What does the future hold? NFL Simulation League

[Mike7Vinas]

What does the future hold?
NFL simulation dynasty by Mike7Vinas

Nobody knows who's going to win the Super Bowl, nobody knows what the future holds. But by using Madden 15 I will show you how teams will prepare to bring the Lombardi Home.
House Rules:
Quarter Length-15min
Speed- very fast
Sliders- my own custom simulation sliders

[Mike7Vinas]

Position Battles to watch out for this preseason

Job- 49ers QB (Gabbert v. Kaepernick)
This battle is huge for the 49ers as they have a clear need for a Franchise QB. Blaine Gabbert is the favorite due to Kaepernick's multiple offseason surgeries and lack luster performances last season.

Job- Broncos QB (Lynch v. Sanchez)
This is a battle that might determine the if the Broncos will have any Tyler of offense this season. Lynch is the favorite but there is a possibility neither of these quarterbacks will claim the starting spot as the Broncos are openly looking for a franchise QB.

Breaking News in Cleveland as the Browns trade a 2nd round pick for Rams QB Nick Foles and a 3rd round pick, many thought that there would be a battle between RG3 and Josh McCown but Foles appears to be the clear starter.

[Mike7Vinas]

AFC Season Preview

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- WR Dwayne Bowe
Key Losses- None
Analysis- This Bengal squad is scary to say the least. They have a punishing defense led by defensive tackle, Geno Atkins, whom some consider the best defensive lineman in the league. On the offensive side they are lead by an extraordinary receiving core including AJ Green, Brandon LaFell, and free agent acquisition Dwayne Bowe. Signal caller Andy Dalton has a lot to work with and that'll help open up the run for stud running back Giovani Bernard. I have these Bengals taking home the AFC North Crown and possibly getting a first round bye.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Preseason Record- (3-1)
Key Newcomers- TE Jermichael Finley, WR James Jones
Key Losses- LOLB James Harrison
Analysis- With an offense that some call the deadliest in the league, the Steelers are a scary team to play. With possibly the best running back in football (Le'veon Bell), a future Hall of Fame quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger), and a not too shabby receiving core, the Steelers go into the season with one goal in mind, win the North. If they stay healthy and the once great Steelers defense steps up, there's no reason that shouldn't be accomplished.

Cleveland Browns
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- QB Nick Foles
Key Losses- none
Analysis- The Browns made headlines around the country for a questionable trade with the Los Angeles Rams, a 2nd round pick for QB Nick Foles and a 3rd round pick. The need at QB was apparent as Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown were set to battle it out before the Browns made the trade. The only strength that the Browns have is in the secondary, led by All-Pro cornerback, Joe Haden. Without a strong defensive front and a lackluster receiving core the browns find themselves once again trying to get wins without much talent. I think they still need another year or two to rebuild and in the meantime they might only win 4-5 games.

Baltimore Ravens
Preseason Record- (1-3)
Key Newcomers- MLB Brandon Spikes, FS Eric Weddle
Key Losses- none
Analysis- After a season to forget, the Ravens are looking to get back into usual winning form. With a tough defense led by defensive end Terrell Suggs, and an average offense, a .500 record is completely manageable. But I doubt they only want to go .500, Baltimore has playoffs on the mind and they'll do as much as they can to make it there.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- WR Andre Johnson, FS Donte Whitner
Key Losses- None
Analysis- Last season didn't go as planned for the Colts as Andrew Luck had the worst season of his career only playing 7 games after being sidelined with a lacerated kidney and an abdominal tear. With new acquisitions on both sides of the ball (Andre Johnson & Donte Whitner), the Colts are trying to climb back to the top of the AFC South after going 8-8 and giving the Texans the division crown. To do that they need Luck to return to his previous elite-caliber form, which shouldn't be too difficult with Andre Johnson, T.Y Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and rookie Phillip Dorsett split out wide. I think the Colts will return to their old ways and take the South and maybe even a first round bye.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Preseason Record- (3-1)
Key Newcomers- HB Chris Ivory, HB Ahmad Bradshaw
Key Losses- none
Analysis- The Jags have been at the bottom of the pack for the last decade and that seems to be what their future holds with the little talent they posses. They're slowly making moves but not enough to produce a winning team. After signing running back Ahmad Bradshaw to a 1 year,$2.2M deal, the Jags have a backfield consisting of 2 above average backs (Bradshaw & Ivory). Don't expect the Jags to shock the league this year but 6 or even 7 wins seems to be a reasonable goal.

