With the Astros all but out of it, it's offically football season. The season starts 2 weeks from today and it's time to see your predictions... AFC East 1. New England - really no one else to put here. They've had a lot of losses and just signed a recently retired Junior Seau. Assuming Deion Branch gets back, they're still the class of the division. 2. Miami - getting better under Saban. Culpepper should be a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year. Ronnie Brown should be huge. As long as Zach Thomas stays relatively healthy, defense should be good. 3. Buffalo - still having issues at qb. Lossman or Holcomb? Neither is a great option. McGahee should take another step towards stardom. Defense is not good. 4. NY Jets - They should probably start scouting Brady Quinn because this season could get ugly. Other than Vilma, they have nothing. AFC North 1. Baltimore - McNair gives them their first real qb since moving from Cleveland. He's got good wr's, depth at rb should Lewis not get it back, and an aging but still quality defense. Ed Reed should have a much better year than last year 2. Pittsburgh - Defending champs will feel the effects of not having The Bus around, but Willy Parker should be able to carry the load. Defense is still their bread and butter 3. Cincy - Too many distractions. Chad Johnson will become an even bigger jackass while becoming one of the best wr's in the game. Rudi Johnson will carry them, especially if Palmer isn't totally healthy. Defense will have to do much better. 4. Cleveland - will be much improved, but a lot will depend on if Charlie Frye is ready to be a starting qb. Willie McGinest was a nice pick up. AFC South 1. Indianapolis - Duh...Only real questions are at rb and can they finally get to the Super Bowl. 2. Jacksonville - If Leftwich makes it through the season, they should be fine. Not sure if they're a playoff team, yet. 3. Houston - Won't be 2-14 but won't be a playoff team either. 8-8 would be great. They can only improve. Carr should finally show what they drafted him #1 for. AJ will have life a little easier with Moulds on the other side. The running game should be the best this team has ever had, regarless of who's back there. Defense should be much improved with move to 4-3. DeMeco Ryans could end up being Defensive ROY. 4. Tennessee - A lot of holes. Lendale White isn't doing much to make them feel better about their rb situation. If Volek falters, VY steps in and it could be great or it could be ugly. Drew Bennett is their best wr and that isn't a good thing. Defense will be ok but could be on the field for a long time. AFC West 1. Denver - Loss of Kubiak and much of the staff to Denver South (Houston) shouldn't hurt too much. Plummer should play well enough to hold off Cutler. I could run for 1000 yards in this system. If Rod Smith can stay young and Javon Walker can get back to close to what he was, they should win this division. 2. San Diego - It's all on Phillip Rivers back. He's got the weapons (LT & Gates). if he can limit the mistakes, they should be better than last year. Donnie Edwards is a monster on D, but they do have some issues. They've got to defend the pass better to really make a run. 3. Kansas City - If the line can block for LJ, he could go for 2000. That's kind of a big if when you'rwe relying on Kyle Turley. If the defense can learn how to tackle (and under Herm Edwards they'd better) they can contend with SD for 2nd. 4. Oakland - could be fighting it out with the Jets for the Brady Quinn sweepsteaks. Other than Randy Moss and LaMont Jordan, this will be an ugly season in the Bay Area. NFC East 1. Philadelphia - McNabb is back and doesn't have to deal with TO, except for 2 games a season. If Westbrook stays healthy, he'll have some weapons. Defense should remain very good. 2. Washington - Portis needs to be healthy for this team to succeed. They've added some more weapons, especially in Randel El. Defense is good, even if Sean Taylor ends up in prison. 3. NY Giants - Eli, Eli, Eli. If he hasn't improved, this will be a long season. If he has and Shockey stays healthy and sane, they could win the division. 4. Dallas - TO will bring them down and I will love every second of it. They will fall to 0-2 all-time against the Texans. Tony Romo could be starting as early as week 4. The defense might save them and could get them higher in the division. I don't think they'll have a losing season, I just think this is the best division in the game and someone has to finish last. NFC South 1. Carolina - Possibly Super Bowl team again. Steve Smith gets help with Keyshawn. Should win between 12 & 15 games. 