My 2010-11 NFL Preview And Predictions

waiting4number6 · 2010-09-10T20:42:05-07:00

AFC AFC East 1. New York Jets - 12-4 - It's a Hard Knock life for the Jets this season wheather they like it or not. With all the expectations. all the hype (especially the hype created from within the Jets organization), they have to deliver and win their 1st Super Bowl, since the guarantee. Offensive MVP - Nick Mangold - He's the best center in the game and he just got payed like it. Defensive MVP - Darrelle Revis - He's the best corner in the game and well, thanks to Al Davis he didn't get paid like it. 2. New England Patriots - 9-7 - It's hard to bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, but with 2 defensive starters out for the season. and two key starters on the offensive line probably out for the year themselves (LG Logan Mankins [who is the best LG in football] is holding out due to a contract dispute and RT Nick Kazur has a serious back injury), the Pats just don't have enough to be a contender in the AFC. Offensive MVP - Tom Brady - Say what you want about the man, he's still one of the best in the game. Defensive MVP - Brandon Meriweather - The multi-talented former 1st round pick gets thrusted into a leadership role this season. And it may just be as simple as an age thing. With #1 corner Lee Bodden going down, Meriwheather becomes the oldest starter in the secondary. 3. Miami Dolphins - 8-8 - The Dolphins have one of the younger teams in the NFL. That doesn't mean their without talent. Quite the contrary. Adding offensive star Brandon Marshall and defensive playmaker Karlos Dansby, just adds some pedigree to the club. Problem is they play the Jets and Patriots twice a year, and have an entirely new interior to offensive line, one of which is a 3rd round rookie (John Jerry). Offensive MVP - Jake Long - The #1 pick in the '07 Draft is about as good as they come in terms of LT. He just has one weakness, blocking talented speed rushers coming off the edge. Defensive MVP - Randy Starks - Starks dominated at the defensive end spot in Miami's 3-4 last season. Now he takes over for retired Jason Ferguson at Nose Tackle. Early returns have Starks making a smooth transition, and being a little undersized at NT, but deadly quick, may be to his advantage, ala Jay Ratliff. 4. Buffalo Bills - 2-14 - Do I really have to write something here? I mean like any NFL team the Bills have a talented player here and there, but all in all this may be 2010's worst team. The worst pass blocking team in the League in '09 (as the Bills went through 3 QB's, because they had no protection for any of them), looks to continue that trend in 2010. Letting Terrell Owens go is understandable, but not replacing him is just reckless. Undrafted rookie David Nelson actually got some starting work in Training Camp, opposite Lee Evans. The defense isn't much better as they switch to a 3-4, with a 2rd round rookie (Torrell Troup ) starting at the schemes most important position NT. Not only that Reggie Torbor who has a grand total of 6.5 sacks in his entire NFL career (and should be playing as an inside backer for the Bills to begin with) is starting at one of the 2 outside linebacker spots (Aaron Maybin where are you?!). with veteran Chris Kelsey manning the other side, who himself has played with his hand in the dirt his entire career as a defensive end. As if '09's season wasn't long enough for Bills fans, this one will seem even longer. Offensive MVP - CJ Spiller - The man has immense talent he just got drafted by an awful team. OJ Simpson comparasion anyone? The Electric Company part 2? Maybe, maybe. Defensive MVP - Jaruis Byrd - The one clear bright spot for the Bill defense last year, and the man who should of won Defensive Rookie Of The Year. 9 interceptions as a rookie, not bad especially considering he missed 2 games. AFC North 1. Baltimore Ravens - 10-6 - Baltimore has the best offense Ravens fans have ever seen. That being said they also have the worst secondary Ravens fans have ever seen (and you can blame that on injuries - corner Dominque Foxworth out for the year torn ACL; Ed Reed out at least the first 6 games with a hip problem; 2nd-year corner Ladarious Webb and veteran corner Fabian Washington are both coming into this season recovering from torn ACLs they suffered last season). If those 3 players I just mentioned can come back to full heath, going into the Playoffs the Ravens will have a legit shot at their second ever Lombardi trophy. Offensive MVP - Ray Rice - One of my personal faves, Ray Rice was simply spectacular last season, showing signs of things to come for many years. Just ask Bill Belichick (see last year's Playoff game, in Foxboro). Defensive MVP - Haloti Ngata - Ngata kind of had a down year last season. That being said it wasn't that bad as he made his first ever Pro Bowl. And now with the Ravens drafting Terrence "Mount" Cody to pair with Ngata (don't forget about Kelly Gregg people), it takes more pressure off of Ngata so he can focus more on getting to the QB. 2. Pittsburgh Steelers - 10-6 - Yes Big Ben is out the first 4 games, yes their cornerback problem scares me (Bryant McFadden who is now back with the Steelers is starting as their #2 corner, and their was starting corner worse last season, in the NFL). But any football intelecual will tell you, if you can put pressure on the other team's QB, then it gives the QB's wide outs less time to get open. The Steelers have the best outside backer tandem in football, with Super Bowl hero James Harrison and stud Lamar Woodley, who are both threats again for 10 plus sacks a piece. When Big Ben gets back the Steelers, make no mistake about it will, be in the hunt for the Playoffs. Offensive MVP - Ben Roethlisberger - Let's face it the Steelers need Big Ben. His off-field indescretions aside, the man is one talented quarterback. And when he's on the field for the Steelers they are a better football team. Defensive MVP - Troy