Houston Texans
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- QB Brock Osweiler, WR Sidney Rice
Key Losses- WR Andre Johnson, HB Arian Foster
Analysis- After taking the division crown last year the Texans now have to defend that crown. Besides the Colts they have no other clear competition. With a new man under center in Brock Osweiler, the Texans need to build a reliable running game if they want to take some of the pressure off of their possible franchise quarterback. That means that Lamar Miller will need to step up big time to fill the shoes of Arian Foster. So far the AFC South has no clear favorite. The Texans might have to defeat the Colts not once but twice if they want to win the south again.

Tennessee Titans
Preseason Record- (1-3)
Key Newcomers- HB DeMarco Murray
Key Losses- none
Analysis- Most fans knew that the drafting of Marcus Mariota wouldn't put the Titans into the playoffs right away but it does show that the Titans are slowly but surely putting the pieces together. The addition of running back DeMarco Murray was a huge step in the right direction as that'll take some of the pressure off of Mariota. Although it seems very unlikely, don't completely rule the Titans out of the race for a wildcard spot.

AFC East

New York Jets
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- HB Matt Forte, MLB Jerod Mayo
Key Losses- none
Analysis- The Jets were one win away from a playoff birth last year when they lost to former Head Coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills. Ryan Fitzpatrick shocked many as he came in and had his best season of his career. Nobody knew if Fitz would resign with Gang Green as they couldn't agree on a price until they finally met in the middle (2 years, $20.25M). Fitz wanted roughly 18 million annually and the Jets weren't letting that happen. The reason for Fitzpatrick agreeing to the deal was that the extra money that wasn't included in his contract went to a stud at Linebacker, Jerod Mayo. Mayo makes this already fierce defense even better. With the addition of Matt Forte in the backfield the Jets look ready to compete for the AFC East title.

Buffalo Bills
Preseason Record- (1-3)
Key Newcomers- LOLB Geno Hayes
Key Losses-None
Analysis- Despite having one of the strongest defensive lines in football the Bills are weak in the secondary besides cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Tyrod Taylor barely edged out rookie quarterback Cardale Jones for the starting spot in the preseason. If they can get Taylor, McCoy, and Watkins on the same page they have a chance at a possible 10 win season.

Miami Dolphins
Preseason Record- (4-0)
Key Newcomers- HB Jay Ajayi
Key Losses- None
Analysis- The Dolphins come into this season with the same goal they have every year, win the East. But to do so they need to knock off the Patriots and the Jets. With an extraordinary secondary, two above average tight ends (Jordan Cameron & Zach Miller), and a strong defensive front the Dolphins need to put it all together and churn out some wins, especially within the division.

New England Patriots
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- HB Fred Jackson
Key Losses- None
Analysis- Year in and year out the Patriots dominate the AFC East and usually end up with a first round bye in the playoffs, this year might not be that different. Despite the Jets being a strong competitor they aren't as well-rounded as the Patriots. With Tom Brady now having two tough backs to work with (Fred Jackson & Legarrette Blount), the Patriots could dominate in both the pass and the run. They also have an extremely good defense led by safety Devin McCourty. They'll have a little trouble on the defensive front in the beggining of the season with star defensive tackle Terrance Knighton out for 5 weeks with a Quad tear. Defensive end Jabaal Sheard will also miss time (2 weeks) with an upper arm fracture. Even with the injuries the Patriots should still play their dominant brand of football and find a way to win over 10 games.

