I see 7-9..and their win total is at 7, which I've been saying is right on point. I chuckle at the people who realistically think this is a 2-3 win team. I wish I knew you so we could bet big
Dolphins 6-8 at this point, like I predicted.
8-4 in projecting their games. I had them beating the Jets at home and losing on the road. Switch that and its 10-2.
Like I said, if you need any info on the Miami Dolphins, I'm your guy
I see 7-9..and their win total is at 7, which I've been saying is right on point. I chuckle at the people who realistically think this is a 2-3 win team. I wish I knew you so we could bet big
Dolphins 6-8 at this point, like I predicted.
8-4 in projecting their games. I had them beating the Jets at home and losing on the road. Switch that and its 10-2.
Like I said, if you need any info on the Miami Dolphins, I'm your guy
Just missed out on a 4th Super Bowl title last year in an incredible game with the Giants. One of the top 3 offenses in the league along with the Packers and Saints. A+ at quarterback and tight ends...A- at wide receiver with the addition of Brandon Lloyd and the subtraction of Chad OchoJohnson. A on the offensive line with Solder and Mankins. The problem on offense will be the running back position with the loss of BJGE...Vereen and Ridley are solid, but very young and inexperienced. If they can get 60-75 yards of production and a TD every game out of the RB position, they will be fine. The defense was just flat out BAD last year...in every category. Drafting Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower will give some excitement (and more importantly pass rushing).
Biggest reason for the improvement of a win is the easiest schedule in the NFL this year. I just don't see them playing enough high powered offenses to take them down. Baltimore, Houston, and the Jets have the defenses to give them trouble, but they don't have a single game against a top offense.
ACTUAL 12-4 (-1)
Struggled early out of the gate...but certainly righted the ship towards the end of the year. RB was more solid than what I thought it would be. New York Jets 7-9 (8-8 in 2011)
I was going to put them at 9-7 or 10-6 until I saw just how putrid their offense is. So much attention has been placed on Tebow, that many people forgot that they just don't have any playmakers. Tomlinson retired, and although he wasn't the same explosive player, he added experience and depth. Shonn Greene in my opinion will determine how far this team goes. If he can have a successful year it will take so much pressure off Mark Sanchez.
Problems for the Jets...who is the #2 receiver? has Darrelle Revis lost anything? Can they withstand an injury to a thin offensive line? How will they use Tebow?
Strong points for the Jets...Revis, Cromartie, Scott, Landry, Coples, Harris on one of the best defenses in the league, and like the Patriots, a relatively easy road schedule to end the year.
ACTUAL 6-10 (-1)
Like I predicted, their offense was putrid...Shonn Greene struggled to barely get past the 1,000 yard mark...and they didn't even use Tebow...add in some injuries and I'm surprised they won 6 games.
Buffalo Bills 7-9 (6-10 in 2011)
I'll say Mario Williams is worth a 1-win upgrade from last season. Mainly because this team is essentially the same exact team from last season other than Williams. Fitzpatrick is a solid game manager that has proven himself to be a starter. Spiller and Jackson in the backfield is a legitimate duo. Stevie Johnson is an All-Pro level receiver.
They are weak at Tight End, they don't have anything on the outside beyond Johnson, and their offensive line is nothing to write home about.
However, much like the Jets, they have a legitimate top 10 defense with Williams, Dareus, Barnett, McKelvin, and McGee. I can't see them falling more than a game, but I also can't see them gaining more than a game either.
ACTUAL: 6-10 (-1)
Mario Williams had a very nice year, having double digit sacks for the first time in 4 years...but the rush defense was absolutely horrible. That really was the reason why they had such a hard time.
Miami Dolphins 5-11 (6-10 in 2011)
Ryan Tannehill is pegged as the starter of the future, but I don't see him getting right into a groove from the start. Running backs are pretty good with Bush/Thomas. Receivers are terrible, offensive line is very good, defensive line is average, linebackers are very good. Without Vontae Davis I see them struggling against pass first type teams. I gave the Bills a one win improvement thanks to the pickup of Mario Williams, and I give the Dolphins a one win dropoff due to a rooke quarterback and the loss of Vontae Davis. There really wasn't much else that went into that thought process. ACTUAL: 7-9 (+2)
Pretty much nailed the defense part of that as they ranked 27th in pass defense, but Tannehill played a lot better than what I expected.
Just missed out on a 4th Super Bowl title last year in an incredible game with the Giants. One of the top 3 offenses in the league along with the Packers and Saints. A+ at quarterback and tight ends...A- at wide receiver with the addition of Brandon Lloyd and the subtraction of Chad OchoJohnson. A on the offensive line with Solder and Mankins. The problem on offense will be the running back position with the loss of BJGE...Vereen and Ridley are solid, but very young and inexperienced. If they can get 60-75 yards of production and a TD every game out of the RB position, they will be fine. The defense was just flat out BAD last year...in every category. Drafting Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower will give some excitement (and more importantly pass rushing).
Biggest reason for the improvement of a win is the easiest schedule in the NFL this year. I just don't see them playing enough high powered offenses to take them down. Baltimore, Houston, and the Jets have the defenses to give them trouble, but they don't have a single game against a top offense.
ACTUAL 12-4 (-1)
Struggled early out of the gate...but certainly righted the ship towards the end of the year. RB was more solid than what I thought it would be. New York Jets 7-9 (8-8 in 2011)
I was going to put them at 9-7 or 10-6 until I saw just how putrid their offense is. So much attention has been placed on Tebow, that many people forgot that they just don't have any playmakers. Tomlinson retired, and although he wasn't the same explosive player, he added experience and depth. Shonn Greene in my opinion will determine how far this team goes. If he can have a successful year it will take so much pressure off Mark Sanchez.
