2020 NFL Preview

 

Fear not, Confessions of a Sportscaster is back from hiatus!

The COVID-19 pandemic threw a huge monkey wrench into the world of sports that... I'm still not totally over. I kind of feel bad that I haven't written anything since feeling compelled to address a race issue on North Central's campus, but for a long time there wasn't anything to watch except for old sporting events. Then the NBA and NHL set up some bubbles and got started, which I took in some of.

But now the NFL season is upon us, and by some miracle (and largely timing of everything) the season appears to be going on as planned, with the only difference being a ton of empty stadiums for the time being.

So it's time to get back into the swing of things. With the college football season largely in shambles even though some FBS conferences are playing on as if nothing is happening, this means we won't see a 2020 Death to the BCS Playoffs, though I still have to simulate through the 2019 iteration. I have ideas for a pseudo-Tournament of Champions for the Death to the BCS Playoffs of the past that, time permitting, I may try to undertake. But more importantly... the COAS Pigskin Pick 'Em contest is back for its ninth season as I try to maintain even year magic and retake my crown from Adam.

So with that in mind, I need to power through some NFL previews. Last year I condensed the eight posts, one for each division, down to two. This year I'm cutting it down to one and cutting back because I haven't paid a ton of attention to preseason training camps, and without preseason games or anything, it's hard to get a read on some things. But even so, I'm willing to put my neck out there and make predictions that almost certainly will go wrong.

2019 AFC Preview

We're just two days away from the start of the 100th NFL season, which means I have to finish up my preview series!

Yesterday I tackled the NFC as I condensed everything down for this season into two posts instead of eight. As I've done in years past, I will still do a little bit of a dive into each team along with my prediction for their season. At the end I will reveal my full playoff picture for the AFC.

You also have a couple days to get into the annual Confessions of a Sportscaster Pigskin Pick 'Em contest! Adam and I are renewing this feature for its sixth year (eighth overall going back to the origins of this), so check back here every week for our picks against the spread!

Without further ado or shameless plugging, let's look at the AFC.

2018 AFC North Preview

We're 10 days away from the start of the NFL season, which means it's time for me to start looking into what I think will happen in the upcoming year!

I've plugged this a little bit already as the summer winds down, but the annual Pigskin Pick 'Em contest is back for its seventh year, and for the fifth year in a row Adam Quinn and I will present our picks every Thursday of the season. It's a project I'm once again looking forward to.

But in the meantime, I'm going to go through every team over the next eight weekdays and make my predictions. As usual, I will go division by division, alternating conferences until I end with the division holding the defending champion. The way I originally scheduled this had my home division predictions going up on Labor Day, and because I'd like to have a little more chance for web traffic, I'm opting to start in the north, and since an NFC team is champion, that means we start this series with the AFC North.

2017 AFC North Preview

The NFL preview circuit rolls on as we swap conferences, but stay in the north!

I'm hitting up every division over the next several weekdays, with Saturday and Sunday off, even though Monday is Labor Day and a holiday because that's just how the timing works out.

This is also shameless plug time, as Adam Quinn and I will be picking games against the spread once again this season. If you would like to join us and try to beat us, you can do so here.

On to the previews.

2016 AFC North Preview

Welcome to September! We are officially a week away from the start of football season, and as such, I have more work to get to.

I'm going division by division predicting records for all 32 NFL teams, and I'm one division in. Today, I swap conferences and go to the AFC North.

With a week to go, you still have time if you want to join in on an NFL contest as Adam Quinn and I pick NFL game against the spread. If you think you can beat us, which isn't super difficult given how the last two years have gone, you can join our ESPN group here.

Let's get to the preview.

2015 AFC North Preview

It's Day 6 of going through the National Football League, division by division, and previewing the upcoming season. We're just a few days away now from the official start while the college season kicks into high gear today. I'll have more on the college game early this coming week once the NFL previews are complete.

If you want to read up on more details regarding the 2015 NFL season, my colleagues over at UKEndZone are running a series of previews going division by division as I am, and they're all brilliant football minds. If you want to try your hand at being a brilliant football mind, you can join myself, Adam Quinn, my dad, and Grabbing the Bull Horns blogger Geoffrey Clark in picking NFL games against the spread through ESPN's Pigskin Pick 'Em.

