2009 NFL Predictions (My last post until Saturday)

[SabresRule]

Guys, before I start, I want you to know that this will be my last post until Saturday.

Tomorrow, I am flying out with my family to Canada- we'll be spending three days in Toronto. This is the second straight year I am heading there at the end of the summer to visit some old family and friends (Growing up in Buffalo, we knew some people in the Great White North).

I'll try and log on to catch up on anything I miss on (If I don't post at all, please forgive me).

I'll be back on a regular basis on Saturday the 29th, back in time for the big Fantasy Football Draft.

Anyway, last year, we made our predictions for the upcoming NFL Season in July. This year, I am surprised nobody has made predictions on divisions and win-loss record.

This will be the official thread for predictions this season.

I will give my prediction, some thoughts on each team, followed by two things that concern me about them.

AFC East
New England- 13-3. The sky's the limit for the Pats- Brady's back, the nucleus of their offense is back, and they made some decent additions in Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway. My two concerns with the Pats are health and the defense, which was their achilles heel in two key games last season- against Miami and the Jets.

Miami- 9-7. They have higher expectations than they did last year, but I like what I see from this team- solid offense, rough-and-tumble defense, and the Wildcat offense. What concerns me about the Dolphins is their schedule- hardest in the league- and if they can avoid a slump following such a great year (Think the 2007 Saints, who slumped badly after making the NFC Title game the year before).

Buffalo- 8-8. They have some buzz with Terrell Owens, but I don't trust Trent 'Weak-Armed Wimp' Edwards. What concerns me is their running game- Marshawn Lynch will not be able to play early on because of a suspension- and their schedule, which consists of the NFC South and AFC East.

N.Y. Jets- 6-10- They have some promise- I like Thomas Jones, but I don't think Rex Ryan is going to have the same start that Sparano, Mike Smith, and Harbaugh did. I don't trust their playmakers. I'm concerned about their quarterback play and their schedule- they have to play the NFC South and AFC South, very tough divisions, which includes road games at Indy, Houston, and New Orleans.

AFC North
Pittsburgh- 12-4. Most of the key players are coming back, their defense still looks ferocious, and the schedule is a little lighter. Concerns include the offensive line and whether they can avoid the hangover that some defending Super Bowl champions have had (i.e. Bucs, Ravens).

Baltimore- 11-5. Their defense is still frightening, and the offense looks decent. My two concerns- Can Joe Flacco avoid the sophomore slump, and whether the departure of Bart Scott will hurt the defense.

Cleveland- 8-8. I think they can rebound. The expectations are much lower, the schedule is much easier, and don't forget that Eric Mangini got the Jets to the playoffs in year one. Concerns- Inconsistency (they beat the Giants, but were shutout by Cincinnati) and whether Jamal Lewis can still run the ball like he did in 2007 as opposed to 2008.

Cincinnati- 6-10. They finished last year nicely, but they still have a long way to go- Cedric Benson could be a decent back, but they have some holes to fill. Concerns- Whether Laverneaus Coles can fill the shows of T.J. Housmanzadeh, and if Carson Palmer can bounce back from an injury-filled season.

AFC South
Indianapolis- 12-4. As long as they have Peyton Manning, they have a chance to win every year. Concerns- Tthe running game, a huge achilles heel last year, and how much Marvin Harrison's departure will affect the passing game.

Houston- 10-6. I am drinking the Texans Kool-Aid- they will make the playoffs. They have a great offense and some decent pass-rushers. Concerns- The defense, which give up a ton of points last year, and Matt Schaub's health.

Tennessee- 9-7. I like their players, but I don't know if Kerry Collins can regain the magic he had last year. Concerns include quaterback play and their weak wide recievers.

Jacksonville- 6-10. No Fred Taylor, questionable QB play, and an iffy defense- Jack Del Rio is on the hotseat. Concerns- Can Maurice Jones-Drew carry the load by himself, and can Torry Holt revive a so-so passing attack?

AFC West
San Diego- 12-4. They have no excuses- it's Super Bowl or bust. Concerns include whether Tomlinson can still play at a high level, and if Shawne Merriman can bounce back.

Kansas City- 7-9. Great offense, bad defense- at least their games will be fun to watch. Concerns- Whether Matt Cassel can dispel the sophomore slump, and if Larry Johnson can get back on track.

