #5 - Oakland Raiders
Selection: Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
Discussion: You can't argue this pick. Mack is a solid threat on the pass rush. He'll be able to get after Manning, Rivers, and Smith.

Pick #6 - Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Jake Matthews, OT, TAMU
Discussion: Matt Ryan was pressured and sacked far too much last year. A guy like Matthews will give Ryan more time upright and will give Steven Jackson more chances to run.

Jake Matthews is now an Atlanta Falcon

Pick #7 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Mike Evans, WR, TAMU
Discussion: The second straight Aggie off the board, Tampa traded their top WR during the offseason, and they now have replaced him.

Pick #8 - Cleveland Browns, traded from Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Discussion: That's interesting...I figured Cleveland was after a QB, but Gilbert is an interesting pick. They probably could've gotten him without trading up.
Trade: Cleveland swaps first rounders, gives up the 145th pick (5th round)

Pick #9 - Minnesota Vikings, traded from Cleveland Browns, traded from Buffalo Bills
Selection: Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
Discussion: Another interesting pick. Barr started highly and saw his stock begin to fall. He's raw and can be shaped. He needs to up his intensity, but this is a good project for the Vikings.

Pick #10 - Detroit Lions (as picked by Barry Sanders)
Selection: Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina
Discussion: Best TE in this draft and it gives Matthew Stafford even more weapons in the Black and Blue division.

Pick #11 - Tennessee Titans
Selection: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Discussion: This guy is nasty. He's big, he's got a mean streak. Just a brutal football player. To me, he's got a few too many off-field issues. Tennessee must be okay with that.

Pick #12 - New York Giants
Selection: Odell Beckham, WR, LSU
Discussion: Oddly enough, the Giants faithful in Radio City Music Hall aren't booing mercilessly. Beckham is a good pick here, giving Eli another weapon and expanding the Giants offense.

Pick #13 - St. Louis Rams
Selection: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Discussion: St. Louis has shored up both lines in this draft. Donald gives them more defensive options against a tough NFC West.

Pick #14 - Chicago Bears
Selection: Kyle Fuller, DB/CB, Virginia Tech
Discussion: Fuller has great range and will fit well in Chicago. He can play as a dime-back or a nickel-back. He's got enough speed if Chicago ever throws in a corner blitz.

Pick #15 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
Discussion: This might be called a bit of a reach, but the Steelers need a young LB and this is a great fit. He can drop into coverage, he can blitz, and he can stop the run. Good pick.

Pick #16 - Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame
Discussion: Good pick. Dallas makes their offensive line even stronger. The Cowboys need some defensive help, but Martin is almost too good to pass up right here. They will have to focus on the defense as the draft goes on, though.

Pick #17 - Baltimore Ravens
Selection: CJ Mosely, LB, Alabama
Discussion: Mosley is an absolute beast of an inside linebacker. Typical Baltimore pick of defense first.

Pick #18 - New York Jets
Selection: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Discussion: The Jets needed WR help, but Pryor is a good pick here. He'll definitely help to shore up the JETS defense.

Pick #19 - Miami Dolphins
Selection: Ju'Wuan James, OT, Tennessee
Discussion: This is a pure position pick. Miami needs an OT and James can play either side of the line. That said, there are some skill players that might've made more sense here.

Pick #20 - New Orleans Saints, traded from Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Discussion: The Saints pick up a speedy WR for Drew Brees. The offensive firepower of the NFC South gets stronger with this pick.
Trade: Saints swap first rounders, 91st pick (3rd round)

Pick #21 - Green Bay Packers
Selection: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama
Discussion: This is a solid pick for Green Bay at this point. The black and blue division just got tougher.

Pick #22 - Cleveland Browns, traded from Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Johnny Manziel, QB, TAMU
Discussion: Cleveland jumps up to ensure they get Manziel. Given time, Manziel might very well be a good QB. He has to learn not to run away at the drop of a hat and get stronger in the pocket. That said, this is the biggest draft pick for Cleveland in years. Johnny Football just became the face of their franchise.
Trade: Cleveland swaps #26 for #22, and 83rd pick (3rd round)

Pick #23 - Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn
Discussion: I figured Ford would be available in the second round. I guess KC thought he was worth an early-20s pick. Ford is fast. He's fast enough to be a Raider. Now he gets to play the Raiders twice a season.

