We are at the halfway point of the NSFL 2015 season, the SGO analysts refresh their predictions for individual awards, the playoff race, and Super Bowl predictions.
AFC EAST
The Buffalo Bills look to hold sitting atop of the AFC East at 5-2 led by CJ Spiller and their rushing attack. While the New York Jets are right behind them. The Jets are 4-3 with their young defense allowing the fewest yards this season, by any team, led by Muhammad Wilkerson with his 6 sacks. This division is looking like it will come down to those final games, however, the two meet again in week 9, where the Jets seek revenge after a heartbreaking loss to the Bills in week 2, 17-10.
Predicted Division Winner: Buffalo Bills
AFC WEST
This is the toughest division by far this season with the biggest surprise being the San Diego Chargers at 7-1 this season. After a forgettable year last year the Chargers look to sit on top of the hill fighting off the beasts of Kansas City led by their very own RB Jamal Charles and Denver’s high powered offense both at 5-2. Let’s not forget about last season’s biggest surprise, the Oakland Raiders who made the playoffs last season who sit at a mediocre 3-4.
Predicted Division Winner: Too early for this analyst to lay down his reputation, complete toss up!
AFC SOUTH
A confident Indianapolis Colts team that seems to walk into the playoffs every season has competition this season in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both have 5-2 records, looking to come away with another win this week to prove they deserve to be on top. Colts linebacker Robert Mathis has 7 sacks on the season showing us time and time again what the veteran can do. Mathis led the league in sacks last year at this time, seems like he hasn’t let the defense skip a beat. The Jaguars are led by their running back Jonathan Stewart, this will be his second season with the team, who was acquired last season via trade—which seems to be working out quite nicely. Stewart has 633 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Predicted Division Winner: Indianapolis Colts
AFC NORTH
Last Year’s Super Bowl Champs, Cleveland Browns, are off to an average start with their 5-3 record, however, the rest of the division has not taken advantage, the next best record belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers at 3-5, who just can’t seem to find anything that works for them offensively. The Steelers defense is the only reason why they are still in the race led by their longtime veteran, Troy Polamalu, who has 3 interceptions this season.
Predicted Division Winner: Cleveland Browns
NFC EAST
The Washington Redskins are the only undefeated team at this point in the season at 8-0, showing no signs in stopping now. Their offense is led by a ‘new’ RGIII this season, leading the league in passing touchdowns with a whopping 21 and only second in passing yards to Derek Carr. But don’t count them Cowboys out just yet! Dallas has a strong record at 6-2 led by Demarco Murray who is third in rushing this season. Look for Dallas to still make the playoffs if they don’t win the division.
Predicted Division Winner: Washington Redskins
NFC WEST
Another unpredictable division this season is the the NFC WEST. With the Cardinals barely leading the division with a 5-2 record and the Rams and 49ers right behind at 5-3 who knows who will win this division. After last season’s disappointing season, the Seahawks are off to another bad start, and are looking for a new head coach. The key player to watch in this division is rookie QB Ono Neal, although he throws a lot of unnecessary throws, look for the Rams to follow his lead straight into the playoffs.
Predicted Division Winner: St. Louis Rams
NFC SOUTH
The Buccaneers hold the division, but not convincingly, look for the Saints and Panthers to start taking over. The Panthers are on a 4 game win streak after starting off 0-3, lets see how long this run lasts. This division is quite possibly the most unpredictable division, showing only signs of hope every other week, perhaps Carolina’s new consistency will benefit them. However, the key player to watch in this division still belongs to Tampa Bay’s Buccaneers who leads with 967 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Predicted Division Winner: New Orleans Saints
NFC NORTH
The Minnesota Vikings control this division at 5-2, their strongest attribute is that they perform as a unit, and how fitting for the key player to watch in this division be the Viking’s rookie OLB, Dominik Daniels, who has 4 sacks and 4 interceptions this season, just flying all over the field this season. But look for the Packers to turn it around soon and make a strong push towards the playoffs for they have all the pieces to be Super Bowl contenders even at 3-5. Eddie Lacy who has 734 yards and 9 touchdowns hasn’t let his team quit just yet even with Aaron Rodgers horrible start.
Predicted Division Winner: Minnesota Vikings
NSFL MVP RACE
- Robert Griffin III —QBR: 119.4 Passing Yards: 1,940 TDs: 21
- Monte Ball—Att: 155 Rushing Yards:843 TDs: 15
- Doug Martin—Att: 139 Rushing Yards:967 TDs: 9
- Adrian Peterson—Att: 160 Rushing Yards:738 TDs: 10
- Demarco Murray—Att: 149 Rushing Yards:750 TDs: 10
Playoff Predictions
AFC
- San Diego Chargers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Buffalo Bills
- Cleveland Browns
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
NFC
- Washington Redskins
- St. Louis Rams
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Dallas Cowboys
- Arizona Cardinals