Time now for the final midseason review, this time with the AFC North and West. Along with my revised Super Bowl prediction.
Cincinnatti Bengals: (Prediction:5-11 with great offense, not so great defense, Lewis fired at the end of the year.)
The offense has been great, with Ochocinco again being a good receiver and Carson Palmer is a great leader of the team, he's not putting up spectacular numbers, but is managing the game well. The real surprise here is Cedric Benson is proving to Chicago that they were wrong in letting him go. Then, the defense is also playing really solid.
New Prediction: 11-5, wild card berth.
Baltimore Ravens: (Prediction: 6-10, with Flacco and defense slumping.)
So far, they have done ok, but the defene isn't the dominating force it was last year, when it was ranked in the top 4. Now, it's allowing 19 points a game. Flacco is doing ok in his second year, being in the top 10 in passing. But, they just seem like a shell of them old selves. They still got good bones, but it's not intimidating.
New Prediction: 8-8
Cleveland Browns: (Prediction: 9-7, with Quinn being awesome and Mangini proving he's the Man-genius.)
Ugly, that's the word so far for the Browns season. Mangini decided on his quarterback for the season opener a few days before the season started, and neither quarterback is any good it seems. Then, the defense is awful as well.
New Prediction: 3-13
Pittsburgh Steelers: (Prediction: 11-5, no ill-effect from Super Bowl and Mendenhall will take over starting RB)
So far, they have been a good team and have been turning it on as of late. Ever since Parker went down with an injury early in the year, Mendenhall has proven himself as a great starting back. Then, the defense is spectacular as well as usual. Finally, Ben Roethlisberger is a great quarterback not just managing the game, but making some very good throws as well.
New Prediction: 11-5, repeat as North division champs.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs: (Prediction: 3-13, Cassel horrible quarterback.)
has been a total disaster thus far in Todd Haley's first year as head coach. Larry Johnson, one of the very few stars left, was released for saying some gay slurs on twitter, and Cassel hasn't been living up to what he was in New England. The defense is just awful as well.
New Prediction: 3-13
Oakland Raiders: (Prediction: 4-12, Russell will make some waves and be an ok quarterback.)
The Raiders are a mess in every way, with the offense not producing more than double digits, average. Then, the defense is giving up 25 points per game. JaMarcus Russell has proven to be a awful quarterback, and not worth the number 1 pick. Finally, since ESPN did an investigation into his domestic cases, now they've done their own investigation. You'd think that the Raiders would try to figure that stuff out before hiring the guy, now right? But, that's the Raiuders for you.
Denver Broncos: (Prediction: 5-11 with the offesne stinking and Marshall being traded by the deadline.)
The Broncos are one of the biggest surprises in the league, along with the Bengals, and the glass slipper may be falling off after two straight losses, granted to good defenses, but they may have figured out a way to defend Marshall and Orton. But, the defense is still playing solid, but I don't think they have what it takes to make it to the playoffs.
Prediction: 10-6, losing a tiebreaker to the Texans for the playoffs.
San Diego Chargers: (Prediction: 12-4, clinching division by Thanksgiving.)
They got off to their traditionally slow start, but it looks as if they may be turning it around and everything seems to be clicking. After the fourth quarter comeback against the Giants, they deserve to win this division.
Prediction: 11-5, winning the AFC West.
New Super Bowl prediction: hopefully this will finally be the year of the all Pennsylvania Super Bowl, as that's my prediction, Steelers vs. Eagles.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
AFC East and South Midseason Report
Time now to revisit my journey into predicting the future for the AFC, and it doesn't look too pretty, I must say. But, as this is just for fun, and to see how wrong I am, let's look at each AFC East and South team.
Buffalo Bills: (Prediction: 6-10, with T.O. being a T.O., that's a reference to Skip Bayless, and Trent edwards getting killed with sacks.)
T.O. has been a distraction up in Buffalo, and he hasn't lived up to what he has been. Mainly due to the fact that he's been injured, and he's just getting older. At age 36, the Bills shouldn't have expected much, and neither should I after picking him up in my fantasy league. Then Edwards has been injured due to sacks, and the defense hasn't performed too well either, giving up nearly 373 yards/game. Yet, somehow, they've managed to win 3 games thus far. Dick Jauron will most definitely be fired at the end of the year as well.
New Prediction: 5-11
New York Jets: (Prediction: 9-7, Sanchez solid QB, defense one of the better in the AFC.)
