Week 8 Predictions

Houston at Buffalo

The weather is going to be a factor, but if Matt Schaub can avoid Jarius Byrd, the Texans should be OK.
Texans 24 Bills 16

Cleveland at Chicago

Coming off an embarrassing loss against Cincinnati, the Bears get a chance to right the ship. The Browns shouldn't present much of a problem.
Bears 27 Browns 17

Seattle at Dallas
With any luck, the Cowboys understand the importance of running the ball, especially since they do it as well as anybody. But, would we be shocked if they followed Tony Romo's huge game last week against Atlanta by ignoring the run? I still think they will win.
Cowboys 30 Seahawks 24

St. Louis at Detroit

The Rams get their first win of the season...maybe? The Lions cannot stop the pass, and Mar Bulger is capable of making big plays with his arm. I guess that's all I have to go on.
Rams 20 Lions 19

Denver at Baltimore
This is a great match-up. The Ravens are desperate for a win, and both teams are coming off their byes. Even though I think the Broncos are a very solid and balanced team, I think the Ravens will find a way to win (Joe Flacco).
Ravens 27 Broncos 24

San Francisco at Indianapolis

This might have been a chance to try an upset pick. But I just don't believe that the 49ers can keep the Colts offense at bay for more than a quarter or two.
Colts 28 49ers 14

Miami at NY Jets

I'm sure the Jets will come up with a better game plan this time around, and will do a better job against the Wildcat, but Mark Sanchez will hold them back.
Dolphins 31 Jets 20

NY Giants at Philadelphia

I like the Giants to hold off the Eagles offensive attack, and pull away late.
Giants 30 Eagles 20

Jacksonville at Tennessee

This is a hard one. Vince Young is finally starting. The Jaguars are terrible. The Titans are terrible...
Titans 20 Jaguars 13

Oakland at San Diego

Big day for Phillip Rivers.
Chargers 27 Raiders 7

Carolina at Arizona

This was a huge playoff game last season, when Jake Delhomme turned the ball over 45 times and the Cardinals crushed the Panthers. Kurt Warner is playing better, and the Cardinals defense has been surprisingly stingy lately.
Cardinals 24 Panthers 14

Minnesota at Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers will put up big numbers, and Brett Favre will have to lead the Vikings to a 4th quarter comeback.
Vikings 31 Packers 30

Atlanta at New Orleans
I've decided to stubborning pick against the Saints until I am finally right.
Falcons 27 Saints 21

Week Six Predictions

Houston at Cincinnati
As inconsistent as the Texans are, it is hard to pin down how they will play on the road against Cincinnati. I expect the Bengals to continue their stout defensive play, and to score enough on Houston's poor defense to win.
Bengals 23 Texans 13

Detroit at Green Bay
Although the Lions could score a lot in this game, that hasn't led to success for them so far this year. The Packers have to win this divisional home game, or else things could get pretty ugly for them. Most importantly, the Packers are better than the Lions, and should exploit a bad secondary.
Packers 34 Lions 21

Baltimore at Minnesota
If the Vikings can throw against Baltimore, they should win. If Baltimore can throw against Minnesota, they should win. My guess is that both quarterbacks (assuming the Ravens don't knock Brett Favre out) will have pretty good games. It's a toss up. I'm going with the Vikings great red zone defense.
Vikings 27 Ravens 23

NY Giants at New Orleans
The big question is whether the Giants can move the ball against a good defense. Or maybe the real question is whether the Saints actually have a good defense? We know the Giants do, and if the Saints are not able to jump out to an early lead, as they have all season, will the defense still look as dangerous? I think not. If this comes down to a physical, ball control, who-can-outlast-the-other type of game, I have to go with the Giants.
Giants 20 Saints 17

Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Get one defender back, lose another. The Steelers really shouldn't have any trouble this week.
Steelers 31 Browns 6

Carolina at Tampa Bay
Although Tampa Bay is awful, and the Panthers could roll up a big win on Sunday, I think the Buccaneers will play OK at home, and keep it close.
Panthers 19 Buccaneers 13

Kansas City at Washington
A real head scratcher, here. Although Washington is the most unreliable team in the league (two years running), the Chiefs seem to only muster up that special bend-bend-bend-break style of keeping games close at home. So, I guess I have to pick Washington.
Washington 24 Chiefs 21

