It's football time again. Just months ago, there were doubts as to whether or not the 2011 NFL season would even happen. Now here we are, looking forward to yet another year of football.
Since this is a Pittsburgh site, I'll go ahead and start off with the AFC North. Many critics feel that this will be the year for the Ravens. According to most magazines, it seems as if every year is the Ravens year. Around this time last year, the Ravens were of course predicted to win the division. Some people never learn...
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
Yes sir. The Steelers will repeat as the AFC North Champions. Last year, they put up a 12-4 record and earned themselves a first round bye in the playoffs. Don't forget that Big Ben was suspended for the first four games. This year he will play the whole season, and I predict it to be his best. Mendenhall will again rush for over 1,000, but Redman will see a lot more action this year. Some feel that the defense will fizzle in 2011. I disagree. Lamarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Ziggy Hood, and Keenan Lewis are all well under 30. Not to mention the rookie's we brought in; (Heyward, Brown, Allen, and Carter). Plus, anybody who thinks that Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, and Brett Kiesel have lost their playmaking abilities, are sadly mistaken...2. Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Flacco is overrated. Plain and simple. Take his defense away from him, and what has he done? Two years ago you could have made the argument that he didn't have an elite receiver. Well he had Anquan Boldin last year; and the result of that was a major drop in Boldin's numbers. The aging of Ed Reed and Ray Lewis will be exposed this year, while Terrell Suggs will have an all-pro season. I see the Ravens missing the playoffs.
3. Cleveland Browns 8-8
This will be yet another rebuilding year for the Browns, but I get the feeling that Colt McCoy will step up. Massaquoi has potential to be a 1,000 yard receiver, but quarterback issues have held him back in recent years. Offensively, I feel the Browns have the tools. A solid quarterback (McCoy), possible pro-bowl running back (Hillis), and three solid receivers, (Massaquoi, Robiske, Watson (TE)). Defensively, they don't have much to offer. The pass rush is weak, and the run defense finished 27th in the league last year. Needless to say, the Browns still aren't quite a playoff caliber team.
4. Cincinnati Bengals 2-14
I see the Bengals as being the worst team in the NFL this year. When a 4-12 team loses their two best offensive players (Palmer, and Ochocinco), where does that put them? I refuse to say anymore about this team. I mean hey, maybe I'll be wrong; but I doubt it.
AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots 12-4
As much as I can't stand Tom Brady and all other members of this pompous team, they aren't done yet. Brady is coming off of an MVP performance, and will have another big year. Welker and Branch will tear up defensive backfields just as they did last year, while Green-Ellis and Woodhead will create a deadly half back duo. One thing that concerns me about the Patriots is their defense. They finished 30th in pass defense last year, and gave up quite a few big plays on the ground during their playoff game against the Jets. However, with Jerod Mayo at linebacker, and the addition of defensive end Shaun Ellis, I think the Pats offense can deal with a couple of scores.
2. New York Jets 11-5
The Jets really are one cool team. Any head coach who will run on to the field and celebrate with his players after a game sealing touchdown has respect in my book. The Jets defense is spectacular. It doesn't get a whole lot better than Revis and Cromartie. Offensively they will have two ex-Steelers, Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes, along with running back Shonn Greene, who I feel will have a career year. One thing they don't have is a quarterback. The poor Jets have played in the last two AFC Championship games, and lost both of them. Sanchez was, and is the only thing holding them back.
3. Miami Dolphins 5-11
The Dolphins are another one of those teams who are in desperate need of a franchise quarterback. Unfortunately for them, the 2011 draft didn't offer too many. Drafting Mike Pouncey was a good pick, but a quarterback is still their biggest need. Chad Henne will get another shot, but I am confident that he won't last.
4. Buffalo Bills 3-13
No offense. No defense- but man, those are some sweet new uniforms...
AFC WEST
1. Kansas City Chiefs 11-5
This is the division that is probably the most "up in the air." Even so, I still see the Chiefs repeating as the AFC West champions. Jamaal Charles is a top 5 overall back, and Matt Cassel can play when he has the tools around him. Also, wide receiver Dwayne Bowe led the league with 15 touchdown receptions last season. The Chiefs pass rush improved immensely last season, as linebacker Tamba Hali finished with 14.5 sacks and earned his first pro-bowl bid. I don't see the Chiefs clinching this division until week 17.
Despite a career year from Phillip Rivers, the Chargers missed the players last year for the first time since 2005. Was it the loss of L.T? Who knows? The Chargers have to be the first team in NFL history to finish the regular season first in total offense, first in total defense, and miss the playoffs. It was just one of those years. They will bounce back this year, and snag the 6th seed in the AFC Playoffs.
3. Denver Broncos 7-9
Tebow or Orton? It's hard to say. Many have already decided that Tim Tebow is not an NFL quarterback, but look at the guy. Nobody plays the game harder than he does, and nobody has more drive than he does. Brandon Lloyd will have another big year as the Broncos #1 receiver, but I don't see them making a run at this division, not this year.
