The Bengals added some nice pieces via the draft… I suspect DE’s Danielle Hunter, Markus Golden and OLB Lorenzo Mauldin are immediate starters (all very RAW but talented). I anticipate BIG bounce back seasons for QB Isaiah Stanback and WR Cordarelle Patterson. The Ravens had a quiet offseason, and though I love the selection of LT Brandon Scherff… it simply isn’t enough to overtake the division. The Steelers closed out 2014 with 4 straight wins… but, the change at QB (from Brohm to Schaub) leaves me less than impressed. The Browns again will disappoint their fan base… there was actually hope in the Dog Pound when QB Brian Brohm was brought in, until the team decided to trade away their SUPER start WR Kris Durham (head scratcher).
AFC East
1. Miami Dolphins [12-4]
2. Buffalo Bills [7-9]
3. New York Jets [7-9]
4. New England Patriots [7-9]
The SFL Superbowl Champions, the Miami Dolphins, appear READY to run it back… no one in the AFC East is ready to step up and challenge for the divisional title. Though QB Jordan Palmer was LESS than impressed with draft capitol being spent on future signal callers (Manziel and Mariota) the team did draft another TALL target in WR Dorial Green-Beckham and BEEFED up the secondary with CB Jalen Collins. The Buffalo Bills decline while the New York Jets improve… but both settle in mediocrity (simply can’t trust QB’s Andre Woodson and Mark Sanchez). No doubt the New England Patriots are as excited as any team in the SFL… they have a HEALTHY QB Derek Carr – and the future looks BRIGHT? I think the BRIGHT future is a season away.
The SFL has never seen this much talent accumulated on one team… the Tennessee Titans basically have a Pro Bowl roster. The Titans will go 15-1, losing week 17 with second string to the Colts who will be fighting for a wild card playoff berth. No denying that the Houston Texans are improved – they probably double the number of wins this season. The Jacksonville Jaguars have chosen a painful path… it’ll be a record-breaking season for QB Jameis Winston [7th overall selection in the 2015 draft] – he’ll be sacked 65 times and throw 40 interceptions!
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos [10-6]
2. Oakland Raiders [7-9]
3. San Diego Chargers [6-10]
4. Kansas City Chiefs [3-13]
One of the more enjoyable things on our SFL Discord channel is a melt down by Tommy Collins following his teams frustrating losses... unfortunately that will not be common place this season. No more excuses... QB Chandler Harnish FINALLY has the breakout season we've all been waiting for [Broncos go 6-0 in the AFC West]! The Raiders filled the void left by HB Matt Forte's exit (Demarco Murray)... but, it's gonna be a down year for QB Chad Henne (hopefully Brad can entertain us with Discord posts). The Chargers to 1 step forward and 2 steps back this offseason... QB Brock Osweiler isn't ready to FILL Brady Quinn's cleats. I don't like QB Ryan Tannehill and his targets are less than desirable... it might be Sorgi Time by mid-season.
Cincinnati Bengals [11-5]
Baltimore Ravens [10-6]
Pittsburg Steelers [6-10]
Cleveland Browns [5-11]
Miami Dolphins [12-4]
Buffalo Bills [7-9]
New York Jets [7-9]
New England Patriots [7-9]
Tennessee Titans [15-1]
Indianapolis Colts [10-6]
Houston Texans [8-8]
Jacksonville Jaguars [4-12]
Denver Broncos [10-6]
Oakland Raiders [7-9]
San Diego Chargers [6-10]
Kansas City Chiefs [3-13]