This year is going to be quite interesting in the NFL. I believe that there is going to be an unparalleled level of parity in the league this year. I do not believe that there is a clear cut juggernaut, nor is there a 1-15 in the league. We shall see. I have thrown my hat into the ring with my prediction for the upcoming season.
AFC East:
New York Jets: (10-6) Division winner. Yes Brett is in town, but I believe that the off season acquisitions on both sides of the ball will lead them to the playoffs.
New England Patriots: (8-8). The Pats are getting long in the tooth and they have to make back to back trips to the West Coast twice this season. If Cassell has to take any more than a game or two worth of snaps, the team is in for a long season after a terrible loss.
Buffalo Bills: (6-10). I may be a game or so off here, but the bills are a QB short of being a great team.
Miami Dolphins: (4-12). Again, I may be a game off either way, but my questions is...can the "Porcelain Prince" Chad Pennington last the whole season.
AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers: (10-6). The Steelers will have a good team, but I think there may be a surprise loss or two during the course of the season.
Bengals: (7-9). There is a bunch of off the field crap, that once again will take a strangle hold on the Bengals. They also have a pretty tough schedule.
Ravens: (6-10). As usual, the Ravens do not have a true starting QB. Flacco will be good in a year or so, he has a laser of an arm, but for now, he will be scrambling to save his life on a weekly basis. You don't just go and replace a Jonathon Ogden.
Browns: (5-11): I know that the Browns are coming off of a 10-6 season, but last years schedule was much easier than this years. I just don't think the Browns can run as much as they need to to sustain that many beat'em up drag'em out games. Maybe next year.
AFC South:
Jacksonville Jaguars: (12-4): The Jaguars have paid their dues. It is time for them to step to the forefront, and make a statement. I believe that they are a serious SB XLIII contender.
Colts: (10-6): I know Peyton Manning is a sure fire Hall of Famer, but I am worried about the condition of his knee and whether or not he can take a hit and not get hurt again. I hope I am wrong.
Titans: (9-7): Here is another case where I may be off by a game or two either way, but I am just not completely sold on the Titans offense just yet.
Texans: (7-9): There is no question in my mind that this is the toughest division in the NFL. I am so waiting for the Texans to break out and have a playoff worthy campaign, I am going to have to wait until Peyton retires I guess.
AFC West:
Chargers: (11-5). No doubt the class of the division. This team has a real chance with the Norv Turner driven offense to light up the scoreboard. Merriman's health is not a major concern with regard to the team's success.
Broncos: (8-8). They may go 9-7, but they will not be much better than that. They certainly do not have the fire power to over take the Chargers.
Chiefs: (6-10). This could be he last go 'round for Herm in KC. It certainly is not his fault, but the Chiefs fans are longing for a winner.
Raiders: (5-11). Jamarcus Russell will be better, so will the rest of the offense. The defense is also improved, I just wish the Raiders would have traded out of the 4th spot in the draft to accumulate more draft picks. They have way too many holes to fill to bank on just one spectacular runner.
NFC East:
Cowboys: (11-5): I think winning two fewer games this year may actually be good for the Cowboys. This division is going to be tough, and I hope Romo is ready to finish the job this year.
Giants: (9-7): Everyone will be gunning for the World Champs. This division is brutal, and you can never replace a Hall of Fame and All Pro Defensive End tandem. Eli will have to put up huge numbers to keep the G-Men in some games this year.
Eagles: (8-8): I just don't think they are as tough as people think they are. We will see how Donovan holds up this year.
Redskins: (7-9): First year coach Jim Zorn is more than capable to handle the stress and pressure that comes along with following up a legend of a coach. This is the only prediction where I feel like I may be way off, let's see.
NFC North:
Bears: (9-7): Orton is better than Grossman, the defense still has Urlacher. They may have a pretty good running game. We shall see if the stars align for Da' Bears.
Lions: (8-8): Finally, the Lions achieve mediocrity. It has been a long time coming, but I think the playoffs are right around the corner for this franchise.
Vikings: (6-10): The division has gotten better, and I think that Jackson, while an excellent athlete, is not ready just yet to win the big/close games.
Packers: (5-11): It is going to be a long cold winter in the land of the cheese heads. I hope, almost pray that I am wrong. Aaron Rodgers deserves better.
NFC South:
Buccaneers: (11-5): I think the Bucs can make a run this year, we will just have to see how far they can go.
Saints: (10-6): Another year of strife, another year without a smash mouth running game. Reggie is a great East/West runner, I just wish he would grow a pair and run between the tackles.
Panthers: (5-11): Head coach John Fox is on the hot seat to be sure. They may win seven games, but they are still a couple of french fries short of a Happy Meal.
Falcons: (3-13): I am sure Mat Ryan will do a good job at QB eventually, it just won't be this year.
NFC West:
Cardinals: (10-6): This is a record that the redbirds should have had last year, but they fell short in a couple of key games (please see 49er game et al). I think it is time for the Cardinals to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Seahawks: (9-7): I am sure future hall of fame coach Holmgren would like to end his career with another ring, but I am worried about Hasselback's back.........wow, pun intended, his back is giving him a hassle.
Rams: (5-11): Man this team is in trouble. I love the running game, but every other phase of the game for this team is awful.
49er's: (5-11): The only suit head coach Mike Nolan should be worried about is the one he is going to wear to his next interview.
Playoffs:
AFC: Chargers, Jets, Jaguars, Colts, Steelers, Titans
NFC: Cowboys, Bears, Bucs, Cards, Seahawks, Giants
Super Bowl XXIII: Cowboys vs. Jaguars.
Super Bowl Champions: Jaguars
Ahhhh....the beauty of the gridiron.
Good luck to all, and let's see some twins!!!!!
1 comment:
Well, I think after beating a legitimate team (SD Chargers) the Panthers have shown that even without their number 1 receiver this happy meal has more than 1 prize in it. Staunch defense and a running game will put Carolina back in the hunt.
-T
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