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Binge Sports: Bye-Bye Bye Weeks, Part 1: Breaking Down the AFC (FAN VOTE!)

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The bye weeks are over and it’s crunch time in the NFL. Welcome to Binge Sports NFL coverage.  Over the next couple of days, I’m going to break down every team in the NFL as we enter Week 13 of the regular season and in the weeks to come, I’ll bring you updates as we inch closer to the playoffs.

With five games to go, and so many teams still in the playoff picture, I’ll break down where your team is, who they’ve got left to play, and make my own predictions on how this plays out. And I’m very excited to announce the return of the fan vote. After each division, make your pick on who you think will win each division. I’ve only included teams that have an actual chance. Sorry Raider Nation. We’ll start today with the AFC.

 

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patriots NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

CURRENT STANDING: 9-2, 1st in AFC East

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @GB, @SD, MIA, @NYJ, BUF

BREAKDOWN: Well, here we are again. Much to Jack’s delight, the Pats are atop the AFC East, the AFC overall, and may be the best team in the NFL to this point. After a disappointing start, New England is hitting on all cylinders and are basically a lock to win this division and are on the fast track to home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. This week’s matchup against the Packers may be a Super Bowl preview.

 

dolphins MIAMI DOLPHINS

CURRENT STANDING: 6-5, T-2nd in AFC East

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @NYJ, BAL, @NE, MIN, NYJ

BREAKDOWN: The Dolphins will be in a battle for a wildcard slot, but outside of the Patriots game in two weeks, their schedule looks pretty good, especially with two matchups with the lowly Jets.

 

bills BUFFALO BILLS

CURRENT STANDING: 6-5, T-2nd in AFC East

REMAINING SCHEDULE: CLE, @DEN, GB, @OAK, @NE

BREAKDOWN: The Bills are one of the best stories in football this year. However, a tough schedule looms ahead. This week’s matchup against the another feelgood team, the Browns, will be a tough test, and it doesn’t get any easier with games left against the Broncos, Packers, and Patriots. But at least they still get to play the Raiders.

 

jets NEW YORK JETS

CURRENT STANDING: 2-9, last in AFC East

REMAINING SCHEDULE: MIA, @MIN, @TEN, NE, @MIA

BREAKDOWN: J-E-T-S, J-E-T-S, J-E-T-S, Jets are awful! Okay, maybe that’s now how it goes but it’s true. The Jets certainly aren’t fighting for a playoff spot, but are in a heated battle with the Jags, Raiders, and Bucs for that number one pick.

[yop_poll id=”148″]

 

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bengals CINCINNATI BENGALS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-3-1, 1st in AFC North

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @TB, PIT, @CLE, DEN, @PIT

BREAKDOWN: For the moment, the Bengals sit atop the most competitive division in football this season, and it’s actually due to a tie they had with Carolina. This is anybody’s division right now and every game is crucial. This week’s game against the Bucs should be a breeze, but they finish with three division games and a Week 16 matchup with the Broncos who will probably still be fighting for home field advantage.

 

steelers PITTSBURGH STEELERS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North

REMAINING SCHEDULE: NO, @CIN, @ATL, KC, CIN

BREAKDOWN: I think the Steelers have one more easy game than the Bengals do right now. With two games left against the dreadful NFC South, the Steelers may have a slight advantage, but it will obviously be the two games against the Bengals that will make or break the season.

 

ravens BALTIMORE RAVENS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North

REMAINING SCHEDULE: SD, @MIA, JAC, @HOU, CLE

BREAKDOWN: The Ravens only have one game left in the division and play three of their last five at home, including a game against 1-10 Jacksonville and finish the season against the Browns, which could be a game to see who moves on and who goes home.

 

browns CLEVELAND BROWNS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @BUF, IND, CIN, @CAR, @BAL

BREAKDOWN: The Browns may be the biggest surprise in the AFC this year. They just find a way to keep on winning games. They’ve got a tough three weeks ahead with a game this weekend in Buffalo, but get to stay at home for matchups with the Colts and the division-leading Bengals. They’re punished for that with two games on the road to finish up, but at least one is against a 3-win Panthers team. Somebody is going to be left out in the cold from this division. Will Cleveland get burned once again?

[yop_poll id=”149″]

 

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colts INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, 1st in AFC South

REMAINING SCHEDULE: WAS, @CLE, HOU, @DAL, @TEN

BREAKDOWN: With a two game lead with five to go, I’d say the Colts are a safe bet to win this division. I don’t see them having too many problems this weekend at home against Washington, but three of the last five are on the road. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.

 

texans HOUSTON TEXANS

CURRENT STANDING: 5-6, 2nd in AFC South

REMAINING SCHEDULE: TEN, @JAC, @IND, BAL, JAC

BREAKDOWN: It’s hard to make up two games in five weeks, especially chasing a team like Indy, but with two games left against Jacksonville and a huge game against the Colts in three weeks, don’t count out potential MVP J.J.Watt and the Texans just yet.

