Sports - 2014 NFL Predictions

The 2014 NFL season is almost upon us, with Free Agency and the Draft complete, Training Camps beginning, and the Regular Season right around the corner.  It's time for Olie's Too Early To Tell Season Predictions!  Also, here is a list of the key arrivals, losses, and rookies for each team.  Here's to another great year!

AFC East 

1. Patriots - Tom Brady welcomes back Gronk and wins another division title.  Additions: S Patrick Chung, WR Brandon LaFell, DE Will Smith, CB Darrelle Revis, CB Brandon Browner.  Losses: LB Brandon Spikes, RB LaGarette Blount, CB Aquib Talib, S Steve Gregory, DE Andre Carter.  Rookies: DT Dominique Easly, QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
2. Bills - This offense could hum and could make a playoff push.  Additions: LB Brandon Spikes, CB Corey Graham, LB Keith Rivers, WR Mike Williams, OG Chris Williams.  Losses: S Jim Leonhard, S Jarius Byrd.  Rookies: WR Sammy Watkins, OT Cyrus Kouandijo.
3. Jets - Should have a tough defense, but I don't trust either Geno or Vick.  Additions: CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Jason Babin, Rb Chris Johnson, WR Eric Decker, WR Jacoby Ford, QB Michael Vick, RB Daryl Richardson.  Losses: OT Austin Howard, QB Mark Sanchez, CB Antonio Cromartie, WR Josh Cribbs, WR Santonio Holmes, S Ed Reed, TE Kellen Winslow.  Rookies: S Calvin Pryor, TE Jace Amaro, CB Dexter McDougle.
4. Dolphins - A crazy offseason, a new O-line, and a new OC are not good things.  Additions: C Samson Satele, Rb Knowshon Moreno, OT Branden Albert, S Louis Delmas, OG Daryn Colledge, CB Cortland Finnegan.  Losses: CB Dmitri Patteron, OT Tyson Clabo, S Chris Clemons, OG John Jerry, DT Paul Soliai, OT Jonathan Martin, OG Richie Incgonito, OT Bryant McKinnie.  Rookies: OT Ju'Wuan James, WR Jarvis Landry.

AFC North 

1. Ravens - Gary Kubiak could re-energize the offense & the Ravens could  actual score some points.  Additions: TE Owen Daniels, CB Aaron Ross, WR Steve Smith.  Losses: CB Corey Graham, DE Arthur Jones, OT Michael Oher, LB Jameel McClain, S James Ihedigbo, TE Ed Dickson, FB Vonta Leach, RB Bernard Scott, TE Dallas Clark, WR Brandon Stokley.  Rookies: LB C.J. Mosley, DT Timmy Jernigan.
2. Bengals - I worry about this defense and I think the team takes a step back.  Additions: QB Jason Campbell, S Danieal Manning.  Losses: S Chris Crocker, OT Anthony Collins, DE Michael Johnson, QB Josh Johnson, LB Michael Boley, C Kyle Cook, LB James Harrison.  Rookies: CB Dennard, RB Jeremy Hill.
3. Steelers - Should be a tough but not scary team.  Additions: RB LaGarette Blount, WR Heyward-Bey, P Adam Podlesh, S Mike Mitchell, WR Lance More.  Losses: DE Ziggy Hood, WR Emmanuel Sanders, LB Lamarr Woodley, S Ryan Clark, WR Jericho Cotchery, LB Larry Foote, OT Levi Brown, DE Brett Keisel, RB Felix Jones, P Mat McBriar.  Rookies: LB Ryan Shazier, DE Stephon Tuitt.
4. Browns - This could be the best defense in the division.  Additions: S Jim Leonhard, RB Ben Tate, WR Miles Austin, WR Nate Burleson, LB Karlos Dansby, S Dante Whitner, OT Paul McQuistan.  Losses: QB Jason Campbell, LB Quentin Groves, LB D'Qwell Jackson, S T.J. Ward, WR Greg Little, QB Brandon Weeden, WR Devone Bess, RB Willis McGahee.  Rookies: CB Justin Gilbert, QB Johnny Manziel, OT Joel Bitonio.