Problems for the Jets...who is the #2 receiver? has Darrelle Revis lost anything? Can they withstand an injury to a thin offensive line? How will they use Tebow?
Strong points for the Jets...Revis, Cromartie, Scott, Landry, Coples, Harris on one of the best defenses in the league, and like the Patriots, a relatively easy road schedule to end the year.
ACTUAL 6-10 (-1)
Like I predicted, their offense was putrid...Shonn Greene struggled to barely get past the 1,000 yard mark...and they didn't even use Tebow...add in some injuries and I'm surprised they won 6 games.
Buffalo Bills 7-9 (6-10 in 2011)
I'll say Mario Williams is worth a 1-win upgrade from last season. Mainly because this team is essentially the same exact team from last season other than Williams. Fitzpatrick is a solid game manager that has proven himself to be a starter. Spiller and Jackson in the backfield is a legitimate duo. Stevie Johnson is an All-Pro level receiver.
They are weak at Tight End, they don't have anything on the outside beyond Johnson, and their offensive line is nothing to write home about.
However, much like the Jets, they have a legitimate top 10 defense with Williams, Dareus, Barnett, McKelvin, and McGee. I can't see them falling more than a game, but I also can't see them gaining more than a game either.
ACTUAL: 6-10 (-1)
Mario Williams had a very nice year, having double digit sacks for the first time in 4 years...but the rush defense was absolutely horrible. That really was the reason why they had such a hard time.
Miami Dolphins 5-11 (6-10 in 2011)
Ryan Tannehill is pegged as the starter of the future, but I don't see him getting right into a groove from the start. Running backs are pretty good with Bush/Thomas. Receivers are terrible, offensive line is very good, defensive line is average, linebackers are very good. Without Vontae Davis I see them struggling against pass first type teams. I gave the Bills a one win improvement thanks to the pickup of Mario Williams, and I give the Dolphins a one win dropoff due to a rooke quarterback and the loss of Vontae Davis. There really wasn't much else that went into that thought process. ACTUAL: 7-9 (+2)
Pretty much nailed the defense part of that as they ranked 27th in pass defense, but Tannehill played a lot better than what I expected.
Tough choice here between the Ravens and the Steelers, as it is every year. The reason I picked the Steelers ahead of the Ravens is I feel as though their defense is a little more solid and more importantly, younger. Losing Suggs for a while will also hamper the Ravens early on. Roethlisberger is solid as usual, but the running back situation could hurt them. Losing Mendenhall for likely 4-6 weeks or more will seriously challenge this offense. With Mike Wallace getting limited time in preseason and workouts, the Steelers will really have to rely on that defense. Another reason that I took the Steelers over the Ravens for the division is the kicker position. I know it might not seem like much, but I like Suisham over a rookie in a division that sees a ton of close games, and more importantly, a ton of shitty weather.
ACTUAL: 8-8 (-2)
Injuries just absolutely murdered this team. Defense was the best in the league once again, but just couldnt overcome the offensive shortcomings.
Baltimore Ravens 9-7 (12-4 in 2011)
Dropping them down a bit because of the injury to Suggs (probably out 6 weeks minimum) and the fact that I think teams will play the run on almost every down...meaning Ray Rice probably won't put up the numbers he did in the past. Even if he does put up similar numbers...they don't have a backup for him. That puts Baltimore in a very precarious situation if there is a minor injury that doesn't get time to heal...or even worse a major injury that sidelines Rice for a while. Third reason I'm dropping the Ravens down 3 wins is the fact that behind Torrey Smith and Boldin...they lack a major playmaker on the offensive side of the ball (again).
I see the Ravens being in a lot of close games (especially in their divsion) and the game coming down to a field goal...where they have an unproven rookie kicker in there. It will cost them.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
8 games decided by 3 points or less and they won 5 of them. Ray Rice did struggle this year with only 4 100 yard games, less yards, td's, and receptions as well.
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 (9-7 in 2011)
I REALLY wanted to bump them up a win and have them take down the division. However, I still want to see Dalton avoid a sophomore slump. I still want to see if BJGE can continue the success he had with the Patriots when the secondary isn't as worried about a pass. I want to see if Dre Kirkpatrick can add some depth to a pretty solid defense.
The Bengals COULD be the breakout team this year. Or they could continue on their history and be a disappointment. I would lean more towards the breakout end of things. ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
They certainly showed some breakout ability towards the end of the year...defense was very good only giving up 20 or more points once in the last 8 weeks...and they went 7-1 over that time.
Cleveland Browns 3-13 (4-12 in 2011)
Big hype around the rookies Weeden and Richardson...but their offensive line is terrible IMO. Trent Richardson is way too overhyped in my opinion coming into his rookie year. At least they do have pretty solid depth at the running back position. They once again failed to make a splash at the wide receiver position, and when your best receiver is Greg Little (a decent #2 at best) it might be rough sailing for the Browns. Was going to drop them down to 2-14, however I feel as though there is enough talent in their defense to keep them close against below average teams. Unfortunately they don't play many of them this year.
ACTUAL: 5-11 (+2)
Not a bad season for the Browns overall...3 of their 5 wins came against sub-500 teams which I had dead on...Richardson played up to his expectations..just didn't get off to any kind of a start.
Tough choice here between the Ravens and the Steelers, as it is every year. The reason I picked the Steelers ahead of the Ravens is I feel as though their defense is a little more solid and more importantly, younger. Losing Suggs for a while will also hamper the Ravens early on. Roethlisberger is solid as usual, but the running back situation could hurt them. Losing Mendenhall for likely 4-6 weeks or more will seriously challenge this offense. With Mike Wallace getting limited time in preseason and workouts, the Steelers will really have to rely on that defense. Another reason that I took the Steelers over the Ravens for the division is the kicker position. I know it might not seem like much, but I like Suisham over a rookie in a division that sees a ton of close games, and more importantly, a ton of shitty weather.
