NFL Playoffs Predictions 2014: Saints, Seahawks, Packers Recap
- Green Bay Packers (12-4): Last season was derailed by Aaron Rodgers’ injury, but with him healthy they’re one of the best in football year in and year out. I expect more of the same in 2014.
- Seattle Seahawks (12-4): A talented bunch led by their defense and a balanced offense. They kept their Super Bowl core together and should be just as good.
- New Orleans Saints (11-5): The Falcons should be better, the Panthers surprised everyone last year, but the Saints still have a pretty damn impressive offense. If the defense is serviceable, they win the division.
- New York Giants (10-6): Eli Manning bounces back, Jennings balances the attack, and an improved secondary contains the opposition. If the Eagles slip, the Giants can take a terrible NFC East.
- San Francisco 49ers (11-5): The defense has some injuries it will have to deal with early, and the dramatics last season seemed to tamper with team chemistry a bit. If they hold it together, they’re a playoff team.
- Atlanta Falcons (10-6): Injuries derailed last season, but with a fully healthy roster they should compete for a Wild Card. Julio Jones is healthy, Roddy White is healthy, the line is better and Steven Jackson is healthy. That might be enough if they stay that way.
Near misses for the 2014 NFL Playoffs
7. Arizona Cardinals (10-6): They’re close, and they have some wonderful pieces, but they play in a really tough division. Strength of schedule might keep them out of the playoffs again.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7): Losing DeSean Jackson after a career year will hurt this team more than people like to admit. I think the league adjusts and the Eagles miss the playoffs
9. Chicago Bears (9-7): Great offense, but the vaunted defense of Bears yesteryear is gone and Jay Cutler continues to come up short.
10. Carolina Panthers (9-7): Last year was an anomaly. Cam Newton is great, but they lack weapons on the outside and will take a step back this year.
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