Oakland- 7-9. They have some bright spots, but don't have great WR depth and an iffy defense. Concerns include the schedule- NFC East and AFC North- and if Jamarcus Russell/Darren McFadden can get up to speed.

Denver- 3-13. No Cutler, possibly no Brandon Marshall, Kyle Orton as starting QB, a bad running game, and a defense that couldn't stop Sandra- I see a disaster of epic proportions. Concerns- can their defense make ANY improvements, and can Orton hold up his end of the big trade.


NFC East
Philadelphia- 11-5. They finished last season strongly, and added some good offensive weapons. Concerns- whether Michael Vick will help or hurt the team, and how the defense can adjust without Brian Dawkins.

NY Giants- 10-6. Last year, I was very hard on the Giants, and they proved me wrong. This time, I like their chances- defense, running, and solid play from Eli. Concerns- the loss of Derrick Ward AKA Wind, and whether the other WR's can step up and produce.

Dallas- 10-6. I think the lack of high expectations will be a good thing, but will the WR's produce? Concerns- Whether Terrell Owens' departure will help or hurt the team, and if they can avoid their traditional December swoon.

Washington- 6-10. They have good defense, but I don't trust the offense- they have mediocre WR's and Jason Campbell does not strike me as someone willing to throw deep. Concerns- Whether Albert Haynesworth can live up to his big contract, and if Clinton Portis can avoid the wear and tear of so many carries over the year.

NFC North
Chicago- 11-5. Kay Cutler is a great QB, Forte can run better than anyone he ever had in Denver, the defense is still solid, and the schedule is not as hard as last year. Concerns- Whether Cutler can make the most out of his of offensive playmakers, and if they can exceed their absurdly high expectations that the fans and media are putting on them this year.

Green Bay- 9-7. The offense is good with Rodgers, the defense has nowhere to go but up, and the schedule is easier- they get the NFC West after going 0-4 against the NFC South last year. Concerns- Can Aaron Rodgers avoid a sophomore slump, and can the defense make up for last year's late-season nosedive?

Minnesota- 8-8. Mr. Attention Hog will make things a bit better, but not that much better. Concersns- their lack of a reliable WR, and whether the old geezer can still play at a decent level.

Detroit- 2-14. They have nowhere to go but up- the question is how slowly will they go up. They have two decent players on offense, but that's it. Concerns- Quarterback play and the defense.

NFC South
Atlanta- 11-5. They got even better with the addition of Tony Gonzalez. Concerns- Whether Matt Ryan can avoid the sophomore slump, and if Michael Turner can continue to produce at the high rate he did last year.

New Orleans- 10-6. The NFC equivalent of the Broncos of last year- great offense, no defense. Still, as Arizona proved last year, good offense ca take you great distances. Concerns- Reggie Bush's health and the defense.

Carolina- 10-6. They have the core of a great team, but have had a tendency to be inconsistent from year to year. Concerns- Whether Jake Delhomme can bounce back from an ugly ending, and if the running game can still be as good as last year.

Tampa Bay- 6-10. One bad month, and the franchise is now starting over from scratch. Concerns- Can Derrick Ward stabilize a so-so running game, and who the heck will be their QB?

NFC West
Arizona- 10-6. They can still put up points and finally look like they are going somewhere. Concerns- Can Beanie Wells have the instant rookie impact of guys like Peterson and Matt Forte, and whether Kurt Warner can avoid regressing at a high age?

Seattle- 9-7. If they can avoid injuries, maybe they can bounce back. Concerns- Can TJ Housmanzadeh be a reliable recieving threat, and can the defense play a lot better than they did last year?

San Francisco- 6-10. They have some good players, but have weak WR's and no playmakers other than Frank Gore. Concerns- Quarterback play and a brutal schedule- a stretch of six straight games against Atlanta, Houston, Indy, Tennessee, Chicago, and Green Bay.

St. Louis- 3-13. They are going nowhere- they only have Bulger and Jackson on offense. Concerns- the defense and whether any WR's can step up now that Holt and Bruce are gone.

Playoff teams
AFC- Patriots, Steelers, Colts, Chargers, Ravens, Texans
NFC- Eagles, Bears, Falcons, Cardinals, Giants, Saints

Super Bowl
Chargers over Eagles

 

[salsadancer7]

Damn....I can almost agree with all your predictions but the AFC West. There is NO WAY the Chargers win 12 games. That division winner will have 10 games in the win column....MAX. Nor do I think they will make it into the Super Bowl.

