- Jun 16, 2000
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Its that time of year again time for NFL predictions! Its been an interesting offseason, lots of changes, but will they change the standings? As usual, some disclaimers before we get started. I am not an expert nor do I bet on football. These picks are just for fun & tradition. I dont do game by game preseason picks, so the exact win totals below might not be possible. Before you ask, yes, I am biased, and while I try to do these as objectively as possible, my personal bias will certainly have influence. If I didnt pick your team to win the Superbowl, chances are, I dont hate you, nor was it a personal insult.
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6) Mainly for salary cap reasons, the Cowboys had a very un-Jerry-Jones like offseason, which could end up a good thing. The team will actually be able to grow within itself. Player personnel aside, coaching changes could have a big impact on Dallas. I have been critical of Garretts play calling for years, but Im of the opinion that losing Rob Ryan will hurt the defense.
2. Washington Redskins (9-7) The consensus pick for this division, but Im not buying the health of Griffins knee. Sure, we saw it with Adrian Peterson last year, but that doesnt mean it will happen with every player and Griffins style of play doesnt help. If he really is healthy, theyll contend, but if hes not, expect the offense to falter. A lot of Morris success was thanks to Griffin, and I cant see their defense carrying them.
3. New York Giants (7-9) I have a hard time believing the Giants improved this year. They lost some key players on the defensive line, and even though Bradshaw had trouble staying healthy, he was a big part of their offense. Theyll still be solid enough offensively, but I see the defense preventing them from being a contender.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10) The wildcard. After two years of the dream team failing to come together, the Andy Reid era comes to a close. I dont think Vick is the long term solution for this team, but I agree with the decision to start him over Foles. It will be interesting to see if LeSean McCoy gets the ball more, now that the pass-happy Reid is gone, and the defense has been retooled too. I dont see it happening this year, but the Eagles could be poised for a turn around.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) I like the niners this year. They were already solid on both sides of the field, and they improved most places. The defense will be extremely good, even after losing Goldson, and it will be fun to watch Kaepernick. Im not sure if he can do what he did last year, but as long as hes still better than Alex Smith, this team should win the division and contend for the title.
2. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) My old stomping grounds are poised for a solid season in the soggy Pacific Northwest. Russell Wilson did better than anyone not named Bill Simmons expected, and the defense was elite. They might falter a bit now that half the team isnt doing PEDs this season, but if Wilson improves on his stellar rookie year, that should help offset it. Marshawn Lynch has to slow down sometime, though, and they probably wont get as much help from the refs this season. The injury-prone Harvin already being out doesnt help, either.
3. St Louis Rams (7-9) - The end of an era, if you can call it that. Steven Jackson was one of the top offensive threats of his time, which largely went to waste on a stagnant St Louis team. Perhaps now theyll get to build around Bradford and move in a new direction having Long to protect him will help, but the defense is going to let this team down. The NFC West isnt the sewer it once was, so mediocre and one sided isnt enough anymore.
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-12) Carson Palmer to Larry Fitzgerald? At some point last decade, that would have been up there with Brady to Moss or Manning to Harrison. Not so much anymore, but its still an improvement on the abysmal situation the Cardinals found themselves in last season. That said, neither side of the offense is going to be very good, again. They made a lot of moves that might pay off in the long run, but unfortunately, they are likely to waste Fitz final productive seasons.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (11-5) Well see how good Aaron Rodgers really is this year. The Packers lost Jennings, Driver, and Jeff Saturday this year, so more and more of the onus is on Rodgers to deliver. Personally, I think hell handle it without breaking stride. The defense needs to improve for this team to get back to the big game.
2. Chicago Bears (8-8) Even though Urlachers skills were declining, his leadership and locker room presence will be hugely missed in Chicago. Theres still some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but theyll lose a step without him. Cutler got hit way too often, and they took some steps to address that, but it probably wont be enough.
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-8) Adrian Peterson was frighteningly good last year, particularly coming off the surgery he had. Despite the fact that hes already circling 2017 to break Emmitts record, I dont see a 2,000 yard repeat, even if hell still be solid. Jenning is a positive addition to the offense that offsets Harvin leaving, but well see how much of his production was due to Rodgers. The Vikings will be decent, but I dont see another playoff season.
