Post by Cincinnati Bengals (Chris) on Aug 21, 2016 18:45:54 GMT -5
NFC WEST
This week we take on the NFC West, the division that produced a 10-game winner (SEA) a year ago and three bottom-20 teams. In 2014, the Cards and Hawks were locked in to a division battle for the ages, with Arizona coming out on top and Seattle getting revenge in the playoffs. Cecil advanced as far as the Super Bowl that year, but once again came up short. This year, he’ll be looking to crest that hill (or should we say Agro Crag given his previous ventures to that stage) while the rest of the division will be looking to play catch up, in varying degrees. Can Arizona get back in the conversation for a division crown? Or can Mett’s brother, Trey, get involved in the playoff conversation? Whatever the case, the West promises to be a more competitive division in 2016. Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Arizona Cardinals (Mett)
OFF: 72.32 (53.46 LY)
DEF: 48.88 (48.36 LY)
K: 9.25 (6.25 LY)
TOTAL: 130.45 18th (108.07 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Andy Dalton, Adrian Peterson, Travis Benjamin, Golden Tate, Rashad Jennings, Jermaine Kearse
Defensive Impact Players: Robert Quinn, Trumaine Johnson
Last year’s finish and recap- 20th: Mett’s Cardinals took a big step back last year, falling from a 10-win season and a third place finish to a 5-win year. It wasn’t until Week 4 that the Cards got off the schneid with a walloping of Washington, and then proceeded to get back to .500 by Week 6 and within a game of the division lead. From there, Arizona dropped 3 of the next 4, failing to hit the 100-point threshold over that span (including a 48-point stinker in Week 7). Mett concluded the regular season with another win over a feckless San Francisco and a loss to Seattle. There was some measure of solace, however, as Arizona was champion of the loser’s bracket.
Outlook: Mett has improved his roster slightly since the end of last year, adding Robert Quinn and a cadre of low-ceiling role players to fill out his roster. But given his limited draft assets in the off-season, it’s hard to see how he could have added much more. The offense projects as one of the best in the league if the starters meet their projections, especially if Ryan Griffin exceeds his. But, bench depth is sparse on O, so Mett is truly counting on pristine health from the starting unit. Defensively, there are many average options, but very few above average ones (at least from last year’s production and/or this year’s Fantrax projections), which is why the Cards are currently projected as a bottom third defense. Similar depth issues exist on the defensive side, however, if the offense can hold up their end of the deal, Mett should be in, and able to win most games.
X-factor: Depth. Granted some of the holes can be patched rather easily, but others may need more of a commitment. If they are handled, Mett probably has enough to seriously contend for a playoff bid.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Los Angeles Rams (Trey)
OFF: 60.5 (59.73 LY)
DEF: 58.96 (56.6 LY)
K: 8.56 (7.25 LY)
TOTAL: 128.02 21st (123.58 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Joe Flacco, Amari Cooper, Willie Snead, Charles Sims, Charcandrick West, Zach Miller
Defensive Impact Players: C.J. Mosley, Mike Adams, Chris Baker, Ronald Darby
Last year’s finish and recap- 27th: In his first full season in the league, Trey struggled, at least in win-loss column, inheriting an uneven roster. The Rams began the year 0-4 before creeping out of the cellar for a huge win over the Eagles in Week 5. After two more losses, the Rams came to life again, throttling Indy by 70+ points. After a valiant effort against league-champion Jacksonville in Week 9, Trey returned to the win column in a big way, beating his younger brother and GM of the Arizona Cardinals, Mett, by nearly 30 points. But alas, his undoing by Seattle in Week 11 assured that he’d finish third in the division, even with his doubling-up of the 49ers in Week 12 in one of last year’s most underwhelming games.
