The Schmucks predict Super Bowl XLVIII

Photo from calvinayre.com

With Super Bowl XLVIII taking place Sunday night at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, it's time for the Schmucks to give their annual Super Bowl picks. Will they side with the top-ranked Denver offence or echo the sentiment that "defence wins championships" and pick Seattle? Check out the predictions below! (Alphabetical by last name)

Kieran Blair
The build up to this year's Super Bowl has focused largely on Denver's overwhelming offence versus Seattle's smothering defence. However, with an experienced quarterback at the helm, Denver will be able to win the battle of attrition between the number one offence and number one defence. The absence of Qwest Field's 12th man will render Seattle's defensc less intimidating, and will allow Peyton Manning to audibly bellow his countless renditions of "Omaha" throughout MetLife Stadium. Underdogs have won the last four Super Bowls; don't bet on Seattle to make it five.

Chris Lejambe
The biggest game of the year sees the league’s best offence in the Denver Broncos going head to head with the league’s best defence in the Seattle Seahawks. I can’t deny the fact that the Super Bowl victory goes to the best defences because we’ve seen that time and time again. On this day, I predict Denver’s offence, led by Peyton Manning, will prove to be more powerful. I felt that the Seattle defence looked vulnerable in the first half of their game against the 49ers and that if it had been Denver’s offence, the Seahawks would never have gotten back into the game. Add that to the lack of Seattle’s home crowd and the inexperience of Russell Wilson in the big game, I think this is Denver’s game to lose. Denver 24 Seattle 14

Sean McDermott
Defence wins championships. It's how my Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their first Super Bowl and it is how the Seattle Seahawks will win theirs. I believe it will be a tightly contested game that comes down to the last five minutes to decide who is the champ. Give me a 24-21 win by the Seahawks, with Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch as your MVP with 135 yards on the ground on two rushing touchdowns.

Mike Mitchell

Much like my championship winning Fantasy Football team (A Boy Named Suh, what up?) my Super Bowl prediction is all Denver. There's a reason that the Broncos sported the best offense in the NFL this season. Peyton Manning has been playing this season like a kid playing Madden, picking apart defenses seemingly at will and setting a number of records in the process. How many records, you say? Well, here goes: points, touchdowns, players with 10 or more touchdown, passing first downs, wins by an owner, games with 50+ points (they had 3!), points in second half, passing touchdowns, passing yards, longest field goal, extra points (75 for 75), most four-touchdown passing games, most two-touchdown passing games, most 400-yard passing games, most 90+ passer rating games.

Yeah. Seriously. Although most of those records are Manning-centric, the running game has really stepped it up as of late, making opponents pay for guarding those receivers a little bit too closely. Now, I understand that Seattle has the top ranked defense in the NFL this year, but are those stats skewed? Seattle has by far the loudest home stadium, which helps massively. The elements at home are also something the Seahawks can lean on, but neither of those things will be an advantage in New York this weekend. Cold, awful weather? Denver can play in that. Loud Super Bowl crowds? Manning has been there, done that. Ditto Wes Welker, his number one target. Russell Wilson is a great young player, yes, but does he possess the poise that his rival has? I don't think he does. His receivers leave much to be desired as well. If Denver's so-so defense can stifle Marshawn Lynch, this game will be over before it beings. All due respect to Richard Sherman, but Wes Welker, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas aren't Michael Crabtree. They're who Crabtree wishes he was, being thrown to by a quarterback who controls and calls the game so well. It'll be a stiff test for the Seattle D, and one that I don't think they'll pass. Remember what I said about Denver's running game? If Seattle focuses too much on the pass, that running game will burn them. Having the best kicker in the game in Matt Prater doesn't hurt the Broncos either.

The over under is a high one. With the weather, I don't know that I'd take the over. But make no mistake, Denver wins Super Bowl 48, capping off an amazing season for Manning and the Mile High club (the football club, not the fun one).