4. Detroit Lions (4-12) No one out there thinks signing Reggie Bush and a long washed up kicker is enough to turn around a team, do they? Bush will certainly help, his threat as a screen receiver will keep defenses a bit more honest, but their offensive line already had issues, so theyd better hope its young players can get it together. The Lions will repeat as the most exciting team to not do anything significant.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Did anybody notice that Brees had 5,000 yards and 43 TDs last year? That was one of the quietest incredible seasons a QB has ever had. The return of Sean Payton and the hiring of Rob Ryan will improve this teams coaching on both sides of the ball. Even with Ryans help, Im not sure if the defense will be enough to take them all the way, but the Saints should look a lot more like their former selves this year.
2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) Matt Ryan continues to look like an elite QB, most of the time, but they havent been able to put it all together at the right time. In a couple of places, they swapped an aging star with a slightly-less-aged equivalent, which will help keep them from regressing, but they need to hope Ryan is ready to turn the corner if they want to play in the big game.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) I never understood what people saw in Josh Freeman, and I dont think hell get any better. The offense will struggle in Tampa Bay, but they made some interesting moves on defense to help strengthen a weak defense. Revis and Goldson are huge upgrades to their secondary, but I wouldnt expect their fortunes to change too much.
4. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Ted Ginn, Jr, savior of the Panthers! Probably not. The real question here is Cam Newton who shoes up? Can he actually be the leader this team needs? He has the skills, but he needs to get his act together. The defense wont give him much help, either.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (12-4) The Patriots offense will be very interesting to watch. On the surface, they lost talent across the board. Welker has been consistent for Brady, Hernandez is gone, and Gronks health is still a question. Personally, I dont buy Amendola filling in for Welker with no drop off in talent. Brady is still good enough to will this team to victories, and the division is so bad that theyll run away with it, but I dont see much more than that.
2. Miami Dolphins (8-8) The Dolphins are really trying here. They made some big name signings that certainly look good on paper, but is Ryan Tannehill-led squad going to compete for a division crown? Probably not, unless that revamped offensive line really pulls it together.
3. New York Jets (5-11) The door is officially slammed shut on the Mark Sanchez era, and the Jets know it. They traded away a lot of the players that made their defensive powerhouse over the past few seasons, and they brought in Geno Smith. Sanchez might still be the starter, but well see how long that lasts. At least the Tim Tebow media circus is gone and they can concentrate on football.
4. Buffalo Bills (5-11) So the Bills lost their underwhelming quarterback, and signed an even more underwhelming quarterback, who promptly got injured. Lost in their general terribleness was a solid break out year by CJ Spiller, but the utter lack of a passing game will have him seeing a lot of eight man fronts. The AFC East is bad enough for them to string together some wins, but they wont compete outside the new sewer.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (11-5) The Broncos were very close last year. Peyton came back from his neck injury better than anyone thought he would, and had an MVP-caliber season with his new team. Hell get help from Welker on the offensive side of the ball, who should give him the most reliable target across the middle that hes had in a long time. The defense lost a lot of its edge in the pass rush, and they need Miller back sooner than later.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) Two players are going to see their fortunes drastically impacted by Andy Reid coming to Kansas City Bowe and Charles. Anyone who watched the Eagles the past decade knows that Reid is allergic to the run game, so Charles wont see a lot of carries but Bowe will see a lot of throws. Along with a number of other good moves, signing Alex Smith and some pieces on defense, the Chiefs should be considerably better this year possible worst to first potential if the Broncos falter.
3. San Diego Chargers (8-8) Another team going through a big transition, with a new coach overhauling the personnel in his image. Phillip Rivers is still leading the offense, for better or worse. If the offensive line can protect him, he can still throw the ball but to whom? The Chargers are lacking in weapons, and the defense looks to have lost some talent in the offseason. They might be headed in the right direction, but expect more mediocrity this year.
4. Oakland Raiders (4-12) Its hard to feel bad for Matt Flynn. Sure, he had his starting job yanked away last year, but hes still riding high off that one big game he played for Rodgers. Hell finally get his chance in Oakland, along with a completely rebuilt defense. Not sure who Flynn is throwing to, though. Hard to see the Raiders escaping irrelevancy.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) The Bengals didnt make a lot of moves in the offseason, but they should get a lot of help by virtue of the Steelers and Ravens losing a step. Dalton may not be elite, but hes surrounded by some elite talent. AJ Green has been unstoppable, and the defense is solid.
