Finally it’s time for the full preview and predictions spot for the 2015 NFL season. Tom Brady is playing and J.J. Watt is still dominating.
By Robby Sabo
If the NHL’s offseason is virtually non-existent, the NFL’s is extreme. Extreme in the sense that it’s too long.
Once the Super Bowl ends in early February, football fans are faced with the serious realization that the next time a serious NFL game will be played is when school is back in session, seven grueling months from then.
Only OTAs, mini-camps and training camps can save them from their football-less life.
2015 brought another element to the offseason in Deflate-Gate. For basically seven months we endured both sides handling the situation of a cheating team in horrid fashions. Day after day, week after week, the slightest movement by either Tom Brady or Roger Goodell was chronicled.
Most will agree, however, that this is the beauty of the National Football League. The sport leaves us unsatisfied. They come and go within a blink of a eye and leave us sitting alone in the dark.
They only provide us with the smallest sample possible, forcing us to crave more.
While Sept. 10 represents the start of Week 1, before you know it it’ll be Thanksgiving Day with teams jockeying for playoff position. It’s just the way the football schedule operates.
Before you dive in, take a gander at our official NFL Preview and Predictions story. Here we go:
AFC East
- New England Patriots (10-6)*
- New York Jets (9-7)*
- Buffalo Bills (7-9)
- Miami Dolphins (7-9)
There’s nothing in the world that would get a sane person to not pick the New England Patriots AFC East champions heading into the 2015 campaign. That’s not to say there aren’t major question marks.
Think about it. All it took for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady to finally get over that hump and take home their fourth ring was one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history to join the fray. Now without Darrelle Revis – as he’s back with the New York Jets – the Pats won’t be nearly as good defensively.
In fact, their defense hasn’t been good for a long time. Is the Revis move from New England to New York enough to shift the balance of power in this division?
Other than Revis, and now that Brady won’t be suspended, the other major storyline in the division revolves around defense. Rex Ryan is in Buffalo and Ndamukong Suh took his talents to Miami. Including the Jets, the three underdog teams have built three of the nastiest defensive lines in football. Lines that can disturb Brady’s desire to climb the pocket and deliver a strike.
Unlike many pundits I don’t think Ryan Tannehill is a stud. He’s a solid guy who’ll never take that final step into superstardom. Rex will surely field a phenomenal defense in Orchard Park, but his offense will be miserable.
In the end the Pats will once again win the division they’ve dominated for so long with New York close behind battling for a Wild Card spot.
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)*
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)
- Cleveland Browns (6-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5-11)
In one of the more competitive divisions in football will come one of the major surprises of futility. Finally, it’ll be that time Marvin Lewis and the Cincinnati Bengals slide down that mountain.
After four straight years of postseason play (no victories once there), 2015 might become that make or break year for Andy Dalton and company.
Only due to suspensions from Le’veon Bell and Martavis Bryant to begin the season do the Baltimore Ravens get the nod as division champs. John Harbaugh will continue to be one of the better coaches in the league and, while he doesn’t receive the credit, Joe Flacco always does his thing.
It’ll be the Ravens defense who’ll emerge as the best unit in the AFC North.
AFC South
- Indianapolis Colts (12-4)*
- Houston Texans (10-6)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9)
- Tennessee Titans (3-13)
There’s no question about the AFC Souh’s mediocre ways. Last season saw the Jacksonville Jaguars win three games and the Tennessee Titans win only two.
2015 will bring much of the same for Ken Whisenhunt as Marcus Mariota will struggle mightily during his rookie campaign. However, the Titans will be the only bad team this year.
Gus Bradley and David Caldwell have a plan in place in Jacksonville that’ll rapidly progress this season. While the jury will still be out on second-year quarterback Blake Bortles, the personnel on the team will show its worth as much improved.
Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts will take the division easily by default. Actually, they’ll take the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.
