Here is my 2014 SFL preview by division. Each of the previews give a prediction within the division by order along with the 2013 record, four key players on the roster, and an overall evaluation of the team. The division previews conclude with a division summary. In doing this preview, I have developed some additional excitement for this upcoming season. There are so many variables and unknowns. I think it promises to be a very entertaining 2014 season.
AFC East
Outlook: Super Bowl favorite
2013- 10-6, Division Champions, AFC Champions
Key Players
MLB-James Laurinitis- 27 years old, 6’2”, 244 lbs.
87 SPD | 84 STR | 93 AWR | 86 AGI | 88 ACC | 70 CTH | 92 TAK
ROLB-Jason Pierre-Paul- 26 years old, 6’5”, 275 lbs.
82 SPD | 84 STR | 87 AWR | 82 AGI | 83 ACC | 15 CTH | 88 TAK
QB-Jordan Palmer- 29 years old, 6’5”, 235 lbs.
97 AWR | 90 THP | 97 THA
WR-James Hardy- 28 years old, 6’5”, 217 lbs.
96 SPD | 54 STR | 86 AWR | 91 AGI | 91 ACC | 86 CTH | 86 JMP
Evaluation: The Dolphins are a stacked roster with a strong offense and defense. The core of their team is in their prime and they are coming off back-to-back AFC championships. Jordan Palmer has been a good QB and the defense has been pretty stingy. Overall, I expect to see the third straight AFC championship in Miami.
Outlook: Playoff team with the potential for more
2013- 9-7
Key Players
CB-Derek Cox- 27 years old, 6’1”, 190 lbs.
94 SPD | 61 STR | 89 AWR | 94 AGI | 96 ACC | 66 CTH | 91 JMP | 63 TAK
MLB-Rolando McClain- 26 years old, 6’4”, 256 lbs.
82 SPD | 82 STR | 91 AWR | 80 AGI | 85 ACC | 62 CTH | 95 TAK
QB-Mark Sanchez- 27 years old, 6’2”, 225 lbs.
87 AWR | 96 THP | 90 THA
WR-Travis Benjamin- 25 years old, 5’10”, 175 lbs.
97 SPD | 73 STR | 54 AWR | 99 AGI | 98 ACC | 82 CTH | 99 JMP
Evaluation: The Jets seem to always have a ton of talent and this year is no different. Sanchez has come in from Tennessee and I think he has a chance to shine immediately. Can the Jets buck the trend of being the best team to not make the playoffs? I think so.
Outlook: Decent but in a tough division
2013- 6-10
Key Players
DT-Frank Okam- 28 years old, 6’4”, 347 lbs.
70 SPD | 92 STR | 76 AWR | 76 AGI | 77 ACC | 85 TAK
RE-Mike Neal- 27 years old, 6’3”, 262 lbs.
78 SPD | 93 STR | 57 AWR | 75 AGI | 82 ACC | 75 TAK
QB-Derek Carr- 23 years old, 6’3”, 212 lbs.
75 AWR | 92 THP | 88 THA
HB-Doug Martin- 25 years old, 5’9”, 210 lbs.
95 SPD | 79 STR | 69 AWR | 92 AGI | 93 ACC | 81 CAR | 82 BTK
Evaluation: Life after Tom Brady starts in earnest in New England. Briston positioned himself well in the draft to grab the top QB in this year’s draft in Derek Carr who is the future of the organization. There will be some bumps in the road but the Patriots have the talent to win almost any game they play. It might not be long before Derek Carr makes the New England fan base forget about Tom Brady.
Outlook: Rebuilding
2013- 5-11
Key Players
CB-Chimdi Chekwa- 26 years old, 6’0”, 190 lbs.
96 SPD | 55 STR | 69 AWR | 91 AGI | 97 ACC | 70 CTH | 93 JMP | 67 TAK
LE-Terrance Knighton- 28 years old, 6’3”, 321 lbs.
86 SPD | 91 STR | 56 AWR | 82 AGI | 81 ACC | 91 TAK
QB-Andre Woodson- 28 years old, 6’4”, 229 lbs.
83 AWR | 95 THP | 90 THA
RT-Lamar Holmes- 25 years old, 6’6”, 333 lbs.
71 SPD | 99 STR | 60 AWR | 77 AGI | 80 ACC | 86 PBK | 85 RBK
Evaluation: The Bills are in a bit of a difficult spot. The Dolphins and Jets are ascending and the Bills are having to rebuild on the fly. There are some good pieces here particularly Chekwa and Knighton who is a one of a kind player. Offensively Woodson is not bad but he lacks elite level awareness. Holmes is making the switch from LT to RT this season and while he has all the physical tools to be elite his awareness did take an unfortunate hit.
Division Summary: The Dolphins are the clear favorite in this division. Daren has done a masterful job at putting together a team built around CB’s and WR’s. The Jets have the talent to compete while the Patriots and Bills are rebuilding. Both teams can create problems for opponents but I just don’t see either of them being able to be consistent enough to get into the playoffs.