Pick #24 - Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
Discussion: This is a great pick for the Bengals. Dennard made a name for himself last year, especially against Ohio State and Stanford. Dennard should slot right in to the Bengals secondary.

Pick #25 - San Diego Chargers
Selection: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Discussion: San Diego really needed a CB and Verrett fits that need. He's got speed and range and always seems to be where the ball is.

Pick #26 - Philadelphia Eagles, traded from Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts)
Selection: Marcus Smith, LB, Louisville
Discussion: Philly has some needs and I'm not sure I would've put LB at the very top. They need to replace a WR at some point, but they obviously saw something in Smith to warrant this high a pick.

Pick #27 - Arizona Cardinals, traded from New Orleans Saints
Selection: Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State
Discussion: Arizona is making their defense stronger with this pick. They have to play Kaepernick, Wilson, and Bradford six times every year, so getting stronger on defense is not a bad idea.

Pick #28 - Carolina Panthers
Selection: Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Discussion: Carolina needed a WR and Benjamin is a big time WR. He needs some work, and can get better, but this is a solid pick up by Carolina. 

Pick #29 - New England Patriots
Selection: Dominique Easley, DE, Florida
Discussion: For the first time since 2012, the Pats pick in the first round. Easley is a great pick. He's hurt right now, but getting to healthy. When healthy, he can be a beast.

Pick #30 - San Francisco 49ers
Selection:Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois
Discussion: A stout defense gets even stronger. Man, do those NFC West teams know how to play defense.

Pick #31 - Denver Broncos
Selection: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Discussion: Denver gets a solid CB at a decent price. Denver was exposed in the Super Bowl and anything they can do to upgrade their defense will make them better.

Pick #32 - Minnesota Vikings, traded from Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Discussion: Can you believe I mocked this one correctly?
Trade: Minnesota gives up the 40th pick (2nd round) and 108th pick (4th round)

The First Ever Right Wing NFL Mock Draft

Back in April I made a mock of the top ten picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, without allowing for trades. In this article, I once more mock the Draft, but now I’m giving you the entire first round plus projected trades.

I love the NFL Draft. I mean, I love the NFL Draft. It’s like Christmas to me. I’ll watch every possible second of coverage. I read multiple mock drafts as a means of doing homework. I check out the combine scores, although I’d rather watch game film. Knowing how fast a guy can run a straight-line 40-yard dash is great, but honestly, how often does that happen in a game situation? I’m convinced the 40-yard dash was invented by former Raiders owner (the late) Al Davis, just because he was enamored with speed.

Remember, this is all in the name of fun. I’m not claiming that I’ll be anywhere close to correct on any of these picks.

Draft Order (First Round)

Pick #1 - Houston Texans
Selection: Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
Synopsis: Because why not? This would give the Texans a defense anchored on one side by JJ Watt and on the other by Jadeveon Clowney. Every quarterback in the AFC South would fear this combination.

Pick #2 – Atlanta Falcons, traded from St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)
Selection: Khalil Mack, OLB/DE, Buffalo
Synopsis: The Rams trade down and the Falcons move up without having to surrender a king’s ransom. For the low price of swapping 1st rounders, a 3rd round pick in 2014, and a 2nd round pick in 2015, the Falcons get their man. Mack is actually a better fit for the Falcons than Clowney, as the Falcons are shifting to a 3-4 Defense and Mack is a natural at the outside linebacker position.

Pick #3 - Jacksonville Jaguars
Selection: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
Synopsis: The Jags need something that will bring in fans and money. Johnny Manziel fits that bill. If Jacksonville ever relocates, the team will likely want a star name headlining that relocation. Once more, Manziel fits that bill.

Pick #4 - Cleveland Browns
Selection: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Synopsis: The Browns have needed a franchise QB for basically as long as I’ve drawn breath. Bortles could be the closest thing the Browns ever see (at least in this draft) to a franchise QB.

