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
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2009. Show all posts
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Week 1
Games that already happened:
Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10 (OT)
Any team that has Pittsburgh or Tennessee on their roster is not look forward to facing either of their defenses. These two pounded the crap out of each other into a fifth period, and Pittsburgh lost star Troy Polamalu for a month or so. Both offenses had a slew of bad penalties, mostly illegal formations and illegal motion violations. Otherwise, both teams have to like what they saw last night.
Games that already matter:
Miami at Atlanta
These teams shocked everybody last season by bouncing back from terrible 2007 records. Each brought in a new quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan in Atlanta, and new-old QB Chad Pennington in Miami. Miami is built to stay competitive, but Atlanta has questions: Will Ryan continue to play like a seasoned vet? Will the defense keep them in games?
Dolphins 31 Falcons 27
Philadelphia at Carolina
The Eagles offense should pick where they left off, and a couple games without Michael Vick in the lineup will make Donovan McNabb feel like he is still the 'man'. I think Jake Delhomme will not play 16 games this year, and it won't be because of injuries.
Eagles 27 Panthers 14
Washington at NY Giants
Whenever the Giants face a better than average defense this year, it will be hard to forecast a winner. Even with their running game, it is hard to hang your hat on Eli Manning and his current number one receiver, Steve Smith. Washington just has to limit turnovers and score in the red zone, and they could make the playoffs.
Washington 20 Giants 17
Chicago at Green Bay
Suddenly this is a battle of quarterbacks. I like Aaron Rodgers at home.
Packers 35 Bears 24
San Francisco at Arizona
A divisional matchup in Week 1 is a big deal, even if the division is the awful (in 2008) NFC West. Arizona has to prove that they really are an elite team, and San Francisco has to prove that they have improved from last year.
Cardinals 27 49ers 16
St. Louis at Seattle
A divisional match-up in Week 1 is a big deal, even if the division is the awful (in 2008) NFC West. St. Louis probably doesn't have a division title in their future, but the Seahawks will need this win for tiebreakers later.
Seahawks 20 Rams 10
Games that might be interesting:
Minnesota at Cleveland
As a Vikings fan, I will be very interested in this game. And then all those people who still care about Brett Favre will be watching. I expect Minnesota's defense to feast on Brady Quinn.
Vikings 30 Browns 10
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Jacksonville always gets up for games against the Colts, even if they are a decided underdog.
Colts 21 Jaguars 10
Kansas City at Baltimore
The Ravens got a warning shot last night from the Steelers, who look like they haven't lost a step since last February. The Chiefs are hoping this is a rebuilding year where they actually build up.
Ravens 24 Chiefs 9
NY Jets at Houston
The Jets are being hyped a lot after stealing a lot of Baltimore's defense, and the Texans have (realistic) playoff expectations for the first time in their short history. At home, Matt Schaub should be able to handle the wild Jets D.
Texans 27 Jets 17
Games that probably won't be very interesting:
Denver at Cincinnati
Will Kyle Orton play or won't he? Who cares?
Bengals 20 Broncos 16
Detroit at New Orleans
Drew Brees gets a nice warm-up to start the season.
Saints 41 Lions 21
Dallas at Tampa Bay
Tony Romo breaks a sweat to start the season.
Cowboys 27 Buccaneers 13
Games that happen on Monday night:
Buffalo at New England
Tom Brady will look to set the pace for what many expect to be another record-setting season. The Bills will try to keep Trent Edwards off the ground as much as possible.
Patriots 31 Bills 21
San Diego at Oakland
Even without Shawn Merriman, should he face yet another suspension, the Chargers are far and away the best team in the AFC West.
Chargers 28 Raiders 7
Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10 (OT)
Any team that has Pittsburgh or Tennessee on their roster is not look forward to facing either of their defenses. These two pounded the crap out of each other into a fifth period, and Pittsburgh lost star Troy Polamalu for a month or so. Both offenses had a slew of bad penalties, mostly illegal formations and illegal motion violations. Otherwise, both teams have to like what they saw last night.
Games that already matter:
Miami at Atlanta
These teams shocked everybody last season by bouncing back from terrible 2007 records. Each brought in a new quarterback, rookie Matt Ryan in Atlanta, and new-old QB Chad Pennington in Miami. Miami is built to stay competitive, but Atlanta has questions: Will Ryan continue to play like a seasoned vet? Will the defense keep them in games?
Dolphins 31 Falcons 27
Philadelphia at Carolina
The Eagles offense should pick where they left off, and a couple games without Michael Vick in the lineup will make Donovan McNabb feel like he is still the 'man'. I think Jake Delhomme will not play 16 games this year, and it won't be because of injuries.
Eagles 27 Panthers 14
Washington at NY Giants
Whenever the Giants face a better than average defense this year, it will be hard to forecast a winner. Even with their running game, it is hard to hang your hat on Eli Manning and his current number one receiver, Steve Smith. Washington just has to limit turnovers and score in the red zone, and they could make the playoffs.
Washington 20 Giants 17
Chicago at Green Bay
Suddenly this is a battle of quarterbacks. I like Aaron Rodgers at home.
Packers 35 Bears 24
San Francisco at Arizona
A divisional matchup in Week 1 is a big deal, even if the division is the awful (in 2008) NFC West. Arizona has to prove that they really are an elite team, and San Francisco has to prove that they have improved from last year.
Cardinals 27 49ers 16
St. Louis at Seattle
A divisional match-up in Week 1 is a big deal, even if the division is the awful (in 2008) NFC West. St. Louis probably doesn't have a division title in their future, but the Seahawks will need this win for tiebreakers later.
Seahawks 20 Rams 10
Games that might be interesting:
Minnesota at Cleveland
As a Vikings fan, I will be very interested in this game. And then all those people who still care about Brett Favre will be watching. I expect Minnesota's defense to feast on Brady Quinn.
Vikings 30 Browns 10
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Jacksonville always gets up for games against the Colts, even if they are a decided underdog.
Colts 21 Jaguars 10
Kansas City at Baltimore
The Ravens got a warning shot last night from the Steelers, who look like they haven't lost a step since last February. The Chiefs are hoping this is a rebuilding year where they actually build up.
Ravens 24 Chiefs 9
NY Jets at Houston
The Jets are being hyped a lot after stealing a lot of Baltimore's defense, and the Texans have (realistic) playoff expectations for the first time in their short history. At home, Matt Schaub should be able to handle the wild Jets D.
Texans 27 Jets 17
Games that probably won't be very interesting:
Denver at Cincinnati
Will Kyle Orton play or won't he? Who cares?
Bengals 20 Broncos 16
Detroit at New Orleans
Drew Brees gets a nice warm-up to start the season.
Saints 41 Lions 21
Dallas at Tampa Bay
Tony Romo breaks a sweat to start the season.
Cowboys 27 Buccaneers 13
Games that happen on Monday night:
Buffalo at New England
Tom Brady will look to set the pace for what many expect to be another record-setting season. The Bills will try to keep Trent Edwards off the ground as much as possible.
Patriots 31 Bills 21
San Diego at Oakland
Even without Shawn Merriman, should he face yet another suspension, the Chargers are far and away the best team in the AFC West.
Chargers 28 Raiders 7
Friday, August 7, 2009
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
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.
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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