I would say more like:

San Diego 10-6
Oakland 8-8
Kansas City 7-9
Denver 7-9

 

[HD MM]

SOLID Post Sabres! More thoughts on this tomorrow. Have fun in Toronto my friend!

 

[HD MM]

Damn....I can almost agree with all your predictions but the AFC West. There is NO WAY the Chargers win 12 games. That division winner will have 10 games in the win column....MAX. Nor do I think they will make it into the Super Bowl.

I would say more like:

San Diego 10-6
Oakland 8-8
Kansas City 7-9
Denver 7-9

You're kidding yourself if you think KC will win 7 games.

IMO, 4 wins will be a success of historic proportions for the Chafs.

 

[meStevo]

My guess is 6, with 8 being a great season. Same for Oakland. Our offensive line is beyond bad which will prevent Cassel from getting too comfortable - ever. We also don't have the nose tackle for a 3-4 with our current personnel, someone's gotta step up or teams are going to run on us worse than they already do to Denver. Somehow we held Adrian Pederson to 44 yards in a half though the other night after 10 attempts... he should have had at least twice that with our line, so maybe there's hope.

 

[salsadancer7]

My guess is 6, with 8 being a great season. Same for Oakland. Our offensive line is beyond bad which will prevent Cassel from getting too comfortable - ever. We also don't have the nose tackle for a 3-4 with our current personnel, someone's gotta step up or teams are going to run on us worse than they already do to Denver. Somehow we held Adrian Pederson to 44 yards in a half though the other night after 10 attempts... he should have had at least twice that with our line, so maybe there's hope.

I, for one, think that Oakland WILL surprise people and KC MIGHT surprise people. ALOT of folks will take Oakland a little lightly....and KC VERY lightly. Oakland's most glaring problem is still the middle of the defensive line. There tons of talent but just a year or two away from really being even considered a playoff threat. San Diego has WAY too many questions to win anything MORE than 10 games. And seeing San Diego has gotten older, and quite possibly slower....you are asking Norv Turner....NORV TURNER to actually do a great job coaching. Nope, not gonna happen.

Denver will ALSO surprise....but for all the wrong reasons.

The is no doubt the the up and comers are Oakland and KC...heading down is San Diego...and just there doing very little to nothing is Denver.

 

[meStevo]

I don't think San Diego has taken any steps back, with 48 of 54 people coming back (or something like that), that rarely happens in the NFL and usually leads to great things. It's their division and possibly conference to lose. Most of the other AFC powers have had a lot of turnover and we all have to wait and see what they do with the absence/addition of their toys, while San Diego is fairly solid and it'll be on them and Norv if they flounder.

 

[Jimbo]

I would NOT put Cutler in the GREAT QB category .... at least yet.

 

[BillD1984]

AFC

Wildcard Round

(3) Indianapolis over (6) Buffalo
(4) San Diego over (5) Baltimore

Divisional Round

(1) New England over (4) San Diego
(3) Indianapolis over (2) Pittsburgh

Championship Game

(1) New England over (3) Indianapolis



NFC


Wildcard Round


(6) Philadelphia over (3) Carolina
(5) Minnesota over (4) Arizona

Divisional Round

(1) NY Giants over (6) Philadelphia
(2) Chicago over (5) Minnesota

Championship Game

(2) Chicago over (1) NY Giants


Super Bowl 44

New England over Chicago

 

[Paul Wozniak]

Another vacation? Your dad a Sheik or something? Nice post SabresRule!

 

[SabresRule]

So, what are your predictions?

 

[BillD1984]

My pick for worst team of 2009......................the St. Louis Rams

 

[HD MM]

HD's 2009 NFL Thoughts: Team x Team Breakdown

AFC East
New England- This team will go as far as Terrific Tom can take them. If he can stay healthy, they have the ability to be something really special. The only two weaknesses I see is their ever diminishing Offensive Line and lack of a dependent running game.

Miami- I see the Dolphins regressing from their surprising success in '08. More teams are better educated on how to stop the Wild-Cat. They also have a very tough schedule and could easily dig themselves a hole in the first 3 weeks (@ Atlanta, vs. Indy, @ San Diego to start the season). No way this team wins 10 games again this year.

