What are your thoughts/predictions for the 2015 NFL season?

2015-07-09T20:25:04-04:00

I love football and this is the time of year when I get really excited about the start of the new season. I'm a huge Carolina Panthers fan (don't let my profile pic/location fool you, I lived in SC for awhile and graduated high school there).

That being said, I firmly expect my team to compile at least 10 wins and make the playoffs again. The defense will lead the way with Luke Kuechly dominating the field. Cam Newton should be better this year as he's in the best shape of his young career and has plenty of big targets to throw to. 3500+ passing yards isn't out of the question.

Moving on from my team, here are a few other predictions for the upcoming year.

NFC Team to Beat: Seattle Seahawks
A no brainer here. Pete Carroll has done a tremendous job with this team during his watch and there's no reason to count them out. With that defense, Beast Mode and the 12th Man, they will be a threat all the way.

AFC Team to Beat: New England Patriots
Deflated footballs, a defiant coach and an immensely talented future Hall of Fame QB will have the Pats seeing red and looking for blood this fall. Love 'em or hate 'em, this team thrives on controversy. Don't be shocked to see a Super Bowl rematch.

Darkhorse Team: Buffalo Bills
There is a reason why Rex Ryan chose to stay in the AFC East. The biggest question: can he trust his current stable of quarterbacks?

Team Most Likely to Disappoint: Cleveland Browns
New uniforms, revamped logo (lol), talented QB in dire need of a mulligan after a rough rookie season. This team was in better shape with Brian Hoyer under center. Instead, Johnny Manziel will have to redeem himself or see his team struggle to another disappointing season, which will result in a top five pick in next year's draft.

MVP: J.J. Watt
Defensive players get little love in a quarterback/offense-driven league. Houston's stud DE will continue to dominate and if Jadeveon Clowney stays healthy, a big season is well within Watt's grasp.

Comeback Player: Tim Tebow
It's not that I'm drinking the Kool-Aid but it's really hard to root against the kid. Plus, if any coach can channel the magic that is Tebow in late game situations, it's Chip Kelly.

So, what are your thoughts? Which team or player stands out to you in the aforementioned categories?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 9 at 2015 8:31 PM

2015-07-09T20:31:45-04:00

I wouldn't rule out a second in a row Seahawks-Patriots Superbowl....only with a different outcome.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-07-09T20:40:16-04:00

I think there is some wishful thinking there with the Panthers, SSgt Charles Edwards, but in the crummy NFC South, you might squeak out 8 wins and make the playoffs.
NFC: Seattle
AFC: Indianapolis
Dark horse: Houston
MVP: Aaron Rodgers (begrudgingly - I HATE Green Bay, but they are nothing without that quarterback)
Comeback Player - Adrian Peterson - that dude will be on a mission

I love my Minnesota Vikings and love what they have done lately to build the team. I bleed purple, but I think they'll need another year to get into the playoffs. 9-7 this year.

SKOL!

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 9 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-07-09T20:42:07-04:00

As I cannot remember a time I was not a Cowboys fan, I'll stay that way. Go Cowboys....

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 9 at 2015 9:02 PM

2015-07-09T21:02:34-04:00

#5 without Vince Wilfork and regardless of a 4 game suspension. May fortune favor the foolish!

Response by MSgt Chris Adams made Jul 9 at 2015 9:06 PM

2015-07-09T21:06:59-04:00

I think the Raiders may finally get over .500. They won't make the playoffs but it will be nice to see them perform better.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 9:36 PM

2015-07-09T21:36:40-04:00

America's Team in the house! 12-4 and a trip to the SuperBowl.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-07-09T21:44:35-04:00

NFL should be disbanded .....it's a neg role model for our youth and elders alike..and a drain on the economy....that being said......if Cam can pulls his guys together they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 9 at 2015 10:11 PM

2015-07-09T22:11:26-04:00

Holy Smoke, SSgt Charles Edwards, I thought everyone knew that the Tennessee Titans were a complete shoo-in to become Super Bowl champions this season! Just kidding! I'm an Auburn graduate, thus a Cam Newton fan, so if the Panthers win it all, that's fine by me!

Response by SPC Todd Hanson made Jul 9 at 2015 10:12 PM

2015-07-09T22:12:35-04:00

When the best player in the world is your QB and #52 playing both MLB and OLB to shore up the run defense the team has a chance to win. Of course the Lombardi number five will return to its rightful home in Title town USA.

Just my opinion. From a packers fans who's 1st words where Green Bay.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Jul 9 at 2015 11:47 PM

2015-07-09T23:47:56-04:00

It will almost assuredly take place, despite my ignoring it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:28 AM

2015-07-10T01:28:17-04:00

I like the Eagles, so I am interested to see how they play after the exodus of star players. I'm also interested in the Cowboys on how they play without DeMarco. The Dolphins are an interesting team since they got better in the offseason and have Ryan Tannehill. Patriots, Saints, and Broncos are teams I like to watch also. I also pay attention to the Bills. I'll watch Mettenberger with the Titans and Beckam with the Giants since they went to LSU. I'll watch the Panthers since they have Cam Newton.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-07-10T10:04:28-04:00

The league is filled with coaching changes, suspensions, QB changes, contract hold-outs, and injuries looming over so many teams. However, quietly, with stability, the MIAMI DOLPHINS have had 100% attended OTAs with pieces in place to be a dark horse to be a deep playoff threat.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 5:19 PM

2015-07-11T17:19:36-04:00

... I prefer Rugby... My mom knows more about football than I do... Sorry cannot contribute intellently in this area of discussion. I watch football once a year... The Superbowl. The end.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jul 11 at 2015 11:00 PM

2015-07-11T23:00:36-04:00

With the exception of my home state New Orleans Saints, I've completely given up on following all of the pro sports leagues within the U.S. I now spend all of my time and energy following college football and European soccer. In fact, I'd have trouble naming more than just a few players in the NBA, MLB, and NHL. The only reason I know the NFL players is because of where they played college football.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-07-11T23:06:22-04:00

My prediction for the NFL season is that it will once again pale incomparison to College Football. War Eagle! Also, Go Cam!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:52 AM

2015-07-12T11:52:59-04:00

Can't argue you on point

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 10:50 AM

2015-07-24T10:50:57-04:00

PANTHERS hell yea!! I say they win 9-10 games this year if they stay healthy.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Jan 11 at 2020 11:41 AM

2020-01-11T11:41:55-05:00

2015? Gosh betting on the future? THAT FAR IN ADVANCE?