Predicting the NFL Playoff Teams after 8 Weeks
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by user Jgov05
Here are my NFL playoff predictions after 8 weeks:
NFC
- Chicago Bears: The Bears can kill easy teams, as they proved once again this week. Their defense is absolutely dominant at Soldier Field, and their offense is underrated. They will roll to at least 13 wins.
- New York Giants: I thought the Giants were too inconsistent to overcome their tough schedule, but I guess I was wrong. Eli Manning, Tiki Barber, and the underrated Plaxico Burress make their offense pretty hard to stop. Their clash against the Bears in week 10 will show whether they belong this high.
- Carolina Panthers: Assuming they hold their lead against the Cowboys, the Panthers are in a good position to win the NFC South. Though they currently rank third, they've been on a roll since Steve Smith returned from injury. They basically control their own destiny down the stretch, with games at Atlanta and New Orleans the last two weeks.
- St. Louis Rams: I'm calling it right now: the Rams will win the NFC West. Seattle will be hampered without Matt Hasselbeck, and the Rams have quitely shown a forceful offense. Marc Bulger is, as usual, one of the league's most underrated quarterbacks in the league. There are many concerns about their defense, but their home field advantage and explosive offense are enough to override that.
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have put together two impressive wins in a row, but they're too inconsistent to win the division. While Michael Vick has improved immensely thus far, their defense has been pounded upon. I think that the Falcons have the potential to win the division, but the Panthers are just better.
- Seattle Seahawks: They put up a better fight in Kansas City than I thought they would. The key for Seattle is the return of Hasselbeck. If he could return for the divisional battle against the Rams, that would be huge. Six of their remaining opponents have losing records, so the road to the playoffs shouldn't be too hard. I'm ranking them here until another team shows me something.
AFC
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts will roll through the regular season; everyone knows this. Peyton Manning will likely win his third MVP award, and their offense has the unique ability to outscore any team they play. Their showdown at New England could be the best game of the year.
- New England Patriots: I think they will beat Minnesota tomorrow, and if they do that gives them the league's third-best record. The Pats can beat teams without playing their best, which is always a good thing to be able to do. Tom Brady has been off, but should improve as the season goes on. Just try to beat this team in Foxboro.
- San Diego Chargers: It's a tough call whether them or the Broncos will win the West. I think the Chargers will, because when they play at their best they are the most well-rounded team in the league. LT showed explosiveness against the Rams that we haven't seen from him in a few years, and Philip Rivers has played better than anyone could have expected. Shawne Merriman's suspension will hurt them, but they can survive.
- Cincinnati Bengals: I'm just not convinced the Ravens can win the North. The Bengals have been very inconsistent, but their offense has improved the past few weeks. Their schedule is murderous, but so is the Ravens'. These two teams will meet two times in the next five weeks, so that will show us a lot.
- Denver Broncos: Their defense is still the best in the AFC. Indy did expose them, but then again they do that to everybody. The Broncos are probably the only team that can be elite without a true passing game. The Bell combination and strong defense will take this team to the postseason.
- Kansas City Chiefs: This pick seems insanse, until you consider the Chiefs' remaining schedule. They have game at Miami, against Oakland, at Cleveland, and at Oakland. There are four more wins right there, and if they can win two of three tough home games (Denver, Baltimore, Jacksonville), then they should make the postseason.
Disagree? Of course you will. Post a comment.