ACTUAL: 8-8 (-2)
Injuries just absolutely murdered this team. Defense was the best in the league once again, but just couldnt overcome the offensive shortcomings.
Baltimore Ravens 9-7 (12-4 in 2011)
Dropping them down a bit because of the injury to Suggs (probably out 6 weeks minimum) and the fact that I think teams will play the run on almost every down...meaning Ray Rice probably won't put up the numbers he did in the past. Even if he does put up similar numbers...they don't have a backup for him. That puts Baltimore in a very precarious situation if there is a minor injury that doesn't get time to heal...or even worse a major injury that sidelines Rice for a while. Third reason I'm dropping the Ravens down 3 wins is the fact that behind Torrey Smith and Boldin...they lack a major playmaker on the offensive side of the ball (again).
I see the Ravens being in a lot of close games (especially in their divsion) and the game coming down to a field goal...where they have an unproven rookie kicker in there. It will cost them.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
8 games decided by 3 points or less and they won 5 of them. Ray Rice did struggle this year with only 4 100 yard games, less yards, td's, and receptions as well.
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7 (9-7 in 2011)
I REALLY wanted to bump them up a win and have them take down the division. However, I still want to see Dalton avoid a sophomore slump. I still want to see if BJGE can continue the success he had with the Patriots when the secondary isn't as worried about a pass. I want to see if Dre Kirkpatrick can add some depth to a pretty solid defense.
The Bengals COULD be the breakout team this year. Or they could continue on their history and be a disappointment. I would lean more towards the breakout end of things. ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
They certainly showed some breakout ability towards the end of the year...defense was very good only giving up 20 or more points once in the last 8 weeks...and they went 7-1 over that time.
Cleveland Browns 3-13 (4-12 in 2011)
Big hype around the rookies Weeden and Richardson...but their offensive line is terrible IMO. Trent Richardson is way too overhyped in my opinion coming into his rookie year. At least they do have pretty solid depth at the running back position. They once again failed to make a splash at the wide receiver position, and when your best receiver is Greg Little (a decent #2 at best) it might be rough sailing for the Browns. Was going to drop them down to 2-14, however I feel as though there is enough talent in their defense to keep them close against below average teams. Unfortunately they don't play many of them this year.
ACTUAL: 5-11 (+2)
Not a bad season for the Browns overall...3 of their 5 wins came against sub-500 teams which I had dead on...Richardson played up to his expectations..just didn't get off to any kind of a start.
Much like the AFC North, I feel as though the South is a two team race between the Titans and the Texans. I gave the edge to the Titans because I feel as though their possible offensive weaknesses are lesser than the defensive weaknesses of the Texans. Hard to believe this team went 9-7 last year with how much Chris Johnson struggled in the early part of the season. But with a hopefully healthy (who really knows at this point) Kenny Britt...a solid tight end in Jared Cook, a pretty decent offensive line coached by one of the best out there...and an improved defense with Kamerion Wimbley...I like the Titans to win the division.
ACTUAL: 6-10 (-3)
One of my biggest "oops" predictions. Offense ended up being average at just about every position, but the defense was among the worst in the NFL.
Houston Texans 9-7 (10-6 in 2011)
This offense is good. Schaub has continued to improve every season, and was on pace to have a great season last year before injuries sidelined him. Arian Foster is officially a beast, and one of the three best running backs in the game. Andre Johnson is still a legitimate All Pro type receiver. Owen Daniels gets overshadowed by a lot of the other superstar tight ends in the league, but he is no pushover.
This defense is bad. They have some decent talent out there (JJ Watt, Johnathan Joseph, Brian Cushing), but if you look at their depth chart you notice that there isn't any depth at all. Their defensive line is not built to stop some of the powerful runners they will have to face (CJ and MJD twice each). If they happen to stumble out of the gates, they will have a hard time getting back up as they have a brutal October schedule.
ACTUAL: 12-4 (+3)
Another miss here with the Texans...they didn't stumble out of the gate...the defense played amazingly well behind breakout stud JJ Watt...each one of their four losses came against playoff teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-10 (5-11 last year)
Even with all the drama with MJD, I like the improvements they made in the offseason. Justin Blackmon should be exactly what this team needs. I'm only a little hesitant because of their defensive secondary. Going up against Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck twice means you better have some solid safeties. They don't.
I wanted to bump them up a little more because I think with a year of experience under his belt and a receiving weapon like Blackmon that Gabbert should be much improved, however the end of their schedule is TOUGH....
@ Houston (probable loss) Tennessee (maybe win, doubtful though) @ Buffalo (Buffalo in Dec. is never easy) NY Jets (too tough of a defense) @ Miami (I'll give them a win here) New England (Loss) @ Tennessee (Probable loss) Indianapolis Colts 6-10 (2-14 in 2011)
Andrew Luck will be rookie of the year, Reggie Wayne should have a huge rebound year, and with yesterday's addition of Vontae Davis, the Colts have a solid team once again. Can't put them in the playoff contender category just yet, as their running back situation is weak at best and they only have Wayne and Collie on the outside. The offensive line has almost no experience together, and I just feel as though they will lose a lot of close games.
