NFL PREVIEW
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by Jagsinbowlxl
Monday, September 3, 2007
NFL Preview
In looking at the new season, I noticed some things that many other people haven't... There are some REALLY good teams, and then there are some REALLY bad teams. Ok, fine, maybe you thought of that too, but the parity struck me like a Mike linebacker on a weakside blitz. I decided to take a game-by-game approach at the season and made an Xcell spreadsheet showing the game-by-game results. I have some surprises, interesting turn-outs and some downright shockers. Before you guys dismiss these ideas, take a minute to read the explanations on the interesting teams as I have tried to make a solid judgement on all the teams I could.
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.MSO\ExcelWebPagePreview\NFL_Projected_Schedule_and_Results.htm ' NFC East'
1.) Washington 10-6 - The Skins are an up-and-coming team and this is the year for them to breakout. With Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, the Skins will be strong running the ball and with the emergence of Jason Campbell throwing to the likes of Randel El, Moss, and Lloyd the Skins are poised to have a break-out year. (Oh, and the defense has greatly improved as well with the addition of London Fletcher in a system he is comfortable with.)
2.) Philadelphia 10-6 -McNabb will be back, and McNabb will play well. This is a young and inexperienced team so that will cost them some wins. But they hang on to the final playoff spot and make a run on the backs of Westbrook, Lito, and Reggie Brown.
3.) Dallas 9-7 -So close, yet so far. Romo has a break-out year, but their young team doesn't get it done in the stretch as they start to fall apart later in the season. Good team, just too young (look ahead to 2009.)
4.) N.Y. Giants 5-11 -I'm just not sold on this team. I don't like their makeup and I think they are just too old in some areas. They have potential but they need to sure up the defensive and the running game. Look for them to come back strong in '09, but this is a rebuilding year in my mind.
NFC North
1.) Detroit 10-6 -10 wins? I'm on board. This team has an explosive offensive attack with Roy Williams, Jon Kitna, Calvin Johnson (and sometimes productive Rb Tatum Bell + Kevin Jones joining them mid-year. Their defense plays with heart and their fans will finally get something to cheer about as these Lions win the division for the first time in 3 milleniums.
2.) Chicago 10-6 -A good solid team, will benefit greatly from Hester being used as a utility player on offense. They have, as always, a great defense, add in full year number 2 for Rex and you have a good young team. They will start out shaky, but regain control and make the playoffs after their trip to the Super Bowl in '07.
3.) Minnesota 5-11 -I like what they are putting together, but they haven't put it all together yet. A.D (All day, Adrian) will put up some great numbers for a rookie and Tavaris Jackson will get some much needed starting reps, but the Vikes are 1 year away from solid NFL competitiveness (first they need to get some solid DBs and WRs who can catch--their run d is amazing).
4.) Green Bay 3-13 -Sorry Brett, I'm just not a fan of your offense. Your defense is solid and has some playmakers, but I think that they will give up too many big plays and your offense won't be able to run with some of the good teams you will be facing this year.
NFC South
1.) New Orleans 13-3 -This team is for real. They sured up their defense with some under the radar signings and their offense is as explosive as ever. Watch for Drew Brees to put up career numbers (MVP?!?!) and Reggie and Duece to continue to run over defenses. They roll over their competition this football season.
2.) Carolina 5-11 -Good recievers, shaky starting QB, shaky defense. I'm not sold on the believers. I'd say they underachieve (or do exactly what I think they will do) in many people's eyes and get second in an absolutely horrible division.
3.) Atlanta 4-12 -Without even mentioning Vick (oops) the Falcon's just lost too much to be competitve. Im not sold on their defense, and I think that their offense will have fun, but without much sucess. This is a team that needs a couple of years to get used to each other. Down year, but still finishing in third.
4.) Tampa Bay 2-14 -Too many QB's, too many old defensive players, too many questions on offense and defense. They may be able to kick 60 yard field goals, but they will struggle to compete many times this season. They are a up-and-coming squad, but not even close to ready. Look for them to compete in '10.
NFC West
1.) St. Louis 12-4 - This team is for real. Led by the most underrated QB in the NFL in Marc Bulger, the Rams highly touted offense will burn up the turf in St. Louis. Steven Jackson will have a MONSTER year and the new additions on offense (Randy McMichael, Drew Bennett) will provide some much needed depth. The offensive line is young and very much improved and they have made some solid signings on the d to help with their struggling defense (including LB Will Witherspoon). This team is for real and I am definitely sold on them.
