2009-2010 NFL Predictions

What's up everyone.  Been a while since I've been really active on here, pretty much since the end of the NBA season.  Ready to get another year of NFL started, ready to make some more big bucks.  Hit about 58% of my picks last year, so hopefully I can improve upon that.   The predictions are something that I have done every year for about the last 5 years now, and it's something that is really fun to look back on.  Last year I wasn't too close...but that's why they play the games!!


AFC EAST

New England Patriots   (13-3)

Tom Brady returns to what on paper is hands down the best team in the league.  Beefed up their running game, added in some depth at receiver, and exponentially improved their secondary, which was their achilles heel from last year.  This team really doesn't have a true weakness, and proved last year that even a major injury won't slow them down too much.  I love Galloway to be a huge compliment to Randy Moss, and finally having some guys in the defensive backfield that can make plays will be key.

New York Jets  (10-6)

Like the Jets to pick up one of the Wild Card slots in the AFC, however there are still a few things that really stick out to me.  The biggest one is the lack of receiving depth.  Cotchery is a good #1/2 guy, but after that, there isn't much.  They have a really good offensive line, which should help Mark Sanchez out, but if they face a team that can shut down the run they could struggle.  Defensively they added Lito Sheppard and Bart Scott, which will be huge and keep them in most games this year.  Just think they are lacking a little bit of experience on the offensive side of the ball to be considered a big-time threat this year.

Buffalo Bills   (8-8)

Wanted to give them a 7-9 just to keep the streak going, but they are simply the prototypical .500 team.  Trent Edwards has no choice but to step up and be the guy this year, as they really don't have a viable option at backup.  If Marshawn Lynch can stay healthy the whole season and start living up to his potential, then this team might surprise some people, but in this tough division, and with a brutal road schedule (New England, Miami, Jets, Tennessee, Jacksonville, Carolina, Kansas City, Atlanta) I don't see them winning more than 8 games.

Miami Dolphins  (5-11)

Overachieved big time IMO last season.  Pennington went absolutely nuts and had a career year.  The wildcat offense worked out brilliantly and gave us the resurgance of Ricky Williams.  Their defense stepped up when they needed to.  They got the job done.  This year however they have a much harder schedule, and I really don't like their receiver situation or their defensive line situation.  Bringing back Jason Taylor was nice and all, but he is 34 years old, and so is Ferguson, who will most likely be needed to fill the gap in the middle.  Just not a good mixture for the Fins this year.

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers   (11-5)

Would have put them higher, but they have been lucky one major area in recent years that I think catches up with them this year.  Injuries.  They've had the minor dings and scratches, but nothing too severe.  I like their offense, I like their defense, I like their special teams, and I like the fact that they don't have to play Indy or the Pats, and they get to beat up on the NFC North.  A lot of things to like about this team to repeat.  Unless they get hurt.

Baltimore Ravens   (11-5)

Came out of nowhere last year with the great play from Joe Flacco, and they are putting out essentially the same team as they had last year.  Don't really like their receivers, but they can at least get a decent job done.  The strength of this team once again is their defense.  They lose Bart Scott, but still are stacked from front to back.  Major concern that I have for them that will ultimately cost them a few games and the division?  Placekicking.  Hauschka has kicked 2 FG's in his life, and Gano hasn't kicked any.  Not a good place to be lacking in the defense laden AFC North.


Cincinatti Bengals   (7-9)

One of the biggest improvements in the offseason IMO.  They picked up Laveranues Coles from the Jets, Roy Williams from the Cowboys, and had the best draft out of anyboy snagging Rey Maualuga, Michael Johnson, and Andre Smith.  As long as Chad Ochocinco Nuevo Bueno Del Torro can perform to half of what he's capable, this team could play spoiler to some playoff teams down the stretch (Minnesota, San Diego, and the Jets all in Dec.)


Cleveland Browns   (4-12)

They still suck.  Quarterback controversy/battle/competition is the least of their worries right now.  They have NO running back depth, lost their second best receiver for the season, and could possibly have the worst defensive backfield in the league.  I don't see anyone back there that can cover the guys they will have to face this season.  Just no chance for these guys...4 wins might be pushing it.

Back tomorrow with more...heading to bed now.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts   (11-5)

Still think they are the best in the division, even though it will be more of a struggle this season for them.  No Marvin Harrison as a safety valve means that Reggie Wayne will see more double coverage.  Peyton Manning is getting towards the down turn of his career, and one injury could absolutey derail this team.  I like their defense, and they are still a powerful offense.


Tennessee Titans   (9-7)

Good running plus a good defense will always equal a decent team.  However, once again they failed to address the major issue of no wide receiver.  They also lost quite a huge player in the middle of that defensive line, so it will be interesting to see how that affects them, especially in the run-happy AFC South.  Vince Young is still the best option at QB in my humble opinion, but we will see how that works out.