Mike Saratsiotis
Denver Broncos - 27
Seattle Seahawks - 17

Like many other predictions out there for the Super Bowl, it's hard to bet against Peyton Manning. When a QB is in the discussion of possibly the "greatest ever", you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe if he were up against a more experienced quarterback, like Drew Brees or Peyton's brother Eli, then it would be a closer game. Given added factors such as the cold weather conditions, intensity of the grand stage, and the confidence of a win against the Patriots, it seems like it's the Broncos' game to lose.

Brett Smith
It was an easy match-up to predict. The Broncos and the Seahawks were two of the three best teams in the NFL heading into the regular season. Before the season started, I picked the Broncos to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in MetLife. After a 16-game regular season and post-season run, I see no reason to change my pick. Granted, Seattle has a fantastic defence. Richard Sherman can make a receiver go away for an entire game. The problem is the amount of targets at the disposal of Peyton Manning. If Sherman takes away Demaryius Thomas, Manning still has Eric Decker, Wes Welker and Julius Thomas. As for Denver's defence, Marshawn Lynch will get his. However, Denver still has the ability to shut down a runner. The Broncos held Jamaal Charles to under 100 yards rushing in both meetings and held NFL rushing leader LeSean McCoy to 73 yards. For those reasons, Denver takes it. It'll be close. I'm guessing Denver 27, Seattle 24.

Josh Spadafora
My prediction for the beloved "Marijuana Bowl" goes as follows. Neither offence nor defence wins championships. I will side with Broncos for this Super Bowl based on experience. Peyton Manning versus Russell Wilson is your key match-up in my opinion. A legend versus a second year player who had some struggles with his offence throughout the season. My prediction lies within experience, and Denver has more of it in the needed positions.

There you have it. If was up the Schmucks the Denver Broncos will win Super Bowl XLVIII. Very surprising to see everyone except Sean pick the Broncos. The key theme throughout the selections was the experience of Peyton Manning compared the sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson. Will Sean prove everyone wrong?

What are your predictions for the Super Bowl? Leave them below in the comment section or hit us up on Twitter (@SportBySchmucks).

Buffalo Bills Owner Mode - Episode 6

The Buffalo Bills Owner Mode is back after a lengthy delay after a move to Saskatchewan. Continue the journey with Week 5's match-up against the Cleveland Browns, in primetime on Thursday night!

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The Run to the Playoffs: NFL Edition

Well folks, it's about 3/4 of the way through the NFL season. What better time than now to take a look at the Schmucks' preseason predictions and get a look at some thoughts for the upcoming run to the Super Bowl.

My biggest prediction from the off-season predictions and NFL preview podcast was that Mr. All Day himself Adrian Peterson would break the NFL's rushing record of 2,105 this season. As of this article with Week 13 coming up, he isn't even the league's leading rusher. So, count me off track on that one. I mostly blame the terrible quarterback play of the Vikings for this one. Whether it be Ponder, Freeman or Cassel, all of them have been terrible. Expect a high quarterback pick this May in the draft.

Another subject both Brett and I discussed actually came semi-true and that was the play of Robert Griffin III and how he would come back from his ACL injury. So far, he actually has played pretty well, but you can tell he is not the same quarterback that he was last year: jittery in the pocket and doubling the amount of turnovers this year from the same time last year. The lack of training camp in the off-season, and all his focus on rehabbing his knee are most likely the culprits for his slide. I expect a full off-season to fix what ails him and for him to bounce back next year.

Not to insult fellow writer Brett with a couple of dubious picks this year, but he is last in the fantasy football league that we are in and will have the SACKO coming his way this year. (Editor's note: I believe I said I would win the SACKO) And his pick of Eli Manning for league MVP was quite off to say the least. (Don't know what I was on when I picked that scenario.) Our choice of Jarvis Jones for defensive rookie of the year was off base as well, but the Steelers struggles have been quite surprising. Our picks for division winners this year have been hit and miss this year especially in the AFC South.