2.) San Francisco 8-8 -Everyone's sleeper pick (I'm not really sure how that works), but they won't win the division this year. They will finish at another solid 8-8 but only because of the competitiveness of their division. '09 is their year to shine, but with Frank Gore, Alex Smith, and Vernon Davis and newly aquired CB Nate Clements, the Niners will make a big push this year setting up for their amazing '09 campaign.
3.) Seattle 8-8 -They are always solid, but they will be victim of a tough division. The best division in the NFC will be too strong for even Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck to overcome. They have improved greatly on defense with DE Patrick Kerney and Deon Grant, but they won't be able to keep their division winning streak alive. This is a great team, but their division will get the better of them .
4.) Arizona 7-9 -Another sexy sleeper pick, the Cards will be much improved with Leinart at the helm, but as with the Seahawks, the 'Zona will be victim of location. In any other division I would give this team a shot at the division title, but this division is jus too strong for a young team like this. Don't get me wrong, they will hold their own, but once again they won't be able to brace themselves for the tough competition they have to face week-in and week-out.
Playoffs: 1.) New Orleans 2.) St. Louis 3.) Washington 4.) Detriot 5.) Philadelphia 6.) Chicago NFC Wild Card 3.) Washington 24 6.) Chicago 21 4.) Detriot 27 5.) Philadelphia 31 NFC Divisional 1.) New Orleans 35 5.) Philadelphia 30 2.) St. Louis 37 3.) Washington 27 NFC Championship 1.) New Orleans 34 2.) St. Louis 37
NFC Champion St. Louis Rams
MVP: Steven Jackson-RB-Rams/ Drew Brees-QB-Saints
ROY: (Rookie of the year) Laron Landry-SS-Washington
Comeback Player: Donovan McNabb-QB-Eagles
AFC East
1.) New England 12-4 -Everyone's top team... and I can see why. Loaded with talent on offense and defense this former Dynasty will come back strong in '07-'08. The will use new addition Wrs Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and TE Kyle Brady in excess this year (Brady more as a blocker) and Adalius Thomas will be a huge addition to the LB corps on defense as these Pats seem poised for a deep playoff run. This is most definitely the team to beat in the AFC, but they will lose some games because of injury and suspension.
2.) Buffalo 7-9 - A great young team, look for them to be in the playoffs in '09. They just miss out on the party this year, but they don't go out without a show. The J.P. Losman to Lee Evans party will be running on all night long and the newly drafted Marshawn Lynch will provide some youth at the RB position to take over for the departed Willis McGahee. The defense is young and powerful LB Posluzny and Safety Donte Whitner will hold down this defense for years to come.
3.) N.Y. Jets 7-9 - They overachieved last year and I just don't feel like they have enough playmakers on offense to be able to compete again this year. Pennington scares me at QB and their wide recievers played way above their heads last year. They have a great runningback tandem with Leon Washington and Thomas Jones as well as a great young offensive line and defensive corps. I just feel that they overachieved last year and will ressess a bit this year.
4.) Miami 3-13 - I don't feel that this is a good team. I'm not a fan of Trent Green in this new offense and they are just too inexperienced to make any sort of move. They have a great defense but with Lemon or Green starting at Qb (and a weaker O-line which won't give Ronnie Brown solid touches) this team won't be able to score many points against anyone.
AFC North
1.) Baltimore 11-5 -I'm a fan of this team's heart and desire to win. They have a great mix of young talent and veteran leaders and I think that they will keep their engines rolling this year as they look to win the division yet again. McNair has played well in this offense and they are always dangerous on defense (yet again with a top 3 defense). This is a team that is dangerous and will play some great football this year.
2.) Pittsburg 10-6 - This will be a a rebound year for the Steelers, but amazingly enough this 10-6 record won't be enough to return to the playoffs. Rothy will do a great job leading the offense and Willie Parker will have an outstanding year. The defense knows how to play in the trenches and they will be much improved over last year's dissappointment.
3.) Cincinatti 9-7 -I like their offense with Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, and Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson, but I'm not sold on their defense or their team chemistry. They will 1-up their record from last year, but they will not be able to jump to the next level as they are still dealing with some issues from last year and last offseason. Good team, just too many problems at this point to take the next step.
4.) Cleveland 3-13 -It won't take long to get Brady Quinn into games, but he still won't be able to produce much, as this is not a very good team at all. They will struggle in all aspects of the game, but they are heading in the right direction. They have an ok young defense and they are working hard at solidifying the offense. This team is more likely to go for a run in '10 or '11.