AFC North
Outlook: A Super Bowl contender
2013- 9-7
Key Players
MLB-Akeem Dent- 25 years old, 6’1”, 239 lbs.
85 SPD | 84 STR | 69 AWR | 86 AGI | 88 ACC | 63 CTH | 87 TAK
LE-David Veikune- 27 years old, 6’3”, 250 lbs.
83 SPD | 80 STR | 67 AWR | 85 AGI | 85 ACC | 81 TAK
QB-Tyler Thigpen- 30 years old, 6’1”, 216 lbs.
97 AWR | 92 THP | 97 THA
WR-Dwayne Jarrett- 28 years old, 6’5”, 210 lbs.
95 SPD | 49 STR | 93 AWR | 89 AGI | 96 ACC | 94 CTH | 90 JMP
Evaluation: The Ravens have a veteran team led by their former draft gem QB Tyler Thigpen. They are a good team with no major holes. I think their offense might be slightly ahead of their defense but both units are very formidable. In my mind, they are clearly a playoff team and a Super Bowl contender.
Outlook: A Super Bowl contender
2013- 13-3, Division Champions
Key Players
CB-Jerome Murphy- 27 years old, 6’1”, 185 lbs.
96 SPD | 62 STR | 88 AWR | 91 AGI | 98 ACC | 72 CTH | 94 JMP | 51 TAK
LE-Darryl Tapp- 29 years old, 6’2”, 265 lbs.
82 SPD | 85 STR | 66 AWR | 79 AGI | 86 ACC | 82 TAK
QB-Isaiah Stanback- 29 years old, 6’3”, 228 lbs.
95 AWR | 92 THP | 96 THA
HB-Ryan Matthews- 27 years old, 5’11”, 220 lbs.
92 SPD | 81 STR | 80 AWR | 92 AGI | 99 ACC | 80 CAR | 90 BTK
Evaluation: The Bengals are one of the most talented teams in the AFC. They are coming off a phenomenal regular season in 2013 as well. They did lose some veteran talent on both sides of the ball, but I think they are still Super Bowl contenders though I pick them to finish just behind the Ravens in the division.
Outlook: A possible playoff team
2013- 7-9
Key Players
SS-Jonathan Dowling- 22 years old, 6’3”, 198 lbs.
91 SPD | 64 STR | 56 AWR | 94 AGI | 93 ACC | 61 CTH | 93 JMP | 68 TAK
MLB-Dan Connor- 28 years old, 6’3”, 234 lbs.
84 SPD | 77 STR | 99 AWR | 85 AGI | 81 ACC | 56 CTH | 91 TAK
WR-Kris Durham- 25 years old, 6’6”, 220 lbs.
99 SPD | 43 STR | 56 AWR | 91 AGI | 99 ACC | 89 CTH | 89 JMP
WR-Victor Cruz- 26 years old, 6’0”, 204 lbs.
99 SPD | 49 STR | 69 AWR | 97 AGI | 95 ACC | 90 CTH | 90 JMP
Evaluation: The Browns have a top 5 WR core in this league and Kris Durham is a star in this league that nobody seems to talk about. Offensively this is a legit team which is why I think they are a possible playoff team. Defensively they lack a little bit. If they don’t make the playoffs it will be because of either the defense or injuries to key players. Ian has done a really good job of building this team in a tougher division.
Outlook: Rebuilding
2013- 6-10
Key Players
CB-Donald Washington- 28 years old, 6’0”, 194 lbs.
97 SPD | 59 STR | 73 AWR | 94 AGI | 96 ACC | 64 CTH | 92 JMP | 65 TAK
FS-Morgan Burnett- 26 years old, 6’1”, 210 lbs.
87 SPD | 74 STR | 79 AWR | 90 AGI | 92 ACC | 58 CTH | 81 JMP | 75 TAK
QB-JaMarcus Russell- 29 years old, 6’6”, 260 lbs.
84 AWR | 88 THP | 95 THA
WR-Devin Thomas- 27 years old, 6’1”, 215 lbs.
95 SPD | 62 STR | 74 AWR | 91 AGI | 92 ACC | 92 CTH | 94 JMP
Evaluation: The Steelers gutted their roster which I totally understand given their new contract. But this is a pretty stripped roster so the guys that are here are going to have to step up and I think the GM and team need to be prepared for some blowouts in the short-term. The current level of talent on this team is likely the worst in the AFC. Fortunately, they have a GM who should be able to get the most of the talent that they do have.
Division Summary: The AFC North should be a competitive division with three teams that could compete for the title. I think both the Ravens and Bengals are Super Bowl contenders with the Browns being talented enough to be a force. Injuries may be the deciding factor on who wins out in this division.
AFC South
Outlook: A Super Bowl contender
2013- 4-12
Key Players
CB-Casey Heyward- 25 years old, 6’0”, 187 lbs.