Wow, I'm good with this one, the Jets defense is ranked 1st in opposing yards, and 4th in points. Then, Mark Sanchez is still evolving as a quarterback, with more INTs than TDs, but he also has leadership at a very young age. Thankfully the Jets also have a running game with Thomas Jones or else they would be way off the pace of the Patriots right now.
New Prediction: 9-7
Miami Dolphins: (Prediction: 10-6, still flourishing under Tony Sparano and Parcells.)
This one, not so good on. The Dolphins "wildcat" is still performing fairly ok, but they just haven't had the magic that they had last season when they won this division. Have shown flashes of brilliance, but it's an 8-8 team.
New Prediction: 8-8
New England Patriots: (Prediction: 12-4, with Brady returning to '07 form, and Maroney playing all 16 games.)
Brady has played to his expectations, being 2nd in the league in passing, averaging nearly 300 yards/game. It was helped a little bit by the Titans game, where he threw 6 TD passes. then, Maroney has so far played in each game, but hasn't really performed all that well.
New Prediction: 12-4, East winners.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars: (Prediction: 5-11, with Del Rio fired and half of games blacked out.)
Thus far, proven to be correct, except that Jacksonville is 4-4. The attendance so far has been putird, as only 66% of the stadium is filled each week, even with four sections of the upper deck being tarped off. the NFL in Jacksonville, is probably a mistake. Del Rio will probably still be fired if the Jags don't find ways to win a few of their last games.
New Prediction: 7-9
Tennessee Titans: (Prediction: 9-7 with Vince Young starting again.)
Vince Young has started again, and led the team to two straight victories against Jacksonville and San Fran. He has brought a dynamic to the offense thaty wasn't there when Kerry Collins was starting. He'll continue to lead the team to victories, and he'll save coach Fisher's job.
New Prediction: 6-10
Houston Texans: (Prediction: 11-5, go to playoffs and challenge Colts for dominance of the south.)
Houston had a shot at beating Indy on Sunday, but came up just short of taking the game to overtime. They have been a solid team, but they may not make it over that hurdle of 8-8 with Gary Kubiak at the helm. Houston does have a shot to make 10 wins, looking further ahead, but then again, some of those games are toss up games.
New Prediction: 10-6, with the benefit of the doubt and playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts: (Prediction: 12-4, as long as Peyton and Sanders are there.)
Peyton has again played to his expectations, leading his team to an 8-0 mark for the third time in the past five seasons. They'll miss Bob Sanders a little bit against teams like New England, but will again win the division easily and lock up another 1 or 2 seed in the playoffs.
New Prediction: 12-4, win South.
Tomorrow: look forward to the final two divisions of the AFC and see who my midseason picks are for the AFC and NFC champions.
Buffalo Bills: (Prediction: 6-10, with T.O. being a T.O., that's a reference to Skip Bayless, and Trent edwards getting killed with sacks.)
T.O. has been a distraction up in Buffalo, and he hasn't lived up to what he has been. Mainly due to the fact that he's been injured, and he's just getting older. At age 36, the Bills shouldn't have expected much, and neither should I after picking him up in my fantasy league. Then Edwards has been injured due to sacks, and the defense hasn't performed too well either, giving up nearly 373 yards/game. Yet, somehow, they've managed to win 3 games thus far. Dick Jauron will most definitely be fired at the end of the year as well.
New Prediction: 5-11
New York Jets: (Prediction: 9-7, Sanchez solid QB, defense one of the better in the AFC.)
Wow, I'm good with this one, the Jets defense is ranked 1st in opposing yards, and 4th in points. Then, Mark Sanchez is still evolving as a quarterback, with more INTs than TDs, but he also has leadership at a very young age. Thankfully the Jets also have a running game with Thomas Jones or else they would be way off the pace of the Patriots right now.
New Prediction: 9-7
Miami Dolphins: (Prediction: 10-6, still flourishing under Tony Sparano and Parcells.)
This one, not so good on. The Dolphins "wildcat" is still performing fairly ok, but they just haven't had the magic that they had last season when they won this division. Have shown flashes of brilliance, but it's an 8-8 team.
New Prediction: 8-8
New England Patriots: (Prediction: 12-4, with Brady returning to '07 form, and Maroney playing all 16 games.)
Brady has played to his expectations, being 2nd in the league in passing, averaging nearly 300 yards/game. It was helped a little bit by the Titans game, where he threw 6 TD passes. then, Maroney has so far played in each game, but hasn't really performed all that well.