Outlook: All-around, this looks to be a much improved Rams team. The return of a healthy Joe Flacco will do as much as anything for Trey, and projected growth from Amari Cooper (also said to be healthier) and Charles Sims (in a more explosive Bucs’ offense) and heightened roles for Mike Wallace, Zach Miller, Charcandrick West and Quinton Patton should more than make up for the losses of Martellus Bennett and Willie Snead, and raise the profile of this offensive unit significantly. Defensively, it’s been a mixed bag. The losses of Olivier Vernon and Robert Quinn lower the ceiling of the defensive line, though solid options remain. Additionally, the removal of Brandon Marshall and several others from the equation would hurt if not for the additions of C.J. Mosley and Byron Maxwell. Overall, it’s an improved unit and Trey has greatly improved his team.
X-factor: Quarterback/Linebacker play. As of now, Los Angeles is strong in every other area, but with Flacco, ever an injury threat and not a strong fantasy performer, and a somewhat depleted LB corps beyond Mosley, one of these positions probably has to produce for the Rams to make a playoff run. But, if any team is able to usurp the order that I have predicted to this point, I would bet on L.A. The distance between second and third is much closer in this division than most.
Projected division finish: 3rd
San Francisco 49ers (Darryl)
OFF: 50.47 (36.16 LY)
DEF: 54.19 (33.99 LY)
K: 8.38 (5.75 LY)
TOTAL: 113.04 28th (75.9 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Eli Manning, Frank Gore
Defensive Impact Players: Bashaud Breeland, Landon Collins
Last year’s finish and recap- 32nd: It was an ugly and messy season for Norman’s Niners, as the former GM spaced for big parts of the 2015 (and 2014 if we’re being honest) seasons. Of course, knowing Norman from another league, I know that at least some of this is related to his job in the Navy, which will force him to play his 2016 in the other league I’m in with him overseas (less than ideal). San Fran dropped their first five games in 2015, only scoring over 100 points once during that span, and only topping 90 twice. But in Week 6, the Niners just topped the 100-point mark and the eventual league-champion Jacksonville Jaguars in the process. From there, the 49ers went on to lose the final 6 games, never reaching the 90-point mark again and only once reaching 80. Again, it was ugly, and Norm rightfully stepped away to give someone else a chance.
Outlook: The 49ers enter the season with a fresh slate. For one, there’s a new Sherriff in town: Darryl. And two, the roster is almost unrecognizable from the team that limped to the finish last year. Gone are Colin Kaepernick, Brock Osweiler, LeGarrette Blount and Nelson Agholor (along with several other no names). Coming to the aid are a host of others, including Eli Manning, Kenny Britt, Clinton McDonald, Jacquies Smith, Landon Collins and at present, seven unsigned rookies, who are at risk of going unsigned. The lack of clarity with that group, even with the unlikelihood that many will be contributors this year, makes it hard to project what this team is capable of. But certainly, the 49ers are once again looking at a low finish, both in the division and in the league, though with added reinforcements, it could be closer to the 4-8 season the Garnett and Gold experienced in 2014 as opposed to their 1-11 record in 2015.
X-factor: Growth. In no way is San Francisco a contender in 2016 as presently constructed, but, it’s entirely possible that it can be a building year for something greater in 2017 and beyond. Granted, the pieces might be enough for Darryl to compete for a Wild Card spot should he go out and acquire a plethora of average or better LB, but again, I don’t know that that would be prudent. So, yeah, growth.