AFC West

Denver Broncos
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- DE Darnell Dockett, WR Percy Harvin, CB Leon Hall, QB Paxton Lynch
Key Losses- WR Wes Welker, QB Payton Manning
Analysis- The Super Bowl Champs come back with a new look, with the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterback Payton Manning, the Broncos were forced to look for a new signal-caller. Memphis Quarterback Paxton Lynch was drafted and the Broncos also added Mark Sanchez. Lynch came out victorious in the battle for the starting spot and he'll have some HUGE shoes to fill. The Broncos also added defensive end Darnell Dockett on a 1 year, $5.52M deal That sets up a defense with 7 Pro-Bowlers, if that doesn't sound scary I don't know what scary is. The Broncos have a long way to go to defend their title but with the insane defense they have anything could happen.

San Diego Chargers
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- CB Brandon Boykin, DE Joey Bosa
Key Losses- FS Eric Weddle
Analysis- This Charger squad has talent at almost every position but one thing plagued them last season, injuries. If the Bolts could stay healthy with the depth they have they could be a real contender in the AFC. Phillip Rivers is still throwing darts and he has a nice group of pass catchers that could be deadly on any snap, but even when the balls not in the air he has two very talented backs, Danny Woodhead & Melvin Gordon. It's pick your poison with this group, watch out AFC West.

Kansas City Chiefs
Preseason Record- (3-0-1)
Key Newcomers- TE James Casey
Key Losses- None
Analysis- This Chief team is tremendous on both sides of the ball. Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles lead the offense while the defense is scattered with amazing players. Eric Berry might be the best safety in football and he has Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston, and Dontari Poe making plays with him. The AFC West just might be the scariest divison in the league and any team could take it this year.

Oakland Raiders
Preseason Record- (1-3)
Key Newcomers- WR Roddy White, CB Carey Williams, HB Knowshon Moreno
Key Losses- FS Charles Woodson
Analysis- The Raiders might have the best defensive player in the league in Khalil Mack which made the All-Pro 1st team for two positions, the first time that's ever happened. Safety Reggie Nelson is paired with first rounder Karl Joseph to add to one of the best secondaries in the league. Aldon Smith, Curtis Lofton, and Bruce Irvin combine to make a spectacular group of backers and Henry Melton joins Mack to create a fierce D-Line and that's just the defense. Derek Carr gets his Christmas presents in the form of HB Knowhshon Moreno and WR Roddy White. White joins Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to give Oakland one of the best receiving cores in the league. I think I forget to mention their beast of a fullback in Marcel Reece.... The Raiders are deadly this season and I would be surprised if they didn't go over .500 this year.

[Rumplebeanskin]

Really interested to see how this pans out, I'll be checking in for a read in the future for sure. Good work!

[Mike7Vinas]

NFC Season Preview

NFC North
Green Bay Packers
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- DE Greg Hardy
Key Losses- FB John Kuhn
Analysis- The Packers arguably have the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers. Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb outline a nice receiving core but Nelson will be sidelined for 3 weeks with a dislocated ankle. Clay Mathews leads an overall solid defense that will be missing some key pieces with injuries to strong safety Morgan Burnett (3 weeks) and defensive tackle B.J. Raji (2 weeks). The Pack always find a way to win and if Eddie Lacy and the offensive line can establish a ground game the Packers are going to be a tough team to beat this season.

Detroit Lions
Preseason Record- (3-1)
Key Newcomers- WR Anquan Boldin, LOLB A.J. Hawk
Key Losses- WR Calvin Johnson Jr.
Analysis- The Lions lose future hall of fame receiver Calvin Johnson Jr. to retirement but they sign veteran Anquan Boldin to a 1 year deal worth $5.1M. The Lions could possibly be a playoff contender and if they can beat the Packers they could win the division, it all depends how they fair without Megatron.