 

titans TENNESSEE TITANS

CURRENT STANDING: 2-9, 3rd in AFC South

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @HOU, NYG, NYJ, @JAC, IND

BREAKDOWN: Tennessee just has nothing going right now. I guess I forgot to mention them in the fight for the number one pick earlier. Sorry.

 

jaguars JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

CURRENT STANDING: 1-10, last in AFC South

REMAINING SCHEDULE: NYG, HOU, @BAL, TEN, @HOU

BREAKDOWN: This record actually surprises me a little bit. I certainly didn’t think they would be a playoff team just yet, but at least Denard Robinson is entertaining.

[yop_poll id=”150″]

 

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broncos DENVER BRONCOS

CURRENT STANDING: 8-3, 1st in AFC West

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @KC, BUF, @SD, @CIN, OAK

BREAKDOWN: For a while there, the Broncos looked like they were the best team in the NFL. It’s not that they’re not a good team, but they’re in a dogfight in this division. This week’s game at Arrowhead, along with a game in San Diego in three weeks, will give us a good idea about where this division may be headed.

 

chiefs KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC West

REMAINING SCHEDULE: DEN, @ARI, OAK, @PIT, SD

BREAKDOWN: As you saw above, the Chiefs have a big test this week as the Broncos come to town. It’s nice to have a game against Oakland left, but as we just saw, beating the Raiders isn’t a given for this team. Arizona is fighting for home field advantage and the Steelers and Chargers will be battling for playoff berths as well. Not an easy road for KC.

 

chargers SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC West

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @BAL, NE, DEN, @SF, @KC

BREAKDOWN: It’s a tough schedule for San Diego coming home. Every single game they have left are against playoff-caliber opponents and three of them are on the road. At least they get Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at home, if that’s really any consolation.

 

raiders OAKLAND RAIDERS

CURRENT STANDING: 1-10, last in AFC West

REMAINING SCHEDULE: @STL, SF, @KC, BUF, @DEN

BREAKDOWN: Oh, Raider nation…you poor bastards.

[yop_poll id=”151″]

Is your team getting in? Can they win it all? I know what Jack is going to say, but how about the rest of you? Justify your votes below or follow and tweet @BingeSports and/or @THElukenorris. I’ll be back tomorrow with the breakdown of the NFC.

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Binge Media Sports: 2014 NFL Preview: AFC North/NFC North

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Welcome back to Binge Media Sports coverage of the 2014 NFL season. Last time, we looked at the teams in the AFC and NFC East divisions. If you missed it, click HERE. We’re still having some trouble with the voting option, but hopefully it will be fixed soon.  Today, we’ll be covering the North divisions, so let’s get to it.

 

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ravens BALTIMORE RAVENS

LAST SEASON: 8-8, TIED FOR 2ND IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: After a disappointing 2013, the Ravens look to get back on track and a few key free agent signings will give QB Joe Flacco more options. The running game was dreadful last year and if you haven’t heard, Ray Rice will miss the first two games of the season due to his suspension (don’t even get me started on that fiasco). Bernard Pierce will be the lead back in his absence. However, the offense this year may come through the air. The signing of longtime Panther Steve Smith is huge. If you’ve ever listened to him talk, then you know he thrives in situations in which people tell him he can’t do something. At 35, he’ll be looking to prove he’s got some gas left in the tank. With speedster Torrey Smith on the other side, and Owen Daniels and Dennis Pitts at the tight ends, you may see more passes this year from Flacco.

Baltimore fans are still getting used to not seeing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed dominating the defensive side of the ball, but the Ravens still have some good players. Terrell Suggs can still get to the quarterback and Elvis Dumervil is proving to be a nice pickup as well. Ravens football may look a little different these days, but I expect them to contend for this division.

 

bengals CINCINNATI BENGALS

LAST SEASON: 11-5, WON THE AFC NORTH, LOST IN THE WILD CARD ROUND TO THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2014 PREVIEW: So QB Andy Dalton got the big money contract. The question is whether or not he can live up to it. Don’t get me wrong, I think Dalton is a very efficient quarterback, but he’s not even close to being in that top tier. He’s also lost his offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden, who’s gone on to be the head coach in Washington, so he’ll have to learn a new system as well. A.J. Green is his best option to throw to, but I think this season, he’ll be handing the ball off a little more. Giovani Bernard is still young, but is very exciting to watch, and second-round pick Jeremy Hill will get his share of touches as well.

The defense is still very solid. However, much like the offense, they’ll have to get used to a new coordinator, as Mike Zimmer took the head coaching job in Minnesota. They’ve lost a few players to injury and free agency, but their 4-3 package is one of the best in football. The Bengals have made the playoffs for three straight seasons. If they can figure out all the new things they’re trying to do, they’ll be in a position to contend in this division.

 

browns CLEVELAND BROWNS

LAST SEASON: 4-12, FINISHED 4TH IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: The big question here is obvious. How many games will it take before Johnny Manziel takes over the starting quarterback job? While Brian Hoyer is more experienced, Manziel will continue to get the press. But no matter who the quarterback is, who are they throwing to? The talented yet moronic Josh Gordon is lost for the entire year due to another drug-related issue, leaving Miles Austin as perhaps the best option, and that’s if he can stay healthy. The run game is decent, however, with Ben Tate running behind a good offensive line.