In the NFC East, our choices of the Giants for Brett (Giants are only two games back) and Redskins for me is completely off with the revamped teams of the division the Eagles and Cowboys in a dogfight for top dog in the division. I believe Nick Foles will lead the Eagles to win the division. In the NFC North, no would in their right mind would think the Lions would be on top this late into the season, but the injury to Aaron Rodgers and the terrible defensive play of the the Packers left that door open. The Lions will win the division in a tight race to the end with the Bears. The NFC South has been a topsy-turvy story with every team being a surprise in their own right. Both Brett and I picked the Saints to win the division, but I did not see the Panthers playing this well. I thought next year would be in their fight for the division lead. The weeks coming up will be a big factor in who wins the division with the Panthers and Saints facing off twice. I think the Saints will come out on top. My prediction of the Falcons being overrated came to fruition, and the Buccaneers were going to be boom or bust this year as I said. It looks like they went bust, but have been competitive none-the-less. The NFC West has been Seattles' play thing this year and if they win home field you might as well book them a trip to New York for the Super Bowl. The 49ers have been surprisingly flat so far, but seem to be coming around late in year. My pick for a surprise wild card team in Arizona has been playing extremely well.

The AFC East, West and North has gone to plan for our picks with the Patriots, Bengals, and Broncos on top of their divisions handily. The AFC South pick of the Houston Texans went quite terribly with their season being an absolute disaster, with quarterback Matt Schaub going belly up and more then likely forcing the Texans into a high quarterback pick in the u coming draft. The interesting fight in the AFC is for the wild card position, where pretty much every team but the Texans and Jaguars have a shot at the final playoff spot. The Dolphins and Ravens are at 6-6 records right now, with the Titans, Chargers, Steelers, and Jets breathing down their necks at 5-7. The Bills, Browns, and Raiders are still in the picture at 4-8, but any kind of run in the upcoming weeks can put them right there at the end.

This season has been chalk full of shocking stories like the Jonathan Martin bullying situation down in Miami. I know it is the NFL and teams demand their players to be bad-ass, tough son of a guns, but in the end of the day these men are still human and who likes to be threatened while going to work? I believe Richie Incognito's punishment so far to his reputation and suspension have been fitting to the crime. I do believe he will play again, but not with the Dolphins. I believe both players will be moved in the off-season to new teams for the fresh starts they need.

As I said, RG3's drama this year has even gone beyond the knee with even his father being to blame for his play in the locker room. Washington has just been a bad team this year and the season will be a growing pain year like the one that Kansas City faced last year. Expect a bounce back next year.

The Buccaneers have had embarrassing story after embarrassing story come out this year. If it wasn't three players on the team getting a severe staph infection called MRSA, it was the ridicule of head coach Greg Schiano and the calling for him to be fired. Or the release of quarterback Josh Freeman. This year clearly has not gone to plan for the Buccaneers, but they have been playing well enough to have a much better record then they currently have. Mike Glennon could contend for Rookie of the Year. I still expect changes in off-season to the coach and GM, and a big year next year.

The biggest story of the year has to be the Texans and Chiefs, one going from worst team last year to potential Super Bowl contender and the other going from Super Bowl contender to worst team in the league. Even worse than the Jaguars. Quite shocking what has happened in Houston. They will need a lot of help in the off-season to get back to division top dog. Kansas City has played so well on behalf of their quarterback not being incompetent, with fringe choice for MVP Alex Smith leading them to a 9-3 record so far this year, and their defence being one of the best in the league.

Now that we have recapped what has taken place so far this season, it is time for updated selections for MVP, Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, Rookies of the Year, and the Super Bowl champion of course!

We will start off with the Rookies of the Year on the defensive and offensive side. Our original picks for the Offensive Rookie of the Year was for EJ Manuel (Brett) and Tavon Austin (me). Manuel had a great start to the season, but injuries derailed his chance at the award. As much as Austin has picked it up later in the season, his beginning to his rookie year was terrible and he hasn't been able to recover from that. So with that, my updated pick for rookie of the year is Eddie Lacy from the Packers, who has single-handedly revived a stale and nearly dead rushing attack for the Packers. Also in consideration has been Mike Glennon from the Buccaneers who has turned the team around since taking over for Josh Freeman.

