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Binge Media Sports: 2014 NFL Preview-AFC West/NFC West

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Let’s finish this up. The start of football that matters is upon us and here is the last in my series of previews. Today, we’ll take a look at the divisions that gave us our two Super Bowl teams from last season, the AFC and NFC West divisions. If you’ve missed the previews of the East, click HERE. If you missed the North, click HERE. If you missed the South, click HERE. So let’s get to the West.

 

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broncos DENVER BRONCOS

LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE AFC WEST, LOST THE SUPER BOWL TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2014 PREVIEW: Okay, so the Super Bowl was a little embarrassing, but the Broncos aren’t going away. The offense will be as potent as ever as Peyton Manning and company remain an overall favorite to win the whole thing. Even with Eric Decker heading to New York, the receiver position may be even better. Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker remain and are always consistent, and they’ve added Emmanuel Sanders. Throw in Julius Thomas and we may see yet another record-breaking season from the offense.

Not to be outdone, the defense added defensive end DeMarcus Ware, safety T.J. Ward, and cornerback Aqib Talib. And don’t forget that the Broncos made their run last year without Von Miller. He’ll return to an absolutely loaded defense. The Broncos are the easy favorite to win this division.

 

chiefs KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

LAST SEASON: 11-5, FINISHED 2ND IN THE AFC WEST, LOST WC ROUND TO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

2014 PREVIEW: Running back Jamaal Charles has become arguably the best in the league, and he’ll need an outstanding season if the Chiefs want to repeat what they did last year. He’s lost some help up front on the line, but if anybody can make adjustments, it’s head coach Andy Reid. He still has conservative yet effective quarterback Alex Smith, but the receiving core is somewhat limited. Dwayne Bowe has lost a step, A.J. Jenkins is young, and Donnie Avery drops a few too many. Charles will be the workhorse here, but his effectiveness may open a few passing lanes for Smith.

The defense gave out a little towards the end of last season and there’s a little uncertainty that the Chiefs can do what they were doing to open last year. Eric Berry has shown a lot of versatility as he can roam from safety to linebacker, but they lost their best corner in Brandon Flowers and the ability to get to the quarterback may be an issue this year. Most people weren’t expecting 11 wins last year, and I wouldn’t count on a repeat performance.

 

raiders OAKLAND RAIDERS

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

2014 PREVIEW: At least the Raiders had draft picks this year. That’s about the only positive thing I can see coming from Oakland this year. After a battle in the preseason with longtime Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, rookie Derek Carr won the starting job. He’s got talent, but his inexperience will show, especially early in the season. But who is he throwing to? At least they’ve got a running game. Or do they? Darren McFadden just can’t seem to stay healthy. They did sign Maurice Jones-Drew and that may help matters a little, especially catching passes out of the backfield, but he’ll have a lot of work to do to get back to his leading rusher in the league form.

They’ve got big names on defense like Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Charles Woodson, but all three are just past their prime. Rookie Khalil Mack may be fun to watch, but in this division, no defense means very few wins. Another 4-12 may be in the works and that may be being nice.

 

chargers SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

LAST SEASON: 9-7, FINISHED 3RD IN THE AFC WEST, LOST DIV. ROUND TO THE DENVER BRONCOS

2014 PREVIEW: The Chargers reeled off four straight victories at the end of last season to sneak into the playoffs, and even got a win over the Bengals before falling to Denver. They’ll enter 2014 with some confidence, especially quarterback Philip Rivers, who had a nice comeback season in 2013 to silence a few critics. He’ll need to be at his best to get San Diego into the playoffs again, but has weapons in the always consistent Antonio Gates, along with second year man Keenan Allen, who was thrown to in big spots last year and is looking to become the main target for Rivers.

The defense will get a few players back from injury this season as Dwight Freeney looks to get back to form, as does linebacker Melvin Ingram. San Diego also made a big free agent pickup in acquiring cornerback Brandon Flowers. The Chargers finished at 9-7 last year and an identical record may be in the cards.