99 SPD | 67 STR | 74 AWR | 99 AGI | 99 ACC | 65 CTH | 88 JMP | 76 TAK
LOLB-Melvin Ingram- 25 years old, 6’2”, 247 lbs.
89 SPD | 81 STR | 67 AWR | 85 AGI | 85 ACC | 66 CTH | 84 TAK
QB-Ben Roethlisbergr-32 years old, 6’5”, 241 lbs.
95 AWR | 89 THP | 96 THA
WR-Jonathan Baldwin- 25 years old, 6’5”, 225 lbs.
99 SPD | 45 STR | 68 AWR | 99 AGI | 99 ACC | 88 CTH | 86 JMP
Evaluation: This is the most physically talented roster in the SFL and likely in the history of the SFL. There is speed and size everywhere on this roster and most of it is also very young. If it weren’t for the Dolphins and maybe the Cardinals, the Titans would be favorites to win the Super Bowl and they still may be. This team boasts 11 top 10 picks on the roster. I haven’t done comprehensive research, but I think it’s pretty likely that is a record. Still there is some talent that is low on awareness and if Roethlisbergr goes down they will be is desperate need of a QB, but the Titans are set for a long run in the SFL and it may begin this year.
Outlook: A Super Bowl contender
2013- 12-4, Division Champions
Key Players
CB-Aaron Ross- 28 years old, 6’1”, 192 lbs.
94 SPD | 54 STR | 99 AWR | 92 AGI | 94 ACC | 72 CTH | 91 JMP | 67 TAK
LE-Derrick Harvey- 27 years old, 6’4”, 271 lbs.
85 SPD | 72 STR | 70 AWR | 82 AGI | 88 ACC | 77 TAK
QB-David Carr- 35 years old, 6’3”, 215 lbs.
96 AWR | 84 THP | 96 THA
WR-Robert Meachem- 29 years old, 6’2”, 210 lbs.
99 SPD | 37 STR | 89 AWR | 92 AGI | 99 ACC | 85 CTH | 76 JMP
Evaluation: The Colts have built a winning dynasty under Breck’s leadership and this season should continue that even as David Carr is quickly regressing. The Colts retooled and acquired Aaron Ross from the Packers and as the GM of the Vikings I’m glad to see him out of our division. The Colts still have legit WR’s in Meachem and Lafell. There’s no reason not to think that the Colts could win it all. They will be in the playoffs and they are, in my opinion, Super Bowl contenders.
Outlook: Playoff team with the potential for more
2013- 11-5
Key Players
CB-Ras-I Dowling- 26 years old, 6’2”, 200 lbs.
97 SPD | 60 STR | 78 AWR | 92 AGI | 93 ACC | 65 CTH | 90 JMP | 66 TAK
MLB-Kevin Minter- 23 years old, 6’0”, 246 lbs.
86 SPD | 85 STR | 72 AWR | 84 AGI | 89 ACC | 61 CTH | 90 TAK
QB-Brian Brohm- 28 years old, 6’2”, 230 lbs.
98 AWR | 95 THP | 95 THA
WR-Dez Bryant- 26 years old, 6’2”, 210 lbs.
99 SPD | 37 STR | 77 AWR | 98 AGI | 98 ACC | 95 CTH | 79 JMP
Evaluation: There are several divisions where the Jaguars would be the clear favorites but this division is not one of them. However, they have elite talent on the offensive side of the ball right up there with anyone in the league in Brohm, Bryant, and Nelson. Defensively they are good but not necessarily elite. The Titans and Colts should not underestimate this team or they will pay.
Outlook: Decent but in a really tough division
2013- 4-12
Key Players
CB-Xavier Rhodes- 23 years old, 6’2”, 217 lbs.
96 SPD | 69 STR | 69 AWR | 93 AGI | 99 ACC | 62 CTH | 88 JMP | 77 TAK
LE-Kendrick Ellis- 26 years old, 6’5”, 340 lbs.
78 SPD | 78 STR | 61 AWR | 78 AGI | 89 ACC | 92 TAK
QB-Brock Osweiler- 24 years old, 6’7”, 242 lbs.
74 AWR | 93 THP | 91 THA
WR-Jason Hill- 28 years old, 6’1”, 210 lbs.
98 SPD | 30 STR | 77 AWR | 92 AGI | 99 ACC | 93 CTH | 69 JMP
Evaluation: You have to feel a little sorry for the Texans. They don’t have a bad team but they are simply in the wrong division. Osweiler has the look of eventually being a franchise QB. They traded for Kendrick Ellis to be a unique pass rusher from the left side and Xavier Rhodes is really coming into his own as a shutdown corner. But in the end I don’t think they have quite the talent to hang with the rest of their division.
