Predictions Review

Not enough sports writers do this, review their various predictions from early in the season, and while I'm not a sports writer I'd like to take the time to see how accurate I've been about my thoughts on the NFL. Let's start with my division winners predictions from earlier in the season.

NFC WEST

What I said: "Winner: coin flip between 49ers and Seahawks. Both teams are loaded, will hit you, and have dynamic QBs. It may come down to their two games, but they'll likely split those. I'll give the nod to the defending champs, but just barely."

What happened: I got this mostly right, but wrong on who eventually won the division. It was a toss up and if not for a few strange performances against lesser opponents and maybe a questionable call this would be the Niners' division again this year.

The interesting part: I had no idea the Cardinals would be this good down the stretch. This division is going to be even better than most of us thought in 2014 and the Cards will be in the thick of things come playoff time. The Rams are loaded with high draft picks and if they get a good young QB this division might be the best and most competitive we've ever seen.

AFC WEST

What I said: "Winner: Broncos. You can't stop this offense and they have the second best QB in the league. Done and done."

What happened: Pretty much nailed this one, but it wasn't hard to predict. Peyton had the best statistical year of a QB ever and teams simply couldn't stop the point onslaught. Got the order of the other teams in the division right too.

The interesting part: I didn't see the Chargers making the postseason and they almost didn't. The Chiefs are what we all thought they were and proved to be limited down the stretch while the Raiders showed that they are still a long ways away. Peyton won't reign forever so it will be very interesting to see how these teams prepare for his retirement.

NFC NORTH

What I said: "Winner: Packers. Best run organization with the best QB and now the possibility of a workable running game."

What happened: Another correct prediction, but I sweated this one out. The Bears should have won the final game of the season, but in all fairness wouldn't have been as close had Rodgers not broken his collarbone. The Packers are simply the best team in this division because their QB and organization is the best in the division. Got the order right on all teams again in this division.

The interesting part: To me it's the Lions and the Vikings. Like the NFC West this division is loaded with talent. The Bears will be fine and should only get better with Tresmann at the helm. The Lions need new leadership and are crazy if they keep Schwartz as their head coach while the Vikes need a franchise QB to be competitive. I don't expect the order of who finishes where in this division to change next year, but overall the NFC North should be better in 2014.

AFC NORTH

What I said: "Winner: Ravens. It's close between them and the Bengals."

What happened: Similar to my NFC West prediction I got this one partially correct. The Ravens simply weren't as consistent as the Bengals despite the Bengals having more talent on both sides of the ball. The Ravens will bounce back and the Bengals will probably fail to make it to the AFC championship game.

The interesting part: I was right about the demise of the Steelers being vastly over-stated. They've found a running game and their defense has some young talent that should continue the defensive legacy of the Steel City. This team cannot afford to continue to ignore and/or whiff on o-lineman however. I'm a bit surprised the Browns fired their head coach after only one year, but management likely knows something I don't. Contrary to popular belief this team could afford to trade Trent Richardson and if they hire the right head coach they'll be able to take advantage of their first round surplus of picks in May.

NFC EAST

What I said: "Winner: Giants. Best run organization coming off of a disappointing season. They'll be ready."

What happened: That's what I asked myself on this pick, What Happened?! This used to be one of the best divisions in football and now it's a shadow of itself. The Giants look like their in the twilight of a strong run and will need to make some serious personnel overall decisions. The Cowboys probably win the division if Romo doesn't slip a disk in week 16, but no one is scared of them. The biggest surprise is the Eagles and they 7-1 record after the bye week. Chip Kelly knows what he's doing, but as I said before his franchise QB is not on this team. 

The interesting part: The Eagles playoff run and who Washington hires as their head coach. Yup, that's all I have to say about that.

AFC EAST

What I said: "Winner: Patriots as soon as it's mathematically possible for them to have it locked up."

What happened: Not quite correct on the manner in which the Pats won the division, but correct in my pick. This was probably the most surprising division in football, but let's not forget that the Pats finished the regular season with a 12-4 record without Gronk and their two best defensive players for a least half the season. New England is the best team in the last ten years and it's not even close. If Brady had the talent Peyton has the Pats would be a threat to go unbeaten every single year. 

The interesting part: My eyes are on the Dolphins and E.J. Manuel. Miami will have a bitter taste in their mouth after losing a home game to make the playoffs. I'll be interested in how they use that disappointment for 2014. They've got holes on their roster, but their QB is a gamer. Manuel needs to get healthy and figure out a way to stay that way if he's going to be the franchise guy in Buffalo. His skill set is obvious and the coaching staff can coach in the big leagues. The only thing standing in the way of progress is consistent QB play.

NFC SOUTH

What I said: "Winners: Falcons because their defense is just a tad bit better than the Saints'."

What happened: Crapped my pants on this one. It happens, but look what I said about the Panthers:

"If Cam can act like an adult on a consistent basis then this team can begin to realize it's potential...It's all on Cam, which makes me nervous."

Cam has acted like an adult and this team has responded better than many of us thought. I didn't think it would happen, but I've been told I'm too hard on people. Cam is like nothing this league has ever seen and this team is scary good on defense. I don't know what to make of the Falcons other than their dynamic offensive playmakers weren't healthy this season. I was wrong about the Saints' defense, but not wrong about their limitations. 

The interesting part: This division belongs to Carolina so long as Cam continues to get better and the coaching staff and front office give him weapons. I don't much care about anything else, because the other teams are mostly a known quantity. All eyes on Carolina!

AFC SOUTH

What I said: "Winner: Colts. Surprised?"

What happened: Best call of the year! The Texans were limited at QB and coach as I said and the Colts were not. This division is awful outside of Indianapolis as they are the only team that has a franchise QB.

The interesting part: The Colts' offseason and who the Texans hire as their head coach. I don't care much about the Jags or the Titans because their rosters are really limited and are years away from competing with the Colts. The Texans have an opportunity to not the current division champs run away with the next 3-5 division crowns if they get the right QB and coach to pair with a loaded roster.  This will be the single most important offseason for the league's youngest franchise. 

All in all my predictions weren't too bad if I say so myself. If you like reading my stuff don't be afraid to comment and/or follow this blog. Thanks for reading!