NFL 2014 Season Preview

Last year 12-4 1st in division; lost in first round of playoffs.

What’s New:

WR Brandon LaFell , CB Darrelle Revis & Brandon Browner

New heir apparent for Tom Brady in Jimmy Garappolo which won’t help the on field product this year.

It’s not new, they are the class of the division, have been for 10 years.

What needs to go right:

Health. Gronk, Amendola, Aaron Dobson and 1st round pick Dominique Easley are all injury prone.

Danny Amendola does NOT lead the team in catches.

Letting Brandon Spikes leave isn’t going to help the 30th ranked run D.

Revis and Browner should make passing difficult for opponents as long as they stay on the field.

With no coaching turnover continuity will keep them atop the division, along with another strong conference record (9-3 last year)

Projected 2014 record 11-5; host wild card playoff game.

Last year 8-8 2nd in East, missed playoffs.

What’s New:

Revamped offensive line with Brandon Albert and Ju’wan James at tackles due to scandal last year.

CB Cortland Finnegan steps into the starting lineup looking to rebound from two down years in St. Louis.

Bill Lazor also comes in as offensive coordinator and reports are he has worked some magic with Ryan Tannehill already.

What needs to go right:

New o-line needs to gel quickly (and get healthy Mr. Pouncey)

Last year’s #1 pick Dion Jordan needs to play himself onto the field-after he serves his 4 game suspension.

Joe Philbin needs to show that he can manage an entire team to not get fired after last year’s collapse and scandal.

Knowshon Moreno needs to find the fountain of youth; this offense is going to need all the help it can get to score enough to win games.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; no playoff berth

Last year 8-8 3rd in East, missed playoffs

What’s New:

Michael Vick comes in to challenge Geno Smith or at least offer competent back up if he goes down to injury.

WR Eric Decker & RB Chris Johnson were brought in to kick start the offense along with 2nd round TE Jace Amaro

What needs to go right:

The defensive line needs to control games until the offense comes around.

Eric Decker catches at least 65 balls from Geno Smith.

The injury bug has already hit the defensive secondary so staying afloat in the early year will help keep the heat off of Rex Ryan.

Projected 2014 record 7-9; no playoff berth

Last year 6-10 last in East, missed playoffs

What’s New:

EJ Manuel enters his make or break second year. Might not be fair but with the ownership situation what it is EJ has to look the part of competent starter to stick around.

1st round pick Sammy Watkins is the sharp new tool that offensive coordinator Nate Hackett can use for reaking havoc on opposing defenses.

Jim Schwartz comes in to coach the defense.

What needs to go right:

EJ needs to boost his accuracy numbers.

The offense needs to actually complete a pass over 20 yards not just show the league they will try one in the 1st quarter and forget about it.

The “wide 9” defensive alignment needs to not miss a beat in the pass rush and the new LB’s (Spikes & Rivers) need to plug a leaky run D.

Projected 2014 record 7-9; no playoff berth

Last year 11-5. 1st in division; lost in wildcard round of playoffs.

What’s New:

1st round pick CB Darquez Dennard was brought in to shore up an aging secondary.

2nd round pick RB Jeremy Hill has already shown enough for the team to cut BenJarvis Green-Ellis.

Andy Dalton got paid.

What needs to go right:

DT Geno Atkins needs to get back to All Pro form after tearing his ACL last year to make the D elite.

AJ Green gets some help in Hue Jackson’s new offense.

Marvin Jones gets healthy by the end of the year for a playoff push.

Wallace Gilberry is a capable replacement for Michael Johnson and his double digit sacks.

Projected 2014 record 10-6; host wild card playoff game.

Last year 8-8 2nd place in North; missed playoffs.

What’s New:

1st round pick LB Ryan Shazier is next in line in a tradition of great LB’s.

Loss of Emmanuel Sanders depletes the receiving corps but the return of TE Heath Miller, Big Ben’s security blanket will help offset the loss.

DE Brett Keisel was brought back to add depth to a thin DL position.

What needs to go right:

Speedy WR Markus Wheaton steps into the lineup and produces immediately.

