Yesterday I left you with the bottom half of the AFC that included the winless Browns and one-win Dolphins. You don't have to worry, this article will not include a 16 or even 15 win team. In fact, the top half of the AFC are all very close to each other. Not much separates the best team from the fifth best. The AFC side of the playoffs should be very exciting this year if injuries don't ruin any of these. Anyways, enough stalling, it's time to reveal my top teams of the AFC. Unlike other media outlets where you have to find out best team at the bottom of the page, I'm going to be straightforward and release the best first.
1. New England Patriots 14-2 (2011: 13-3, lost Super Bowl)
The Pats are one of the best teams in the NFL and have the easiest schedule this year. They have added the deep threat they've been missing since Randy Moss in Brandon Lloyd and they have improved a defense which was ranked near the bottom last season by adding first round defensive end ChandlerJones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Considering these things, it wasn't that hard to predict upping their win total from last season by one. I believe their two losses with come in Baltimore and when Houston come to Foxboro. I feel the Ravens will avenge their AFC Championship loss at home and that the Texans offense will be too much for a rather young D while Wade Phillips' D could cause problems for Tom Brady and the Patriot offense. Must watch games include: Week 3 at Baltimore; Week 4 at Buffalo; Week 5 v. Denver; Week 12 at the Jets; Week 14 v. Houston; and Week 15 v. San Francisco.
2. Baltimore Ravens 13-3 (2011: 12-4, lost in Conference Round)
The Ravens did very little to their football team in the offseason outside drafting fairly well. However, they did lose reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs for an unknown amount of time. Lucky for them they drafted Courtney Upshaw in first round and that their team is still really good. What's unlucky for them is that they have the third hardest schedule in the AFC and fifth overall, which means they are pretty much going to have to earn every victory. But I think Joe Flacco is ready for the challenge and I know Ray Lewis is always ready for the challenge. I think their losses will come at Philadelphia, at Pittsburgh, and at East Rutherford against the Giants. The Ravens get the Eagles early, meaning Michael Vick should be healthy and ready to wreak havoc on the Ravens D along with LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. Just as I predicted the Ravens will beat the Steelers at home, I am predicting the Steelers beat the Ravens at home. It's just what happens. The Ravens face the Giants late in season which means Eli and the D will be on some incredible run like they've done in recent years and it also means the Ravens won't be winning. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Cincinnati; Week 2 at Philadelphia; Week 3 at New England; Week 6 v. Dallas; Week 7 at Houston; Week 11 at Pittsburgh; Week 12 at San Diego; Week 13 v. Pittsburgh; Week 15 v. Denver; Week 16 v. Giants; and Week 17 at Cincinnati.
The Ravens did very little to their football team in the offseason outside drafting fairly well. However, they did lose reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs for an unknown amount of time. Lucky for them they drafted Courtney Upshaw in first round and that their team is still really good. What's unlucky for them is that they have the third hardest schedule in the AFC and fifth overall, which means they are pretty much going to have to earn every victory. But I think Joe Flacco is ready for the challenge and I know Ray Lewis is always ready for the challenge. I think their losses will come at Philadelphia, at Pittsburgh, and at East Rutherford against the Giants. The Ravens get the Eagles early, meaning Michael Vick should be healthy and ready to wreak havoc on the Ravens D along with LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson. Just as I predicted the Ravens will beat the Steelers at home, I am predicting the Steelers beat the Ravens at home. It's just what happens. The Ravens face the Giants late in season which means Eli and the D will be on some incredible run like they've done in recent years and it also means the Ravens won't be winning. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Cincinnati; Week 2 at Philadelphia; Week 3 at New England; Week 6 v. Dallas; Week 7 at Houston; Week 11 at Pittsburgh; Week 12 at San Diego; Week 13 v. Pittsburgh; Week 15 v. Denver; Week 16 v. Giants; and Week 17 at Cincinnati.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3 (2011: 12-4, lost in Wild Card Round)
The Steelers defense is aging, but they did get rid of some of their older guys to their credit. They have the sixth hardest schedule in the AFC and 14th overall. There is somewhat of a question mark at the running back position, but they do have two studs in Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown for Big Ben to throw to. New offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, was the OC in Arizona where Kurt Warner dazzled to end his career and Pittsburgh made a point to upgrade their o-line by using their first two draft choices on linemen David DeCastro and Mike Adams. I have their three losses coming in Denver, in East Rutherford by the Giants, and in Baltimore. I think both Mannings will rise to the challenge against the tough Pittsburgh D and that the Ravens will defend their home turf in the most heated rivalry in football. Must watch games include: Week 1 at Denver; Week 5 v. Philadelphia; Week 7 at Cincinnati; Week 9 at the Giants; Week 11 v. Baltimore; Week 13 at Baltimore; Week 14 v. San Diego; Week 15 at Dallas; and Week 16 v. Cincinnati.