Division Summary: I said it earlier this week, the AFC South is the best division in the SFL and I think you can see why. Two Super Bowl contenders in Tennessee and Indianapolis, and a Jacksonville team that will be a significant threat. Even the last place Texans have some juice to them. This will be a really fun division to watch in 2014.
AFC West
Outlook: Evenly matched
2013- 10-6
Key Players
CB-Kevin Barnes- 27 years old, 6’1”, 185 lbs.
96 SPD | 45 STR | 87 AWR | 93 AGI | 98 ACC | 67 CTH | 95 JMP | 68 TAK
LE-Tyson Jackson- 28 years old, 6’4”, 295 lbs.
80 SPD | 84 STR | 78 AWR | 80 AGI | 82 ACC | 73 TAK
WR-Calvin Johnson- 31 years old, 6’5”, 235 lbs.
93 SPD | 60 STR | 94 AWR | 86 AGI | 93 ACC | 93 CTH | 88 JMP
QB-Eli Manning- 33 years old, 6’4”, 221 lbs.
96 AWR | 87 THP | 96 THA
Evaluation: The Chiefs are a veteran squad coming off a 10 win season in a very evenly matched division. The Chiefs have the awareness advantage against the other teams but they they have a fair bit of regression in their team as well. I think it’s enough for them to win the division but any of these four teams could also win.
Outlook: Evenly matched
2013- 5-11
Key Players
CB-Marcus McCauley- 28 years old, 6’1”, 205 lbs.
93 SPD | 49 STR | 90 AWR | 94 AGI | 94 ACC | 79 CTH | 89 JMP | 60 TAK
LE-Malik Jackson- 25 years old, 6’5”, 265 lbs.
83 SPD | 83 STR | 61 AWR | 81 AGI | 86 ACC | 72 TAK
QB-Chandler Harnish- 24 years old, 6’0”, 223 lbs.
86 AWR | 98 THP | 89 THA
WR-A.J. Green- 26 years old, 6’4”, 206 lbs.
99 SPD | 31 STR | 72 AWR | 98 AGI | 98 ACC | 86 CTH | 78 JMP
Evaluation: The Broncos have a burgeoning star in the making in Chandler Harnish. The former 9th overall pick in the 2012 draft is primed for a breakout season. 2014 brings with it a new elite WR coming over in a trade with the Seahawks. A.J. Green should bring plenty to the Broncos passing attack. The Broncos also seem to be hoarding TE’s with 5 currently on the roster though Gronk is clearly a top shelf player. If the offense steps up, the Broncos could be looking at a division title.
Outlook: Evenly matched
2013- 11-5, Division Champions
Key Players
LE-Robert Ayers- 26 years old, 6’3”, 275 lbs.
82 SPD | 83 STR | 40 AWR | 81 AGI | 83 ACC | 87 TAK
DT-Sen’Derrick Marks- 27 years old, 6’2”, 306 lbs.
69 SPD | 98 STR | 58 AWR | 80 AGI | 75 ACC | 93 TAK
QB-Chad Henne- 28 years old, 6’2”, 235 lbs.
95 AWR | 98 THP | 90 THA
HB-Matt Forte- 29 years old, 6’1”, 217 lbs.
91 SPD | 75 STR | 71 AWR | 91 AGI | 94 ACC | 97 CAR | 96 BTK
Evaluation: The Raiders are the SIX-TIME defending champions of the AFC West and there’s definitely talent on the team to add the extra point and make it seven. However, though all these teams are even I think the Raiders may just fall short this year. At some point they have to, but the Raiders have made clear they intend to win the division this season as well.
Outlook: Evenly matched
2013- 10-6
Key Players
CB-Stephen Gilmore- 24 years old, 6’1”, 190 lbs.
95 SPD | 49 STR | 70 AWR | 95 AGI | 98 ACC | 70 CTH | 85 JMP | 75 TAK
MLB-Pat Angerer- 26 years old, 6’0”, 235 lbs.
87 SPD | 86 STR | 74 AWR | 88 AGI | 90 ACC | 64 CTH | 85 TAK
WR-Tandon Doss- 28 years old, 6’2”, 235 lbs.
97 SPD | 46 STR | 65 AWR | 97 AGI | 98 ACC | 83 CTH | 91 JMP
QB-Brady Quinn- 29 years old, 6’4”, 231 lbs.
99 AWR | 93 THP | 99 THA
Evaluation: The Chargers really changed the makeup of their roster last offseason and it seemed to work. They just missed the playoffs but they are clearly headed the right direction. Even though I have them finishing last in the division they could easily finish first. Brady Quinn is an elite QB with his attributes and Tandon Doss is ready to step into the lead WR role if need be. I’m not sure how good the defense is but it should be sufficient for them to be in most every game.
Division Summary: This division feels like all four teams are about equal. I give the Chiefs a slight edge because of AWR, but they are really pretty much even. Only one team is getting to the playoffs though because of the quality of talent in the rest of the AFC.