Projected division finish: 4th
Seattle Seahawks (Cecil)
OFF: 90.03 (77.47 LY)
DEF: 69.61 (74.83 LY)
K: 10.44 (5.75 LY)
TOTAL: 170.08 2nd (158.05 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Julio Jones, Todd Gurley, Mike Evans, Doug Baldwin, Thomas Rawls, Travis Kelce, Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi
Defensive Impact Players: Karlos Dansby, Ryan Shazier, Clayton Geathers, Reggie Nelson, Ron Parker, Deion Jones, Darron Lee
Last year’s finish and recap- 5th: In what was a strange season for the perennial contender (or should I say Super Bowl runner up), Cecil suffered from QB issues, injuries, and several projected impact players (ahem, Josh Hill) failing to step up. But despite that, Cecil’s Seahawks managed to put up 10 wins, a 1-win improvement over 2014, and spent nine weeks in the top-3 in scoring, another week in the top-5 and two more weeks just barely missing the top-5 at 6 and 7. Seattle was the most consistent scoring team by far. The Seahawks opened the year by winning their first three games in rousing fashion (including a win in a rematch of the 2014 Super Bowl against Garrett’s Steelers), opposite what the rest of the division was doing, allowing the Seahawks to jump out to a 3-game lead. But the Eagles stomped the Hawks in Week 4, ending the rollicking success to begin the year. After getting back in the win column by demolishing the Giants in Week 5, Cecil fell to Erik and the Texans in Week 6, and coupled with three-consecutive Arizona wins, Seattle’s division lead dwindled to one game. Ultimately, Seattle locked up the division in Week 10 and finished up 10-2 with a 6-game winning streak. But despite an opening round doubling up of Chicago, once again, the Eagles would be their undoing and end the Seahawks’ season unceremoniously in the second round.
Outlook: Just like San Francisco, Cecil has a ton of work to do before the season starts in making spots for/signing/moving rookies, but unlike in Darryl’s case, all of the top rooks but Ragland (due to injury) look to have an early season role. As of now, the offense looks stacked. It’s the defense where there are some question marks. However, if Cecil signs rookie LBs Darron Lee and Deion Jones (or their equivalent on the trade market), we’re once again talking about the possibility of a top-5 team. But for the second consecutive year, it must be asked, is Cecil counting too much on unproven rookies for depth? It’s hard to know until we get into the thick of it, but at some point, that gamble might not pay off.
X-factor: QB play. Cecil had a roster that could have done much more with better than just competent QB play a year ago. Much of the important parts of that roster will return, and some are upgraded (either by FA, Trade, Drafts or simply an extra year of experience). So the bones are once again in place. If the brains/skull performs well enough, it could be a banner year for Seattle. If not, heads will roll.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the fifth of our divisional previews later this week.
This week we take on the NFC West, the division that produced a 10-game winner (SEA) a year ago and three bottom-20 teams. In 2014, the Cards and Hawks were locked in to a division battle for the ages, with Arizona coming out on top and Seattle getting revenge in the playoffs. Cecil advanced as far as the Super Bowl that year, but once again came up short. This year, he’ll be looking to crest that hill (or should we say Agro Crag given his previous ventures to that stage) while the rest of the division will be looking to play catch up, in varying degrees. Can Arizona get back in the conversation for a division crown? Or can Mett’s brother, Trey, get involved in the playoff conversation? Whatever the case, the West promises to be a more competitive division in 2016. Let me know what you think about my projections and post you own comments. Also, DON’T FORGET to vote in the poll, as that’s the whole point.
Arizona Cardinals (Mett)
OFF: 72.32 (53.46 LY)
DEF: 48.88 (48.36 LY)
K: 9.25 (6.25 LY)
TOTAL: 130.45 18th (108.07 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Andy Dalton, Adrian Peterson, Travis Benjamin, Golden Tate, Rashad Jennings, Jermaine Kearse
Defensive Impact Players: Robert Quinn, Trumaine Johnson
Last year’s finish and recap- 20th: Mett’s Cardinals took a big step back last year, falling from a 10-win season and a third place finish to a 5-win year. It wasn’t until Week 4 that the Cards got off the schneid with a walloping of Washington, and then proceeded to get back to .500 by Week 6 and within a game of the division lead. From there, Arizona dropped 3 of the next 4, failing to hit the 100-point threshold over that span (including a 48-point stinker in Week 7). Mett concluded the regular season with another win over a feckless San Francisco and a loss to Seattle. There was some measure of solace, however, as Arizona was champion of the loser’s bracket.