Pick #5 - Oakland Raiders
Selection: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Synopsis: The Raiders love speed, and Watkins is fast. He’s also the best WR in the draft.

Pick #6 – St. Louis Rams, traded from Atlanta Falcons
Selection: Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn
Synopsis: It is entirely possible that Robinson is the man on the Ram’s radar going into the draft. If that’s the case, then this represents a win-win for the franchise, as they still get their guy, and they land some additional picks in the process.

Pick #7 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Synopsis: Trading away Mike Williams means the Bucs need another high-talent WR. Evans fits that bill.

Pick #8 - Minnesota Vikings
Selection: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
Synopsis: Most mock drafts have the Vikings either taking a QB or trading out of #8. I think they take the best available OT as a means of foundation building for the QB they take later.

Pick #9 - Buffalo Bills
Selection: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
Synopsis: The Bills need weapons for sophomore QB EJ Manuel. Ebron gives him a big target with good hands, the kind of guy who can run routes and also act as a safety valve.

Pick #10 - Detroit Lions
Selection: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama
Synopsis: I mocked this pick back in April and I’m sticking with it. Clinton-Dix could be a monster in the secondary for Detroit

Pick #11 - Tennessee Titans
Selection: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Synopsis: The Titans need help on both sides of the ball, and Gilbert is a good fit for them at #11.

Pick #12 – San Francisco 49ers, traded from New York Giants
Selection: Odell Beckham, Jr, WR, LSU
Synopsis: The Niners give up the following to pull off this trade: swap 1st rounders, a 2nd rounder (61), and a second or third rounder in 2015. All this to get a WR to further spread the field for their offense.

Pick #13 – Miami Dolphins, traded from St. Louis Rams
Selection: Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
Synopsis: Taylor Lewan has some off-field issues, but Miami is in dire need of help on the offensive line. It’s unlikely Lewan is around at #19, so the Fins trade up to get him. St. Louis doesn’t mind trading around, as it nets them even more leverage in the draft.

Pick #14 – Dallas Cowboys, traded from Chicago Bears
Selection: Aaron Donald, DT, Pitt
Synopsis: The Cowboys really like Aaron Donald. So does Pittsburgh, according to several reports. So the Cowboys jump their rivals to take the DT. To do so, the Bears and Cowboys swap first rounders, with Dallas throwing in a third round pick.

Pick #15 - Pittsburgh Steelers
Selection: Darqueze Denard, CB, Michigan State
Synopsis: The Steelers have several spots in which they could use help, but a talent like Denard falling to them at #15 is too good to pass up.

Pick #16 –Chicago Bears, traded from Dallas Cowboys
Selection: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA
Synopsis: Trading down still nets the Bears a pretty good prospect. Barr is seen as a bit of a project to get fully NFL-ready, but his upside is more than enough to warrant taking a chance on him.

Pick #17 - Baltimore Ravens
Selection: Zack Martin, T/G, Notre Dame
Synopsis: The Ravens biggest needs are up front, and Zack Martin goes a long way toward correcting those needs.

Pick #18 - New York Jets
Selection: Kony Ealy, DE/DT, Missouri
Synopsis: The Jets will want a trade partner here, with the big WRs gone, but no one will step up. So their best bet is to take one of the better players still available.

Pick #19 – St. Louis Rams, traded from Miami Dolphins
Selection: CJ Mosley, ILB, Alabama
Synopsis: The Rams have moved around a bit in Round One, but they finally take a card to the podium and select ‘Bama linebacker CJ Mosley. He’s fast enough to transition between the front-7 and the secondary in pass coverage and he can still get in on a blitz if needed.

Pick #20 - Arizona Cardinals
Selection: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Synopsis: Carson Palmer is still in Arizona, and will likely start for another year or two. The Cardinals might be looking at Carr as an Aaron-Rodgers-type project that will be better for serving time behind a legitimate starter in the early days of his career.