Minnesota Vikings
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- WR Laquon Treadwell
Key Losses- None
Analysis- The Vikings are one of many teams that in my opinion control their own destiny. If they can churn out some wins we might be seeing them in the playoffs. They have a tough defense led by safety Harrison Smith and a speedy offense led by former Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The North is looking like a fairly tough division this season and it's up for the taking, let's see if the Vikings are up for the challenge.

Chicago Bears
Preseason Record- (0-4)
Key Newcomers- HB Arian Foster, CB Jalen Mills
Key Losses- HB Matt Forte, TE Martellus Bennett
Analysis- The Bears are one of the teams where anything could happen. With a declining quarterback in Jay Cutler the bears will have to focus more on the ground. It doesn't help that they lost their franchise back Matt Forte to the Jets. The acquisition of Arian Foster was huge as that could open up the passing game for receivers Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White. White missed last season with injuries so we still don't know what to expect from this former junior college transfer. If they can get on the same page it wouldn't be crazy to expect Chicago winning the North.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons
Preseason Record- (1-3)
Key Newcomers- WR Danario Alexander, CB Antonio Cromartie
Key Losses- WR Roddy White
Analysis- The Falcons lost a huge part of their receiving core when Roddy White tested free agency, White ended up signing with the Raiders. The addition of receiver Danario Alexander doesn't completely fill the void but it definitely helps as he'll be placed into the 3rd receiver role behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. Even with these weapons it seems unlikely for the Falcons to make the playoffs, but hey crazier stuff has happened.

Carolina Panthers
Preseason Record- (1-2-1)
Key Newcomers- WR Wes Welker
Key Losses- CB Josh Norman, DE Jared Allen
Analysis- Despite losing the Super Bowl the Panthers arguably had their best season in franchise history. A lot of the pieces on that team return including some new faces such as veteran receiver Wes Welker. That gives reigning MVP/OPOY Cam Newton another nice target to go along with Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, and tight end Greg Olsen. The loss of stars like corner back Josh Norman and defensive end Jared Allen are huge blows to an otherwise solid defense. The Panthers look ready to make another playoff run, this time they'd like to win it all.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- CB Vernon Hargreaves
Key Losses- Mone
Analysis- Looking at the Buccaneers roster a thought came to mind, "This team has talent." With a stacked defense, Rookie of the Year quarterback Jameis Winston, and a great receiving group including Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson the Buccaneers are possibly near a break through. Who knows, maybe we'll see Tampa Bay in the playoffs.

New Orleans Saints
Preseason Record- (3-1)
Key Newcomers- TE Coby Fleener
Key Losses- TE Ben Watson
Analysis- The Saints have one of the best quarterbacks in the league (Drew Brees) and he has a new weapon in Coby Fleener. Fleener adds to an overall solid group of pass catchers like Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks. With defensive stars such as safeties Kenny Vaccaro and Jarius Byrd the Saints have players that could fly around and make plays whenever the opportunity presents itself. The Saints are looking like a possible .500 team but theres no reason they couldn't sneak into the wildcard with 8-9 wins.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys
Preseason Record-(1-3)
Key Newcomers-ROLB K.J. Wright, HB Alfred Morris, HB Ezekiel Elliot
Key Losses- None
Analysis- The Cowboys are another team that controls their own destiny. In possibly the worst division in the NFL every win counts, especially within the division. If the Cowboys could produce at least 9 wins it's almost a safe bet that they'll win the East and get into the playoffs.

New York Giants
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- CB Eli Apple
Key Losses- None
Analysis- This Giants team has all the tools to win the division. With a nice receiving core and a great quarterback the Giants look poised to take the division crown from the Redskins. With Odell Beckham possibly receiving extra attention and bracket coverages things could open up for fellow receivers Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard.

Washington Redskins
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- WR Josh Doctson, CB Josh Norman
Key Losses- HB Alfred Morris
Analysis- With Robert Griffin III gone to the Browns, Washington is left with Kirk Cousins at quarterback, which is an upgrade. Even without the threat from the ground Cousins has a great arm and he has some nice targets in receivers Pierre Garcon, Josh Doctson, Desean Jackson, and tight end Vernon Davis. Nobody knows what's going to happen with this squad but with the weapons they have they should be fun to watch.

