Tap's Thursday Night Picks

NFL 

Kansas City (2-0) at Philadelphia (1-1) 7:25 pm NFL Network - The first time playing against a former coach is always a little bit strange especially when the coach had been there for a long time with the team. For the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans, they will see Andy Reid in a new color coaching from the opposite sidelines as Kansas City takes on Philadelphia in a great Thursday night matchup.

As a Packer fan, I only have dealt with this with one coach, Mike Holmgren. Things did not end on great terms with him as some people felt Holmgren was a foot out the door in 1998 when the Pack fell to San Francisco. In 1999, the schedule gods blessed them with a Seattle-Green Bay matchup in Holmgren's first year. This became a Monday Night Football game only to see the Packers lose by 20 at home with their new coach, Ray Rhodes.  Although the Packers got the last laugh with winning five of the last six games against Holmgren including two playoff wins. 

Kansas City and Philadelphia will not be meeting very often unless they will face off in multiple Super Bowls against each other. The game itself should be a fun one. Alex Smith looks good thus far in the Reid system, and I know he will try to drive his point across with him tonight. The Chiefs defense gets slept on. They did last year even as a 2-14 squad and it will be fascinating to watch Tamba Hali, Justin Houston and others against Chip Kelly's system. The same cannot be said for the Philly defense. They look troublesome right now and I cannot ride with Kelly's bunch until the defense can improve. Reid like his old coach Holmgren wins his homecoming. Kansas City 35-27 

College Football 

3. Clemson at NC State 6:30 pm ESPN - The Tigers play their first real competition since their first game against Georgia. Once again, it is on the road, but I have no seen anything from the Wolfpack to make me think they can beat Tajh Boyd and the boys.  Clemson will roll. CLEM 45-20  

Charlie. 

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NFL Picks Week 2: Where .500 Sounds Great

Usually, I would have something about a topic going in the NFL world, but I am pressed on time as I have to get out of here soon. Thanks for reading all of our content this morning. Six posts before noon is a record I think for me.   

St. Louis (1-0) at Atlanta (0-1) (-7) 12:00 pm FOX - An old NFC West matchup when both of these teams were struggling and the days of Chris Chandler and Jim Everett slinging the football around. No way the Falcons lose their home opener. Matt Ryan and the boys roll big time. ATL 30-14

Carolina (0-1) (-3) at Buffalo (0-1)  12:00 pm FOX - This is a tough one. I feel like Carolina should not be getting points on the road yet I think the Buffalo hype is overblown a bit. Cam v. E.J. should be a blast, both teams have great front-sevens but I will go with the Bills rushing attack being the difference. BUFF 20-17

Minnesota (0-1) at Chicago (1-0) (-6) 12:00 pm FOX - I told you the Bears scare me a bit this season and I feel like last week confirmed some of my worries. I also said the Vikings would regress greatly this year. Big day for the Bears defense and Jay Cutler makes it rain a couple times out there.  CHI 27-16

Washington (0-1) at Green Bay (0-1) (-8) 12:00 pm FOX - See our Packer preview which includes a Packer playlist to get you ready for the game.

Miami (1-0) at Indianapolis (1-0) (-3) 12:00 pm CBS - Tale of two teams here. Miami looked really good against Cleveland on the road with a defense forcing turnovers and holding them to 10 points. While the Colts barely beat Oakland at home.  The difference in this one will be Cameron Wake and the Phins front line against a weaker than talked about Colts offensive line. MIA 24-19  

Dallas (1-0) at Kansas City (1-0) (-3) 12:00 pm FOX - Like Scantron sheets in college, I left this one blank until I finished the other noon time starts because I have no idea whose going to win this one. Kansas City is tough at home and their fans will be fired up after a big win against Jacksonville. Dallas looked much more opportunistic on defense and could create some problems for Alex Smith on Sunday.  I am a little worried about Tony Romo and Dez Bryant's injuries especially against an above average defense. Chiefs eek one out. KC 21-17

San Diego (0-1) at Philadelphia (1-0) (-7.5) 12:00 pm CBS - Las Vegas obviously went six to midnight watching Chip Kelly's offense on Monday night.  Giving the Eagles, a team who won four games last year, seven and a half points after one game seems a bit outrageous. I think Philadelphia wins, but that's too many points. PHI 31-27  

