Day 2 of the football season starts in less than 40 minutes from now. I am very psyched. Although the one team I want to see play doesn’t play until Monday. But that is neither here nor there. I have one last conference to predict for and then be done with my predictions.
AFC East
New England Patriots: Pats fans were very disappointed with the early injury to Tom Brady. However the Pats rallied around Matt Cassel and finished the season with an impressive 11-5. But despite the solid record managed to be shunned from the playoffs. However this year Brady is back and we have a new look Patriots roster. I don’t even need to say what it means to have Brady back. I think it is pretty self explanatory. The real discussion is about some major additions to the club. We have brought in great veteran players like Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway. The Pats also strengthened their secondary with the solid addition of Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs. Now call me crazy but the Pats have a solid shot at another undefeated season. The offense is fired up and hungry and the defense looks strong. Both sides of the ball look pretty potent of putting up stats. I look for the Pats to not only win their division with a solid record of 13-3. But I also feel that they will win the Super Bowl.
New York Jets: Bye bye Brett Favre. Hello Rex Ryan. This team will cause some havoc this season. Mark my words. Forget about the fact that they will have a rookie QB in Mark Sanchez. What you need to focus on is how solid the defense is going to be. The addition of Rex Ryan will mean the Jets will be hard nosed and ready to knock some asses around. Also arriving on New York’s doorstep was Bart Scott and Lito Sheppard. So watch out for the Jets D. Now I know they have a rookie at QB. But the Jets have a few offensive weapons at their disposal. Most of them exist in their backfield. Thomas Jones will have a great season. As will Leon Washington. Watch out for some of their receivers to have a decent season. The Jets will try to compete for the Wild Card but will come up short with a 9-7 record.
Miami Dolphins: This team needs to change their name to Miami Wildcat. Yeah they shocked the world with the implementation of the wildcat offense. They also managed to annoy the world as well. Every sports announcer continues to talk about how it will change the NFL. It is a gimmick offense and it had some success. But like all gimmick offenses, a defensive genius will find a way to destroy it. Anyways the Dolphins managed to squeak into the playoffs and got stomped. I am sorry but they did not deserve to be there. I think this year they will have a decent season. The offensive still has their share of weapons with Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Chad Pennington. Be prepared to see more of the Wildcat but not the same level of success. On the defensive side they managed to get back Jason Taylor. I think winning will help motivate Taylor’s play. Also Joey Porter has proven that he still has some gas left in the tank. I think they will end their season with a 9-7 but will lose the tie breaker to the Jets.
Buffalo Bills: Poor poor Buffalo. They must be focused on getting people in the stands. This team is experimenting with the team’s chemistry. The signing of T.O. may look like a brilliant move if and only if they run 90% of their offense through him. But we all know that isn’t going to happen. Or will it? Here is a team that lacks a solid quarterback. Trent Edwards is an average QB that has benefitted from a solid running game and sure handed receivers. Now he will have T.O. chomping in the huddle asking for the ball. I predict that TO will get his touches but will cause them to stray away from winning. Marshawn Lynch is suspended for the first 2 or 3 games. That will hurt the team a little bit. Look for Lee Evans to have a solid season due to team’s double coverage on Owens. On the defensive side they have nothing to worry about. The defense will remain solid. Look for the Bills to go 6-10 and a T.O. meltdown by week 5.
So there you have it sports fans. I have completed my predictions. Lets see how I end up this season. Alright I have to go the games have started. Thank goodness for NFL football!!
Pittsburgh Steelers: Congrats are in order to the Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. I must say that it was quite an entertaining game to watch. I also would like to thank them for helping me win $300 bucks! This year’s team seems to be very similar to last year’s. The Steelers will definitely win the AFC North with their tough defense and their ground and pound offense. The offense will be led by Ben Roethlisberger. Will have a backfield by committee with Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker. The wide receivers are still very solid and reliable thanks in part to Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes. What will be interesting is the controversy surrounding Roethlisberger’s alleged rape case. At first it seemed like it was resolved. However recent requests by the alleged victim will probably cause some distractions in the Steelers locker room. If Ben can block out the media, I think the team will be alright. Regardless, I have the Steelers finishing with a 11-5
Cincinnati Bengals: Carson Palmer is back. Carson Palmer is back. That is all I seem to read about lately. While getting Carson Palmer back will certainly help. But come on this is the Bengals we are talking about. The offense will certainly be able to put some points on the board but not nearly enough to win critical games. I am sure Chad Johnson err excuse me Chad Ochocinco will be certainly glad to have Carson back. Look for big things out of Ochocinco (man that is really funny calling him that). But Chad will learn quick that he doesn’t have TJ Houshmandzadeh drawing some attention from opposing defenses. I think his departure will hurt. However if Chris Henry can stay out of trouble he may step in and make a huge impact. The real challenge is on the defensive side of the ball because they have a very young squad. I believe the Bengals will see a dramatic improvement from last year. Which will lead them to a 9-7 record.