New Prediction: 12-4, East winners.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars: (Prediction: 5-11, with Del Rio fired and half of games blacked out.)
Thus far, proven to be correct, except that Jacksonville is 4-4. The attendance so far has been putird, as only 66% of the stadium is filled each week, even with four sections of the upper deck being tarped off. the NFL in Jacksonville, is probably a mistake. Del Rio will probably still be fired if the Jags don't find ways to win a few of their last games.
New Prediction: 7-9
Tennessee Titans: (Prediction: 9-7 with Vince Young starting again.)
Vince Young has started again, and led the team to two straight victories against Jacksonville and San Fran. He has brought a dynamic to the offense thaty wasn't there when Kerry Collins was starting. He'll continue to lead the team to victories, and he'll save coach Fisher's job.
New Prediction: 6-10
Houston Texans: (Prediction: 11-5, go to playoffs and challenge Colts for dominance of the south.)
Houston had a shot at beating Indy on Sunday, but came up just short of taking the game to overtime. They have been a solid team, but they may not make it over that hurdle of 8-8 with Gary Kubiak at the helm. Houston does have a shot to make 10 wins, looking further ahead, but then again, some of those games are toss up games.
New Prediction: 10-6, with the benefit of the doubt and playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts: (Prediction: 12-4, as long as Peyton and Sanders are there.)
Peyton has again played to his expectations, leading his team to an 8-0 mark for the third time in the past five seasons. They'll miss Bob Sanders a little bit against teams like New England, but will again win the division easily and lock up another 1 or 2 seed in the playoffs.
New Prediction: 12-4, win South.
Tomorrow: look forward to the final two divisions of the AFC and see who my midseason picks are for the AFC and NFC champions.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NFC North and West Midseason Review
Continuing on with the midseason reviews and ervisions, tonight we're on the NFC North and West. First with the North teams.
Detroit Lions: (Prediction: 5-11, winning Thanksgiving game)
Well, they did win one game thus far, against the lowly Redskins, and with Green Bay losing to the previously winless Bucs, they do have a chance to win the Thanksgiving game. Will not win 5 games, but 3, and Matthew Stafford is going to be a decent quarterback by the end of the year.
New Prediction: 3-13
Minnesota Vikings: (Prediction: 8-8, with Favre's arm falling off by the end of the year.)
Vikings have made me look like an idiot thus far, being 7-1, losing only to the AFC North leaders, the Steelers. Favre hasn't had any arm trouble this season, and even if he has, hasn't said anything. Also, A.P. is being amazing yet again.
New Prediction: 13-3, winning North.
Green Bay Packers: (Prediction: Rodgers will get injured and not live up to hype as a team.)
Pretty correct there except that Rodgers hasn't gotten injured yet, although he is getting sacked a ton, leading the league. The Packers also lost both of their games against the Vikes, which was surprising, as you'd think they'd play up to get back at Favre.
New Prediction: 9-7
Chicago Bears: (Prediction: 10-6 with Cutler and defense being amazing.)
Well, neither have been spectacular, and it really hurt the defense that Urlacher got hurt at the very beginning of the year. Then, Cutler has thrown nearly as many TDs as he has INTs, so he hasn't performed that well.
New Prediction: 8-8
NFC West
St. Louis Rams: (Prediction: 2-14, being as bad as the '08 Lions)
Dead on correct, as the offense has been offensive, being dead last in the league, averaging less than double digits. Then, the defense has been just as horrific, giving up nearly 28 points in the league. Plus, only win came against fellow one win team Detroit.
New Prediction: 2-14
Arizona Cardinals: (Prediction: 6-10, performing lower than '08 because traditionally SB loser stinks next season.)
Proved me wrong, as Warner is doing amazing yet again, the running game is solid with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. Warner then is not going to lose his job to Matt Leinart unless he gets injured.
New Prediction: 10-6, winners of the NFC West.
S.F. 49ers: (Prediction: 9-7 with Wild Card berth, and Shaun Hill being a pro bowler.)
They started out well, going 3-1, but have lost their past 4, and I'm starting to doubt them highly as a playoff team. Mike Singletary needs to pull one of those drop his pants speeches again to get his team motivated for the last week of the season. Then, Shaun Hill lost his job to former number 1 pick Alex Smith, who is performing ok.
New Prediction: 7-9
Seattle Seahawks: (Prediction: 10-6, with Hasselbeck playing all 16 games.)