I say default, though, for a very good reason. I’m not a believer in what they did this past offseason.
Instead of realizing and understanding that Luck brought a very average personnel grouping past the the point they deserved the last three seasons, Ryan Grigson and the powers that went about their business this past summer as if they were only a few guys short of a championship.
In reality, they’re much more than a few guys away.
The offensive line is still horrid. The defensive line isn’t much better. And while they could’ve taken their time to build it right, they went for the veteran add-on with Frank Gore, Andre Johnson and Trent Cole.
They’ll hold off a constantly improving Bill O’Brien Houston Texans team (due to them not having a capable quarterback), but I don’t see an AFC championship in Luck’s future this season.
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)*
- Denver Broncos (10-6)*
- San Diego Chargers (8-8)
- Oakland Raiders (5-11)
As we ask ourselves which division is the toughest heading into 2015, we come back to the AFC West time and again.
The main reason will be the Oakland Raiders improving drastically. While 5-11 is hardly a major improvement from their 3-13 mark a year ago, a lot of those losses will be tough ones due to divisional circumstances.
Betting against Peyton Manning is just like not taking the Pats in the AFC East – you don’t do it until you see it. While the Kansas City Chiefs will bounce back from their non-playoff season a year ago, the Denver Broncos will be there all season long in prime position to either win the division or at least take home a Wild Card spot.
San Diego remains the wild card. Mike McCoy has already established himself as a serious coach in the league, and with Philip Rivers the sky is the limit. I just don’t see enough on the roster to get them over the hump. Having the defense improve upon its ninth-ranked status from a year ago will be tricky.
One thing is for sure, of all the AFC divisions this one has the best shot to field two or more playoff teams in 2015.
NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)*
- Dallas Cowboys (11-5)*
- New York Giants (6-10)
- Washington Redskins (3-13)
Once considered the best division in football, rarely suffering a down year, the NFC East is a shell of its former self.
The major culprit lies with the Washington Redskins who don’t know which end is up at the current moment. Aside from them, however, the NFC East could actually turn into one of the better divisions in 2015.
It all falls on the shoulders of the New York Giants.
It’s easy to see the potential of this passing attack. Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and even newly-acquired Shane Vereen out of the backfield make for a terrific aerial-attack on paper.
What some fail to grasp is that the offensive line is almost half of the offense. If those five big heavies up front fail to do their job, Eli and company won’t be able to do theirs. Did Jerry Reese improve upon a unit enough who was completely dreadful a season ago?
Ereck Flowers was drafted in the first round and should provide stability along the edge. He’s the only improvement though.
More likely than not the division will come down to the defending divisional champs, the Dallas Cowboys, and the mad-scientist himself, Chip Kelly.
What Kelly did with his Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason defied logic. First it was LeSean McCoy; then Jeremy Maclin; finally, Nick Foles. Ridding yourself of the player you don’t want and bringing in guys who fit makes total sense. What doesn’t make sense is the sheer number of injury-prone players who were brought in.
Guys like Sam Bradford, DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews must stay healthy for Philly to take the division.
While many bashed the McCoy for Kiko Alonso deal, I saw the brilliance in it. Alsonso is a stud leader on any NFL defense. He’ll go a long way while teaming up with Michael Kendricks in the middle of that defense this season. McCoy is talented, no doubt. But nothing is lost with Murray coming in and he represents the type of North-South running back Kelly wants.
Dallas will head back to the playoffs for the second-straight season behind the best offensive line in football. They’ll do it as a Wild Card this time around. I don’t see the defense being able to match their pretty statistical season of 2014. The Eagles defense will be much improved.
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers (13-3)*
- Minnesota Vikings (10-6)*
- Detroit Lions (8-8)
- Chicago Bears (4-12)
The team who’ll take the biggest step forward in 2015 will come from the NFL North, the Minnesota Vikings.