AFC South

1. Colts - No one should even come close to challenging Luck & the Colts.  Additions: DE Arthur Jones, LB D'Qwell Jackson, S Mike Adams, WR Hakeem Nicks.  Losses: C Samson Satele, WR Heyward-Bey, RB Donald Brown, LB Pat Angerer, CB Antoine Bethea, DT Aubrayo Franklin.  Rookies: OT Jack Mewhort, WR Donte Moncrief.
2. Jaguars - Second year for the coaching staff, could see improvements.  Additions: DE Ziggy Hood, OG Zane Beadles, RB Toby Gerhart, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons.  Losses: DE Jason Babin, RB Jones-Drew, QB Blaine Gabbert, C Brad Meester.  Rookies: QB Blake Bortles, WR Marqise Lee, WR Allen Robinson.
3. Titans - All new coaches but should be competitive.  Additions: OT Michael Oher, LB Shaun Phillips, LB Wesley Woodyard, WR Dexter McCluster, QB Charlie Whitehurst, TE Chase Coffman.  Losses: RB Chris Johnson, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, CB Alterraun Verner, WR Kenny Britt, K Rob Bironas.  Rookies: OT Taylor Lewan, RB Bishop Sankey.
4. Texans - New QB, new HC, OC, DC, OL; it takes time.  Additions: OT Tyson Clabo, S Chris Clemons, LB Quentin Groves, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Andre Brown.  Losses: TE Owen Daniels, S Danieal Manning, RB Ben Tate, OT Ryan Harris, LB Joe Mays, QB Matt Schaub, DE Antonio Smith, FB Greg Jones, OT Wade Smith.  Rookies: DE Clowney, OG Su'a-Filo, DT Louis Nix.

AFC West 

 

1. Broncos - Denver looks to get back to the Super Bowl to revenge their embarrassment.  Additions: CB Aqib Talib, S T.J. Ward, WR Emmanual Sanders, DE DeMarcus Ware.  Losses: RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Eric Decker, S Mike Adams, OG Zane Beadles, LB Shaun Phillips, LB Wesley Woodyard, CB Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Champ Bailey, S Michael Huff, C Dan Koppen, Cb Quentin Jammer, LB Paris Lenon, OG Chris Kuper.   Rookies: CB Bradley Roby, WR Cody Latimer.
2. Chiefs - Not a surprise anymore and not an untouchable team.  Additions: S Steve Gregory, OT Ryan Harris, LB Joe Mays, DT Vance Walker.  Losses: OT Branden Albert, WR Dexter McCluster, CB Brandon Flowers, S Quintin Demps, OG Geoff Schwartz, LB Akeem Jordan, DE Tyson Jackson, CB Dunta Robinson.  Rookies: DE Dee Ford, CB Phillip Gaines, RB De'Anthony Thomas.
3. Chargers - Both Rivers and the Bolts are mediocre, an annoyance more than a threat.  Additions: RB Donald Brown, CB Brandon Flowers, QB Kellen Clemens.  Losses: QB Charlie Whitehurst, CB Derek Cox, RB Ronnie Brown, FB Le'Ron McClain.  Rookies: CB Jason Verrett, LB Attaouchu, OG Chris Watt.
4. Raiders - Too many good, new pieces NOT to make a difference.  Additions: OT Austin Howard, WR Greg Little, LB Lamarr Woodley, QB Matt Schaub, DE Antonio Smith, RB Jones-Drew, OG Kevin Boothe, DE Justin Tuck, WR James Jones, OT Donald Penn, CB Carlos Rodgers.  Losses: WR Jacoby Ford, DT Vance Walker, RB Rashad Jennings, CB Tracy Porter, DE Lamarr Houston, CB Mike Jenkins, OT Jared Veldheer, QB Terrelle Pryor, OG Andre Gurode, DE Jason Hunter, OT Tony Pashos.  Rookies: LB Khalil Mack, QB Derek Carr, OG Gabe Jackson.