Cleveland Browns: Congrats on finally naming your starting quarterback. At the same time I don’t think it is going to matter for all you Browns fans. Two seasons ago they managed to shock teams and win against some tough opponents. Then they just completely sh*t the bed last season. As far as this season goes, I don’t see them getting any better. They have some issues on both sides of the ball. Lets start with the defense. I honestly couldn’t tell you who is on their defense. It is just that bad. But what may save them is their new coach Eric Mangina. Excuse me Eric Mangini. I think he will help out the defense a little bit. His knowledge can really only help this team not so much hurt it. Lets look at the offensive side. They have some promising talent on the offensive side. But still lack a game changer. Brady Quinn has been selected to lead Braylon Edwards, Jamal Lewis, and company. But I just don’t see them winning several games with their offensive squad. I have a feeling that the QB controversy will not be over. Which can really hurt the offense because there isn’t any consistency. Sorry Cleveland but I see you are in for a long season. I think they will squeak out a few games and go 5-11.
Indianapolis Colts: Now I know what you are thinking! How is it that I pick the Colts to win their division this year? Especially after the stellar performance of the Titans this year. Well these are my predictions and I don’t see the Titans repeating their performance from last year. Now I know the Colts are dealing with a few departures but I still believe they have one of the best QB’s in the league in Peyton Manning. I think with him steering the offensive ship with Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark, the Colts will win their division. Plus they landed a pretty good running back in Donald Brown from UConn. The key to their success will be on the shoulders of their defense. But I think Dwight Freeney and Bob Sanders will lead their troops. Even with the loss of head coach Tony Dungy and wide receiver Marvin Harrison will end up with a 10-6 record.
Tennessee Titans: They had a hell of a run last year! But I think the honeymoon is over for the Titans. If you are a Titans fan be ready for this to happen. Kerry Collins came out of Alcoholics Anonymous to lead the Titans to a hell of a season. But he will not be able to repeat his stellar performance. When has Kerry Collins ever had two great consecutive seasons? Take your time I’ll wait. Anyways they do have a great one-two punch at running back with Chris Johnson and LenDale White. I believe that their wide receivers are average. I also expect to see the wildcat package here soon from the Titans. Also look out for Vince Young to get his starting job back. I believe the offense will be alright. I wonder how the loss of Albert Haynesworth will affect the Titans D. Anyways I see the Titans ending the regular season with a 9-7 record.
Houston Texans: Here is a team that has a ton of potential. Every year I hear analysts talk about how this is the year the Texans make it to the playoffs. Once again they are buzzing about the playoffs. I just don’t see it for the Texans. For some reason, I can’t point out what the Texans are missing. But they are one player or two from making the playoffs. They have a serviceable quarterback in Matt Schaub. A stud at the wide receiver position with Andre Johnson and a solid pass catching and rushing back with Steve Slaton. So you know the offense can put points up on the board. However injuries always seem to “hurt” (pun intended) this team. On defense they have a beast in Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. I know that their defense will help them squeak out a few W’s. But I do see injuries happening and causing this team to go 8-8.
Jacksonville Jaguars: It is going to be another long season for Jag fans. I often scratch my head with some of the personnel decisions made by the Jags. Now I know they caught a bad break with their offensive line. But how often is that going to happen? But Jag fans are screaming for a solid option at wide receiver! All they could get was Torry Holt. Now don’t get me wrong Holt is a great receiver but he is aging and the Jags need a young stud receiver. They haven’t had a solid wide receiver since Jimmy Smith. You know your passing game is going to suffer when your leading receiver amasses 761 yards. It makes it tough on 3rd and long and David Garrard has to sling it and hope that his receiver comes down with it. Oh by the way that leading receiver had a little bit of a crack problem and will not be on the team next year. Anyways their saving grace rests on the shoulder (and legs) of Maurice Jones Drew. The Jags defense will hold up thanks to solid play by Mike Peterson and Rasheen Mathis. But they will have their work cut out for them if the offense can’t get going. I see the Jags clinging to a 7-9 record.
San Diego Chargers: I still cannot believe that the NFL allowed this team into the playoffs with a .500 record. The Chargers made it in by winning their last regular season game and edging out Denver for the division. This year I don’t think it will be a close race in the AFC West. I think San Diego will be head and shoulders above the rest of their fellow division foes. On offense you have Phillip “Cry Me A” Rivers, LT, Antonio Gates, Vincent Jackson, Chris Chambers, and more! The only question mark for San Diego surrounds LT. He will be 30 and that always is a cursed age for running backs. But I hope he does well because I have him on my fantasy football team. I know the defense will be fired up especially since Shawne Merriman will return to his Linebacker spot! Be prepared to see a ton of Merriman’s patented “Lights Out” sack celebration. The Chargers will go 10-6 and they have their division and schedule to thank for that.
