1. Giants (12-4)
2. Falcons (12-4)
3. Packers (11-5)
4. Cardinals (10-6)
5. Vikings (11-5)
6. Cowboys (10-6)
Wild Card
Cowboys @ Packers
Vikings @ Cardinals
Divisional Round
Vikings @ Giants
Packers @ Falcons
NFC Championship
Vikings @ Packers
NFC Champion: Vikings (maybe Giants, I'm still kind of one the fence).
Monday, September 14, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
NFL Season Preview: AFC
East
1) New England Patriots (12-4)
Why do I think they will win the division? Tom Brady is the obvious answer. He is back and he is healthy. The Patriots were certainly good enough to make the playoffs last season, and with arguably the best player in football coming back you have to think the Pats are a lock for the playoffs. While I don't think we'll see nearly the same level of success Brady and Moss had in their first season together, I think it's reasonable to expect them to still produce at a high level.
2) New York Jets (8-8)
I'm saying this right now: Mark Sanchez is a franchise QB. He'll undoubtedly go through his struggles this season, but I do think we'll see some of the things that made him the 5th overall pick as well. Thomas Jones should take some of the pressure off him, and I think the Jets will end up having a pretty decent season.
3) Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Once the Bills get off to a bad start, it'll only get worse once TO starts acting up. Yes, I'm predicting that he will cause trouble in Buffalo, like he does EVERYWHERE he goes. He has never left a team on good terms, and Buffalo will be no different. There is some talent on the offense, but that won't be enough to offset their defensive problems and the fact they are just not that great of a team overall.
4) Miami Dolphins (5-11)
The most surprising team in the NFL a season ago was the Miami Dolphins. They went from 1-15 to 11-5 and an AFC East title. So why do I think they won't be able to repeat that surprising success? I really think they got a bit lucky last season. Don't get me wrong, they were a good team; there is just something that tells me this team may have been a bit of a fluke. I am curious to see if the Wildcat can have the same success for them as it did last season. Or have teams figured it out? I'm also interested in the Chad Pennington situation. He had a good season a year ago, but he played horribly in the playoff game and if he can't duplicate his success from last season I wouldn't be surprised to see former Michigan QB Chad Henne starting some games.
North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Who else would I choose? They are the defending Superbowl champions and their schedule appears to be a lot easier. I expect the Steelers to start hot and propel that hot start to a great regular season. I also expect QB Ben Roethlisberger to have much better season than he did last year; he only threw 17 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions. I think we'll see more of 2007 Big Ben. Of course, the defense will be among the best in the league as they seem to be every season. The biggest question for this team is probably the running game. Can RB Willie Parker return to form? Can Rashard Mendenhall produce at the NFL level? We'll see.
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Why don't I have the Ravens returning to the playoffs this season? Their defense should be good as always, but I really don't think their offense is going to be that good. I think their running and passing game could take a dip this season. I'm not sold on Joe Flacco yet, and I'm not sure how much Derrick Mason has left.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)
The Bengals have never been able to duplicate the success the had in the 05 season, even though they seem to have expectations going into every season. Will this be the year they finally break through and make it the playoffs? I don't think so. Obviously the key to this team is Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Palmer has to stay healthy and Ochocinco has to play like he did from 02-07. But will this happen? I'm not so sure. Chad Johnson's best days are behind him in my opinion and if this turns out to be the case the Bengals are in trouble.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
I'm not sold that they have found their QB of the future. Derek Anderson was a fluke and I think he proved that last season. As for Brady Quinn, I don't see him becoming a Pro Bowl QB. Never at any point watching him at Notre Dame did I think he would become a Pro Bowl QB and so far he hasn't shown me anything in the NFL to make me change my mind. Also, can WR Braylon Edwards go back to his 2007 form? I think he can. I certainly don't think he'll play like he did next season. Still, that won't be enough for the Browns to be a good team.
South
1. Tennessee Titans (11-5)
Although the Titans did lose a big part of their defensive line in Albert Haynesworth, they still sport a very good defense and team as a whole. The defensive line has a lot of depth; second year DT Jason Jones is a hidden gem. The big question for this team is the QB position. Can Collins continue to limit his mistakes, or will he struggle and force the Titans to start Vince Young? Once thing is for certain: the running game will be fine. RB Chris Johnson is the fastest running back in the league and LenDale White is a good change of pace back.