Cleveland (0-1) at Baltimore (0-1) (-7) 12:00 pm CBS - I have no idea what to think about the Ravens right now. One of those teams where I do not think the first week is indicative to how they will be this season. The Browns looked putrid at home, and I feel like they cannot respond by winning on the road this week. Joe Flacco regroups and the Ravens win going away.  BALT 23-14

Tennessee (1-0) at Houston (1-0) (-10) 12:00 pm CBS - Another one where I feel like Vegas messed up because Houston is not ten points better than Tennessee.  The Titans might be that team where I can look back at what I said in August and say 'Welp, I am an asshat', this happens with at least one or two teams in the NFL and another three in college football, the life of a blogger. It cannot be understated as to how good their defense looked last week.  This is a physical, entertaining game and the Texans pull it out with a late field goal.  HOU 19-17  

Detroit (1-0) (-2) at Arizona (0-1) 3:05 pm FOX - I do not blame anyone for hyping the Lions up after Week 1. They looked really good, but heading to Arizona screams a letdown loss if I have ever seen one. Matthew Stafford always has had problems with interceptions and the Cardinals secondary is one of the best in the National Football League. Look for a big Patrick Peterson game along with Carson Palmer doing just enough with Larry Fitzgerald. ARI 28-20  

New Orleans (1-0) (-3.5) at Tampa Bay (0-1) 3:05 pm FOX - My guy Eric used to have a 'Lock It Up' post on SnoTap where he would lock a team or two in for the week of football. This would be it. I hate all of the captain controversy plus Josh Freeman missing team photos sounds like a team divided. New Orleans in a rout.  NO 35-17.  

Jacksonville (0-1) at Oakland (0-1) (-6) 3:25 pm CBS - Just want to let people know we live in a world where the Raiders are six point favorites.  I understand the Jaguars were bad last week and Oakland looked better, but really?  I cannot see the Raiders covering, but they will win this football game as the Jags are too banged up, yes even in Week 2.  OAK 16-14

Denver (1-0) (-4.5) at New York Giants (0-1) 3:25 pm CBS - I will never ever be able to figure out the Giants and everyone is riding them off because their running back situation is a bigger problem than my bank account so that means maybe they will win this one?  I doubt it. I hated all the turnovers last week and their secondary did not look good last week. Peyton Manning has a big day against baby bro. DEN 38-28  

San Francisco (1-0) at Seattle (1-0) (-3) 7:30 pm NBC - Hey remember when I have to stream this game instead of watching it on TV?  Thanks for your pissing match!  I cannot believe how little people are talking about how bad Seattle's offensive line looked against Carolina. How are they going to better against San Fran?  Marshawn Lynch could be the difference here as he dominated the Niners last year with two 100-yard performances. This is the toughest place to win a road game, but the Niners pull it out with an absolute classic on Sunday night. SF 27-24

Monday
Pittsburgh (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1) (-7) 7:40 pm ESPN - I might be the last person outside of Pittsburgh who believes the Steelers can still be something, but the Bengals seem like they have more to play for knowing a game against Green Bay looms next week. They also played well for two and a half quarters before coming undone in Chicago. A.J. Green puts up another monster performance and Cincy escapes in a closer game than believed by the spread.  CIN 20-16

Straight up: 9-7
ATS: 5-11 (Complete newbie central here)  

Charlie.  

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NFL Liquor Cabinet: Week 1

We are back for another season of the Liquor Cabinet. Some of you are new to Sports News on Tap so let me explain... I look at the NFL week like I do when I head to Ray's Liquor Store in Wauwatosa. Top Shelf is all the booze I cannot afford to buy because I still work part-time at age 25 but it is the real good stuff thus the NFL moments are the real good ones from the week. The middle shelf is stuff I can afford but it is really not good booze meaning the above average/average moments of the NFL slate. The bottom shelf is the stuff guaranteeing you with a hangover that involving puking more than Jason Witten hence the bad stuff that happened this weekend.  

Top Shelf
Chip Kelly's 'gimmick offense' sure looked great - The Eagles ran 77 plays last night. They had 53 of them in the first half keeping an unreal pace that looked like Chip Kelly's Oregon teams with better athletes. LeSean McCoy looked like a new player and Michael Vick seemed to finally fit in an offense.  Philadelphia struggled a bit in the second half, but still, they looked tremendous. Like I said, this team would be a tough read and they are showing it thus far. Tap writer Pat Luce pointed out to me the Eagles only scored 33 or more points last year and it was in a defeat against the Dallas Cowboys.

