NFL Preview

~This is not a list; or at least in my conventional count down method. Instead I am going to go division by division predicting records and making snazzy comments, and then predict the playoffs. I am posting it here, however, for the extra exposure to my wonderful lists. I am just that cool. *'s mean playoff births. BTW, please don't count records, cause I am sure it doesn't work out in the end mathematically.

AFC EAST
New England Patriots (11-5)*: Everyone knows I hate the Patriots more than anything else in the world. However, year after year, I pick them to win the division even when it's trendy not too. I guess its true that we respect those we hate. I just can't see the Patriots squandering the East to anyone, anytime in the immediate future.
New York Jets (8-8): I am not a believer, lets get that out of the way. I think the Jets have a strong defense, but its not 2003 Ravens or 2006 Bears good, and unless its absolutely dominating, defense can't bring you to the playoffs on your own. What also can't bring you to the playoffs? Mark Sanchez.
Miami Dolphins (6-10): I loved Chad Henne in college. However, I am not sure he has the skill set to be a great NFL Quarterback. Serviceable, definitely, great no. With that said, I just don't see anything else special about this team. I mean, its a gamble to suggest Ronnie Brown can finish a season, or Ricky Williams to not finish a joint, so yeah, 6-10 seems about right.
Buffalo Bills (3-13): What can I say, if you combine the best traits of Edwards, Fitzpatrick, and Brohm, I am still not sure this guy could start on the majority of NFL teams. All I can say is that Bills fans should pray for a bad season, because Luck/Locker could change this teams fate fast.

AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)*: Sports Illustrated picked the Steelers to win the Super Bowl. In all likelihood I won't go that far with them, but the 4 game suspension isn't really that critical to the Steelers season. I see them breaking through with a 2-2 record, and that will be enough for Big Ben to give them the final push into the playoffs. More importantly, I am going to be the bigger man in this synopsis and not mention anything about Ben's exploits.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)*: Another over-hyped team of late. What I love about the Ravens, however, is that they won a Super Bowl this past decade with a great defense. However, they seem to be completely ignoring that fact, as they literally have one of the worst secondaries in the league, an aging Linebacker core, and a mediocre D-Line. The Ravens offense is pretty stellar, but their defense isn't, which means the Ravens learned nothing from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): The Bengals are likely good enough to win a majority of the NFL divisions. However, being in a brutal AFC North is going to keep them out looking in. Last year, the Bengals won all the big games (besides those against the Raiders, but who can beat that plucky team), but I don't see that happening this year. The difference between a 6-0 and a 3-3 division record will keep the Bengals out of the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns (4-12): Quite frankly, the Browns haven't improved much this offseason, if at all, so the basement is where they'll be staying. Poor Cleveland... I have a feeling the 2010 decade is going to be even worse than the ones previously.

AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts (12-4)*: The Colts have 7 straight seasons of 12 or more wins, and I don't see that changing this year. The defense is stronger than ever, and the offense is the same one we see year in and year out. The only thing that can take the Colts down is an injury, and in the past even that doesn't matter. It's a good year to be a Colts fan.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)*: If you asked me that I could start a team with any AFC South RB, I would pick Maurice Jones Drew. Maybe that puts me in the minority, but I think Jones-Drew can excel without being the focal point of an offense. That combined with Garrard returning to his pro-bowl form makes me think that there is a lot to look forward to in Jacksonville this season... Too bad no one will be watching it.
Tennessee Titans (7-9): Maybe I am always underestimating Vince Young's ability to win games. I mean, his NFL record is amazing for someone with a weak NFL skill set, and lackluster statistics. But it's not like Vince Young is playing with an NFL juggernaut roster, so he has to be doing something right. With that said, this has to be the year he starts to lose games to better teams.
Houston Texans (5-11): Each and every year the Texans improve. This is a franchise that has never seen the playoffs, and I don't see it happening in the near future. This is no shot against Andre Johnson, who is is the best WR in the game, but the depth of the other positions is a concern, plus Schaub's injury history. If Schaub goes down, the season is over, because one thing I've learned is that Leinart can't succeed no matter how great the WR's around him are (ie: Larry Fitzgerald)