Outlook: Mett has improved his roster slightly since the end of last year, adding Robert Quinn and a cadre of low-ceiling role players to fill out his roster. But given his limited draft assets in the off-season, it’s hard to see how he could have added much more. The offense projects as one of the best in the league if the starters meet their projections, especially if Ryan Griffin exceeds his. But, bench depth is sparse on O, so Mett is truly counting on pristine health from the starting unit. Defensively, there are many average options, but very few above average ones (at least from last year’s production and/or this year’s Fantrax projections), which is why the Cards are currently projected as a bottom third defense. Similar depth issues exist on the defensive side, however, if the offense can hold up their end of the deal, Mett should be in, and able to win most games.
X-factor: Depth. Granted some of the holes can be patched rather easily, but others may need more of a commitment. If they are handled, Mett probably has enough to seriously contend for a playoff bid.
Projected division finish: 2nd
Los Angeles Rams (Trey)
OFF: 60.5 (59.73 LY)
DEF: 58.96 (56.6 LY)
K: 8.56 (7.25 LY)
TOTAL: 128.02 21st (123.58 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Joe Flacco, Amari Cooper, Willie Snead, Charles Sims, Charcandrick West, Zach Miller
Defensive Impact Players: C.J. Mosley, Mike Adams, Chris Baker, Ronald Darby
Last year’s finish and recap- 27th: In his first full season in the league, Trey struggled, at least in win-loss column, inheriting an uneven roster. The Rams began the year 0-4 before creeping out of the cellar for a huge win over the Eagles in Week 5. After two more losses, the Rams came to life again, throttling Indy by 70+ points. After a valiant effort against league-champion Jacksonville in Week 9, Trey returned to the win column in a big way, beating his younger brother and GM of the Arizona Cardinals, Mett, by nearly 30 points. But alas, his undoing by Seattle in Week 11 assured that he’d finish third in the division, even with his doubling-up of the 49ers in Week 12 in one of last year’s most underwhelming games.
Outlook: All-around, this looks to be a much improved Rams team. The return of a healthy Joe Flacco will do as much as anything for Trey, and projected growth from Amari Cooper (also said to be healthier) and Charles Sims (in a more explosive Bucs’ offense) and heightened roles for Mike Wallace, Zach Miller, Charcandrick West and Quinton Patton should more than make up for the losses of Martellus Bennett and Willie Snead, and raise the profile of this offensive unit significantly. Defensively, it’s been a mixed bag. The losses of Olivier Vernon and Robert Quinn lower the ceiling of the defensive line, though solid options remain. Additionally, the removal of Brandon Marshall and several others from the equation would hurt if not for the additions of C.J. Mosley and Byron Maxwell. Overall, it’s an improved unit and Trey has greatly improved his team.
X-factor: Quarterback/Linebacker play. As of now, Los Angeles is strong in every other area, but with Flacco, ever an injury threat and not a strong fantasy performer, and a somewhat depleted LB corps beyond Mosley, one of these positions probably has to produce for the Rams to make a playoff run. But, if any team is able to usurp the order that I have predicted to this point, I would bet on L.A. The distance between second and third is much closer in this division than most.
Projected division finish: 3rd
San Francisco 49ers (Darryl)
OFF: 50.47 (36.16 LY)
DEF: 54.19 (33.99 LY)
K: 8.38 (5.75 LY)
TOTAL: 113.04 28th (75.9 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Eli Manning, Frank Gore
Defensive Impact Players: Bashaud Breeland, Landon Collins
Last year’s finish and recap- 32nd: It was an ugly and messy season for Norman’s Niners, as the former GM spaced for big parts of the 2015 (and 2014 if we’re being honest) seasons. Of course, knowing Norman from another league, I know that at least some of this is related to his job in the Navy, which will force him to play his 2016 in the other league I’m in with him overseas (less than ideal). San Fran dropped their first five games in 2015, only scoring over 100 points once during that span, and only topping 90 twice. But in Week 6, the Niners just topped the 100-point mark and the eventual league-champion Jacksonville Jaguars in the process. From there, the 49ers went on to lose the final 6 games, never reaching the 90-point mark again and only once reaching 80. Again, it was ugly, and Norm rightfully stepped away to give someone else a chance.