Philadelphia Eagles
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- QB Carson Wentz
Key Losses- None
Analysis- The Eagles will be led by rookie quarterback Carson Wentz who was selected #2 overall out of North Dakota State. This former bison has all the tools to become a great quarterback in this league. Zach Ertz, Jordan Mathews, and Rurben Randle are just a couple of possible targets for this rookie. With a solid defense all the pressure goes to the offense. If the offense can produce points Philadelphia should have no problem taking the division.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
Preseason Record- (3-1)
Key Newcomers- DT Robert Nkemdiche
Key Losses- HB Chris Johnson
Analysis- With the drafting of former Ole' Miss Rebel Robert Nkemdiche the Cardinals have a stacked defensive line to go along with their explosive secondary. The Cardinals had a great season with veteran quarterback Carson Palmer and they look to repeat what they did last season. They need to watch out for their division foe Seattle as even if the Cardinals do well they could easily miss the playoffs if Seattle or any other NFC West team for that matter wins the division.

Seattle Seahawks
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- HB Steven Jackson
Key Losses- HB Marshawn Lynch
Analysis- After getting smacked by the Panthers in the NFC championship the Seahawks want to prove to the league that they're still a top team. With the loss of Marshawn Lynch to retirement Seattle brought in running back Steven Jackson to compete for the starting job with Bryce Brown. Brown won the job but they'll most likely split carries with Brown getting the majority. The Seahawks want to return to Superbowl form and it's completely possible for that to happen if they can get the ground game going.

San Francisco 49ers
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- WR Josh Gordon, WR Jarrett Boykin, SS Bernard Pollard, ROLB Shillique Calhoun
Key Losses- WR Anquan Boldin, RB Reggie Bush
Analysis- The 49ers had an ugly season last year which saw quarterback Colin Kaepernick lose his starting job to Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert won the battle in the preseason and will be the starter week 1. He has some new weapons on the outside with the signings of Josh Gordon and Jarrett Boykin. Gordon faced a season long suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, he returns with some baggage but he wants his play to speak for him. He's a great talent and let's see if he can get himself together on and off the field. If he could do that he could be the reason the 49ers make it back to the playoffs.

Los Angeles Rams
Preseason Record- (2-2)
Key Newcomers- QB Jared Goff
Key Losses- None
Analysis- Besides a weak secondary the Rams defense is something you shouldn't mess with. With defensive standouts Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald being just 2 of many players with Pro Bowl potential the Rams have something to look forward to this season. They'll also have a new quarterback as Jared Goff out of Cal was selected with the #1 overall pick, if he can make an automatic impact and running back Todd Gurley could continue to run the way he did last season in which he won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year the Rams could come out with some tough wins, maybe even a wildcard spot.

[Mike7Vinas]

Week 1 Results

(Green=Winner, *=Game of the Week)

Packers @ Seahawks; 41-20
Saints @ Falcons; 34-21
Vikings @ Rams; 24-15
Browns @ Steelers; 30-17
Jaguars @ Eagles; 14-9
Raiders @ Jets; 35-25
Bengals @ Ravens; 34-17
Bills @ Bears; 23-20
Redskins @ Texans; 24-15
Titans @ Chiefs; 24-14
Patriots @ Dolphins; 23-13
Panthers @ Buccaneers; 16-13
49ers @ Cowboys; 18-10
Colts @ Broncos; 37-31
Giants @ Lions; 20-17
Chargers @ Cardinals; 27-24