Polumalu - The key for Troy this year is to stay healthy. Because when he's healthy there isn't a better safety in the NFL. 3. Cincinatti Bengals - 10-6 - It's pretty simple, the Bengals will go as far as Carson Palmer will take them. They have a stout defense coming back that is even better than last year (getting DE Antwan Odom back healthy and trading for former 1st round bust, but still very talented FS Reggie Nelson) and of course the offensive additions in Batman, err Terrell Owens, along with 1st round tight end Jermaine Gresham, and 3rd round slot machine Jordan Shipley. So talent isn't the issue, however wheather or not Carson Palmer can lead this team deep into the Playoffs is. Offensive MVP - Bobbie Williams - It's not often you can say a right guard is your offenses best player, but with the Bengals that is the case. Williams made a strong argument for a Pro bowl selection as helped pave the way for running back Cedric Benson's comeback tour last season. Defensive MVP - Leon Hall - Hall has a pretty good friend in fellow corner Johnathan Joseph, but Hall is the headliner in the secondary for sure. Hall and Joseph played so well last season, it masked the fact they had one of the worst deep safeties in the League, starting for them in Chris Crocker. 4. Cleveland Browns - 3-13 - The Browns are a team that are the poster child, for rebuilding. Bring in a new GM in Mike Holmgren, a bandaid of a QB in Jake Delhomme, and why not overpay your most dynamic player while your at it in return man extrodinare Josh Cribbs (three-years, $20 million). Offensive MVP - Joe Thomas - About a well rounded left tackle as you could want. I just feel bad for the guy, as the blindsides he's had to protect in his young career are: Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, and now the worst QB of 2009 Jake Dellhome. Defensive MVP - Shaun Rogers - Talent has never been in short supply for the former Lion DT. Desire and the ability to make good decisions are a whole nother story. The man blocked an extra point and a field goal in the same game against the rival Bengals last season, to keep the Browns in the contest (the Browns lost, but I mean come on their the Browns). Rogers also brought a loaded gun onto a plane during the off-season... So go figure. AFC South 1. Indianapolis Colts - 11-5 - The Colts have one of the softest O-lines in the League (and as of Wednesday it's even softer as the Colts waived injured veteran lineman Tony Ugoh), they have one of the youngest cornerbacking groups in the NFL, but guess what they have Peyton Manning too, so it's all good in Naptown. Offensive MVP - Peyton Manning - If the Colts didn't have Peyton, you could argue they would miss the Playoffs this season, and that's coming off a Super Bowl apperance. That's how important Peyton is to the Colts. Defensive MVP - Dwight Freeney - After Freeney's amazing recovery in the 1st half of Super Bowl 44, the Colts were in the lead and in control. After the long half time headlined by the Who, Freeney amazing recovery turned into an amazingly stiff ankle and the Saints took control of the game and the lead in the 2nd half of Super Bowll 44. That's how important Freeney is to the Colts. 2. Houston Texans - 9-7 - Matt Schaub threw for nearly 4,800 yards last season and Andre Johnson caught another 100+ catches for over 1,500 yards and 9 TD's. Yeah we know Nolan the Texans have a great passing game. Well Arian Foster averaged nearly 5 yards a carry in 6 games last year as well. Yeah no duh, we all play fantasy football OK. What about their defense? Well with former super rookie or former super injected rookie Brian Cushing, being out the first 4 games the Texans defense takes a huge hit early on (especially in week 1, as they host the defending AFC Champion Colts). Even after those 4 weeks the Texans have a hole to fill as at their top corner spot with Dunta Robinson leaving in Free Agency and a stone cold rookie being throw in to the mix to replace him (Kareem Jackson). Basically yes it's all on a young defense that has a bunch of guys that have to step up (second-year DE Conner Barwin has to take pressure and double teams off of All-Pro Mario Williams, and former 1st rounder DT Amobi Okoye has to prove he was worth that pick by becoming a force in the middle), if the Texans want to to make it to the Playoffs for the first time in their history. Offensive MVP - Andre Johnson - The best WR in the game would love to showcase his talents on the big stage. In other words AJ wants to be in the Playoffs. Defensive MVP - Mario Williams - I don't think anybody questions the Texans for taking Super Mario, over Reggie Bush and Vince Young anymore. 40 sacks and 2 All-Pro selections in 4 years, yeah that topic doesn't come up anymore. 3. Tennessee Titans - 9-7 - From 0-6 to 8-8. That shows you one Jeff Fisher is one good coach. And two the Titans underpreformed last season. However they let longtime Titan Keith Bullock go and the man who played opposite him as an outside linebacker David Thorton is coming to this season banged up and the Titans don't have anybody legit to replace him. QB Vince Young proved last year that he can play and play well in the NFL. The offense is fine, especially since they Titans have one of the best O-Lines in the League, headed by stud LT Michael Roos and of course Roos and company block for the best RB in the free world in Chris Johnson. The defense has to get healthy, especially FS Michael Griffin who had off-season shoulder surgery (Griffin's play was way off in '09 because of that shoulder with only 1 pick, compared to 7 the previous year). That being said the Titans don't have enough talent in the first place to yank this division back from Peyton Mann... errr I mean Indy. Offensive MVP - Chris Johnson - OK CJ2K won't go for 2,500 rushing yards as he says he will, but he still has a legit shot at doing something that is supposed to be impossible: rush for 2,000 yards in back to