RB”s Bell and Blount don’t let their preseason arrest on Pot charges affect their play.

The defense is retooled enough with athletes to keep them in games. And the secondary doesn’t show its age.

Projected 2014 record 9 -7; wild card playoff berth.

Last year 8-8 3rd in North; missed playoffs

What’s New:

1st and 2nd round picks LB CJ Mosely and DT Timmy Jernigan were brought in to help bring youth to a declining defense.

Gary Kubiak comes in to fix the run game and implement a zone blocking scheme with the O line.

WR Steve Smith was brought in to help Torrey Smith and now healthy TE Dennis Pitta in the passing game.

What needs to go right:

Ray Rice is suspended two games but will need to show more than his 3.1 yards per carry average last year when he returns.

The Defense gets healthy and makes plays to help offset any learning curve from the offense.

They need to start strong but with a difficult first 10 games until the bye to ensure a look at the playoffs.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; no playoff berth.

Last year 4-12. 4th in division; missed playoffs

What’s New:

Mike Pettine was hired away from the Buffalo Bills as the new head coach.

1st round pick QB Johnny Manziel gets the publicity but fellow first rounder CB Justin Gilbert shores up a secondary that was too weak opposite All Pro Joe Haden.

Oft injured RB Ben Tate was brought in from Houston to be “the guy” in the run game at least until 3rd round pick Terrance West gets up to speed in the pro game.

WR Josh Gordon had his yearlong suspension upheld due to another failed drug test.

What needs to go right:

Miles Austin needs to find the fountain of youth (and health).

QB Brian Hoyer was more than serviceable for them until he was injured last year, he will need to fend off Manziel for playing time.

Last year’s #1 Barkevious Mingo needs to show he can play in the league, at least in pass rush situations.

Mike Pettine’s defenses maximize their talent and will win games on their own, unless an anemic offense hands the ball over to the other team.

Projected 2014 record 5-11; no playoff berth.

Last year 11-5; lost in divisional round

What’s New:

New and healthy WR Hakeem Nicks brings his huge hands to Indy from New York; joining with ageless wonder Reggie Wayne and burner T.Y. Hilton to form a formidable stable of weapons for QB Andrew Luck.

TE Dwayne Allen is healthy after suffering a 2013 season-ending hip injury in week 1, and is poised for a breakout year.

LB D’Quell Jackson comes over from Cleveland to hope shore up a leaky middle and run defense

What needs to go right:

Former 2012 No. 3 draft pick Trent Richardson, acquired last September from Cleveland for a 1st round pick, needs to play like a franchise back, or yet again be passed on the depth chart, while enduring chants of being one of the biggest busts in the last several years.

Take care of a relatively weak AFC South to capture another division crown.

Free agent addition Arthur Jones needs to have a big impact out of the gate to pick up the slack with the loss of 2013 NFL sack leader Robert Mathis, who will miss the first games for failing a PED test.

Projected 2014 record 10-6; division champion

Last year 2-14; worst record in league

What’s New:

Phenom DE Jadeveon Clowney pairs with superstar DE J.J. Watt and his new record-breaking contract to perhaps form the best DE duo in the league.

New coach Bill O’Brien brings his no nonsense style to Houston hoping to pick the Texans up off of the door mat.

New re-tread QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has the starting gig taking the place of long time Texan Matt Schaub.

What needs to go right:

Stud RB Arian Foster’s back issues are a non-issue, and he again contends for the AFC rushing title.

The defense creates big play after big play and leads the team to contend for a wildcard spot.

WR Andre Johnson, entering his 12th year with the team, continues to prove that age ain’t nothing but a number while mentoring budding superstar DeAndre Hopkins as his eventual replacement.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; missing playoffs

Last year 4-12; missed playoffs

What’s New:

New defensive additions DE Red Bryant and DE Chris Clemons, both from the Seahawks, join their old coach Gus Bradley in his quest to build a D modeled after the Super Bowl Champions.

RB Toby Gerhart, formerly of the Vikings, breaks away from the shadow of Adrian Peterson and has his own starting gig.