2. Tampa Bay - Chris Sims becomes what UT fans hoped he would, just about 5 years too late. Williams should become a star if he stays healthy (and he'd better as he was my #1 pick). joey Galloway was a nice suprise last season. 3. Atlanta - Could win the division if Vick stays healthy and raises his completion %. Leile will help. Crumpler is a great TE. They have some serious issues stopping the run, which could kill them. 4. N.O. - Will be improved, but still not very good. Brees gives legitimacy at QB. Bush will help keep Deuce's workload down to keep him healthy. They might score some points, but the defense is not good. NFC North 1. Chicago - Someone has to win this division. It might as well be them. Brian Urlacher is the Defensive MVP again. Griese should be starting in the first half of the season when Grossman gets hurt or continues to suck. The rb situation could be a problem if no one steps up. If they really don't like Benson, will they block for him? Jones probably wins the job and Benson will cry. 2. Minnesota - They should be better without the distractions of the past. brad Johnson is too inconsistent to get them too far. 3. Green Bay - Favre's most talented team ever (he said it, not me). If AJ Hawk can play, the defense will be much improved. Ahman Green could be a Comeback POY candidate. If he is, they could move up. If not, they could sink. 4. Detroit - As soon as they figure out the Mike Martz playbook, they will score some points. So many holes that could have been plugged if their front office wasn't so stupid. Looks like Mike Williams and Charlie Rogers might not even make the team. Oops. NFC West 1. Seattle - Should win this division easily...if they don't fall asleep. Alexander will be a target so Jackson, Burleson, and Engram need to do well. It would be nice if Jeramy Stevens would show up. The defense will get better. Tatupu (sp?) only gets better. 2. St. Louis - New philospohy will seem boring to the STL fans. S Jackson will get a lot of carries and should do very well. Bulger needs to stay healthy and the defense needs to be solid. Could possible sneak in as a wild card, but unlikely. 3. Arizona - Edgerrin just isn't enough. If the O-Line lives up to their potential, he might be. Warner gets another year older. Leinart probably will only play if they fall out of it. They do have possibly the best WR combo in the NFL. Could move up if things work out right. 4. San Fran - Another team looking at a top 5 pick again. I like the new TE. There are just too many issues with this team. Playoffs Wild Card AFC - Pittsburgh & San Diego NFC - Washington & NYG Conference Champs AFC - Indanapolis (It's about freaking time) NFC - Carolina Super Bowl Winner - Carolina
AFC East 1. Miami 2. New England 3. Buffalo 4. NY Jets AFC North 1. Cincy 2. Pittsburgh 3. Baltimore 4. Cleveland AFC South 1. Indianapolis 2. Houston 3. Jacksonville 4. Tennessee AFC West 1. San Diego 2. Denver 3. Oakland 4. Kansas City NFC East 1. Washington 2. Dallas 3. NY Giants 4. Philadelphia NFC South 1. Atlanta 2. Carolina 3. Tampa Bay 4. N.O. NFC North 1. Chicago 2. Green Bay 3. Minnesota 4. Detroit NFC West 1. Arizona 2. Seattle 3. St. Louis 4. San Fran Playoffs Wild Card AFC - Pittsburgh & San Diego NFC - Washington & Falcons Conference Champs AFC - Indanapolis NFC - Redskins Super Bowl Winner - Colts
AFC East: 1. New England 2. Miami 3. Buffalo 4. NY Jets AFC North: 1. Pittsburgh 2. Baltimore *** 3. Cincinnati 4. Cleveland AFC South: 1. Indianapolis 2. Jacksonville 3. Houston 4. Tennessee AFC West: 1. Denver 2. Kansas City *** 3. San Diego 4. Oakland NFC East: 1. Washington 2. Dallas *** 3. NY Giants 4. Philadelphia NFC North: 1. Chicago 2. Detroit 3. Minnesota 4. Green Bay NFC South: 1. Carolina 2. Tampa Bay *** 3. Atlanta 4. New Orleans NFC West: 1. Seattle 2. Arizona 3. St. Louis 4. San Francisco *** = Wild Card Wild Card AFC: Steelers (4) over Ravens (5), Broncos (3) over Chiefs (6) NFC: Bucs (6) over Bears (3), Redskins (4) over Cowboys (5) Divisional Round AFC: Pats (2) over Broncos (3), Steelers (4) over Colts (1) NFC: Panthers (2) over Redskins (4), Seahawks (1) over Bucs (6) Conference Championships AFC: Pats (2) over Steelers (4) NFC: Panthers (2) over Seahawks (1) Super Bowl: Patriots over Panthers