back seasons. Defensive MVP - Cortland Finnegan - Finnegan was hurt and played hurt a lot of '09 and still picked off 5 passes. The Titans are gonna need him 100% if they want to make a Playoff run this year. 4. Jacksonville Jaguars - 4-12 - There's a reason attendance is down in Jacksonville, the Jagz have been an average football team the last couple years. Jack Del Rio receiving a huge contract extension after their last Playoff apperance, is a big reason for that. The good thing for Jagz fans even though the team isn't very good, next season Del Rio will only have one year on his deal, and will probably be fired. Offensive MVP - Maurice Jones-Drew - MJD is one of the most outspoken, funny, and intersting players in the NFL. Problem is he plays for the team with the worst fan base in the NFL. So that being said, and me being born and raised in Los Angeles, let's bring MJD and the NFL back to LA. Defensive MVP - Kirk Morrison - This man is the main reason why Al Davis made another boo-boo, while making his 2010 1st round selection in the Draft. Morrison was blamed for the Raiders run stopping woes, even though he made 133 tackles and forced 3 fumbles last season (the reason was DT Tommy Kelly for those who are wondering). Thankfully for the 12 Jagz fans out there, they get to watch Morrison in aqua green and fill a need at MLB, for the the small price of a 5th round pick. AFC West 1. San Diego Chargers - 10-6 - The defense isn't the same, with Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil holding out the offense especially isn't the same. The Chargers will win this division again, mainly because it's such a bad division. But at least if your a Charger fan another thing will stay the same, along with that division title, the Chargers will get bounced from the Playoffs in their first game. Offensive MVP - Phillip Rivers - Even though LaDainian Tomlinson was still in the San Diego backfield last season, it was Rivers' team. And now with LT on the east coast, it's even more obvious. And with 2 key Chargers still holding out (WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus McNeil), there's even more pressure on Phil to make the offense go. Defensive MVP - Shaun Phillips - Even though the Chargers sack totals have dipped recently, Phillips is still steady as a rock, recording 7 sacks and forcing a League high 7 fumbles, last season. 2. Oakland Raiders - 8-8 - OK so the Raiders are still a mediocre football team, but they are better. Mainly because their QB isn't a problem, or the main problem anymore. Jason Campbell actually threw for more yards and a much better completion % than Donavan McNabb, even though he only had Santana Moss and tight ends to throw to last year. Campbell will again have a bad O-Line in front him, something he's use to. At least he will have two RB's with different skill sets to hand off to, in 245 pound thumper Michael Bush and the #4 overall pick in the '08 Draft Darren McFadden, who is supposed to have some serious after burners (but injuries early in his career have slowed him down). The defense shows promise this season, led by mainstay Nnamdi Asomough who is still one of the Leagues best corners. And the D-Line is improved, as vet DT Richard Seymour comes back, along side with young and talented pass rusher Trevor Scott (who had 7 sacks last year, even though he started only 6 games). The Raiders won't make the Playoffs, but they will show a little commitment and a little excellence, this season. Offensive MVP - Zach Miller - Miller went over 800 yards last season, and now he gets a QB who can do more than just trying to throw 80 yards down the field. He's one of the League's best TE's, he just plays in Oakland, at least now with Campbell he will get a little more air time. Defensive MVP - Nnamdi Asomough - His contract is the main reason for the Darrelle Revis holdout this summer. Reguardless he can still lock down some of the game's best WR's and even lay the wood in run support. 3. Kansas City Chiefs - 6-10 Their are some pieces on this team, that show signs of a possible of a future for KC. The rookie safeties for one 5th overall Eric Berry and mid rounder Kendrick Lewis will pair up to go along with an already decent corner tandem in Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers. Fantasy star of '09 RB Jamaal Charles and talented yet hard headed WR Dwayne Bowe will again take pressure of the supposed franchise QB Matt Cassel. As Cassel will be groomed by new offensive coodinator Charlie Weis. The defense will be coodinated by another former Patriot coach, Romeo Crenell. That defense has the a couple building blocks to make up a front 7, 3rd year DT/DE Glen Dorsey and OLB Tamba Hali. The Chiefs have a lot of holes, but they do have a lot of talent just in certain spots. Offensive MVP - Brian Waters - The main reason for Jamaal Charles' breakout season, was Waters. A future HOF, will continue to pancake D-Line, as well as lend a wise mouth to up and coming LT Brandon Albert. Defensive MVP - Eric Berry - Berry is already the team's best defender for two reasons: 1. the Chiefs D has been awful for a while and 2. Berry is one heck of a talent. 