Johnson's NFL Predictions 2014

Quote Originally Posted by cowboys4949:

Quote Originally Posted by young_mulah:

lol

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

AFC EAST

New England Patriots  (13-3)  12-4 in 2013

Easy start to the schedule...easy finish to the schedule...very difficult November stretch.  Only 2 of their road games are legitimately lose-able. 

QB - A  RB - B-/C+  WR - C+  OL - B/B+  DL - A-/B+ LB - A-/B+  DB - A/A-

Miami Dolphins  (9-7)  8-8 in 2013

Solid team throughout...no real glaring holes except possibly at wide receiver depth.  If Tannehill can continue to improve as he has so far in his career they should be just fine.  Still returning a beastly pass rushing defense with good help over the top.  I think Finnegan will fade back quite a bit...what I think will really hurt this team is the traveling that they need to do in the first month of the season.

QB - B/B-  RB - B-/C+  WR - B/B-  TE - B  OL - A-/B+  DL - A/A-  LB - B  DB - B/B-


New York Jets  (7-9)  8-8 in 2014

I like the improvements they made on the offensive side of the ball with Eric Decker and Chris Johnson...but this is still not a playoff caliber team and 7-9 might be generous.  They lost their defensive anchor with Revis, and there are still major questions at the QB position.  Once you get past Decker and Kerley outside they don't have any depth.  Their strength as always is up the middle, which will keep them in a lot of games.  The good news is that they have 4 of the first 6 at home, and the road games late aren't impossible.

QB - B-/C+  RB - B  WR - C+  TE - C-  OL - B+  DL - B+  LB - B+  DB - B-


Buffalo Bills  (5-11)  6-10 in 2014

Dropping them down a win after losing their defensive leader Kiko Alonso.  Their offense picked up a stud in Sammy Watkins, but he has had injury issues early on as well.  One of the best defensive lines in the league will keep them in a lot of games, and their defensive backs are pretty solid.  But I don't think they have enough offense to win games, and not enough defensive playmakers to make a big enough difference.  I have them losing 5 or 6 of their road games, and with cold weather Green Bay coming into town in December, the home field advantage is limited.

QB - B-/C+  RB - B  WR - B-/C+  TE - B  OL - B-/C+  DL - A  LB - B-  DB - B-/C+

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

Cincinnati Bengals  (11-5)  11-5 in 2013

Best team position by position in the division...really tough schedule however.  Won't go undefeated at home, and with Indy, New England, New Orleans as road games it will be a hard fought 11 wins.

QB - A-  RB - B  WR - A  TE - B  OL - B-/C+  DL - B+  LB - B+  DB - B+

Baltimore Ravens  (9-7)  8-8 in 2013

Reloaded again on defense by drafted Jernigan.  Ignored the offense for the 83rd consecutive year in a league that is becoming more and more offensive.  Schedule isn't that bad as the last four games are definitely winnable. 

QB - A  RB - B-  WR - B-  TE - A-  OL - B-  DL - A  LB - B+  DB - B+

Pittsburgh Steelers  (7-9)  8-8 in 2013

Slight decline for the black and yellow as they really didn't do enough for me in the offseason to improve upon last year's team.  Big Ben is past his prime and the receiving crew isn't as strong as it should be.  Schedule is brutal down the stretch...so they will need to start off strong.

QB - B  RB - B  WR - B-  TE - B  OL - B  DL - B-  LB - A-  DB - A-

Cleveland Browns  (5-11)  4-12 in 2013

The supplemental pieces are solid...but the obvious trouble is with the quarterback and wide receiver position.  This team will be 0-3 or 1-4 early on...get pressure to put in Johnny Football...when the middle of the schedule is considerably easier.  Could be interesting.

QB - C  RB - B-  WR - C  TE - B+  OL - B  DL - B  LB - B+  DB - B

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts  (13-3)  11-5 in 2013

Once they get past Sunday  night against Denver, they have a very easy road schedule, which is the only thing that slowed them down last year.  Offense is second to none...and the defense is slowly coming into form.  One of the worst divisions in football also helps...two weeks of preparation before one of their harder home games against New England.  Should be an easy trip to the playoffs and a bye.

