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.
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.
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