Much like the AFC North, I feel as though the South is a two team race between the Titans and the Texans. I gave the edge to the Titans because I feel as though their possible offensive weaknesses are lesser than the defensive weaknesses of the Texans. Hard to believe this team went 9-7 last year with how much Chris Johnson struggled in the early part of the season. But with a hopefully healthy (who really knows at this point) Kenny Britt...a solid tight end in Jared Cook, a pretty decent offensive line coached by one of the best out there...and an improved defense with Kamerion Wimbley...I like the Titans to win the division.
ACTUAL: 6-10 (-3)
One of my biggest "oops" predictions. Offense ended up being average at just about every position, but the defense was among the worst in the NFL.
Houston Texans 9-7 (10-6 in 2011)
This offense is good. Schaub has continued to improve every season, and was on pace to have a great season last year before injuries sidelined him. Arian Foster is officially a beast, and one of the three best running backs in the game. Andre Johnson is still a legitimate All Pro type receiver. Owen Daniels gets overshadowed by a lot of the other superstar tight ends in the league, but he is no pushover.
This defense is bad. They have some decent talent out there (JJ Watt, Johnathan Joseph, Brian Cushing), but if you look at their depth chart you notice that there isn't any depth at all. Their defensive line is not built to stop some of the powerful runners they will have to face (CJ and MJD twice each). If they happen to stumble out of the gates, they will have a hard time getting back up as they have a brutal October schedule.
ACTUAL: 12-4 (+3)
Another miss here with the Texans...they didn't stumble out of the gate...the defense played amazingly well behind breakout stud JJ Watt...each one of their four losses came against playoff teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-10 (5-11 last year)
Even with all the drama with MJD, I like the improvements they made in the offseason. Justin Blackmon should be exactly what this team needs. I'm only a little hesitant because of their defensive secondary. Going up against Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck twice means you better have some solid safeties. They don't.
I wanted to bump them up a little more because I think with a year of experience under his belt and a receiving weapon like Blackmon that Gabbert should be much improved, however the end of their schedule is TOUGH....
@ Houston (probable loss) Tennessee (maybe win, doubtful though) @ Buffalo (Buffalo in Dec. is never easy) NY Jets (too tough of a defense) @ Miami (I'll give them a win here) New England (Loss) @ Tennessee (Probable loss) Indianapolis Colts 6-10 (2-14 in 2011)
Andrew Luck will be rookie of the year, Reggie Wayne should have a huge rebound year, and with yesterday's addition of Vontae Davis, the Colts have a solid team once again. Can't put them in the playoff contender category just yet, as their running back situation is weak at best and they only have Wayne and Collie on the outside. The offensive line has almost no experience together, and I just feel as though they will lose a lot of close games.
Even
with all the drama with MJD, I like the improvements they made in the
offseason. Justin Blackmon should be exactly what this team needs. I'm
only a little hesitant because of their defensive secondary. Going up
against Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck twice means you better have some
solid safeties. They don't.
I wanted to bump them up a little
more because I think with a year of experience under his belt and a
receiving weapon like Blackmon that Gabbert should be much improved,
however the end of their schedule is TOUGH....
@ Houston (probable loss) Tennessee (maybe win, doubtful though) @ Buffalo (Buffalo in Dec. is never easy) NY Jets (too tough of a defense) @ Miami (I'll give them a win here) New England (Loss) @ Tennessee (Probable loss)
ACTUAL: 2-14 (-4)
Clearly I had no idea what was going on in this division. Jaguars offense was bad, and when Jones-Drew went down they had no chance.
Indianapolis Colts 6-10 (2-14 in 2011)
Andrew
Luck will be rookie of the year, Reggie Wayne should have a huge
rebound year, and with yesterday's addition of Vontae Davis, the Colts
have a solid team once again. Can't put them in the playoff contender
category just yet, as their running back situation is weak at best and
they only have Wayne and Collie on the outside. The offensive line has
almost no experience together, and I just feel as though they will lose a
lot of close games. ACTUAL: 11-5 (+5)
Running back situation was definitely weak at best...but the impact of Chuck Pagano going through what he went through boosted this team in ways nobody could have predicted.
Even
with all the drama with MJD, I like the improvements they made in the
offseason. Justin Blackmon should be exactly what this team needs. I'm
only a little hesitant because of their defensive secondary. Going up
against Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck twice means you better have some
solid safeties. They don't.
I wanted to bump them up a little
more because I think with a year of experience under his belt and a
receiving weapon like Blackmon that Gabbert should be much improved,
however the end of their schedule is TOUGH....
@ Houston (probable loss) Tennessee (maybe win, doubtful though) @ Buffalo (Buffalo in Dec. is never easy) NY Jets (too tough of a defense) @ Miami (I'll give them a win here) New England (Loss) @ Tennessee (Probable loss)
ACTUAL: 2-14 (-4)
Clearly I had no idea what was going on in this division. Jaguars offense was bad, and when Jones-Drew went down they had no chance.
Indianapolis Colts 6-10 (2-14 in 2011)
Andrew
Luck will be rookie of the year, Reggie Wayne should have a huge
rebound year, and with yesterday's addition of Vontae Davis, the Colts
have a solid team once again. Can't put them in the playoff contender
category just yet, as their running back situation is weak at best and
they only have Wayne and Collie on the outside. The offensive line has
almost no experience together, and I just feel as though they will lose a
lot of close games. ACTUAL: 11-5 (+5)
Running back situation was definitely weak at best...but the impact of Chuck Pagano going through what he went through boosted this team in ways nobody could have predicted.
Same
team as last year with a quarterback that can throw the ball. I like
that combination. They were not a very good 8-8 team last year, giving
up 81 more points than they scored (good for 24th in the league). They
were also 3-5 at home (worst among playoff teams). Toughest part of
their schedule is the first three weeks where they play Pittsburgh,
Atlanta, and Houston. I have to think that a Hall of Fame quarterback
instead of a fullback means a 3 win improvement.