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) The Superbowl Champs are paying Joe Flacco like they think he can carry a team, and their other roster moves show that they believe it. Not resigning Boldin might come back to bite them on offense, and Ray Rice has a lot of carries under his belt. The defense will be interesting to watch. Its undeniable that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were the heart and soul of this team, even if theyre getting old. However, they added talent up front, headlined by Dumervil. They should be able to get to the quarterback, but if they dont, is there anyone that matters in the secondary?
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) A fall from grace for this dynasty. Polamalu is a shell of his former self, Mike Wallace is gone, and the offensive line was never any good and didnt get any better. Its going to be a frustrating season for Roethlisberger.
4. Cleveland Browns (5-11) Norv Turner has always been better as a coordinator than head coach, and should improve the Browns offense not that thats saying very much. The Browns should get better, but they still wont be very good.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (11-5) The Texans were very good on both sides of the ball last year, and signing Reed should help, if he can get healthy. That said, I still just dont consider Schaub to be a championship quarterback. A lot of people disagree with me there, but Ill believe it when I see it. Foster is still good, but hes had a lot of carries in the last few years, which wears on you. They should repeat as division champions for a third straight year, but Indy is knocking on the door.
2. Indianapolis Colts (9-7) Andrew Luck proved worthy of the hype last year, and should only get better in year two. Hell get some help with an improved offensive line and Ahmad Bradshaw, but the defense wasnt very good, and losing Freeney cant really help. The Colts will challenge the Texans, at least.
3. Tennessee Titans (5-11) So .is Chris Johnson still any good? The Titans made some moves to improve the line, which will help out both Johnson and Locker, but there isnt much else to be excited about in Tennessee.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - The Jags are rebuilding with a new coach and a ton of new players, but their QB is still Blaine Gabbert, and for some strange reason the owner really wants to play games in London. I cant see the Jags making very much noise any time soon.
Playoffs
Wildcard Round
Atlanta (5) vs Green Bay (3)
Seattle (6) vs Dallas (4)
Kansas City (5) vs Cincinnati (3)
Indianapolis (6) vs Houston (4)
Divisional Round
Dallas (4) vs San Francisco (1)
Green Bay (3) vs New Orleans (2)
Kansas City (5) vs New England (1)
Houston (4) vs Denver (2)
Championship Round
New Orleans (2) vs San Francisco (1)
Kansas City (5) vs Denver (2)
Superbowl
San Francisco over Denver
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???
Previous years:
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6) Mainly for salary cap reasons, the Cowboys had a very un-Jerry-Jones like offseason, which could end up a good thing. The team will actually be able to grow within itself. Player personnel aside, coaching changes could have a big impact on Dallas. I have been critical of Garretts play calling for years, but Im of the opinion that losing Rob Ryan will hurt the defense.
2. Washington Redskins (9-7) The consensus pick for this division, but Im not buying the health of Griffins knee. Sure, we saw it with Adrian Peterson last year, but that doesnt mean it will happen with every player and Griffins style of play doesnt help. If he really is healthy, theyll contend, but if hes not, expect the offense to falter. A lot of Morris success was thanks to Griffin, and I cant see their defense carrying them.
3. New York Giants (7-9) I have a hard time believing the Giants improved this year. They lost some key players on the defensive line, and even though Bradshaw had trouble staying healthy, he was a big part of their offense. Theyll still be solid enough offensively, but I see the defense preventing them from being a contender.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10) The wildcard. After two years of the dream team failing to come together, the Andy Reid era comes to a close. I dont think Vick is the long term solution for this team, but I agree with the decision to start him over Foles. It will be interesting to see if LeSean McCoy gets the ball more, now that the pass-happy Reid is gone, and the defense has been retooled too. I dont see it happening this year, but the Eagles could be poised for a turn around.
NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers (13-3) I like the niners this year. They were already solid on both sides of the field, and they improved most places. The defense will be extremely good, even after losing Goldson, and it will be fun to watch Kaepernick. Im not sure if he can do what he did last year, but as long as hes still better than Alex Smith, this team should win the division and contend for the title.
2. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) My old stomping grounds are poised for a solid season in the soggy Pacific Northwest. Russell Wilson did better than anyone not named Bill Simmons expected, and the defense was elite. They might falter a bit now that half the team isnt doing PEDs this season, but if Wilson improves on his stellar rookie year, that should help offset it. Marshawn Lynch has to slow down sometime, though, and they probably wont get as much help from the refs this season. The injury-prone Harvin already being out doesnt help, either.