Buffalo- This has been one of the worst teams in Preseason. The first team offense has yet to score in the first quarter. Will TO be a cancer to the team's chemistry? Can Marshawn Lynch be the work-horse they need him to be? Is Dick Jauron on the hot seat? What about Trent Edwards? A lot of unanswered question in Buffalo.

N.Y. Jets- I poo-pooed the Jets before the start of preseason, but I do see signs of progress from them. If anything, new coach, Rex Ryan will have a positive effect on their defense. Plus, he brought Bart Scott over with him from Baltimore. Scott is one of the most underrated LB's in the league. I like the Jet's D/ST's a lot. Leon Washington is as exciting of a return man as there is in the NFL. I rank Josh Cribbs, Devin Hester and Washington as 1a, 1b and 1c in return specialists. Where I see this team failing is in the passing game. Matt Sanchez will have growing pains before this team finds true success.

AFC North
Pittsburgh- Still the team to beat in the AFC. The only criticism I have for this team revolves around their shaky offensive line. If Big Ben continues to be one of the most sacked QB's in the league, it will be next to impossible for him to survive another season of physical beatings like that. The Steelers may regret letting go of Alan Faneca. Also, I don't think Willie Parker can be an every down back. Can Mendenhall grow into a more developed roll in his second year?

Baltimore- It'll be interesting to see how losing Rex Ryan will effect this defense. Still one of the best in the league though. I see Flacco having an increased roll in the pass game. He's shown the ability to be able to throw down field accurately. I can see the Rats loosening the reins on Flacco this year. Also, look out for Ray Rice. He's taken over as the leading man in a run heavy offense.

Cleveland- Cleveland's biggest opponent will be themselves this year. If this team can become more disciplined (less penalties) and make better decisions on offense (less turnovers, better clock management), I can see them improving from 4 wins the year before. We also need to become better at scoring TD's in the red-zone, instead of settling on field goals. On offense, we did lose a few weapons in Kellen Winslow and Donte Stallworth. We did however have what looks to be like a promising draft class in WR Brian Robiskie, WR Mohamed Massaquoi and RB James Davis. My two biggest concerns are with the running game (aging Jamal Lewis) and our lack of rush defense. If we can't pressure on the opposing QB, it doesn't matter who they are, they will shred our secondary. Our strongest aspect is our Special Teams. Josh Cribbs is an instant playmaker and ultimate wild card. He can change the tone of the game in an instant.

Cincinnati- This team has a lot of holes. Their offensive line also has trouble keeping franchise QB, Carson Palmer upright. The Bengals are my pick to finish last in the AFC North this year.

AFC South
Indianapolis- Peyton showed signs of rust at the beginning of last year, but came on strong towards the end. I think he'll have a huge year in '09. Marvin Harrison is gone, but Reggie Wayne should fill his shoes, while Anthony Gonzalez will also contribute effectively. As for fragile Joe Addai, keep an eye out for Donald Brown. This kid from UConn is quite the talent and looks to be a perfect fit in the Colts system.

Houston- If and that's a big IF Matt Shaub can stay healthy, this offense will reek havok on opposing defenses. Shaub, Andre Johnson and Steve Slaton are one of the best 1-2-3 combos in the league. The Texans defense is also improving. I can see this team being one of the unexpected surprises of 2009 (ala the Dolphins of last year).

Tennessee- Concerned about the decimated offensive line. The Titans haven't been able to run the ball effectively at all this preseason. Last year, that was their bread and butter with Chris Johnson and LenDale White having career years. Their defense is still stout, but they will miss Albert Haynesworth. I see this team regressing from last year.

Jacksonville- Jacksonville had a disappointing '08 campaign, and I see more of that continuing this year. MJD is too small to carry the load at running back. Too many questions on both sides of the ball. The Jags should finish once again in the cellar of the AFC South.


AFC West
San Diego- There is absolutely no excuse for San Diego not to win this division. By far, the worst division in the league, and it's not even close. It appears, with the emergence of Philip Rivers, that San Diego will shift to a more pass friendly offense, while lessening the load on LT and Darren Sproles. Their defense will also get an added boost with Shawne Merriman back healthy.

Kansas City- In the midst of a coaching/GM change. Just fired their offensive coordinator less than 2 weeks from opening day. Matt Cassel is out for 2-4 weeks. Larry Johnson is far from the LJ of old. Their starting WR's as of now listed on the depth chart are Terrance Copper and Devard Darling, while the most athletic player on their team (Dwayne Bowe) was banished to 3rd on the depth chart. While they may win more than 2 games this year, they are still debatabley the worst team in this division.