Denver Broncos: You talk about a team with so much drama. First it started with the firing of Mike Shanahan and the hiring of Josh McDaniels. Then McDaniels opened a wound by considering taking Matt Cassel with him. So rumors of this start to spread and reach Jay Cutler, the team’s franchise QB. Mr. Cutler doesn’t like the winds of change that are following Josh McDaniels. So he decides that he wants a trade. The Broncs front office gladly oblige to his demands and get a hell of a player in return. Now I made that comment with as much sarcasm as humanly possible. If you honestly think that Kyle Orton was a great replacement for Cutler then you deserve to be curb stomped. Well the drama doesn’t end there. Now their star wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, wants out as well. As you probably seen the video on YouTube where Marshall is just goofing off at practice. But even with all this drama they still will finish 2nd in their division. With a record of 8-8. Hey I didn’t say it was going to be pretty.
Oakland Raiders: With the 7th pick of the 2009 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders select Darrius Heyward-Bey. Man you should have seen the look on some of the faces of the people at the draft. They all had that “Who?” look on their face. The Raiders are a young team and could win some key games. At QB they have JaMarcus Russell who still has yet to get comfortable with the offense. They have a very explosive running back duo in Darren McFadden and Justin Vargas. I believe that McFadden is due for a breakout season. The only way that will happen is if Oakland can open up their passing game. If Russell can fend Jeff Garcia off for the starting job, I believe he can air it out and hope for the best. I mean that is all you can really do since the Raiders do not have a reputable wide receiver. I see the silver and black going 6-10.
Kansas City Chiefs: I had high hopes for the faithfuls of Aarowhead Stadium. However with the recent turn of events regarding Matt Cassel, I believe it doesn’t look so well. Even if Matt Cassel was healthy and ready to perform week 1, I believe that Chiefs have had so many changes to the look of their team. I think the biggest change was the departure of Tony Gonzalez. I think they will miss him dearly in the red zone. They have an aging running back in Larry Johnson. So I am still trying to figure out how they will put points on the board. New head coach, Todd Haley, certainly has his work cut out for him this year. Sorry Chief fans but it looks like another dismal year! I predict them to go 4-12
Arizona Cardinals: Congrats to the NFC Champs. They were minutes away from becoming the Super Bowl champs. I think it is safe to say that they will win their division again this year. I don’t see any other team in this division overtaking the Cards. Plus you take a look at their roster and you will agree as well. They managed to settle their differences with Anquan Boldin. They bring back the beast known as Larry Fitzgerald. The third wide receiver, Steve Breaston, is a great option as well. In the backfield you will have Tim Hightower and recently drafted from Ohio State, Chris “Beanie” Wells. Commandeering the offense you will have Kurt Warner. I know he is getting up their age but I feel he has one more season left in him. On the other side of the ball, the defensive unit gelled at the end of the season last year. I think they are getting use to playing together and will hold their own this season. While some other folks have them winning 11 games, I have the Cards going 10-6.
San Francisco 49ers: I think if the 49ers could get back Joe Montana and Jerry Rice in their prime they would appreciate it. Unfortunately Shaun Hill and Isaac Bruce will have to do for the 49ers. I think their offense would be electrified if Michael Crabtree would get his head out his ass and just sign with the team. It is people like him that make athletes seem greedy. You have yet to play one down for the organization and you are already demanding more money? I don’t get it. Well I know the offensive struggles will continue for this team. Even with a healthy Frank Gore at running back and Vernon Davis stopping his pouting. The defense holds more than its own. One statistic that was impressive that I wasn’t aware of was that San Fran’s defense only allowed 3.8 yards a carry. Now if the offense could average more than that a play, I think the 49ers will be ok. But I have them going 7-9 this season.
Seattle Seahawks: This team has fallen from grace. At one point in time they pretty much owned the NFC West. After their Super Bowl appearance this team hasn’t been the same. The team woes continue on offense with Matt Hasselbeck struggling to stay healthy. Not only does Seattle have their QB al banged up but their wide receivers happen to be bitten by the injury bug. Well during the offseason Seattle decided that they need to add another wideout. So who do they get? They scored TJ “Who’s Your Daddy” Houshmandzadeh. I think TJ will be a stud wide receiver. But that isn’t hard to accomplish when you are compared against Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. The Seahawks will have their challenges with putting points on the board. They will really need Julius Jones to step up and prove he can be a feature back. The defense however is stacked at the Linebacker position. They got rid of Julian Peterson and added Aaron Curry. The combination of LeRoy Hill, Aaron Curry, and Lofa Tatupu (shout out to the Tatupu family) will cause headaches to many teams. But it will not be enough to save this team. The Seahawks will go 6-10
St. Louis Rams: Another team that has self destructed after a few Super Bowl appearances. What happened to the Greatest Show on Turf? I believe that they have been in rebuilding mode for the last 5 or 6 years. But really does not seem to be working. They have a new coach in Jim Spagnuolo. Who brings his defense expertise to a team that has struggled with this concept. I believe that Stephen Jackson is a very talented back on offense. But with teams loading the box to prevent his explosiveness, he quickly becomes neutralized. Opposing teams encourage Rams QB, Marc Bulger, to throw the ball. And why not? Bulger threw his fair share of interceptions last season. I don’t think guys like Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery will strike fear in opposing team’s secondary. For a team that has issues with both sides of the ball makes me believe that Spagnuolo will be in for a long season. I think the Rams will finish with a 3-13 record.