St. Louis at Jacksonville
If the Rams are going to win a game this year, Jacksonville seems like their best opportunity. The Rams played pretty decent run defense against Minnesota, so let's not assume Maurice Jones-Drew will have a huge day. Still, I think even Jacksonville's bad offense can move the ball against the Rams.
Jaguars 24 Rams 13

Arizona at Seattle
If this game was at Arizona, I might flip-flop. But the Seahawks have some confidence now with Matt Hasselbeck back in the lineup. And their defense isn't too bad.
Seahawks 28 Cardinals 21

Philadelphia at Oakland
Eagles 34 Raiders 17

Tennessee at New England
New England, at home, against an 0-5 team? Used to be automatic, but now the Patriots will have to work a little hard than we're used to--in order to win by double digits.
Patriots 31 Titans 17

Buffalo at NY Jets
I don't think the Bills will play a third consecutive awful game. They've shown year in and year out that one thing they are not is consistently good or bad. I think they will show up this week, and lose. I don't buy into the idea that Rex Ryan will light a fire under his team just because they lost one game.
Jets 27 Bills 20

Chicago at Atlanta
Last year the Bears shocked the Falcons by scoring late and seemingly stealing a win from the Falcons with under 30 seconds remaining. Then the Falcons hit a field goal as time expired in one of the wildest finishes of the 2008 season. This time, I think Atlanta plays a steadier game, and out duels Jay Cutler's Bears.
Falcons 30 Bears 24

Denver at San Diego
After watching the Broncos come back to beat the Patriots last week, I feel like they are more than for real--they are one of the better teams in the league. So, I will not begin picking them to win, and likely be wrong more than right.
Broncos 17 Chargers 16

Week 5 Predictions Revisited

I decided it is time to follow up on these random, poorly considered predictions. I even made a color-code. Red means I was flat wrong, orange means I got the winner, but the score was a bit off, and green means I was mostly right. With Week 5 complete, I have six out of 14 in the green and four more orange. The four red doesn't look very good.

Prediction: Bills 23 Browns 16
Reality: Browns 6 Bills 3
I figured the Bills would be able to score. They didn't. Another special teams blunder finally sunk them, but with or without it, this was an awful day.

Prediction: Cowboys 27 Chiefs 13
Reality: Cowboys 26 Chiefs 20 OT
This game was a little closer than expected, though I didn't see the Chiefs taking it into overtime. The Cowboys have to be a little worried about how difficult it has been to get to 3-2. Side note: The Chiefs helmets were really cool. Apparently, that was the first time they have worn anything but their normal helmets since the mid-1970s. Wow.

Prediction: Vikings 30 Rams 24
Reality: 38-10
I underestimated how bad the Rams could be. They moved the ball fairly easily, but committed three turnovers in the red zone. the Vikings got a lot of breaks in this game; it could have been a lot closer.

Prediction: Giants 27 Raiders 14
Reality: Giants 44-7
OK, I didn't get the full blowout correct. I figured that with Eli Manning playing hurt the Giants would scale it back a little. Wrong.

Prediction: Eagles 38 Buccaneers 17
Reality: Eagles 33 Buccaneers 14
This one went almost exactly as expected. Can't give myself much credit, I think everybody got this one right.

Prediction: Steeler 31 Lions 24
Reality: Steelers 28 Lions 20
The Lions offense can move the ball, and they've proved that every game so far. Unfortunately, when they needed a big play, Daunte Culpepper was sacked three plays in a row.

Prediction: Panthers 19 Washington 13
Reality: Panthers 20 Washington 17
To nobody's surprise, this was an ugly game. No stats really pop out, but once again Jason Campbell can't get the win.

Prediction: Ravens 24 Bengals 14
Reality: Bengals 17 Ravens 14
The Bengals are good. Cedric Benson is having a very good season. The Ravens are reeling a little, but Minnesota should expect a real fight next week.

Prediction: 49ers 17 Falcons 7
Reality: Falcons 45 49ers 10
Probably my worst pick of the week. I was completely wrong about the 49ers defense. They gave up a bunch of big plays, and the rest of the team kept coughing up the ball.

Prediction: Seahawks 24 Jaguars 20
Reality: Seahawks 41 Jaguars 0
It turns out that the Jaguars went very quietly. What a difference Matt Hasselbeck makes. None of the running backs had a big day, but the committee produced a nice game.

Prediction: Cardinals 34 Texans 28
Reality: Cardinals 28 Texans 21.
After jumping out to a 21-0 lead, the Cardinals needed an interception for a touchdown and a goal line stand with under a minute to pull this off. Both offenses did their part, but Matt Schaub made the error that cost the Texans.