On the defensive side of the ball, the original picks for the Rookie of the Year for both Brett and I was Jarvis Jones of the Steelers. While Jones hasn't had the greatest first year, recording only one sack and 24 tackles up to the point of this article being written, it is another line backer taken in the 2nd round who has become the Sports By Schmucks defensive Rookie of the Year. Kiko Alonso from the Buffalo Bills has quietly become a force in the middle of the Bills' defence. The rangy former Oregon Duck has amassed 112 tackles up to this point, which is second in the league, along with four interceptions and two sacks. Another player to that caught my eye this year has been Sheldon Richardson from the Jets, who has been a disruptive force on the defensive line for the Rex Ryan Jets.

Both Brett and I had some interesting choices for who the Defensive Player of the Year could be. Brett chose Cam Wake and I chose Brian Orpako for the DPOY. Both are having solid years, but no one can touch this Seattle defender who has backed up his talk as one of the best to ever play the position. My choice for Defensive Player of the Year is Richard Sherman. While his stats aren't eye popping, that is for a reason: quarterbacks are just afraid to throw at him. He is the definition of shut down. With 29 tackles and 4 picks to this point, I don't expect him to put up to many more tackles or picks. But it's the fear he brings to quarterbacks that earns my respect and my player of the year choice. My other consideration for the award would be Robert Mathis from the Colts who is quietly having a great season in Indy, amassing 15.5 sacks so far this season to go along with a safety and five forced fumbles.

Our Offensive Player of the Year choice was Adrian Peterson. He was also my MVP choice. Brett's choice for MVP crazily enough (emphasis on crazy) was Eli Manning. But I believe it is the other Manning who will take home both awards. Peyton Manning has been having a whale of a season, with just over 4,100 yards passing, 41 touchdowns and only 9 picks all while leading his team to a 10-2 record. He more than deserves the choice as the Most Valuable Player in the NFL. Other players in consideration for each award is Calvin Johnson in Detroit and Adrian Peterson for the Vikings. Each are having incredible years, but will fall short in comparison to the year that Peyton is having.

Now, down to a topic we didn't hit on in the podcast or my season preview which is coach of the year. My choice for coach of the year is Ron Rivera in Carolina who has taken a team who last year had a 7-9 record, started out 0-2 this year, and is now 9-2 with nine straight impressive wins. Failing a late season collapse to the playoffs, he will win the award. Andy Reid in Kansas City also deserves major kudos for the job done there, but his roster was full of Pro Bowl talent. Bringing in quarterback Alex Smith maybe deserves more credit there for the turn around.

On to the final topic to look at and that is the eventually champ of the NFL. Brett and I originally had the match up set as the Denver Broncos vs the Seattle Seahawks for the Super Bowl. Nothing has changed from that original picking. We are just now more reinforced in our picks. Brett still has Peyton going on to win his 2nd Lombardi trophy, while I have Seattle winning it's first title ever bringing the trophy back to the 12th man in Seattle.

That is our look back and forward of the NFL's season so far. Keep an eye out for upcoming articles and podcasts from the guys at Sports by Schmucks, including a look at the MLB off-season at the big free agent signings so far and what's to come.

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Sports by Schmucks Podcast - 2013 NFL Season Preview (Episode 7)

The NFL season starts tonight. Why not sit back and take some time to listen to our preview podcast this afternoon while you wait for kickoff? Trust me, it's worth it. Sean and I discuss some great season stories before diving in to our predictions for the season.

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Buffalo Bills Owner Mode - Episode 2

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NFL Offseason Review: AFC

With the NFC division previews done, I turn my attention to the AFC. Life has got in the way of me doing a division by division break down, so I am going to take a look at the entire AFC, starting with the AFC East.

AFC EAST

Tom Brady (Photo from wbur.org)

In the AFC East, the New England Patriots are still the team to beat there. As long as Tom Brady is there, they will be the top dogs. The Pats have taken many clear hits this offseason: losing Rob Gronkowski to his forearm surgery, Brandon Lloyd/ Wes Welker to free agency, and Aaron Hernandez to his alleged murder rap. So, all of their young receivers they have brought in will have to step up. Luckily, their running game will be solid with Stevan Ridley carrying the load for them. Shane Vereen will be a capable backup. The defence for the defending AFC East champs should be much improved this year with the addition of Adrian Wilson to the secondary. It adds to the experience their younger players - like Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower - gained last year. 