Oakland- I expect a breakout year for Darren McFadden. I'm still not sold on the rest of the offense, JaMarcus Russel included. The good thing is though, they have the most depth at the backup QB spot I've seen in a long time (Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowsi and Charlie Frye). If the Raiders win this year, it'll be their defense that wins it for them.

Denver- This franchise has been a disaster ever since Josh McDaniels took the helm. He ran the franchise QB (Cutler) out of town and is in bad graces with their next best offensive talent (Brandon Marshall). Personally I think he's in WAY over his head. They have a new QB running the show, by the nickname of "The Bottle". They will also be breaking in a rookie running back in Knowshon Moreno. While their secondary should be improved with the addition of Brain Dawkins (watching him and Champ Bailey patrolling the middle will be fun), I do think the defenses downfall will be their line. No pass rush is not a good thing.


NFC East
Philadelphia- The Eagles are a popular early season Super Bowl pick and I can see why. I expect McNabb to have a huge year. The only concern for this team is the tough division they play in and the ever aging Brian Westbrook.

NY Giants- The Giants Defense should be improved with Osi Umenyiora back healthy. It will be interesting though in seeing if their schemes regress with the loss of Steve Spagnola. The one looming concern remaining is how the loss of Plaxico will effect the pass game. Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon should be serviceable and Brandon Jacobs should run well behind the best offensive line in the game. The Giants are still my favorite to come out on top in the competitive NFC East.

Dallas- No one's expecting much out of Dallas this year, but maybe that's a good thing? Tony Romo has looked flawless in preseason, but until he does it in meaningful games, it won't silence his critics. The one-two punch of Marion Barber and Felix Jones is one of the best in the game. All that said, the NFC East is too mighty for this team to have any realistic shot.

Washington- This team should be improved from last year. We'll soon see if Albert Haynesworth was worth the high ticket price, but I have a feeling it will be. Early signs also show Brian Orakpo as being a force on the line. On the offensive side, Jason Campbell is an adequate QB and he seems to improve every year. Santana Moss is a great deep threat. Their biggest question is with Clinton Portis. Can he survive another year? How effective will he be?


NFC North
Chicago- Everyone is well aware of the Jay Cutler signing, but will he have the targets to throw too? Sure Devin Hester is a burner, but can he catch over the shoulder passes while on the run? The defense underachieved last year. Will the big names show up this year? This team certainly has the personnel to succeed, I just think this team is a few more building blocks away from seriously competing in this division.

Green Bay- Aaron Rodgers and company have looked flawless in preseason so far, continuing what they achieved last year. I also like the defense this year. Expect a seamless transition to the 3-4, because of the allotment of LB's at the Packers disposal. It's a tossup between GB and Minny for the NFC North. I can't wait to see how it unfolds, however I'm giving the slight edge to Green Bay as of now.

Minnesota- If Brett Favre can loosen the strings on his ego and realize that the offense in Minnesota runs through Adrian Peterson and not him, this team has the capability to achieve great things. Their Defense is also stout. There isn't much to find fault with this Vikings team. If they can eliminate the stupid mistakes towards the end of games while mixing in a little pass threat to offset the dominant run game, the sky is the limit for this team.

Detroit- If Matt Stafford starts, the team's success lies on how quickly the QB develops. Their defense will be much improved, primarily because of the overhaul additions on personnel including Larry Foote, Julian Peterson and Philip Buchanon among others. This team won't be the pushover they were last year. Detroit faithful should see signs of improvement under the Jim Schwartz regime. 4-5 wins isn't out of the relm of possibility.


NFC South
Atlanta- The Falcons debatabley have the most weapons on offense than maybe any other team in the league with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. While this team thrived on the running game and well played defense last year, I expect Matt Ryan to be more involved this year. He's already shown that he can stretch the field. I think Ryan is the next up-and-coming QB, soon to join the select group of elites. We'll see this year if he proves me right.

New Orleans- The greatest show on turf resides in the Louisiana Superdome. Drew Brees has been one of the most consistent QB's in recent memory. Watching him play in the dome is like watching a video game. While this team looks scary on paper, their overall success will hinge on their defense. Either way, the Saints are still my pick to win the highly competitive NFC South.