QB and No. 3 draft pick Blake Bortles & 2nd round pick Marquise Lee bring some much needed offensive excitement to Northern Florida.

New canana style luxury seats. Fans can literally watch the game from a swimming pool, and gaze on eye candy to boot. Sign me up.

What needs to go right:

QB Bortles needs to get in some game action and not just ride the bench all year. This is not your father’s NFL.

The defense continues to gel, and is a surprising top unit in the AFC

Projected 2014 record 5-11; missing playoffs

Last year 7-9; missed playoffs

What’s New:

6th round pick QB Zach Mettenberger t challenge incumbent and so far lackluster starting QB Jake Locker.

Free agent signee Dexter McCluster brings is super quick form to help take the load off whoever starts under center.

No. 10 pick T Tyler Lewan joins new free agent T Michael Oher to join an already sturdy O-line

What needs to go right:

Rookie RB Bishop Sankey leads a top running game and has fans saying CJ2K who?

WR Justin Hunter continues to progress as an elite downfield threat, and helps take pressure off the QB.

DT Jurrell Casey continues to show that he is a top 3 DT in the AFC, if not the NFL.

Projected 2014 record 4-12; missing playoffs

Last Year 13-3 1st in division; lost to Seattle in Super Bowl 43-8

What’s New:

The Broncos added WR Emmanuel Sanders on offense to replace the production of WR Eric Decker, who moved on to the Jets.

The defense has been completely revamped with the big name additions of OLB Demarcus Ware, CB Aquib Talib, and S TJ Ward. The front office also spent a first round pick on CB Bradley Roby.

The offensive line is also in flux with the departure of LG Zane Beadles. RT Orlando Franklin moves into Beadles old spot while Chris Clark will move from left to right tackle.

What needs to go right:

Peyton Manning continues to put up Madden like numbers even though he is 38 years old. Manning’s NFL record 55 touchdown passes will be tough to come close to due to his age and the Broncos’ tougher schedule facing the NFC West.

RB Montee Ball matches or exceeds the production of Knowshon Moreno. Ball should be able to equal Moreno’s run production, but might not be as reliable a 3rd down back as his predecessor.

WR Wes Welker recovers from his concussion history to be a reliable slot receiver. Welker will get time to recover due to his four game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Welker claims his recent amphetamine suspension was due to someone “spiking” his drink at the Kentucky Derby this past May.

The talent brought in on the defense gels. Ware and Talib should be more than capable enough of improving on the production lost from Shaun Phillips and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Projected 2014 record 11-5; AFC Championship Game Appearance

Last Year 11-5 Lost in 1st Round to Indianapolis 45-44

What’s New:

The Chiefs let go of CB Brandon Flowers because he did not fit their defensive scheme and also allowed LT Brandon Albert to depart for Miami.

The Chiefs resigned QB Alex Smith to a 4 year $68M contract. The former 1st round pick is not an elite quarterback, but was steady in 2013 with a 23-7 touchdown to interception ratio.

The front office drafted OLB Dee Ford in the 1st round to help the linebacking core. The outside linebacker depth was poor in 2013 and OLB Justin Houston has demanded a more lucrative contract.

What needs to go right:

Alex Smith improves on a his 6.5 YPA numbers and stretches the field to a rejuvenated WR Dwayne Bowe. Bowe worked with a nutritionist and personal trainer for the first time in his career during the offseason.

Pass rusher Justin Houston stays healthy. In 2013, the Chargers, Broncos, Raiders and Colts posted 41, 35, 31 and 45 on the Chiefs after Houston went out with a season ending elbow injury. Before the injury, the Chiefs limited every single opponent to 17 points or fewer.

The loss of WR Dexter McCluster and LT Brandon Albert does not hamper an offense which put up 28 PPG in 2013. McCluster was a big part of the offense in 2013 while Albert was a good left tackle. Former 2013 number one overall pick, Eric Fisher struggled as right tackle in 2013, but a move to his natural position of left tackle may help.