Reggie Bush and the Lions defense dazzle - I am still not fully bought into the Lions hype, but I will say they looked great in their first game of the season. Reggie Bush played like a monster including people make ridiculous comparisons to Barry Sanders (SANDERS AND BUSH, ONE IN THE SAME? MY COLUMN:). He did play really well and creates a secondary threat for the Lions offense taking some pressure off Matthew Stafford. Their defense deserves some credit as they held Adrian Peterson to 15 yards after his 78 yard run to begin the season. While Ndamukong Suh gets the headlines, they were strong for the greater part.

Statement win by New Orleans - Like what I saw from New Orleans on Sunday. At least for one game, they showed more of a commitment to run the football by running it 29 times although it is still a running back by committee format which needs to change at some point this month.  They also held Atlanta to 17 points, one of the best offenses in the league. New Orleans forced two turnovers as well including a great stand to end the game. I like what the Saints have cooking here at least for the first game of the season.  

Andy Reid looks like a ketchup bottle and the Chiefs - Man, I love Andy Reid. Maybe it is because he looks like a walrus or Mike Holmgren's brother, but I just enjoy the guy and would welcome an opportunity to eat ribs with him. He looked like a bottle of ketchup Sunday, from now on, he is Mr. Heinz until further notice. The Chiefs played well against the Jaguars, but the jury is still out on them. Kansas City-Dallas at Arrowhead should be fun next week.

Middle Shelf
Smoke and mirrors in Seattle? - If I were a Seahawks fan, I would be concerned about Week 1.  If DeAngelo Williams does not fumble around the goal line, Seattle likely loses their first game of the season. Russell Wilson spent more time outside the pocket than inside as the Seahawks offensive line could not protect him to save their soul. All three NFC West foes have great defensive lines. I will be real interested to watch this line against the Niners next week.

T-PEEZY IF YOU'RE NASTY -  Probably too early to get excited about Terrelle Pryor, but he rushed for over 100 yards and kept the Oakland Raiders in a game on the road against a playoff team last season.  Pryor looked like an NFL quarterback out there, and I have always banged the drum that Pryor played in the wrong college system. If Pryor becomes a competent quarterback, it can make Jadeveon Clowney a no-brainer in the first round.

Still Unknown: Houston and San Diego - I have no idea what happened on late Monday night. The Chargers had a massive first half only to pull their best Norv Turner impression in the third and fourth quarter with the Texas imposing their will on offense.  I cannot believe the Texans found a way to win this game and how San Diego lost it.

Defining the Middle Shelf... Patriots win over Buffalo - Remember how we talked about what the middle shelf was earlier? The Patriots are defining it as of now. The Patriots hung in there for the whole game, but they did not really play well at all. They are all sorts of banged up for their Thursday night game against the New York Jets and I would be a little concerned if I were a Patriot fan.

Future is bright in St. Louis and Phoenix - Arizona and St. Louis played a pretty good game on Sunday. Jared Cook finally looked like he might be worth his potential. Larry Fitzgerald finally has a quarterback. Both defenses did alright. I feel like we are watching two teams on the cusp of really having something with their teams.

Bottom Shelf
Lavonte David... Not a wise move, bro - He is one of the best young linebackers in the league, but right now, the Tampa Bay linebacker is known as the guy whom pushed Geno Smith after he went out of bounds leading the Jets to getting a game-winning field goal. David will be fine, but this defines the Buccaneers right now. They still have yet to fix the undisciplined play and that should concern Bucs fans.

Let's talk about Pittsburgh - I picked this team to go to the Super Bowl and they only scored nine points against Tennessee. The Steelers also lost Maurkice Pouncey, Larry Foote and LeRod Stephens-Howling for the season, all three important players to this team. I am starting to believe the 2010 team sold their soul to the devil to get to the Super Bowl because they have not seem to catch a break in quite some time. It does not get any easier heading to Cincinnati on Monday Night Football.  Pittsburgh does not need to win, but they need to at least look like they have a pulse.

