Who is your 2014 surprise NFL team?

[crisper57]

Tampa Bay

 

[Jetstream Green]

I see the Jags improving, but not going to finish with a winning record. I am on the Bucs and Falcons to step up this season. New head coach in TB that has a clue and Falcons having their healthy offense back will be unstoppable.

Went to the Texan/Falcon game with my brother who is a longtime Falcon fan. They have the same problems as they did last year. Even healthy, they have no pass rush and their line is still suspect... but then again it is preseason, and one finds out when the real season starts how deceiving preseason often portrays a team ability lol

 

[Russ Smith]

Positive surprise Atlanta (based on last year), negative surprise San Francisco.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Positive surprise Atlanta (based on last year), negative surprise San Francisco.

man, it would be great if the Niners imploded this season. After 3 years of getting to the NFC Title Game, with a Super Bowl appearance sandwhiched between two losses, they probably goes one way or the other season. Either they finally break through and win the Super Bowl or they start melting down. You can only be so close, for so long without winning it all before stuff starts going bad in sports.

 

[GatorAZ]

Pittsburgh will be much better, but why would that be a "surprise team"?

They've been very mediocre since making the SB vs Green Bay. I think they'll meet Denver in the AFCCG.

 

[TJ]

NFC - Chicago Bears
AFC - Jacksonville Jaguars (if they start Bortles right away)

 

[CtCardinals78]

I think the Buffalo Bills will be a surprise team this year. Marrone is only in his 2nd year, but I honestly think he'll be a very good NFL HC.

Buffalo has some pretty decent talent. I can definitely see them being a sneaky good team. Good call.

 

[Russ Smith]

man, it would be great if the Niners imploded this season. After 3 years of getting to the NFC Title Game, with a Super Bowl appearance sandwhiched between two losses, they probably goes one way or the other season. Either they finally break through and win the Super Bowl or they start melting down. You can only be so close, for so long without winning it all before stuff starts going bad in sports.

Just a guess but I think losing starters on the DL, LB and secondary all at the same time will hurt the defense. I think they upgraded their WR's substantially but if they now try and focus on throwing the ball more, they will find out how inconsistent CK actually is throwing.

that said if they stick to the running team look out, Hyde looks like he could be really good. He and Gore splitting carries with CK running would be awfully tough with that OL. But I have to assume they went after the WR's for a reason.

 

[crisper57]

It is hard to say who will be a surprise team this year without also looking at who would have to take a step back in their divisions to open the door. Assuming each of the playoff teams don't make it back, who could take their place?

NFCN: Packers (Down) Bears (Up) Vikings/Lions (Um, no)
NFCE: Eagles (Down) Giants (Up) DAL/WSH (Ha ha!)
NFCS: Saints (Down) Panthers (Down) TB (Up) ATL (Nope)
NFCW: SEA (Down) SF (Down) AZ/STL (Up)

AFCN: Bengals (Down) Steelers (Up) Browns (No) Ravens (? Injuries)
AFCE: Patriots (Down) Bills/Dolphins (Up) Jets (No)
AFCS: Colts (Down) Titans/Texans/Jags? (No)
AFCW: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers (Down), Raiders (No)