 

 

 

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cardinals ARIZONA CARDINALS

LAST SEASON: 10-6, FINISHED 3RD IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: Last season, the Cardinals were a casualty of the system. They finished with a better record by two games than the North-winning Packers, but didn’t make the playoffs. The chip on their shoulder could play a big part in the 2014 campaign. If Carson Palmer can play to his potential in his twelfth year, the Cardinals could be dangerous on offense. He’s still got Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, and if Michael Floyd can continue to improve, it could open up some running lanes for Andre Ellington, a second year back who averaged 5.5 yards per carry in a limited role last year.

The defense took a big hit when Darnell Dockett went down with an ACL injury and linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for the year, but they’re still pretty strong. The hope is that Tyrann Mathieu can return from a torn ACL and LCL and be the player everyone thinks he can be. They signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to play opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson, who may be the best man-to-man corner in the league. If all goes well for Arizona, they could be a factor this season.

 

49ers SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

LAST SEASON: 12-4, FINISHED 2ND IN THE NFC WEST, LOST NFC CHAMP. TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

2014 PREVIEW: Can a team that’s reached the NFC Championship three years in a row get better? When your head coach is Jim Harbaugh, you don’t really get a say in the matter. Play well or you’re off the field. The athleticism of quarterback Colin Kaepernick leads an offensive attack that includes the veteran Anquan Boldin and Kaepernick’s favorite target, the dangerous Michael Crabtree. You also can’t forget about tight end Vernon Davis, who still performs at a high level, as does running back Frank Gore, who will be mentoring Carlos Hyde. That’s a ton of players that can burn you.

The defense will have a different look this year as the Niners lost a few players, especially at cornerback. Last year’s freak injury to NaVorro Bowman won’t help matters any, but guys like Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks will be looking to pick up the slack. Throw in the immense talent and intelligence of safety Eric Reid, and the defense should still be better than average. Harbaugh won’t settle for anything less than the Super Bowl, and it’s a real possibility.

 

seahawks SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE NFC WEST, BEAT THE DENVER BRONCOS TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL

2014 PREVIEW: There’s not much I can say about Seattle that you don’t already know. They’re the defending Super Bowl champs. They have the biggest home field advantage in sports. They’re loaded with talent. You know the names: Russell Wilson will only continue to get better. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas have signed long-term deals and are basically the best at what they do at cornerback and free safety, respectively. Percy Harvin will be back healthy and Marshawn Lynch is a beast. Did I miss anything? The Seahawks have a solid chance to repeat.

 

rams ST. LOUIS RAMS

LAST SEASON: 7-9, FINISHED LAST IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: Poor St. Louis. Just when things are starting to turn around under head coach Jeff Fisher, the 2014 season may already be lost. The season-ending injury to quarterback Sam Bradford has changed everything. What’s worse is that his huge salary is hindering the Rams’ ability to go out and get a comparable solution. They recently signed Case Keenum, but the starting job will go to Shaun Hill, but can he effectively get the ball to Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick? I’m sure the quarterback situation will be a question all season.

If the Rams are going to win games this year, it’s the defense that’s going to do it. The strongest piece comes with the front line, which may be the best in football, anchored by defensive end Robert Quinn, who has become arguably the most feared end in the league. Unfortunately, it may not be enough. The Rams have been moving in the right direction for a few years now, but with yet another injury to the most important position on the field, St. Louis will likely find themselves at the bottom of this division.

 

Now you’re ready for some football….almost. I’ve previewed all 32 teams, but I haven’t yet given you my picks. Check back with Binge Media Sports as I give you my full season predictions leading all the way to the Super Bowl. Make sure to cast your votes (as soon as we get it fixed) in every division and check back each and every week to pick each and every game of the year. And as always, you can justify your picks in the comments section below or follow me and tell your friends to follow me and tweet @THElukenorris all season long.