4. Denver Broncos - 3-13 The Broncos really don't have a shot this year and you place the blame on Josh McDaniels. The man that should of been fired after he tried to trade an ultra-talented QB for a system QB. Too many talented pieces have been sent away, and too many Draft picks have been wasted. The sooner Owner Pat Bowlen fires McDaniels, the sooner the Broncos can get back to being a respectable football team. Offensive MVP - Ryan Clady - The best offensive tackle in football didn't allow a full sack until a year and a half into his career. And once again he is apart of one of the best tackle tandems in the game, with RT Ryan Harris. Defensive MVP - Champ Bailey - Even at 32 years of age, Champ is still one of the best corners in the game. And now actually has a decent side-kick to help him out, in Andre Goodman (Goodman picked off 5 balls and knocked down 17 of them in 2009). Allowing Champ to go after more INT's as more balls are thrown his way. AFC Playoffs Wild-Card Round Bengals @ Ravens - Ravens 23, Bengals 14 Steelers @ Chargers - Steelers 20, Chargers 7 Divisional Round Steelers @ Jets - Jets 10, Steelers 7 Ravens @ Colts - Ravens 24, Colts 21 AFC Championship Ravens @ Jets - Jets 19, Ravens 14 NFC NFC East 1. Dallas Cowboys - 12-4 The Cowboys have the most talented team they have had since their last Super Bowl win, back in 1996. Rookie WR Dez Bryant will now go with #1 WR (for the time being, as Dez is the more talented of the two) Miles Austin, to form one of the NFL's scariest tandems. Oh yeah they also have TE Witten and a level headed Tony Romo to throw the ball around to all these guys. If the offensive line can stay healthy the Cowboy offense should put up big numbers, especially if Offensive Coodinator Jason Garrett figures out ways to stay balanced and stay true to the running game. The defense is one of the most talented and underrated in the game. Demarcus Ware is the best pass rushing in the NFL. Jay Ratliff provides freakish athletism at the NT spot setting everything up. And corners Mike Jenkins and Terrence Newman help control the back end. The only real question on the Cowboys is the free safety position. As long time back up Alan Ball gets thrown into the spotlight. If Ball can hold up in coverage and make his presence felt in the box, the sky is the limit for the Cowboys this season. Offensive MVP - Tony Romo - Even with the so-so preformance Romo gave in Minnesota, as the Cowboy season came to an end, you could tell Romo has turned a corner. Romo is now one of the League's best QB's. And he just so happens to be playing for one of it's best teams. Defensive MVP - Demarcus Ware - Even though football is a team sport you could say a banged Ware single handedly stopped the vaunted Saints offense in Week 15, as the Cowboys stopped the Saints run at an undefeated season. Ware is still only 28, and has plenty left in the tank. 2. Philadelphia Eagles - 10-6 The offense is pretty much the same as last season, which is a good thing as long as Andy Reid runs the ball more often this season (Reid even cost the Eagles a win in week 6 as they only ran the ball 14 times compared to 46 Donavan McNabb passes [which is funny cuz McNabb was having a particularly bad day completing less than 50% of his throws, and the Eagles actually averaged more yards on the ground than they did per passing attempt on the day]). The defense is actually improved as for the first time since Jeremiah Trotter was patroling the middle of the defense, Philly actually has some speed in their linebacking core, as former Lion LB Ernie Sims steps into the fold. And added to the mix is a legit replacement for Brian Dawkins, as the Eagles drafted talented rookie Nate Allen who has good range and can make a few hits of his own. And Pro Bowl DE Trent Cole will have less double teams, thanks to 1st round rookie DE Brandon Graham, who was a stand out at the Senior Bowl, this spring. All that being said QB Kevin Kolb has to play well and prove the Eagles made the right decision in giving him the keys to the car, and taking them from McNabb. Offensive MVP - DeSean Jackson - 'Fraction Jackson' is a straight out stud. Having the ability to light it up down the field and now over the middle (especially since theoretically Kolb is at this point in their careers more accurate than McNabb), as well as in the return game. The more the Eagles offense matures the easier it will get for the mega talented Jackson. Defensive MVP - Trent Cole - Cole and Justin Tuck are the strongest sub 275 pound DE's in the NFL. Cole like Tuck at times plays like a defensive tackles with his ability to charge in the back field and disrupt the offenses run game. Cole tied his best season for sacks with 12.5 and for the 4th straight year recorded over 55 tackles, in '09. 3. New York Giants - 8-8 The Giants have good pieces all over the place going into the 2010 season. It's just in certain important spots their lacking. Especially at MLB, which is basically the QB of the defense, Jonathan Goff is penciled in as the starter and actually had his job taken from him in pre-season, but got it back when Defensive Coodinator Perry Fewel and Head Coach Tom Coughlin new Giant LB Keith Bullock wasn't the answer at MLB, either. FS Kenny Phillips is the only player in the Giants safety core who can man the deep part of the field, but he's coming a major knee injury. The offensive line is in flux, as LG Rich Seubert is coming off his worst season and may be benched during the season if his run blocking wiffs continue. Pro Bowl center Shaun O'Hara is coming into the season with multiple injuries (a bad ankle and achilles) and RT Kareem McKenzie showed signs of slowing down last season, now at age 31 this year (there were even rumors of him being cut after last season). There's too much uncertainty for Big Blue this year, which is tough for Giant fans this year, especially since that other Jersey team is lookin' mighty fine right about now. Offensive MVP - Shaun O'Hara - When this guy is healthy, he's the best center in the NFC. He's opened holes for Giant RB's going back to Tiki Barber and is a huge reason for Eli Manning's devolpment. Defensive MVP - Justin Tuck - With Antonio Pierce retiring, Tuck is now the #1 leader of the re-tooled Giant defense. Tuck's strong play (59 tackles and 5 forced fumbles in '09) and strong leadership, will be something the Giants D can follow all season long. 4. Washington D.C. - 5-11 If new arrival Jamaal Brown can get back to Pro Bowl form, he will be the new GM's Bruce Allen's top new recruit (especially since the now back up RT Stephon Heyer was one of the reasons Jason Campbell got thrown around like a rag doll last season). Because like it or not Jason Campbell was a decent