Post by porky88 on Aug 30, 2005 15:45:10 GMT -5
I picked every single game each week and this is what I got. Some surprises! These are my guesses and I'm not expecting to get them all.
Sorry for the Length!!
NFC WEST
St. Louis Rams 11-5
This season I believe the Rams old swagger has returned. Bulger has looked solid. The Recievers are great and Steven Jackson is going to be a pure stud back there. Biggest questions come on the defensive side of the ball. The interior line has been struggling in years past but looks better this season. The secondary looks improved and the special teams needs to step up bigger. The Rams do play in a easy division and have a pretty manageable schedule. In the end the Rams are the best team in the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks 7-9
The Rams biggest challengers are the Seattle Seahawks. Last season was a big disappointment has a lot of people were jumping on their bandwagon. Including me. Picking them to go all the way to the Super Bowl. This season they seem to be on the quiet sides of things. They have plenty of new starters on defense which has been their week point but they still have plenty of questions. Marcus Tubbs has looked great in training camp and will play a big roll in the defense this season. The offense is built around one of the best offensive lines in football and Shaun Alexander is in a contract year. The biggest question perhaps is whether the wide outs can hang on to the ball. My prediction is not enough to make the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals 6-10
Perhaps the dark horse in the NFC are the Cardinals. A lot of people pick them to even run away with the division title. Why not? I mean Warner is a former 2 time NFL MVP. Has 3 great wide outs and probably the best defense in the division. Well is why. No big time RB. Without a RB the pressure is all on Warner’s arm and I believe he’s lost a big step in his game. J.J. Arrington is expected to be the go to guy in the backfield but who in the right state of mind wants to put their season on a rookie 2nd round pick RB. Warner’s play won’t be that solid this year and he’ll struggle. The defense will play decent but not well enough to put this team over the hump. The Cardinals will continue to finish better and maybe next year is the year for them but not this year.
San Francisco 49ers 2-14
What can you say about one of the greatest franchises ever. I mean Montana, Young , Rice and Walsh. Well that is hardly comparable to Rattay,Lylod and Nolan. Come on this team is in the complete rebuilding mode. The glory days are over and the Niners are off into never never land for the time being. The have a horrible offensive line and a bad Running game. Barlow has been the biggest let down in football. I expect Frank Gore to take over the starting RB spot sooner or later but not to do that good. Lots of young receivers but not what you might have in Detroit and the QB is just a mess. Rattay is of course not the answer but will start opening day. Alex Smith the first overall choice in this past Aprils draft is expected to take over mid way through the year if not sooner. The 49ers are in the big rebuilding mode and will be for a couple of years.
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings 11-5
The Vikings might of done more than anyone this off season to improve their team. Even if it meant dealing the best WR in the game. Well the offense is still solid with Daunte Culpepper and Nate Burleson. The RB is expected to be Mewelde Moore now. Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor of has great camps as first year Vikings. Marcus Robinson is a great red zone threat. On paper the defense looks amazing. The secondary is amazing with the additions of Fred Smoot and Darren Sharper. The linebackers are Sharpe to with the additions of Sam Cowart and Napoleon Harris. The defensive line is anchor by Kevin Williams but joining him in the middle is a big time run stuffer in Pat Williams. Erasmus James is a top DE prospect. Kenechi Udeze had a very solid rookie year. So how come they won’t run the table. Simple because of the coaching. Mike Tice is a joke of a coach and his coaching staff isn’t much better. Tice inherited a lot of talent and has done nothing with it so far. Finally they seem like they can make a run at the Super Bowl. Well in my opinion they will never win a Super Bowl with Mike Tice. They should win the division. If not then Minnesota will have a new coach by the 2006 Draft.
Green Bay Packers 10-6
Everyone is probably going to bash this pick. Well I’ll tell you what. The Packers will not win with a loosing record. Now with Brett Favre as the QB and that offense. Yes the lost 2 guards but guards are replaceable. The best lineman play tackle. Which we have 2 of the best at. The offense is not the question. The question is can Jim Bates improve the defense and I think he can to an extent. We’ve looked decent in preseason with our first team. KGB and Barnett look like they’ll be pro bowlers. Al Harris is a good corner and Grady Jackson is a solid DT. Well that’s about it. Every where else there are big questions. Ahmad Carroll has proved to be a joke and wouldn’t be starting if it wasn’t for injuries to Joey Thomas. Mark Roman struggled last season and Cledius Hunt has been nothing but a let down since signing a big contract. The special teams coverage looks awful this preseason and might not do the defense any favors but in my opinion as long as you have #4 you’re a contender. I expect a wild card and maybe a playoff win at best.