EJ Manuel (Photo from thescore.com)

The Buffalo Bills made the big splash in the 2013 draft, trading back to pick 16 to select quarterback EJ Manuel to be the guy to lead them into the future. I think the pick was fantastic. He has a little bit of Cam Newton/Ben Rothlisberger in him and should be a solid quarterback in the long run. Losing guard Andy Levitre to the Titans was a big blow and the young Buffalo line might struggle this year. Running back CJ Spiller is a big time option at running back. This man should have defences losing sleep the night before they play the Bills. Selecting Robert Woods from USC in the draft should help give Manuel options in the pass game. The Bills are moving to a 3-4 under new coach Doug Marrone and the front 7 should be solid with Mario Williams moving back to line backer and Manny Lawson being brought in to rush the passer. Buffalo's secondary is one of the better ones in the league with safety Jarius Byrd back to anchor it. Look for Buffalo to be a legitimate threat to push for a wildcard spot but to fall short. (Editor's note: Jeff Tuel)

Mike Wallace (Photo from miamiherald.com)

The Miami Dolphins went out in the offseason and made huge free agent signings. While one of their big signings for the year - tight end Dustin Keller - has gone down for the season with a brutal knee injury, this team will be better and compete with Buffalo to challenge the Pats for the division crowd. Second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill should take a big jump this year in terms of production. I am a huge fan of his and the addition of Mike Wallace from Pittsburgh can only help him in the vertical passing game. Losing Jake Long to St. Louis will hurt the offensive line. Second year player Jonathan Martin will need to step up with Long gone. Reggie Bush is also gone, so Lamar Miller will be the bell-cow runner for the Dolphins. He is explosive, but I expect some inconsistencies from him this year. Surprise 3rd overall pick Dion Jordan will help make the pass rush off the Dolphins explosive. Expect him to help eat up blockers, allowing Cameron Wake to have massive numbers this year - close to 20 sack type numbers. The line backing core will be solid with Dannell Ellerbe coming over from the Ravens this offseason. The secondary is kind of sketchy, losing a lot of their starters from last year but will be ok with Brent Grimes as their main man. Expect a good season from the Dolphins, but I think next year will be the year they push for a playoff spot.

From left to right: Geno Smith and Mark Sanchez (Photo from turnonthejets.com)

What a mess taking place in New York, as the men in green are going to be very bad this year. Geno Smith or Mark Sanchez will struggle this season with no weapons in the passing game or the ground game to help them. Second year wide out Stephen Hill is the biggest weapon for this team, and he has been very inconsistent at the very best, and the running back situation is dire since all of their running backs going for the starting job should be back-ups. The defence - after losing Revis in the offseason - drafted his replacement in Dee Milliner. He may be a good replacement in time, but the drop off from Revis to Milliner will be quite noticeable. The defence should be the bread winners of the team and the only unit that will keep this team in games. Expect Jadeveon Clowney in the gang green next year, they could be the first overall pick. (Editor's note: Please don't let the Jets get Clowney)

AFC NORTH

Andy Dalton (Photo from hdnux.com)

In the AFC North I expect the Cincinnati Bengals to reign supreme over the division, largely coming back in tact from last years squad, but with some noticeable improvements on offence. With the drafting of tight end Tyler Eifert and the selection of running back Giovani Bernard on offence, it gives the Bengals plenty of options for the Red Rocket Andy Dalton to have at his disposal to go along with all world wide out AJ Green. The front 4 of the defensive line is probably the best in football, lead by stud Geno Atkins. Expect them to wreak havoc week in and week out. The line backing core is sound and lead by thumpers Vontaze Burfict and import from Pittsburgh James Harrison. The secondary is a solid unit as well. Keep an eye out for Leon Hall - vastly underrated and deserves more recognition than he currently gets.