Carolina- The Panthers are like what Forrest Gump calls a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. Will the run game be as effective as it was last year? How will the defense be? What about Delhomme? Did he forget about that playoff game and 3 intereceptions yet?

Tampa Bay- A lot of questions for new coach Raheem Morris. Especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Bucs will suffer more setbacks before they get better. My pick for last place in the NFC South.


NFC West
Arizona- Still a high potent offense. A healthy Anquan Boldin and Beanie Wells will only improve on that. While I do think this team overachieved last year, I just don't see them repeating the magic they almost achieved last year. Either way, this should still be an exciting team to watch and it's still the Cards division to lose.

Seattle- I can see the Seahawks surprising a few people this year. If Matt Hasselbeck is healthy and with the additions of TJ Houshmanzadah and Nate Burleson flanking the other wideout spot, I can see this offense putting up some numbers. I still don't like their running game though. Julius Jones and and Edgerrin James just don't do it for me.

San Francisco- The 49ers are still a few years away from legitimately competing. Two emerging stars I like are WR Josh Morgan and RB Glen Coffee. Shame on Michael Crabtree for holding out this long.

St. Louis- A Steve Spagnola coached team will be a hard working team. Don't expect these Rams to go down without a fight. Expect them to get a few cheap wins against a mediocre division, but not much else. They just don't have the talent.


Playoff teams
AFC- Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, Texans, Colts
NFC- Giants, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Saints, Cardinals


Super Bowl
Packers over Chargers

 

[meStevo]

AFC West
Kansas City- In the midst of a coaching/GM change. Just fired their offensive coordinator less than 2 weeks from opening day. Matt Cassel is out for 2-4 weeks. Larry Johnson is far from the LJ of old. Their starting WR's as of now listed on the depth chart are Terrance Copper and Devard Darling, while the most athletic player on their team (Dwayne Bowe) was banished to 3rd on the depth chart. While they may win more than 2 games this year, they are still debatabley the worst team in this division.

Not that it should change any opinions, but almost all of this has changed. Darling is on IR, Bowe is out of the dog house. In any other division they'd probably be last, but in this division they could finish as high as 2nd.

Edit: no disputing the rest, Larry Johnson has lost his burst, though he's had a couple of promising preseason runs. Jamaal Charles may be ready to take the reins, but has to prove he has the durability to be a every down back.

 

[salsadancer7]

Oakland- I expect a breakout year for Darren McFadden. I'm still not sold on the rest of the offense, JaMarcus Russel included. The good thing is though, they have the most depth at the backup QB spot I've seen in a long time (Jeff Garcia, Bruce Gradkowsi and Charlie Frye). If the Raiders win this year, it'll be their defense that wins it for them.

Darren Mcfadden will depend on....Darren McFadden. He HAS to stay healthy. The Raiders have the best backup at QB maybe in the NFL, bit there is NO OTHER team as deep at RB than the Raiders. The 3 headed monster of McFadden, Bush and Fargas is 2nd to none. Hopefully, Cable will use them properly. I MAIN concern is not offense, but our swiss cheese run defense. Again, this team has REFUSED to address the issue of a couple of bodies at the NT and DT positions. IF the Raiders can find a way to stop the bleeding at run defense and stay healthy, they WILL surprise alot of people. EVERYTHING will depend on them stopping the run.....EVERYTHING.

 

[meStevo]

Division should probably be changed to the AFC No Defense. Chargers at least still have a bit of one, and the Chiefs D is maturing into something almost adequate, but we've switched to a 3-4 when we dont have a good NT/DT to clog the middle.

 

[salsadancer7]

Division should probably be changed to the AFC No Defense. Chargers at least still have a bit of one, and the Chiefs D is maturing into something almost adequate, but we've switched to a 3-4 when we dont have a good NT/DT to clog the middle.

You are preachin' to the choir there...

 

[CharlesO]

My 2009 NFL Predictions:

AFC
EAST
Patroits(11-5) With Brady back the offense should be potent, but the revamped defense leaves question marks.
Dolphins(9-7) Won't sneak up on people this year, the Wildcat won't be as effective
Jets(8-8) QB Sanchez will have his ups and downs, but if he develops the Jets could be a dangerous team.
Bills(7-9) Don't trust the QB and a certain WR to play consistently to win enough.