Giants might need a running back - The New York Giants running back combination of David Wilson, DaRell Scott and Michael Cox is not a good look for them right now. They had multiple turnovers and struggled the whole game. Willis McGahee and Michael Turner might be options for them. But the fact the Giants are looking at Brandon Jacobs should scare the complete shit out of New York.

Rey Maualuga loses his cool and the football game for Cincinnati - The Bengals looked like they were going to get another chance against the Chicago Bears and then the former USC standout had an unsportsman-like conduct leading to an automatic Bears first down and a Bears win. Cincinnati had an eleven point lead after having a punishing opening second half drive and they stalled from there. The Bengals had two three-and-outs plus a turnover in the red zone.  A team whose supposed to be a Super Bowl contender does not have games like this one.

Brandon Weeden's hype deflates like a popped balloon - Out of all the people who had bad starts, Weeden probably depressed me the most. I did not really buy into the Browns hype like others, but at the same time, I felt like their offensive could be much better than years past. Weeden had three interceptions in the first half and it was curtains from there. The Browns really do not have much moving forward at quarterback and they have to ride it out.

Charlie.

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32 in 31: Kansas City Chiefs

Another year of 32 in 31. Sports News on Tap takes the month of August to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013.

Kansas City Chiefs are a fascinating team to look at in the last decade. They have four season where they were over .500 including three playoff appearances plus one 13-3 season. But they also have three seasons where they did not win more than four games then another three seasons where they were just a below average team. Basically, the Chiefs are all over the place when it comes to their team

Given their unpredictable nature, I do not think it is fair to assume the Chiefs will be bad this season. Andy Reid is the new sheriff in town and he will implement a new system for the team to get behind. They have a new quarterback in Alex Smith as well. Both of these men are looking for redemption this season and could get it. 

OFFENSE
With Reid, there is sometimes a worry about how he will handle running backs. People refer to how he mishandled LeSean McCoy at certain points of his young career yet they forget about how well he handle Brian Westbrook making him a threat all over the field. Jamaal Charles is already getting the Westbrook comparison and even if he is a little less bulky, it is an accurate take. Charles could have his best season of the year becoming a go-to player for Smith as a safety value and someone whom can put the team directly on his back.

Dwayne Bowe is another player happy to see the new regime as his numbers took a nosedive as he only had 800 yards after having back-to-back years of over 1,100 yards. Bowe did not really have anyone throwing him the ball in 2012 so maybe it is impressive he still had 800 yards. Smith is not Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers, but he is more than competent to get Bowe the damn ball as Keyshawn would say and make him a playmaker again. He is definitely a player to watch.

People do not believe Smith can be the quarterback of this team. They think he was a pawn in Jim Harbaugh's elaborate system but let me drop sort of a #HotTake here....Donovan McNabb had some elements of a system quarterback under Reid. I am not saying McNabb was a system quarterback rather he excelled only under Reid in certain situations. Without question, McNabb was the most comfortable in Reid's system. Smith will probably need to pass more, but I feel he will be fine this year. He is a quarterback coach and has been able to fix other quarterbacks before although I think Smith needs less fixing than people think he does.

DEFENSE
Even though the Chiefs lost 14 games, they did not have a porous defense. They definitely have some true talent with Tamba Hali, Eric Berry, Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson were all Pro Bowlers last season. The rushing defense was a bit of concern being in the bottom half of the league, but they excelled at stopping the pass being the 12th best in the National Football League. Additionally, their numbers are a little skewed given this defensive unit was on the field more so than other squads in the league.

The Chiefs made themselves better in stopping the pass this offseason by bringing Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson into the fold given them an even more loaded secondary featuring Berry and Brandon Flowers. Look for Kansas City to not allow many big 300+ yard games this season.  For now, it looks like Smith will be the starter over Robinson, but putting Dunta in the nickel with the way he hits, might not be the worst idea.

Kansas City hopes Dontari Poe swearing off barbecue foods will help him be successful this season. Poe lost 20 pounds on the no BBQ diet and he will be anchoring a heavily criticized defensive line. It is put up or shut up time for former third overall pick Tyson Jackson and the addition of Mike DeVito from the New York Jets should help in a big way.

SPECIAL TEAMS
They have a pretty solid unit with Ryan Succop and Dustin Colquitt. Both have been with the team for some time now, and provide consistency for the team. Dexter McCluster returning kicks and punts is always a good thing.