Prediction: Patriots 20 Broncos 6
Reality: Broncos 20 Patriots 17 OT
This one looked good at halftime, with the Pats leading 17-7. Then the Broncos shut them out in the second half and Kyle Orton completed a lot (35 for the game) passes. Yep, they're for real.

Prediction: Colts 27 Titans 13
Reality: Colts 31 Titans 9
I'm leaving this one in the orangecategory simply because I really didn't think it would be a blow out. I thought the Titans would keep it close into the 4th quarter before the Colts closed the door.

Prediction: Dolphins 16 Jets 13
Reality: Dolphins 31 Jets 27
A half hour before the game started, I was listening to Cris Carter go on about how the Jets would stop the Wildcat and how Rex Ryan proved he had a scheme for it last year, when the Ravens crushed the Dolphins in the opening round of the playoffs. Well, he was wrong. The Dolphins are the only team so far who has consistently moved the ball against the Jets, and they did it, surprise, with the Wildcat. If Chad Henne continues to build on what he has done in his first two starts, the Dolphins may have the most promising young quarterback in the league.

Week 5

Cleveland at Buffalo
The Bills have to win this week to hold on to any hope. At home against the Browns, they should be OK. Marshawn Lynch didn't look excellent, but he adds another threat to the Bills offense. Bills 23 Browns 16

Dallas at Kansas City: One of this year's AFL 50th Anniversary games. The Chiefs will be wearing throwback uniforms from when they were the...Dallas Texans. Aside from the fact that the Cowboys, who apparently will be wearing their regular get-up, were never in the AFL (not to mentioned that the Chiefs will be playing a home game with the state of Texas on their heads--against the Dallas Cowboys), I think these throwback games are pretty cool. I guess Tony Romo will play OK. Cowboys 27 Chiefs 13.

Minnesota at St. Louis
No team in the last ten years has been worse at taking care of bad teams than the Vikings. Many think this is a prime spot for the Vikings to collapse (Michael Silver among them, scroll down). I don't think the Vikings will crush the Rams, as they should, but they will win. Vikings 30 Rams 24.

Oakland at NY Giants
I really don't think Eli Manning should play in this game. A few reasons: the inflamed tissue in his right foot; the Giants 4-0 record; the site of the game; the fact that the Raiders are awful. Give him some time off. Let that foot heal a little. Beat the Raiders by ten instead of 20. OK, fine, so no win is guaranteed in the NFL. I don't care, sit him. Giants 27 Raiders 14.

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
With or without Donovan McNabb, this should be a rout. Eagles 38 Buccaneers 17.

Pittsburgh at Detroit
Despite the Chargers 4th quarter comeback, Pittsburgh Sunday night win was pretty impressive. I actually think Daunte Culpepper can make some plays for the Lions, but I don't think they can win this game. Steeler 31 Lions 24.

Washington at Carolina
As bad as Carolina has played, what a great sight it must be to see Washington in town. Unless Jason Campbell plays like Mark Rypien, Washington is never a safe pick. Panthers 19 Washington 13.

Cincinnati at Baltimore
Maybe the best game of the week, especially if you like defense. Cincinnati did a good job against Gren Bay and Pittsburgh, but the Ravens (weird) bring a more balanced attack on offense. In this match up of strength vs. strength, I think all of Baltimore's strengths are stronger than Cincinnati's. Ravens 24 Bengals 14.

Atlanta at San Francisco
Atlanta is an interesting team. They are balanced on offense, and seem to come to play every single week. But San Francisco's defense will shut them down, and I don't think there is a reliable Plan B in Atlanta. 49ers 17 Falcons 7.

Jacksonville at Seattle
Matt Hasselbeck pretty much has to play this week. If Seattle falls to 1-4...well, we know what that means. Jacksonville is 2-2 (somehow), and won't go quietly. Seahawks 24 Jaguars 20.

Houston at Arizona
Which offense will take advantage of which defense? Maybe both, but, at home, the Cardinals contained the Colts for a little while, and they should move the ball fairly easily against Houston's defense. Cardinals 34 Texans 28.

New England at Denver
This another AFL Anniversary game. The Patriots will wear the road version of the 'Pat Patriot' uniforms we saw on Monday Night Football in Week 1. The Broncos will wear these. I think, like most, that the Broncos magical ride will begin a slow and painful descent this week. Patriots 20 Broncos 6.