AFC South
1.) Jacksonville 13-3 - I know, I know, most of you are probably shutting off ur computers and laughing at me for this pick, but hold off judgement until I have finished my explanation. The Jaguars, amid all controversy over their former QB situation will come out of the box hard and strong. They will have a huge chip on their shoulder (for the ticket, stadium, QB, and location issues are in full force) and play like it. If you look at their short history you will notice that they play down to their weaker opponents and stronger for their tougher opponents. I really feel that they can beat any team in the NFL, especially the tougher ones. As for their lower competition I think they learned a large lession last year. Their losses to Buffalo, Tennessee, Houston, and Washington really taught them a lesson and with their games against their divisional rivals they will undoubtedly come away with a strong victory. I believe this team has turned a corner and will shock the NFL this year.
2.) Houston 10-6 - If you haven't already broken everything in your house, you most likely just did. The TEXANS OVER THE COLTS!?! Yes, that's right, the Texans. With Matt Schuab, they finally have a solid QB to work around. With one of the best and most underrated recievers in Andre Johnson they have a target to work with (also Owen Daniels and Kevin Walker as underrated options) With rejuvenated and hungry RB Ahman Green, Samkon Gado and Ron Dayne they will have options in the running attack. With electric return man Jacoby Jones they have a game-changer. With a young d-line featuring Okoye and Mario Williams they have depth and huge upside. With Michael Boulware and Dunta Robinson solidifying the defensive backs this team is finally ready to step up to the bigtime and shock the NFL. They will make the playoffs as the final wild card slot.
3.) Indianapolis 9-7 - I'm sorry champs, but I'm just not sold. Manning will keep them in every game, but with so many departures and the rest of the division greatly improving (not to mention everyone having their numbers) they won't be as strong as they usually are and they will lose their streak of consecutive division titles. They still have some great playmakers, but they won't have enough to get it done this year. Enjoy it while it lasts Indy, you had a great run.
4.) Tennessee 8-8 - I really like this young team. Vince Young is filled with heart and Lendale White will have a break-out year. They have lost a ton, so they will be pushed back a little, but they will fight hard to keep their 8-8 record from last year. This is going to be one of the most competitive division's in all of football for years to come and watch for the Titans to finally emerge in '09 or '10.
AFC West
1.) San Diego 12-4 - LT all day every day (and don't forget about Michael Turner either). This is a great team with an explosive offense, a suffocating defense and a special teams unit, lead by might mite Darren Sproles and K Nate Kaeding, that will keep them in every game. Philip Rivers will have a break-out year connecting with Vincent Jackson early and often. Shawne Merriman will hold down the defense and the Chargers will not only look spiffy in their new unies, but they will play like champs as well.
2.) Denver 11-5 -I like where this team is going, and they will arrive there sooner than most think. With one of the best DB's that I have ever seen paired together and another solid offensive scheme, the Broncos will win a lot this season and suffocate teams at Mile High Stadium. With Jay Cutler in his first full season, the Broncos look to spread the ball around and let him do what he does best and let that ball fly. I like this team and they could surprise some people this year.
3.) Kansas City 5-11 -LJ is too good for this, but I don't see this team doing much this year. With two good but not great Quaterbacks looking to lead this team and a defense with a lot of holes, the Chiefs don't seem to pose a threat to many this year, especially the other great teams in this division. I like their direction, but they have to make a few pit stops before they get to where they need to be. They have a great homefield advantage but they don't have a great squad this year. Sorry Herm.
4.) Oakland 4-12 - Hey they'll improve... Just not that much. Still without signing Russell will hurt them immensely, but Daunte will hold down the fort (or at least the hut) until he arrives. The defense is excellent but the offense still needs some work. They will be more competitive this year and will show some heart, but they are still 1 maybe 2 years away from making some noise. This young group needs time to gel and in a few years they will be very very tough to beat.
Playoffs: 1.) Jacksonville 13-3 2.) San Diego 12-4 3.) New England 12-4 4.) Baltimore 11-5 5.) Denver 11-5 6.) Houston 10-6 AFC Wildcard 3.) New England 28 6.) Houston 24 4.) Baltimore 27 5.) Denver 20 AFC Divisional 1.) Jacksonville 30 4.) Baltimore 27 AFC Championship 1.) Jacksonville 24 3.) New England 27
2.) San Diego 31 3.) New England 34
AFC Champion New England Patriots
MVP: Fred Taylor-RB-Jaguars/Tom Brady-Qb-Patriots
ROY: Amobi Okoye-DT-Texans
Comeback Player: Steve McNair-Qb-Ravens
SUPER BOWL St. Louis Rams 34 New England Patriots 33 So now it's time to wait and watch and wonder, because it's time for football and I couldn't ask for a better way to start the fall....
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION ST. LOUIS RAMS
SB MVP: Marc Bulger
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