NFL Predictions: the NFC

Posted by admin on Oct 1, 2008 in Sports | 0 comments

Usually when predictions are done, they occur before the beginning of the season. However, due to the timing of Mars Hill’s first installment in their 2008-2009 newspaper and the dramatic effect Week 1 had in the NFL it seems perfectly applicable to start now. Alright fans, get your popcorn ready, a 32 team in-depth analysis of the NFL.

New York Jets
NFC East
The Jets made the biggest splash this season trading for future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. Favre is an immediate upgrade from always injured Chad Pennington, who was at best a “D” quarterback due to inconsistent play and injuries. Along with good first and second round draft picks the past three seasons the Jets are posed for a playoff birth and a possible division win.

Last Year Record: 4-12
Projection: 10-6

With Tom Brady now gone for the year due to tearing his ACL and MCL, this division is up for grabs. I’ll take the Jets in this division for only one reason, schedule with Brett Favre is now more appealing then the Patriot’s easy schedule without Tom Brady.

New England Patriots
NFC East
The New England Patriots in the matter of 8 minutes went from Super Bowl contenders to a first round playoff loss. With Matt Cassel taking the reigns, the team has major questions. Randy Moss must be devastated and Bill Belichick more miserable then ever. The only positive aspect to the situation this year for the Patriots is the league’s easiest schedule.

Last Year Record: 16-0
Projection: 9-7

Now I know a 7-loss season is remarkably high, but this is the impact that losing Tom Brady has for New England. Along with losing both games this year to the Jets, the Bills are also a wildcard contender, which means with more wins in the division, the losses have to go to someone. Look on the bright side, Daunte Culpepper could rejoin Moss?

Buffalo Bills
NFC East
The Buffalo Bills will be one of the fun teams to watch for this year in the NFL. With Trent Edwards being named the team’s opening day starter, the team will be looking for some consistency behind the QB position for the first time in over a decade. The Bills also have a decent schedule, but will rely heavily on their defense to win them some big games.

Last Year Record: 7-9
Projection: 8-8

With the possibility of a wildcard position, the team will need to make some in-season moves to make this possibility a reality. While it wouldn’t be the biggest shocker of the season to see them make the 6th spot in the conference, the team still lacks to have a consistent leader on the field that can steal games for them. Also, the Kevin Everett story is now a motivator that will be lost.

Miami Dolphins
NFC East
Well, okay, lets try to break this down. The team traded its most well known star Jason Taylor away. The team completely cleaned house firing most of their managerial positions. However, the good news is that Bill Parcells has arrived to build the program again.

Last Year: 1-15
Projection: 4-12

Even though its sad, there is a possibility that after this season and last season you will be able to count the number of wins the Dolphins accomplished on one hand. However, Ricky Williams played well in the preseason, so much so that they signed him to an extension. However, any team with Chad Pennington as their starting QB is bad news, and with no receivers left on the team it makes for another bad year.

Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North
-The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely be the top of the AFC North again this year. However not all will be easy for the Steelers this year after losing on their home field in the playoffs. The Steelers have the toughest schedule in the league but thanks to the rest of the division that will likely top out at 8-8, the Steelers seemingly need to just win division games and they should be fine.

Last Year: 10-6
Projection: 11-5

Pittsburgh Steelers should have another decent year behind QB Ben Roethlisberger. Defensive Pro-Bowl Troy Polamalu should have a bounce back year after his awful year after signing his massive contract the year before. With 3 tackles and an interception in Week 1, it appears the defensive Pro-Bowl star is on track for another 2005-2006 Super Bowl Championship like season. The main area of focus to watch on this team will be the running backs. Look for Willie Parker to get a lot of the midfield running game, but in the red-zone, rookie Rashard Mendenhall will be given a chance to prove his toughness which Parker lacks.

Cleveland Browns
AFC North
The Browns enter into the 2008-09 season highly praised and what most experts see as the division winner. With an improved defense and returning defensive player Bralyon Edwards, the Browns have a chance to win the division for the first time this decade, which would finally end the disappointing teams past.

Last Year 10-6 (Tied with Steelers, but lost tiebreaker)
Projection: 8-8

Although this may be one of those stances that after week 9 I say “why didn’t I pick the Browns”, I cannot help but notice that there is nothing about this team that says playoff bound. Cleveland’s run defense was fist-clenching for fans to watch last year ranking 30th in the league. Also with Derek Anderson still starting over highly publicized first round draft pick David Quinn, the Browns QB situation is mediocre at best. With starting safety Sean Jones undergoing surgery, I say no division win and no playoffs. Sorry Browns fans, maybe next decade?