KEY ADDITIONS
QB Alex Smith,  WR Donnie Avery, DE Mike DeVito, TE Anthony Fassano, LB Akeem Jordon, CB Dunta Robinson, OG/OT Geoff Schwartz, CB Sean Smith, LB Frank Zombo - The Chiefs added a great deal this offseason.  Maybe just maybe, Fasano can the completely homeless man's version of Tony Gonzalez. Okay I'm kidding, no way that happens.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS
OT Eric Winston, OG Ryan Lilja, DE Ropati Pitoitua, QB Brady Quinn, WR Steve Breaston, DE Glenn Dorsey, S Abram Elam

CHIEFS DRAFT PICKS
OT Eric Fisher, TE Travis Kelche, RB Knile Davis, LB Nico Johnson, CB Sanders Cummings, C Eric Kush, FB Braden Wilson, LB Mike Catapano - Loved this draft in April and I think there is a lot of talent here. Nico Johnson is the one to keep an eye on.

GAME TO WATCH
Thursday September 19th, at Philadelphia 7:25 pm: Andy Reid returns to Philadelphia and I am sure many people will make a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be. Another couple games to watch are home games against Denver and Indianapolis come December, could have playoff implications.

WIN TOTAL
9-11 - The Chiefs are making the playoffs this season. I am a big fan in redemption stories and I think the Chiefs and Charlie Tritschler are getting it this year. Why did I include myself? Well I picked the Chiefs to the playoffs last season so I need to redeem myself as well.

Charlie.

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SnoTap Buzz: Friday August 2nd

I could watch Robin Thicke, The Roots and Jimmy Fallon signing 'Blurred Lines' with elementary instruments all day long.

Kansas City Chiefs 2012 first round pick Dontari Poe, a defensive tackle, quits eating barbecue and loses 20 pounds. When you live Kansas City, I have no idea how that's possible. There is a zero chance I could do that. (Sporting News) 

Everyone in Detroit Lions camp are getting excited about 'Kickalicious' their kicker from Norway. I hope he makes the team, but it will be weird not seeing Jason Hanson kicking meaningless field goals against the Packers. (NFL.com) 

Here's Kyle Scott, the creator of Crossing Broad, talking about blogging, buying and releasing the Riley Cooper tape.  I always wonder what would happen if I am offered something like this about a Wisconsin athlete. I have no idea honestly, it would all depend. (Crossing Broad) 

The Chicago Bears are so lucky to have Martellus Bennett for his skills and also his demeanor. He is completely out there, but it makes him so great. (MMQB) 

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Five in, Five Out: The NFL Playoff Complex

The 2012 NFL season was madness. Things happened that we have never seen happened before while that could be said every year, it seems like last year had a unique feel to it. For the first time in over a decade, the National Football League did not get five new playoff teams. This is weird quirk in the league and truly showing the depth of the NFL. Instead they got four, but we here at SnoTap believes that is a blip in the trend.

Three of new playoff teams last year had rookie quarterbacks and the other one had a one-year quarterback with a freak running back. We are bound to get this wrong just like last year when we gave Indianapolis, Seattle and Minnesota no shot.

This year seems to be very hard again to predict given they're so many teams that could be in the playoffs. The NFC has two teams in each division worthy of a playoff spot if not more while the AFC does not have that much depth yet they still have very good teams on the cusp of the playoffs.

The Vince McMahon No Chance in Hell Group

Oakland Raiders - The quarterback situation is a complete mess. They seem to have too many missing pieces at this very moment. In my opinion, this will be the worst team in the National Football League. I cannot see them being very successful.   

Jacksonville Jaguars - I like the direction the Jaguars are heading because they will be back in the playoffs in the next three to five years without question.  They have nothing going for them at quarterback, but their defense is not shabby plus Maurice Jones-Drew is still a monster.  

San Diego Chargers - This is a team no one is circling as a squad who might pick in the first five picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. Phillip Rivers is not a good quarterback anymore and even though Mike McCoy is an upgrade from Norv Turner, I feel confident in saying Rivers' goose is cooked. 

New York Jets - Another team in freefall. They will be the most talked about 4-12 team of all-time. I cannot see Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith reviving this team with the wide receiving core and their running game although that part could be improved versus last year.  