RB Jamaal Charles repeats his stellar 2013 season that included over 2000 yards rushing and receiving and 19 total touchdowns. Charles is still in the prime of his career at 27 years old and does not have an extensive workload in the NFL.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; missing playoffs

Last Year 9-7 Lost in Divisional Round to Broncos 24-17

What’s New:

The Chargers added CB Brandon Flowers from divisional rival Kansas City to along with first round pick CB Jason Verrett to bolster the defensive backfield.

RB Ronald Brown was added in case the injury bug bites RB Ryan Mathews. The brittle Mathews was able to stay healthy the entire season for the first time in his career, but that is unlikely to continue this year.

ILB Donald Butler was resigned to a 7 year $48M contract extension despite being hampered with a groin injury throughout the 2013 season.

What needs to go right:

The teams top pass rusher Melvin Ingram stays healthy after a torn ACL in the 2013 OTAs which cost him the first three months of the season.

TE Ladarius Green replaces the production lost from the aging TE Antonio Gates. Gates is in severe decline and his presence is blocking the more explosive Green from getting more playing time.

WR Keenan Allen improves on his stellar rookie season which saw him tally 71 catches for 1046 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Chargers other receivers are unproven. Vincent Brown has not progressed and Malcolm Floyd is coming off a terrible neck injury.

The Chargers defense continues a trend which saw them surrender 24 or fewer points to their last seven opponents which included two games against the Peyton Manning led Broncos.

Projected 2014 record 10-6; wildcard berth

Last Year 4-12 Missed Playoffs

What’s New:

The Raiders brought many new additions including QB Matt Schaub, RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR James Jones, OT Donald Penn, OT Austin Howard, G Keith Boothe, DE Justin Tuck, DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley, DE/DT C.J. Wilson, CB Carlos Rogers, CB Tarell Brown.

The Raiders drafted DE/OLB Khalil Mack in the 1st round and QB Derek Carr in the 2nd round. The two picks could be franchise altering talents.

S Tyvon Branch returns from a leg injury that limited him to 2 games played. Branch is one of the best safeties in the NFL, so his return should help his fellow safety Charles Woodson who is in decline at 38 years old.

What needs to go right:

Rookie QB Derek Carr has a stellar year showing that he is a franchise QB. Carr, who is a great arm talent, probably is not ready to lead the Raiders to greatness, but was given the reigns of the franchise after Matt Schaub’s poor preseason showings.

Aging veterans like MJD, LaMarr Woodley, Carlos Rogers, and Justin Tuck help bring respectability back to the Raiders. Doubtful as the Raiders have to play the Broncos and Chargers twice, the Patriots, and the NFC West.

Khalil Mack wins the defensive rookie of the year award. The University of Buffalo product is a can’t miss prospect who will develop into a perennial Pro Bowler.

A miracle because the Raiders aren't making the playoffs. Head coach Dennis Allen, going into his third season, is on the hot seat and probably won’t make it out of the season.

Projected 2014 record 5-11; missing playoffs

Last year 10-6 1st in East; lost in divisional round of playoffs

What’s New:

Desean Jackson was cut in a money decision by management.

Darren Sproles was brought in from New Orleans to give McCoy a breather.

1st round pick LB Marcus Smith and 2nd rd pick WR Jordan Matthews will be asked to contribute sooner than later.

What needs to go right:

Zack Ertz needs to step up and take a portion of Jackson’s departed 82 catches.

The Defense enters year 2 of the 3-4 alignment under Bill Davis and needs to plug a leaky pass defense.

Health & luck. Last year Jeremy Maclin went down in preseason but the offense survived and then thrived under Chip Kelly. This year they haven’t had any major injuries in camp. The team was lucky in that they pulled themselves together to win a division where every other team flopped. Not sure how they keep lady luck on their side two years in a row.

Projected 2014 record 11-5; host wildcard game.

Last year 8-8 2nd in East; missed playoffs

What’s New:

Tony Romo is healthy again.

1st rd pick Zach Martin makes the O line one of the best in the league

Revamped defense on all levels due to free agency losses, injury and a suspension.

Scott Linehan will call the plays this year and is expected to maximize the potential of Dez Bryant and Demarco Murray.

What needs to go right:

The defense needs to be able to come up with a stop or two each game, and believe it or not they may not be able to do that. The D ranked 32nd last year and lost its three most talented players this offseason.