Detroit Lions 6-10
I am not high on them at all. Harrington has been nothing but a BUST and the offensive line isn’t what I would like to call even decent. I love the playmakers they have in Kevin Jones, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Charles Rogers but with a bad QB and a bad line that don’t mean much. I am not high on the defense at all. Questions all over the field in my opinion at LB and S. The defensive line is decent but not the best. With this said they are a young and up and coming team but they won’t be up and coming this season. I expect big things as soon as they get steady QB play and some defensive playmakers to help out Shaun Rogers and Dre Bly.
Chicago Bears 3-13
What do you get when you put the worse offense and a rookie QB together. A 3 win football team. Kyle Orton will have his up and downs and probably was the right decision but he’ll have way more downs than ups. Cedrick Benson isn’t going to start playing solid until the middle of the season. Mushin Muhammad was a overrated pickup. The defense is the best in the NFC North but is gonna be put in horrible situations because of the offense. The Bears haven’t been on the good side of luck since their lucky NFC Central title back in the last year of the Central.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
The Eagles are still the best team in the East. I think you’ll see a big drop off in them though. TO and McNabb can’t possibly have as good a year as last. Simon will be missed and the Eagles have always has trouble stopping the run. What confuses me is the only team that tried to really run the ball on them was the Patriots. I think its time for the Eagles to drop off a bit and that time is now.
Dallas Cowboys 7-9
Not a Cowboy fan this season either. What do you get when you take Parcells former players and put them together on the same team. A washed up offense. Outside of Jones and Witten the Boys offense is weak. That will hurt them in the long run. The hype on Demarcus Ware right now is nothing but hype. He’ll do good but nothing out of the ordinary. This team has a strong defense that will do good. I just don’t think they are ready to take the leap into the playoffs.
Washington Redskins 7-9
Redskins and Cowboys are very similar if you match them up. Except everyone is on Parcels bandwagon. Washington still has a solid defense and Clinton Portis had an “off year” but still ran for 1300 yards. Boy I wonder what a decent year is for him then. With a strong defense and better play from Ramsey I think the team will play better. I do believe that Jason Cambell will be the starting QB of this football season next season or the year after. Gibbs won’t coach much longer but he will if he sees a spark out of his team. I think he’ll see a little bit of a spark this season.
New York Giants 6-10
The Giants will be improved but I think are still a bit away from challenging the Eagles. Eli Manning has problems with his throwing arm. So I am a little concerned there. I think Tiki will be the New York back to drop off in production. I love Brandon Jacobs for the future though and the defense is better but not quite there yet. The Giants we step it up on paper but stay the same on the field.
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers 14-2
I am all over the Panthers this season. In my mind they are the best team in the NFC and maybe the NFL. They have a solid backfield and good receiving core with Steve Smith back and Keary Colbert. Not to mention Rod Gardner now. The defense is very good. The best defensive line in football maybe and a solid secondary with Gamble and Lucas. Ricky Manning as well. Thomas Davis should provide some help as well. Jake Delhomme stepped up his play a lot last season and I expect him to do maybe even better now that all the pressure is off of him. This is probably the best Panthers team ever assembled. If they can stay injury free which I think they can. They’ll be playing in Ford Field in early February.
Atlanta Falcons 12-4
Falcons have a good team. Solid defense. Great Running game. The pressure is on Mike Vick to have a solid season with his arm. I think he can and will. Mike Jenkins and Roddy White should emerge as a decent target and Crumpler is solid as well. He now knows the west coast system much better now. Jim Mora Jr. is doing a wonderful job and the Falcons will see the playoffs for the first time ever in consecutive seasons this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8
The Bucs will contend this season. Brian Griese played very solid last season when he took over and now they have a solid passing game intact. I am very high on Carnell Williams to have a good year running the football. My top running back in last years draft will be something to watch. The defense is solid but is aging which might slow them down a bit. First and for most they are in the toughest division in the NFC. I think this team could be a future wild card but not now. I expect Gruden to get one more season after this as coach.