 

 

 

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

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And here we go. Welcome to the first of a series of previews as Binge Media Sports coverage of the 2014 NFL season begins. Each preview will give you a look at eight teams, four from the AFC and four from the NFC.  I’ll tell you how they did last season, followed by a quick look at the highlights (and lowlights for some) of the team this year. We are having some issues on the site with the voting options, but as soon as the boys sober up from Lawlapalooza, I’m hopeful we can get it taken care of. I’ve been told to leave the title of the poll up, so the plug-in team can see what they’re dealing with, so know that I’m not a moron and just forgot to list the teams. I may end up making the vote its own post later next week, so just keep checking in. But let’s move ahead with at least the previews. We’ll start today with the teams in the AFC and NFC East. Enjoy.

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bills BUFFALO BILLS

LAST SEASON: 6-10, FINISHED 4TH IN THE AFC EAST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is the biggest addition to a Buffalo (not Toronto, sorry Bon Jovi) team that is still looking to break through just to get to .500. It’s been almost a decade since they’ve done that. The question remains whether or not last year’s first round pick, QB EJ Manuel can get Watkins the ball. He’s still got some improving to do, but a nice 1-2 running back combo in CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson may open up the field a bit.

The defense is on the rise. CB Stephen Gilmore comes back from a broken wrist and could very well become a top corner in the entire NFL if he can play to potential. On the line, they’re still waiting for the Mario Williams signing to pan out, but the real beast is Kyle Williams. He’s made three of the last four Pro Bowls and d0uble teams on him could allow everybody else to step it up.

 

dolphins MIAMI DOLPHINS

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

2014 PREVIEW: The Dolphins are looking to get beyond the Richie Incognito drama that plagued them last year. They’ve started that process by completely overhauling the offensive line to protect QB Ryan Tannehill, who got knocked around in the 2013 campaign. WR Brian Hartline seems to have become his favorite target, even though they still have Mike Wallace, who still has to be laughing at all the money he was given. A new system that allows Tannehill to move around a little more should help everybody.

The defense is the strong suit of this team. A solid line that includes Cameron Wake and Olivier Vernon, who finished with 11 1/2 sacks in just his second year, mixed with a decent secondary should keep Miami near the playoff hunt throughout the season.

 

patriots NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

LAST SEASON: 12-4, WON THE AFC EAST, LOST AFC CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE DENVER BRONCOS

2014 PREVIEW: Even with the hodgepodge of receivers he had to work with last year, QB Tom Brady still led the Pats to the second best record in the AFC and a spot in the AFC Championship, eventually losing to rival Peyton Manning. It seems that no matter who they put on the field, they find a way to get things done. If the injuries can remain limited, especially to Shane Vereen and Rob Gronkowski, the offense should be very sharp.

The dangerous thing about New England this season is the upgrade on the defensive side of the football, the biggest addition being perennial All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, who signed after a very short time in Tampa. He can change the way an entire offense plays, which may help if they run into the Broncos again in the playoffs. I’ll go ahead and cast my vote here. The Patriots will win this division and are a strong contender for the Super Bowl. (How happy did I just make Jack?)

 

jets NEW YORK JETS

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

2014 PREVIEW: J.E.T.S., J.E.T.S., J.E.T.S., JETS, JETS, JETS!!!!! That’s about as excited as anyone can get about the green and white this season. Sure, they brought in some big names to fill the back page in Michael Vick and Chris Johnson, but neither are anywhere near their prime. Instead, Jets fans get Geno Smith and Chris Ivory, who just aren’t ready to compete for this division.

The defense doesn’t help much. Muhammad Wilkerson is a monster and 2013 Defensive Rookie of the Year Sheldon Richardson is up and coming, but the secondary is atrocious. They’ll squeak out four or five wins, but is that enough to save Rex Ryan’s job again?

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Before I write anything, just know that I root for the Dallas Cowboys, but I’m still a professional, so I’ll still talk about the positive aspects of the other teams that I despise so much in this division. I just wanted you all to know how painful it is for me. Let’s continue.