2. Houston Texans (10-6)
The Texans will finally break through and make the playoffs. Why? They should have an explosive offense and may finish near the top of the league when all is said and done? WR Andre Johnson and RB Steve Slaton should make Matt Schaub's life a lot easier. The defense isn't too shabby either, with talented players like DE Mario Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans holding it down on that side of the ball.
3. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
I see the Colts taking a slight dip this season, but they should still make the playoffs. How can anyone pick against a Peyton Manning-led team? What people don't realize is that he didn't have that much help last season. The running game wasn't there and the offensive line wasn't as good as it usually is. Not to mention the defense wasn't exactly shutting teams down. Manning was the true definition of an MVP. This year the Colts should be better. RB Joseph Addai is healthy and there are high hopes for rookie RB Donald Brown.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Everyone's sleeper Superbowl pick from a couple seasons ago haven't been able to play up to that level as of late. QB David Garrard hasn't been able to match his 2007 success after receiving that huge contract. It'll be interesting to see how RB Maurice Jones-Drew plays now that he is the primary back. No more Fred Taylor to share the load with. Can he be a legit 1200 yards, 4.0 yards per carry back?
West
1. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
Everyone's pick to win the AFC West. And for good reason. Their competition in the division is horrible. Pretty much no one expects the Chiefs, Broncos, or Raiders to finish with a winning record. So all that is left is the Chargers. They did finish 8-8 a year ago, but I expect a lot of improvement. LaDainian Tomlinson will play better. Everyone is saying he's done but I'm convinced he still has some left in the tank. Their passing game will be strong as well. Vincent Jackson may be the most underrated WR in the league, Antonio Gates is arguably the best TE in the league, and Phillip Rivers continues to grow and improve as a QB.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Matt Cassel is not a fluke people. He was not the product of a system. He is a good QB and I see him duplicating some of his success in Kansas City. Will he be able to lead them to the same team success the Patriots had last season? Probably not, but I do see the Chiefs being a competitive team. Don't forget, they still have Larry Johnson, who only a couple seasons ago was considered among the best RB's in the league.
3. Oakland Raiders (5-11)
The Raiders look headed for another bad season. Believe it or not, there is talent there and if everything goes right for them 8-8 is not out of the question. They have JaMarcus Russell, who I think can develop into a Pro Bowl QB, and they have RB Darren McFadden, who was a top 5 pick in the 2008 draft. They drafted WR Darius Heyward-Bey in the 2009 draft and he has the ability to stretch the field with his speed. They also have who many people consider to be the best CB in the league in Nnamdi Asomugha. So there is talent there, but I don't think they'll be able to put it together to the point where they actually finish with a winning record.
4. Denver Broncos (3-13)
Josh McDaniels will have a short stint in Denver. After the Broncos have a horrible season this year, their worst in forever, he will be fired. And rightfully so. He has pretty much killed this team since taking over. Yes, Jay Cutler may have been a cry baby and may be overrated, but he is a good QB who is much better than Kyle Orton or Chris Simms, the top 2 QB's on the Broncos depth chart right now. Now WR Brandon Marshall is unhappy. Things aren't looking good in Denver and don't expect them to be getting better anytime soon.
AFC Playoff Predictions
Wild Card Round (winners in bold)
Colts @ Patriots
Texans @ Titans
Divisional Round
Patriots @ Steelers
Titans @ Chargers
AFC Championship
Steelers @ Chargers
NFC predictions later...
1) New England Patriots (12-4)
Why do I think they will win the division? Tom Brady is the obvious answer. He is back and he is healthy. The Patriots were certainly good enough to make the playoffs last season, and with arguably the best player in football coming back you have to think the Pats are a lock for the playoffs. While I don't think we'll see nearly the same level of success Brady and Moss had in their first season together, I think it's reasonable to expect them to still produce at a high level.
2) New York Jets (8-8)
I'm saying this right now: Mark Sanchez is a franchise QB. He'll undoubtedly go through his struggles this season, but I do think we'll see some of the things that made him the 5th overall pick as well. Thomas Jones should take some of the pressure off him, and I think the Jets will end up having a pretty decent season.
3) Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Once the Bills get off to a bad start, it'll only get worse once TO starts acting up. Yes, I'm predicting that he will cause trouble in Buffalo, like he does EVERYWHERE he goes. He has never left a team on good terms, and Buffalo will be no different. There is some talent on the offense, but that won't be enough to offset their defensive problems and the fact they are just not that great of a team overall.