Cincinnati Bengals
AFC North
Well, if there was ever a team for players with the most one nighter’s spent in prison over a two year span (12), the Bengals would receive high review’s on my NFL prediction article. Perhaps I could talk about how 2 Bengals were charged within a 2 hour span in one day? Or how Chad Johnson’s new last name is now, get ready for this, “Ocho Cinco”. The bottom line is, they won’t finish last thanks to Carson Palmer, but are in no stop to contend for a playoff spot.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 6-10

Personally, I believe this team will start poorly out of the gate and then maybe play .500 football after Chad Johnson is traded. The disgruntled wide receiver appears to always be frustrated with not enough balls thrown his way or how bad Carson Palmer is. I believe the Bengals will be going for their own type of “perfect season” this year, meaning 0 altercations will law enforcement.

Baltimore Ravens
AFC North
The Ravens should have another strong defensive year, however with zero offense to score points, aka “the point of the game”, and no upgrading at any position on their team, the team looks like it will have another long season. There are no promising signs to look for this year. With Steve McNair gone and Joe Flacco as their QB, this team will be in the basement of the AFC North.

Last Year: 5-11
This Year: 4-12

The Ravens outlook is at the very most, depressing. Kyle Boller is not playing and this is bothering fans. This situation will likely be the most interesting aspect of the year, seeing who ends up the starting QB. The bottom line is, whatever team struggles against the Ravens in their division, will not make the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC South
Jacksonville will be another scary team this year. While many experts were unsure of how to analyze this team last year, the Jags will not being surprising any teams this year. The bottom line is the Jaguars are a solid all around team, both offensively and defensively. David Garrard took the leadership role last year, leading the team into the playoffs, losing in the first round of the playoffs. If any significant injuries occur to the Colts this year, the Jaguars will win the division.

Last Year: 11-5
Projection: 13-3

-That’s right, I am calling this one under my “top 5” bold moves about the NFL season. I am a Jaguars believer, not a fan, and a year of experience last year will only help this team going forward. Fred Taylor is a workhorse at 32 years young, and all the rookies have grown up, making them a very sexy pick for this year’s NFL season.

Indianapolis Colts
AFC South
The Colts, as I will refer to them now because I just wasted 10 minutes trying to spell their cities name correctly, should have another solid year. With QB Payton Manning back at the helm after off-season surgery while having Dominic Rhodes and Joesph Addai behind Manning, the Colts look ready for another great offensive season both passing and rushing the ball. Bob Sanders will again be a major key on defense who should likely battle for a top 3 position in the AFC.

Last Year: 13-3
Projection: 12-4

With Manning and wide receiver Marvin Harrison both not getting any younger, expect a slight decrease in productivity in the Colts offence. However, keep in perspective that a slight decrease in offense for the Colts is in no way a problem. Look for outstanding wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez to build off his rookie year and to be a possible go-to-guy at the end of the year for Manning.

Houston Texans
AFC South
The Houston Texans are getting better, seriously. The Texans are coming off their first season at .500 in their team history. The Texans were in a tough division last year. The division boasted the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans, all of who made the playoffs. Mario Williams is playing to his potential last year sacking 14 quarterbacks and QB Matt Schaub unseen rise to starting for an NFL team.

Last Year: 8-8
Projection: 8-8

It will be hard to see the Texans making the playoffs this year and giving them an 8-8 record may be quite high. The division is as tough as ever, having the Jaguars progressing from last year. However, with Ahman Green missing most of last year and an improving defense, it is quite possible the Texans could surprise some teams who see them as a significant underdog.

Tennessee Titans
AFC South
Well, Vince Young is looking to commit suicide, Jeff Fisher is quietly panicking and to make matters worse, Young is out 2-4 weeks. It looks as though the team that has made the playoffs the past 2 years in a row, won’t be this year. If this prediction was made at the beginning of the season, you might have convinced me to make them a AFC Wildcard contender, but with Young unable to match his Rose Bowl talent from 3 years ago, it appears the Titans may need to re-evaluate.

