AFC Predictions

Some must be wondering when Bill Belichick will go from coaching genius with Tom Brady, and revert back to the way he was with Cleveland. Only this time with old age induced paranoia.

 

 

 

The AFC, which dominated the league for much of the 2000s, has regressed a bit in the new decade. Now, we have a few haves, but a whole lot of have nots and not enoughs. Therefore, the need for this blog isn't really there, but I'm not going to deprive AFC fans of my AFC predictions. So without further ado....

AFC East

1. New England Patriots- Bill Belichick had better solve the Patriot's growing need for offensive line help. Tom Brady is in his twilight years and he has single handedly turned Bill Belichick into a Hall of Fame coach. Remember, Bill Belichick had one playoff season and four losing seasons as coach of the Browns. His first year in New England was 5-11 campaign with Drew Bledsoe aging before their eyes. Luckily for the Patriots, as their offense is beginning to wane, the defense is showing signs of life. Don't be fooled by defensive yards allowed, in the pass happy NFL, yards allowed is bogus. It is all about points allowed, and the secondary is poised to much better than last year. If the line keeps Tom Brady alive, it should be homefield advantage again for the Pats. Record: 13-3

2. Buffalo Bills- I love the Buffalo Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick by the end of the year could show himself to be in the discussion as a top ten QB, and he and Stevie Johnson can be an exciting connection. The return of Fred Jackson means him and CJ Spiller should help make the Bills offense a complete attack. They boast one of the fiercest strongest defensive lines, a line that was fairly strong before adding all- world defensive end Mario Williams. Offensive line seems to be the biggest bugaboo in the Chan Gailey era, and it will really be the hinge that their playoff hopes balance upon. Record: 9-7

3. New York Jets- Try as Rex Ryan might to shed weight, his ship is sinking faster and faster. Much like in Arizona, lack of confidence in the most important position in football will be the ultimate undoing. The defense, which is Rex Ryan's bread and butter, has slipped out of the top 5, to probably not even being a top 10 defense at the end of the season. The line is no longer getting the job done, and that makes the job for the back 7 that much more difficult. And unrest in the locker room is a recipe for disaster. Record: 6-10

4. Miami Dolphins- There will be growing pains for Ryan Tannehill, but continuity in his coaching with Mike Sherman will ease some of the hiccups. The defense is suspect, lacking depth at DB before trading Vontae Davis. The Dolphins will look putrid at times, yet will have their bright moments on offense that will win games. Joe Philbin reminds me of a young Sean Payton, developing high octane offenses with the moxie of an NFL head coach. Record: 6-10

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens- The Ravens, who could not escape from under the foot of big brother Steelers, now find themselves as a power in their division and conference. By all measures, they were a bad call and a horrible kick away from playing in the Super Bowl last season. Joe Flacco in a contract year should be very efficient and not so awful in the fourth quarter. The fact that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are still playing at such a high level would illict PED discussions in baseball. The Ravens can develop one of the leagues top passing attacks with the emergence of Torrey Smith and Ed Dickson. Record: 12-4

2. Pittsburgh Steelers- The backloading of several defensive player's contracts is beginning to creep up on the Steelers. While they are still a good team, the time is only ticking down until a detonation of the roster will be neccessary. The historically defensive team will shine as a pass wacky team with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley. The team is still good enough to make the playoffs, but I think their run as championship material may be done for right now. Record: 10-6

3. Cincinnati Bengals- A team much like the Lions. Young, successful, but still learning to win. Look for a slight regression from the team while they figure out their offensive line. The defense should be solid as they always have been under Marvin Lewis. Two players you will not see regressing on this roster are Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Record: 9-7

4. Cleveland Browns- No matter how good the team becomes, the franchise is cursed and they will perform as such. I'm excited to watch Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson attempt to make their mark on the league. The Browns and the Jaguars have the distinction of being the most no named rosters in the league. Record: 5-11

AFC South

1. Houston Texans- This is a team that was a Matt Schuab injury away from romping to the Super Bowl last year. The defense will be rock solid with Wade Phillips at the helm, boasting one of the fierecest defensive lines, which is even more impressive seeing as they lost their best defensive lineman in the offseason. Andre Johnson is showing signs of age, but Arian Foster will take some of the load off the passing game. Record: 12-4

2. Tennessee Titans- Hard work carried coach Mike Munchak all the way to the Hall of Fame, and in his first year on the job he showed he was making the same mark on his Titans team. They are beginning the Jake Locker era maybe a year earlier than some expected, but his play can be just as great at Matt Hasselbeck's was last year. However, the teams playoff hopes are now most likely a year away. Chris Johnson should bounce back from a disappointing 2011, and the loss of Cortland Finnegan should not harm the team too greatly. Record: 8-8

3. Indianapolis Colts- By season's end, Andrew Luck will curse the name of Cam newton. Luck will perform very well this year, but his numbers will look pedestrian compared to Newton's last year. Expect 3,200 yards and 24 TDs and him to carry the team by himself to 6 wins. Record: 6-10

4. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mike Mularkey will improve Blaine Gabbert only slightly. MoJo wishes he could have gotten that trade. Record: 3-13

AFC West

1. Denver Broncos- If Tim Tebow could win 7 games with that defense carrying him, Peyton could win 16 right? If his health is what everyone says it is, this is easily the most talented team he has ever played on. He will have Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas around 1,000 yards receiving, and Von Miller should be in the 20 sack range. To quote one Terrell Owens, "Getcha popcorn ready." Record: 11-5

2. Oakland Raiders- The Raiders were poised to step it up this year, but you get rid of Hue jackson and Peyton Manning enters the division. Year 2 of the Carson Palmer run should go much better, he won't throw more INTs than TDs at the very least. My main concern with this Raiders team is being paper thin at DB. Record: 8-8

3. Kansas City Chiefs- An extremely talented roster needs an upgrade from Matt Cassel to truly reach playoff level. Look for Jamal Charles to bounce back for 1,400 yards. And you know Romeo Crennel will have his troops playing sound defense. Record: 7-9

4. San Diego Chargers- Philip Rivers bounces back from an ugly 2011 to be the lone bright spot on this poorly coached team. Everyone looks forward to Norv Turner being sent to the glue factory. Record: 6-10

Coming tomorrow: Wacky predictions and the playoff picture.