QB - A+  RB - B  WR - B+  TE - B-  OL - B-  DL -  B  LB - B  DB - B

Tennessee Titans (8-8)  7-9 in 2013

Although I still don't like Locker or their slew of running backs and receivers...the Titans do two things really well.  They play good defense and they are very strong on the lines and up the middle.  Very difficult road schedule, but they won't have too many impossible home games in the mix either.  I could see a 6-2 home 2-6 road split.

QB - C+  RB - B-  WR - B-  TE - B-  OL - A-  DL - B  LB - B+  DB - B+

Houston Texans  (8-8)  2-14 in 2013

Just going to forget about last season.  Fitzpatrick isn't a high level quarterback, but there are good receivers and backs to ease the load.  The reason why I put them higher up in the wins is the defense is absolutely phenomenal.  Legitimate chance to win their first three road games, which is huge.

QB - C  RB - B+  WR - B+  TE - B-  OL - B-  DL - A  LB - B+  DB - B+

Jacksonville Jaguars  (5-11)  4-12 in 2013

Not sold on Toby Gerhart being the every down type of back...but he will certainly get his chances this year.  Would love to see Bortles in there from the start and see what he can do.  Defensive and offensive lines are solid as usual and this team just continues to draft well and improve what they need to improve.

QB - C  RB - B-  WR - B  TE - A  OL - B+  DL - B  LB - B  DB - B

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

AFC WEST

 Denver Broncos  (12-4)  13-3 in 2013

Dropping them down one win because of the injury issues and suspension of Welker/Prater.  And if you don't think that the loss of Welker when going up against the Colts/Chiefs/Seahawks is big then you are crazy.  Tough road schedule going to Seattle and New England as well...12 wins is a bit generous in my mind, but the offense and defense is just so stacked.

QB - A+  RB - B-  WR - A-  TE - A  OL - B+/B  DL - B  LB - B  DB - B+

San Diego Chargers (9-7)  9-7 in 2013

Keeping them the exact same as where they finished last season as I believe their strong finish to the year will propel them into this season.  Rivers proved himself to be a top level quarterback last season.  I think their biggest weakness will be their run defense but only the Chiefs in their division can exploit that.  Brutal finish to the year, but I think they can steal one of the last four or five games.

QB - B+  RB - B+  WR - B+  TE - A  OL - B  DL - C+  LB - B+  DB - B

Kansas City Chiefs  (9-7)  11-5 in 2013

11 wins last year was the most overrated statistic in the league...they got to play the crappiest teams in the league week after week.  They absolutely need to win Week 1 somehow without Bowe because @ Denver and @ San Fran will be looming large.  Not a ton of depth on defense...one injury could be deadly.

QB - B  RB - A+  WR - B+  TE - C+  OL - B  DL - B  LB - B+  DB - B+

Oakland Raiders  (6-10)  4-12 in 2013

Schedule gets a little bit easier and I like what Derek Carr has shown in the preseason.  I think he's more of a threat than anyone else possible.  MJD and McFadden in the backfield is a solid duo...the addition of James Jones should be huge...same with Tuck and Mack on the defensive side of the ball.  One year away from being a playoff contender.

QB - C  RB - A-  WR - B  TE - B  OL - B+  DL - A-  LB - B  DB - B

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

AFC PLAYOFFS

1.  New England Patriots
2.  Indianapolis Colts
3.  Denver Broncos
4.  Cincinnati Bengals
5.  Miami Dolphins
6.  Baltimore Ravens


WILD CARD ROUND

#3  Denver  def.  #6  Baltimore
#4  Cincinnati  def  #5  Miami

DIVISIONAL ROUND

#1  New England  def  #4  Cincinnati
#2  Indianapolis  def  #3  Denver

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

#1  New England  def  #2  Indianapolis  (I have it at 50/50 though)

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles  (11-5)  10-6 in 2013

Bumping them up a win because of the added experience of Chip Kelly and Nick Foles...as well as the addition of Darren Sproles.  The loss of DeSean Jackson will hurt them a little bit as they don't have a deep threat to step up and fill that void.  Big problem for them is their defensive front...not very good by any stretch. 11 wins might be pushing it in this tough division though.

