2009-2010 NFL Predictions

 

hills injury doesnt seem to be serious. have you seen coffee or robinson run the ball?  niners win this division. they always keep it close when playing the cards if not win! i would have feared seattle now that they're healthy but with holmgren gone, not so worried. now that they have an improved team and a better coach, im thinking atleast 9 wins for them this year. AT LEAST! niners to win the sb!!!

nice write ups and gl

gl

Carolina is a solid team, but I just don't like the fact that they seem to LOSE more than they GAIN in the offseason.  Especially when you look at what other teams in that division picked up (mainly Tony G to the Falcons).

The Skins are a tricky team to pick because on paper they could go 13-3...but the division is the toughest in football by far, and Jason Campbell is their quarterback.  Just like last year, if they can stay healthy and JC doesn't throw too many picks, they should be fine.

Dallas just doesn't have the talent any more.  They have the attention, they have the new stadium, but their coach isn't that great, and their defense is not good.

NFC PLAYOFFS


Wild Card

#3 Minnesota   vs.   #6  Philadelphia                   PHILLY  23   MIN  16

#4 Washington vs.  #5 Seattle                            WASH  16    SEA  10


Divisional Round

#1 Arizona  vs  #6  Philadelphia                        PHILLY   30  ARIZ  23

#2 Atlanta  vs.  #4  Washington                         ATL   27   WASH  13


Conference Championship

#2 Atlanta   vs.  #6  Philadelphia   (Yes, Michael Vick returning to Atlanta for the NFC Championship game...I love this game!!)

Atlanta   27    Philadelphia  23

SUPER BOWL


NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS


34



ATLANTA  FALCONS


17

Good points mooose....but I don't really think I went with the "public" teams.  Most notably in the NFC East.  I haven't heard anyone talking about the Skins.   As far as worst to first, I just don't see any teams from last year that finished in last place in their division making a big move this season....

AFC EAST - Buffalo maybe but I don't think T.O. alone is enough for this team

AFC SOUTH - Jacksonville still doesnt have a solid QB IMO and will struggle in a decent division

AFC NORTH - Cleveland just sucks

AFC WEST - Kansas City will play hard, but still a learning/rebuilding year

NFC EAST - Washington I picked to go worst to first

NFC SOUTH - New Orleans has a shot, but still no defense

NFC NORTH - Detroit.  Yeah.

NFC WEST  -  St. Louis lost too much in the offseason

As far as the draft is concerned...we saw rookies on every playoff team just about that made a HUGE impact and were possibly the reason why their teams made the playoffs.

Matt Ryan
Joe Flacco
Chris Johnson (great name)
Jonathon Stewart
Dominique Rogers-Cromartie

All of which had a fairly large impact on their teams, so yes, the draft in my opinion plays a definite role in the playoffs.  This year I see Mark Sanchez keeping the Jets OUT of the playoffs...Aaron Curry will help the Seahawks put some pressure on the QB which they didnt have last year...Beanie Wells should give the Cardinals some help at running back as well.  So personally, I put a decent amount of stock into the draft.

The funny thing is that everyone says this and even with all their injuries on defense last season the Saints still had a better ranked defense than the Falcons and they were only 8 yards per game worse than Carolina.

It's a funny thing that "perception vs reality".

This is true andy...I am aware...but being ranked 23rd overall isn't exactly lighting it up.  Especially when they gave up 24.6 PPG.  They played some solid offenses last year...but out of all the teams that they played, the average PPG of those teams was only 22.1...so when playing the Saints, teams got an extra couple points.  That to me is a bad defense.

Good point though.  Didn't realize the Falcs defense was that bad last year.

Solid points.

Of course, I suppose when you give up about 5 yards per rush...you arent' gonna have a good defense.  Peria Jerry should help that.  He's a solid pick.

Jack...the Steelers are just one of those teams that always show up and win games though.  Had to take them to win 11 or so games.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots   (13-3)   (Actual 10-6)  -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.

Ok, so the beef up in the running game got hurt, the secondary got hurt, and Galloway ended up as a bust.  Still a solid year and another division crown for the Patsies

New York Jets  (10-6)  (Actual 9-7)  -1

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.

Pretty much nailed this one right on the head.  Left out how much of a douchebag Rex Ryan can be

Buffalo Bills   (8-8)  (Actual 6-10)  -2

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.

Not a bad projection, but Lynch got suspended which killed them early on.

Miami Dolphins  (5-11)  (Actual 7-9)  +2

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.

Underestimated Chad Henne and the true comeback story of Ricky Williams.  Still did a lot worse than last year because of their defense however.

Homers should not be able to make such stupid ass predictions like yourself

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers   (11-5)  (Actual 9-7)  -2

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.

Those last four words seemed to be the key.  Once Polamalu went down, so did their chances.

Baltimore Ravens   (11-5)  (Actual 9-7)  -2

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.

Well the field goal kicking only cost them one game (Vikings) but it was the turnovers and penalties that held this team back.  Still hate to see them in the playoffs.

