I see the Colts beating up on crap teams with their offense, but both lines are inferior and will be exposed - again - come playoff time. Their signing of an aging Andre Johnson was a very questionable move considering how bad both lines are.
The Pats' defensive line and LBs need to play a lot better if they want to do anything in the playoffs. The secondary is a concern again (big surprise there), but if the front seven suck, then that will put a lot more pressure on them.
I think this is the year the wheels fall off the Broncos. Peyton looks horrible. He looked horrible as the year went on last year, as the weather got colder and the reps of throwing the ball affected his neck and arm, and he looks just about as bad now. And there are reports that he can't feel his fingertips. Their defense is good, but undersized. Makes me question their long term health come November and December.
The Bengals are more or less the same they have been for the last few years. Good enough to make the playoffs, but guaranteed to choke because Dalton is Dalton.
I'm not convinced about the Dolphins. Their QB and coach don't inspire confidence, and outside of their defensive line, the defense isn't all that hot. I think Buffalo is the better team out of the rest of the AFC East behind the Pats.
The Chiefs are a solid team. They can beat Denver and San Diego. They're solid all around. Biggest concern is Andy Reid. Can he actually not suck at clock/game management when it matters most?
I see the Ravens as a playoff team still. Even with the Suggs injury. I have the AFC as:
1. Chiefs (beating up on Oakland, a mediocre San Diego, an overrated Denver)
2. Ravens (beating up on Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and splitting with Cinci)
3. Patriots (AFC East is tougher this year)
4. Bills (great defense and running game, and I think Tyrod Taylor is the best QB Rex has had)
5. Bengals (solid, but not great)
6. Broncos (just squeaking in)
The NFC (which I don't follow as closely since I'm a Pats fan) seems really top heavy. I think that Green Bay, Seattle, and Philadelphia are the cream of the crop in that conference, followed by a bunch of also-rans. So:
NFC
1. Eagles (beating up on the Redskins and Giants, and likely splitting with the Cowboys)
2. Packers (I'm not convinced in the Lions, Bears, or Vikings' ability to dethrone them)
3. Seahawks (Cardinals and Rams will give them trouble).
4. Cowboys (solid, if overhyped)
5. Rams (solid, but inexperienced)
6. Falcons (because the NFC South carousel cannot be stopped!
)
The Pats' defensive line and LBs need to play a lot better if they want to do anything in the playoffs. The secondary is a concern again (big surprise there), but if the front seven suck, then that will put a lot more pressure on them.
I think this is the year the wheels fall off the Broncos. Peyton looks horrible. He looked horrible as the year went on last year, as the weather got colder and the reps of throwing the ball affected his neck and arm, and he looks just about as bad now. And there are reports that he can't feel his fingertips. Their defense is good, but undersized. Makes me question their long term health come November and December.
The Bengals are more or less the same they have been for the last few years. Good enough to make the playoffs, but guaranteed to choke because Dalton is Dalton.
I'm not convinced about the Dolphins. Their QB and coach don't inspire confidence, and outside of their defensive line, the defense isn't all that hot. I think Buffalo is the better team out of the rest of the AFC East behind the Pats.
The Chiefs are a solid team. They can beat Denver and San Diego. They're solid all around. Biggest concern is Andy Reid. Can he actually not suck at clock/game management when it matters most?
I see the Ravens as a playoff team still. Even with the Suggs injury. I have the AFC as:
1. Chiefs (beating up on Oakland, a mediocre San Diego, an overrated Denver)
2. Ravens (beating up on Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and splitting with Cinci)
3. Patriots (AFC East is tougher this year)
4. Bills (great defense and running game, and I think Tyrod Taylor is the best QB Rex has had)
5. Bengals (solid, but not great)
6. Broncos (just squeaking in)
The NFC (which I don't follow as closely since I'm a Pats fan) seems really top heavy. I think that Green Bay, Seattle, and Philadelphia are the cream of the crop in that conference, followed by a bunch of also-rans. So:
NFC
1. Eagles (beating up on the Redskins and Giants, and likely splitting with the Cowboys)
2. Packers (I'm not convinced in the Lions, Bears, or Vikings' ability to dethrone them)
3. Seahawks (Cardinals and Rams will give them trouble).
4. Cowboys (solid, if overhyped)
5. Rams (solid, but inexperienced)
6. Falcons (because the NFC South carousel cannot be stopped!
)
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
