7. AFC East – New England Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills
The New England Patriots are the only serious playoff contenders in this division in large part because they always manage win the Division title – the current streak is five in a row and 11 out of the last 13. The Jets are trying to stay competitive to prevent their coach from being fired and the Bills and Dolphins are seeking their first winning seasons since the Bush administration.
Simply put, the Patriots have the best QB, the best head coach, the best front office and the only legitimate competition to the Denver Broncos for the AFC Championship in 2014. The rest of the division teams are just their cannon fodder.
6. NFC East – Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington
This division is less about who is dominant and more about who is the least weak by the end of the season. The Eagles looked at the end of 2013 like they were the only game in town, but after losing Desean Jackson the entire division seems wide open. The Giants could win it if Eli, Cruz and David Wilson return to form. The Cowboys could win it with another strong year from Tony Romo. The Redskins could win it if RG3 plays like he did as a rookie without getting hurt.
For three straight years the NFC East title has been decided in the last week of the season and it might be that way again in 2014.
5. AFC North – Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns
A division that has a tendency to overachieve seemed completely average in 2013. The Bengals are looking like the strongest team right now, but the Browns have been a bit of a cellar dweller. The Steelers started weak but finished strong and were one win away from the playoffs despite starting 0-4. The Ravens started 3-5 and made it to 8-6 before losing their last two games and being eliminated from the playoffs.
The teams just have not gotten much better. The Browns added Johnny Manziel which should make the Browns a more interesting team – assuming he even starts – but the Ravens and Steelers do not look like the powerhouses they were only two years ago and the Bengals have been one-and-done in the playoffs for three straight years.
The Bengals or Ravens will probably win this division while the remaining teams will probably be around .500 or below for most of the season.
COMMENTS