Dead wrong, Hasselbeck got injured early and hence suffered a few losses with Seneca Wallace at quarterback. Then, running game is bad, defense is bad. Overall, bad team.
New Prediction: 6-10
Tomorrow: AFC East and South
Detroit Lions: (Prediction: 5-11, winning Thanksgiving game)
Well, they did win one game thus far, against the lowly Redskins, and with Green Bay losing to the previously winless Bucs, they do have a chance to win the Thanksgiving game. Will not win 5 games, but 3, and Matthew Stafford is going to be a decent quarterback by the end of the year.
New Prediction: 3-13
Minnesota Vikings: (Prediction: 8-8, with Favre's arm falling off by the end of the year.)
Vikings have made me look like an idiot thus far, being 7-1, losing only to the AFC North leaders, the Steelers. Favre hasn't had any arm trouble this season, and even if he has, hasn't said anything. Also, A.P. is being amazing yet again.
New Prediction: 13-3, winning North.
Green Bay Packers: (Prediction: Rodgers will get injured and not live up to hype as a team.)
Pretty correct there except that Rodgers hasn't gotten injured yet, although he is getting sacked a ton, leading the league. The Packers also lost both of their games against the Vikes, which was surprising, as you'd think they'd play up to get back at Favre.
New Prediction: 9-7
Chicago Bears: (Prediction: 10-6 with Cutler and defense being amazing.)
Well, neither have been spectacular, and it really hurt the defense that Urlacher got hurt at the very beginning of the year. Then, Cutler has thrown nearly as many TDs as he has INTs, so he hasn't performed that well.
New Prediction: 8-8
NFC West
St. Louis Rams: (Prediction: 2-14, being as bad as the '08 Lions)
Dead on correct, as the offense has been offensive, being dead last in the league, averaging less than double digits. Then, the defense has been just as horrific, giving up nearly 28 points in the league. Plus, only win came against fellow one win team Detroit.
New Prediction: 2-14
Arizona Cardinals: (Prediction: 6-10, performing lower than '08 because traditionally SB loser stinks next season.)
Proved me wrong, as Warner is doing amazing yet again, the running game is solid with Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower. Warner then is not going to lose his job to Matt Leinart unless he gets injured.
New Prediction: 10-6, winners of the NFC West.
S.F. 49ers: (Prediction: 9-7 with Wild Card berth, and Shaun Hill being a pro bowler.)
They started out well, going 3-1, but have lost their past 4, and I'm starting to doubt them highly as a playoff team. Mike Singletary needs to pull one of those drop his pants speeches again to get his team motivated for the last week of the season. Then, Shaun Hill lost his job to former number 1 pick Alex Smith, who is performing ok.
New Prediction: 7-9
Seattle Seahawks: (Prediction: 10-6, with Hasselbeck playing all 16 games.)
Dead wrong, Hasselbeck got injured early and hence suffered a few losses with Seneca Wallace at quarterback. Then, running game is bad, defense is bad. Overall, bad team.
New Prediction: 6-10
Tomorrow: AFC East and South
Monday, November 9, 2009
NFC East and South Midseason review
The NFL is officially through the halfway point in the season after the MNF game, so it's a good time for me to review my predictions at this point in the season. This is coming out in four two division segments leading up to the first NFL Network broadcast of the year, first with the four NFC divisions, then with the four AFC divisions. Also, to quote my friend over at The Frosh 15, in making NFL predictions, you can review them, in life it takes Jesus. So, here it goes.
NFC East
Washington Redskins: (Prediction: 7-9, with Haynesworth and Campbell not doing too hot)
Well, that's been pretty money, just they've been worse than exprected. Also included, Jim Zorn will probably be fired at the end of the season, awful hire to begin with.
New Prediction: 5-11
Dallas Cowboys: (Prediction: 8-8 with Phillips being gone at end of year and not a prolific offense)
I'll eat my words here, as Dallas hasn't missed a beat without T.O. Also, Miles Austin has developed a repore with Tony Romo the past few weeks. Phillips now may get a new deal, and Romo just needs to get past one playoff game and win it.
New Predction: 10-6, wild card berth.
N.Y. Giants: (Prediction: 10-6 with offense performing below average without Plaxico Burress)
The Giants have been on a slide, losing 4 straight, and haven't really felt the effect of losing Burress. But, they have felt Brandon Jacobs not performing so well, contributing to the losing streak.