ACTUAL: 13-3 (+2)
Pretty damn close on this prediction...first couple of games were a struggle...then they rolled off 11 straight. Peyton played better than everyone expected, and they are the #1 seed.
San Diego Chargers 9-7 (8-8 in 2011)
Once
again, a very strange team to figure out. Talent wise they are among
the very best...but they lost Vincent Jackson, and Ryan Mathews is
injured as well. Phillip Rivers is getting older, and perhaps a little
slower. I still say their defensive line is among the worst in the
league...and without much help at the secondary position it could be
tough. The biggest problem and the biggest reason for me why I had a
hard time even giving them a 9-7 record was when you look at this
defense...
Who scares you?
ACTUAL: 7-9 (-2)
Defense actually played pretty well this season, but the offense was beyond terrible. Norv Turner deserved to get fired.
Oakland Raiders 6-10 (8-8 in 2011)
I'll
keep this one fairly short...lacking too many pieces at too many
places. QB is average at best...RB is barely above average at best...WR
is average at best...TE is barely there...OL is slightly below average
at best...DL is slightly above average at best...LB are below average
and lack depth...CB are below average...S is above average. But
Janikowski and Lechler are AMAZING!!! ACTUAL: 4-12 (-2)
Pretty much was right on here...just not a very good team.
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11(7-9 in 2011)
I
really wanted to give them more wins. Charles and Hillis could be a
fantastic rushing duo. Dwayne Bowe is a very good receiver. Moeaki and
Boss are above average tight ends. I just don't get that warm fuzzy
feeling whenever I look at this roster. Their schedule doesn't even
give me much hope when looking at this team. ACTUAL: 2-14 (-3)
Injuries hurt them, schedule hurt them, but most importantly the QB position killed them
Same
team as last year with a quarterback that can throw the ball. I like
that combination. They were not a very good 8-8 team last year, giving
up 81 more points than they scored (good for 24th in the league). They
were also 3-5 at home (worst among playoff teams). Toughest part of
their schedule is the first three weeks where they play Pittsburgh,
Atlanta, and Houston. I have to think that a Hall of Fame quarterback
instead of a fullback means a 3 win improvement.
ACTUAL: 13-3 (+2)
Pretty damn close on this prediction...first couple of games were a struggle...then they rolled off 11 straight. Peyton played better than everyone expected, and they are the #1 seed.
San Diego Chargers 9-7 (8-8 in 2011)
Once
again, a very strange team to figure out. Talent wise they are among
the very best...but they lost Vincent Jackson, and Ryan Mathews is
injured as well. Phillip Rivers is getting older, and perhaps a little
slower. I still say their defensive line is among the worst in the
league...and without much help at the secondary position it could be
tough. The biggest problem and the biggest reason for me why I had a
hard time even giving them a 9-7 record was when you look at this
defense...
Who scares you?
ACTUAL: 7-9 (-2)
Defense actually played pretty well this season, but the offense was beyond terrible. Norv Turner deserved to get fired.
Oakland Raiders 6-10 (8-8 in 2011)
I'll
keep this one fairly short...lacking too many pieces at too many
places. QB is average at best...RB is barely above average at best...WR
is average at best...TE is barely there...OL is slightly below average
at best...DL is slightly above average at best...LB are below average
and lack depth...CB are below average...S is above average. But
Janikowski and Lechler are AMAZING!!! ACTUAL: 4-12 (-2)
Pretty much was right on here...just not a very good team.
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11(7-9 in 2011)
I
really wanted to give them more wins. Charles and Hillis could be a
fantastic rushing duo. Dwayne Bowe is a very good receiver. Moeaki and
Boss are above average tight ends. I just don't get that warm fuzzy
feeling whenever I look at this roster. Their schedule doesn't even
give me much hope when looking at this team. ACTUAL: 2-14 (-3)
Injuries hurt them, schedule hurt them, but most importantly the QB position killed them
The
confidence of Eli after another Super Bowl championship has to roll
into this year. I have a feeling that they will be better in the
regular season than in the playoffs this year. I'm improving on their
2011 record despite the fact that I don't like their defensive secondary
in a pass preferred division. This offense is too solid and the
defensive line puts so much pressure on the quarterback that I just
can't see them gaining a couple of wins. Maybe it's just a Patriots fan
hoping for a bigger regular season than playoff season...but whatever.
ACTUAL: 9-7 (-2)
Defensive line was absolute garbage all season, and that cost them the division.
Dallas Cowboys 10-6(8-8 in 2011)
Tony
Romo is healthy, they have a solid running back crew, Jason Witten is
hurt but should stay, Dez Bryant is fucked up in a few different ways,
but is a huge player. They have DeMarcus Ware...they drafted defense
with Claiborne. I love the Cowboys on paper...but who hasn't in the
past five years? Based on their offense, and the potential of Murray
and Jones running along side of Witten, Bryant, Romo, and Austin they
should be damn good...but I still don't like their offensive line
against rushing teams in the NFC East.
ACTUAL: 8-8 (-2)
Once again, another disappointing season for the Cowboys. Just couldn't get the rushing game going to keep them in close games
Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 (8-8 in 2011)
I
just don't see that much of a difference between this year's team and
last year's team. Vick is the same, as with McCoy, Jackson, Celek.
They lost Asante Samuel...and gained DeMeco Ryans. Offensive line is
still the big question mark. I can't move them any higher than last
year because in 2011 they went 5-1 against the division, and I just
can't see them doing that again.
ACTUAL: 4-12 (-4)
Offensive line was the biggest problem...and they went from 5-1 in the division to 1-5...no surprise they dropped 4 games. Washington Redskins 6-10 (5-11 in 2011)
Brought
them up a win due to RG3. I don't like their receivers and I don't
like their cornerbacks/safeties after losing LaRon Landry to the Jets.