4) Miami Dolphins (5-11)
The most surprising team in the NFL a season ago was the Miami Dolphins. They went from 1-15 to 11-5 and an AFC East title. So why do I think they won't be able to repeat that surprising success? I really think they got a bit lucky last season. Don't get me wrong, they were a good team; there is just something that tells me this team may have been a bit of a fluke. I am curious to see if the Wildcat can have the same success for them as it did last season. Or have teams figured it out? I'm also interested in the Chad Pennington situation. He had a good season a year ago, but he played horribly in the playoff game and if he can't duplicate his success from last season I wouldn't be surprised to see former Michigan QB Chad Henne starting some games.
North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Who else would I choose? They are the defending Superbowl champions and their schedule appears to be a lot easier. I expect the Steelers to start hot and propel that hot start to a great regular season. I also expect QB Ben Roethlisberger to have much better season than he did last year; he only threw 17 touchdowns compared to 15 interceptions. I think we'll see more of 2007 Big Ben. Of course, the defense will be among the best in the league as they seem to be every season. The biggest question for this team is probably the running game. Can RB Willie Parker return to form? Can Rashard Mendenhall produce at the NFL level? We'll see.
2. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Why don't I have the Ravens returning to the playoffs this season? Their defense should be good as always, but I really don't think their offense is going to be that good. I think their running and passing game could take a dip this season. I'm not sold on Joe Flacco yet, and I'm not sure how much Derrick Mason has left.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-9)
The Bengals have never been able to duplicate the success the had in the 05 season, even though they seem to have expectations going into every season. Will this be the year they finally break through and make it the playoffs? I don't think so. Obviously the key to this team is Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco. Palmer has to stay healthy and Ochocinco has to play like he did from 02-07. But will this happen? I'm not so sure. Chad Johnson's best days are behind him in my opinion and if this turns out to be the case the Bengals are in trouble.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
I'm not sold that they have found their QB of the future. Derek Anderson was a fluke and I think he proved that last season. As for Brady Quinn, I don't see him becoming a Pro Bowl QB. Never at any point watching him at Notre Dame did I think he would become a Pro Bowl QB and so far he hasn't shown me anything in the NFL to make me change my mind. Also, can WR Braylon Edwards go back to his 2007 form? I think he can. I certainly don't think he'll play like he did next season. Still, that won't be enough for the Browns to be a good team.
South
1. Tennessee Titans (11-5)
Although the Titans did lose a big part of their defensive line in Albert Haynesworth, they still sport a very good defense and team as a whole. The defensive line has a lot of depth; second year DT Jason Jones is a hidden gem. The big question for this team is the QB position. Can Collins continue to limit his mistakes, or will he struggle and force the Titans to start Vince Young? Once thing is for certain: the running game will be fine. RB Chris Johnson is the fastest running back in the league and LenDale White is a good change of pace back.
2. Houston Texans (10-6)
The Texans will finally break through and make the playoffs. Why? They should have an explosive offense and may finish near the top of the league when all is said and done? WR Andre Johnson and RB Steve Slaton should make Matt Schaub's life a lot easier. The defense isn't too shabby either, with talented players like DE Mario Williams and LB DeMeco Ryans holding it down on that side of the ball.
3. Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
I see the Colts taking a slight dip this season, but they should still make the playoffs. How can anyone pick against a Peyton Manning-led team? What people don't realize is that he didn't have that much help last season. The running game wasn't there and the offensive line wasn't as good as it usually is. Not to mention the defense wasn't exactly shutting teams down. Manning was the true definition of an MVP. This year the Colts should be better. RB Joseph Addai is healthy and there are high hopes for rookie RB Donald Brown.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Everyone's sleeper Superbowl pick from a couple seasons ago haven't been able to play up to that level as of late. QB David Garrard hasn't been able to match his 2007 success after receiving that huge contract. It'll be interesting to see how RB Maurice Jones-Drew plays now that he is the primary back. No more Fred Taylor to share the load with. Can he be a legit 1200 yards, 4.0 yards per carry back?