QB, now McNabb is an upgrade, but not a huge one. The good thing is McNabb is a vet and a leader so he will enstill confidence in his teammates. Confidence is something that has been lacking in Washington, in recent years. However as old and over the hill as the RB core is (starter Clinton Portis averaging only 4 yards per carry and back up Larry Johnson averaging 2.9 in KC last year) and without any real receiving options other than Santana Moss, the offense just doesn't have enough juice. And the defense has it's own problems, it's switching to a 3-4. And 2 players aren't happy about it, one just happens to be much more vocal than the other. Albert Haynesworth being the man that has been pouting all over the District Capital, because he does not want to be a 2-gap NT, as his stats will decrease because of it and it's about the least glamorous position a defensive lineman can have in the NFL. The other much more quiet man is Andre Carter who Niner fans can tell you didn't adapt well when San Francisco changed their defense to a 3-4, as Carter is a much better player when he starts a play bent down, instead of standing up, especially because he is a liability in coverage. Washington is improved, but they are still the worst team in one of the NFL's best divisions. Offensive MVP - Chris Cooley - Cooley is Donavan McNabb's new best friend. As anyone who watched Washington pre-season football will tell you. Cooley is one of the NFL's best TE's, from 05-08 he went for at least 730 yards. Cooley is coming off a broken foot that ended his 2009 season at the half way point, but thankfully for D.C. he is 100% healthy now and ready to have a big time comeback year, with an upgrade at the QB spot, and with Jamaal Brown added, Cooley will be asked to block less. Allowing him to get off the line and catch more passes. Defensive MVP - London Fletcher - Albert Haynesworth is their most talented player, but on defense Fletcher is their most consistent won and doesn't need an incentive, or in Haynesworth incentives to play great football. Fletcher finally made his 1st Pro Bowl last season. Even at age 35, Fletcher shows no signs of slowing down. NFC North 1. Green Bay Packers - 13-3 - Top flight QB, check. Top flight WR core, check. Adaquate running game, check. Healthy and effective offensive line, check. A defensive with ability to limit the opponents scoring, um... Yeah folks, giving up 51 points in a Playoff game isn't the greatest sign of a defense that can stop people. The Packers D, can force turnovers like it's going out of style, but they have trouble staying consistent when it comes to putting the brakes to the other teams offense. The glaring holes in the defenese are OLB Brad Jones who has to step up so teams don't double team 2nd year stud OLB Clay Matthews, and #2 corner Tramon Williams who is a career slot man. Williams job is similar to Jones' because he has to prove he's no slouch either, to along side DPOY Charles Woodson. The good thing for the Packers is time, because any football man will tell you the 1st year in a new defense is tough especially adjusting to a 3-4, as Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers looks for some maturation to come across in year to of his tenure. Offensive MVP - Aaron Rodgers - Despite what some of the critics will tell you, A-Rod was the best QB in the NFC North last season. And is now one of the best QB's in the biz. He has a legit shot to go for over 5,000, with his amazing abilities and the vast array of weapons at his disposal. Defensive MVP - Charles Woodson - This one is pretty easy. Considering he was voted DPOY of the whole League, I think you can see why he'd be Defensive MVP of his own team. 2. Minnesota Vikings - 11-5 As magical a season as the Vikes had last season, they do have a shot to make some more noise this season. Though talent wise they are not as good as last season. QB Brett Favre will turn 41 during the season (and he's coming off of ankle surgery, and the ankle is still not fully healed) and DT Pat Williams will turn 38, so age will do a small number to the team. Valuable #2 corner Cedric Griffin tore his ACL in the NFC Championship game, and won't play early on, and won't be fully healthy till maybe later on. The offensive line is still a problem, as age and lazyness hold back LT Bryant McKennie and there will be another year of paying for not resigning future HOF center Matt Birk, as in-adaquate John Sullivan will unfortuantely for Viking fans snap the ball, in Minnesota for another year. And #1 WR and Pro Bowler Sidney Rice will be out at least the first 6 weeks with a hip injury. So the Vikes will have a lot of obstacles to get back to where they finished their season, let alone go further this season. Offensive MVP - Adrian Peterson - Fumblitis or no fumblitis, AP is the best back in the conference. And can be an utter joy to watch. The man scored 18 TD"s last season and caught a career high 43 balls. With the Vikes front office letting RB Chester Taylor walk in FA, the Vikes expect even more this year from the one they call 'All Day'. Defensive MVP - Jared Allen - You could argue Allen is the Vikings' best player (him or AP take your pick). With a relentless pass rushing ability and an underrated run stopping talent, Allen with continue to excite and delight in the Twin Cities, even without his mullet. 