Season Predictions

I figured that I'll make my stab in the dark at predicting the season.  I'll make my prediction a bit shorter and sweeter than most. I'm predicting that the Falcons defeat the Steelers.

The Falcons have one of the easiest schedules of the season and a very talented team.  That should insure them home field through the playoffs.  This is how they will get through the other difficult teams in the NFC.

The Steelers have a much harder battle, but I believe they've added the depth needed to make their way.  From what I can tell the biggest competitors are the Patriots and the Ravens.  I think regression and current injuries hurt those teams enough to prevent them from getting through the playoffs.

The NFC South should be won by the Falcons fairly easily with the Saints taking on the interesting experiment  of a season without a coach.  The Bucs and Panthers should both improve, but probably won't threaten the Falcons.  I wouldn't be surprised if Saints end up 3rd or even 4th in the division this year with all the obstacles they are trying to overcome.

The AFC North should be won by the Steelers with the Bengals and Ravens fighting for 2nd.  Bengals may pull off 2nd in the division.  Ravens will have troubles on defense without Suggs and Johnson.  Browns are on the way up, but will have a rough season of learning this year.

The AFC East belongs to the Patriots.  They should have no trouble winning the division.  Bills should move into 2nd in the division with the Jets in disarray.  The Dolphins have been in a rebuilding phase for a while and they still seem to have a bit of work to do.

The NFC East is rough to predict.  The easiest thing to predict is the Redskins finishing 4th.  After that I think injuries will play a large role in who wins and loses.  Talent wise I'd put the Eagles in 1st, but Vick won't play every game and timing will be critical.  Giants winning the Super Bowl last year showed that they can beat anyone.  I have them finishing 2nd.  Dallas has a mess on the O-line which is why I have them 3rd.

The AFC South should be won bye the Texans, but don't be fooled.  This division is tougher than it looks.  Titans are a very good team and the Jaguars and Colts will have a few impressive games this year with their inconsistent youth.

The NFC North is a very talented division.  Much like the NFC East the easiest team to predict is the Vikings finishing last. After that the Lions, Packers, and Bear (Oh My!) are difficult to tell.  Packers are the most obvious choice for 1st place, but the Lions and Bears seem more well rounded.  The Lions are an explosive team with a great offense and good defense.  I put the Lions in 2nd and the Bears in 3rd because the Bears seem most susceptible to injuries.

The AFC West is as much in the air as any division.  The Chargers would seem to have the inside track  on the division with the most talent (in my opinion).  The Broncos should come in 2nd if Peyton comes into his own early enough.  The Chiefs should finish 3rd and the Raiders 4th.

The NFC West has an obvious winner with the 49ers, but after that it's a bit muddled.  The Cardinals, Seahawks and Rams all have their share of young talent, but haven't been able to put things together for a season.  I think the Seahawks have the most to work with, followed by the Cardinals, then the Rams.