New Orleans Saints 5-11
Not a Saints fan either this season. Haslett is a bad coach. Brooks is way to inconsistent and they one of the worse defenses in all of football. In the end the Saints will turn to rebuilding mode after this season. I expect a new coaching staff and new QB next year. I look for them to develop Adrian McPhearson when they can as well as a possible future starter. The Saints will not be contenders this season.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs 11-5
Much like the Vikings the Chiefs had a solid offense and a bad defense. Well with the signings of Patrick Surtain, Kendrell Bell, and Sammy Knight are going to be an improvement. Not to mention my pick to win rookie of the year. Derrick Johnson at LB through the draft. They still have the best offensive line in football and one of the best offenses as well. They should be contenders and I expect coach Vermeil to stick around one more season after this.
San Diego Chargers 9-7
The Chargers were a great story last year. They have a solid offense and good defense but last year they weren’t really tested. The Chiefs and Raiders are both improved this season and will give the Chargers some trouble. The Broncos are still a top division rival as well. Plus they play a much tougher schedule. I don’t expect what they did last year but I do still think there is a winning team in San Diego. Just not enough wins to put them in the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders 9-7
I still believe this team is very much improved. They should get steady play out of their offense and their defense should play decent enough to get them 8 or 9 wins but not well enough to get them to the playoffs. When you think Raiders you think Randy Moss now. The deep ball should be a show in Oakland and Collins loves it. This is a much better team than last years and I think this is the team to get the Raiders back on winning ways.
Denver Broncos 6-10
I am not that high on the Broncos this season. Jake Plummer is decent but Rod Smith might fall off a little bit. I look for a RB to emerge but still might struggle a little bit. The defense is still good but not as good as what most want to think. Injuries have plagued their defensive lineman’s past and I think it’ll happen again. What makes it worse for Denver is that they play in the toughest division in football where anyone could possibly win the division. I just think Broncos will be on the loosing side of the division.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
The Steelers were amazing last season but will fall off a little this season. Yea a little. Amazing that 11-5 might be a sophomore slump for poor Big Ben. Injuries are plaguing them so far with both Bettis and Staley out for the season opener. The defense is still one of the best in the NFL but the offense is built around a running game and without a RB they won’t go very far but they still have a solid team that should get going. They get a weak Titan team early and should be able to get a early win. Hopefully by then Staley and Bettis can return. The Steelers are still the best overall team in the division and will prove to be again.
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
The defense has been the name around Baltimore for a while now but the offense needs to step up. I think they will to an extent but not enough to win the North. I look for a solid season out of the Ravens. The additions of Rolle and Mason will be nice. Mark Clayton is probably the most polished WR coming out of college this season. Jamal Lewis is back and healthy and he should be very solid. Overall the Ravens should make the playoffs as a wild card.
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
The Bengals seem primed to explode on offense this season. Palmer T.J and Chad Johnson form the passing game. Kelly Washington and Chris Henry add great depth. The running game features Rudi Johnson who has been solid for two seasons in a roll now. Chris Perry provides a lot of depth. What will hurt the Bengals and keep them out of the playoffs is the defense. They still have a couple of questions in the air and should be decent but not good enough to get them in the playoffs. Either way they should have a winning season and Marvin Lewis has done one hell of a job.
Cleveland Browns 4-12
A new look Browns team won’t be better than lasts but will take the steps in the right direction. Charlie Fyre should see the field sooner or later. The running game has failed to stay healthy and consistent for them though. Braylon Edwards will be nice one day and Fyre and him will help each other along. Trent Dilfer will start the season out but when the Browns are eliminated from playoff contention the I expect the team to be handed to Fyre. Romeo Crennel will get that defense playing good sooner or later. I expect the Browns to take a big step next season with the drafting of a top RB.
AFC EAST
New York Jets 12-4
The Jets have a very good defense and a potent offense should have the Jets back in the playoffs. Better yet I think they overtake the Champs and win the division. Chad Pennington is now healthy and with the addition of Coles should unite a strong combo. Curtis Martin has shown no signs of decline and I don’t expect him to decline. It’s hard to fine anything wrong with the Jets. They are not my Super Bowl pick but they should go far.