QB - B  RB - A+  WR - B  TE - B  OL - A-/B+  DL - C+  LB - B  DB - B

Washington Redskins  (9-7)  3-13 in 2013

Obviously the injury situation with RG3 last year killed them...but this year they reloaded in a very solid way.  The addition of DeSean Jackson is perfect.  Very solid running back, deepest wide receiving crew in the league.  Defensive line is weak, but the linebackers can hold their own and help out.  Not a terrible schedule...tough finish with the three division teams facing them.

QB - B+  RB - B+  WR - A-  TE - B  OL - B-  DL - C  LB - B-  DB - B+

New York Giants (7-9)  7-9 in 2013

I like the quarterback situation and the wide receiver situation...but other than that I can't see how they really improved this team based on last season.  Rashad Jennings hasn't proved himself to be a solo back...and the linebackers and defensive backs are not that great.  They also do not have a tight end...and going to the Lions and to the Seahawks is not good.

QB - B+  RB - B  WR - B  TE - C-  OL - B  DL - B  LB - C  DB - C+

Dallas Cowboys  (5-11)  8-8 in 2013

I'm giving them 5 wins based solely on their offense.  This defense might go down as the worst defense in the history of the league.  They had two decent players last year....Ware and Lee.  Neither of those guys are going to be playing for the Cowboys this year.  I think they can steal one from the Giants and maybe one from the Eagles or Skins...but they aren't winning a game in December, and maybe not even after their bye week.

QB - A-/B+  RB - B+  WR - B+  TE - B+  OL - B  DL - C-  LB - C  DB - C+

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers  (11-5)  8-7-1 in 2013

Injuries obviously killed this team last year.  This year they come back nice and healthy and ready to take over this division.  I believe that this is the strongest division in the league right there with the West.  The main reason why I gave them the nod in the division is their road schedule isn't as hard as the Bears or Lions.  With Buffalo, Tampa, and Miami on the docket it shouldn't be too bad.

QB - A+  RB - A-  WR - B  TE - C  OL - B-  DL - B-  LB - A  DB - B

Chicago Bears  (10-6)  8-8 in 2013

Bumping them up 2 wins because of the addition of Jared Allen on defense.  Their offense is very well stacked at every position and won't be an issue unless Cutler wants to have a ton of turnovers.  The Packers got to go to Tampa and Buffalo...the Bears get to go to San Fran and New England.  That will ultimately make them miss the division I believe.

QB - A-  RB - A  WR - A  TE - B  OL - B  DL - C+  LB - A-  DB - B

Detroit Lions  (9-7)  7-9 in 2013

Not a huge fan of the Jim Caldwell hiring.  Still not a huge fan of this defense.  Right side of the offensive line is weak at best.  They are still an insanely high powered offense and will be in every single game for that simple reason.  Schedule isn't incredibly friendly either with trips to New England, Arizona, and Atlanta.

QB - A  RB - B+  WR - A TE - B+  OL - B-  DL - B  LB - B  DB - B-

Minnesota Vikings  (3-13)  5-10-1 in 2013

There is a lot to like about this team, but there is also a lot to dislike.  Biggest dislike is the quarterback issues.  I can't see them winning a lot of games with that lineup...especially outside this year.  I have a feeling they will be close in a lot of games...but lack that extra something to get over the hump.  Not an incredibly difficult schedule luckily.

QB - C  RB - A WR - B  TE - B  OL - B  DL - B-  LB - B+  DB - B-

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints  (12-4)  11-5 in 2013

Not thrilled with their running backs, but with Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham, and Marques Colston the running back situation will more than likely work itself out.  Defensive line is solid...defensive backs are pretty solid as well.  Giving them the division because of their soft schedule.  They should be undefeated heading into the bye week...and they have some of their toughest opponents coming into New Orleans rather than being on the road.