 

 

cowboys DALLAS COWBOYS

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

2014 PREVIEW: The offense is there. Bash Tony Romo all you like, but the guy puts up numbers. TE Jason Witten may be the most consistent player on this team and maybe one of the most consistent in the league. Year after year, he continues to produce. The maturity of wideout Dez Bryant has made him one of the best receivers in football, and he could have his best year yet. RB DeMarco Murray could be an All-Pro if he could only stay healthy, but that’s a really big if. Throw in arguably the best offensive line in the league, and the Cowboys could put up 35 a game.

The problem is that they’ll give up 36. After the worst year in franchise history on that side of the ball, something has to change. Just when the offense would do something great, the defense would do something equally awful to hinder any momentum. Throw in the fact that DeMarcus Ware moved to Denver, and there could be real trouble in Big D. People have been waiting for years for this team to realize its potential, and we may have to continue to wait. The talent is there, but the coaching is not. As a fan, I hope they surprise me, but if I had any big money to throw around, the easiest bet in football right now is an 8-8 finish.

 

giants NEW YORK GIANTS

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

2014 PREVIEW: The Giants are moving to a West Coast offense. What? After ten years of playing in a system, Eli Manning looks to bounce back after a dreadful 2013. It will be interesting to see if this new style can limit his interception total. He’s got some good receivers in Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle to get the ball to.

The defense could go either way depending on injuries. Jason Pierre-Paul is getting older and didn’t have a great year last year, so he’ll be looking to get the defensive line back on track. They didn’t get to the quarterback much last year, which you have to do in this division. The secondary isn’t spectacular, but can be very efficient. But here’s the thing about New York. Every time I count them out, they end up going on a run and sneaking into the playoffs. We’ll see if the new schemes can get them back on track.

 

eagles PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

LAST SEASON: 10-6, WON THE NFC EAST, LOST IN THE WILD CARD ROUND TO THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2014 PREVIEW: Head coach Chip Kelly surprised everyone last year by making a smooth transition to the NFL. He won’t be able to sneak up on teams anymore, but they’re still going to be very good. Quarterback Nick Foles became a star last year, yes you read that right. In his ten starts, he threw for 27 touchdowns while only throwing 2 picks. Mix that kind of passing efficiency with a strong 1-2 punch at running back and you’ve got a recipe to win football games. LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles can change an entire game with the ability to run and catch passes out of the backfield. Look for this offense to score a ton of points.

The defense isn’t terrible either. It could certainly be better, but part of the reason that they give up so many yards is because the offense scores so quickly. But some free agent signings like Malcolm Jenkins and the improvement on the corners of Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams could move them in the right direction. The Eagles have to be considered the favorite in this division. (I just threw up in my mouth a little.)

 

redskins WASHINGTON REDSKINS

LAST SEASON: 3-13, FINISHED 4TH IN THE NFC EAST, MISSED PLAYOFFS

2014 PREVIEW: The biggest topic in the offseason was actually just the team name itself. On the field, all eyes will obviously be on Robert Griffin III. New head coach Jay Gruden is looking to limit how much RG3 runs the ball, but we’ll have to wait and see if that becomes a reality. He’s a hell of an athlete, but he’s got to learn how to throw the football. Former Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson gives him another option opposite Pierre Garcon. Injury will always be a question for Griffin, but they’ve got a great backup in Kirk Cousins, who may still end up on another team.

Defensively, the ‘Skins need to improve. There’s really no other way to say it. The numbers aren’t as bad as the rival Cowboys’, but something needs to change. They take a ton of chances on defense and have a tendency to get burned. I think they’ll get more than the three wins they got last year, but not by much.

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8 down, 24 to go. Next time I’ll take a look at the North Divisions, so I know my loyal Illinois readers will be excited about the Bears preview, but I’ll also be looking at the Packers, Lions, Vikings, Bengals, Steelers, Ravens, and Browns. There will certainly be plenty to discuss with those teams.  Again, I really hope our voting system gets fixed quickly and I’ll let you know as soon as it does. If you want to leave a vote in the comments section, feel free to do so and we can punch it in later, and I know I’ll have at least one Pats vote (yes, Jack, I’m talking to you). But if you’re thinking upsets or otherwise, let me know below or follow me and tweet @THElukenorris.