You said NOTHING about Reggie Bush in your TEXANS' prediction. SHAME ON YOU! You dudes like making HUGE posts... why not line them up next to each other instead of on each line? C'mon... please edit the posts, so we don't have to scroll so friggin' much, dudes... AFC : North - Pitt, Cincy, Baltiless, Browns; South - Texans, Indy, Jax, Tenn; East - NewEngland, Miami, Jets, Buffalo; West - The Chefs, Broncos, Chargers, Oakland NFC: East - Effin' Cowgirls, Giants, Washington, Philly; North - Chicago, Packers, Vikes, Lions; South - Bucs, Carolina, Atlanta, ReggieBushes; West - Seattle, 49ers, Arizona, St. Louis Super Bowl Champs: TEXANS over COWGIRLS
AFC : North - Pitt, Baltimore, Cincy, Browns; South - Indy, Jax, Houston, Tenn; East - NewEngland, Miami, Jets, Buffalo; West - Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Oakland NFC: East - Cowboys, Giants, Washington, Philly; North - Chicago, Packers, Vikings, Lions; South - Bucs, Carolina, Atlanta, NOLA; West - Seattle, Arizona, St. Louis 49er's Super Bowl Champs: Cowboys over Baltimore
AFC East 1. Miami - 10-6 - This is clearly contingent upon Culpepper's play, but when you look at what Saban was able to do with that team with crappy QB play, it's easy to see why this team is capable of a division title. 2. New England - 9-7 - It's no secret the Pats are on the decline, I don't think have done a sufficient job of finding Brady the weapons he needs in the receiving game. Losing Adam Vinatieri might hurt them more than people think. 3. Buffalo - 5-11 - I don't have any belief in JP Losman and neither does the Buffalo Coaching staff. McGahee might return to previous form, but losing a veteran receiver like Moulds when you have a young QB isn't a good start. 4. NY Jets - 4-12 - Chad Pennington or not, I don't see this team doing anything but fail. They might win the first game of the season and then go on a long winless streak. Kellen Clemens in all likelihood will be starting games by November whether Pennington is healthy or not. AFC North 1. Cincinnatti - 11-5 - Carson Palmer needs to be careful, one false move on that knee and you're looking at a busted season. Other than that, there is no reason this team can't beat anybody. 2. Pittsburgh - 10-6 - The loss of Randle El hurts them more than some may think. Without the gadget plays and Bettis touchdowns become a little more scarce. 3. Baltimore - 9-7 - McNair and Mason reunite, Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson form a deadly 1-2 punch, Ray Lewis and Ed Reed lead the AFC's stingiest defense... but you're playing in the wrong division. 4. Cleveland - 5-11 - If at first you don't succeed. Frye, Frye again. K2 and Braylon give them hope for the future. AFC South 1. Indianapolis - 11-5 - Losing James will hinder them in some games, and other times they'll hardly miss a beat. Manning still has Harrison and Wayne, and a line that will buy him all the time he needs. 2. Jacksonville - 8-8 - They will lose a couple games they shouldn't have and win a couple games they shouldn't have. This is a team that will be in late game situations most of the season. Matt Jones and Ernest Wilford have the unenviable task of trying to replace Jimmy Smith, and Fred Taylor is probably on his last legs. 3. Tennessee - 6-10 - The entire state will be calling for Vince by the 2nd week of the season. 4. Houston - 4-12 - Hey look on the bright side, they're doubling their win total from a year ago. Minimal improvement on the offensive line, Domanick Davis is an injury waiting to happen, I think they'll be better than their record indicates as usual, but won't be able to execute down the stretch also as usual. AFC West 1. Denver - 12-4 - I hate, hate, hate to do this, but i just don't see any other team challenging denver at this point. They added Javon Walker and as long as they don't collapse in the first 2 months, it's damn near impossible to win at Mile High late in the year. 2. San Diego - 9-7 - This will be a frustrating year for the Chargers, even if Phillip Rivers does execute well, I still see too many holes in the secondary. Teams know they can throw all day on the Chargers, which only takes away from their solid Run defense. They will miss the playoffs by the skin of their teeth. 