NFC East
Outlook: Building
2013- 7-9
Key Players
CB-Sherrod Martin- 29 years old, 6’1”, 198 lbs.
95 SPD | 55 STR | 72 AWR | 93 AGI | 97 ACC | 72 CTH | 92 JMP | 72 TAK
LOLB-Clint Sittim- 28 years old, 6’3”, 256 lbs.
86 SPD | 83 STR | 65 AWR | 88 AGI | 85 ACC | 42 CTH | 90 TAK
QB-Mike Glennon- 22 years old, 6’7”, 225 lbs.
99 AWR | 93 THP | 99 THA
WR-Adam Thielen- 24 years old, 6’2”, 200 lbs.
98 SPD | 48 STR | 58 AWR | 97 AGI | 97 ACC | 83 CTH | 91 JMP
Evaluation: The Cowboys are in full rebuild mode but they are doing it through both the draft and free agency. This means a mix of rookies and veterans to come along side the current roster. I have picked them to win the division in a close race with the Giants. I don’t think the Cowboys roster is elite by any means, but it’s good and getting better and I think that’s good enough in the NFC East.
Outlook: Trying to find their identity
2013- 9-7, Division Champions
Key Players
MLB-Kelvin Sheppard- 26 years old, 6’3”, 239 lbs.
87 SPD | 77 STR | 89 AWR | 85 AGI | 88 ACC | 50 CTH | 88 TAK
LE-Ezekiel Ansah- 23 years old, 6’5”, 271 lbs.
86 SPD | 79 STR | 62 AWR | 78 AGI | 86 ACC | 65 TAK
WR-Arrelious Benn- 26 years old, 6’2”, 214 lbs.
94 SPD | 46 STR | 65 AWR | 93 AGI | 98 ACC | 90 CTH | 85 JMP
QB-Philip Rivers- 29 years old, 6’4”, 231 lbs.
96 AWR | 93 THP | 96 THA
Evaluation: Philip Rivers is still very good and I like some of the newer players in the front seven, but I think the Giants will fall just short this season. Romeo has done a good job of keeping the Giants in the mix for the division most years and this year will be no different. I will be very interested to see how Arrelious Benn works out. The Giants paid a lot for him and that comes with expectations.
Outlook: Aging quickly
2013- 8-8
Key Players
MLB-Alfred Fincher- 31 years old, 6’1”, 238 lbs.
86 SPD | 73 STR | 88 AWR | 86 AGI | 88 ACC | 45 CTH | 86 TAK
LE-Larry English- 26 years old, 6’2”, 255 lbs.
85 SPD | 77 STR | 63 AWR | 84 AGI | 90 ACC | 64 TAK
QB-Carson Palmer- 33 years old, 6’4”, 237 lbs.
96 AWR | 91 THP | 97 THA
WR-Robert Woods- 21 years old, 6’0”, 201 lbs.
97 SPD | 30 STR | 68 AWR | 98 AGI | 99 ACC | 84 CTH | 79JMP
Evaluation: The WFT is aging very quickly and in order to be successful in 2014 they will need to rely on several regressing players to come through. It can be done, I just don’t think it is likely to be done. They will still have a dangerous passing attack and there are still players on the defensive side of the ball that can make plays but I think they will fall short this year of a division title or a playoff birth.
Outlook: In the mushy middle
2013- 6-10
Key Players
DT-Chris Jones- 25 years old, 6’2”, 302 lbs.
71 SPD | 94 STR | 57 AWR | 71 AGI | 78 ACC | 81 TAK
WR-Cory Rodgers- 30 years old, 6’2”, 210 lbs.
97 SPD | 46 STR | 69 AWR | 97 AGI | 97 ACC | 91 CTH | 84 JMP
QB-Charlie Whitehurst- 32 years old, 6’4”, 225 lbs.
86 AWR | 90 THP | 89 THA
TE-Gary Barnidge- 29 years old, 6’6”, 244 lbs.
88 SPD | 74 STR | 90 AWR | 86 AGI | 89 ACC | 90 CTH | 90 JMP
Evaluation: The Eagles have some good, underrated players like Chris Jone and Gary Barnidge but their secondary is really young and they lack some overall speed at some key positions. They will be in most games but I’m not sure how many they will be able to win.
Division Summary: Overall I believe this is the weakest division in the SFL. It mirrors the competitiveness of the AFC West but lacks the overall talent of that division. I do think the Cowboys find a way to win this division with something like 9 wins. All the teams in this division need to really figure out their secondary situation as they are all not good. The Cowboys seem to have the best secondary of the group, but I wouldn’t call it a good secondary just better than the rest which is why I have them winning the division in the end.
NFC North
Outlook: Playoff team
2013- 9-7
Key Players
CB-Corey Graham- 29 years old, 6’0”, 196 lbs.
96 SPD | 55 STR | 98 AWR | 94 AGI | 97 ACC | 67 CTH | 85 JMP | 66 TAK
ROLB- Clay Matthews- 28 years old, 6’3”, 245 lbs.