With that said, let's get to today's preview.

AFC North

Common opponents on schedule: AFC West, NFC West

1. Baltimore Ravens
2014: 10-6 (3rd), lost in AFC Divisional Game
A physical team and one who is always in the mix come December and January will be back atop the division this year. Joe Flacco lost one of his top weapons in Torrey Smith, but now that the whole Ray Rice fiasco is behind the team (I think), they can focus on the field. Justin Forsett will be a solid #1 back, and Steve Smith is still around to be a thorn in defenses' sides and stick up for his teammates when opponents are being thugs. Defensively, losing Haloti Ngata hurts a little bit, but their defense is still solid front to back. Terrell Suggs is still there, and brings an intimidating presence to lead the unit. It's going to be a dogfight, but I like the Ravens' chances to win the division.
2015 Prediction: 10-6

2. Pittsburgh Steelers
2014: 11-5 (1st), lost in AFC Wild Card Game
It's going to be weird watching the Steelers play without Troy Polamalu in the defensive backfield after he retired during the offseason. It's a bit of a blow to the defense, but this is still a solid unit, though not quite as good as Baltimore's in my opinion. They balance that out though with the best offense in the division. Le'Veon Bell will sit out the first two games of the season due to a suspension, but when he comes back he'll have DeAngelo Williams to complement him, making for a pretty fearsome rushing attack. Ben Roethlisberger, meanwhile, remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he has an elite #1 receiver in Antonio Brown. They'll score some points and be right in the mix, but I'm thinking they just miss out on a second straight division title.
2015 Prediction: 10-6, Wild Card

3. Cincinnati Bengals
2014: 10-5-1 (2nd), lost in AFC Wild Card Game
The league has pretty much figured out the Bengals at this point: solid in the regular season, but will disappear in the playoffs. I still question Andy Dalton's big money contract, as he's a decent quarterback, but not a great one. A.J. Green has slowed down from his rookie year, and other than the Geo Bernard/Jeremy Hill tandem in the backfield, there's not much here offensively. The defense, however, is really good, with a solid front four and strong linebacking corps. Even the secondary isn't bad. I just think Dalton will make a few too many mistakes and just barely keep the Bengals out of the postseason, which probably means the end of the Marvin Lewis Era.
2015 Prediction: 9-7

4. Cleveland Browns
2014: 7-9 (4th), missed playoffs
Dwyane Bowe has left quarterback purgatory and comes to... quarterback hell. Josh McCown is nothing more than a journeyman backup to keep the seat warm for Johnny Manziel, who I continue to think is overrated. I'm not sold on their running game led by Isaiah Crowell either, though the offensive line is solid. This defense is pretty good though, with a really good 1-2 punch at cornerback with Joe Haden and Tramon Williams as well as a linebacking corps that can do some damage. Problem is, in this division, they aren't going to be able to keep up. It will be a long year in Cleveland.
2015 Prediction: 5-11

We have just two more divisions left. Tomorrow I will take a peek at the media darling NFC East.

AFC North Preview

Slowly but surely, we've been working our way around the country. Half the league is done, and we have yet to come across any wild cards. Playing the odds, you'll probably see one today, right? Read on to find out.

Because I have no shame, I'd like to once again invite you readers to join in on picking games against the spread with me. ESPN's Pigskin Pick 'Em is free, and you can join the COAS group to see how well you can do picking games against me. After all, I can be an idiot sometimes.

But for now, let's get to today's preview. Today, we take a look at the AFC North.

Common opponents on schedule: AFC South, NFC South

1. Cincinnati Bengals
2013: 11-5 (1st), lost in AFC Wild Card Round
While I think he's a good quarterback, I don't understand why the Bengals gave Andy Dalton a 9 figure deal. He leads a good offense though; there's a solid two-pronged rushing attack of Giovani Bernard and the Law Firm, and AJ Green is a legitimate #1 receiver. On defense, the front seven is solid, and while I'm not as high on the secondary as I am that front unit, they allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards in the league last year. That has to count for something. They're good enough to make the playoffs again. I'm just not sold on what happens when they get there.
2014 Prediction: 10-6