3. Chicago Bears - 6-10 - Even with the additons of future HOF DE Julius Peppers and rookie FS Major Wright and the comeback of the heart of the Bears defense Brian Urlacher. And even throw in new Offensive Coordinator 'Mad' Mike Martz on for size. The Bears don't have enough all around talent to contend for the Playoffs or let alone in their own division. I will say this, QB Jay Cutler needs more help upfront, because former 1st rounder LT Chris Williams has been a bust to this point, former RG now LG Roberto Garza should retire, and just as important Cutler doesn't have a #1 WR to throw to. So he'll still have a high number of INT's, because it's either that or sacks and/or a lower completion %. Even with the tens of millions of dollars the Bears spent this off-season, Head Coach Lovie Smith will still be out of a job, by the end of the year. Offensive MVP - Matt Forte - Forte is talent wise one of the best RB's in the League, it's just hard for him to show it, running behind of the NFL's worst offensive lines. At least this year he is 100% healthy something he wasn't for a lot of last season as he dealt with annoying knee and hamstring injuries, so if he gets enough carries he should go for over 1,000 yards rushing. Defensive MVP - Lance Briggs - Maybe the NFL's best cover LB, Briggs consistently year in and year out, reguardless of his team's success or failure, proves he's a great football player. In 2009 he made another Pro Bowl, as he made 118 tackles, knocked down 5 balls, picked up 2.5 sacks, and even had a pick. 4. Detroit Lions - 4-12 The Lions offense is actually pretty decent. The O-Line still has it's problems in pass protection, mainly because they fail to see that LT Jeff Backus should not be starting in the NFL. But with QB Matthew Stafford maturing and throwing to weapons like all-world WR Calvin Johnso, his new friend WR Nate Burleson (who will make it harder for team to double Megatron), TE Tony Scheffler, and lightning bolt rookie RB Javid Best, the Lions will certainly have the ability to put points on the board. The only problem on offense is again the O-Line and keeping the 2nd year QB standing up right. The defense still has mounds off problems especially in the back 7. We all know the D-Line is vastly improved though, with #2 pick DT Ndamukong Suh, former Packer DT Corey Williams who to quote him is "back at home" in a 4-3 defense again, and free agent signee and pupil of Head Coach Jim Schwartz, Kyle Vanden Bosch, all forming a formidable D-Line. But again they have the worst corners in the NFL (the Lions pass defense was the worst in the nFL in 2009), and the LB core is losing one of the Leagues better cover LBs in Ernie Sims. The Lions as a whole will be improved, but just not by that much. Offensive MVP - Calvin Johnson - With Burleson and Scheffler in Mo-Town, CJ can take a moment and breath. And more importantly can go back to putting up elite numbers and prove once again he is a top tier NFL WR. Defensive MVP - Ndamukong Suh - Suh being the defense's best player is not in indictment of the Lions, but a acknowledgement of how darn talented Suh is. The man got to Colt McCoy 4 times in the Big 12 Championship game, last December, and remember folks he's a DT. The man had 10 sacks last year and remember folks he's a DT. Unlike former Rogers, Suh has the desire and the football IQ (Suh also just has more GOD given talent than Rogers), to be a consistent and dominate force for years to come. NFC South 1. New Orleans Saints - 13-3 The World Champs on paper are actually better than they were last season. Especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Saints defense brings back 9 of 11 starters on defense and at the left DE spot they get an upgrade(s). Former Bear Alex Brown enters the fold to help out Pro Bowl right DE Will Smith, and DE Jimmy Wilkerson (11 sacks in the last 2 seasons) will help out in a reserve role. If starting corners Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer can stay healthy during the regular season (Porter missed 4 games last season and Greer missed 7), they can lock down opposing pass defenses (when both players were in the starting lineup the Saints defense only allowed one QB to throw for a higher passer rating of 80 and that was Peyton Manning in Super Bowl 44 and the Saints still won that game of course). The offense brings back every single starter, and that was the strong part of the team, hah. For any defending Champion, a key aspect of repeating is making sure you stay hungry and being aware that you have a target on your back. The Saints have the talent to repeat, the question is if they have the desire and hunger to do it. Offensive MVP - Drew Brees - After watching Super Bowl 44, I came away thinking hey you could call this guy the best QB in the game. And it being now September of 2010, I still think that. Brees has all the tools and he can make all the throws. Give me Brees to start my Franchise, I'm not gonna complain, one bit. Defensive MVP - Jonathan Vilma - Without Vilma the Saints don't win the Super Bowl, they don't win the NFC Championship, and without Vilma Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams can't be as aggressive as he is with the Saint defense. Vilma is the leader of the Saints defense, and even more so with Darren Sharper out the first 6 weeks. 2. Atlanta Falcons - 10-6 Unlike other players in pressure situations, especially QB's this is not a make or break year for Matt Ryan. Because he knows he is the Franchise QB. Never the less, for the Falcons to make the Playoffs again and take another step forward Ryan has to have his best year ever. Michael Turner has to stay healthy and get back to running over defenses, as well. The defense just has to have a bend, but don't break approach. Because we know and more importantly Atlanta knows their money is in their offense. Offensive MVP - Michael Turner - Before he hurt his ankle last season, Turner was having another fine season. This year Turner is leaner and mentaly meaner (excuse the rhyme). Matt Ryan may be the poster boy for the Falcons, but Turner is the engine that makes them go. Defensive MVP - Jonathan Babineaux - Babineaux may not be the Falcons smartest player (as he will suspended for one game to start the season stemming from an arrest on marijuana charges), but he is certainly one of their most talented. He jumped into the NFL's elite last season, as he nearly doubled his highest career sack total with 6, while forcing 2 fumbles, and nearly recording 50 tackles. 