The good news is that Peyton Manning is of course elite. The even better news is that few, if any teams can replicate how Seattle plays defense. The pieces are in place for another Super Bowl run, proving that key areas are addressed between now and opening day. Read more »

There is plenty of talent at the skill positions but whether it’s coaching (yes) or miss-judged talent at other key positions such as OL, DL and in the secondary (also yes), something is preventing these Cowboys from winning a Division that has been there for the taking. What are realistic expectations for ’14? Read more »

The Browns begin 2014 with yet another new coach, as beleaguered owner Jimmy Haslam never gave Rob Chudzinski and his decent coordinators a chance. Cleveland is 26-70 the past six seasons. Can the new regime make the right moves and close the gap in the AFC North? Read more »

Andy Dalton is the field general of a Bengals team that is as deep as it’s ever been thanks to an incredible (for them) run of solid drafts. Almost no position is below the level of average and this team is young and still has upside. Read more »

Marc Trestman used his offensive expertise to transform the Bears into an above average unit, but the defense regressed due to a combination of injuries, coaching changes and key retirements. Read more »

The needs are fairly major for a team that just went 12-4! The Panthers have lost their entire receiver corps, two members of their o-line, as well as carrying over secondary issues. Read more »

The Bills were as raw as possible at QB and haven’t had time to fix years of issues in stopping the run. Team talent is hardly elite, but not all that different from lower level playoff types. Read more »

The Ravens failed to reach the playoffs one season after winning the Super Bowl as they were unable to replace the production of Anquan Boldin and the offense struggled. Read more »

Excuses, excuses. Atlanta lost Julio Jones early, but it was clear from the start that this was an incomplete team. “Experts” knew going in that Atlanta was not as good as their ’13 record showed, and Las Vegas agreed. Read more »

The Cardinals won 10 times in 2013 despite a below par OL, a QB who threw 22 interceptions and some pretty severe changes to the defensive secondary. Read more »