QB - A+  RB - B-  WR - B  TE - A+ OL - B+  DL - B  LB - B  DB - B

Atlanta Falcons (9-7)  4-12 in 2013

One of the more improved teams in the league by default.  Last year they were the best bad team out there by far.  The offense is still really solid although the running back situation isn't strong.  Their schedule is reasonable and I think they should have no problem bouncing back and contending for a playoff spot.  Not very strong at linebacker, but good up front and in the defensive backfield.

QB - B+  RB - C+  WR - A  TE - C  OL - B+  DL - B+  LB - C+  DB - B

Carolina Panthers (6-10)  12-4 in 2013

Breakout team last year, but I believe they lost far too much on the offensive side of the ball and I don't think Cam Newton can pull it off again.  The defense is the obvious strong point of this team, and one of the best in the league.  Once they get past their opening week road game...they have an incredibly tough stretch with road game against Baltimore, Cincy, Green Bay, and Philly.

QB - A-  RB - B-  WR - C  TE - B-  OL - B-  DL - B+  LB - A  DB - B

Tampa Bay Buccaneers  (4-12)  4-12 in 2013

Going to keep them at the same spot as last year.  I've said it a bunch of times that it's a quarterback league and if you don't have a quarterback it's going to be a struggle.  I like Mike Evans, Verner, and Mankins being added to this team but I just don't think it's enough in this tough division.

QB - C  RB - B-  WR - B  TE - B-  OL - A-  DL - B+  LB - A-  DB - B+

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks  (11-5)  13-3 in 2013

Brutal schedule down the stretch means 2 less wins...Super Bowl hangover added in...not crazy about their wide receivers.  Keep in mind that the Packers "win" was thrown in the mix and they didn't have a ton of blowouts.  Going to Philly and Kansas City won't be easy for them this year as well.

QB - B+  RB - A-  WR - C+  TE - B  OL - B+  DL - B  LB - B+  DB - A

San Francisco 49ers  (9-7)  12-4 in 2013

Just missing way too many pieces on the defensive side of the ball to have the same type of impact they have had in the past couple years.  Not incredibly deep at offensive line, but still solid there.  I'm not totally sold on Hyde and James as part of the running back committee.  Tough road games against New Orleans and Denver as well that I'm counting as losses...as well as a probable split with each team in the division.

QB - B+  RB - C+  WR - B-  TE - A  OL - B+  DL - B+  LB - B-  DB - B+

Arizona Cardinals (7-9)  10-6 in 2013

Not sold on them making the next step.  Mainly because of their schedule.  I have them going 2-5 down the stretch and it could very easily be worse than that.  Brutal division can't give them any guaranteed wins.  Offensive line better protect Carson Palmer really well or it could be bad.

QB - B-  RB - B  WR - B+  TE - B-  OL - C+  DL - B  LB - B  DB - B+

St. Louis Rams  (5-11)  7-9 in 2013

No quarterback no chance.  That's been my driving belief for all of these predictions, and I am not in any way convinced that Shaun Hill can find a way to win a bunch of games in this division.  Their defense and their surrounding parts are good enough to keep them in some of the lower level games...mostly in the first 3 weeks.  Wouldn't be surprised to see them win 2 out of the 3.

QB - C-  RB - B+  WR - B-  TE - B  OL - B+  DL - A  LB - B+  DB - B

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

NFC PLAYOFFS

1.  New Orleans Saints
2.  Seattle Seahawks
3.  Philadelphia Eagles
4.  Green Bay Packers
5.  Chicago Bears
6.  San Francisco 49ers

WILD CARD ROUND

#6  San Francisco  def  #3 Philadelphia
#5  Chicago  def  #4  Green Bay

DIVISIONAL ROUND

#1  New Orleans  def    #6 San Francisco
#2  Seattle  def   #5 Chicago

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

#2  Seattle   def   #1  New Orleans

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

SUPER BOWL


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS  27

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS  23

Quote Originally Posted by CMJohnson1:

MVP  -  Andrew Luck 

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR  -  Calvin Johnson 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR  -  JJ Watt 

OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR  -  Derek Carr

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR  -  JaDaveon Clowney 

COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR  -  Rob Gronkowski  (Aaron Hernandez close 2nd) 

COACH OF THE YEAR  -  Sean Payton