2. Baltimore Ravens
2013: 8-8 (T-2nd), missed playoffs
The Ravens are one of 15 defending Super Bowl champs to miss the playoffs in their title defense year. A down year offensively didn't help (the Ravens were 18th in passing and 30th in rushing last year), and missing Ray Rice for the first two games for being a horrible fiancé during the offseason hurts them too (it should hurt them more than just two games, but that's another story). Joe Flacco gets another weapon this year in Steve Smith, which should help the passing game somewhat. The wheels didn't fall off too bad on defense last year either, and the unit they have isn't too shabby. Drafting CJ Mosley out of Alabama was a good pick in the first, and if he can live up to the standard of Ray Lewis, the Ravens should be in the hunt again this year.
2014 Prediction: 9-7, Wild Card

3. Cleveland Browns
2013: 4-12 (4th), missed playoffs
Call me crazy, but this defense should be good. Joe Haden is like Nnamdi Asomugha was during his Oakland days, and adding Justin Gilbert to play opposite him makes for a pretty darn good corner tandem. It's the offense that gives me pause. Miles Austin is pretty much the #1 receiver by default since Josh Gordon is done for the year due to suspension. The running game isn't good unless Ben Tate turns into a sleeper, and I'm not sure what to make at quarterback. Brian Hoyer was decent for stretches last year, but if he struggles, Johnny Manziel waits in the wings. (Honestly, I think he's overrated. Will probably become an average starter someday, but not this year).
2014 Prediction: 6-10

4. Pittsburgh Steelers
2013: 8-8 (T-2nd), missed playoffs
This is probably the biggest "Huh?" that I'm calling for this season., but I think the recent news about top two running backs LeGarrette Blount and Le'veon Bell facing possible suspensions really hurts. Even with Big Ben leading the offense, I'm not sold on their receivers either. There are some interesting names on defense, like first round pick Ryan Shazier, but Troy Polamalu isn't getting any younger. This might be a stretch, but I have a hunch it's going to be a down year for the black and gold.
2014 Prediction: 5-11

There's one wild card, which means the other is coming from the AFC West. If you're looking for a football fix tomorrow before the college games start, I can oblige, especially for my local readers. The NFC North predictions will be up tomorrow! Will they be able to sneak two teams into the playoffs? Check back in the morning and find out!

AFC North Preview

The NFL season commences tomorrow, and I'm down to the last preview post for the upcoming season. For this season, like last year, I'm hosting a group to pick games against the spread on ESPN.com. It's a fairly small group still, but if you're interested, it's free and should be pretty fun. I'll be posting picks weekly again, like last year.

Meanwhile, we have a look at a division that might be undergoing something of a changing of the guard. The defending champs are here, but another strong team might be in the midst of a downturn. We'll see how it goes.

1. Baltimore Ravens
Last year: 10-6 (1st), won Super Bowl XLVII
The defense got... shall we say... ravaged in the offseason. Ray Lewis announced his retirement before the Super Bowl run effective at the end of their season, and Ed Reed and Bernard Karmell Pollard both left. Terrell Suggs is left to lead this squad, though Haloti Ngata remains, and they took advantage of the Elvis Dumervil fax debacle to shore up their pass rush. Offensively, Joe Flacco has probably made a case to be up near the top 10 in NFL quarterbacks, though not in that "elite" group. Even so, he's got some good weapons in Ray Rice and Torrey Smith. They'll still be good, but whether or not they can repeat is up for debate.
2013 Prediction: 11-5

2. Cincinnati Bengals
Last year: 10-6 (2nd), lost in AFC Wild Card
We're onto Year 3 of Andy Dalton, who has proven himself to be a pretty serviceable NFL quarterback. He still has AJ Green to pair with, and the addition of Tyler Eifert should help the passing game a little bit. The running game is still pretty good with the Law Firm leading the way. Defensively though, this team is looking really good. I'm not 100% sold on the secondary, but the front seven is one of the better groups in the division. Semi-related note, my dad and Logan got to go to their training camp on a recent trip to Cincy, and Logan got autographs from a few players, as well as a quick photo op with Mike Nugent. Big ups to you, sir.
2013 Prediction: 9-7, Wild Card