3. St Louis Rams (7-9) - The end of an era, if you can call it that. Steven Jackson was one of the top offensive threats of his time, which largely went to waste on a stagnant St Louis team. Perhaps now theyll get to build around Bradford and move in a new direction having Long to protect him will help, but the defense is going to let this team down. The NFC West isnt the sewer it once was, so mediocre and one sided isnt enough anymore.
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-12) Carson Palmer to Larry Fitzgerald? At some point last decade, that would have been up there with Brady to Moss or Manning to Harrison. Not so much anymore, but its still an improvement on the abysmal situation the Cardinals found themselves in last season. That said, neither side of the offense is going to be very good, again. They made a lot of moves that might pay off in the long run, but unfortunately, they are likely to waste Fitz final productive seasons.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (11-5) Well see how good Aaron Rodgers really is this year. The Packers lost Jennings, Driver, and Jeff Saturday this year, so more and more of the onus is on Rodgers to deliver. Personally, I think hell handle it without breaking stride. The defense needs to improve for this team to get back to the big game.
2. Chicago Bears (8-8) Even though Urlachers skills were declining, his leadership and locker room presence will be hugely missed in Chicago. Theres still some talent on the defensive side of the ball, but theyll lose a step without him. Cutler got hit way too often, and they took some steps to address that, but it probably wont be enough.
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-8) Adrian Peterson was frighteningly good last year, particularly coming off the surgery he had. Despite the fact that hes already circling 2017 to break Emmitts record, I dont see a 2,000 yard repeat, even if hell still be solid. Jenning is a positive addition to the offense that offsets Harvin leaving, but well see how much of his production was due to Rodgers. The Vikings will be decent, but I dont see another playoff season.
4. Detroit Lions (4-12) No one out there thinks signing Reggie Bush and a long washed up kicker is enough to turn around a team, do they? Bush will certainly help, his threat as a screen receiver will keep defenses a bit more honest, but their offensive line already had issues, so theyd better hope its young players can get it together. The Lions will repeat as the most exciting team to not do anything significant.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) - Did anybody notice that Brees had 5,000 yards and 43 TDs last year? That was one of the quietest incredible seasons a QB has ever had. The return of Sean Payton and the hiring of Rob Ryan will improve this teams coaching on both sides of the ball. Even with Ryans help, Im not sure if the defense will be enough to take them all the way, but the Saints should look a lot more like their former selves this year.
2. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) Matt Ryan continues to look like an elite QB, most of the time, but they havent been able to put it all together at the right time. In a couple of places, they swapped an aging star with a slightly-less-aged equivalent, which will help keep them from regressing, but they need to hope Ryan is ready to turn the corner if they want to play in the big game.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-8) I never understood what people saw in Josh Freeman, and I dont think hell get any better. The offense will struggle in Tampa Bay, but they made some interesting moves on defense to help strengthen a weak defense. Revis and Goldson are huge upgrades to their secondary, but I wouldnt expect their fortunes to change too much.
4. Carolina Panthers (6-10) - Ted Ginn, Jr, savior of the Panthers! Probably not. The real question here is Cam Newton who shoes up? Can he actually be the leader this team needs? He has the skills, but he needs to get his act together. The defense wont give him much help, either.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (12-4) The Patriots offense will be very interesting to watch. On the surface, they lost talent across the board. Welker has been consistent for Brady, Hernandez is gone, and Gronks health is still a question. Personally, I dont buy Amendola filling in for Welker with no drop off in talent. Brady is still good enough to will this team to victories, and the division is so bad that theyll run away with it, but I dont see much more than that.
2. Miami Dolphins (8-8) The Dolphins are really trying here. They made some big name signings that certainly look good on paper, but is Ryan Tannehill-led squad going to compete for a division crown? Probably not, unless that revamped offensive line really pulls it together.
3. New York Jets (5-11) The door is officially slammed shut on the Mark Sanchez era, and the Jets know it. They traded away a lot of the players that made their defensive powerhouse over the past few seasons, and they brought in Geno Smith. Sanchez might still be the starter, but well see how long that lasts. At least the Tim Tebow media circus is gone and they can concentrate on football.