3. Oakland - 7-9 - This all depends on the QB play, which right now looks poor. Aaron Brooks (much like Kerry Collins) is very sporadic. Some days he looks like a stud, and others you wonder what the hell he's even doing wearing a football helmet. There is no doubt he has offensive talent around him. The defense will certainly improve, there isn't a way they can be worse than last year even if they try. 4. Kansas City - 7-9 - Larry Johnson become public enemy number 1. Losing Willie Roaf puts a minor dent in the Chiefs luxury o-line. I feel Trent Green is going to start to decline this season for whatever reason, and the defense seems to be perpetual underachievers. NFC East 1. Washington - 11-5 - The Portis injury is a concern right now, but even if he misses the first 2 games it is hard to deny the talent on this team. Moss, Randle El, and Lloyd give Mark Brunell 3 receivers who can all stretch the field , and Chris Cooley is emerging as one of the more reliable pass catchers in the game. 2. Philadelphia - 10-6 - Believe this. McNabb is going to play with a chip on his shoulder all year and lets not forget this was a super bowl contending team with James Thrash and Todd Pinkston as it's starting wideouts. Westbrook's health is key. 3. NY Giants - 9-7 - This is the best division in football and the Giants will learn that quickly. As Eli matures, this team will only get better and better. 4. Dallas - 7-9 - This season of expectations has disaster hidden around every corner. TO and Parcells are certainly already off on the wrong foot and I've got week 4 right now in the "Fued comes to a head" poll. Bledsoe can still throw if he gets time, but will he have anyone out there? Look for Terry Glenn to have a better season than Owens. NFC South 1. Carolina - 11-5 - I love this team, they simply win games and they don't care how it happens. The Defense is amazing and the offense is electric. 2. Atlanta - 10-6 - Another tough division to play in, I think Vick might finally "get it" this season. Hopefully he can find at least one target besides Alge Crumpler, but the addition of John Abraham gives the Atlanta D-line the title of the league's most feared at this point. 3. Tampa Bay - 8-8 - Chris Simms isn't going to wow you, but he might be decent enough to remain a starter in a Jon Gruden dink and dunk offense. Carnell Williams is the workhorse. 4. N.O. - 7-9 - Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister will provide plenty of sparks whether it be from being thunder and lightning, or mutual dislike for the other stealing touches. Drew Brees needs to find a target in this offense and I'm banking on a big year for Donte Stallworth. NFC North 1. Chicago - 10-6 - No one else has the will to win this division. Chicago will has solid QB play now with Griese ready to fill in if Grossman falters. The defense is still the league's stingiest unit, and the running game will thrive whether it's Thomas Jones or Cedric Benson. My money is on Jones. 2. Minnesota - 6-10 - Brad Johnson is your starting QB, 2 career underachievers and an inexperienced 2nd year player will battle to be your #1 WR, and you haven't had a legit starting RB since Michael Bennett was still capable of playing a full season. Also your starting SS and rookie first round pick are out for the season already, it's not going to be a good year in Viking land. 3. Detroit - 6-10 - Mike Martz makes the offense interesting, look for a breakout season from Roy Williams and not much else. 4. Green Bay - 5-11 - Try as Brett Favre may, this team is far from "the most talented" and will struggle to stay in many games, especially when Favre tries to do to much and gives it right back to the opponent. The only thing that can save them is an Ahman Green resurrection. NFC West 1. Seattle - 13-3 - Still solid from top to bottom, I don't see anyone presenting a big challenge for Hasselbeck and the boys. 2. Arizona - 9-7 - Overhyped much? They have the weapons, but I'm still skeptical. 3. St. Louis - 7-9 - Everyone is anxious to see what the Rams will do with Scott Linehan calling the shots instead of Mike Martz. Odds are not much will change, Steven Jackson is the unquestioned man. 4. San Fran - 3-13 - Another dreadful season in store in San Fran, Alex Smith will improve, and they are getting some decent pieces in place, this is a long process though. AFC Playoffs - Miami(4), Cincy (3), Indy (2), Denver (1), Pitt(5), New England(6) NFC Playoffs - Seattle(1), Carolina(3), Chicago(4), Washington(2), Atlanta(5), Philly(6) AFC Championship - Colts over Broncos NFC Championship - Panthers over Seahawks Super Bowl - Panthers 28 Colts 20 NFL MVP - Peyton Manning NFL Coach of the Year - Nick Saban Defensive Player of the Year - Ed Reed Offensive Rookie of the Year - Reggie Bush Defensive Rookie of the Year - Michael Huff NFL Rushing Title - Larry Johnson, 1938 yards NFL Receiving Title - Torry Holt, 1598 yards