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last year: 8-8 (3rd), missed playoffs
This team always seems to get ravaged by injuries. Troy Polamalu isn't quite the same guy he used to be, and the loss of James Harrison will probably hurt a defense that was once again one of the best in the league last year. They'll probably still be one of the better units in the league, but the offense might have some issues. Big Ben seems to get hurt and miss at least a game a year, and his receiving corps takes a hit with Mike Wallace's departure. I'm not too sold on the running game this year either, with rookie Le'Veon Bell hurt and might miss a little time. They'll still be a tough team to beat, but their peak years are probably behind them.
2013 Prediction: 8-8

4. Cleveland Browns
Last year: 5-11, missed playoffs
I made fun of Brandon Weeden a lot last year, but with a full year under his belt mayeb he'll be a little better this year. I'm not really sold on his receivers, but Trent Richardson will be able to help alleviate some of that pressure on the ground. Defensively, I'm not sure what to make of these guys. Other than Joe Haden, I'm not sold on their secondary and the front seven are okay, but not great. They're still a ways away from contention. On an unrelated note, they did draft Garrett Gilkey, an offensive lineman from Chadron State I went to high school with way back in the day. From everything I've read, it seems like he's matured a lot from the kid I knew back then. He's held his own so far, and did in fact make the 53 man roster.
2013 Prediction: 6-10

Tomorrow I'll be busy; I have schedules to analyze from Week 2 of the college football season, and I also need to make my picks against the spread for the Pick 'Em contest. Hope you join me tomorrow for more football!

AFC North Preview

For the NFC East preview, click here.
For the AFC East preview, click here.
For the NFC South preview, click here.
For the AFC South preview, click here.
For the NFC West preview, click here.
For the AFC West preview, click here.
For the NFC North preview, click here.

It's been a lot of work this week but it's finally down to the last division in the NFL for the previews. I would have liked to save the NFC North for the end, but it works out well. Here's the last of my NFL previews.

AFC North
Common opponents on schedule: AFC West, NFC East

1.  Baltimore Ravens
2011 Record: 12-4, lost in AFC Championship game

This Ravens team is probably one of the most complete in the league. Despite the age of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, this is still a very tough defense, especially up front with guys like Haltoi Ngata. This offense is also a legitimate threat with the most complete back in the league in Ray Rice and the weapons to complement Joe Flacco. He's still not in the class of Brady, Brees and Rodgers regardless of what he says, but he's good enough to get this team to a deep postseason run.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers*
2011 Record: 12-4, lost in AFC Wild Card round

They'll be right in the hunt with Baltimore with that continually tough 3-4 defense, though health is a big concern with these guys. They're already out an offensive lineman in David DeCastro, and for whatever reason James Harrison is not listed on their current depth chart despite being on the roster. Offensively a good to go Rashard Mendenhall will complement a good passing game led by Roethlisberger-to-Mike Wallace combination. These guys will easily get a wild card spot if not the division, but those injuries will be tough to overcome.

3. Cincinnati Bengals
2011 Record: 9-7, lost in AFC Wild Card round

Last year was an interesting look at a team on the rise. Andy Dalton has the makings of a good quarterback, especially with A.J. Green to throw to. Getting the Law Firm will help balance it out with the loss of Cedric Benson. Defensively they have a good secondary, but I'm not sold on the front 7. They'll be right in the hunt for a playoff spot again though; could steal that last wild card again. But I think Dalton will regress just a little bit in his sophomore season.

4. Cleveland Browns
2011 Record: 4-12, missed playoffs

They took advantage of good draft picks in guys like Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, but there will be a learning curve with these guys. Having Scott Fujita missing in action early on will hurt a defense that otherwise probably will have some issues aside from Joe Haden at corner. They're going in the right direction, but with strength at the top of the division now will take time for this team to fully mature.

So to recap, here's a rough look at the playoff picture for the AFC.

1. Baltimore
2. New England
3. Houston
4. San Diego
5. Pittsburgh
6. Denver 

Coming up here in the next couple days, either here or on Somebody Still Loves You, Alberto Riveron, Nathaniel and I will have our Week 1 NFL picks. The season is right around the corner! If you want to help pick against us, you can join our ESPN Pigskin Pick 'Em group for free. You have a couple days yet. Enjoy the season!