The Steelers defense is aging, but they did get rid of some of their older guys to their credit. They have the sixth hardest schedule in the AFC and 14th overall. There is somewhat of a question mark at the running back position, but they do have two studs in Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown for Big Ben to throw to. New offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, was the OC in Arizona where Kurt Warner dazzled to end his career and Pittsburgh made a point to upgrade their o-line by using their first two draft choices on linemen David DeCastro and Mike Adams. I have their three losses coming in Denver, in East Rutherford by the Giants, and in Baltimore. I think both Mannings will rise to the challenge against the tough Pittsburgh D and that the Ravens will defend their home turf in the most heated rivalry in football. Must watch games include: Week 1 at Denver; Week 5 v. Philadelphia; Week 7 at Cincinnati; Week 9 at the Giants; Week 11 v. Baltimore; Week 13 at Baltimore; Week 14 v. San Diego; Week 15 at Dallas; and Week 16 v. Cincinnati.
4. Houston Texans 12-4 (2011: 10-6, lost in Divisional Round)
The Texans made it to the playoffs and won their first playoff game last year. They are looking to build on that magical year; though it'll be without star defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams. That's OK though because Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster all appear to be healthy and ready to go. Combine that with the fact that their D is still good sans Williams and that they have the second easiest schedule in the AFC and third overall and you get a team looking to move up in the world. I have their losses coming at Denver, v. Green Bay, v. Baltimore, and at Chicago. Matt Schaub is a great quarterback but Peyton and Rodgers are just flat out better and that's why I'm predicting their teams to win. Baltimore's D is one of the few defenses that can stop both Foster and Johnson, leaving Schaub with his tight end and average receivers, which makes for a bad day for both Schaub and the Texans. The Bears and Texans are pretty evenly matched by my standards, but the Bears do have the edge at receiver, which is why Cutler and his Bears will come out victorious. Must watch games include: Week 3 at Denver; Week 6 v. Green Bay; Week 7 v. Baltimore; Week 10 at Chicago; Week 12 at Detroit; and Week 14 at New England.
The Texans made it to the playoffs and won their first playoff game last year. They are looking to build on that magical year; though it'll be without star defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams. That's OK though because Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster all appear to be healthy and ready to go. Combine that with the fact that their D is still good sans Williams and that they have the second easiest schedule in the AFC and third overall and you get a team looking to move up in the world. I have their losses coming at Denver, v. Green Bay, v. Baltimore, and at Chicago. Matt Schaub is a great quarterback but Peyton and Rodgers are just flat out better and that's why I'm predicting their teams to win. Baltimore's D is one of the few defenses that can stop both Foster and Johnson, leaving Schaub with his tight end and average receivers, which makes for a bad day for both Schaub and the Texans. The Bears and Texans are pretty evenly matched by my standards, but the Bears do have the edge at receiver, which is why Cutler and his Bears will come out victorious. Must watch games include: Week 3 at Denver; Week 6 v. Green Bay; Week 7 v. Baltimore; Week 10 at Chicago; Week 12 at Detroit; and Week 14 at New England.
5. Denver Broncos 12-4 (2011: 8-8, lost in Divisional Round)
The Broncos go from Tebowmania to Peyton Manning. In the normal world that's going from broke to winning the lottery. The Broncos did a good job stacking the deck for Peyton as well bringing in some of his old friends in Jacob Tamme and Brandon Stokley and bringing in another veteran in Andre Caldwell to go with incumbent receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. Considering that the Broncos have the hardest schedule in the AFC and the second-hardest overall, my pick of them going 12-4 is pretty generous. But I firmly believe Peyton will be the Peyton of old and that the amazing defense that rallied behind Tebow last year will be back to rally around Peyton this year. I have them losing in Atlanta, in Foxboro, v. New Orleans, and in Baltimore. Matt Ryan and the Falcons have been almost unstoppable at home since he arrived and the Falcons more balanced attack on offense will push them over the edge v. Peyton. I think Brady and Brees will both out-duel Peyton because both teams have more explosive weapons than Peyton. As for Baltimore, I think it'll just be too hard for Peyton to beat Baltimore in Baltimore, tie always goes to the home team. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Pittsburgh; Week 2 at Atlanta; Week 3 at Houston; Week 5 at New England; Week 6 at San Diego; Week 8 v. New Orleans; Week 11 v. San Diego; Week 12 at Kansas City, and Week 15 at Baltimore.