87 SPD | 70 STR | 80 AWR | 86 AGI | 85 ACC | 55 CTH | 89 TAK
QB-Erik Ainge- 28 years old, 6’5”, 225 lbs.
95 AWR | 99 THP | 97 THA
HB-Alex Green- 25 years old, 6’1”, 217 lbs.
95 SPD | 80 STR | 70 AWR | 93 AGI | 94 ACC | 80 CAR | 88 BTK
Evaluation: The Bears have been a division and conference powerhouse for the last five seasons. Brent has done a great job during that time including a Super Bowl victory. The roster isn’t as strong as some of those previous teams but it is still strong. I think they win the division again this season on the shoulders of Erik Ainge and a potent offensive attack. Ainge is in his prime and the Bears have developed him well. Combined with Alex Green, this should be a very balanced attack.
Outlook: Playoff team
2013- 9-7
Key Players
MLB-Luke Kuechly- 25 years old, 6’3”, 242 lbs.
86 SPD | 84 STR | 80 AWR | 85 AGI | 88 ACC | 65 CTH | 92 TAK
LOLB-Jon Beason- 28 years old, 6’0”, 232 lbs.
90 SPD | 77 STR | 81 AWR | 90 AGI | 92 ACC | 49 CTH | 81 TAK
WR-Dezmon Briscoe- 25 years old, 6’3”, 200 lbs.
96 SPD | 74 STR | 67 AWR | 94 AGI | 96 ACC | 93 CTH | 92 JMP
QB-Sam Bradford- 26 years old, 6’4”, 223 lbs.
87 AWR | 97 THP | 92 THA
Evaluation: The Lions have done a great job at rebuilding and are looking to capture the division title in 2014. They have some elite pieces along with some good players. I think they just fall short of the Bears but I think they have what it takes to make the playoffs in the NFC. Bradford is entering his prime and Briscoe is a beast. Defensively they have an elite MLB and LOLB in Kuechly and Beason. Their secondary should be good enough with the offseason acquisition of Morris Claiborne. This is a good team and Justin should be excited about 2014.
Outlook: Decent but in a really tough division
2013- 8-8
Key Players
CB-Devin McCourty- 27 years old, 5’11”, 190 lbs.
94 SPD | 58 STR | 75 AWR | 87 AGI | 97 ACC | 74 CTH | 94 JMP | 68 TAK
LE-Jay Moore- 28 years old, 6’4”, 280 lbs.
85 SPD | 86 STR | 71 AWR | 84 AGI | 82 ACC | 79 TAK
WR-Riley Cooper- 27 years old, 6’3”, 215 lbs.
97 SPD | 63 STR | 68 AWR | 92 AGI | 93 ACC | 84 CTH | 95 JMP
QB-Matt Ryan- 28 years old, 6’4”, 228 lbs.
87 AWR | 92 THP | 97 THA
Evaluation: The Packers have done a great job at putting together respectable seasons. They had a great run early on in the SFL but have struggled to repeat that dominance but they have several good players on this roster including their QB Matt Ryan. I do think the loss of CB Aaron Ross will hurt them and in part be the reason why they finish third in the division.
Outlook: Rebuilding but with talent
2013- 10-6, Division Champions
Key Players
CB-Sean Smith- 27 years old, 6’3”, 215 lbs.
98 SPD | 56 STR | 85 AWR | 95 AGI | 99 ACC | 72 CTH | 87 JMP | 69 TAK
FS-Eric Berry- 25 years old, 5’11”, 203 lbs.
94 SPD | 65 STR | 89 AWR | 96 AGI | 96 ACC | 63 CTH | 87 JMP | 68 TAK
WR-Tommy Streeter- 25 years old, 6’5”, 217 lbs.
94 SPD | 71 STR | 61 AWR | 93 AGI | 94 ACC | 84 CTH | 95 JMP
QB-Tyler Wilson- 23 years old, 6’2”, 215 lbs.
68 AWR | 98 THP | 86 THA
Evaluation: The Vikings have some elite players on the roster and have been pretty good for a while but losing Daunte Culpepper is a major step back. Whether the team goes with veteran Drew Brees or second year youngster Tyler Wilson or a combination of the two remains to be seen, but there will be less effective QB play for sure. Chris Gamble is also regressing in the secondary so they won’t be quite as good there. They do have some youngsters who are coming along, but this is probably a rebuilding year in Minnesota.
Division Summary: The division has some talent headlined by the veteran Bears and the up and coming Lions. Overall I would say the division is down slightly from last season, but I think both the Bears and Lions have to be favorites to get to the playoffs.
NFC South
Outlook: Super Bowl Contender
2013- 11-5, Division Champions
Key Players
ROLB-Aldon Smith- 23 years old, 6’5”, 245 lbs.