Pick #21 - Green Bay Packers
Selection: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville
Synopsis: Should the draft go this way, the Packers will probably run across the tops of everyone else’s draft tables to reach the podium and select Pryor. The team wants help in the secondary and Pryor is one of the better Safeties available this year.

Pick #22 - Philadelphia Eagles
Selection: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Synopsis: The Eagles need secondary help as well, and Fuller would be an easy choice at #22.

Pick #23 - Kansas City Chiefs
Selection: Marqise Lee, WR, USC
Synopsis: The Chiefs would love a WR to put opposite Dwayne Bowe. Marqise Lee is a good option, and a potential front-line receiver.

Pick #24 - Cincinnati Bengals
Selection: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
Synopsis: It’s likely the Bengals would’ve preferred Denard or Fuller, but Bradley Roby is nothing to scoff at. He’s a home-college kid (Ohio State) and he’s a pretty good athlete.

Pick #25 - San Diego Chargers
Selection: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Synopsis: The Chargers would love for Marqise Lee to be here, but that doesn’t happen in this mock draft. Brandin Cooks, though, gives them depth at receiver and gives them a good option opposite Keenan Allen.

Pick #26 - Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts)
Selection: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
Synopsis: The Browns have their QB, now they draft some secondary help for Joe Haden. Being able to lock up both sides of the field on passing plays is huge.

Pick #27 - New Orleans Saints
Selection: Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
Synopsis: Okay, I admit this feels like a stretch. I really think New Orleans would prefer to go after a CB, but the first round talent CBs are gone already. Latimer is a good WR who provides solid depth and gives Drew Brees yet another weapon with which to punish the NFC South.

Pick #28 - Carolina Panthers
Selection: Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Synopsis: The Panthers need WR help, OT help, and some other help. Virginia OT Morgan Moses is a definite possibility here, but the need for a passing option for Cam Newton outweighs the need at OT.

Pick #29 - New England Patriots
Selection: Louis Nix III, DT, Notre Dame
Synopsis: The Pats have a choice here between Nix and Minnesota DT Ra’Shede Hageman. I think Nix is the better fit, as he’s modeled after Vince Wilfork…and we all know how Wilfork worked for New England.

Pick #30 – New York Giants, traded from San Francisco 49ers
Selection: Ra’Shede Hageman, DE/DT, Minnesota
Synopsis: Hageman will go #30, if New England passes on him at #29. The Giants have several needs, but it’s hard to pass up a guy like Hageman.

Pick #31 - Denver Broncos
Selection: Ryan Shazier, ILB, Ohio State
Synopsis: This one basically makes too much sense…which means it might not happen. If Denver passes on Shazier, a possible alternative is Florida DT Dominque Easley.

Pick #32 – Minnesota Vikings, traded from Seattle Seahawks
Selection: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
Synopsis: The Vikings give up their second round pick (40) and third round pick (72) to move back into the first round and select their potential franchise QB. Bridgewater is one of the most NFL-ready QBs in the draft, but a bad pro-day sent his stock into a tailspin. The Vikings will gladly take him here.

What do the Atlanta Falcons do if there are no trades?

If no one trades with Atlanta, the Falcons have one pick in the top seven slots of each round (not counting compensatory selections). Assuming no trades, here’s what I have to imagine Atlanta tries to do (this is basically my idea of an ideal draft for the Falcons):

Round	Pick (Overall)	Player	Position	College
1	6 (6)	Jake Matthews	OT	Texas A&M
2	5 (37)	Dee Ford	DE/OLB	Auburn
3	4 (68)	Bishop Sankey	RB	Washington
4	3 (103)	Ahmad Dixon	S	Baylor
5	7 (147)	Arthur Lynch	TE	Georgia
6	6 (182)	John Urschel	G	Penn State
7	5 (220)	Aaron Colvin	CB	Oklahoma

NFL Win-Loss Predictions 2014

The NFL Draft takes place in a little less than two weeks. The league unveiled the 2014 regular season schedule earlier this week. The last couple years I’ve toyed with the schedule and trying to predict records. I’m usually way off. This year, I’m sharing those predictions with you, the readers at home.