New England Patriots 11-5
Now I am not going to totally kill off the world champs. They are still the most dangerous team in all of football. When you have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick what can go wrong. Well I think this team is going to miss the coordinators and are going to miss both Ted Johnson and Teddy Brushci a lot. The secondary is still good but might have some questions. Now I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats win the Super Bowl but in this era of football I think 3 in a row is almost impossible. They are still a wild card team now.
Buffalo Bills 5-11
This team is another team people feel might make a strong run. Well let me tell you all a little something. A first year starter plus a bad offensive line equals a 5 or 6 win team. Last year during that late surge they played the Dolphins, Browns, 49ers, Rams and Seahawks. When they ran into a tough team. They lost to the Steelers. This team is built for the future and should make a run after this season when Losman gets some experience but the schedule this year is to tough for a first year starter to lead his team to a winning record. The defense will keep them in some games but Losman will loose more than win this year.
Miami Dolphins 4-12
This is a team taking some steps but with an aging defense and a bad QB problem they aren’t going to win many games this up coming season. I expect the defense to falter a little bit and I expect Ricky to stay on the team through the season. The dolphins are at the bottom of the East and the East in entirely plays a touch schedule.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 12-4
The Colts have a very easy schedule and a very strong offense. They’ll put up points and I think the defense will do decent enough to win them a lot of games. James is in a contract year so he is primed to run wild and Dwight Freeney puts pressure on the QB every time he seems to rush. This is a tough team this year and should make a run at home field throughout he playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars 8-8
This is a team that could make a serious run at the Colts even. The problem with them is I see a potential weak offense. Jimmy Smith is nice but isn’t getting in the end zone like he used to be. Matt Jones has looked good but preseason and I don’t expect much out of him. Reggie Williams is a big project in the making yet. Ernest Wilford is another guy who has great potential as well. Without a steady RB which I think they won’t have because of injuries I think they’ll be left out of the playoffs. The defense is a giant sleeper and should be one of the best in the AFC. Jags continue to get better after this year.
Houston Texans 6-10
A bad offensive line yet. A inconsistent RB. Not a good start for the Texans this season. They should be in contending in some games but the defense isn’t as good as they might look on paper. Carr will continue to get better with a solid passing game but in the end their still only a 6 or 7 win team.
Tennessee Titans 4-12
The Titans had a horrible off season because of cap issues. Mason and Rolle gone. They did get Travis Henry who is a huge pickup but I feel that McNair isn’t exactly air McNair anymore. He’ll still do decent but not decent enough. The defense has no solid pass rush and Keith Bullock and Albert Haynesworth are all alone. Adam “Pac-Man” Jones has been a distraction to the team but should play well but like every rookie CB will get burnt. This team is in rebuild mode and might take a new direction after this season.
NFC Wild Card Round
5. Falcons over 4. Eagles
6. Packers over 3. Rams
AFC Wild Card Round
4. Steelers over 5. Patriots
3. Chiefs over 6. Ravens
NFC Divisional Playoffs
1. Panthers over 6. Packers
2. Vikings over 5. Falcons
AFC Divisional Playoffs
1. Colts over 4. Steelers
3. Chiefs over 2. Jets
NFC Championship
1. Panthers over 2. Vikings
AFC Championship
1. Colts over 3. Chiefs
Super Bowl XL
Panthers 28 Colts 24
NFL MVP
Ladainian Tomlinson
Defensive MVP
Takeo Spikes
Passing Leaders
Peyton Manning 33 TD’s 4,155 yards
Daunte Culpepper 33 TD’s 4,050 yards
Brett Favre 31 TD’s 3,900 yards
Rushing Leaders
Ladainian Tomlinson 1,650 yards 550 receiving yards 25 Total TD’s
Willis McGahee 1,700 yards 300 receiving yards 20 total TD’s
Shaun Alexander 1,600 yards 450 receiving yards 22 Total TD’s
Receiving Leaders
Randy Moss 85 rec 1,800 yards 17 TD’s
Marvin Harrison 110 rec 1,550 yards 13 TD’s
Torry Holt 100 rec 1,600 yards 11 TD’s
Defensive Stat Leaders
Tackles Takeo Spikes
INT’s Ed Reed
Sacks Julius Peppers
Sorry for the Length!!