The Broncos go from Tebowmania to Peyton Manning. In the normal world that's going from broke to winning the lottery. The Broncos did a good job stacking the deck for Peyton as well bringing in some of his old friends in Jacob Tamme and Brandon Stokley and bringing in another veteran in Andre Caldwell to go with incumbent receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. Considering that the Broncos have the hardest schedule in the AFC and the second-hardest overall, my pick of them going 12-4 is pretty generous. But I firmly believe Peyton will be the Peyton of old and that the amazing defense that rallied behind Tebow last year will be back to rally around Peyton this year. I have them losing in Atlanta, in Foxboro, v. New Orleans, and in Baltimore. Matt Ryan and the Falcons have been almost unstoppable at home since he arrived and the Falcons more balanced attack on offense will push them over the edge v. Peyton. I think Brady and Brees will both out-duel Peyton because both teams have more explosive weapons than Peyton. As for Baltimore, I think it'll just be too hard for Peyton to beat Baltimore in Baltimore, tie always goes to the home team. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Pittsburgh; Week 2 at Atlanta; Week 3 at Houston; Week 5 at New England; Week 6 at San Diego; Week 8 v. New Orleans; Week 11 v. San Diego; Week 12 at Kansas City, and Week 15 at Baltimore.
6. Buffalo Bills 10-6 (2011: 6-10) The Bills made huge improvements to their D by adding a pair of sack men in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson and drafting cornerback Stephen Gilmore in the first round. However, they did make any improvements to offense. Ryan Fitzpatrick still only has one good receiver in Stevie Johnson with the rest being just average. That means that Fred Jackson will have to dazzle like he did last year before suffering an injury. The third easiest schedule in the AFC and fourth overall should help put Buffalo over .500 this season. A team anchored by it's defense, let's see if they can find some of the magic that the Niners found in 2011. Must watch games include: Week 1 at the Jets; Week 2 v. Kansas City; Week 4 v. New England; Week 5 at San Francisco; Week 9 at Houston; and Week 10 at New England.
7. Kansas City Chiefs 9-7 (2011: 7-9)
The Chiefs were riddled with injuries last season on both offense and defense, but everyone is back and healthy this season. They bolstered the defensive line with first round pick Dontari Poe as well. Matt Cassel is just a decent quarterback but he is surrounded with good weapons in Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, and Peyton Hillis. They have sixth easiest schedule in the AFC and 13th overall, making them a good sleeper candidate for a great season. However, I erred on the side of caution and predicted that they aren't quite there yet. Even so, going 9-7 is an improvement over last season's 7-9 record. Again, don't be surprised if they go on a run and win the division though. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Atlanta; Week 2 at. Buffalo; Week 3 at New Orleans; Week 4 v. San Diego; Week 5 v. Baltimore; Week 9 at San Diego; Week 10 at Pittsburgh; Week 11 v. Cincinnati; Week 12 v. Denver; Week 13 v. Carolina; Week 15 at Oakland; and Week 17 at Denver.
8. Cincinnati Bengals 8-8 (2011: 9-7, lost in Wild Card Round)
The Bengals surprised everyone last year with their rookie duo of Andy Dalton and AJ Green. They did not give Dalton another outside weapon though. In fact, he lost a weapon in Jerome Simpson. However, they did replace Cedric Benson with the younger BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running back, and adding a running back who hasn't fumbled in his career should help take some of the pressure off Dalton. On defense they added to the secondary with 1st rounder Dre Kirkpatrick and veteran free agent Terrance Newman. The problem with the Bengals is that without another good receiver, AJ Green will most likely have a tough sophomore season which in turn means that Dalton will have a tough year. The Bengals captured a little magic last year on their way to the playoffs, but this year they won't be fooling anyone. When you add that to fact that they have a pretty tough schedule (fifth hardest in the AFC, 13th overall) you get an average 8-8 season. Must watch games include: Week 1 at Baltimore; Week 3 at Washington; Week 7 v. Pittsburgh; Week 9 v. Denver; Week 10 v. Giants; Week 11 at Kansas City; Week 13 at San Diego; Week 14 v. Dallas; Week 15 at Philadelphia; Week 16 at Pittsburgh; and Week 17 v. Baltimore.
