NFL Preview

NFL Preview

With Michael Vick stating that Philadelphia is establishing a dynasty, and that even though they are, the Giants are still the team to beat for the super bowl. Lets examine who really is the team to beat in the NFL this upcoming season.

So in the coming weeks I will break down each division and each teams chances towards dethroning the Super Bowl Champion Giants, starting with the ever so tough ACF North Division.  This is arguably one the top two divisions(if not the top division) in the NFL.  With defenses that are the toughest in the league, this division always excites the fans when the teams lock horns.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens: The top team in this division last season at least was the Baltimore Ravens finishing the season with a 12-4 record and the AFC North division title going 6-0 in division play.  The Ravens on offense ranked 15^th in total offense, and 3^rd in total defense. So with no real departures from their 2011 defensive team they are poised to do the same this up and coming season.  The Ravens will be a contender for the title, but with their weak point being the offense will fall short of that goal.

Prediction: Ravens I believe will finish second in their division behind the Steelers. If offense doesn’t get a little more explosive it will finish the same around 15^th maybe lower. But the defense is their biggest asset and will be their savior as usual. Losing in the Divisional round.

Record/Result: 10-6, with wild card playoff berth.

            Pittsburg Steelers: The Steelers finished second in the AFC North division only losing to the Ravens in their division, but the Steelers finished with an overall record of  12-4 and a wild card playoff berth losing to the Broncos in the Wild Card game. The Steelers overall had a great season, but saw problems keeping Roethlisberger upright sometimes, or he was running for his life. Most of the season he actually played hurt. But the Steelers addressed the issue of their line by taking OG in the first round. OT in the second round. Also while focusing on the offensive line, they upgraded their already tenacious defense as well. 

Predictions: The Steelers have proven in the past defense does win championships and I believe they may just prove that once again. They win the division, and possibly the super bowl but that we will have to see.

Record/Result: 12-4, with playoff berth and first round bye.

            Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals finished third in the AFC North division a team in recent years who have seen their share of ups and downs. But in 2011 the Bengals showed signs of promise.  But that is as far as it goes. The Bengals are young at QB so it may be a few years before they really make a definite run at a Super Bowl title.  Even though they were young the Bengals offense was ranked 20^th overall in the NFL last season with a rookie QB at the helm. That actually was the same rank from last season with veteran QB at the helm in Carson Palmer.  But with Andy Dalton and company as the new look Bengals, it seems to be a promising journey ahead for them.  Their defense though which was ranked 7^th  overall in 2011 is the bright spot for this team. Which it is also an improvement from a year ago where the defense was ranked only 15^th  overall.

Prediction: The Bengals overall is on the up and up, their defense improved tremendously, the offense stayed the same but will improve with time and age under Andy Dalton.  Marvin Lewis always seems to have his team ready to play no matter the circumstance. But for now they will have to settle for being third best in the AFC North.

Record/Result:  10-6, with wild card playoff berth

            Cleveland Browns:  What to say about the Browns they seem to not know how or what direction to take the organization in.  They can’t keep coaches around long enough to make a difference.  On defense they did make a difference this past season finishing 10^th overall, that is 12 spots improved from the season before.  The has finished at or near the bottom of the league in the last three seasons, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better soon.  They make moves that make you wonder does this organization know what they are doing. A lot of things need to happen before this team can even compete in the AFC North let alone compete for a playoff spot or Super Bowl title.

Prediction: The Browns will finish last in the division. They will be an after thought if even a thought at all.  They will win some games but not enough to really make some noise. 

Record/Result: 5-11, while missing the playoffs.