The 2015 NFL season ended with many football fans dazed and confused after watching the ending of the Super Bowl XLIX.

In case you missed it, the Seattle Seahawks were one and a half yards away from a Super Bowl victory with under a minute to go. However, in a questionable play call, Malcom Butler intercepted Russell Wilson to end the game. Wilson was joined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on the list of people who just can not win against Patriots star Tom Brady.

This year brings much anticipated excitement as many teams have made changes for better (or worse).

The Eagles were among the first to shock the league this offseason as head coach Chip Kelly took complete control of the reigns in Philadelphia. The amount of players left in Philadelphia from the Andy Reid era can just about be counted on one hand.

Pro-bowl quarterback Nick Foles and running back LeSean McCoy were sent packing to the St. Louis Rams and Buffalo Bills. Kelly went all in on a partially broken Sam Bradford and Kiko Alonso, both whom are recovering from ACL injuries.

However, Bradford showed some new signs of life and flashes of greatness throughout preseason. The Eagles could be making an appearance in the NFC Championship this year so long as Bradford can make it through a full season.

Another team looking to make a splash in the NFC is the Dallas Cowboys, who will most likely be challenging Philadelphia this year for the top spot in the NFC East.

“Dez Bryant just received his contract extension which has made him the highest paid wide receiver in the league,” said NFL free agent Jordan Harris in an interview with the Guilfordian. “Tony Romo is looking to follow up his great year last year with an even better year this year.”

To add some more drama to the NFC East rivalry, former Cowboys star Demarco Murray will be in the Eagles backfield this go round.

All eyes were also on number one overall draft pick Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this preseason. The rookie had his moments in preseason, but it was not enough to answer all questions and concerns about the former Heisman trophy winner and Florida State standout.

But, Winston will have some weapons to work with like wide receiver Mike Evans who is coming off an amazing 2014-2015 NFL Campaign.

“There’s a lot of excitement here in the organization and we’re expecting a lot of progress to be made and a good foundation to be laid with the current roster,” said Josiah Cafiero, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization in an interview with the Guilfordian.

This offseason it seemed that the trend was ACL tears, as many teams throughout the league will be without top players. Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers and Kelvin Benjamin of the Carolina Panthers were the first among wide receivers to drop like flies. The Packers will have to rely on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and big players like Randall Cobb and Eddie Lacy, to step up in Green Bay.

However, for the Carolina Panthers this season could be a rough year. Quarterback Cam Newton will have to go through this season without stud receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who flourished in his rookie season with the Panthers. Newton will have to rise to the occasion, and look to other veterans like running back Jonathan Stewart and Greg Olsen to move the chains for Carolina.

As always, there will be lots of competition throughout the AFC. “Kansas City will be the ones who go all the way this year, and there will be a lot of scoring with lead back Jamaal Charles,” said West Chester University running back Brandon Monk, who is currently being scouted by teams like the Jets and Bucs. 

The Chiefs joined in on the free agent madness with the addition of wide receiver Jeremy Maclin from the Eagles. Will head coach Andy Reid and Maclin rekindle the flame they shared in Philadelphia?

Of course, the team everyone loves to hate is the New England Patriots. From Spygate to Deflategate, they are still among the top teams in the league. Tom Brady has left the courtroom and will return to the field with a chip on his shoulder.

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are also an ideal AFC Championship pick as well, as they are led with a strong group of wide receivers in Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. Maybe this year Denver will be able to advance past the Patriots.

The first week will answer lots of questions for fans, rookies and coaches. We will see Winston vs. Mariota which will be the first showdown of number 1 overall versus number 2 overall. Bradford will take his first snap under center in a Philadelphia uniform. Also, will Aaron Rodgers be able to perform without Nelson?

Guilfordian Super Bowl Prediction

It is hard to predict a clear winner this season with all the new talent, but the Philadelphia Eagles will finally get the ring this year in a rematch with the New England Patriots.

If Sam Bradford is healthy, he has a plethora of talent at wide receiver this season and the backfield may be the best in the NFL. The Eagles also were able to make the necessary tune ups on the defense, acquiring two Seattle secondary players and Buffalo Bills rookie sensation Kiko Alonso.

They have everything in place this season to make a run, with a quick tempo and high scoring offense Chip Kelly could quite possibly do what Andy Reid could not.