The Cardinals were absolute monsters last year and we see no reason why that should change in 2016. For starters, they posses a top-10 defense that allowed just 19.6 points per game last year. Next they have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL that averaged over 30 points a game last year. Second-year veteran RB, David Johnson, showed a lot of promise when he was given the opportunity after injuries to both Andre Ellington and Chris Johnson. This year he’s slated to be one of the most productive running backs in the league.

With a rock solid running game, Carson Palmer will be able to shine once again. Veteran rock-star wideout, Larry Fitzgerald, had a monster year in 2015 and is poised for a repeat. Also look for strong showings from the rest the WRs as Michael Floyd and John Brown are imposing offensive weapons.

Playing well on both sides of the ball is something most other NFL teams struggle to do and the Cardinals do it better than anyone else.

If this post were about Super Bowl picks, the Cardinals would be it. Even though it isn’t, were still going to take the time to let you know that despite their loss to the Panthers last year in the NFL championship, the Cardinals are the team to beat in 2016.

The Seahawks began 2015 with a rough start and played uncharacteristically poorly their first 6 games. They rebounded and managed to sneak into the playoffs by going 8-2 in their remaining 10 to finish at 10-6. That’s where were slating them this year and for a couple reasons.

Marshawn Lynch is gone. Jimmy Graham is an immensely talented force that Pete Carrol is using as a decoy. Who knows what Thomas Rawls will do. Christine Michael is somehow looking like he’ll be part of their offense. Doug Baldwin is a mediocre receiver who had an amazing year last year and will probably regress towards the mean this year.

With all these questions lingering about Seattle’s offense, two things remain. First, Seattle does not lose at home. There is no harder place in America for a sports team to win on the road than Centurylink Field. Second, Seattle has one of the best defenses in football and thats not going to change. Two of the last 3 superbowls have been won by teams with mediocre offenses and rock-solid defenses (Seattle included).

I don’t think the Seahawks will be a Super Bowl contender this year because I don’t think they can win the division and secure home-field advantage. However, I do think that the Seahawks will remain competitive no matter what.

The Rams are a team that oozes mediocrity so an 8-8 record suits them perfectly. The only way the Rams are going to be able to win games is if their defense can keep the score low enough for the offense to give the ball to Todd Gurley every play. If that doesn’t happen, I’m not sure there’s a soul in Los Angeles (or St. Louis for that matter) who trusts Case Keenum throwing the ball to Tavon Austin and Kenny Britt.

I think the Rams will win 2 or 3 games against absolutely terrible opponents and then Todd Gurley will rush for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns for them to win another 4 or 5.

The 49ers have possibly the worst offense in football. Colin Karpernick is all of a sudden terrible. Their best wide receiver who was famously called “mediocre” by Richard Sherman is now in Oakland and playing better than he ever did in San Fran. Carlos Hyde was abysmal last year and gives us no reason to expect anything different in 2016.

So, heres to Blaine Gabbert throwing for 2500 yards to Torrey Smith and…Quenton Patton…Bruce Ellington?