Indianapolis at Tennessee
This was supposed to be a compelling game, because the Titans weren't supposed to be 0-4. It could still be a good game, if the Tennessee defense can get things straight. Colts 27 Titans 13.

NY Jets at Miami
The other Jets-Dolphins game will feature the AFL throwbacks, so I guess this one is just about football. I'm not sold on the Dolphins being out of it yet. If their wildcat and run-oriented offense can offset some of the Jets blitzing success, they might out score the inconsistent Jets offense. Dolphins 16 Jets 13.

Predicting Week 4

Why are there bye weeks already in Week 4? They shouldn't start until at least Week 6.


Detroit at Chicago
With a win and a Packers loss, the Lions could be tied for second place in the NFC North at the end of Week 4. That would still be last place in the division, but how great would that feel for a team that has been dead last since...what feels like forever. If the Bears on-and-off run defense is off this week, the Lions might win this one. I like Jay Cutler to keep the turnovers down and have another solid 4th quarter. Bears 20 Lions 15.

Cincinnati at Cleveland
The Bengals defense is looking tough, and the Browns are awful. Derek Anderson is back under center, but that won't be enough. Bengals 20 Browns 6.

Seattle at Indianapolis
The Seahawks have a strange advantage over many NFL teams. Because Matt Hasselbeck has missed so many games the last couple years, Seneca Wallace has played a lot. They are one of the few teams that isn't doomed when the second quarterback has to start. Still, the Colts are home are almost a lock against a team like Seattle, Hasselbeck or not. Colts 31 Seahawks 20.

NY Giants at Kansas City
The Giants dominated an awful Tampa Bay team last week, and should follow the same script in Kansas City. If they do, they'll win easy. Remember Larry Johnson? Giants 28 Chiefs 13

Baltimore at New England
Baltimore is playing the best football of any team in the NFL. New England has sneeked away from three so-so games with a 2-1 record. This one will probably come down to whether Joe Flacco is successful throwing the ball; I don't think Flacco will be successful throwing the ball. Patriots 20 Ravens 17.

Tampa Bay at Washington
This is one ugly matchup. Tampa Bay is arguably the worst team in the league, and Washington plays like they can't wait for games to be over. Washington 17 Buccaneers 9.

Tennessee at Jacksonville
Tennessee absolutely has to win this week. That alone doesn't mean they will. Kerry Collins need to go back managing games--and doing it well--before Tennessee can turn this season around. Titans 30 Jaguars 17.

Oakland at Houston
Houston as been all over the place through three weeks. The Raiders have mostly just been bad. I'll assume that Matt Schaub will have a decent game. Texans 24 Raiders 10.

NY Jets at New Orleans
This is a huge game for two 3-0 teams. The Jets will have to "prove it" all season long; nobody is going to give them the benefit of the doubt with a rookie quarterback. If Drew Brees can beat the blitz, this will get ugly. The Saints defense is good enough to keep the Jets offense in check. Saints 28 Jets 16.

Buffalo at Miami
Chad Henne strikes fear into the hearts of nobody. Buffalo's pass rush has been very good, and now they will have two very good running backs to help Trent Edwards. Bills 27 Dolphins 20.

St. Louis at San Francisco
The 49ers are going to be talked about a lot in the next few seasons. They will likely take over the "team that is just a quarterback away." I like their run defense, I like their secondary, and obviously Patrick Willis is amazing. This is used to be a great rivalry, but it has been too long since both reams were relevant at the same time. 49ers 21 Rams 7.

Dallas at Denver
Denver may be a mirage right now, but Dallas can't be counted on for anything. Sure, their Monday night victory over Carolina was nice, but we can't be too quick to forget their Sunday night loss to the Giants in Week 2. Dallas tends to drift back towards that Week 2 team, the one that can score a lot, but not when they need to, and gives up way too many yards and points. If they keep running like they have been, maybe they can smooth out the wild inconsistency. Cowboys 31 Broncos 21.

San Diego at Pittsburgh
It's official. Losing Troy Polamalu was huge. With a defense as good as they've been, one wouldn't think they would lose games with Polamalu out. The Chargers might be better than I give them credit for. We'll see. Chargers 27 Steelers 17.

Green Bay at Minnesota
Forget all the Favre crap. This would have been a big either way. The Vikings have a chance to go to 4-0 and 2-0 against the NFC North. If the Packers 3-4 is effective against Adrian Peterson, they will win. Vikings 30 Packers 27.