Demarco Murray needs to play in at least 14 games. He is the key to the offense, but is injury prone.

They need to win a few games early to quell any talk of Jason Garrett being fired as he is entering the last year of his contract.

Projected 2014 record 6-10; no playoff berth

Last year 7-9 3rd in East; missed playoffs

What’s New:

It’s not last year. Eli Manning and the rest of Big Blue were bad last year with few redeeming qualities even for a 7 win team.

The team signed four new CB’s to shore up a leaky secondary in a pass happy division and league.

Rashad Jennings was brought in and the team spent a 4th round pick on RB Andre Williams to revitalize the ground game.

Long time O coordinator Kevin Gilbride was fired and replaced with former Green Bay assistant Ben McAdoo.

What needs to go right:

Improved play from the offensive line would go a long way towards making the offense more respectable.

They need to gel quickly in a new offense as well as learn who the guy next to them is; both sides of the ball will start 6 new faces this year.

Perry Fewell’s defensive scheme needs to be able to create pressure on opposing signal callers.

Projected 2014 record 7-9; no playoff berth

Last year 3-13

What’s New:

New head coach Jay Gruden brings a downfield passing attack to DC.

Robert Griffin III no longer has to listen to the Shanahan’s nonsense about his ability or other issue they may have had with their franchise QB.

The team poached DeSean Jackson from their division rivals and Andre Roberts from Arizona.

What needs to go right:

The team needs to block out the political clamoring for Dan Snyder to change the team nickname.

Jordan Reed needs to stay healthy, he looks like a matchup weapon for the offense from the TE spot.

Veteran leadership in the locker room needs to translate on the field.

Projected 2014 record 6-10; no playoff berth.

Last Year 8-7-1; lost in wildcard round

What’s New:

Both QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb are back fully healthy and ready to take this offense of playmakers to the next level.

2nd round draft pick WR Davante Adams who will get plenty of snaps, and benefit from learning on the fly with Rodgers.

Superstar free agent signee DE Julius Peppers. He still has juice in the tank, and with both he and LB Clay Matthews on the field, a big play is just a snap away.

What needs to go right:

Rodgers needs to stay healthy, and that begins with an already shaky O-line staying healthy and developing continuity to keep the franchise star upright.

2nd year RB and budding star Eddie Lacy continues to flourish in McCarthy’s West Coast attack, and proves to be a top back in the NFL.

Navigate a tricky first half of the season to get to a potential cakewalk 4 game stretch in December.

Projected 2014 record 12-4; division winner

Last year 8-8; missed playoffs

What’s New:

Free agent signee DE Jared Allen comes to replace departed DE Julius Peppers. DE Lamarr Houston also joins a rebuilt D-line.

No. 14 pick DB Kyle Fuller joins an aging yet ball-hawking secondary.

What needs to go right:

Head Coach Marc Trestman continues to put his offensive stamp on the league, having GM’s scratching their heads as to why this guy hasn’t been given a shot at HC sooner.

A heathy LB Lance Briggs, albeit in the twilight of his career, returns to help a run defense that was worst in the league last season.

WR duo Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall continue to show why they are the best, most productive duo in the league, opening up the run game for stud RB Matt Forte.

Projected 2014 record 10-6; wildcard team

Last year 7-9; missed playoffs

What’s New:

New Head Coach Jim Caldwell comes over Baltimore, looking to bring some much needed discipline to the team.

WR Golden Tate comes over in free agency from Seattle, and WR Calvin Johnson couldn’t be more happy.

No. 10 pick TE Eric Ebron brings a huge ceiling to the position, and is just another weapon in an already potent offense.

What needs to go right:

Star DT Ndamukong Suh plays all season with his head on, matures, and leads the best D-line in the NFL.

QB Matthew cuts down on his often disastrous mistakes, and continues to feed the best receiver in the league, Megatron.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; miss playoffs

Last year 5-10-1; missed playoffs

What’s New:

New No. 32 pick QB Teddy Bridgewater joins the team as their hopeful QB of the future after a stellar career at Louisville.