AFC West
Oakland Raiders (8-8)*: Welcome to the toughest division I ever had to pick. I considered all four teams at this spot, and noticed that all have a glaring weakness. So in the end, I decided to take the team with the best player in the division, which would be Asomugha. First off, Asomugha is the best CB in the league, better than Revis. He alone can turn the tide of a game, and with a serviceable QB this year in Campbell, that becomes more important than ever. Oakland is not a great team, but they are a division winning team.
Denver Broncos (7-9): I love that Denver gave an extension to Kyle Orton. Kyle Orton is similar to Vince Young, without the stellar college career. He gets wins without anyone noticing how. However, statistically Orton is better than you think. He actually has a strong QB rating, and finished in the top 15 last season. The problem with Denver is they have no good WR's or RB's... It surprises me that I am giving them 7 wins despite that, but then again they play 6 games in the AFC West.
San Diego Chargers (7-9): The Chargers have been dominating the AFC West for the past decade pretty handily. However, the common player in that time span is Ladanian Tomlinson. People think Ryan Matthews will easily fill his shoes; but this is based on pure conjecture. I mean, Matthews had little hype pre-draft, but because he is a Charger, he automatically excels? The combination of losing LT and having V.Jackson hold out all season keeps the Chargers out, no matter how solid Rivers is.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-9): If my projections come true, this will be the greatest division race in NFL history. Four teams within a game of one another, all trying to back into the playoffs. The question ends up... Who sucks the least? Of all the AFC West teams, the Chiefs have the brightest future. They have young stars on the defensive side who are only going to get better, and their offensive line continues to improve. This year I think they come up just short... Next year, I think it will be a different story.

NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys (11-5)*: Before the preseason, I was sold that the Dallas Cowboys were contenders. Based on end of the year successes, things were looking up with Dallas, and Romo MVP rumors were flying all over the internet. Then the preseason happened, and the Dallas offense looked absolutely atrocious. Suddenly my confidence is wavering (also because of how much I hate Dez Bryant). I do think things will get on track, because Dallas is too good of a team, but this isn't a history making team that I once thought it might be.
Philadelphia Ealges (9-7): The NFC East is historically a great division. This year, however, I think it takes a step downward. The preseason hype of Kolb has been quite a journey. Initially he was underrated, but as the hype built up Kolb became suddenly overrated. I think Kolb is a good QB, just like I think Lasean McCoy is a good RB... But they aren't McNabb and Westbrook (when healthy), so I don't see four straight NFC Championships coming in the future.
Washington Redskins (8-8): The Redskins may be one of the most exciting teams this year. First off, you have Mike Shanahan, a coaching great, behind the helm. Secondly you have Donovan McNabb on a revenge tour, strengthened by his two games against the Eagles whom never appreciated him. Third, you have the aging Runningback who had to earn back his job for one final run (and also is in charge of saving my fantasy team). If this was Disney, the Redskins would be winning the Superbowl, but in real life, they just aren't good enough.
New York Giants (6-10): Sorry Giants fans, but I am not a believer. There is alot of Giants hype this preseason, as they are the most commonly picked winner of the NFC East. I just don't see how this team is any better than last years mediocre team, and I see them struggling in a relatively strong NFC East. The Giants have excelled in years they are under the radar, and this year they are clearly front and center in the radar.

NFC NORTH
Chicago Bears (11-5)*: Welcome to crazy Don pick of the year. If there is one thing I've learned about the Chicago Bears is that the rotate between surprisingly successful seasons and very disappointing ones. I think Cutler will reach a happy medium between last year and his pro bowl year, along with Forte breaking the sophomore slump. Most of all, I think the defense returns to form which will be enough to win the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings (10-6)*: With or without Favre, this is around where I would've had their record. This is partly because I am not confident Favre finishes this season healthy, so in the end I think Jackson will have a pivotal role bringing the Vikings to the playoffs. However, the front four of the Vikings is sickeningly good (led by Jared Allen) and if AP can keep the fumbles down he is the best RB in the game. No matter how much I hate Favre, this is a playoff roster.
Greenbay Packers (7-9): The trendy Super Bowl pick. I, however, am not as sold that this Packers defense is as great as credited. They already have injuries in their secondary, and their front 7 is average when it comes to NFL talent. Combine that with an "ok" WR/RB talent, and I just do not see them reaching expectations.
Detroit Lions (5-11): Similar to the Chiefs, the Lions have a great future ahead of them. Stafford seems like a great future QB (although his stats are surprisingly terrible last season), Calvin Johnson is already a stud, and I am a huge Jahvid Best fan (because I have to be, or my fantasy team is horrific). Offensively, I think they have all the key positions filled and just need them to age and learn accordingly. Hopefully by that time, they improve the defense, because the talent there isn't even close to postseason level.

NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints (14-2)*: I hate the Saints more than most. I hated them before they broke my heart by beating the Colts in the Superbowl, and even more so now. However, its ridiculous how few people see them making another deep playoff run. Now, I know its trendy to pick against defending champions, but the Saints are almost identical to last years Saints. I mean, all the key positions are filled with the same players, so while they haven't improved much, it doesn't even matter. I hope the Saints have a huge letdown, but don't see it happening.
Atlanta Falcons (11-5)*: Not sure how this happened. Going in to this post, I had an idea of the 12 playoff teams. Ten of them remained the same with only two changes. One was the AFC West (where I went from San Diego, to Denver, to Oakland) and the other was my sudden pick of the Falcons grabbing the last wildcard spot over Philly. I think Matt Ryan will stabilize this year, and his one two punch with Roddy White is one of my favorites in the game. The defense is still just as good as the past two years, and they have finally left the Vick saga behind. So yeah, lets move the Falcons on.
Carolina Panthers (6-10): Jonathan Stewart is wasted on the Panthers. He splits time with Williams, when he has the talents to be a lead NFL back. There is probably no stronger RB duo in the NFL for the past 2 seasons, and I don't see that changing this year. However, I am hard pressed to believe Moore will bring this team to the next level, and I see a lot of narrow losses in the Panthers future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-14): The team that will steal the first overall pick from the Bills. They play in a relatively tough division with absolutely no automatic wins, and their QB situation rivals the Browns. I remember only 10 years ago when their defense could save a mediocre offense. The Bucs no longer have that defense.

NFC WEST
Arizona Cardinals (10-6)*: Derek Anderson is the reason I pick the Cardinals to win this division. Lets keep in mind, Anderson once led a terrible Cleveland team into the playoffs, something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime. Leinart might have the athletic capabilities, but lacks in heart and smarts, which is why Arizona made the right choice. They have the talent to compete now, and Derek is best suited for a winning now mentality.
San Francisco 49ers (7-9): I think the NFC West is slightly better than people think, as there is talent in the division at every position but QB. 49ers are a great example of that, particularly in the DB area. The one problem, however, is Gore has to shoulder the offensive workload alone, which puts him at a huge injury risk (plus his 26 year old backup retired... yes, retired). I don't see Gore finishing the season, so therefore I don't see the 49ers making the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks (6-10): Oh, my favorite QB with the first name Matt (unless you count Saracen from FNL, then he's my second). I wanted to pick the Seahawks to win this division, til I realized that outside of Hasselbeck, they are weaker at every other single position in the division. That does not add up to a playoff trip.
St. Louis Rams (5-11): I love that they are starting Bradford immediately. I think he will learn the game quicker that way, and the offensive line is good enough that he won't be sacked 72 times (like David Carr his rookie year). He will have a tough year this year, but I think the Rams are in for a huge turn around in the sophomore year. Which is why I have my bold 2011 prediction.... Rams make the playoffs.

AFC WILDCARD ROUND
(3)Pittsburgh over (6)Jacksonville- Pitt will be cruising late in the season, and are always a tough playoff out. Jacksonville is known to give them pressure though, so I see a slight Pitt win.
(5) Baltimore over (4) Oakland- Despite the seeds, this is nowhere near an upset. Home field can't save a mediocre Oakland team.'
NFC WILDCARD ROUND
(6) Minnesota over (3) Dallas- Poor Dallas lost the mysterious tie break with Chicago, forcing them to play a very good Minnesota team. Just like last year, they go down relatively easily.
(5) Falcons over (4) Arizona- While I can see Anderson leading a team to the playoffs... I can't see him leading them out of the first round.
AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND
(1) Indianapolis over (5) Baltimore- I love this matchup. Anytime Baltimore gets cocky they can beat Indy, they fail. The fact is, Indy has their number and that's not changing.
(2) New England over (3) Pittsburgh- Brady is still Brady. He can win the big game with the right personnel around him. This year, he has the right personnel.
NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND
(1) New Orleans over (6) Minnesota- A rematch of last years NFC title game. What be nearly as close, as Minnesota is aging, while New Orleans is at their peak.
(5) Atlanta over (2) Chicago- Don't ask me why I keep picking Atlanta. They luck out by playing QB's I don't trust in big games. I see four Cutler interceptions this game, kicking them out of the playoffs.
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Indianapolis over (2) New England- Picking with my heart. I like how Indy looks, and their my team. No reason to ignore that.
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) New Orleans over (5) Atlanta- I want to pick Atlanta, but I just can't figure out how. New Orleans is a significantly better team, and as much as I like the look of Atlanta, it ends here.
NFL CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Indianapolis over (1) New Orleans- Time to rewrite history!!! The difference this year is that there is no Hank Baskett to muff the onside kick. That will be enough for Peyton to exact his revenge on Payton.