Pigskin picks

AFC East: Prediction New England (1st) Miami (2nd) Buffalo (3rd) New York Jets (4th)

 

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have finished with a losing record the last four seasons. After dishing out $98 million in free agency, the Dolphins will improve. Signing of Wide Receiver Mike Wallace is huge.

 

Key Player: QB Ryan Tannehill.

 

New England Patriots: This is the team to beat in AFC East. After falling to the Ravens in the AFC Championship, the Patriots were just shy of reaching the Super Bowl.

 

Key Player: QB Tom Brady

 

AFC North: Prediction Cincinnati (1st) Baltimore (2nd) Cleveland (3rd) Pittsburg (4th)

 

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens do not look like the same team that won the Superbowl. Quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract means lack of funds to be allocated to other players. It looks bleak with Anquan Boldin leaving to the 49ers and big Ray Lewis retiring.

 

Key Player: QB Joe Flacco

 

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are young and talented. Cincinnati also has one of, if not the strongest receiving cores in the league with AJ Green and Jermaine Gresham.

 

Key Player: WR AJ Green

 

AFC South: Prediction Houston (1st) Indianapolis (2nd) Tennessee (3rd) Jacksonville (4th)

 

Houston Texans: Quarterback Matt Schaub is in fine form and JJ Watt leads a solid defense meaning the Texans are a formidable opposition for any team.

 

Key player: RB Arian Foster.

 

Indianapolis Colts: Fresh off a re-build, the Colts shocked fans and critics by finishing 11-5 and grabbing a Wildcard berth — only to lose to the Ravens.

 

Key Player: QB Andrew Luck

 

AFC West Prediction Denver (1st) San Diego (2nd) Kansas City (3rd) Oakland (4th)

 

Denver Broncos: The Broncs lost a thriller in double overtime to the Ravens in the playoffs. A 13-3 record was the result of Peyton Manning being able to utilize his pass game.

 

Key Player: QB Peyton Manning

 

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers may rise from the middle of the pack this season with the addition of head coach Mark McCoy. Quarterback Phillip Rivers looks to get back on track this season and running back Ryan Mathews is looking to step up.

 

Key Player: QB Phillip Rivers

 

NFC East: Predictions New York Giants (1st) Washington (2nd) Dallas (3rd) Philadelphia (4th)

 

New York Giants: Winners of two of the last six Super Bowls, the Giants look to return to championship form this season. Solid defensively — the Giants will look to second year running back David Wilson to step up.

 

Key Player: RB David Wilson

 

Washington Redskins: After, winning the NFC East, the Redskins look to repeat their success of last season. Second year QB Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris have to solid again. With cagey veterans and young talent their defense is well equipped.

 

Key Player: QB Robert Griffin III.

 

NFC North Prediction Green Bay (1st) Chicago (2nd) Minnesota (3rd) Detroit (4th)

 

Chicago Bears: “Da Bears” have former CFL head coach Mark Tressman in charge of a team that made the playoffs last season. Quarterback Jay Cutler is looking for a new contract and has to show up to play every game. The Bears have a solid offence lead by running back Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall.

 

Key Player: RB Matt Forte.

 

Green Bay: Green Bay is stacked signing both Aaron Rodgers and Clay Mathews to long-term deals. If Green Bay wants to win another Super Bowl they have to address their running game and not rely solely on Rodgers.

 

Key Player: QB Aaron Rodgers

 

NFC South Predictions: Atlanta (1st) New Orleans (2nd) Carolina (3rd) Tampa Bay (4th)

 

Atlanta Falcons: lost on their home turf to the 49ers in the NFC championship last year. However, Atlanta remains a top five team on both ends of the ball. If Steven Jackson has a career season — the Falcons are clear contenders.

 

Key Player: QB Matt Ryan

 

New Orleans Saints: The Saints have a solid special teams unit and Drew Brees is one of the best in the game. If they improve defensively they will rise to championship form again.

 

Key Player: QB Drew Brees

 

NFC West Prediction San Francisco (1st) Seattle (2nd) St Louis (3rd) Arizona (4th)

 

San Francisco 49ers: With the best offensive line, a solid running game and a deadly defense — look for the 49ers to be right back in tip-top form this season. Their one weakness may be at the safety position.

 

Key Player: Safety Eric Reid

 

Seattle Seahawks: Grabbing wide receiver Percy Harvin from the Vikings, the Seahawks are hoping he will be the final piece of the puzzle. Despite defensive end Cliff Avril being suspended for the first four games, the Seahawks have a strong defensive core. Look for the Seahawks to play well this season.

 

Key Player: WR Percy Harvin