That is really all.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+4)
Underestimated the impact that RG3 would have on this team, and more importantly the huge season from Alfred Morris. Great story this year.
The
confidence of Eli after another Super Bowl championship has to roll
into this year. I have a feeling that they will be better in the
regular season than in the playoffs this year. I'm improving on their
2011 record despite the fact that I don't like their defensive secondary
in a pass preferred division. This offense is too solid and the
defensive line puts so much pressure on the quarterback that I just
can't see them gaining a couple of wins. Maybe it's just a Patriots fan
hoping for a bigger regular season than playoff season...but whatever.
ACTUAL: 9-7 (-2)
Defensive line was absolute garbage all season, and that cost them the division.
Dallas Cowboys 10-6(8-8 in 2011)
Tony
Romo is healthy, they have a solid running back crew, Jason Witten is
hurt but should stay, Dez Bryant is fucked up in a few different ways,
but is a huge player. They have DeMarcus Ware...they drafted defense
with Claiborne. I love the Cowboys on paper...but who hasn't in the
past five years? Based on their offense, and the potential of Murray
and Jones running along side of Witten, Bryant, Romo, and Austin they
should be damn good...but I still don't like their offensive line
against rushing teams in the NFC East.
ACTUAL: 8-8 (-2)
Once again, another disappointing season for the Cowboys. Just couldn't get the rushing game going to keep them in close games
Philadelphia Eagles 8-8 (8-8 in 2011)
I
just don't see that much of a difference between this year's team and
last year's team. Vick is the same, as with McCoy, Jackson, Celek.
They lost Asante Samuel...and gained DeMeco Ryans. Offensive line is
still the big question mark. I can't move them any higher than last
year because in 2011 they went 5-1 against the division, and I just
can't see them doing that again.
ACTUAL: 4-12 (-4)
Offensive line was the biggest problem...and they went from 5-1 in the division to 1-5...no surprise they dropped 4 games. Washington Redskins 6-10 (5-11 in 2011)
Brought
them up a win due to RG3. I don't like their receivers and I don't
like their cornerbacks/safeties after losing LaRon Landry to the Jets.
That is really all.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+4)
Underestimated the impact that RG3 would have on this team, and more importantly the huge season from Alfred Morris. Great story this year.
Aaron
Rodgers will fall back a little bit...and their running back situation
isn't phenomenal. Biggest question is the same question that the
Patriots have...can the defense provide enough stops to give the offense
the chance to put up points? Charles Woodson isn't getting
younger...their safeties are average at best...and their defensive line
outside of Raji isn't incredible. The Lions have a good offense, the
Bears and Vikings are both much improved on that side of the ball. I
see a 6-2 division record, and a 6-2 non-division record.
ACTUAL: 11-5 (-1)
Struggled to start off the year, but pretty much right on with everything else.
Detroit Lions 10-6 (10-6 in 2011)
Due
to the off the field issues and suspensions for this team I can't bring
them up a win. Still a legitimate playoff team, but lacking the
experience to make a deep push into the playoffs. I would like to see a
true #1 running back emerge from this team to take a lot of the
pressure off of Stafford and Megatron. Their defensive secondary isn't
wonderful either, so the Packers will give them trouble, and possibly
the Bears as well now with Brandon Marshall. I like this team, but I'm
not fully on the bandwagon yet.
ACTUAL: 4-12 (-6)
Biggest disappointment in the NFL this season IMO...0-6 in the division. No running game...very little defense.
Chicago Bears 9-7(8-8 in 2011)
Offense
is better, and in an offensively driven league, that will mean an
improvement in the record as well. I'm just not a huge fan of Jay
Cutler, and although having a weapon like Marshall at the edge and a
possibly future weapon with Alshon Jeffrey will help, I'm not sure they
are a playoff level team this year. They have a great defense once
again, which will keep them in a ton of games. But their defensive
tackles aren't great, Urlacher is getting old, and you can rush the ball
against them.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
Pretty much right on except the defense was great again, and the offense under-performed. 29th in passing yards per game.
Minnesota Vikings 4-12 (3-13 in 2011)
Another
one win improvement given out. A lot of people might give them a few
more wins, but I want to see how the Christian Ponder experiment works
out. Also, if Peterson has lost a step with the injury last season.
Matt Kalil should be able to step right in and help give Ponder time to
throw to the receivers...who are decent, nothing spectacular. Their
defense is solid once again with Henderson, Allen, Williams, and
Winfield. I just have a feeling they will be losing quite a few close
games.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+6)
5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less...Ponder managed the game very well with 18/12 and Peterson had one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history.
Aaron
Rodgers will fall back a little bit...and their running back situation
isn't phenomenal. Biggest question is the same question that the
Patriots have...can the defense provide enough stops to give the offense
the chance to put up points? Charles Woodson isn't getting
younger...their safeties are average at best...and their defensive line
outside of Raji isn't incredible. The Lions have a good offense, the
Bears and Vikings are both much improved on that side of the ball. I
see a 6-2 division record, and a 6-2 non-division record.
ACTUAL: 11-5 (-1)
Struggled to start off the year, but pretty much right on with everything else.
Detroit Lions 10-6 (10-6 in 2011)
Due
to the off the field issues and suspensions for this team I can't bring
them up a win. Still a legitimate playoff team, but lacking the
experience to make a deep push into the playoffs. I would like to see a
true #1 running back emerge from this team to take a lot of the
pressure off of Stafford and Megatron. Their defensive secondary isn't
wonderful either, so the Packers will give them trouble, and possibly
the Bears as well now with Brandon Marshall. I like this team, but I'm
not fully on the bandwagon yet.