Last Year: 10-6
Projection: 5-11

Although Vince Young has had two decent NFL campaign’s making the playoffs twice in two years, Young is seemingly looking like a “young” Eli Manning. With inconsistent numbers from passing ratings, completions, and touchdowns, and the fans now booing Young after a Week 1 win, it looks to be a bad year for the Titans both on and off the field.

San Diego Chargers
AFC West
Alright, here is another “top 5” bold prediction moment. The San Diego Chargers will be the Super Bowl Champions in February. Everybody caught their breath? Here’s why.
Losing Shawne Merriman is not as big as deal as people make it out to be, because playing behind him last year is a man named Jyles Tucker. Tucker was a practice squad standout, who then was signed to a active roster spot, who played at the end of last year, and was very impressive. Also, Phillip Rivers now has all the tools he needs and with experience of winning a playoff game last year the Chargers to be motivated under coach Norv Turner to compete.

Last Year: 11-5
Projection 13-3

The Chargers will not have to worry about any competition in their division and with the Patriots now pushing for a playoff spot, the Chargers chances of making through the AFC Finals only improve. Lets not forget that LaDainian Tomlinson had a slower year last year, still averaging 1400 yards, should be looking at another MVP type season. The Chargers are looking to take the next step this year and with a weakened AFC, the chance is now.

Denver Broncos
AFC West
The Broncos will strive for a .500 season this year but likely will not make it for the second time in 2 years. With Cutler entering his first season since health problems and Mike Shanahan crying for John Elway to come out retirement, the Broncos will miss the playoffs, but the good news is, so will 20 other teams in the NFL this year.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 6-10

Drafting Ryan Clady for their offensive line will likely play out in a couple years. However, suffering from a brutal schedule with not a lot of talent with hurt the team’s morale and although it hurts to say it, will this be Shanahan’s last year as part of the Broncos?

Oakland Raiders
AFC West
So, lets see how this season will be any different then other years. JaMarcuss Russell played 4 games last year, and this year has already dropped the ball twice in a 41-14 loss to the Broncos. With no wide receivers, no running back, and the killer, no defense, this team will likely again be the laughing stock of the league. It should be another sad year for the silver and black. One more note, Raiders were 31st in rush defense last year.

Last Year: 4-12
Projection: 4-12

Oakland will not win very many games this season and they will not come at the end of the season either. With their last 3 of 4 games against the Patriots, Chargers, and Buccaneers, the goal for the team this year will be giving Russell as many snaps as he needs for next year, which is Oakland’s new slogan, “maybe next year?”

Kansas City Chiefs
AFC West
I highly doubt that anyone from TWU is from Kansas City and so no one will not care if this analysis is a little short, and by a little, I mean likely ending in 40 or less words starting now. The Chiefs will be the worst team in the league this year and if you like them, the TWU Wellness center is above the Lower Café.

Last Year: 4-12
Projection: 3-13 (if lucky)

Dallas Cowboys
NFC: East
Dallas will once again be in the top 4 teams in the league during the regular season. With Tony Romo and T.O. back in the spotlight, and newcomer/trouble maker Adam “Pacman” Jones on the defensive side, the Cowboys will be looking for their first playoff win in 12 years. With almost to dozen returnees to their team and Jessica Simpson sitting in the crowd, life should again be exciting for “America’s Team”.

Last Year: 13-3
Projection: 12-4

The question is not how the regular season will go for this team, but rather can the Cowboys push through their curse of not being able to win a playoff game. This team has the talent to go to the Super Bowl. This team should win the division and look for a trading deadline deal to shore up any problems that could hinder the team in the playoffs.

New York Giants
NFC: East
The Giants must feel like ignoring the media all season long. After beating the Patriots in a historic game in the Super Bowl, has a team that accomplished so much ever been given such disrespect from all media and fans? Now that Eli Manning is forever a celebrity in New York, look for Manning to have a better year, not having the pressure of delivering the team.

Last Year: 10-6 (Superbowl Champions)
Projection: 10-6

The Giants have not gotten any better, but trading TE Jeremy Shockey may be addition by subtraction. With the same cast as last year, the team isn’t likely to head back to the Super Bowl, but will make the wildcard spot again. The big question remains, will this team strive for respect or take the year off after winning the most valuable prize in football?

Philadelphia Eagles
NFC: East
The Eagles should have a good season. With Donovan McNabb healthy, Asante Samuel brought in as a free agent, and a division that has all upgraded, the word to describe the Eagles season is “compelling”. McNabb who is now 32, will once again be asked to carry this team on the offensive side of the ball, but its Samuel that will likely shine brightest. Eagles fans will love the style of play Samuel brings to the defensive side of the ball and will also strike terror in opposing QB’s to use the 3rd or 4th option wide receivers.

