Alright, here we go. The season kickoff is about 5 hours away and it's time to post my predictions on how the year will turn out. It should be noted that I'm terrible at this and things never turn out the way that I expect them to, but what the hell, it's fun to act like I know what I'm doing. So here it goes:
AFC EAST
- New England 15-1
- New York Jets 11-4
- Buffalo 5-11
- Miami 4-12
AFC NORTH
- Pittsburgh 11-5
- Baltimore 8-8
- Cinncinati 7-9
- Cleveland 6-10
AFC SOUTH
- Indianapolis 13-3
- Jacksonville 12-4
- Houston 8-8
- Tennessee 7-9
AFC WEST
- San Diego 14-2
- Denver 8-8
- Oakland 5-11
- Kansas City 3-13
NFC EAST
- Dallas 14-2
- New York Giants 12-4
- Washington 7-9
- Philadelphia 6-10
NFC NORTH
- Minnesota 13-3
- Chicago 10-6
- Green Bay 5-11
- Detroit 5-11
NFC SOUTH
- Carolina 8-8
- New Orleans 8-8
- Tampa Bay 6-10
- Atlanta 5-11
NFC WEST
- Seattle 12-4
- St. Louis 4-12
- Arizona 4-12
- San Francisco 2-14
AFC PLAYOFFS
WILD CARD WEEK
Indianapolis over New York Jets
Jacksonville over Pittsburgh
DIVISIONAL WEEK
San Diego over Indianapolis
New England over Jacksonville
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
San Diego over New England
NFC PLAYOFFS
WILD CARD WEEK
Chicago over Seattle
New York Giants over Carolina
DIVISIONAL WEEK
Dallas over Chicago
New York Giants over Minnesota
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Dallas over New York Giants
SUPER BOWL
San Diego 24, Dallas 17
So there you have it. I'm on record. If history is any indicator San Diego and Dallas should both miss the playoffs because I picked them to play in the Super Bowl. Time will tell.
I come up with these predictions by going though the schedule and picking each game then tallying up the record of each team. This method always leaves me a little surprised by some of the results. So, let's break it down by division and I'll try to make some sense out of it for you.
AFC EAST
Obviously, the Patriots are going to win this division again and coast into the post season. What surprised me was 11-4 for the Jets. I didn't think that getting Brett Favre was going to make that much of a difference for the Jets but I certainly picked them to finish with an impressive season. When I started to think about it though, it actually makes a lot of sense. I think the Jets are a talented team that has been held back by poor quarterback play. Favre improves them at the most important position in the game and they will be much better. Signing Alan Faneca doesn't hurt either.
AFC NORTH
The thing that will jump out at most people here is that I didn't go with the media darling Cleveland Browns. I think this team is over hyped. I base that theory on the belief that Derek Anderson caught lightning in a bottle last season and will not be very good this year. My prediction is that Brady Quinn is starting for the Browns by Halloween and I don't think that the Browns have prepared Quinn to be a starter in this league.
AFC SOUTH
Nothing revolutionary here. I think Jacksonville will push Indy hard for the division. The Colts coming out on top came down to a late season matchup between the two teams. I gave it to Indianapolis because the Jags have yet to prove that they can show up and play in a big game situation.
AFC WEST
Terrible division, San Diego will walk away with it on their way to a Super Bowl victory. If the defense and LT can stay healthy, I'm pretty confident they'll be the last team standing.
NFC EAST
I'm not too sure how good to expect the Giants to be this season. They're hurting on the defensive front. The offense should be good though. However, I'm in agreement with most of the national media. I'm pretty sure this is the year that it all comes together for Dallas. The Redskins and Philly still have a lot of catching up to do.
NFC NORTH
Minnesota concerns me at quarterback, but so does every other team in this division. I was a little surprised to see the 13 wins for the Vikes but I do believe they'll win the division without much of a fight.
NFC SOUTH
What a bland division. Nothing about the results shocked me. Moving on...
NFC WEST
Terrible division which helps a solid Seattle team to 12 wins and no competion for the division title. St. Louis could roar back this season to make it interesting but I'm not counting on it.
So there you have it. I'll take a look at tonight's game here in a few. Let's kick this thing off!