3. Tampa Bay Bucaneers - 6-10 - Usually if you saw an NFL team that is going to start 3 rookies week 1, you'd go oh man that's got to be trouble. In this case these three guys are upgrades at their positions from the previous year. And all three will make be impact players in year one. Rookie DT's Gerald McCoy and Brian Price will help solidfy the interior D-Line and give stud MLB Barrett Ruud some much needed help. Troubled yet skillful WR Mike Williams will be an upgrade from last season's oft-injured Antonio Bryant. While returning players such as QB Josh Freeman, all-world RG Davin Joseph, LT Donald Penn, C Jeff Fiane, and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. the offense will have some hope for the present, and some serious hope for the future. And the defense will improve with guys like Rudd manning the middle, and youngin' and diamond in the rough OLB Geno Hayes (drafted in the 6th round of the '08 Draft) will help continue a youth movement led by a youngin' himself in Head Coach Raheem Morris (who is younger than veteran corner and Bucaneer mainstay Ronde Barber). Offensive MVP - Davin Joseph - It's tough when Jahari Evans is in your conference, let alone own division. And you already have the disadvantage of playing for a bad team. Joseph has only been to one Pro Bowl even though he is one of the NFL's best guards. And folks he's already made 55 NFL starts and he' only 26, stay tuned. Defensive MVP - Barrett Ruud - Ruud is probably the most underrated MLB in the NFL. He's never made a Pro Bowl (of course that's mainly because Patrick Willis and Jon Beason are in the NFC too), and rarely gets mentioned among the NFL's elite middle backers. Racking up 114 plus tackles in each of the last three years, Ruud out did himself last year recording 142 tackles, knocking down 7 passes and getting a pick, for a career year. Ruud wants a new contract and is will be playing on a one year deal, so a fall off doesn't look like a possibility. 4. Carolina Panthers - 4-12 The Panthers have the most exciting bad team in the NFL. Whatever that means... They have one of the League's best RB's and most underrated RB in DeAngelo Williams, and a pretty good RB in Jonathan Stewart to pair with him. A very outspoken and very talented WR in Steve Smith, one of the best corner tandems in the game, with Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall, as well as one of the Leagues best MLB's in Jon Beason. The Panthers have a lot of stars, they also have a lot of holes. They have no pass rush, no real help for Beason in the LB core thanks to another major knee injury to the very talented Thomas Davis, and no reason for defenses not to double Steve Smith every single week. The Panthers will make plays week in and week out, they will also put L's in the book, week in and out. Offensive MVP - DeAngelo Williams - The best thing that ever happened to DeAngelo might be free agency, because he is a free agent next off-season, and he'd be free to leave a place where he is vastly underapprciated. Defensive MVP - Jon Beason - Beason has to play a new position, to counter act Davis' absence, at outside backer, while he may struggle early on, he's supreme athletic ability and killer instincs should help him adapt. NFC West 1. Seattle Seahawks - 10-6 For Pete Carroll to be successfull the 3rd time around in the Pros, especially in his first season with Seattle, the offensive line have to keep Matt Hasselbeck standing up so he can do what he does. Which is be a decent and accurate quarterback. The Seahawks will benifit from tying this season for the 3rd easiest record and playing in a bad division. They will also benifit from having Russell Okung to protect Hasselbeck's blind side, something Matt and his body has been worried about for the last couple years. The defense gets a much needed lift on the back end, with the highly instinctive rookie FS Earl Thomas and longtime Seahawk corner Marcus Trufant is finally healthy. The Seahawks also get MLB and former friend of Carroll's Lofa Tatupu back from a pectoral injury that knocked him out for the season last year. Tatupu, is apart of one of the best 4-3 LB trios in the NFL, outside backers David Hawthorne and Aaron Curry provide great speed and ability to make plays. Especially Hawthorne (who made 116 tackles, got 3 sacks, picked off three balls and knocked down 5). The big problem for the defense will be the ability to get pressure on the QB off the edge, as their top 3 (Chris Clemons, Red Bryant, and Raheem Brock) DE's combined for just 7 sacks last season. Seattle will be primed to retake the division the dominated from most of the new millenium. Offensive MVP - Russell Okung - Okung is the key Seattle's offense. Him giving his QB time, allows the offense to flow and keep the opponent's defense on its heels. Defense MVP - Lofa Tatupu - Revitalized will be Tatupu's battle cry this season. He gets his college coach to lead the charge in Seattle, as Tatupu looks to put his injuries in the past, and make his dominate playmaking past his future. 2. San Francisco 49ers - 9-7 - For the 3rd straight year the 49ers should win the NFC West. And for the 3rd straight year they have a huge problem that will keep them from doing that. They don't have a QB. The crazy thing is they could of gotten one in an off-season trade (Jason Campbell [for a 4th round pick] or Donavan McNabb [for a 2nd or 3rd round pick]). But like John Fox of years past, the Niners will roll with a QB that will continue to put a ceiling on the football team. Despite the fact as a whole this is a pretty good football team. With a much improved O-Line for years to come, as two 1st round rookies (RT Anthony Davis and LG Mike Iupati), come to the Bay Area. RB Frank Gore, LT Joe Staley, WR Michael Crabtree, and maybe the best TE in the game (him or Dallas Clark, can't go wrong either way), the offense is very good on paper, it's just the guy taking the snap from center is the problem. The team has one of if