MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-7)RB Adrian Peterson had one of the top years all-time for a running back. In the end, however, QB Christian Ponder and WR Percy Harvin's MVP caliber first 8 games before injury were not enough support for A.D to go deep into the playoffs. The Vikings over-achieved compared to expectations, largely due to Peterson and another massive year out of DE Jared Allen and the D.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-7)It's hard to imagine that the young Bengals D, QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J Green will continually be knocked out of the playoffs by the Houston Texans. Two in a row though? That's rough. The Bengals are showing growth; the offense showed explosiveness and the D-line was the best in the NFL, anchored by DT Geno Atkins and DT Domata Peko.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (11-6)Not very many expected QB Andrew Luck to lead the Colts back to the playoffs. Some incredible come from behind victories, the feel-good story of Coach Chuck Pagano and his struggles with cancer. The Colts had their roster demolished after a Peytonless 1-15 disaster. One year later, they are suddenly full of up-and-coming youngsters.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (10-7)Not very many expected RG3 to lead the Redskins back to the playoffs. (we can say that about quite a few rookie QB teams this year), Griffin proved to be the crown jewel of them all. Speed, smarts, and a great powerful and accurate arm. Fellow rookie RB Alfred Morris racked 1600 yards and now the Redskins are cookin', RG3's health is all that kept them out of the deeper playoff waters.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (12-5)The Packers drew an unlucky card in the Playoffs as Kaepernick/49ers unleased their read-option on the unsuspecting Pack. Still, QB Aaron Rodgers had another monster year and WR Randall Cobb emerged as a new star. As long as Rodgers is there, the team will get to the playoffs but the D has been maddeningly awful the last two years. They cost it again.
DENVER BRONCOS (13-4)In all, QB Peyton Manning got Denver just as far as Tebow had. Although this time the D did not have to carry the team and actually was the broken link, failing a proper prevent defense in the final minute. Still, the roll of the dice on Peyton was a smashing success. He predictably made stars out of WR Demarious Thomas and WR Eric Decker. LB Von Miller became a superstar.
HOUSTON TEXANS (13-5)DE J.J Watt was a man among boys much of the season, absolutely dominating from the D-line. RB Arian Foster, WR Andre Johnson, all excelled and the team performed very well, The D improved drastically. This year, instead of injuries it appeared to just be a lack of steam. They were steam-rolled by the Patriots and it wasn't even hard to see coming.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-6)When the reigns were taken off rookie QB Russell Wilson, the offense exploded. Not very many expected Wilson to lead his team to the playoffs as a rookie. RB Marshawn Lynch again was the engine while CB Richard Sherman and S Earl Thomas led the league's best secondary. We figured to be talking about Luck & RG3 for a long time, Wilson put himself right in the conversation.
ATLANTA FALCONS (14-4)QB Matt Ryan with WR Julio Jones, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez clicked into high-gear this year. Boring News Flash: they again lacked killer instinct in the playoffs, an especially bitter pill for a team that is universally criticized for not winning playoff games. Against Seattle and San Fran, they were outscored 10-42 in the 2nd halves, compared to 44-14 in the 1st halves.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-5)Another deep playoff run for QB Tom Brady and Bill Bellicheck. The defense was better, though the offense was a little less explosive. In this era of salary caps and free agency, this decade-plus Patriot run has been the most impressive thing in the NFL. Every year the Pats are a drive or two within reach, it really is amazing.
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