NFC WEST
St. Louis Rams 11-5
This season I believe the Rams old swagger has returned. Bulger has looked solid. The Recievers are great and Steven Jackson is going to be a pure stud back there. Biggest questions come on the defensive side of the ball. The interior line has been struggling in years past but looks better this season. The secondary looks improved and the special teams needs to step up bigger. The Rams do play in a easy division and have a pretty manageable schedule. In the end the Rams are the best team in the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks 7-9
The Rams biggest challengers are the Seattle Seahawks. Last season was a big disappointment has a lot of people were jumping on their bandwagon. Including me. Picking them to go all the way to the Super Bowl. This season they seem to be on the quiet sides of things. They have plenty of new starters on defense which has been their week point but they still have plenty of questions. Marcus Tubbs has looked great in training camp and will play a big roll in the defense this season. The offense is built around one of the best offensive lines in football and Shaun Alexander is in a contract year. The biggest question perhaps is whether the wide outs can hang on to the ball. My prediction is not enough to make the playoffs.
Arizona Cardinals 6-10
Perhaps the dark horse in the NFC are the Cardinals. A lot of people pick them to even run away with the division title. Why not? I mean Warner is a former 2 time NFL MVP. Has 3 great wide outs and probably the best defense in the division. Well is why. No big time RB. Without a RB the pressure is all on Warner’s arm and I believe he’s lost a big step in his game. J.J. Arrington is expected to be the go to guy in the backfield but who in the right state of mind wants to put their season on a rookie 2nd round pick RB. Warner’s play won’t be that solid this year and he’ll struggle. The defense will play decent but not well enough to put this team over the hump. The Cardinals will continue to finish better and maybe next year is the year for them but not this year.
San Francisco 49ers 2-14
What can you say about one of the greatest franchises ever. I mean Montana, Young , Rice and Walsh. Well that is hardly comparable to Rattay,Lylod and Nolan. Come on this team is in the complete rebuilding mode. The glory days are over and the Niners are off into never never land for the time being. The have a horrible offensive line and a bad Running game. Barlow has been the biggest let down in football. I expect Frank Gore to take over the starting RB spot sooner or later but not to do that good. Lots of young receivers but not what you might have in Detroit and the QB is just a mess. Rattay is of course not the answer but will start opening day. Alex Smith the first overall choice in this past Aprils draft is expected to take over mid way through the year if not sooner. The 49ers are in the big rebuilding mode and will be for a couple of years.
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings 11-5
The Vikings might of done more than anyone this off season to improve their team. Even if it meant dealing the best WR in the game. Well the offense is still solid with Daunte Culpepper and Nate Burleson. The RB is expected to be Mewelde Moore now. Troy Williamson and Travis Taylor of has great camps as first year Vikings. Marcus Robinson is a great red zone threat. On paper the defense looks amazing. The secondary is amazing with the additions of Fred Smoot and Darren Sharper. The linebackers are Sharpe to with the additions of Sam Cowart and Napoleon Harris. The defensive line is anchor by Kevin Williams but joining him in the middle is a big time run stuffer in Pat Williams. Erasmus James is a top DE prospect. Kenechi Udeze had a very solid rookie year. So how come they won’t run the table. Simple because of the coaching. Mike Tice is a joke of a coach and his coaching staff isn’t much better. Tice inherited a lot of talent and has done nothing with it so far. Finally they seem like they can make a run at the Super Bowl. Well in my opinion they will never win a Super Bowl with Mike Tice. They should win the division. If not then Minnesota will have a new coach by the 2006 Draft.
Green Bay Packers 10-6
Everyone is probably going to bash this pick. Well I’ll tell you what. The Packers will not win with a loosing record. Now with Brett Favre as the QB and that offense. Yes the lost 2 guards but guards are replaceable. The best lineman play tackle. Which we have 2 of the best at. The offense is not the question. The question is can Jim Bates improve the defense and I think he can to an extent. We’ve looked decent in preseason with our first team. KGB and Barnett look like they’ll be pro bowlers. Al Harris is a good corner and Grady Jackson is a solid DT. Well that’s about it. Every where else there are big questions. Ahmad Carroll has proved to be a joke and wouldn’t be starting if it wasn’t for injuries to Joey Thomas. Mark Roman struggled last season and Cledius Hunt has been nothing but a let down since signing a big contract. The special teams coverage looks awful this preseason and might not do the defense any favors but in my opinion as long as you have #4 you’re a contender. I expect a wild card and maybe a playoff win at best.