86 SPD | 80 STR | 89 AWR | 88 AGI | 89 ACC | 47 CTH | 85 TAK
MLB-Jonathan Bostic- 25 years old, 6’1”, 245 lbs.
90 SPD | 84 STR | 72 AWR | 90 AGI | 92 ACC | 62 CTH | 86 TAK
QB-Kirk Cousins- 26 years old, 6’3”, 213 lbs.
92 AWR | 95 THP | 92 THA
WR-Taylor Price- 27 years old, 6’1”, 212 lbs.
99 SPD | 75 STR | 61 AWR | 99 AGI | 99 ACC | 80 CTH | 99 JMP
Evaluation: The Buccaneers are now officially juggernauts in the NFC. Bryan Mellon has done a great job of assembling a very talented roster. The Bucs in many ways are the NFC’s version of the Tennessee Titans. This Bucs roster has the best LB trio in the game and a very good overall roster construction. I still think the Cardinals have to be favorites in the NFC, but the Bucs are clearly the second best team out there and with Bryan’s playoff game planning they could easily be the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl.
Outlook: Playoff team
2013- 6-10
Key Players
CB-Mike Hawkins- 31 years old, 6’1”, 190 lbs.
93 SPD | 49 STR | 95 AWR | 87 AGI | 95 ACC | 59 CTH | 78 JMP | 54 TAK
LE-Chris Long- 28 years old, 6’3”, 272 lbs.
85 SPD | 87 STR | 82 AWR | 87 AGI | 85 ACC | 88 TAK
HB-David Wilson- 24 years old, 5’10”, 205 lbs.
94 SPD | 78 STR | 62 AWR | 92 AGI | 92 ACC | 87 CAR | 87 BTK
QB-Ryan Tannehill- 25 years old, 6’4”, 221 lbs.
80 AWR | 93 THP | 89 THA
Evaluation: The Falcons are a good team and Garth is a really good GM. This team is not going anywhere. Tannehill is behind Cousins in his development but he will still be a franchise QB and soon. However, the Falcons just lack the overall talent of the Bucs. Having said that, they will be good and are at least now looking like they are a playoff team in the NFC. Injuries to any of the key players could effect that, but right now I expect a rebound year in Atlanta.
Outlook: Building
2013- 4-12
Key Players
ROLB-Bobby Wagner- 25 years old, 6’0”, 240 lbs.
86 SPD | 85 STR | 71 AWR | 84 AGI | 89 ACC | 56 CTH | 81 TAK
LOLB-Keenan Clayton- 27 years old, 6’1”, 230 lbs.
86 SPD | 83 STR | 78 AWR | 86 AGI | 89 ACC | 65 CTH | 75 TAK
WR-Kelvin Benjamin- 21 years old, 6’5”, 234 lbs.
93 SPD | 51 STR | 52 AWR | 95 AGI | 94 ACC | 82 CTH | 80 JMP
QB-Drew Stanton- 29 years old, 6’3”, 230 lbs.
88 AWR | 92 THP | 93 THA
Evaluation: Phil has been doing a good job with the talent that he has and this offseason he has put some additional talent onto the roster. At some point in the near future this team is going to put up more than 3-4 wins in a season. The duo of Wagner and Clayton at OLB are really good and Stanton will welcome the help of first round Kelvin Benjamin on the offensive side of the ball. The Panthers also added former 1st overall pick Joe Thomas to the right side of the line ensuring short-term elite play there. I don’t think they are a playoff team but I think they get more wins than they have in previous years in 2014.
Outlook: Rebuilding
2013- 8-8
Key Players
MLB-Stephen Tulloch- 29 years old, 5’11”, 242 lbs.
86 SPD | 84 STR | 93 AWR | 84 AGI | 88 ACC | 57 CTH | 95 TAK
LE-Carlos Dunlap- 26 years old, 6’6”, 290 lbs.
85 SPD | 81 STR | 55 AWR | 77 AGI | 85 ACC | 83 TAK
QB-David Greene- 32 years old, 6’3”, 226 lbs.
95 AWR | 88 THP | 94 THA
HB-Mikel LeShoure- 25 years old, 5’10”, 206 lbs.
94 SPD | 81 STR | 57 AWR | 95 AGI | 95 ACC | 80 CAR | 84 BTK
Evaluation: Nathan has bristled at other predictions that the Saints are toward the bottom of the division and you can understand why. This is a Saints team that has won 11, 7, 10, and 8 games in the last four seasons. He has gotten maximum production out of this roster consistently. For me, at some point, Greene’s regression and the improvement of the division are going to combine to send the Saints down the division ladder even if it is only temporary.
Division Summary: This division has been thought of as the worst of the NFC in previous years and with good reason. However, I think that changes this year. The Bucs are very formidable and the Panthers are improving too. If the worst team in the division is the Saints, it’s a pretty decent division.