Cincinatti Bengals   (7-9)  (Actual 10-6)  +3

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.)

Nailed this one pretty much, just didn't think they would do THAT good.  Can thank Ced Benson for this one.


Cleveland Browns   (4-12)  (Actual 5-11)  +1

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.

Nice finish to the season, but yeah they still sucked.

At least I have balls to make predictions.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts   (11-5)  (Actual 14-2)  +3

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.

Peyton is one of the two or three best QB's to ever play the game, and he proved it this year.  Dude is good.  Even with injuries they should have gone undefeated.  But will resting their players hurt them AGAIN in the playoffs?


Tennessee Titans   (9-7)  (Actual 8-8) -1

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.

VY did end up being the best option at QB, unfortunately it took 6 ugly games to figure it out.  Great year by CJ as well, and one hell of a finish


Jacksonville Jaguars   (7-9)  (Actual 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.

Nailed this one.  10 out of their 16 games were decided by 10 or less points.  Mike Sims-Walker had a fantastic rookie season

Houston Texans   (6-10)  (Actual 9-7)  +3

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.

Matt Schaub proved me wrong in a big way.  Great year.  Also the bigger surprise was the offensive line, who only allowed 25 sacks all year, 5th best in the NFL.

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers   (10-6)  (Actual 13-3)  +3

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.

Another great year for the Chargers and this offense.  Rivers is a top tier NFL quarterback for sure.  Question heading into the playoffs is can the defense continue to play well enough and can Norv Turner not fuck it all up?


Kansas City Chiefs   (7-9)  (Actual 4-12)  -3

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.

If I switch them and the Broncos, I'd be fine here.  Ugly season for the Chiefs, who never really recovered after that 0-5 start.  3 of their 4 wins came on the road though.  That's a plus I guess?

Denver Broncos   (5-11)  (Actual 8-8)  +3

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. 

Well I managed to botch this one pretty bad.  Defensive line (Elvis Dumervil) ended up being the best part of this team.  In the end it was the rookie head coach that may have cost the team a playoff trip


Oakland Raiders   (5-11)  (Actual 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?

Darrious Heyward-Bey had 9 catches for 124 yards and 1 TD this season.  Out of the rookie wide receivers, he might have been the worst.  Crabtree only played half the season and caught 48 passes.

Jets record prediction alone deserves the bump...NO ONE had them getting 9/10 wins..(despite the 2 lay-downs to end the season)

NFC EAST


Washington Redskins   (9-7)  (Actual 4-12)  -5

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.

Well I guess Campbell didn't step up.  And Zorn sucks.  And Portis quit.  Did Santana Moss play this year?  Wow.  My bad on this one


Philadelphia Eagles   (9-7)  (Actual 11-5)  +2

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.

Didn't see the absolute breakout season for DeSean Jackson, or the depth that showed up for the Eagles this year.  Very solid team as usual


New York Giants   (8-8)  (Actual 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.

Only problem with this prediction was saying they should have gone out and got Galloway or Harrison.  I'm stuck in 2001 I guess.


Dallas Cowboys   (7-9)  (Actual 11-5)  +4

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!!

Did much better than expected on the road (5-3 SU  4-4 ATS) and Miles Austin came out of nowhere to have an awesome season.  I still want to see them win a playoff game though

What the point when you're not going to be realistic and pick your own team to win the Superbowl? Do you still think the Cheatriots will win the SB?

NFC SOUTH


Atlanta Falcons   (10-6)  (Actual 9-7)  -1

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.

Just couldn't win the road games down the stretch to make it to the playoffs.  The secondary did end up hurting them, they ranked in the bottom 10 in every pass defense category.

New Orleans Saints   (9-7)  (Actual 13-3)  +4

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.

Brees didn't have an off day and didn't get hurt.  The defense also stepped up and forced turnovers.  At least in the first 13 games.  What will they do in the playoffs however?

Carolina Panthers   (8-8)  (Actual 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.

Got this one right.  Hopefully Delhomme finds a new Del-home next season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers   (4-12)  (Actual 3-13)  +1

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.

Only missed this one by their win over the Packers pretty much. 

How was I not being realistic at the beginning of the season by picking the Patriots to go to the Super Bowl?  At that point they were the favorites to make it.  Without Welker it will be tough, but yeah they are in the playoffs so they still have a shot.

NFC NORTH


Minnesota Vikings   (10-6)  (Actual 12-4) +2

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.

Won 5 out of 6 games in the division, but nobody could have predicted the incredible season Favre had.  IMO he's the MVP over Brees and Manning.


Green Bay Packers   (8-8)  (Actual 11-5)  +3

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.

Didn't really need any big play guys.  They have a very solid overall team.  Run well, pass well, and can shut down the run and the pass.  Scary team to face in the playoffs.


Chicago Bears   (6-10)  (Actual 7-9)  +1

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.

We pretty much saw what Jay Cutler can do.  He needs someone to throw the ball to.  Olsen had a very good year at TE though.

Detroit Lions  (2-14)  (Actual 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.

It was an improvement.  Should get 5 or 6 wins next year.