Detroit Lions 6-10
I am not high on them at all. Harrington has been nothing but a BUST and the offensive line isn’t what I would like to call even decent. I love the playmakers they have in Kevin Jones, Roy Williams, Mike Williams, and Charles Rogers but with a bad QB and a bad line that don’t mean much. I am not high on the defense at all. Questions all over the field in my opinion at LB and S. The defensive line is decent but not the best. With this said they are a young and up and coming team but they won’t be up and coming this season. I expect big things as soon as they get steady QB play and some defensive playmakers to help out Shaun Rogers and Dre Bly.
Chicago Bears 3-13
What do you get when you put the worse offense and a rookie QB together. A 3 win football team. Kyle Orton will have his up and downs and probably was the right decision but he’ll have way more downs than ups. Cedrick Benson isn’t going to start playing solid until the middle of the season. Mushin Muhammad was a overrated pickup. The defense is the best in the NFC North but is gonna be put in horrible situations because of the offense. The Bears haven’t been on the good side of luck since their lucky NFC Central title back in the last year of the Central.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
The Eagles are still the best team in the East. I think you’ll see a big drop off in them though. TO and McNabb can’t possibly have as good a year as last. Simon will be missed and the Eagles have always has trouble stopping the run. What confuses me is the only team that tried to really run the ball on them was the Patriots. I think its time for the Eagles to drop off a bit and that time is now.
Dallas Cowboys 7-9
Not a Cowboy fan this season either. What do you get when you take Parcells former players and put them together on the same team. A washed up offense. Outside of Jones and Witten the Boys offense is weak. That will hurt them in the long run. The hype on Demarcus Ware right now is nothing but hype. He’ll do good but nothing out of the ordinary. This team has a strong defense that will do good. I just don’t think they are ready to take the leap into the playoffs.
Washington Redskins 7-9
Redskins and Cowboys are very similar if you match them up. Except everyone is on Parcels bandwagon. Washington still has a solid defense and Clinton Portis had an “off year” but still ran for 1300 yards. Boy I wonder what a decent year is for him then. With a strong defense and better play from Ramsey I think the team will play better. I do believe that Jason Cambell will be the starting QB of this football season next season or the year after. Gibbs won’t coach much longer but he will if he sees a spark out of his team. I think he’ll see a little bit of a spark this season.
New York Giants 6-10
The Giants will be improved but I think are still a bit away from challenging the Eagles. Eli Manning has problems with his throwing arm. So I am a little concerned there. I think Tiki will be the New York back to drop off in production. I love Brandon Jacobs for the future though and the defense is better but not quite there yet. The Giants we step it up on paper but stay the same on the field.
NFC SOUTH
Carolina Panthers 14-2
I am all over the Panthers this season. In my mind they are the best team in the NFC and maybe the NFL. They have a solid backfield and good receiving core with Steve Smith back and Keary Colbert. Not to mention Rod Gardner now. The defense is very good. The best defensive line in football maybe and a solid secondary with Gamble and Lucas. Ricky Manning as well. Thomas Davis should provide some help as well. Jake Delhomme stepped up his play a lot last season and I expect him to do maybe even better now that all the pressure is off of him. This is probably the best Panthers team ever assembled. If they can stay injury free which I think they can. They’ll be playing in Ford Field in early February.
Atlanta Falcons 12-4
Falcons have a good team. Solid defense. Great Running game. The pressure is on Mike Vick to have a solid season with his arm. I think he can and will. Mike Jenkins and Roddy White should emerge as a decent target and Crumpler is solid as well. He now knows the west coast system much better now. Jim Mora Jr. is doing a wonderful job and the Falcons will see the playoffs for the first time ever in consecutive seasons this year.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8
The Bucs will contend this season. Brian Griese played very solid last season when he took over and now they have a solid passing game intact. I am very high on Carnell Williams to have a good year running the football. My top running back in last years draft will be something to watch. The defense is solid but is aging which might slow them down a bit. First and for most they are in the toughest division in the NFC. I think this team could be a future wild card but not now. I expect Gruden to get one more season after this as coach.
