AL East
Current Leader: Boston Red Sox
In the Hunt: New York Yankees
The AL East could go either way this year. Who knows if the Sox or Yankees really want to win this division? But I still say I'd rather have home field than not have it. I like the Red Sox to stay healthy and win this division.
Winner: Boston Red Sox
AL Central
Current Leader: Detroit Tigers
In the Hunt: Cleveland Indians
Chicago White Sox
The Tigers have the league's best pitcher while the Indians seem to be getting healthy. And you can't forget about the White Sox either. That being said, the Tigers will never have a long losing streak because of Justin Verlander and they will manage to hold off both the Indians and White Sox.
Winner: Detroit Tigers
AL West
Current Leader: Texas Rangers
In the Hunt: Los Angeles Angels
Texas is deep at every area of the game which is why they're in the lead. I love the Angels pitching however and I think they are capable of putting together a long win streak at any time. But something is missing with this Angels team, which is why they fall just short in the end.
Winner: Texas Rangers
AL Wild Card
Current Leader: New York Yankees
In the Hunt: Los Angeles Angels
The Yankees have too much of a lead. It would take a ridiculous run to end the season for a team other than the Yankees or Red Sox not to be the wild card.
Winner: New York Yankees
ALDS
Boston Red Sox v.s. Detroit Tigers
This sets up to be a very attractive series. In Game 1, it will most likely be a Jon Lester-Justin Verlander matchup at Fenway. I'll take the Sox in a tight 4-2 game where they get to the Tigers bullpen late to sneak by. In Game 2, the Sox win going away because of Josh Beckett 8-2. In Game 3 at Comerica Park, the Tigers get a win late in the game 5-4. In Game 4, the Tigers steal another one as Justin Verlander throws a complete game, 1 run gem as the Tigers win 5-1. But in Game 5 at Fenway, I like Josh Beckett to come up big as the Sox win 8-3 to move onto the ALCS.
Red Sox in Five
Texas Rangers v.s. New York Yankees
A rematch of last years ALCS. The Yankees grab Game 1 5-3 as the Yankees offense musters enough to get past Texas. Texas will rebound however in Game 2, lighting up Ivan Nova to win 11-4. In Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, Bartolo Colon does the job, pitching 7 innings and only allowing 2 runs as the Yankees win 7-2. In Game 4, the Yankees have the Rangers beat but Texas puts together some magic off of Mariano Rivera and win in 12 innings 8-6. In Game 5, the Rangers carry that mojo and the Yankees crack after failing to close out Game 4. Texas advances to the ALCS once again and the questions about the Yankees getting older come into question once again.
Rangers in Five
ALCS
Boston Red Sox v.s. Texas Rangers
In Game 1 at Fenway, Jon Lester out duels C.J. Wilson and the Sox win 7-3. In Game 2, the Rangers offense gets to Josh Beckett early and Texas wins handily 10-5. However, the Red Sox retake the series lead in Game 3 when John Lackey comes up huge with 7 innings, allowing only 2 runs and the Red Sox escape with a 3-2 win. In Game 4, Texas evens the series, winning on a walk off home run by Josh Hamilton off Jonathan Papelbon to win 6-5. In Game 5, Jon Lester gets hit hard early and often as the Rangers win easily 11-6 to head back to Fenway up 3-2. Back at Fenway in Game 6, Josh Beckett pitches well enough as the Red Sox force a Game 7, winning 7-5. In Game 7, John Lackey can't rekindle the magic and Texas' lights out bullpen shuts down the Red Sox talented lineup late to win 8-6 and head back to the World Series.
Rangers in Seven
ALCS MVP: Josh Hamilton
NL East
Current Leader: Philadelphia Phillies
In the Hunt: None
It's safe to say the Phillies have this locked up.
Winner: Philadelphia Phillies
NL Central
Current Leader: Milwaukee Brewers
In the Hunt: St. Louis Cardinals (kind of)
Like the Phillies, the Brewers will also be a division champion.
Winner: Milwaukee Brewers
NL West
Current Leader: Arizona Diamondbacks
In the Hunt: San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
This is certainly the tightest division in the National League. The Giants recently lost Jonathan Sanchez indefinitely, so it will come down to whether the Giants can maintain their pitching and have their offense get going. The Diamondbacks will need to keep playing the way their playing and not have a tail off like the Padres did last year. As for the Rockies, they would need to have a run like they did in 2007. I still think that Diamondbacks keep up their pace and win the NL West crown even with the defending champions on their tails.
Winner: Arizona Diamondbacks
NL Wild Card
Current Leader: Arizona Braves
In the Hunt: San Francisco Giants
The Braves have too much of an advantage to have a bad September and find themselves out of the playoffs.