4. Oakland Raiders 6-10
I was very impressed with the Raiders last season after they managed to finish at .500 for the first time since 2002. Yet, they have a new coaching staff, and the same sub-par players. I don't see them making much of an impact. The Raiders of the 21st century are back people.
AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis Colts 12-4
Since the formation of the AFC South in 2002, only twice have the Colts not won the division (2002, 2008). With Manning possibly out for the first few weeks of the season, the Colts could finish behind first for the third time, but I don't see that happening. The Colts have solid players on both sides of the ball, a good offensive line, and an excellent pass rush. I'll bet that Manning plays all year, and has another pro-bowl season.
2. Houston Texans 9-7
One of these days, the Texans are going to make the playoffs. But not this year. Andre Johnson will put up numbers, as well as Arian Foster, but that won't change the fact that the Colts will always own the AFC South as long as Manning is under center.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
Blaine Gabbert has actually played significantly well in the pre-season thus far. Marcedes Lewis caught 10 touchdowns passes last season, and Maurice Jones-Drew is easily one of the best running backs in the league. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all the Jaguars have. Maybe that will change if they move to L.A in a year or two.
4. Tennessee Titans 3-13
This team is sort of a mess. Chris Johnson is undoubtedly one of the best running backs in the league, but without a quarterback, or a defense, that doesn't mean much in the NFL. Just ask Barry Sanders.
AFC Playoffs
1. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
2. New England Patriots 12-4
3. Indianapolis Colts 12-4
4. Kansas City Chiefs 11-5
5. New York Jets 11-5
6. San Diego Chargers 11-5
It's always tough to make the playoffs in the AFC, but this year teams will have little room for error if they want a trip to the post season. Now let's take a look at my AFC Playoff predictions.
Wild Card Round
Chargers over Colts
The Chargers always seem to have the Colts number in the post-season.
Jets over Chiefs
This one is sort of an easy pick, wouldn't you say?
Divisional Round
Steelers over Chargers
A repeat of 2008. Nothing wrong with that if you're a Steelers fan, right?
Patriots over Jets
Tom Brady and the Patriots will avenge the upset that the Jets pulled off against them last season.
AFC Championship
Steelers over Patriots
This one is tough, but I think that this will be the year the Steelers finally pull out that thorn that has been in their side since 2001. (The Patriots)
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers 12-4
Many people are predicting the Packers to go 14-2, 15-1 etc. I don't think that's the case here. What people are forgetting is that this was a team who barely made the playoffs last season. But all in all, they did win the super bowl, so more power to them. Still, even with the confidence boost, I don't see them winning past 13 games.
2. Chicago Bears 10-6
The Bears made it all the way to the NFC Championship game last year. It's truly had to believe that a team with Jay Cutler under center could make it that far. But they did, and they have the potential to do it again as long as they can stay healthy. I'll pick the Bears to snag a wild card berth.
3. Detroit Lions 7-9
I know we all want to see the Lions in the playoffs... It's just one of those things that has to be done. Unfortunately for the Lions, other teams are trying to win too. No playoffs for the Lions this year, but watch out for Ndamukong Suh...
4. Minnesota Vikings 3-13
I really don't know what they were thinking drafting Christian Ponder in the first round. I mean sure they need a quarterback, but hell he probably would have been available the second and maybe even third round! Why not try to upgrade that God awful receiving corp? Or pick up a defensive back? Nothing going for the Vikings this season. What a shame for Adrian Peterson...
NFC EAST
1. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
After seeing the Michael Vick and the Eagles pathetic performance against the Steelers the other night, I don't really know what to think. Still, even the greatest teams in history have had bad games here and there. So I'm going to stick with my gut and predict the dream team to come out on top of the NFC East. Asomugha is by far the best cornerback in the league, and Asante Samuel is definitely up there as well. The Eagles won't be what everyone is expecting, but still a solid team.
The Giants are going to fade this year. I'll give them credit, since their 2007 super bowl upset over the Patriots, they have at least stayed competitive. This year, however, the Giants will experience another season similar to 2009. Losing a lot of close games, and dropping to .500. Still, their defensive line is one of the best you'll see. Justin Tuck and Osi Uymenyiora are possibly the best pass-rushing duo in the league. Even with their production, Eli is no Peyton. The Giants still have plenty of work to do before they find themselves back in the playoffs.
3. Washington Redskins 5-11
The Redskins haven't been good for a while. I mean sure they made the playoffs in 2007, but when was the last time you remember them making a run? They actually won a playoff game back in 2005, and in 1999. Two playoff wins in 12 years just doesn't cut it. The last time the Skins made it past the divisional round, was in 1991 when they won the super bowl. George H.W Bush was still the president...