All the ingredients are present. Mike Zimmer is a tremendous coach. He provided instant credibility and stability upon arriving in Minnesota last season. This is especially the case for the defense.
With Adrian Peterson back in tow and Teddy Bridgewater’s professionalism showing at every turn, Norv Turner will have this offense humming by mid-season en route to a Wild Card berth.
The only problem for them is they play in the same division as Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers will easily win the division, Jordy Nelson or not. DaVonte Adams will fill in just fine.
Detroit saw the playoffs last season and were severely robbed once there, but will take a minor step back in record this season.
John Fox will need a season to clean house in Chicago.
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons (9-7)*
- New Orleans Saints (9-7)
- Carolina Panthers (7-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
Is there a trickier division in football than the NFC South? I think not.
The defending champions of one of the weakest divisions in football are the Carolina Panthers. They took it home (and even won a playoff game) with a paltry record of 7-8-1.
Aside from Chip Kelly’s madness this spring and summer the other big headline came from New Orleans as they shipped off Jimmy Graham to Seattle. The return on that deal was splendid for the Saints.
Drew Brees loves to climb the pocket. He’s also a shorter guy. This means his interior lineman are just as, if not more important than his bookends. Center Max Unger will prove to be huge this season not only in the run game as he opens holes for Mark Ingram, but for Brees as he steps up in the pocket.
Jameis Winston, Lovie Smith and the Bucs will be dreadful, but I see them growing as a tough out late in the season.
While the Panthers will still boast the best defense in the division, something will go wrong with Cam Newton and the overall team to the point they finish with a mediocre record.
Dan Quinn and the Atlanta Falcons will shock the league and take their first division title since 2012. With an improving offensive line and a defense who’ll be guided by the defensive mind of Quinn, watch for Matt Ryan to enjoy a big season.
NFC West
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4)*
- St. Louis Rams (7-9)
- Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
- San Francisco 49ers (5-11)
From the penthouse to the doghouse is how the NFC West is shaping up. For the last several years this division boasted as the best. With two perennial studs in the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, there was no way around it.
Now San Francisco is done. The worst thing Jed York ever did was side with Trent Baalke instead of the man who actually returned the 49ers to prominence in Jim Harbaugh. A joke of a coach in Jim Tomsula is now in charge and the team will suffer greatly.
Unfortunately for a terrific coach, Bruce Arians, his Cards will drop a bit. Why? I’m not too sure about yet. Perhaps Carson Palmer suffers another serious injury, or maybe the defense takes a step back (despite the myriad of injuries last season which makes most people believe they’ll be better this season).
The loss of Todd Bowles could hurt drastically.
Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams will still be on the outside looking in, unable to get over that hump. Something is missing with that franchise and the overall feel of the fans (as ownership looks to bolt for L.A.) won’t help.
In the end it’ll be the Seattle Seahawks and everybody else. Jimmy Graham will surely help Russell Wilson and the passing game. But did they go too far with that move? Max Unger was a key cog in an offensive line who dominated defensive lines in conjunction with Marshawn Lynch.
Right now the unit looks to be a mess. We’ll see if they work out those offensive line issues as time marches on.
AFC Playoffs
Wild Card Round
- 3. Kansas City Chiefs (13) – 6. New York Jets (24)
- 4. New England Patriots (24) – 5. Houston Texans (27)
A matchup of Bill Belichick and Bill O’Brien could be a very interesting one. And perhaps, if the New England Patriots go into the playoffs without a solid defense, they’ll lose like they’ve done so many times prior to 2015.
The Jets sneaking into the playoffs is a very bold prediction. In fact, both AFC Wild Card selections are bold considering each’s quarterback situation. While the Chiefs do have Alex Smith, anything could happen during Wild Card Weekend.
Divisional Round
- 1. Indianapolis Colts (31) – 6. New York Jets (24)
- 2. Baltimore Ravens (23) – 5. Houston Texans (21)
Everybody loves the Colts in 2015. So much so that many have them winning the Super Bowl. I simply don’t see it. The offensive line and defense is not championship caliber. Andrew Luck, though, will once again mask those deficiencies and win them a playoff game.