West
1. San Diego Chargers (13-3)
Everyone's pick to win the AFC West. And for good reason. Their competition in the division is horrible. Pretty much no one expects the Chiefs, Broncos, or Raiders to finish with a winning record. So all that is left is the Chargers. They did finish 8-8 a year ago, but I expect a lot of improvement. LaDainian Tomlinson will play better. Everyone is saying he's done but I'm convinced he still has some left in the tank. Their passing game will be strong as well. Vincent Jackson may be the most underrated WR in the league, Antonio Gates is arguably the best TE in the league, and Phillip Rivers continues to grow and improve as a QB.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Matt Cassel is not a fluke people. He was not the product of a system. He is a good QB and I see him duplicating some of his success in Kansas City. Will he be able to lead them to the same team success the Patriots had last season? Probably not, but I do see the Chiefs being a competitive team. Don't forget, they still have Larry Johnson, who only a couple seasons ago was considered among the best RB's in the league.
3. Oakland Raiders (5-11)
The Raiders look headed for another bad season. Believe it or not, there is talent there and if everything goes right for them 8-8 is not out of the question. They have JaMarcus Russell, who I think can develop into a Pro Bowl QB, and they have RB Darren McFadden, who was a top 5 pick in the 2008 draft. They drafted WR Darius Heyward-Bey in the 2009 draft and he has the ability to stretch the field with his speed. They also have who many people consider to be the best CB in the league in Nnamdi Asomugha. So there is talent there, but I don't think they'll be able to put it together to the point where they actually finish with a winning record.
4. Denver Broncos (3-13)
Josh McDaniels will have a short stint in Denver. After the Broncos have a horrible season this year, their worst in forever, he will be fired. And rightfully so. He has pretty much killed this team since taking over. Yes, Jay Cutler may have been a cry baby and may be overrated, but he is a good QB who is much better than Kyle Orton or Chris Simms, the top 2 QB's on the Broncos depth chart right now. Now WR Brandon Marshall is unhappy. Things aren't looking good in Denver and don't expect them to be getting better anytime soon.
AFC Playoff Predictions
Wild Card Round (winners in bold)
Colts @ Patriots
Texans @ Titans
Divisional Round
Patriots @ Steelers
Titans @ Chargers
AFC Championship
Steelers @ Chargers
NFC predictions later...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tennessee Titans
Why does everyone think this team will disappoint? Lets examine their team.
Defensively, they are still strong even without Big Al. The defensive line is deep. Vanden Bosch, Kearse, Brown, Haye, Jones...you may not know all these names but all are good players. Jason Jones, filling in for Haynesworth during the Steelers game last December, actually had 3 sacks. And he was only a rookie. So he has potential.
As for the linebackers and secondary, they are good there. Bulluck, Tulloch, Griffin, Hope, Finnegan...even without Haynesworth the Titans are still a top 10 defense in the NFL and maybe even top 5.
Now the offense is a different story. The running game is fine. Chris Johnson is a stud and White is a great backup. The offensive line is fine. The question is the passing game. Kerry Collins wasn't all that great last season, but one thing he was able to do (unlike Vince Young) was cut back on mistakes...can he do the same thing this year? Only time will tell. Can Britt be a big time WR and help whichever QB is taking the snaps? Can Nate Washington become a number 1 or at least number 2 WR? There are a lot of question marks in regards to the passing game. I think this will prevent them from winning the Superbowl.
Despite that, I still think they will get to the AFC championship game...but unless VY gets a chance and blossoms (which I honestly don't see happening), I don't see the Titans getting any farther than that.
Defensively, they are still strong even without Big Al. The defensive line is deep. Vanden Bosch, Kearse, Brown, Haye, Jones...you may not know all these names but all are good players. Jason Jones, filling in for Haynesworth during the Steelers game last December, actually had 3 sacks. And he was only a rookie. So he has potential.
As for the linebackers and secondary, they are good there. Bulluck, Tulloch, Griffin, Hope, Finnegan...even without Haynesworth the Titans are still a top 10 defense in the NFL and maybe even top 5.
Now the offense is a different story. The running game is fine. Chris Johnson is a stud and White is a great backup. The offensive line is fine. The question is the passing game. Kerry Collins wasn't all that great last season, but one thing he was able to do (unlike Vince Young) was cut back on mistakes...can he do the same thing this year? Only time will tell. Can Britt be a big time WR and help whichever QB is taking the snaps? Can Nate Washington become a number 1 or at least number 2 WR? There are a lot of question marks in regards to the passing game. I think this will prevent them from winning the Superbowl.
Despite that, I still think they will get to the AFC championship game...but unless VY gets a chance and blossoms (which I honestly don't see happening), I don't see the Titans getting any farther than that.
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