Outlook: The 49ers enter the season with a fresh slate. For one, there’s a new Sherriff in town: Darryl. And two, the roster is almost unrecognizable from the team that limped to the finish last year. Gone are Colin Kaepernick, Brock Osweiler, LeGarrette Blount and Nelson Agholor (along with several other no names). Coming to the aid are a host of others, including Eli Manning, Kenny Britt, Clinton McDonald, Jacquies Smith, Landon Collins and at present, seven unsigned rookies, who are at risk of going unsigned. The lack of clarity with that group, even with the unlikelihood that many will be contributors this year, makes it hard to project what this team is capable of. But certainly, the 49ers are once again looking at a low finish, both in the division and in the league, though with added reinforcements, it could be closer to the 4-8 season the Garnett and Gold experienced in 2014 as opposed to their 1-11 record in 2015.
X-factor: Growth. In no way is San Francisco a contender in 2016 as presently constructed, but, it’s entirely possible that it can be a building year for something greater in 2017 and beyond. Granted, the pieces might be enough for Darryl to compete for a Wild Card spot should he go out and acquire a plethora of average or better LB, but again, I don’t know that that would be prudent. So, yeah, growth.
Projected division finish: 4th
Seattle Seahawks (Cecil)
OFF: 90.03 (77.47 LY)
DEF: 69.61 (74.83 LY)
K: 10.44 (5.75 LY)
TOTAL: 170.08 2nd (158.05 LY)
Offensive Impact Players: Julio Jones, Todd Gurley, Mike Evans, Doug Baldwin, Thomas Rawls, Travis Kelce, Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi
Defensive Impact Players: Karlos Dansby, Ryan Shazier, Clayton Geathers, Reggie Nelson, Ron Parker, Deion Jones, Darron Lee
Last year’s finish and recap- 5th: In what was a strange season for the perennial contender (or should I say Super Bowl runner up), Cecil suffered from QB issues, injuries, and several projected impact players (ahem, Josh Hill) failing to step up. But despite that, Cecil’s Seahawks managed to put up 10 wins, a 1-win improvement over 2014, and spent nine weeks in the top-3 in scoring, another week in the top-5 and two more weeks just barely missing the top-5 at 6 and 7. Seattle was the most consistent scoring team by far. The Seahawks opened the year by winning their first three games in rousing fashion (including a win in a rematch of the 2014 Super Bowl against Garrett’s Steelers), opposite what the rest of the division was doing, allowing the Seahawks to jump out to a 3-game lead. But the Eagles stomped the Hawks in Week 4, ending the rollicking success to begin the year. After getting back in the win column by demolishing the Giants in Week 5, Cecil fell to Erik and the Texans in Week 6, and coupled with three-consecutive Arizona wins, Seattle’s division lead dwindled to one game. Ultimately, Seattle locked up the division in Week 10 and finished up 10-2 with a 6-game winning streak. But despite an opening round doubling up of Chicago, once again, the Eagles would be their undoing and end the Seahawks’ season unceremoniously in the second round.
Outlook: Just like San Francisco, Cecil has a ton of work to do before the season starts in making spots for/signing/moving rookies, but unlike in Darryl’s case, all of the top rooks but Ragland (due to injury) look to have an early season role. As of now, the offense looks stacked. It’s the defense where there are some question marks. However, if Cecil signs rookie LBs Darron Lee and Deion Jones (or their equivalent on the trade market), we’re once again talking about the possibility of a top-5 team. But for the second consecutive year, it must be asked, is Cecil counting too much on unproven rookies for depth? It’s hard to know until we get into the thick of it, but at some point, that gamble might not pay off.
X-factor: QB play. Cecil had a roster that could have done much more with better than just competent QB play a year ago. Much of the important parts of that roster will return, and some are upgraded (either by FA, Trade, Drafts or simply an extra year of experience). So the bones are once again in place. If the brains/skull performs well enough, it could be a banner year for Seattle. If not, heads will roll.
Projected division finish: 1st
Remember to watch out for the fifth of our divisional previews later this week.