not the best player in the NFL, in MLB Patrick Willis, as the man does not have a weakness, run support, coverage, calling plays at the line, he does it all. Willis leads one of the League's better defenses, especially with #1 corner Nate Clements coming back off a season ending shoulder injury. The Niners may in fact make the Playoffs, they may in fact win the division they owned for nearly 2 decades, but the best Niner fans can hope for is a virtually a carbon copy of the 2008 Carolina Panthers, great running game, good offense, very good defense, stars all around, and yet the quarterback holds the team back when the games count the most, as they get bounced from post-season play from their outset. Offensive MVP - Frank Gore - Ask any Defensive Coordinator in the NFL, and he will tell you, you have to account for Frank Gore. 4 straight 1,000 yard seasons, this great RB some how averaged nearly 5 yards a carry, last season with underachieving David Bass starting at LG and the worst RT from 2009 Adam Synder. And now he gets Davis and Iupati, yikes. Defensive MVP - Patrick Willis - His Head Coach, who he is tied at the hip with (and who could blame him), said Willis could be better than himself, that being HOF Mike Singletary. And Niner coaches say his rookie year (which is one of the greatest rookie years for any player in NFL history) Willis recorded over 200 tackles. A scary stat, especially considering Willis says he hasn't played his best football yet. 3. Arizona Cardinals - 5-11 - When Kurt Warner retired, any hopes of the Cardinals 3-peating as NFC West Champs went with him. Too make matters worse, defensive leader MLB Karlos Dansby left in FA, and former 1st round bust Levi Brown is moving over to LT. There are bright spots on the team, such as the D-Line, with the best 3-4 DE tandem in the NFL, in Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell to go with, soon to be starting rookie 1st rounder NT Dan Williams. Kerry Rhodes comes over from NY, to give something the Cardinals haven't had, which is an effective deep safety, to pair with one of the best strong safeties in the game Adrian Wilson. And of course there's the best WR in the NFC Larry Fitzgerald. Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt knows what he's doing, he's trying to work with the pieces he's been given and the front office in Arizona knows that, as they just extended Whisenhunt's contract. As honest people in Arizona know 2010 will be a re-building year. Offensive MVP - Larry Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald is the team's best player. He will put up big numbers again, no matter who's throwing him the ball. Defensive MVP - Darnell Dockett - 51 Tackels and 7 sacks last year, and he wants more, so do the Cardinals, they just gave him a huge contract extension (4 years - $48 million). 4. St. Louis Rams - 3-13 - OK it's hard to feel bad for 2010 #1 Draft pick Sam Bradford, after he became the NFL's highest paid player (6 years with $50 million guaranteed), before taking a single snap in a game. But I kind of do, he comes with a team, and your first pre-season game you get hammered and your 3rd pre-season game you know your throwing to an already questionable WR core and then the #1 WR on the team tears his ACL (Donnie Avery). For the Rams sake and the NFL's sake he is the Rams Franchise. He has all the tools to be a great NFL QB, but the Rams don't have the tools to accomadate him. The O-Line has it's problems especially, RT and 2009 #2 pick Jason Smith who has been a bust to this point anyway (I mean he was #2 overall just last year and he's only the RT, jeez). The defense has it's starting LBs all from Ohio State, OK whoop-di-do (the only one who can play and should be starting in the NFL is James Laurinaitis anyway). The Rams will win more than 1 game than this year, they just need to keep building the help and the weapons around their Franchise (Bradford), in every way possible, unless they want him to go by the way of David Carr. Broken down and worn out. Offensive MVP - Steven Jackson - With Jackson you know what you get. An all-puropose every down back, who doesn't complain and does his job. He's a great player, who needs some help, Sam Bradford step right up. Defensive MVP - Oshiomogho Atogwe - There is a clause (complicated language in other words) in the Atogwe's contract that will probably have him end up as a free agent next year as well. Why the Rams want to take another chance on losing one of their few good players is beyond me. NFC Playoffs Wild-Card Round Eagles @ Cowboys - Cowboys 41, Eagles 31 Vikings @ Seahawks - Vikings 38, Seahawks 3 Divisional Round Vikings @ Packers - Packers 38, Vikings 20 Cowboys @ Saints - Cowboys 24, Saints 20 NFC Championship Game Cowboys @ Packers - Packers 17, Cowboys 13 Super Bowl XLV Green Bay Packers VS. New York Jets - Packers 27, Jets 18 Your Super Bowl 45 Champions The Green Bay Packers Super Bowl 45 MVP - Aaron Rodgers Award NFL MVP - Aaron Rodgers NFL DPOY - Patrick Willis NFL COY - Rex Ryan NFL OROY - Javid Best NFL DPOY - Ronaldo McClain

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Sep 30, 2010 at 12:11 AM

#31

znk916
Veteran
Posts: 4,285

oh s**t

Sep 30, 2010 at 3:17 PM

#32

CalNiner49
Veteran
Posts: 5,719

lol @ every hater in the thread.

Sep 30, 2010 at 5:14 PM

#33

danimal
Veteran
Posts: 14,705

great job OP.

I did these full predictions the last couple of years, skipped this year.

The best posters on this forum are those that know all 32 teams, not just one.

Anybody can poke holes in your predictions, but only about 3% of the entire zone can actually post their own full prediction and be even close to accurate.

I am not going to sit here and act like I agree with all of your predictions, but I generally agree with it thats for sure.

Good job man, and I look forward to next years...but look out, I will give you some competition

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