New Prediction: 8-8
Philadelphia Eagles: (Prediction: 11-5, Vick won't be game changer, and will do great community service)
Vick hasn't done squat since coming back, aside from proving me right, that he has been a model citizen, and doing community service by speaking with schools and helping the SPCA. They've played to the level of their opponent, which explains their record of 5-3.
New Prediction: 10-6, division winner, by beating Dallas in week 17.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Bucs: (Prediction: 5-11, Free man will start by Thanksgiving, rebuilding year)
Bang on correct, except that Leftwich just wasn't performing well at all. Freeman just started his first game, which coincidentally was the Bucs first win, they'll still finish last though.
New Prediction: 4-12
Carolina Panthers: (Prediction: 8-8, Not be as good as last season)
Correct, as they're now 3-5, and Jake Delhomme hasn't been too good, throwing the most INTs in the league. Running game is still very solid, with the 2 headed monster of Stewart and Williams.
New Prediction: 6-10
Atlanta Falcons: (Prediction: 9-7, Turner and Gonzalez losing a step and not being as good, just missing playoffs)
They've been very consistent, losing only to division leaders NE, NO, and DAL. Plus, those losses weren't by that much. Ryan and Gonzalez have hooked up a lot and Tony Gonzalez is having another very solid yr.
New Prediction: 10-6, wild card berth.
New Orleans Saints: (Prediction: 10-6, with Brees throwing for over 3 miles and D keeping teams in check)
Brees has been very solid, but now the Saints have a running game to go along with Brees and their passing game. Defense has also kept teams in check, with Darren Sharper being such a ball-hawk and leading the league in Interceptions with 7. Maybe best team in the league, with a great offense and solid defense, could win NFC.
New Prediction: 13-3, win NFC South.
Tomorrow: NFC North and West review and new predictions.
NFC East
Washington Redskins: (Prediction: 7-9, with Haynesworth and Campbell not doing too hot)
Well, that's been pretty money, just they've been worse than exprected. Also included, Jim Zorn will probably be fired at the end of the season, awful hire to begin with.
New Prediction: 5-11
Dallas Cowboys: (Prediction: 8-8 with Phillips being gone at end of year and not a prolific offense)
I'll eat my words here, as Dallas hasn't missed a beat without T.O. Also, Miles Austin has developed a repore with Tony Romo the past few weeks. Phillips now may get a new deal, and Romo just needs to get past one playoff game and win it.
New Predction: 10-6, wild card berth.
N.Y. Giants: (Prediction: 10-6 with offense performing below average without Plaxico Burress)
The Giants have been on a slide, losing 4 straight, and haven't really felt the effect of losing Burress. But, they have felt Brandon Jacobs not performing so well, contributing to the losing streak.
New Prediction: 8-8
Philadelphia Eagles: (Prediction: 11-5, Vick won't be game changer, and will do great community service)
Vick hasn't done squat since coming back, aside from proving me right, that he has been a model citizen, and doing community service by speaking with schools and helping the SPCA. They've played to the level of their opponent, which explains their record of 5-3.
New Prediction: 10-6, division winner, by beating Dallas in week 17.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Bucs: (Prediction: 5-11, Free man will start by Thanksgiving, rebuilding year)
Bang on correct, except that Leftwich just wasn't performing well at all. Freeman just started his first game, which coincidentally was the Bucs first win, they'll still finish last though.
New Prediction: 4-12
Carolina Panthers: (Prediction: 8-8, Not be as good as last season)
Correct, as they're now 3-5, and Jake Delhomme hasn't been too good, throwing the most INTs in the league. Running game is still very solid, with the 2 headed monster of Stewart and Williams.
New Prediction: 6-10
Atlanta Falcons: (Prediction: 9-7, Turner and Gonzalez losing a step and not being as good, just missing playoffs)
They've been very consistent, losing only to division leaders NE, NO, and DAL. Plus, those losses weren't by that much. Ryan and Gonzalez have hooked up a lot and Tony Gonzalez is having another very solid yr.
New Prediction: 10-6, wild card berth.
New Orleans Saints: (Prediction: 10-6, with Brees throwing for over 3 miles and D keeping teams in check)
Brees has been very solid, but now the Saints have a running game to go along with Brees and their passing game. Defense has also kept teams in check, with Darren Sharper being such a ball-hawk and leading the league in Interceptions with 7. Maybe best team in the league, with a great offense and solid defense, could win NFC.
New Prediction: 13-3, win NFC South.
Tomorrow: NFC North and West review and new predictions.
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