NFC East 

 

1. Eagles - Foles is the real deal and this offense will explode.  Additions: QB Mark Sanchez, S Malcolm Jenkins, RB Darren Sproles.  Losses: S Patrick Chung, QB Michael Vick, WR DeSean Jackson, S Kurt Coleman, WR Jason Avent  Rookies: LB Marcus Smith, WR Jordan Matthews.
2. Cowboys - Romo & the offense will be fine; the defense will not.  Additions: QB Brandon Weeden, DT Henry Melton, LB Rolando McClain, DT Amobi Okoye.  Losses: WR Miles Austin, DE DeMarcus Ware, DT Jason Hatcher, LB Ernie Sims, QB Kyle Orton, OG Brian Waters, LB Sean Lee (IR), C Phil Costa (Ret).  Rookies: OT Zach Martin, DT Lawrence.
3. Redskins - New coach & a healthy RG3; should improve.  Additions: OG Shawn Lauvao, S Ryan Clark, LB Akeem Jordan, CB Tracy Porter, DT Jason Hatcher, WR DeSean Jackson, LB Adam Hayward.  Losses: WR Josh Morgan, S Josh Wilson, LB Nick Barnett, DE Adam Carriker, TE Fred Davis, S Reed Doughty, QB Rex Grossman, P Sav Rocca, LB London Fletcher.  Rookies: LB Trent Murphy, OT Morgan Moses, OG Spencer Long.
4. Giants - All new OL and WRs will be tough on Eli.  Additions: OG John Jerry, LB Jameel McClain, CB Rodgers-Cromartie, S Quintin Demps, OG Geoff Schwartz, RB Rashad Jennings, LB Zack Bowman, WR Manningham, TE Kellen Davis, CB Walter Thurmond.  Losses: LB Keith Rivers, CB Aaron Ross, RB Andre Brown, WR Hakeem Nicks, OG Kevin Boothe, DE Justin Tuck, S Ryan Mundy, DT Linval Joseph, TE Brandon Myers, CB Terrell Thomas, C David Baas, DT Shaun Rogers, RB David Wilson (IR), OG Chris Snee (Ret).  Rookies: WR Odell Beckham, C Weston Richburg.

NFC North 

1. Bears - Cutler & Trestman will make it work this year, leading to big things.  Additions: DE Lamarr Houston, S Ryan Mundy, WR Josh Morgan, OG Dylan Gandy, DE Israel Idonije, S M.D. Jennings, DE Jared Allen, S Adrian Wilson.  Losses: P Adam Podlesh, DT Henry Melton, LB Zack Bowman, DE Julius Peppers, WR Devin Hester, QB Josh McCown, S Major Wright, WR Earl Bennett, RB Michael Bush.  Rookies: CB Kyle Fuller, DT Ego Ferguson.
2. Packers - Rodgers is still Rodgers, but I don't trust the team around him.  Additions: DE Julius Peppers.  Losses: WR James Jones, S M.D. Jennings, C Dietrich-Smith, TE Jermichael Finley, DE Johnny Jolly, DT Ryan Pickett, QB Seneca Wallace.  Rookies: S Clinton-Dix, WR Davante Adams.
3. Lions - Entirely new staff, but Megatron & Stafford still make it work.  Additions: S James Ihedigbo, WR Golden Tate.  Losses: S Louis Delmas, WR Nate Burleson, OG Dylan Gandy, DE Israel Idonije, QB Shaun Hill, L David Akers, LB Rocky McIntosh, TE Tony Scheffler.  Rookies: TE Eric Ebron, LB Kyle Van Noy.
4. Vikings - Ponder, Cassel, Bridgewater; does it really matter?.  Additions: S Chris Crocker, CB Derek Cox, DT Linval Joseph, S Kurt Coleman, CB Captain Munnerlyn.  Losses: RB Toby Gerhart, DE Jared Allen, TE John Carlson, DT Kevin Williams, QB Josh Freeman, LB Erin Henderson.  Rookies: LB Anthony Barr, QB Teddy Bridgewater.

NFC South 

 