Last Year: 8-8
Projection: 9-7

Although this isn’t a remarkable record change, the season will look more optimistic then it did last year with injuries, arguments, and a bad defense. The problems the Eagles face is that this entire division improved, meaning that it will not be an easy task to make the playoffs. If the Eagles win division games they will make the playoffs, but if not, well you get the point.

Washington Redskins
NFC: East
Jason Campbell, lets see how you respond to your new system, the West Cost Offense. Hiring new coach Jim Zorn should bring a level of intensity to the team, but will lose the wisdom in which Joe Gibbs coached the team. With a variety of known names on the team that include, Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, and Antwann Randle El, the team has the talent to make the playoffs…. But

Last Year: 9-7
Projection: 9-7

It will take the Redskins a while to adjust with the new style and I don’t think 9-7 will make the playoffs this year in the NFC. With teams like Eagles, Saints, Panthers, and Vikings all in the running for the wildcard spots, 9-7 isn’t likely going to be enough to allow a team to reach the playoffs. Including the fact the division is stacked will only complicate matters. To bad they aren’t playing in the NFC West.

Green Bay Packers
NFC North
Let the Aaron Rogers era begin. With the amazing off-season the Packers had in dealing with now New York Jets Brett Favre, the Packers will now start a new era of football. While fans should not expect any miracles from Rogers in his first year, the Packers team is full of talent on both the offensive and defensive side.

Last Year: 13-3
Projection: 11-5

The Packers team is just so good that if Rogers can even be a “C” quarterback, it should be enough to win them the North. The Packers do have a very difficult schedule but was also one bad interception away from making it to the Super Bowl. With both Donald Driver and impressive wide receiver Greg Jennings back, on top with A.J. Hawk on defense, look for another good year.

Minnesota Vikings
NFC North
This team is the most frustrating team to try to break down. With Adrian Peterson looking go grow off a great year, the teams running game appears set right? The situation really depends upon starting QB Tarvaris Jackson. In his second year of the league, Jackson needs to take command of his offense, allowing Peterson to do his job. Teams have now had a whole off-season to scout Peterson, so he may need some pressure taken off. The good news is the rush defense still looks great.

Last Year: 8-8
Projection: 9-7

Again, I don’t think 9-7 makes it into the playoffs this year. The Vikings always seem to be one player away from the playoffs. I will say this, if the Vikings make a significant trade during the regular season, they will make the playoffs, but if not it will be close. Losing to the Packers in Week 1 hurt too.

Chicago Bears
NFC North
It’s amazing how some things don’t change. The Bears still have the same problem they had 2 years ago. They have 2 backup quarterbacks. Both QB’s Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton have struggled with consistency over the years, which is a major problem for the Bears because their offence depends upon the success of their QB to help their running game. However the good news is that Brian Urlacher received a contract at the end of last year, keeping “Da Bears” always consistent on defense.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 6-10

It’s unimaginable that the Bears two years ago challenged the Colts in the Super Bowl. However with their quarterbacks exposed as being weak, expect a very busy off-season coming up for the Bears, who will look to shore up their offensive struggles.

Detroit Lions
NFC North
The Year of the Lion? No, sorry folks. The Lions will regress this year after missing out on the playoffs for so long, I don’t even feel like checking. With a much worse defensive line this year and an offense that shouldn’t expect much out of John Kitna, who somehow has spent 12 seasons in the league.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 5-11

-The Lions do not represent anything impressive at any one position. The fans in Detroit don’t even care. The only thing the Lions can hope to do this season is start off well, going 6-2 in the first 8 games……..before going 1-7 in the last eight.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South
-The Bucs should look forward to another post season birth, which only makes sense because you would think brining 16 quarterbacks to camp would provide you with some stability. However, John Gruden’s lack of confidence is his QB’s is already playing out. Jeff Garcia will not start Week 2 after losing 24-20 to New Orleans. The good news is that no team in the division is as good as the Bucs, giving them another division title.

Last Year: 9-7 (division title)
Projection: 10-6

Although the division will likely be better this year, 10-6 should be able to get it done. The Bucs will look to rush the ball more this year, using Michael Bennett and with most of the squad back from last year, lets hope the defense can remain strong, ranked 2nd last year overall in all defensive categories.