NFC West
Outlook: Super Bowl Favorite
2013- 11-5, Division Champions, NFC Champions, Super Bowl Champions
Key Players
FS-Sabby Piscitelli- 28 years old, 6’3”, 224 lbs.
95 SPD | 52 STR | 90 AWR | 97 AGI | 96 ACC | 61 CTH | 93 JMP | 79 TAK
MLB-Chris White- 26 years old, 6’3”, 244 lbs.
88 SPD | 85 STR | 80 AWR | 85 AGI | 89 ACC | 45 CTH | 85 TAK
QB-Rex Grossman- 33 years old, 6’1”, 217 lbs.
96 AWR | 93 THP | 96 THA
WR-Brandon Marshall- 30 years old, 6’4”, 230 lbs.
97 SPD | 32 STR | 80 AWR | 95 AGI | 95 ACC | 95 CTH | 76 JMP
Evaluation: The Arizona Cardinals were the 2013 Super Bowl champions and it was well deserved. Scott did a great job of maximizing the veteran talent on this roster for a Super Bowl run and the window has not closed in Arizona yet. While Grossman and Marshall are regressing, they are still dangerous. Defensively this team is very stout. I believe they are favorites to repeat as NFC champions. There is just a ton of talent still on this roster.
Outlook: Playoff team
2013- 10-6
Key Players
CB-Cortez Allen- 26 years old, 6’1”, 197 lbs.
99 SPD | 59 STR | 75 AWR | 99 AGI | 99 ACC | 65 CTH | 88 JMP | 70 TAK
ROLB-Demario Davis- 25 years old, 6’3”, 231 lbs.
84 SPD | 85 STR | 66 AWR | 86 AGI | 89 ACC | 51 CTH | 85 TAK
QB-Kyle Orton- 31 years old, 6’3”, 226 lbs.
97 AWR | 94 THP | 97 THA
WR-Sidney Rice- 28 years old, 6’4”, 191 lbs.
95 SPD | 48 STR | 95 AWR | 82 AGI | 93 ACC | 91 CTH | 80 JMP
Evaluation: The 49ers are coming off a great 2013 season and there is reason for optimism in 2014 as well. Cortez Allen is becoming an elite CB and on the offensive side of the ball the partnership of Orton and Rice has yielded some very fruitful seasons. The 49ers have had two draft gems in a very short span to help add talent to the roster in James Carpenter and Dominique Easley. I don’t think they win the division but I think the playoffs are very much on the table.
Outlook: Decent team with some talent
2013- 6-10
Key Players
CB-Josh Robinson- 23 years old, 5'11”, 199 lbs.
96 SPD | 53 STR | 62 AWR | 96 AGI | 98 ACC | 72 CTH | 95 JMP | 70 TAK
CB-Tramon Williams- 29 years old, 5’11”, 191 lbs.
95 SPD | 65 STR | 72 AWR | 94 AGI | 98 ACC | 72 CTH | 94 JMP | 59 TAK
WR-Michael Crabtree- 26 years old, 6’1”, 214 lbs.
94 SPD | 72 STR | 76 AWR | 91 AGI | 93 ACC | 88 CTH | 93 JMP
QB-Alex Smith- 30 years old, 6’4”, 208 lbs.
97 AWR | 92 THP | 91 THA
Evaluation: Somebody has to take a step back with all these teams moving forward and that team for me is the Seahawks. Rock has done a good job drafting talent that produces that other GM’s miss and he will need to get more production out of them in 2014. I do think the key will be the secondary. They will need to get Robinson and Williams to shutdown the opponents passing game despite less than ideal awareness. I don’t think that will happen enough, hence the third place division finish.
Outlook: Rebuilding
2013- 2-4
Key Players
CB-A.J. Bouye- 23 years old, 6’0”, 191 lbs.
94 SPD | 48 STR | 66 AWR | 92 AGI | 98 ACC | 61 CTH | 86 JMP | 67 TAK
LOLB-Paul Puzluszny- 28 years old, 6’2”, 229 lbs.
84 SPD | 79 STR | 86 AWR | 83 AGI | 84 ACC | 61 CTH | 90 TAK
QB-John David Booty- 29 years old, 6’2”, 218 lbs.
90 AWR | 98 THP | 93 THA
WR-Mike Evans- 21 years old, 6’5”, 225 lbs.
99 SPD | 37 STR | 58 AWR | 92 AGI | 99 ACC | 84 CTH | 76 JMP
Evaluation: The Rams have historically been so good in the SFL but the way they constructed their roster in their last Super Bowl run put their current GM in a huge financial and talent bind and disadvantage. Felipe is going about this the right way, but this is a long rebuild in St. Louis. The Rams have added some good pieces through the draft but the talent gap is still pretty wide between them and the rest of the NFC. They are starting to trend in the right direction and they might be able to outscore some teams with Booty and Evans but I think that will be the exception not the norm.
Division Summary: This division is the Cardinals division but I would keep an eye out for the 49ers as they have the talent to be there until the end.
