NFL Predictions: Texans to go all the way?

Right, so here is my division-by-division predictions for the 2012 NFL Season, including wild-card picks, followed by a mock post-season. Feel free to comment if you agree or disagree!

AFC East: New England Patriots

It’s difficult to bet against the Patriots wit Bill Belichick at the helm and Tom Brady under centre. Put them amongst a rebuilding but yet not competitive Buffalo Bills side, a declining New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins, who start with a rookie at QB, and the Patriots should stroll the regular season.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens-Steelers rivalries is one of the best in the NFL. Their matches usually throe back to the good old days of the NFL, with defense and running games dominating. Expect the Bengals also to be in the mix, but they might struggle due to the tough division. Cleveland Browns, as is too often the case, only making up the numbers

AFC South: Houston Texans

One of the most interesting divisions in the NFL this year. The Texans have promised much in the last few years, and I feel the pieces are now in place for them to deliver. The Titans will also compete, with Jake Locker a prospect under centre. But most eyes will be on the Colts, without Peyton Manning for the first time since 1998. This might help the Texans get about their business. Jaguars unlikely to make any waves.

AFC West: Denver Broncos

One of the weaker divisions in the NFL, where Peyton Manning should thrive for the Broncos. The Chargers rarely come into a season with so little expectation, and the team might benefit from that, while the Chiefs are quietly building a decent team which could challenge. Counting out the Raiders is a perilous move, but they have little to get excited about entering the season.

AFC Wild-cards: Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs

As tempted as I am to put the Colts in here, there are still too many doubts around the team to make them a wild-card, though Andrew Luck has looked every bit the player they hoped he would be. The Steelers are a shoe-in. It is more a question of whether it will be they, or the Ravens, who have to settle for the wild-card in their AFC North divisional crown battle. The Bengals will also figure, but the Chiefs (by virtue of easier divisional games) get the edge.

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

Another extremely interesting division, perhaps the only one where all four sides have a realistic chance of play-offs. The Giants defend their title, but it’s the Eagles who look strong on paper and I give them the edge. For so long, Tony Romo seemed to hold back the Cowboys but now, it seems it is the team, not the QB, who will be the weak link. Robert Griffin III will be a breath of fresh air for the Redskins, but immediate success is too much to ask for. Still, if he comes off, there is a chance of post-season.

NFC North: Detroit Lions

This is a team that has grown over the last few seasons and if Matt Stafford stays healthy they should be up there alongside the Packers. The Packers, as always, will be up there, and Aaron Rodgers shows no sign of letting up, while the Bears look certain to be competitive again. The Vikings remain in a transitional phase, and won’t have a chance of getting out of such a tough division

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

Now that Drew Brees has signed a new contract, the Saints should go from strength to strength. The Falcons are also a team to be reckoned with, but inconsistency may come back to bite them. The Panthers, under the exciting Cam Newton, are a dark horse, while there is too much uncertainty around the Buccaneers for them to be a challenger.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

This is the easiest pick of the lot, with the 49ers the standout in this division. They are nothing flash, but they know what they are and under coach Jim Harbaugh should walk the division. The Seahawks are rebuilding but should show some promise, while the Cardinals and Rams will need to hope their QBs step up this year.

NFC Wild-cards: Green Bay Packers and New York Giants

The NFC is the stronger conference in 2012 and, as such, the wild-card race should be an exciting one. There are at least six sides, outside of the division champions, who will be competing here. The Redskins, Cowboys and Falcons will all hope to be in the mix, but with the strength of the group all three will probably come up short. That leaves the Giants, Bears and Packers. I reckon the Bears will miss out, with their side not quite being able to match the quality and consistency in the other two teams.

AFC Play-offs

Wild-card round: STEELERS over Broncos, TEXANS over Chiefs, byes for PATRIOTS and RAVENS

Divisional round: PATRIOTS over Steelers, TEXANS over Ravens

Championship round: TEXANS over Patriots

NFC Play-offs

Wild-card round: PACKERS over Lions, GIANTS over Eagles, byes for SAINTS and 49ERS

Divisional round: SAINTS over Giants, 49ERS over Packers

Championship round: 49ERS over Saints

Super Bowl XLVII: HOUSTON TEXANS over San Francisco 49ers

A match-up between one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL and the most formidable defense would primise to be a mouth-watering encounter. I feel if this match-up comes off, the Texans have enough quality across the board on offense to break down the resolute 49ers, whilst also having enough capability on defense to keep out the 49er offense which can be patchy.