4. Dallas Cowboys 5-11
The funny thing about the Cowboys is that even after defeating the Steelers in super bowl 30, there are some old fans who still claim that we "got lucky" during their two super bowl loses to the Steelers during the 1970's. No, the Cowboys will not be good this year. Tony Romo is not good, and never has been. The Cowboys won't improve any this season. Although you have to give them credit. Winning at least one game with Jon Kitna at quarterback says a lot about a football team.
NFC WEST
1. St. Louis Rams 9-7
The Rams are the best team in the worst division in the NFL. That's not saying much, but hey, whatever works. Look for Bradford to have a big year. I'm confident that he can lead this team to the playoffs, and possibly even win a game or two. You have to love Steven Jackson, but this may be the last year he's productive. The guy takes hits like no running back I have ever seen.
2. San Francisco 49ers 7-9
I won't lie, I actually picked these guys to win the NFC last season... I'm not quite sure what I was thinking, but oh well. By now we've all learned that Alex Smith turned out to be a bust, and that Michael Crabtree has been a disappointment, but Vernon Davis has the ability to make plays, and Frank Gore is a solid running back to say the least. Patrick Willis is by far the best linebacker in the league, and reports say that Taylor Mays is starting to come along. You never know about these guys, maybe they can slip into the playoffs?
3. Seattle Seahawks 6-10
I don't feel that losing Hasselbeck will hurt this team very much. He was never all that great in my eyes. But the fact that they are still the Seahawks doesn't help. Going 7-9 and making the playoffs is confusing. I mean is it a successful season or what?
4. Arizona Cardinals 6-10
Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best receivers in the NFL. It's a shame that he no longer has a Kurt Warner type quarterback to throw him the ball. Because of the quarterback issue in Arizona this past season, the Cardinals fell off the map. It will take a few years for this franchise to restore things.
AFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints 13-3
Drew Brees will have one of the best seasons of his career. I can just sense it. I predict Mark Ingram to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year, and for Marques Colston to make his first pro-bowl. This will be the last time the Saints win the division for a while, because Josh Freeman and the Bucs are about to take over.
Josh Freeman will be the next big thing of professional football. He reminds you so much of Ben Roethlisberger that it's unreal. Largette Blount rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, and will do it again this year. The Bucs will bag the 5th seed in the NFC playoffs.
3. Atlanta Falcons 9-7
Matt Ryan will one day win a super bowl. I am very confident of that. But it won't be for a while, and definitely not this year. The Falcons are coming off of a stellar regular season, but were just destroyed by the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round, at home... Roddy White and Michael Turner will have great years statistically, but I see them losing to the Bucs at least once, and the Saints twice, which eliminates them from the division title.
4. Carolina Panthers 3-13
Cam Newton is a clone of Jamarcus Russell. The Panthers won't win a game with him under center. Clausen will take over close to mid season, and will win all three games for the Panthers this season. Sorry, but Newton is not an NFL quarterback.
NFC Playoffs
1. New Orleans Saints 13-3
2. Green Bay Packers 12-4
3. Philadelphia Eagles 11-5
4. St. Louis Rams 9-7
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-5
6. Chicago Bears 10-6
Say these predictions were 100% correct. If so, the NFC would be up for grabs. The best team in this picture is still the Green Bay Packers, but it's hard to say who will come out on top, because as we learned last year, the best team doesn't always win, it's who wants it more.
Wildcard Round
Eagles over Bears
This game wouldn't be very close.
Buccaneers over Rams
This game may be close at first, but the Bucs would blow them out easily in the second half.
Divisional Round
Saints over Buccaneers
The Bucs will have one hell of a team, but they're young, and not quite ready for the next step.
Packers over Eagles
The Pack ends Michael Vick and the Eagles season for the second consecutive year.
NFC Championship
Packers over Saints
Drew Brees's dream season will come to an end with a crushing defeat. You have to respect the Packers.
SUPER BOWL 46 - "THE REMATCH"
Yes, I know that a few weeks back I stated in my "Top 5 Things to Watch" article that I was leaning more towards a Steelers-Eagles matchup, but as I said previously, after the Eagles pathetic display the other night against the Steelers, my expectations for the "dream team" have slowly dwindled away.
Super Bowl XLVI
Steelers over Packers
Did you expect anything different? Of course the Steelers would win. No way there will ever be another game like there was back in February two years in a row. In fact, if Mendenhall doesn't fumble the ball, nobody even remembers the Packers team from last year, just as nobody remembers the 05' Seahawks, or the 08' Cardinals.
Award Predictions
NFL MVP - Tom Brady, NE
Offensive Player of the Year- Tom Brady, NE
Defensive Player of the Year- Clay Matthews, GB
Offensive Rookie of the Year- Mark Ingram, NO
Defensive Rookie of the Year- Von Miller, DEN
NFL Comeback Player of the Year- Plaxico Burress, NYJ
Super Bowl MVP- Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
Pro-Bowl MVP- Terrell Suggs, BAL
Written by Alex Muchnok
No comments:
Post a Comment