1. Saints - The Saints will put of extreme points this season and their D will be lights out.  Additions: S Jarius Byrd, FB Greg Jones, CB Champ Bailey, C Jonathan Goodwin.  Losses: DE Will Smith, WR Lance Moore, S Malcolm Jenkins, RB Darren Sproles, S Roman Harper, CB Jabari Greer, S Will Herring, CB Chris Carr.  Rookies: WR Brandin Cooks, CB Jean-Baptiste.
2. Panthers - Their defense can't possibly repeat; a small step back.  Additions: TE Ed Dickson, WR Jericho Cotchery, WR Jason Avant, S Thomas DeCoud, S Roman Harper, CB Antoine Cason.  Losses: WR Brandon LeFell, WR Steve Smith, S Mike Mitchell, CB Captain Munnerlyn, WR Ted Ginn, LB Dan Connor, CB Drayton Florence, S Quintin Mikell, OG Geoff Handgartner, OG Travelle Wharton.  Rookies: WR Kelvin Benjamin, DE Kony Ealy.
3. Falcons - No reason they can't improve by five games.  Additions: DT Paul Soliai, LB Pat Angerer, DE Tyson Jackson, S Josh Wilson, WR Devin Hester, OG Gabe Carimi.  Losses: TE Chase Coffman, S Thomas DeCoud, LB Omar Gaither, OT Sean Locklear, LB Stephen Nicholas, CB Asante Samuel, OT Jeremy Trueblood, TE Tony Gonzalez (Ret), DT Peria Jerry (Ret).  Rookies: OT Jake Matthews, DT Hageman.
4. Buccaneers - McCown is only OK, but their defense should be better.  Additions: OT Anthony Collins, DE Michael Johnson, CB Anterraun Verner, CB Mike Jenkins, TE Brandon Myers, QB Josh McCown, S Major Wright, C Dietrich-Smith.  Losses: WR Mike Williams, CB Darrelle Revis, OT Donald Penn, LB Adam Hayward, OG Gabe Carimi, OG Davin Joseph, RB Brian Leonard, OG Carl Nicks.  Rookies: WR Mike Evans, TE Seferian-Jenkins.

NFC West 

 

1. Seahawks - A new rule emphasis hinders the physical play of the Legion of Boom.  Additions: OT Wade Smith, QB Terrelle Pryor, CB Terrell Thomas, DT Kevin Williams, OT Eric Winston.  Losses: CB Brandon Browner, OT Paul McQuistan, DE Red Bryant, DE Chris Clemons, TE Kellen Davis, CB Walter Thurmond, WR Golden Tate, WR Sidney Rice (Ret).  Rookies: WR Paul Richardson, OT Justin Britt.
2. 49ers - The Niners should be the most consistent team in the league.  Additions: OT Jonathan Martin, QB Blaine Gabbert, CB Antoine Bethea, WR Brandon Llyod.  Losses: S Donte Whiner, CB Tarell Brown, CB Carlos Rodgers, WR Manningham, C Jonathan Goodwin, CB Eric Wright.  Rookies: S Jimmie Ward, RB Carlos Hyde.
3. Cardinals - A good team in a division that's just too tough.  Additions: CB Antonio Cromartie, LB Larry Foote, OT Jared Veldheer, LB Ernie Sims, TE John Carlson, WR Ted Ginn.  Losses: OG Daryn Colledge, LB Karlos Dansby, CB Antoine Cason, OT Eric Winston, S Yeremiah Bell, OT Levi Brown, TE Jake Ballard, RB Mendenhall (Ret).  Rookies: S Deone Buchannon, TE Troy Niklas.
4. Rams - The D-line is amazing, but Sam Bradford is not.  Additions: WR Kenny Britt, QB Shaun Hill, OG Davin Joseph.  Losses: OG Chris Williams, CB Cortland Finnegan, RB Daryl Richardson, QB Kellen Clemens, OG Harvey Dahl, LB Matt Giordano, QB Brady Quinn, LB Will Witherspoon..  Rookies: OT Greg Robinson, DT Aaron Donald.

Most improved teams: Browns, Raiders, Redskins, Falcons.

Least successful teams: Dolphins, Texans, Vikings, Buccaneers.

Bold predictions: The AFC East will be a scarier division to outside opponents than the AFC North; the Bills will make the playoffs.  The AFC North will be an offensive rather than defensive division; the Browns will finish 4th but within 3 games of the division lead.  The AFC South will be bottom heavy; the Colts will be the only team in the division over .500.  The AFC West will feature only one playoff team; the Broncos will play in the Super Bowl.  The NFC East will return to its usual tightness; the Giants will finish 4th but no worse than 7-9.  The NFC North will be top heavy; the Packers will be happy to be a Wild Card.  The NFC South will feature only one playoff team; the Saints will play in the Super Bowl.  The NFC West will be the toughest division in football; the Niners will spoil the Seahawks' party in the playoffs.

Wild Cards: Bills, Bengals, Packers, 49ers.

Super Bowl: Broncos vs Saints.