New Head Coach Mike Zimmer finally gets his shot after many good years in Cincinnati as D-coordinator.

No. 9 Pick LB Anthony Barr brings his awesome athleticism to the LB core.

What needs to go right:

Bridgwater takes over for QB Matt Cassel by week 6, and proves the doubter wrong.

WR Cordarrelle Patterson continues his development into the big play weapon the offense needs.

Star RB Adrian Peterson continues to be Adrian Peterson.

Projected 2014 record 6-10; miss playoffs

Last year 11-5; lost in divisional round

What’s New:

Former Bills FS Jarius Byrd joins SS Kenny Vaccaro to form a scary good duo in the defensive backfield.

1st round pick WR Brandin Cooks is the perfect weapon that QB Drew Brees needs to even further his march towards a league MVP.

What needs to go right:

Fresh off a new contract, TE Jimmy Graham continues his dominance at the position and proves he deserved the WR money he got.

A running back emerges as a true go to threat and takes pressure off Brees and the aerial attack.

The aforementioned WR Cooks lives up to the hype, and challenges for ROY honors.

Projected 2014 record 13-3; first round bye

Last year 4-12; missed playoffs

What’s New:

WR Julio Jones returns from injury and tries to reestablish himself as one of the league’s best.

No. 6 pick T Jake Matthews brings toughness and an NFL pedigree to an offensive line looking to get RB Steven Jackson back to form, even though he’s passed the 30 year old threshold for RB’s

New DE Jonathan Babineaux and DE Tyson Jackson come aboard to assist a depleted defense.

What needs to go right:

The offensive skill players stay healthy, and get back to the dominating form of 2012.

Steven Jackson, like Michale Turner before him, brings a power running game to make Matt Ryan that much more comfortable under center.

They stay afloat in what could be an improved and very challenging division, aided by an improved defensive and pass rush.

Projected 2014 record 9-7; just miss playoffs

Last year 12-4; lost in divisional round

What’s New:

1st round pick WR Kelvin Benjamin and his 6’5” 240 pound frame to be a much needed No. 1 receiver for QB Cam Newton.

Form WR Steve Smith will not don a Panther uniform for the first time 13 seasons.

Former Jets WR and so far bust looking to revive his career catching bullets from Newton

What needs to go right:

QB Cam Newton needs to be and stay healthy. A pre-season rib injry may come back to be a concern.

Dominant LB Luke Kuechly continues his reign as possibly the best LB in football and again leads a stifling defense.

Rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin is the big target the Panthers have been looking for.

The running back committee of DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert take pressure off Newton and the many hits he has taken over the last few years.

Projected 2014 record 8-8; miss playoffs

Last Year 4-12; missed playoffs

What’s New:

The “Muscle Hamster” is back. RB Doug Martin returns from a season ending shoulder injury ready to pick up where he left off in 2012.

New head coach Lovie Smith is back in Tampa, where he helped create the “Tampa 2” scheme with former HC Tony Dungy.

Free agent signee Michael Johnson form the Bengals brings his 11.5 sacks of a year ago to Florida.

6’5” No. 7 pick from Texas A&M WR Mike Evans pairs with 6’5” WR Vincent Jackson forming the new “Twin Towers.”

What needs to go right:

HC Lovie Smith brings his aggressive style to a defense that already features star LB Lavonte David.

Either QB Josh McCown or Mike Glennon plays well enough to get the ball in the hands of some talented skill players.

DT Gerals McCoy continues to progress as one of the best DT’s in the game, and leads a return of a dominate defense in Tampa under coach Smith.

Projected 2014 record 6-10; miss playoffs

Last Year: 13-3 Super Victory over the Broncos 43-8

What’s New:

The Seahawks rewarded two "Legion of Boom" members CB Richard Sherman and S Earl Thomas to a 4 year $57.4M and 5 year $44.7M extension respectively.

OL Brent Giacomini was signed away by the Jets, prompting the front office to reach on RT Justin Britt in the 2nd round.

The Seahawks lost DBs Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond along with DL Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, and Clinton McDonald in free agency.