AFC East 1. Miami 2. New England 3. Buffalo 4. NY Jets AFC North 1. Pittsburgh 2. Cincy 3. Baltimore 4. Cleveland AFC South 1. Indianapolis 2. Houston 3. Jacksonville 4. Tennessee AFC West 1. San Diego 2. Denver 3. Oakland 4. Kansas City NFC East 1. Washington 2. Dallas 3. NY Giants 4. Philadelphia NFC South 1. Carolina 2. Atlanta 3. Tampa Bay 4. N.O. NFC North 1. Chicago 2. Green Bay 3. Minnesota 4. Detroit NFC West 1. Seattle 2. Arizona 3. St. Louis 4. San Fran Playoffs Wild Card AFC - Cincy& New England NFC - Dallas & Falcons Conference Champs AFC - Pittsburgh NFC - Carolina Super Bowl Winner - Pittsburgh
AFC East 1. New England 2. Miami 3. NY Jets 4. Buffalo AFC North 1. Pittsburgh 2. Cincy 3. Baltimore 4. Cleveland AFC South 1. Indianapolis 2. Houston 3. Jacksonville 4. Tennessee AFC West 1. Denver 2. San Diego 3. Kansas City 4. Oakland NFC East 1. NY Giants 2. Dallas 3. Washington 4. Philadelphia NFC South 1. Carolina 2. Atlanta 3. Tampa Bay 4. N.O. NFC North 1. Chicago 2. Minnesota 3. Detroit 4. Green Bay NFC West 1. Seattle 2. Arizona 3. St. Louis 4. San Fran
AFC East - Miami AFC South - Indy AFC West - Denver AFC North - Pittsburgh Wild Card - New England, Cincy NFC East - Giants NFC South - Carolina NFC West - Arizona NFC North - Chicago Wild Card - Tampa, Washington AFC Championship - Broncos over Patriots NFC Championship - Panthers over Giants Super Bowl - Broncos over Panthers
AFC East - Miami AFC South - Indy AFC West - San Diego AFC North - Pittsburgh Wild Card - New England, Denver NFC East - Giants NFC South - Carolina NFC West - Seattle NFC North - Chicago Wild Card - Dallas, Tampa Bay AFC Championship - Chargers over Indy NFC Championship - Panthers over Seahawks Super Bowl - Chargers over Panthers
AFC East 1. New England 2. Buffalo 3. Miami 4. NY Jets AFC North 1. Pittsburgh 2. Cincy 3. Baltimore 4. Cleveland AFC South 1. Indianapolis 2. Houston 3. Jacksonville 4. Tennessee AFC West 1. Denver 2. San Diego 3. Kansas City 4. Oakland NFC East 1. NY Giants 2. Washington 3. Dallas 4. Philadelphia NFC South 1. Carolina 2. Atlanta 3. Tampa Bay 4. N.O. NFC North 1. Chicago 2. Green Bay 3. Detroit 4. Minnesota NFC West 1. Seattle 2. St. Louis 3. San Francisco 4. Arizona Playoffs Wild Card AFC - Cincy & San Diego NFC - Atlanta & Washington Conference Champs AFC - Denver NFC - Carolina Super Bowl Winner - Carolina
The Cardinals will be the surprise team of the year... They have a core group of guys on both sides of the ball.
AFC East: Miami AFC North: Pittsburgh AFC South: Indianapolis AFC West: Kansas City NFC East: Washington NFC South: Carolina NFC North: Chicago NFC West: Seattle Super Bowl: Carolina vs Pittsburgh, with Carolina getting the goods...
AFC East: 1. Miami 2. New England 3. Buffalo 4. NY Jets AFC North: 1. Pittsburgh 2. Cincinatti *** 3. Baltimore 4. Cleveland AFC South: 1. Indianapolis 2. Jacksonville 3. Houston 4. Tennessee AFC West: 1. Denver 2. Kansas City *** 3. San Diego 4. Oakland NFC East: 1. NY Giants 2. Dallas *** 3. Washington 4. Philadelphia NFC North: 1. Chicago 2. Minnesota 3. Detroit 4. Green Bay NFC South: 1. Carolina 2. Tampa Bay *** 3. Atlanta 4. New Orleans NFC West: 1. Seattle 2. Arizona 3. St. Louis 4. San Francisco *** = Wild Card Wild Card AFC: Bengals (5) over Steelers (4), Chiefs (6) over Broncos (3) NFC: Bucs (6) over Bears (3), Giants (4) over Cowboys (5) Divisional Round AFC: Dolphins (2) over Chiefs (6), Colts (1) over Bengals (5) NFC: Panthers (2) over Giants (4), Bucs (6) over Seahawks (1) Conference Championships AFC: Colts (1) over Dolphins (2) NFC: Panthers (2) over Bucs (6) Super Bowl: Panthers over Colts
If I ever catch you cheering on the Texans, I will hunt you down, bandwagon boy. Let me guess, you don't want the Texans to win it all, do you? Thank you very much, leroy420.
Hell yea, I love the Texans. After every weekend that football Sunday is over I get a bit depressed. I just tend to be a realist. For me Texans finishing 3rd out of 4 teams will be a happy surprise.