These picks mean that I believe the teams going to the playoffs from the AFC are: New England, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Houston, Denver, and Buffalo. The Patriots will make the playoffs as the clear favorite out of the East. While the Bills did improve, they didn't improve enough to be on the same level as the Pats, which is why I have them in one of the Wild Card spots. The Texans are also a clear favorite out of the South with both Indy and Jacksonville rebuilding and Tennessee still needing some more pieces. I chose Denver winning out what could be a very tight West because of the Peyton Manning factor and a very good defense. I do not know what will happen in the North, but I do know that the Ravens and Steelers will be going to the playoffs. The Bengals are almost there with the Ravens and Steelers but in the end they miss out on the playoffs due to the Bills being in the easier division. Who will win the North is a toss up in my eyes. last year the Ravens swept the division on their way to the title, but I don't think the Steelers will allow that this year. The AFC North will be one of several tight divisions with multiple elite teams this season.
This concludes my breakdown of the AFC. I look forward to your letters. More to come later when I complete my breakdown of the NFC, til then have a tasty dinner.
References
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/56896/2012-nfl-strength-of-schedule
http://espn.go.com/nfl/schedulegrid/_/year/2012
7. Kansas City Chiefs 9-7 (2011: 7-9)
The Chiefs were riddled with injuries last season on both offense and defense, but everyone is back and healthy this season. They bolstered the defensive line with first round pick Dontari Poe as well. Matt Cassel is just a decent quarterback but he is surrounded with good weapons in Dwayne Bowe, Jamaal Charles, and Peyton Hillis. They have sixth easiest schedule in the AFC and 13th overall, making them a good sleeper candidate for a great season. However, I erred on the side of caution and predicted that they aren't quite there yet. Even so, going 9-7 is an improvement over last season's 7-9 record. Again, don't be surprised if they go on a run and win the division though. Must watch games include: Week 1 v. Atlanta; Week 2 at. Buffalo; Week 3 at New Orleans; Week 4 v. San Diego; Week 5 v. Baltimore; Week 9 at San Diego; Week 10 at Pittsburgh; Week 11 v. Cincinnati; Week 12 v. Denver; Week 13 v. Carolina; Week 15 at Oakland; and Week 17 at Denver.
8. Cincinnati Bengals 8-8 (2011: 9-7, lost in Wild Card Round)
The Bengals surprised everyone last year with their rookie duo of Andy Dalton and AJ Green. They did not give Dalton another outside weapon though. In fact, he lost a weapon in Jerome Simpson. However, they did replace Cedric Benson with the younger BenJarvus Green-Ellis at running back, and adding a running back who hasn't fumbled in his career should help take some of the pressure off Dalton. On defense they added to the secondary with 1st rounder Dre Kirkpatrick and veteran free agent Terrance Newman. The problem with the Bengals is that without another good receiver, AJ Green will most likely have a tough sophomore season which in turn means that Dalton will have a tough year. The Bengals captured a little magic last year on their way to the playoffs, but this year they won't be fooling anyone. When you add that to fact that they have a pretty tough schedule (fifth hardest in the AFC, 13th overall) you get an average 8-8 season. Must watch games include: Week 1 at Baltimore; Week 3 at Washington; Week 7 v. Pittsburgh; Week 9 v. Denver; Week 10 v. Giants; Week 11 at Kansas City; Week 13 at San Diego; Week 14 v. Dallas; Week 15 at Philadelphia; Week 16 at Pittsburgh; and Week 17 v. Baltimore.
These picks mean that I believe the teams going to the playoffs from the AFC are: New England, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Houston, Denver, and Buffalo. The Patriots will make the playoffs as the clear favorite out of the East. While the Bills did improve, they didn't improve enough to be on the same level as the Pats, which is why I have them in one of the Wild Card spots. The Texans are also a clear favorite out of the South with both Indy and Jacksonville rebuilding and Tennessee still needing some more pieces. I chose Denver winning out what could be a very tight West because of the Peyton Manning factor and a very good defense. I do not know what will happen in the North, but I do know that the Ravens and Steelers will be going to the playoffs. The Bengals are almost there with the Ravens and Steelers but in the end they miss out on the playoffs due to the Bills being in the easier division. Who will win the North is a toss up in my eyes. last year the Ravens swept the division on their way to the title, but I don't think the Steelers will allow that this year. The AFC North will be one of several tight divisions with multiple elite teams this season.
This concludes my breakdown of the AFC. I look forward to your letters. More to come later when I complete my breakdown of the NFC, til then have a tasty dinner.
References
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/56896/2012-nfl-strength-of-schedule
http://espn.go.com/nfl/schedulegrid/_/year/2012
No comments:
Post a Comment