ACTUAL: 4-12 (-6)
Biggest disappointment in the NFL this season IMO...0-6 in the division. No running game...very little defense.
Chicago Bears 9-7(8-8 in 2011)
Offense
is better, and in an offensively driven league, that will mean an
improvement in the record as well. I'm just not a huge fan of Jay
Cutler, and although having a weapon like Marshall at the edge and a
possibly future weapon with Alshon Jeffrey will help, I'm not sure they
are a playoff level team this year. They have a great defense once
again, which will keep them in a ton of games. But their defensive
tackles aren't great, Urlacher is getting old, and you can rush the ball
against them.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+1)
Pretty much right on except the defense was great again, and the offense under-performed. 29th in passing yards per game.
Minnesota Vikings 4-12 (3-13 in 2011)
Another
one win improvement given out. A lot of people might give them a few
more wins, but I want to see how the Christian Ponder experiment works
out. Also, if Peterson has lost a step with the injury last season.
Matt Kalil should be able to step right in and help give Ponder time to
throw to the receivers...who are decent, nothing spectacular. Their
defense is solid once again with Henderson, Allen, Williams, and
Winfield. I just have a feeling they will be losing quite a few close
games.
ACTUAL: 10-6 (+6)
5-1 in games decided by a touchdown or less...Ponder managed the game very well with 18/12 and Peterson had one of the greatest individual seasons in NFL history.
With
the suspensions of the Saints, I feel as though the Falcons are the
best team in this division. A make or break year for Matt Ryan and
Michael Turner. Great receivers and great depth. A very solid
offensive line. Defensive line might be a little suspect, but with the
addition of Asante Samuel it should seriously help. The reason I'm
dropping them down a win is the fact that they have to play the NFC East
this season, and IMO they are a better division.
ACTUAL: 13-3 (+4)
Went undefeated against the NFC East and just got the job done all year long.
New Orleans Saints 8-8 (13-3 in 2011)
Suspensions
were big, and they will seriously hurt this defense. They weren't an
extremely solid defense to begin with...just barely above average.
Ellis and Smith are decent on the defensive line...and Greer and Jenkins
are probably their best secondary players. But much like the Falcons,
going up against the solid offenses throughout the NFC East will kill
this team.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (-1)
Just got off to such a bad start that they couldn't recover. 2-2 vs. the East...and the defense was bad all the way through.
Carolina Panthers 7-9 (6-10 in 2011)
I
like this team, but I just don't trust them completely. I will bump
them up one win because I think Cam Newton and Steve Smith will have a
special kind of year. Luke Kuechly is the perfect draft pick for this
team, and I like the defensive intensity he can provide. I'm just not
that big on their defensive line...and I'm not sure how much pressure
they will be able to get on opposing quarterbacks. They ranked 25th in
sacks last season...and I really can't see that getting much better.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (got it!)
They did very well in the sack department, finished the year very well...but having Cam Newton as your leading rusher is probably not a good thing Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (4-12 in 2011)
Offense
has seriously improved IMO with another year under the belt for Josh
Freeman...the addition of Vincent Jackson...and a solid running back
combo of Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount. They have one of the best
offensive lines in the league as well. But I'm not sure how ready
Schiano is for the speed and intensity of the NFL. This is another team
that was very difficult for me to predict...I would be willing to give
them up to 7 wins. ACTUAL: 7-9 (+2)
Should have given them the extra two wins...Doug Martin stepped up big time and Schiano did a great job
With
the suspensions of the Saints, I feel as though the Falcons are the
best team in this division. A make or break year for Matt Ryan and
Michael Turner. Great receivers and great depth. A very solid
offensive line. Defensive line might be a little suspect, but with the
addition of Asante Samuel it should seriously help. The reason I'm
dropping them down a win is the fact that they have to play the NFC East
this season, and IMO they are a better division.
ACTUAL: 13-3 (+4)
Went undefeated against the NFC East and just got the job done all year long.
New Orleans Saints 8-8 (13-3 in 2011)
Suspensions
were big, and they will seriously hurt this defense. They weren't an
extremely solid defense to begin with...just barely above average.
Ellis and Smith are decent on the defensive line...and Greer and Jenkins
are probably their best secondary players. But much like the Falcons,
going up against the solid offenses throughout the NFC East will kill
this team.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (-1)
Just got off to such a bad start that they couldn't recover. 2-2 vs. the East...and the defense was bad all the way through.
Carolina Panthers 7-9 (6-10 in 2011)
I
like this team, but I just don't trust them completely. I will bump
them up one win because I think Cam Newton and Steve Smith will have a
special kind of year. Luke Kuechly is the perfect draft pick for this
team, and I like the defensive intensity he can provide. I'm just not
that big on their defensive line...and I'm not sure how much pressure
they will be able to get on opposing quarterbacks. They ranked 25th in
sacks last season...and I really can't see that getting much better.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (got it!)
They did very well in the sack department, finished the year very well...but having Cam Newton as your leading rusher is probably not a good thing Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11 (4-12 in 2011)
Offense
has seriously improved IMO with another year under the belt for Josh
Freeman...the addition of Vincent Jackson...and a solid running back
combo of Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount. They have one of the best
offensive lines in the league as well. But I'm not sure how ready
Schiano is for the speed and intensity of the NFL. This is another team
that was very difficult for me to predict...I would be willing to give
them up to 7 wins. ACTUAL: 7-9 (+2)
Should have given them the extra two wins...Doug Martin stepped up big time and Schiano did a great job
Just
don't see them capturing the lightning in a bottle type of season that
they had last year. First of all teams are not going to take them
lightly which might have happened at the start of last season. Second
of all...their offense brought in some new players, but did they really
improve? Last season they had the perfect offense for this type of
team...ground and pound and don't let Alex Smith make mistakes. Now
with Manningham and Moss they are putting Smith in a position to want to
throw the ball more.