Statistical Leaders-

Offense:
Passing Yards- 386; Carson Palmer, QB- Cardinals

Rushing Yards- 223; Jamaal Charles, HB- Chiefs

Receiving Yards- 154; Michael Floyd, WR- Cardinals

Defense:
Tackles- 16; Danny Trevathan, ROLB- Bears

Sacks- 2; DeAndre Levy, ROLB- Lions

Interceptions- 2; 3 players tied

Top players of the week-

NFC
Offense- A.Rodgers, QB- Packers
22-27, 291 YDS, 4 TD, 0 INT

Defense- D.Levy, ROLB- Lions
14 TKL, 2 sacks

AFC
Offense- J.Charles, HB- Chiefs
24 CAR, 223 YDS, 9.3 AVG, 2 TD

Defense- S.Smith, CB- Raiders
8 TKL, 2 INT

Game of the Week-
Panthers drop game number one to Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers

The Panthers came into the season trying to show the critics that last year wasn't luck, they might need to do some more convincing after their close loss Sunday to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Panthers came out guns blazin' as they capped off their opening drive with a 12 yard touchdown run by backup running back Cameron Artis Payne who's filling in for the injured Johnathan Stewart. A Graham Gano 43 yard field goal put Carolina up 10-0 heading into the second quarter.

Tampa Bay couldn't get the ball moving and Carolina would tack on another field goal, this one from 29 yards out to make it 13-0 in favor of the Panthers.

This is when rookie of the year Jameis Winston started showing the Tampa Bay crowd something special. He connected on five straight passes and got into the redzone when he hit his receiver Mike Evans to get down to the 1. Backup running back Mike James would punch it in on 2nd and goal to bring the game to 13-7.

After an interception by Buccaneer middle linebacker Daryl Smith at the Panthers 42 yard line, Winston connected with Vincent Jackson for 25 yards with 12 seconds remaining on the clock. Rookie kicker Robert Aguayo would hit one of his three field goals on the day, this one from 34 yards out. The Panthers led at the half; 13-10.

The second half would belong to the Buccaneers as they would hold Newton and the Panthers scoreless for the remainder of the game. A 31-yard field goal by Robert Aguayo would tie the game up going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter was a defensive battle that would see no points until the final ticks. On an eight play, 70 yard drive which included a 46 yard grab by Vincent Jackson the Buccaneers found themselves in range for another Robert Aguayo field goal. As the clock hit zeros, the 30 yard field goal from the former Florida State Seminal went right down the pipe, giving the Buccaneers the victory.

Players of the Game:
TB- QB Jameis Winston; 21-30, 230 YDS, 0 TD, 0 INT

CAR- HB Cameron Artis-Payne; 17 CAR, 75 YDS, 4.4 AVG, 1 TD

*Just a reminder, Power Rankings will start week 3

[Mike7Vinas]

BREAKING NEWS:
Buffalo Bills are awaiting approval from league owners on relocation to Toronto.



It was announced early this morning that the Buffalo Bills intend to relocate to Toronto, Canada, pending approval. That would make the Bills the only NFL team outside of the U.S.

A large part of the Bill's fan base resides in Toronto, which is Canada's most populated city. Buffalo will need 24/32 of the league owners to approve this move. Buffalo has been rumored to be wanting a relocation to Toronto but none of these allegations have been 100% proven.

The Bill's were surprisingly let out of their "No Relocation Term" that was a part of the lease for Ralph Wilson Stadium that was signed in March of 2013 to be good through the 2022 season. The Bill's will have to pay a $400M liquidated damages fee thus letting them out of their contract with the stadium.

There's problems with this proposal though. As the organization would collect a lot of its revenue in Canadian dollars and will have to pay players in U.S dollars. Teams in the CFL such as the Montreal Expos, Vancouver Grizzlies, original Winnipeg Jets, and Quebec Nordiques already dealt with this problem and left the country from 1995-2004 when the value of the Canadian dollar was low.

This isn't the first time a team has thought about moving out of the country with rumors of a possible move to London for the Jaguars franchise circulated the last couple seasons. The Jaguars play at least one game in London every year and they might be the next team to leave the U.S.

But for now the Bills will remain in Buffalo until they receive approval. If they do reach approval, we might be seeing this in the near future:

[DynasticJumper]

. That would be intense.