Trent Richardson (Photo from thefantasyprofessor.com)

I think the surprise of the division will be the Cleveland Browns. Don't get me wrong. I don't see the playoffs this season for the Brownies, but they will get close to .500 ball this year. The offensive line for the Browns is one of the better ones in the league. They have a stud running back in Trent Richardson, who as long as he is healthy, should put up numbers close to what Doug Martin and Alfred Morris did last year. Brandon Weeden had a solid rookie season and should be much improved this year. Keep an eye out for Jordan Cameron this year at tight end; he is going to bust out. The defence all-around for the Browns is a solid unit lead by D'qwell Jackson, Joe Haden, and TJ Ward. With the addition of Paul Kruger from division-rival Baltimore,, look for the Browns to no longer be considered push-overs in this rough AFC North. 

Troy Polamalu (Photo from nflpassers.com)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are only going to go as far as their defence can carry them. On offence, they will be solid but unspectacular. They really need rookie Le'veon Bell to show up and really give them something out of the backfield for the black and yellow. Big Ben Roethlisberger doesn't have Mike Wallace or Heath Miller to throw to this season, so Matt Spaeth and the wide receivers will really have to step up. Look for recent draftee Markus Wheaton to be a big part off this offence from the slot position. Jarvis Jones will be a huge boost to this defence, giving them a lot out of the linebacking spot. Expect him to take incumbents Jason Worilds' spot away by Week 4. The secondary will absolutely need a healthy Troy Polamalu to step up and be the game changer that he can be. Ike Taylor is one of the better cornerbacks in this league.

Joe Flacco at Super Bowl XLVII (Photo from baltimoresun.com)

From first to ... well, not first. I don't expect a repeat run at the Super Bowl for the Baltimore Ravens. Not because I think they lost to much in the offseason, but because there is so much more competition out there this year. It will be fierce. Losing tight end Dennis Pitta right from the start of the season is going to hurt Joe Flacco as he only has a bunch of unproven weapons at which to throw. Receiver Torrie Smith will really have to step up. Ray Rice will have to be used better this season than what he was at the beginning of last season when he was almost an after thought. Losing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed is going to hurt no matter what, but replacements Elvis Dumervil and Michael Huff will be a good start to replacing those legends.

AFC WEST

Peyton Manning (Photo from nydailynews.com)

In the AFC West, this division is the Denver Broncos to lose. With Peyton Manning at the head of the team, expect a deep playoff run - possibly even a Super Bowl birth in the card for the Broncos. The offence for the Broncos is a Top-3 offence in this league, with Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, and Eric Decker as all of the weapons on the outside for Peyton for which to throw. The offensive line is solid and the recent drafting of Monte Ball at running back gives even more weapons to an offence that is not lacking at all. The defence is going to sorely miss Elvis Dumervil, and losing Von Miller to suspension for the first 6 games of the season will absolutely hurt, but the offence should be good enough to cover up for 6 weeks until he gets back. As long as the secondary doesn't give up a 60 yard pass play in the playoffs again to lose at the last minute, the Broncos should be the team to beat here.

Jamaal Charles (Photo from thenewstribe.com)

From worst team overall to potential wild card contender, the Kansas City Chiefs boast a ton of Pro-Bowlers and a new starting quarterback, which should help lead the Chiefs back to the playoffs. New quarterback Alex Smith was quite possibly the best quarterback in the league last year up until he was hurt. Playing behind this offensive line in Kansas City with recent first overall pick Eric Fisher at right tackle, he might never be touched. That is good news for Jamaal Charles. He might be a legitimate threat to break 2000 yards if he is given the ball enough. Dwayne Bowe could have used another solid wide out option on the other side of him, but picking up tight ends Anthony Fasano and drafting Travis Kelce should help ease the pressure on him. On defence, the team is loaded with Pro-Bowlers. If tackle Dontari Poe can take the next step in evolving, this defence will be scary once again.

Mike McCoy (Photo from cbssports.com)

New coach Mike McCoy is in town in San Diego, but can he turn Phillip Rivers back into the quarterback he was 3 years ago? The offence for the Chargers has so many questions. Can Antonio Gates come back healthy? Will the offensive line stop letting Rivers get hit constantly? Can Ryan Mathews finally break out and become the running back the Chargers expected him to be.? My answers are: yes, Gates will be healthy and effective this year; no, the line will not protect Rivers; and Mathews will be out of a job next season after not showing anything again this year. Poor Rivers; he deserves better. The wide outs for him are just average at best as well. The defence shouldn't be too bad this year with the additions of Dwight Freeney at line backer and Manti Te'o. Eric Weddle is one of the best safeties in the league that very few credit with such, and Corey Liuget is a solid all around linemen for the Super Chargers. Expect another higher end draft pick for the Chargers.

