Rivers, Chargers Ready For Spotlight After Upgrading Defense
The San Diego Chargers returned to the playoffs in 2013 under the first-year tandem of head coach Mike McCoy and general manager Tom Telesco. Now their fans are hope that can spark a trend rather than be an aberration.
Lions In Tough To Challenge For Playoff Spot In First Year Under Caldwell
Jim Caldwell didn’t mince words when he was introduced as the Detroit Lions’ head coach. He believes Detroit is ready to challenge for a Super Bowl.
Defensive Improvement Should Help Bears Challenge For Playoff Spot In 2014
Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman lived up to his reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game a year ago when he took one of the league’s worst offenses and turned it in to a top-10 unit.
Panthers Will Shock The NFL World With Major Collapse In 2014
The Carolina Panthers shocked the NFL world when they won 12 games in 2013 to clinch an NFC South title and their first playoff berth in five years. It might be just as shocking for their fans when they crash down in 2014.
Falcons Not Deep Enough To Expect Return To Playoffs In 2014
The Atlanta Falcons went from within one score of reaching the Super Bowl in 2012 to a four-win season in 2013. Injuries and a lack of depth at key positions exposed the Falcons’ vulnerabilities following a slow start that the team never really recovered from.
Rodgers’ Return, Upgrades On Defense Make Packers NFC North Favorite
The Green Bay Packers spent the offseason upgrading their roster on both sides of the football following a disappointing 8-8 campaign. Their biggest improvement will come from a player that was already on the roster.
Vikings Destined To Finish In NFC North Basement Once Again In 2014
Looking back now it’s amazing the Minnesota Vikings managed five wins in 2013. They could have a tough time hitting that mark again in 2014. Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, and Josh Freeman all started for Minnesota a year ago and its defense gave up more points than any other NFL team.
Romo’s Health Key To Cowboys Extending Run Of Mediocrity In 2014
The Dallas Cowboys have defined what it means to be mediocre since 2011. After three-straight 8-8 seasons this could finally be the year they dip under .500.
Manning, Giants Don’t Have Firepower To Keep Up With Best From NFC
Eli Manning and the New York Giants followed a string of six-straight losses to open the 2013 season by winning seven of their final 10 games and finishing 7-9.
Eagles Look To Build On Strong Foundation Heading In To Year Two Under Kelly
Chip Kelly’s highly anticipated NFL debut lived up to expectations as the Philadelphia Eagles went from 4-12 in 2012 to 10-6 in 2013. That was enough to secure an NFC East crown and return to the postseason for the first time since 2010.
RGIII, Redskins Look To Bounce Back In First Year Under Gruden
When the Washington Redskins won 10 games and earned a playoff spot out of the NFC East in 2012 the experts seemed unanimous in that the trade to acquire Robert Griffin III was a turning point for a franchise headed in the right direction.
After a disappointing 2012 campaign, the New Orleans Saints bounced back to go 11-5 last year, sneaking into the playoffs as one of the two NFC Wild Card teams.
The Sun Belt Conference has experienced a lot of turnover in the last couple seasons. A lot of the old teams have moved on to slightly bigger conferences, while there are several new faces here looking to get a little national exposure.
Offseason Additions Not Enough To Pull Raiders Out Of AFC West Basement
The Oakland Raiders navigated through the last two cap-strapped seasons averaging four wins with the hope that they could lay the foundation for future success.
The Vikings surprised everyone in 2012 by going 10-6 and earning a Wild Card spot, then followed up by barley staggering to a 5-10-1 record in 2013, just enough for last place in the NFC North.
The Patriots won their 11th AFC East title in the last 12 years, finishing up the 2013 regular season with the second best record in the conference at 12-4.