The Ravens are so battle tested in January that not even a hot Texans team can stop them.
AFC Championship Game
- 1. Indianapolis Colts (20) – 2. Baltimore Ravens (24)
Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh do it again. They’ll expose the Colts for what they are: A team who has the best player in the world, but deals with major flaws that don’t show until the postseason comes. Luck will truly become the next version of John Elway. He’ll be a guy who always pushes his average team to new heights – places they really have no business being.
NFC Playoffs
Wild Card Round
- 3. Seattle Seahawks (21) – 6. Minnesota Vikings (10)
- 4. Atlanta Falcons (17) – 5. Dallas Cowboys (28)
While Seattle barely misses out on a BYE week in 2015, they’ll still enjoy hosting a playoff game and easily dispose of the upstart Vikings.
Dan Quinn can only do so much as Tony Romo steamrolls that defense when the money is on the line. Finally, Romo becomes sort of a mainstay in the playoffs.
Divisional Round
- 1. Green Bay Packers (28) – 5. Dallas Cowboys (31)
- 2. Philadelphia Eagles (24) – 3. Seattle Seahawks (17)
Revenge becomes sweet for the Cowboys as they make up for the Dez Bryant non-catch last season and beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in a classic at Lambeau.
Although Philly is home, this one proves to be another classic. Two of the best defensive units in the league square off with Chip Kelly’s offense doing just a little more than Wilson and Lynch.
NFC Championship Game
- 2. Philadelphia Eagles (35) – 5. Dallas Cowboys (21)
The NFC East gets hot and faces off in the NFC Championship Game. Unfortunately for Romo, home field is on the side of Philly and Sam Bradford puts the finishing touches on a remarkable comeback season.
Super Bowl, Awards
Super Bowl L
- 2. Baltimore Ravens (24) – 2. Philadelphia Eagles (27)
In a matchup very few have, Chip Kelly, Sam Bradford and the rest of the Philadelphia Eagles prove all the doubters wrong. Kiko Alonso plays like a stud down the stretch and re-establishes himself as one of the better linebackers in the game.
Sam Bradford stays healthy all season long and in Kelly’s system enjoys a breakthrough season. DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews become the north-south runners Kelly’s system needs.
What really shocks the football world is how good the Eagles defense becomes in 2015.
Super Bowl MVP
- Jordan Matthews (WR-PHI)
A star will be born in Jordan Matthews. The kid can fly with his big frame and catches everything thrown his way.
Regular Season MVP
- Andrew Luck (QB-IND)
This side of Aaron Roders there’s nobody better in the league. Finally, after the disappointment of 2015, the Colts realize the offensive line needs a major overhaul.
Offensive Player of the Year
- Adrian Peterson (RB-MIN)
Running mad and angry will be the theme for Adrian Peterson all season long. Norv Turner knows how to draw it up too.
Defensive Player of the Year
- Khalil Mack (LB-OAK)
The Houston Texans will be kicking themselves for a long time to come for drafting JaDeveon Clowney instead of Khalil Mack.
Comeback Player of the Year
- Sam Bradford (QB-PHI)
If injury doesn’t strike him, Sam Bradford will put up 4,000-plus yards and 30-plus touchdowns in 2015.
Coach of the Year
- Dan Quinn (HC-ATL)
With very little talent on the defensive side of the ball Dan Quinn implements his bland Cover-3 system and surprises in year one.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Ameer Abdullah (RB-DET)
Ameer Abdullah will be the flashiest rookie running back the NFL has seen in a very long time.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Leonard Williams (DL-NYJ)
With Sheldon Richardson suspended, New York Jets beast of a defensive lineman Leonard Williams will show why he was the most talented player in the 2015 NFL Draft.