Jacksonville Jaguars   (7-9)

Like the addition of Torry Holt.  But in a tough division with a tough schedule, I just don't see them with that extra push that will be needed to contend for a Wild Card spot.  Still a very good running game and a good defense, which like the Titans will keep them in a lot of games, but they don't have a top tier quarterback, and they don't have a defensive playmaker.  I see them losing quite a few close games.


Houston Texans   (6-10)

Another year of hype, and another year of disappointment.  Matt Schaub is just an average quarterback, and picking up Rex Grossman doesn't do very much.  Their biggest problem is still the offensive line, and didn't really beef that up in the draft.  I just don't see how this team can really compete in the AFC South without seriously improving their weaknesses.  I just have a feeling that they have had the same team for about the last five years.  A couple nice players, one big game stud with Andre Johnson, but no real major pickups in the offseason.

Better than 7-9 TampaTony?   I really can't see them getting THAT much better, but an improvement should definitely be seen.

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers   (10-6)

Weakest division in football by far, and the Chargers should stumble and fumble their way to the division title.  The thing that hurt them was the fact that they didn't do anything in the offseason to better this team.  The draft wasn't much of an impact, they signed no free agents worth mentioning, they just kinda stayed put.  Like I said though, with the Broncos more than likely taking a step back this year to rebuild, it will be hard for the Chargers to lose this division.


Kansas City Chiefs   (7-9)

Most improved team in the division by a longshot.  Very good draft and offseason picking up Matt Cassell, Zach Thomas, Mike Vrabel, Ashley Lelie, and Amani Toomer as free agents, as well as drafting Tyson Jackson to continue to solidify the D-line.  The toughest part for them is going to be the brutal opening to their schedule, plowing through the NFC East in 4 consecutive weeks.  I like their defense quite a bit however, and will contend in most games as long as Cassell proves he can continue last years success.


Denver Broncos   (5-11)

Odd team to figure out.  In the offseason they managed to gain a lot (Brian Dawkins, Brandon Lloyd, Andra Davis) as well as lose a lot (Jay Cutler).  Either way, I look at their quarterback situation and coaching situation and that pretty much tells me everything I need to know.  Any time you have a rookie head coach, there are going to be some growing pains.  Their receivers are solid, and running game has serious depth.  The defense is pretty good as usual, but my MAJOR concern with the defense is that they won't be able to get any pressure on the QB.  Their entire defensive line and linebackers only managed 16 sacks with their respective teams last year.  That should be one player. 


Oakland Raiders   (5-11)

Another struggle of a season for the Raiders.  I like the addition of Greg Ellis to this defense.  I really really like their running back situation, and think McFadden will have a break out season if he can stay healthy.  The problem I see this team having is the same problem they've had for quite a while now.  What do they do if teams decide to stack the box and blitz all day long?  Heyward-Bey is a good weapon on the outside, but can Russell or Garcia figure out a way to get the ball to him?

NFC EAST


Washington Redskins   (9-7)

Just an absolutely beastly defensive team here.  All you see on paper is pure studs.  The big question mark for this team is of course the quarterback situation.  Can Jason Campbell limit his mistakes and keep those defensive players off the field and not wear them out by Week 5?  He was able to limit them last year (league best 6 int's) but he also only threw for 13 TD's (only Trent Edwards had less among starting quarterbacks).  He has some weapons, and the defense will carry them to some wins.  But in the tough NFC East, Campbell has to step up.


Philadelphia Eagles   (9-7)

They are probably one of the best offenses in the game this year, however they lost all of their running back depth, and that worries me.  Brian Westbrook has never been Mr. Durable, and luckily for the Eagles, they've always had two or three guys to back him up.  Not this year.  The defense is stacked once again, and I love the drafting of Maclin, especially with McNabb and Vick's arms to throw it to him.  Unfortunately I see just one or two injuries keeping this team from breaking out.


New York Giants   (8-8)

I can pretty much sum up this team in three words.  NO WIDE RECEIVERS.  Ok, they have David Tyree the one catch wonder and Steve Smith an undersized slot guy.  They also have Sinorice Moss, an unproved speed guy.  Doesn't impress me.  They gave Eli the money, but if I'm Eli, I want them to go out and get me someone to throw the ball to with that money.  Go out and get a Joey Galloway or Marvin Harrison or anybody.  The defensive front seven is great as usual, the d-backs might have some trouble this year.  Just don't see much wow from these guys.


Dallas Cowboys   (7-9)

Yup.  7-9 Dallas Cowboys.  I've been a Cowboys fan for almost twenty years now, but I'm just not at all impressed by this team.  Tony Romo continues to be highly overrated, and this year without his safety valve in Owens, I feel as though it will be exposed.  The defense is very weak in areas.  The running backs are nice and they have great depth there.  However, looking at their schedule, they are going to have a tough time on the road this year.  Taking out the game against Kansas City, the teams they play on the road this year had a combined home record last year of 37-19.  That's tough.  I might have to fade the Boys on every road game this year!!

Are you counting the rookie who has never carried the ball in an NFL game, or are you counting Michael Vick?

Homer is on temporary hiatus for a hot female golfer upskirt.

