NFL 2014

NFC Division Predictions

NFC East

The Dallas Cowboys had this division locked up for a good portion of the season. However, a historically horrid Dallas defense and a hot Chip Kelly Eagles team had "America's Team" on the outside looking in during postseason play. On offense, Dallas was one of the best on that side of the ball as they racked up points in bunches. They avoided drafting Johnny Manziel as they selected Zack Martin to stabilize the offensive line. The Eagles parted ways with speed demon DeSean Jackson and drafted receivers Jordan Matthews and Josh Huff. The Redskins named Jay Gruden the new sheriff in town. Also, they signed the aforementioned Jackson and Andre Roberts to help an ailing Robert Griffin. The defense now has two veterans to lean on in Jason Hatcher and Ryan Clark. The Giants still have problems on the offensive line, but the installation of a West Coast offense should help Eli Manning avoid turnovers and sacks. So far, the offense looks balanced and fluid. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was added to the secondary, which should help a struggling defensive line get to the quarterback. There is not much separation amongst these teams as they each have seemingly explosive offenses and mediocre defenses. The Eagles will win this division by a game or two simply because their defense appears to be more reliable on a week to week basis.

NFC North

This is another division with explosive offenses and lackluster defenses. The Bears gave Jay Cutler a new contract this offseason in hopes of him being the driving force behind a deep run in the postseason. The return of Charles Tillman and the services of Jared Allen, Lamarr Houston, Jay Ratliff, and Kyle Fuller should help a franchise-worst Chicago defense. The Packers stole a division rival as well as they signed Julius Peppers away from the Bears and drafted safety HaHa Clinton-Dix. Having one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Aaron Rodgers always helps. The Lions fired a Jim and hired a Jim as they swapped Schwartz for Caldwell. They continue to overload on offense as they brought in Golden Tate and Eric Ebron. They drafted Ziggy Ansah's former college teammate Kyle Van Noy as they form an all-Cougar duo on the right side of that defense. The Vikings also got a new coach in Mike Zimmer and drafted Teddy Bridgewater. Minnesota can only hope that the third time is a charm as this is their third new quarterback in the last four seasons. Vikings games should look like a rugby scrum because Adrian Peterson will get the ball 30 times a game. Green Bay will win this division by a hair only because Cutler cannot be trusted despite having a better team.

NFC South

Atlanta is the team of this offseason as they host this year's season of Hard Knocks. They appear to have regained their swagger, gotten tougher, and have a thirst for a Super Bowl ring. Matt Ryan will need to cut down on his turnovers, but Julio Jones and Roddy White can bail him out by snatching those would-be interceptions away from defenders. It will be interesting to see what the Falcons can muster out of their running game and who will fill that void over the middle where Tony Gonzalez used to be. Stephen Jackson, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Devonta Freeman have the looks of a solid running back committee. New Orleans parted ways with home run threat Darren Sproles, but they added Brandin Cooks who should be a Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Pick artists Jairus Byrd and Champ Bailey should help a much improved Saints defense so expect more blitzes from Rob Ryan. On the other hand, there should be a concern amongst the Saints organization because of Drew Brees's back. The Panthers were one of the surprises in the NFL a year ago, but they should come back down to Earth this season with a brutal schedule. Cam Newton is coming off ankle surgery and probably showed up to camp scratching his head because he lost all of his receivers. Kelvin Benjamin is a promising receiver, but expect Carolina to deliver a heavy dosage of run. Finally, the Buccaneers got a new coach in Lovie Smith and fans can only hope there are glory days ahead similar to his former mentor Tony Dungy. They added Mike Evans at receiver and Alterraun Verner at corner as their notable acquisitions. Also, Josh McCown seems to have a leg up on the quarterback battle against Mike Glennon. The Saints and Falcons should have a tug a war battle for the division title. I flipped a coin before deciding the winner and I went with the Falcons.

NFC West

The Super Bowl champion Seahawks were quiet this offseason for a very animated team. They drafted Kevin Norwood and Paul Richardson to help bring more explosion to the offense. There is not much to clamor about as Seattle maintained a good percentage of their core. The 49ers were a play or two away from being in the Super Bowl, but Richard Sherman had other plans. That lead to one of the greatest sound bites in the history of sound bites, but I'm getting off topic. They drafted Carlos Hyde as an insurance back, which is paying off now. They too kept a good percentage of their core. St. Louis is a team many think can make the playoffs and have a shot to win the NFC West, but it all lies on the shoulders of Sam Bradford. The Rams helped their offense as they added former Auburn Tigers Greg Robinson and Tre Mason. They also added depth on defense with Lamarcus Joyner, Aaron Donald, and EJ Gaines. They are hoping the presence of Kenny Britt can help their offense, but it is a gamble. The Arizona Cardinals head into this season hoping to make the playoffs after barely missing the postseason with a 10-6 record. The Cardinals will look to run the ball more as they get Jonathan Cooper back from injury and Jared Veldheer from Oakland. On the other side of the ball, they paired Antonio Cromartie up with Patrick Peterson and drafted Deone Bucannon to be the enforcer in the secondary. Like the first three NFC divisions, this too was a tough one to decide because two or three good teams from this division will miss the playoffs. Do not be surprised if the Seahawks or Niners miss the playoffs. I think San Francisco ends up winning this division. They were going through an identity crisis midseason a year ago, but I think they have it figured out.