New Orleans Saints 5-11
Not a Saints fan either this season. Haslett is a bad coach. Brooks is way to inconsistent and they one of the worse defenses in all of football. In the end the Saints will turn to rebuilding mode after this season. I expect a new coaching staff and new QB next year. I look for them to develop Adrian McPhearson when they can as well as a possible future starter. The Saints will not be contenders this season.
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs 11-5
Much like the Vikings the Chiefs had a solid offense and a bad defense. Well with the signings of Patrick Surtain, Kendrell Bell, and Sammy Knight are going to be an improvement. Not to mention my pick to win rookie of the year. Derrick Johnson at LB through the draft. They still have the best offensive line in football and one of the best offenses as well. They should be contenders and I expect coach Vermeil to stick around one more season after this.
San Diego Chargers 9-7
The Chargers were a great story last year. They have a solid offense and good defense but last year they weren’t really tested. The Chiefs and Raiders are both improved this season and will give the Chargers some trouble. The Broncos are still a top division rival as well. Plus they play a much tougher schedule. I don’t expect what they did last year but I do still think there is a winning team in San Diego. Just not enough wins to put them in the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders 9-7
I still believe this team is very much improved. They should get steady play out of their offense and their defense should play decent enough to get them 8 or 9 wins but not well enough to get them to the playoffs. When you think Raiders you think Randy Moss now. The deep ball should be a show in Oakland and Collins loves it. This is a much better team than last years and I think this is the team to get the Raiders back on winning ways.
Denver Broncos 6-10
I am not that high on the Broncos this season. Jake Plummer is decent but Rod Smith might fall off a little bit. I look for a RB to emerge but still might struggle a little bit. The defense is still good but not as good as what most want to think. Injuries have plagued their defensive lineman’s past and I think it’ll happen again. What makes it worse for Denver is that they play in the toughest division in football where anyone could possibly win the division. I just think Broncos will be on the loosing side of the division.
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5
The Steelers were amazing last season but will fall off a little this season. Yea a little. Amazing that 11-5 might be a sophomore slump for poor Big Ben. Injuries are plaguing them so far with both Bettis and Staley out for the season opener. The defense is still one of the best in the NFL but the offense is built around a running game and without a RB they won’t go very far but they still have a solid team that should get going. They get a weak Titan team early and should be able to get a early win. Hopefully by then Staley and Bettis can return. The Steelers are still the best overall team in the division and will prove to be again.
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
The defense has been the name around Baltimore for a while now but the offense needs to step up. I think they will to an extent but not enough to win the North. I look for a solid season out of the Ravens. The additions of Rolle and Mason will be nice. Mark Clayton is probably the most polished WR coming out of college this season. Jamal Lewis is back and healthy and he should be very solid. Overall the Ravens should make the playoffs as a wild card.
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
The Bengals seem primed to explode on offense this season. Palmer T.J and Chad Johnson form the passing game. Kelly Washington and Chris Henry add great depth. The running game features Rudi Johnson who has been solid for two seasons in a roll now. Chris Perry provides a lot of depth. What will hurt the Bengals and keep them out of the playoffs is the defense. They still have a couple of questions in the air and should be decent but not good enough to get them in the playoffs. Either way they should have a winning season and Marvin Lewis has done one hell of a job.
Cleveland Browns 4-12
A new look Browns team won’t be better than lasts but will take the steps in the right direction. Charlie Fyre should see the field sooner or later. The running game has failed to stay healthy and consistent for them though. Braylon Edwards will be nice one day and Fyre and him will help each other along. Trent Dilfer will start the season out but when the Browns are eliminated from playoff contention the I expect the team to be handed to Fyre. Romeo Crennel will get that defense playing good sooner or later. I expect the Browns to take a big step next season with the drafting of a top RB.
AFC EAST
New York Jets 12-4
The Jets have a very good defense and a potent offense should have the Jets back in the playoffs. Better yet I think they overtake the Champs and win the division. Chad Pennington is now healthy and with the addition of Coles should unite a strong combo. Curtis Martin has shown no signs of decline and I don’t expect him to decline. It’s hard to fine anything wrong with the Jets. They are not my Super Bowl pick but they should go far.