Maybe a chance, but the same chance as I have of getting gold toilets unless I'm Kanye 

St. Louis Rams - I think the Rams have the best chance out of this group. They are a good team playing in a tough division. If the Rams were in the AFC West, they might be a playoff team, but the fact they play in NFC West is a death blow to this team's chances playing San Francisco and Seattle twice a year. 

Buffalo Bills - I just do not see it this year. I thought the Bills had a great draft and as we learned last year, rookie classes can make all the difference. I think they are a couple years away from being a playoff contender, but their window is more open than ever before. 

Tennessee Titans - They really could be in the Vince McMahon category. Jake Locker does not seem like an NFL quarterback. Chris Johnson could be truly hit or miss. They added some more on the line and defense, but that does not feel like it would be enough. 

Carolina Panthers - I would love to put the Panthers in the sleepers category and this will be something we touch on in our 32 in 31 series in August but their schedule is absolutely ridiculous for a team that drafted in the first 16 picks. Poor Cam Newton.  

Sleepers That Aren't Sleepers 

Philadelphia Eagles - A team where the hype is way bigger than what this team will actually be this year. They still need a year or two to really formulate a team for Chip Kelly. He will not have all the pieces there this year which will lead people will make wild opinions about this team that are unjust.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I wish I could trust this team more. I love Josh Freeman but he is so inconsistent. If he hits, this team could be a playoff contender without question with their running game and their offensive line plus their talented receivers.  The offense is there, the defense is there, but is their quarterback going to be along with them?  That question remains unanswered.   

Cleveland Browns - People are high on the Browns because they have some true talent there with Trent Richardson and Joe Haden as well as a blue-chip player like Joe Thomas. Cleveland will definitely win some games, but the fact they have one of the worst quarterback groups in the NFL will bite them hard.  

Actual Sleepers 

Detroit Lions - With a team with four wins, the assumption would be they have an easy schedule for the season. That is inaccurate as they have to play the NFC East and AFC North, both tough divisions. The Lions added some pieces, but they will need to be better in the secondary to be a playoff team. If they are, they could get back to the playoffs.      

Arizona Cardinals - They would have to catch a ton of breaks in the NFC West, but they have a strong defense plus quality special teams with Patrick Patterson and the Honey Badger. They added Carson Palmer giving Larry Fitzgerald is first true quarterback in awhile. I am not saying Palmer is an elite quarterback, but he is an upgrade from the John Skelton's of the world.

Miami Dolphins - I could really buy this team into the playoffs. They have a solid defense and play in a weak division that could be weaker with the unknown ceiling of the New England Patriots. Ryan Tannehill's second year could be great. Yes the same guy I completely shitted on all throughout last year and during the NFL Draft, but hear me out. He had a pretty good season and could take his game to another level.    

The Great Five 

Dallas Cowboys - It is put up or shut up time for this team. The NFC East is a very tough division to break through yet the Cowboys seem to be putting it all together to make a playoff run. Dez Bryant looks like he might be the superstar wide receiver, their defense is tougher than people give it credit for and I feel more confident that their line can protect Tony Romo than ever before.   

New Orleans Saints - If I were heading to Vegas, I would put a lot of money on this team making the playoffs plus hitting their over in terms. Sean Payton being back for this team is a huge boost for this team and will help them immediately. They also added some talent all over the field. While Drew Brees interceptions totals scared me last year, he is still a hell of a quarterback and someone whom can wins games on his own.  

Pittsburgh Steelers - A team that did a great job at rebuilding for a year and they should be ready to contend again. Big Ben was not healthy for the entire season and for what seems to be the sixth straight year, the offensive line could not have been more of a disaster. Big Ben is healthy, line looks better and their defense will be top notch again as well.  

Kansas City Chiefs - Andy Reid has only three seasons where his team did not have at least eight wins. The Chiefs were plagued by injuries last season with Eric Berry and others. Adding Eric Fischer to their offensive line will help them out big time along with Brandon Albert. Add to the fact, they are playing in the weak AFC West.  This might be a playoff team.   

Chicago Bears - It feels like the Bears will be a playoff team. They should have been last year. Their schedule is not easy by any means, but I feel Jay Cutler plays at another level this year among other things they improve on.  Their defensive front seven worries me a bit, but they still have many playmakers that can force turnovers, something the Bears pride themselves on.

Charlie. 

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