Sports Then and Now

After rumors to the contrary, looks like Philip Rivers will be back with the Chargers in 2015.

What does the 2015 NFL season have in store for fans, players, and the league alike? From top draft picks to team standings, predictions are already flying ahead of the upcoming preseason. From the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East all the way to the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West, here is a look at what some are saying will be the best season of football yet.

NFC East
In the NFC East division, analysts believe that the Dallas Cowboys stand the strongest chance and give them the lead. Part of the reason for this prediction is the relatively easy schedule during the 2015 season. Add the fact that the Cowboys have a super star in Dez Bryant and the Cowboys seem to be strong contenders for the NFC East title.

NFC North
The Green Bay Packers are predicted to have the strongest year in the North. Despite the fact the team will face the Seattle Seahawks at home and Arizona and San Diego are favored during the 2015 matchup, ESPN analysts seem optimistic. Green Bay’s final season ranking? Survey says; 11-5.

NFC South
In the NFC South, it appears to be a duel between the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints. Each team is given an overall 2015 season win/loss prediction of 10-5. With the return of ten out of 11 of the defensive starters and nine out of ten starters showing up strong for the offense, the Panthers show a promising season ahead. New Orleans, on the other hand has the second-easiest schedule at home in 2015 which could prove favorable for them.

AFC East
It perhaps comes as no surprise that the New England Patriots are favored with a predicted 11-5 season in 2015. Still, the Patriots will face challenges as far as the team schedule is concerned. They have a bye in week four and tough games against the Broncos and the Bills in their seventh and eighth consecutive games after their bye week.

AFC North
The Cincinnati Bengals are favored in the 2015 season with a 10-5 predicted ranking in their division. Some factors working in their favor: a perfectly timed bye week, a healthy and talented veteran roster, and some advantageous match-ups late in the Bengals schedule. Some things working against the team: prime-time road games and a hard struggle while on the road.

AFC South
The Indianapolis Colts are favored with the strongest predicted league average of all in 2015: 13-3. The main factor affecting this promising standing is the Colts’ season schedule. Their toughest games-against Denver and New England-will be played at home, for example.

AFC West
Holding a four consecutive AFC West titles makes the Denver Broncos strong contenders in the AFC West for 2015. With the possibility of going 13-3 in 2015 and snatching up their 5th title, the Broncos stand to make franchise history. The main challenge facing the Broncos is four road games in the first six weeks of the season.

What to Watch Out for in 2015
Rookie Melvin Gordon shows great promise and is anticipated to finish out the 2015 season as one of the top five rushers in the NFL. Although there has been some speculation about San Diego Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers leaving the team, those rumors have been, for the most part, laid to rest. Finally, over in Miami, Dion Jordan, a top-ranked Defensive End has been suspended for the entire 2015 season due to violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.