We're down to just the eastern divisions remaining over the next couple days. Meanwhile, if you want to see some more in-depth previews for the NFL, my colleagues over at UKEndZone are doing a fantastic job getting you ready for the 2015 campaign. If you want to try to play expert and pick some NFL results, Adam Quinn is back to join me in a weekly post picking NFL games, and you can compete against us as well as my dad and Grabbing the Bull Horns blogger/defending champion in our ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em Group.
Let's get to work on today's preview.
NFC East
Common opponents on schedule: NFC South, AFC East
2014: 10-6 (2nd), missed playoffs
This past offseason was a crazy one in Philly, with Chip Kelly assuming roster construction duties and proceeding to turn the Eagles into some sort of Oregon East and upheaving the roster (while Shady McCoy stupidly played the race card out of bitterness for getting moved, never mind the fact that DeMarco Murray was the guy who replaced him). They also traded for Sam Bradford at quarterback, which might help given that a change of scenery might not hurt him, but odds are something else will. There's enough talent in the backfield, though I'm not sold on the receiving corps just because of Kelly's retooling of it all. I'm not 100 percent sure what to make of the defense, but I think there are enough pieces here to make it work, plus Bradley Fletcher is no longer in the secondary to get torched repeatedly.
2015 Prediction: 10-6
2014: 6-10 (3rd), missed playoffs
I tinkered around with this one, originally not having a lot of faith in the Giants, but I have to believe Eli Manning will be better in 2015 than he was in 2014, especially with a full year of Odell Beckham, Jr. They also have James Jones to play a complementary role, and with an experienced, competent quarterback throwing him the ball he'll be okay. I like their running game as well. Defensively, they have a good secondary with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamura manning the corners, but the big question mark is the defensive line. They've constantly reloaded it in the past few years, leading to their two Super Bowls, but I just don't think there's enough there this year to allow for another one. They'll be right in the mix though.
2015 Prediction: 9-7
2014: 12-4 (1st), lost in NFC Divisional Game
After years of being in NFL purgatory, the Cowboys finally had a great run to the playoffs, getting by the wuss Jim Caldwell's Lions only to drop a heartbreaker to the Packers at Lambeau (good times). Their offense will be pretty good again with Romo, Bryant and Witten, their offensive line is superb, but the question mark will be the running game. DeMarco Murray left for Philly in the offseason, and Dallas is relying on Darren McFadden to be the new #1, though we'll definitely see more of Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle this year. It won't be anywhere near the same though. The Cowboys' strong run game in 2014 helped mask a fairly weak defense, one that is okay this year but will be without corner Orlando Scandrick due to a knee injury. The Cowboys will be okay this year... but it's not a playoff year. Back to purgatory they go.
2015 Prediction: 8-8
2014: 4-12 (4th), missed playoffs
I don't even know where to start here. The Redskins have been a mess recently, with Kirk Cousins being named the starter for 2015 over RG3. Cousins will have some weapons, with Desean Jackson and Pierre Garcon to throw to while Alfred Morris is a decent back. I do not trust this defense however, other than maybe the mandatory four pick game from Deangelo Hall against the Bears for old time's sake. There's just too much dysfunction in Landover, Maryland for my taste. It'll be a long year here.
2015 Prediction: 4-12
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
- Green Bay Packers (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
- Carolina Panthers (9-7)
- Arizona Cardinals (10-6)
- New Orleans Saints (9-7)
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