They still have the best defense in the
league however, and in a not so great division, that will be good enough
to make it back to the playoffs for the second straight year. I just
don't think this team is 13 wins good this season. ACTUAL: 11-4-1 (+1)
Pretty much got it right the whole way...interesting decisions with Kaepernick over Smith though
Seattle Seahawks 7-9 (7-9 in 2011)
Whether
Flynn or Wilson is playing, I can't bump them up any wins simply
because their offensive line isn't fantastic (something that I feel you
need to have with an inexperienced QB) and the weapons on the outside
are also less than stellar. The defense is good enough to make some
plays, and will certainly keep this team in a lot of games. I just
don't think Pete Carroll has what it takes to build a successful NFL
team. Still..the Seahawks will be an interesting team to watch this
season.
ACTUAL: 11-5 (+4)
Russell Wilson took over this team and played amazingly. They were interesting to watch for sure.
Arizona Cardinals 6-10 (8-8 in 2011)
Too
many questions at quarterback, and none of them are the questions that
you want to be asking. Neither John Skelton or Kevin Kolb give this
team enough of a chance to be successful this season...especially going
up against the defenses in Seattle and San Fran. They have their big
play guy with Fitzgerald, and no doubt he will put up numbers...but they
have still failed to address the running back situation. I do like
their defense...I just see them losing a lot of 20-14 type of games. ACTUAL: 5-11 (-1)
After starting the season 4-0, they failed to put up 20 points in a single game and their QB situation was absolutely horrendous
St. Louis Rams 4-12 (2-14 in 2011)
I
really didn't even want to put them this high, but I'll be generous.
This is the worst team in the league...and by a wide margin in my mind.
They had the #2 pick and traded it when they should have taken someone
to improve this team. Just breaking it down by position...
QB Sam Bradford - C- RB Steven Jackson - B+ WR Amendola/Gibson/Quick - C- TE Kendricks - D OL Saffold/Ojinnaka/Wells/Dahl/Richardson - C DL Long/Brockers/Langford/Quinn - B LB Dunbar/Lauranaitis/Haggan - C- CB Finnegan/Jenkins - B S Stewart/Mikell - C
Once
again...that's being generous. Even their schedule isn't kind giving
them home games against New England, Green Bay, the Jets, and San Fran
(division game). They have to go TO BUFFALO in December. Just not a
good team.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (+3)
Very surprising team this season...they beat the Seahawks, 49ers, and Washington who made the playoffs. Defense was average in everything, as was the offense.
Just
don't see them capturing the lightning in a bottle type of season that
they had last year. First of all teams are not going to take them
lightly which might have happened at the start of last season. Second
of all...their offense brought in some new players, but did they really
improve? Last season they had the perfect offense for this type of
team...ground and pound and don't let Alex Smith make mistakes. Now
with Manningham and Moss they are putting Smith in a position to want to
throw the ball more.
They still have the best defense in the
league however, and in a not so great division, that will be good enough
to make it back to the playoffs for the second straight year. I just
don't think this team is 13 wins good this season. ACTUAL: 11-4-1 (+1)
Pretty much got it right the whole way...interesting decisions with Kaepernick over Smith though
Seattle Seahawks 7-9 (7-9 in 2011)
Whether
Flynn or Wilson is playing, I can't bump them up any wins simply
because their offensive line isn't fantastic (something that I feel you
need to have with an inexperienced QB) and the weapons on the outside
are also less than stellar. The defense is good enough to make some
plays, and will certainly keep this team in a lot of games. I just
don't think Pete Carroll has what it takes to build a successful NFL
team. Still..the Seahawks will be an interesting team to watch this
season.
ACTUAL: 11-5 (+4)
Russell Wilson took over this team and played amazingly. They were interesting to watch for sure.
Arizona Cardinals 6-10 (8-8 in 2011)
Too
many questions at quarterback, and none of them are the questions that
you want to be asking. Neither John Skelton or Kevin Kolb give this
team enough of a chance to be successful this season...especially going
up against the defenses in Seattle and San Fran. They have their big
play guy with Fitzgerald, and no doubt he will put up numbers...but they
have still failed to address the running back situation. I do like
their defense...I just see them losing a lot of 20-14 type of games. ACTUAL: 5-11 (-1)
After starting the season 4-0, they failed to put up 20 points in a single game and their QB situation was absolutely horrendous
St. Louis Rams 4-12 (2-14 in 2011)
I
really didn't even want to put them this high, but I'll be generous.
This is the worst team in the league...and by a wide margin in my mind.
They had the #2 pick and traded it when they should have taken someone
to improve this team. Just breaking it down by position...
QB Sam Bradford - C- RB Steven Jackson - B+ WR Amendola/Gibson/Quick - C- TE Kendricks - D OL Saffold/Ojinnaka/Wells/Dahl/Richardson - C DL Long/Brockers/Langford/Quinn - B LB Dunbar/Lauranaitis/Haggan - C- CB Finnegan/Jenkins - B S Stewart/Mikell - C
Once
again...that's being generous. Even their schedule isn't kind giving
them home games against New England, Green Bay, the Jets, and San Fran
(division game). They have to go TO BUFFALO in December. Just not a
good team.
ACTUAL: 7-9 (+3)
Very surprising team this season...they beat the Seahawks, 49ers, and Washington who made the playoffs. Defense was average in everything, as was the offense.
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