New England Patriots 11-5
Now I am not going to totally kill off the world champs. They are still the most dangerous team in all of football. When you have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick what can go wrong. Well I think this team is going to miss the coordinators and are going to miss both Ted Johnson and Teddy Brushci a lot. The secondary is still good but might have some questions. Now I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pats win the Super Bowl but in this era of football I think 3 in a row is almost impossible. They are still a wild card team now.
Buffalo Bills 5-11
This team is another team people feel might make a strong run. Well let me tell you all a little something. A first year starter plus a bad offensive line equals a 5 or 6 win team. Last year during that late surge they played the Dolphins, Browns, 49ers, Rams and Seahawks. When they ran into a tough team. They lost to the Steelers. This team is built for the future and should make a run after this season when Losman gets some experience but the schedule this year is to tough for a first year starter to lead his team to a winning record. The defense will keep them in some games but Losman will loose more than win this year.
Miami Dolphins 4-12
This is a team taking some steps but with an aging defense and a bad QB problem they aren’t going to win many games this up coming season. I expect the defense to falter a little bit and I expect Ricky to stay on the team through the season. The dolphins are at the bottom of the East and the East in entirely plays a touch schedule.
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts 12-4
The Colts have a very easy schedule and a very strong offense. They’ll put up points and I think the defense will do decent enough to win them a lot of games. James is in a contract year so he is primed to run wild and Dwight Freeney puts pressure on the QB every time he seems to rush. This is a tough team this year and should make a run at home field throughout he playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars 8-8
This is a team that could make a serious run at the Colts even. The problem with them is I see a potential weak offense. Jimmy Smith is nice but isn’t getting in the end zone like he used to be. Matt Jones has looked good but preseason and I don’t expect much out of him. Reggie Williams is a big project in the making yet. Ernest Wilford is another guy who has great potential as well. Without a steady RB which I think they won’t have because of injuries I think they’ll be left out of the playoffs. The defense is a giant sleeper and should be one of the best in the AFC. Jags continue to get better after this year.
Houston Texans 6-10
A bad offensive line yet. A inconsistent RB. Not a good start for the Texans this season. They should be in contending in some games but the defense isn’t as good as they might look on paper. Carr will continue to get better with a solid passing game but in the end their still only a 6 or 7 win team.
Tennessee Titans 4-12
The Titans had a horrible off season because of cap issues. Mason and Rolle gone. They did get Travis Henry who is a huge pickup but I feel that McNair isn’t exactly air McNair anymore. He’ll still do decent but not decent enough. The defense has no solid pass rush and Keith Bullock and Albert Haynesworth are all alone. Adam “Pac-Man” Jones has been a distraction to the team but should play well but like every rookie CB will get burnt. This team is in rebuild mode and might take a new direction after this season.
NFC Wild Card Round
5. Falcons over 4. Eagles
6. Packers over 3. Rams
AFC Wild Card Round
4. Steelers over 5. Patriots
3. Chiefs over 6. Ravens
NFC Divisional Playoffs
1. Panthers over 6. Packers
2. Vikings over 5. Falcons
AFC Divisional Playoffs
1. Colts over 4. Steelers
3. Chiefs over 2. Jets
NFC Championship
1. Panthers over 2. Vikings
AFC Championship
1. Colts over 3. Chiefs
Super Bowl XL
Panthers 28 Colts 24
NFL MVP
Ladainian Tomlinson
Defensive MVP
Takeo Spikes
Passing Leaders
Peyton Manning 33 TD’s 4,155 yards
Daunte Culpepper 33 TD’s 4,050 yards
Brett Favre 31 TD’s 3,900 yards
Rushing Leaders
Ladainian Tomlinson 1,650 yards 550 receiving yards 25 Total TD’s
Willis McGahee 1,700 yards 300 receiving yards 20 total TD’s
Shaun Alexander 1,600 yards 450 receiving yards 22 Total TD’s
Receiving Leaders
Randy Moss 85 rec 1,800 yards 17 TD’s
Marvin Harrison 110 rec 1,550 yards 13 TD’s
Torry Holt 100 rec 1,600 yards 11 TD’s
Defensive Stat Leaders
Tackles Takeo Spikes
INT’s Ed Reed
Sacks Julius Peppers