NORTH
Ravens(11-5) QB Flacco needs to develop a better short game, may still be a WR short of Super Bowl material.
Steelers(10-6) Like the Patriots getting old in some areas and still questionable OL...must stay injury free to repeat.
Bengals(5-11) Sadly QB Palmer looks to be shell of himself, offense will struggle to score. Heat could be on Lewis.
Browns(3-13) Other than Raiders may be the most myopic run operation, other than the Rams the least talented. This team is a mess, may need to totally clean house to fix.

SOUTH
Titans(12-4) Balanced offense and stingy defense keep the Titans in the top spot in the division.
Colts(10-6) The King is dead, long live the King. Manning is wily but the Colts offense just doesn't scare people anymore.
Texans(8-8) Texans becoming more like the Cardinals, trendy pick every year, but until they win more than 8 games can't be taken seriously.
Jaguars(4-12) A year ago, some had the Jags in the Super Bowl, now unless Al Davis screws this up , look for Jack Del Rio to be the first coach fired. Sidenote: Time for the NFL to seriously consider moving out of J'ville.

WEST
Chargers(11-5) Wins this division by default but need LT to have a injury free season to think Super Bowl.
Broncos(6-10) Josh McDaniels has just about alienated everyone in Denver, so far the coaching change isn't working out well. Only hope could come from RB Moreno, if he's legit takes pressure off both the Defense and QB Orton.
Chiefs(4-12) The Chiefs are totally rebuilding, and a very young team to boot. Wait a couple of years for real improvement.
Raiders(3-13) QB Russell is inconsistent, RB McFadden and Rookie WR Heywood-Bey unproven, Coach Cable another puppet...and a not too bright one at that. For all the talk of talent, other than CB Asomugha, just aren't all that good.

NFC
EAST
Giants(11-5) Defense and Running game hide the WR( and QB) issues. Favorable schedule gives them the division.
Eagles(10-6) Probably most talented team in NFC, but still too dependent of Westbrook and can't see how Vick makes them any different or better.
Redskins(9-7) Almost a carbon copy of NY Giants, but with a more inconsistent QB and fading RB.
Cowboys(8-8) The “Boys window of opportunity ended 2 season ago Romo always fades, the WR's and RB's overvalued.

NORTH
Packers(12-4) Maybe the Packers were geniuses after all, QB Rodgers has the look of being special.
Bears(10-6) QB Cutler makes the Bears a real threat and gives them balance they have lacked.
Vikings(9-7) Farve or not, the Vikings will go only as far as RB Petterson takes them.
Lions(1-15) The Lions will be improved, only problem the rest of the division improved even more.

SOUTH
Falcons(10-6) Falcons went young on defense, may hold them back this season
Saints(10-6) Really fun team to watch, but as usual makes too many mistakes and can't stop people.
Panthers(8-8) For all the talk of the RB's, they have a nasty habit of disappearing and what happens when QB Delhomme has a bad game.
Buccaneers(4-12) The Bucs didn't just fire Gruden, they clean out his players as well. Get ready for a couple years of rebuilding Tampa.

WEST
Cardinals(9-7) The best of a real bad bunch but Cards are showing signs of being one-year wonders and QB Warner signs of being shot. QB Leinart and Rookie RB Wells might have to step in and perform for Cards to repeat run of last year.
49ers(8-8) After shaky start under Singletary, he showed a knack to motivate. WR issues could keep this team from challenging Cards in Division
Seahawks(6-10) While everyone focused on revamped WR's and QB Hasselbeck being healthy, the defense was slow and failed to make key stops last season and other than rookie Curry unchanged..
Rams(2-14)Other than the 2 game blip after coaching change, they were the worst team in NFL and did little talent wise to fix that.

PLAYOFFS

AFC Champion: Chargers
NFC Champion: Packers

SUPER BOWL XLIV CHAMPION:
San Diego Chargers

 

[SandraC]

Thought it would be interesting to re-visit your predictions as the season comes to the quarter pole. Please keep in mind the season is still young, there is still time for all of your predictions to come true.

Well, perhaps not all!!!


Sandra

 

[HD MM]

Thought it would be interesting to re-visit your predictions as the season comes to the quarter pole. Please keep in mind the season is still young, there is still time for all of your predictions to come true.

Well, perhaps not all!!!


Sandra

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but the majority of my predictions have been spot on!