4. Buffalo Bills (5-11) So the Bills lost their underwhelming quarterback, and signed an even more underwhelming quarterback, who promptly got injured. Lost in their general terribleness was a solid break out year by CJ Spiller, but the utter lack of a passing game will have him seeing a lot of eight man fronts. The AFC East is bad enough for them to string together some wins, but they wont compete outside the new sewer.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (11-5) The Broncos were very close last year. Peyton came back from his neck injury better than anyone thought he would, and had an MVP-caliber season with his new team. Hell get help from Welker on the offensive side of the ball, who should give him the most reliable target across the middle that hes had in a long time. The defense lost a lot of its edge in the pass rush, and they need Miller back sooner than later.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7) Two players are going to see their fortunes drastically impacted by Andy Reid coming to Kansas City Bowe and Charles. Anyone who watched the Eagles the past decade knows that Reid is allergic to the run game, so Charles wont see a lot of carries but Bowe will see a lot of throws. Along with a number of other good moves, signing Alex Smith and some pieces on defense, the Chiefs should be considerably better this year possible worst to first potential if the Broncos falter.
3. San Diego Chargers (8-8) Another team going through a big transition, with a new coach overhauling the personnel in his image. Phillip Rivers is still leading the offense, for better or worse. If the offensive line can protect him, he can still throw the ball but to whom? The Chargers are lacking in weapons, and the defense looks to have lost some talent in the offseason. They might be headed in the right direction, but expect more mediocrity this year.
4. Oakland Raiders (4-12) Its hard to feel bad for Matt Flynn. Sure, he had his starting job yanked away last year, but hes still riding high off that one big game he played for Rodgers. Hell finally get his chance in Oakland, along with a completely rebuilt defense. Not sure who Flynn is throwing to, though. Hard to see the Raiders escaping irrelevancy.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) The Bengals didnt make a lot of moves in the offseason, but they should get a lot of help by virtue of the Steelers and Ravens losing a step. Dalton may not be elite, but hes surrounded by some elite talent. AJ Green has been unstoppable, and the defense is solid.
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) The Superbowl Champs are paying Joe Flacco like they think he can carry a team, and their other roster moves show that they believe it. Not resigning Boldin might come back to bite them on offense, and Ray Rice has a lot of carries under his belt. The defense will be interesting to watch. Its undeniable that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were the heart and soul of this team, even if theyre getting old. However, they added talent up front, headlined by Dumervil. They should be able to get to the quarterback, but if they dont, is there anyone that matters in the secondary?
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-10) A fall from grace for this dynasty. Polamalu is a shell of his former self, Mike Wallace is gone, and the offensive line was never any good and didnt get any better. Its going to be a frustrating season for Roethlisberger.
4. Cleveland Browns (5-11) Norv Turner has always been better as a coordinator than head coach, and should improve the Browns offense not that thats saying very much. The Browns should get better, but they still wont be very good.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (11-5) The Texans were very good on both sides of the ball last year, and signing Reed should help, if he can get healthy. That said, I still just dont consider Schaub to be a championship quarterback. A lot of people disagree with me there, but Ill believe it when I see it. Foster is still good, but hes had a lot of carries in the last few years, which wears on you. They should repeat as division champions for a third straight year, but Indy is knocking on the door.
2. Indianapolis Colts (9-7) Andrew Luck proved worthy of the hype last year, and should only get better in year two. Hell get some help with an improved offensive line and Ahmad Bradshaw, but the defense wasnt very good, and losing Freeney cant really help. The Colts will challenge the Texans, at least.
3. Tennessee Titans (5-11) So .is Chris Johnson still any good? The Titans made some moves to improve the line, which will help out both Johnson and Locker, but there isnt much else to be excited about in Tennessee.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12) - The Jags are rebuilding with a new coach and a ton of new players, but their QB is still Blaine Gabbert, and for some strange reason the owner really wants to play games in London. I cant see the Jags making very much noise any time soon.
Playoffs
Wildcard Round
Atlanta (5) vs Green Bay (3)
Seattle (6) vs Dallas (4)
Kansas City (5) vs Cincinnati (3)
Indianapolis (6) vs Houston (4)
Divisional Round
Dallas (4) vs San Francisco (1)
Green Bay (3) vs New Orleans (2)
Kansas City (5) vs New England (1)
Houston (4) vs Denver (2)
Championship Round
New Orleans (2) vs San Francisco (1)
Kansas City (5) vs Denver (2)
Superbowl
San Francisco over Denver
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???
Previous years:
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
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