I love Anna Rawson!

NFC SOUTH


Atlanta Falcons   (10-6)

Matt Ryan proved himself to be a top quality NFL quarterback last season, and just to continue that streak, they went out and got the best tight end ever to compliment his sophomore season.  The Falcons still have one of the best pass rushing teams in the league, and they will need it.  Their secondary is weak at best, and could be trouble going up against the pass happy Saints and the deep threat Panthers.  I still like them to win the division for the 2nd straight year.


New Orleans Saints   (9-7)

We all know what their offense is capable of.  Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Jeremy Shockey, and so on and so on.  Their defense was always the question, and they beefed it up a little bit in the offseason.  They will contend in a lot of games simply because of their great offense, but I just see them losing to some defensive minded teams if Brees happens to have an off day or get hurt.

Carolina Panthers   (8-8)

I'm just not a huge fan of Jake Delhomme.  He has steadily decreased in production over the past 5 years, despite having some damn good weapons to throw to.  They have the best running game in the NFC as far as depth goes, and still a very good defense.  However, when it comes down to it, I just feel as though they LOST a lot more than they GAINED during the offseason.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers   (4-12)

You need a quarterback to compete in the NFL.  If Cadillac can stay healthy, they might have a shot to improve on this number a little bit, but what have we seen from him so far in his career that would show us this?  The offense will certainly hold this team back, and there will be a big time learning curve without Jon Gruden on the sidelines.  Rebuilding year, rebuilding record.

............good shit....will see

NFC NORTH


Minnesota Vikings   (10-6)

It's been one hell of an offseason for the Vikings, but IMO Brett Favre is still a better option right now than Tarvaris Jackson.  Putting that aside they have the best running back on the planet with Peterson, and a damn good defense.  They didn't add any players on defense, and they didn't really need to.  Not a good division, and they should have at least 4-6 wins right off the start.


Green Bay Packers   (8-8)

I like Aaron Rodgers.  I'm not sold on Ryan Grant.  I really don't like their receiving core...how much can Donald Driver possibly have left in the tank?    But I really like their defense.  Drafting Raji to solidify the middle was huge, espeically given the fact that they have to chase down AD twice a year.  Their secondary is solid, and when the defense puts up points like these guys do, you are going to be in games.  Unfortunately they don''t have any big play guys that can change the outcome of a game.


Chicago Bears   (6-10)

Good pickup with Jay Cutler.  However they don't have a backup for him who has even taken a snap in the NFL, and they have ZERO wide receivers.  ZERO wide receivers.  ZERO wide receivers.  Best of luck to ya Jay, we'll see how good you are this year.  Defense is slowing down a bit, and they should struggle this year to put points on the board.


Detroit Lions  (2-14)

One of the most improved teams in the league, they will increase their win total by 200%.  But they are still by far the worst team in the league.  QB is weak at best.  RB is average.  WR is below average.  OL is average. DL is below average at best.  LBs are decent, CBs are decent.  Best part of their game is easily their kicking.  But like I said, its an improvement.

NFC WEST


Arizona Cardinals  (11-5)

Might be overvaluing them a little bit here, but I do it because I feel as though the biggest thing holding them back was themselves.  They needed to experience winning before they could truly show their potential.  Keeping together Boldin and Fitzgerald was huge.  Warner is going to be his usual self.  I beleive Beanie Wells was a great pickup for this team.  Plus they get to end the season with four relatively easy games.


Seattle Seahawks  (10-6)

They were just killed with injuries last season, but Hasselbeck should be healthy enough, and they boosted their receiver depth by adding Housmanzadeh.  I like the draft pick of Curry, their defense is lightning fast and will hit you.  Once again, if they can find a way to stay healthy, they are a good team.  IF.


St. Louis Rams  (8-8)

Got a nice pick with Jason Smith to help their offensive line.  Defense is deceptively decent, as we saw last year.  They lost a huge part of their offense with Torry Holt, but they still have a great running back with Steven Jackson.  If Bulger can limit the mistakes, the Rams could contend in quite a few games this year.


San Francisco 49ers   (7-9)

Still one step away.  They need a little more experience out of the quarterback position.  Shaun Hill just got hurt today so we'll see how that works out, their offense has potential, and their defense is pretty damn good.  I would like to see a big time playmaker on the offense.  Don't give me Gore as that either because he didn't have a 50 yard rush last season and fumbled 6 times.

AFC PLAYOFFS


Wild Card

#3 Pittsburgh   vs.  #6  NY Jets               PITTS   31     NYJ   21

#4 San Diego   vs.  #5  Baltimore            BALT    16      SD    10


Divisional Round

#1 New England vs. #5 Baltimore                NE   28     BALT  13

#2  Indianapolis   vs.  #3 Pittsburgh            INDY   27    PITTS  24


Conference Championship

#1  New England  vs.  #2  Indianapolis          NE   31    INDY  24

Hey CMJ

nice work man... I also think the Seahawks have great value this year... BOL in your picks this year...