The defense is going to have to try to keep the Browns in games. They’ve got a solid ground defense as Jabaal Sheard can get to the quarterback and Paul Kruger can stop the run. On the outside, you’ve got Joe Haden and rookie Justin Gilbert, but I just don’t think the Browns have enough quite yet. If they do improve upon the four wins they got last year, it won’t be by much.

 

steelers PITTSBURGH STEELERS

LAST SEASON: 8-8, FINISHED TIED FOR 2ND IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: A .500 record doesn’t sit well with Steelers fans and I’m looking for Pittsburgh to get back to the smashmouth style that defined them for years. One of the reasons for that is that Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t have an upper level wideout to throw to. Antonio Brown is efficient enough, as is newly acquired Lance Moore, but I think they’ll rely heavy on Le’Veon Bell out of the backfield. I will say that Big Ben has become a lot smarter in the way he approaches a game, and it will certainly help this offense.

Always the staple in the Steel City, defense will play a big part in Pittsburgh’s success this season. Troy Polamalu is still the big name here, but others are vying for that top spot. Lawrence Timmons is proving to be a great linebacker, both against the run and the pass. They drafted Ryan Shazier from Ohio State, and Jarvis Jones is crazy athletic. Overall, I think the Steelers are well balanced, and their continuing rivalry with the Ravens should make this a very interesting division race.

 

 

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bears CHICAGO BEARS

LAST SEASON: 8-8, FINISHED 2ND IN THE NFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: This is another case of the often criticized quarterback getting the big contract, and Bears fans seem to be torn on Jay Cutler. You can’t deny the big arm as it may be the strongest in football, and you can’t deny the weapons he has. Alshon Jeffery has become a dangerous threat, which should open the door for Brandon Marshall to play one-on-one a little more. Anchored by Kyle Long, the offensive line should give Cutler plenty of time to throw and provide some room for Matt Forte to sliver through. If these pieces can stay healthy, Chicago could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.

The health issue was a major problem for the defense last year. D.J. Williams and Lance Briggs combined to start thirteen games last year, not what you want from your linebackers. The defensive line will have a completely different look to it, with the biggest signing being Jared Allen, who surprised everyone by accepting the Bears’ offer. Cornerback Charles Tillman can still produce on the outside and will look to mentor first-round pick Kyle Fuller. The Bears have the talent. The question will be if this is the year they can finally put it all together.

 

lions DETROIT LIONS

LAST SEASON: 7-9, FINISHED 3RD IN THE NFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: A new offensive system in Detroit will define the season for the Lions. They’re another team that has talented skill players. QB Matthew Stafford is still trying to live up to his full potential. Luckily, he has the best wide receiver in football to throw the ball to. Calvin Johnson remains the biggest threat in the NFL and combined with a solid 1-2 in the backfield in Reggie Bush and Joique Bell, the Lions will put up some points.

The problem they have is much like the problem the Dallas Cowboys have. They can’t stop anybody. Sure, Ndamukong Suh is a beast, albeit a dirty one, but until some of these first-round picks can learn how to play in this league, Detroit will hover around that .500 mark for a while.

 

packers GREEN BAY PACKERS

LAST SEASON: 8-7-1, WON THE NFC NORTH, LOST WILD CARD ROUND TO THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2014 PREVIEW: As someone who roots for the Cowboys, but also pulls for Chicago, it pains me to say that the Packers are going to be really good. The Packers won the division last year, even with QB Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines for seven weeks with a broken collarbone. They did so by pounding the football with the surprising Eddie Lacy, who will become an even bigger force this season. All that’s going to do is open up the passing lanes for a fully healthy Rodgers. With Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to get the ball to, expect an MVP type of season from Aaron Rodgers.

The defense should be pretty solid as well. They brought in Julius Peppers to fill a void at defensive end, and resigned cornerback Sam Shields to a hefty contract, and in this division, you need a great corner to match up with guys like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall. As I said above, if the Bears can stay healthy, they’ll compete, but I still have to believe that the Packers are the slight favorite in this division.

 

vikings MINNESOTA VIKINGS

LAST SEASON: 5-10-1, FINISHED 4TH IN THE NFC NORTH

2014 PREVIEW: Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is going to have to wait his turn as he’ll spend his time with a clipboard watching Matt Cassel control this offense that has Adrian Petersen and not much else. Norv Turner is going to have to work some of his magic for this offense to thrive.

There’s not much to say about this Vikings defense either. Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr could be fun to watch, but do the names Linval Joseph, Fred Evans, and Sharrif Floyd really get Vikings fans excited? Expect another season like last year.

 

Okay, we’re halfway there. Next time we’ll be looking at teams from the South. So if you or someone you know is a fan of the Panthers, Saints, Falcons, Bucs, Colts, Titans, Jags, or Titans, make sure to check back with Binge Media Sports for all your NFL needs. When we’re up and running with the vote, who are you going with in the North? Let me know why @THElukenorris.