Darren McFadden (Photo from fanduel.com)

The Oakland Raiders are rebuilding plain and simple. The offence has very few weapons outside of Denarius Moore and the always injured Darren McFadden. The quarterback position is a mess with neither Matt Flynn or Terrelle Pryor impressing anyone. I expect Pryor will start most of the year just so the Raiders can see what they have in him. Expect Teddy Bridgewater to Oakland in the draft. The defence does have some talent especially in the back end with Charles Woodson making his return to the black and silver. First round pick DJ Hayden will be a stud.

AFC SOUTH

Arian Foster (Photo from fatbeardsports.com)

The Houston Texans will be the team to beat in the AFC South. The team is very deep at almost every spot with an above average league starter. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins on the other side of the field from All-Pro Andre Johnson should help open up the offence even more for quarterback Matt Schaub. Ben Tate back and healthy this year should help Arian Foster keep fresher and healthier into the playoffs. Brian Cushing's return to the line-up at line backer for the Texans will bring a big boost with his play-making abilities. Oh yeah, and they signed a future Hall of Famer to captain their secondary in Ed Reed. If he can get healthy and to his regular level of play, this defence will be fearsome.

Andrew Luck (Photo from helmet2helmet.com)

Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts will be in a dog fight all year for one of the two Wild Card spots. The Colts will need one of Vick Ballard or Ahmad Bradshaw to step up in the back field and be the guy for the Colts AND be a thousand yard rusher for the team. The receivers for the Colts are solid with Reggie Wayne and Darrius Heyward-Bey. Keep an eye out for TY Hilton and the tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener. They should be better in Year 2 with Andrew Luck. The defence of the Colts is still a bit shaky being in the 3-4 set up they have. The Colts will need to rely on Robert Mathis to create pressure on the quarterback as he is really the Colts main pass rusher.

Chris Johnson (Photo from nashvillecitypaper.com)

The Tennessee Titans are still building up for a run at a playoff spot next year. They are a couple of big weapons away from being a legit playoff threat. The big thing for the Titans is the growth of Jake Locker. He is going to need to step up and stop turning the ball over and even just be a game manager because of the running game they have. Chris Johnson is always a threat to top 2000 yards, especially with the offensive line being upgraded at the guard position with the addition of Andy Levitre from Buffalo and Chance Warmack in the draft. Kenny Britt will have to stay healthy this year for Jake Locker to make any strides in his career. The loss of Jared Cook Jr to St. Louis will hurt. The Titans have a really solid underrated defence. Middle line backer Colin McCarthy is a tackling machine, and the corners are solid and underrated.

Blaine Gabbert (Photo from nfl.si.com)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still going to continue to be one of the not-so-great teams in the league. They do have some solid parts of the puzzle, but they are at least 2 drafts away from any thing close to a playoff team. Maurice Jones-Drew is this offence and there is no understating that. Blaine Gabbert will have to step up this year, or he will be out of a job at the end of it. Losing Justin Blackmon to suspension to start the year is really going to hurt, but Cecil Short is a potential break-out star if he had a solid quarterback throwing to him. On the plus side, the Jaguars' offensive tackle duo is one of the best in the league with Luke Joeckel and Eugene Monroe. The Jags' defence has potential but their secondary is terrible; seecond round pick John Cyprien is the lone bright spot back there. Jason Babin can be a solid player still and keep an eye out for Tyson Alualu. (Editor's note: At least they have some spiffy new uniforms. Oh, wait...)

So that is it with my brief look at the AFC. Stay tuned for the Sports By Schmucks NFL Season Preview Podcast with our predictions for MVP, Rookies of the Year, Conference Winners, and the Super Bowl champion.

Follow us on Twitter at @SportBySchmucks for new posts on the website, live tweeting of events, and overall fun. If you don't follow, you won't know which game we'll be tweeting. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest podcasts and sports gaming videos.