What follows is a series of win-loss total predictions for each team, broken down by Conference and Division. Note, please, that these predictions are Pre-Draft, meaning that some things could potentially change. Note, also, that I’m lazy and probably won’t go back and change these predictions even after the Draft.

I could take the easy way and just predict the favorites to win massively, but if you’ve ever read my college predictions, you know that’s not my style. I’ll go out on a limb if there’s a limb to go out upon.

American Conference (in predicted order of finish)

AFC East

Tom Brady and his arch-nemesis, Peyton Manning

New England Patriots
Predicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the AFC)
I’m predicting the Patriots to open with a road loss to Miami, but to then go 12-3 the rest of the way. The Pats will strike a solid balance, going 6-2 on the road and 6-2 at home.
Losses: @Miami, @Kansas City, New York Jets, Buffalo

Miami Dolphins
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Dolphins biggest bright spot will be that Week One victory over New England. After that, the team plays sub-.500 football the rest of the way.
Losses: @ Buffalo, Kansas City, @Oakland, Green Bay, @ Denver, Baltimore, @ New England, Minnesota

Buffalo Bills
Predicted Record: 7-9
I’m thinking this will be a tale of two seasons for the Bills, as they go 2-6 in the first 8 games, then 5-3 over the last 8. Their key victory will be in Week 17, as they knock off a New England team that is resting many of their starters.
Losses: @Chicago, @Houston, @Detroit, New England, Minnesota, @New York Jets, @ Miami, @Denver, Green Bay

New York Jets
Predicted Record: 6-10
The Jets, under my prediction, will be 5-5 headed into their Bye Week, and then the wheels come off as they go 1-5 over their final six games.
Losses: @Green Bay, Chicago, @San Diego, Denver, @Kansas City, @Buffalo, Miami, @Minnesota, New England, @Miami

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#4 Seed in the AFC)
The Ravens once again rule the AFC North. They’ll split the nastiest rivalry in football with the Steelers, but then suffer one of the more shocking losses of the year in Week 16 against Houston. Still, the Ravens will be nearly perfect at home.
Losses: @Indianapolis, @Cincinnati, @Pittsburgh, @ New Orleans, @Houston

Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#6 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
That’s right, 8-8 is good enough for the last Wild Card slot in the AFC. Pittsburgh will be looking to return to prominence, and a good draft will help them on that path.
Losses: @Baltimore, @Carolina, @Cleveland, Indianapolis, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Kansas City

Cincinnati Bengals:
Predicted Record: 7-9
The Bengals falter and miss the playoffs, which will hang even more pressure on Andy Dalton and the offense. Cincinnati will carry a 7-5 record into Week 14, at which point they’ll reel off 4 consecutive losses to end the season.
Losses: @Baltimore, @New England, Carolina, @Indianapolis, @New Orleans, Pittsburgh, @Cleveland, Denver, @Pittsburgh

Cleveland BrownsPredicted Record: 4-12
Poor Cleveland. You are truly a factory of sadness.
Losses: @Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore, @Tennessee, @Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, @Cincinnati, @Atlanta, @Buffalo, Indianapolis, @Carolina, @Baltimore

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the AFC)
If things come together the way I think they can in Indianapolis, the Colts are in for a big year. QB Andrew Luck is the driving force of an offense that should be more than adequate. Week One in Denver will tell a big portion of the story.
Losses: Philadelphia, New England, Washington

Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 5-11
This season qualifies as a bounce-back year for Houston after a humiliating 2013 campaign. A new head coach, likely a new Quarterback…things are looking up in Houston. The heart of the season won’t be that great, but leaving on a two-game win streak helps.
Losses: Washington, @New York Giants, @Dallas, Indianapolis, @Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Philadelphia, @ Cleveland, Cincinnati, @Jacksonville, @Indianapolis

Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 5-11
Another rough year in Tennessee, as the Titans keep trying to gain traction in the division.
Losses: @Kansas City, Dallas, @Cincinnati, @Indianapolis, @Baltimore, Pittsburgh, @Houston, New York Giants, New York Jets, @Jacksonville, Indianapolis

Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 3-13
We’re not exactly dealing with an improving situation in Jacksonville…now, should the Jags decide to take a QB, we may see some differences made. Until then, this team is a long way from playoff ready.
Losses: @Philadelphia, @Washington, Indianapolis, @San Diego, Pittsburgh, @Tennessee, Miami, @Cincinnati, Dallas, @Indianapolis, New York Giants, @Baltimore, @Houston

AFC West

Denver Broncos
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#2 Seed in the AFC)
Denver matches Indianapolis in record, but that week one showdown makes the difference in seeding.
Losses: Indianapolis, @New England, @San Diego

Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted Record: 8-8 (#5 Seed in the AFC – Wild Card)
Not the easiest of seasons for the Chiefs, and they basically back into a playoff spot, going 3-5 over their last eight.
Losses: @Denver, @San Diego, St. Louis, @Buffalo, Seattle, @Oakland, Denver, @Arizona

San Diego Chargers
Predicted Record: 7-9
Ten years since being drafted by the Giants and traded to the Chargers, Phillip Rivers has yet to get the Bolts over the top. This season is no different. I’ve got the Bolts going 1-7 on the road and 6-2 at home. In all fairness, their home schedule is a lot easier than their road schedule.
Losses: Seattle, @Buffalo, @Oakland, @Denver, @Miami, @Baltimore, New England, @San Francisco, @Kansas City

Oakland Raiders
Predicted Record: 3-13 (#1 Pick in the Draft)
While we don’t yet know who will be the top pick in next year’s draft, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to see Oakland making the call at #1. This franchise just cannot seem to put it together.
Losses: @New York Jets, Houston, @New England, Arizona, @Cleveland, @Seattle, Denver, @San Diego, @St. Louis, San Francisco, @Kansas City, Buffalo, @Denver

National Conference (in predicted order of finish)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#4 Seed in the NFC)
Once again the NFC East looks to be an unholy scrum of teams vying for the top spot. Philadelphia will stagger away with the prize this year, all while barely going over .500.
Losses: Washington, @San Francisco, @Arizona, @Green Bay, Tennessee, Seattle, @New York Giants

New York Giants
Predicted Record: 8-8
The Giants reach the .500 mark, but go no further. Being 8-8 in the NFC is not good enough for a playoff spot. Eli will need some help if the Giants want to win the division.
Losses: Arizona, Atlanta, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis, @Seattle, San Francisco, Washington, @St. Louis

Washington Redskins
Predicted Record: 8-8
This looks like the year in which no one cares what Washington’s record is, as it appears the tide has turned on the team’s nickname. Redskins, while the moniker of the team for many, many years, has fallen under intense scrutiny.
Losses: New York Giants, @Arizona, Tennessee, @Minnesota, @San Francisco, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, their team nickname

Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 6-10
Yet another failing year for “America’s Team.” Tony Romo and company just are not getting the job done. Frankly, though, the biggest problem with this team is the fact that the owner has final say in all football personnel decisions, a burden he doesn’t need to carry. In fact, that’s why God created General Managers.
Losses: San Francisco, New Orleans, @Seattle, New York Giants, Washington, Arizona, @New York Giants, Philadelphia, @Philadelphia, Indianapolis

NFC North

Green Bay PackersPredicted Record: 12-4 (#2 Seed in the NFC)
Aaron Rodgers will have the Packers ready for a deep run into the playoffs. Don’t fret over the 1-2 start, Pack fans. Your team goes 11-2 after the first three.
Losses: @Seattle, @Detroit, @Minnesota, New England

Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 7-9
The old black and blue division is sure to beat each other up pretty badly during the season, leading to some not so pretty records. It’s enough for Minnesota to leap back up to second place in the division. The Vikes open the season 0-6 before going 7-3 the rest of the way. A new QB will take a few weeks to really adjust.
Losses: @St. Louis, New England, @New Orleans, Atlanta, @Green Bay, Detroit, @Chicago, Carolina, @Detroit