Carolina Panthers
NFC South
The Panthers are entering the 2008-09 season will a lot of optimism. They are expected to challenge the Bucs for the division title and with a whole new offensive line and defensive players, Steve Smith should be able to have a great year. Although it seems that the Panthers will need some confidence players to, oh right, Jack Delhomme is healthy again this year, readying Panthers fans to a return in the wildcard spot.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 10-6 (lose division)

Although there is a chance the Bucs and Panthers may tie for the division lead, I will take the Bucs to beat the Panthers for the tie-break. Carolina throws the ball too often, allowing to many interception passes and has no sufficient running game to back it up with.

New Orleans Saints
NFC South
The Saints are probably going to be one of people’s favourite teams to watch on television now, with explosive players like Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, and new TE Jeremy Shockey. And with the new defense which was brought in to help shore up those 10-20 yard passes given up last year, the Saints will be in contention to make the playoffs.

Last Year: 7-9
Projection: 9-7

I will likely be wrong on this one, but it’s really a 50/50 shot in the dark. The bottom line is, whoever wins those division games between the Panthers and the Saints is going to make the playoffs. With no signs that Reggie Bush is ever going to turn into the high profile star running back, Drew Brees will be expected to carry the load. But the question still remains defense.

Atlanta Falcons
NFC South
Unless President George W. Bush is a huge Atlanta Falcons fan and therefore grants clemency of Michael Vick, the Falcons will have another poor year. First round pick, Matt Ryan will lead them team out of the tunnel every single Sunday which will likely be good news 3 years from now, but for the time being, let the learning curve begin.

Last Year: 4-12
Projection: 4-12

I may be being gracious here but lets look at the schedule. They already have one win beating the Lions, and still have games against the Chiefs, Raiders, and the Rams. Maybe with a surprise victory over one team, makes the season a success and then move into the free agency period a buyer.

Seattle Seahawks
NFC West
-After going to the Bombers hockey game on Saturday, Andrew Snook woke myself up to the revelation that Seattle would make the playoffs. After careful consideration, I believe he is right. Even though Shawn Alexander is now gone, the team will use a 2 running back system that is suppose to be greater then the impact in which Alexander only ran for 3.5 years per carry last season.

Last Year: 10-6
Projection: 11-5

This team is loaded with highly known and talented defensive players. Patrick Kerney led the NFC in sacks last year with 14.5 and with this likely being Coach Mike Holmgren’s last season behind the bench, expect the Seahawks to play motivated football all year.

Arizona Cardinals
NFC West
The Cardinals really need Matt Leinart to step up. Kurt Warner, as talented as he may have been with the Rams, is not the man you want leading your team into Sunday with. If this team struggles out of the gate, Leinart needs to grasp the opportunity. If this happens, which is a major if, the team could play .500 football and have a chance at the wildcard next season.

Last Year: 3-13
Projection: 7-9

This season should be decent for the Cardinals. The team is still waiting on once beloved Colts running back Edgerrin James to have a type of season everyone knows he is capable of. This team should win its’ first couple of games against the 49ers and Dolphins. WEEK 1=Mission Completed.

St. Louis Rams
NFC West
Hasn’t had a winning season since 2003, 2008 not looking good either.

Last Year: 3-13
Projection: 4-12

Marc Bulger is no good, Stephen Jackson is always injured, 2 defensive injuries already in Week 1. This team is going nowhere and lets just say changes need to come fast… like 3 years ago.

San Francisco 49’s:
NFC West
The 49’s should compete with the Rams for the battle of the basement in the NFC West. Alex Smith is being victim of crimes against how to run a football team. The defense is brutal. If you read my column about how players shouldn’t come back from retirement, I make 2 exceptions, Steve Young and Jerry Rice.

Last Year: 5-11
Projection: 4-12

Games against Seattle, New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York Giants, Dallas, Buffalo, New York Jets will all be losses. Add to the fact they are already 0-1 this season, gives you 8 losses and 4 losses because every single team in the league has a better 4th quarterback then the 49’s instantly makes 12.

AFC:
San Diego Chargers (13-3)
Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3)
Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
New York Jets (10-6)
New England Patriots (9-7)

NFC:
Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
Seattle Seahawks (11-5)
Green Bay Packers (11-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
Carolina Panthers (10-6)
New York Giants (10-6)