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
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
, look for Jack Del Rio to be the first coach fired. Sidenote: Time for the NFL to seriously consider moving out of J'ville. 