What needs to go right:

QB Russell Wilson does not let his new found stardom distract him. During the offseason his face has been plastered on television, he has played baseball, and is going through a divorce.

RB Marshawn Lynch is able to have another stellar season . He has had 1000 carries over the past three seasons and held out during the early stages of training camp.

WR Percy Harvin is healthy for the entire season. Harvin missed most of the season moonlighting in the divisional round against the Saints and the Super Bowl against the Broncos. He will help Wilson tremendously.

The Seahawks continue their dominance at home going 17-1 over the past two years at Qwest Field.

Projected 2014 Record 11-5; Conference Finals appearance

Last Year: 12-4 Lost to Seahawks in NFC Championship game 23-17

What’s New:

The 49ers revamped their receiving core in the offseason bringing in Stevie Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, and spending a 4th round draft pick on Bruce Ellington.

The front office drafted RB Carlos Hyde in the 2nd round to help ease the load on Frank Gore and spent a 1st round pick on S Jimmie Ward to replace the departed Donte Whitner.

QB Colin Kaepernick was resigned to a 7 year $126M contract extension with $61M guaranteed.

What needs to go right:

DE Aldon Smith has been suspended for the first 9 games of the regular season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, DE Ray McDonald was arrested for domestic violence, and NaVorro Bowman won't come back from injury until November. The 49ers defense has to overcome these losses.

Colin Kaepernick is able to improve as a pocket quarterback to make up for a defense that might struggle in the beginning of the season.

Coach Jim Harbaugh puts aside issues with the front office and gets the team motivated to finally win a Super Bowl.

ILB Patrick Willis is healthy throughout the season to help out in Bowman's absence.

Projected 2014 Record; 12-4 Super Bowl Victory

Last Year: 10-6 Missed Playoffs

What’s New:

The Cardinal offensive line was upgraded due to the signing of OT Jared Veldheer from the Raiders and the return of the 2013 7th overall pick Jonathan Cooper who was lost for the season due a fractured fibula.

The front office drafted S Deone Bucannon to replace Yeremiah Bell and upgraded the TE position with the 2nd round selection of Troy Niklas.

All Pro OLB Daryl Washington was lost for the season due to a marijuana suspension.

What needs to go right:

RB Andre Ellington makes the jump from a situational player to a work horse back. The Cardinals averaged 19 points per game over the first 8 weeks of the season giving Ellington less than 12 touches per game. After week 8 they averaged 27.3 points per game and gave Ellington an average of 13.6 touches per game.

WR Michael Floyd continues his ascent to the upper tiers of receivers in the NFL. Floyd finished the 2013 season with 1054 yards receiving.

CB Antonio Cromartie rebounds from a down year with the Jets to give the Cardinals a pair of shutdown corners alongside Patrick Peterson.

QB Carson Palmer is able to protect the ball. Excluding a matchup with the Seahawks, Palmer was able to keep his touchdown to interception ratio at a respectable 15-5 after week 8 in 2013.

Projected 2014 record 9-7; missing playoffs

Last Year: 7-9 Missed Playoffs

What’s New:

Sam Bradford was lost in the preseason with a torn ACL. The Rams signed Shaun Hill from Detroit in the offseason and he will now be the starter.

The Rams added 2nd overall pick OT Greg Robinson to the offensive line. LT Jake Long should be ready for the season opener after an injury. The line should be much better than last year.

The Rams defensive line got even scarier with the front office spending their other 1st round pick on DT Aaron Donald. He adds more explosiveness to the interior, which along with Chris Long, Robert Quinn, and Michael Brockers, should be the best in the league.

What needs to go right:

Shaun Hill needs to provide better than average quarterbacking to help the Rams make the playoffs.

Former 1st round WR Kenny Britt resurrects his career and takes some pressure off WR Tavon Austin.

RB Zac Stacy, who posted four 100 yard rushing games beginning in week 8, continues to improve and carry the offense.

The Rams had the worst secondary in football last year. They released DB Cortland Finnegan, who was benched in October 2013, and did not replace any of the starters in the secondary during the offseason. This unit must play above their talent and improve.

Projected 2014 Record; 7-9 missing playoffs