2014 NFL playoff predictions

I don't like this prediction at all:



AFC NORTH


1. Cincinnati (2): This is the division’s most complete team – and one poised to finally win in the postseason after three consecutive first-round losses.

2. Baltimore (6): Re-tooling the offense should push the Ravens back into the postseason for the sixth time in seven years.

3. Pittsburgh: The Steelers fell just short of the playoffs in 2013. Expect the same this season without significant defensive improvement, especially in the secondary.

4. Cleveland: Playoffs? Ha! Progress will be marked by whether the Browns can win more than five games for the first time since 2007

http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2014-predictions-how-divisions-will-be-won-and-who-is-going-to-the-playoffs-090114

I do. I love the pundits making them an underdog...they always seem to play better that way.

Drizztbob wrote:

I do.  I love the pundits making them an underdog...they always seem to play better that way.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

How are they going to miss the playoffs at 12-4?

I don't mind the predictions, and to be honest if you look at everything on paper, the predictions make sense. I know, I hated to type it as much as you hated to read it. However, you have to maintain a certain level of clarity when seeing your team on paper, and the reality of the NFL is that on paper, both the bungals and the ratbirds look better than the Steelers.

However, and fortunately for us, the NFL regular season isn't played on paper. The Steelers always seem to play better when they're listed as the underdog (as previously stated).

And let's face it, the people that get paid to make these predictions, only talk about what they see on paper until the players get on the field. Then they're as lost as everyone else.

I think the defense is improved for the Steelers. I think Shazier is going to be that roving playmaker that Polamalu used to be, allowing Troy to sit back and play the ball. I think Mitchell is going to be a ton better than Ryan Clark was last year. I loved Clark, but last year he was pretty damn bad. If we can get above average play from Cortez Allen, then I think the secondary will be okay.

I think the offense is going to be really good. I think the Bengals are a playoff team, and I don't think the Ravens are going to be better than 8-8/9-7. Flacco is overrated. Steve Smith could very well look his age this year.

My predictions for the AFC North

Steelers (12-4)
Bengals (10-6) Wild Card
Ravens (9-7)
Browns (4-12)