Chicago BearsPredicted Record: 7-9
Daaaaaaaaa’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears, da’ Bears. Hey, somebody’s gotta eat all those brats, right?
Losses: @San Francisco, Green Bay, Miami, @New England, @Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Detroit, @Minnesota

Detroit LionsPredicted Record: 5-11
The Lions take another step backward, but depending on what they do in this upcoming draft, they could be primed for a big step forward next season.
Losses: New York Giants, @Carolina, @New York Jets, New Orleans, @Atlanta, Miami, @Arizona, @ New England, Chicago, Tampa Bay, @Green Bay

NFC South

New Orleans SaintsPredicted Record: 12-4 (#3 Seed in the NFC)
The Saints have learned how to be a good franchise and how to build a good team. Issues of cheating and bounties aside, these guys know how to play football.
Losses: Green Bay, @Carolina, @Chicago, Atlanta

Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 9-7 (#6 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Falcons have several holes for a team that came 10 yards shy of the Super Bowl just two seasons ago. This Draft could help, or it could land one of the more dominating defensive players to come into the league in a long while. Until then, the Dirty Birds sneak into the playoffs at just over .500.
Losses: New Orleans, @Cincinnati, Chicago, @Baltimore, @Tampa Bay, @Carolina, @Green Bay

Carolina PanthersPredicted Record: 8-8
The Panthers step back a bit, having lost some of their offensive firepower. Their defense is good enough to keep them in games, but they’ll need to score more if they want to reach the playoffs. A 3-0 start will give Panthers fans false hope.
Losses: @Baltimore, Chicago, @Green Bay, Seattle, @Philadelphia, @New Orleans, Tampa Bay, @Atlanta

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 6-10
Like Carolina, Tampa lost some offense that they’ll look to replace in the draft. They need a franchise QB, as well. Drafting a QB doesn’t usually mean instant success. This team faces a murderers row in weeks one through six. If they can come out of that stretch at 3-3 then great…I think 1-5 sounds more reasonable.
Losses: Carolina, @Atlanta, @Pittsburgh, @New Orleans, Baltimore, Minnesota, @Washington, Cincinnati, Green Bay, New Orleans

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 13-3 (#1 Seed in the NFC)
Seattle begins their Super Bowl title defense by going 2-2 to start the year. I think Denver sneaks out a win in Seattle in week three, then the ‘Hawks lose a tricky east coast trip to Washington in week five. They’ll go 11-1 after that, though.
Losses: Denver, @Washington, @San Francisco

San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 11-5 (#5 Seed in the NFC – Wild Card)
The Niners will want revenge on Seattle, but will have to settle for a season split and a wild card berth into the playoffs.
Losses: Kansas City, @Denver, @New Orleans, @Seattle, Arizona

Arizona CardinalsPredicted Record: 9-7
Arizona is one of those teams that can sneak up on anyone. With the proper QB, the Cardinals can stretch the field and open up the run game. If their defense can hold them up in certain games, they could be a playoff team.
Losses: San Diego, San Francisco, @Denver, St. Louis, @Seattle, @Atlanta, Seattle

St. Louis RamsPredicted Record: 6-10
The Rams have to determine soon if Sam Bradford just needs more weapons around him, or if he’s just not their QB going forward. Bradford may be about to get the best WR in the draft, barring the Rams trading down from #2. Still, not enough to scratch the outer edges of the playoffs.
Losses: @Tampa Bay, Dallas, @Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, @San Francisco, Denver, @San Diego, Arizona, @Seattle

Playoff Picture

AFC

#1 Seed – Indianapolis Colts

#2 Seed – Denver Broncos

#3 Seed – New England Patriots

#4 Seed – Baltimore Ravens

#5 Seed (WC) – Kansas City Chiefs

#6 Seed (WC) – Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC

#1 Seed – Seattle Seahawks

#2 Seed – Green Bay Packers

#3 Seed – New Orleans Saints

#4 Seed – Philadelphia Eagles

#5 Seed (WC) – San Francisco 49ers

#6 Seed (WC) – Atlanta Falcons