Pre- Pre-season 'Predictions'

AFC East:
New England Patriots
Why this might be right: The Patriots have the NFL's best coach, best quarterback, and Randy Moss (I guess he isn't the best anything anymore, but he is still Randy Moss). They managed an 11-5 record last season with Matt Cassell at the helm, and added some solid veterans to the roster, as they usually do. Plus, they should get at least five wins in the division.

Why this might be wrong: Tom Brady could get hurt again, and the Pats don't have Cassell anymore (he bolted to Kansas City).

Miami Dolphins
Why this might be right: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams should continue to run well, and Chad Pennington is at least steady enough to keep them around through the regular season.

Why this might be wrong: Pennington. I don't trust him. He is indeed a steady quarterback, but his arm is gone (if it was ever there), and I don't see him winning any big games.

Buffalo Bills
Why this might be right: The Bills offensive line is a mess. Well, it's not a mess, they just don't have a lot of experience here. Head coach Dick Jauron says he likes the group he has, but they have a major challenge on their hands.

Why this might be wrong: The Bills have a ton of weapons on offense. If the run-and-gun, no-huddle offense that offensive coordinator Turk Schonert is working on at training camp goes well, they might be able to win a few shootouts, and their defense and special teams aren't terrible.

New York Jets
Why this might be right: A new coach, and the team is back to square one at quarterback after the failed Favre Project. I ddin't like the Jets much before the signed Favre last year, and it's hard to imagine that they would have been very successful without him.

Why this might be wrong: Maybe Rex Ryan will instill some toughness and urgency in this team and get the best out of them. This is a team that I'm really unsure about.

AFC North:
Pittsburgh Steelers
Why this might be right: The defending Super Bowl champs are basically intact, and their formula will always work: good defense and a solid quarterback.

Why this might be wrong: Every once in a while defending champs fall flat the next year. I don't think Mike Tomlin will allow that to happen.

Baltimore Ravens
Why this might be right: With rookie quarterback Joe Flacco the Ravens made it all the way to the AFC Championship. If he can avoid a sophomore slump and Ray Rice takes over as the number one running back, they should be able to win 10-plus again.

Why this might be wrong: Their defense looked old at times last year, and they are all one year older now. They retained Terrell Suggs, but lost Bart Scott to the Jets. And what happens if Flacco takes a step back?

Cincinnati Bengals
Why this might be right: There are a number of reasons why this probably is right. The Bengals defense looks improved, and Carson Palmer will play at least one game, but it's tough to imagine Cincinnati winning more than six games.

Why this might be wrong: Maybe the Browns will win seven games.

Cleveland Browns
Why this might be right: The Browns were awful last year after an off season of high expectations. They didn't improve in many places, unless Brady Quinn can start completing more passes.

Why this might be wrong: Maybe the Bengals won't win any games at all.

AFC South:
Tennessee Titans
Why this might be right: The Titans built their 2008 success around good defense and a solid running attack. If Kerry Collins continues to play well, they should win 10-plus.

Why this might be wrong: Collins is 37 entering the season. If Vince Young has to step in, it's not realistic to assume they will play as well as last year.

Indianapolis Colts
Why this might be right: Even without all their coaches and Marvin Harrison, the Colts still have Payton Manning. Their offense will still be in the top half of the league.

Why this might be wrong: The Colts could win the division, depending on how Tennessee goes. If it turns out that they really miss Tony Dungy and Tom Moore, they could miss the playoffs.

Houston Texans
Why this might be right: With Matt Schaub in the lineup, Houston's offense is almost unstoppable. But that hasn't really resulted in a lot of wins for them.

Why this might be wrong: If the defense steps up, Houston could win nine or 10 games. If the offense falters, they could lose nine or 10 games.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Why this might be right: There's not a lot to be excited about with the Jaguars. Two years ago they were a young and hungry team that kept beating the league's best. Last year they were awful. They are even further from that exciting 2007 team, in everyway.

Why this might be wrong: I am pretty sure the Jaguars will finish last in the AFC South.

AFC West:
San Diego Chargers

Why this might be right: Everybody calls San Diego "the most talented team in the NFL." Whatever. They are surely the most talented team in the awful AFC West, and it would be inexplicable if they didn't win this division.

Why this might be wrong: The Chargers would have to mess up almost everything to not finish in first place. Or one of the AFC West's awful teams would have to shock the entire league and overtake San Diego.

Kansas City Chiefs
Why this might be right: Matt Cassell should bring some stability to the Chiefs offense. Last year they were in most games through the first three quarters, but couldn't finish anybody off. It wouldn't be a complete shock if they won eight games.

