1. New England Patriots
Even with Tom Brady out the first 4 games, winning 12 games still seems doable for them.
2. New York Jets
Bringing in Matt Forte means the Jets offense have another weapon in the passing attack.
3. Buffalo Bills
Tyrod Taylor is being paid like a franchise QB, but is there enough around him to get Buffalo into the playoffs?
4. Miami Dolphins
Adam Gase has been hired to turn around this once proud franchise’s fortunes.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, right, passes against the San Diego Chargers during the second half in an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
He’s Back
It’s a good problem to have when you start a game with a future hall of fame quarterback as your backup. When it was clear that Brock Osweiler was struggling, as was the offense, head coach Gary Kubiak made the change to start the second half. Continue reading
1. Nashville Predators
They weren’t supposed to be contenders last year, but they’re now ahead of the curve.
2. St. Louis Blues
Stability in the crease will go towards whether they stay in the playoffs long term.
3. Chicago Blackhawks
The defending champs lost some key pieces, but you can’t count them out.
4. Dallas Stars
Some key acquisitions should mean a leap into the playoffs.
5. Minnesota Wild
Staying pat keeps them in contention in a tough division.
6. Colorado Avalanche
A draft day trade shook things up to put Colorado in a bounce back position.
7. Winnipeg Jets
Too many better teams for them to repeat last years success. Continue reading
1. New England Patriots
Minus Darrelle Revis and Tom Brady being suspended for 4 games, the Pats still sit atop this division.
2. Miami Dolphins
Getting Ndamukong Suh brings a lot more attention to Miami’s need to clinch a playoff spot.
3. New York Jets
A new regime that struck it rich in free agency and the draft, but QB remains an issue.
4. Buffalo Bills
Rex Ryan arrives with a lot of fan fare, but he has a familiar problem in finding a franchise QB. Continue reading
Eastern Conference
Wild Card Team #2 vs. Metropolitan Division Winner
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
Players to Watch: F Sidney Crosby and F Rick Nash
Who Wins: Rangers in 6 games
Metropolitan Division #3 vs. Metropolitan Division #2
New York Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
Players to Watch: F John Tavares and F Alex Ovechkin
Who Wins: Capitals in 7 games
Wild Card Team #1 vs. Atlantic Division Winner
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens
Players to Watch: D Erik Karlsson and F Max Pacioretty
Who Wins: Canadiens in 6 games
Atlantic Division #3 vs. Atlantic Division #2
Detroit Red Wings vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Players to Watch: F Henrik Zetterberg and F Steven Stamkos
Who Wins: Lightning in 6 games
Western Conference
Wild Card Team #2 vs. Pacific Division Winner
Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks
Players to Watch: F Blake Wheeler and Anaheim’s goaltenders
Who Wins: Ducks in 6 games
Pacifici Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Players to Watch: F Jiri Hudler and F Radim Vrbata
Who Wins: Flames in 6 games
Wild Card Team #1 vs. Central Division Winner
Minnesota Wild vs. St. Louis Blues
Players to Watch: G Devan Dubnyk and F Vladimir Tarasenko
Who Wins: Blues in 7 games
Central Division #3 vs. Central Division #2
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
Players to Watch: F Patrick Kane and G Pekka Rinne
Who Wins: Predators in 7 games
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