Why this might be wrong: If they have not improved from last year at all on defense.

Oakland Raiders
Why this might be right: The only thing that Oakland has going for them is that Denver is in complete rebuilding mode; that will keep Oakland out of last place.

Why this might be wrong: Oakland's defense has been very stingy the last few years, so if JaMarcus Russell (or Jeff Garcia) starts to figure things out, they might win some games.

Denver Broncos
Why this might be right: Mike Shanahan is gone. Jay Cutler is gone. They have one of the worst defenses in recent history.

Why this might be wrong: The Broncos might be the worst team in the NFL this season. Maybe the Raiders will be worse?

NFC East:
New York Giants
Why this might be right: The Giants defensive line is frighteningly good. And that is a great place to start. I believe that Eli Manning is a bit overrated, but he is a very good quarterback, and thats another nice jumping-off point.

Why this might be wrong: The Eagles will be right on their heels, and Washington and Dallas will both be challenges, at home and on the road.

Philadelphia Eagles
Why this might be right: Donovan McNabb looked great at the end of last season, and if he carries that over, the Eagles are a playoff team.

Why this might be wrong: With the death of Jim Johnson, the Eagles defense will fall off a little. If they lose their edge, there might be some shootouts in their future.

Dallas Cowboys
Why this might be right: The Cowboys are inconsistent. They never seem to take that final step towards being an elite team.

Why this might be wrong: If the pieces ever do come together, they are as 'talented' as any NFC team.

Washington
Why this might be right: Washington is not a bad team, but there are three teams in their division that are better.

Why this might be wrong: Jason Campbell is capable of being a top tier quarterback. If he brings it, they will challenge any team in the league.

NFC North:
Minnesota Vikings
Why this might be right: The Vikings are stacked at every position except quarterback. Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor will rush for a combined 2,000 yards, and rookie Percy Harvin looks great according to all reports.

Why this might be wrong: The Vikings are stacked at every position except quarterback. If Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels can't stay out of the way, they could be looking at another wildcard loss.

Chicago Bears
Why this might be right: Jay Cutler.

Why this might be wrong: The Bears defense looked a little old and slow last year, and had trouble stopping the run. They are older and likely slower this year. Cutler proved last year that he can't carry a poor defense on his own.

Green Bay Packers
Why this might be right: The Packers have a solid quarterback and a solid defense, but they are not outstanding anywhere. Ryan Grant will get worn down, and Aaron Rodgers will have to carry the load.

Why this might be wrong: If the switch to a 3-4 defense works, they can certainly go 10-6 and win this division.

Detroit Lions
Why this might be right: 0-16

Why this might be wrong: If the Packers switch to a 3-4 defense is a massive failure, which is possible, the Lions might be able to sneak into third place.

NFC South:
Carolina Panthers
Why this might be right: The Panthers are like the Titans and Giants. They run the ball well and play good enough defense.

Why this might be wrong: I hate Jake Delhomme as a starting quarterback in the NFL. He will eventually sink this ship, whether it is early or in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons
Why this might be right: A lot of talent here already, and they added future hall-of-famer Tony Gonzalez.

Why this might be wrong: Matt Ryan might hit a sophomore slump, though I doubt it. If they go anywhere, it will be up.

New Orleans Saints
Why this might be right: Basically they are a stats team. Not a lot of reasons to believe they will win.

Why this might be wrong: Drew Brees does provide stability at quarterback, and if they score like last season, they will stay in most games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why this might be right: No quarterback, a new coach, and constant running back injuries.

Why this might be wrong: I can't think of any reasons.

NFC West:
Arizona Cardinals
Why this might be right: Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin...

Why this might be wrong: Kurt Warner is a year older and coming off a hip surgery. Matt Leinert is not capable of sustained success.

Seattle Seahawks
Why this might be right: Matt Hasselbeck won't let this team stay so far down, and their receiving corps is very good when healthy.

Why this might be wrong: They lost a lot last year, they could repeat that performance.

St. Louis Rams
Why this might be right: The Rams do have some good players and when Mark Bulger is on, he is a top quarterback in the NFC.

Why this might be wrong: They have shown over the last two years that they can play some really ugly football.

San Francisco 49ers
Why this might be right: Mike Singletary means well, but his heavy hand will steer the 49ers into the ground early.

Why this might be wrong: I do expect a relatively quick start, and maybe that will be enough to keep their hopes a live into December.

The End.