Winner: Atlanta Braves
NLDS
Philadelphia Phillies v.s. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Phillies, like last year, have an easy playoff matchup on paper. I'm going to predict a shocker in Game 1 with the Diamondbacks getting four runs off of Halladay and Ian Kennedey pitches a gem for the Diamondbacks to steal Game 1 5-1. In Game 2, the Phillies come back with a sense of urgency and win easily 8-0 with Cliff Lee tossing 7 shut out innings. In Game 3, the Phillies win easily once again 9-2 with Ryan Howard providing a ton of offense. In Game 4, the Phillies close it out behind Roy Oswalt as the Phillies win 6-3.
Phillies in Four
Milwaukee Brewers v.s. Atlanta Braves
This looks to be a very competitive and close series. In Game 1 behind Yovani Gallardo and the big bats of Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun, the Brewers win 7-2. In Game 2, the Braves are once again stifled, this time by Zack Grienke as the Brewers win very easily 12-1. Down and out, the Braves manage to bounce back in Atlanta, winning Game 3 behind strong defense and timely hitting 5-4. Then they come back and win Game 4 putting the pressure back on Milwaukee with a 8-2 victory. With Zack Grienke facing Tim Hudson in Game 5, the Brewers win 3-2 behind an electric atmosphere in Milwaukee to send them to the NLCS.
Brewers in Five
NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies v.s. Milwaukee Brewers
The Phillies and the Brewers, the two best teams in the NL throughout the season, meet up in a war to determine who goes to the World Series. In Game 1, Roy Halladay bounces back after a disappointing outing against Arizona and defeats the Brewers 5-1. In Game 2, Cliff Lee is too much for the Brewers stout offense as the Phillies win 7-2. Behind a raucous atmosphere in Game 3, Zack Grinke continues his stellar pitching and shuts down the Phillies 7-2 to get the Brewers back in the series. In Game 4, the Phillies get a great outing from Roy Oswalt who tosses 8 innings of 2 run ball to lead his Phillies past the Brewers 5-2 to put them one game away from heading back to the World Series. In Game 5, the Brewers will not go down easy as the put on one last show for the Milwaukee faithful, whacking Roy Halladay and winning 14-4. But back in Philadelphia for Game 6, the Phillies close out the Brewers behind another great performance by Cliff Lee. But its the offense who gets it done with a walk-off single by Chase Utley to send the Phillies back to the World Series with a 4-3 win.
Phillies in Six
NLCS MVP: Chase Utley
World Series
Texas Rangers v.s. Philadelphia Phillies
Another great World Series matchup. Since the National League won the All-Star game, Philadelphia has home field advantage. In Game 1, Philadelphia overpowers and out-pitches Texas to win 9-3. In Game 2, it is much of the same, with Philadelphia winning 6-4. In Game 3, Philadelphia just about nails Texas' coffin, winning in extras 12-11 in a wild game. In Game 4, Texas doesn't just lie down, they win 6-1. But in Game 5, Philadelphia wins their second World Series title in 4 years, beating the Rangers
7-6.
Phillies in Five
World Series MVP: Ryan Howard
Event of the Night
Kings/Devils Game 2
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Past, Present and Future- Quarterbacks
By past, I mean ranking the all time greatest. By the present, I mean the best currently. By the future, I mean the best 5 years from now.
Past Present Future
1
Joe Montana Tom Brady Aaron Rodgers
2
Tom Brady Peyton Manning Matt Ryan
3
Otto Graham Aaron Rodgers Andrew Luck
4
Peyton Manning Drew Brees Sam Bradford
5
Johnny Unitas Ben Roethlisberger Philip Rivers
6
John Elway Michael Vick Matthew Stafford
7
Roger Staubach Philip Rivers Mark Sanchez
8
Bart Starr Matt Ryan Joe Flacco
9
Terry Bradshaw Josh Freeman Matt Barkley
10
Brett Favre Joe Flacco Cam Newton
Past Present Future
1
Joe Montana Tom Brady Aaron Rodgers
2
Tom Brady Peyton Manning Matt Ryan
3
Otto Graham Aaron Rodgers Andrew Luck
4
Peyton Manning Drew Brees Sam Bradford
5
Johnny Unitas Ben Roethlisberger Philip Rivers
6
John Elway Michael Vick Matthew Stafford
7
Roger Staubach Philip Rivers Mark Sanchez
8
Bart Starr Matt Ryan Joe Flacco
9
Terry Bradshaw Josh Freeman Matt Barkley
10
Brett Favre Joe Flacco Cam Newton
"What If" Moments in Sports- 1
What If......
Eli Manning was Sacked
Super Bowl 42, Patriots v.s. Giants
Situation: Patriots up 14-10, Under Two Minutes to Go
Third Down and Long
Eli Manning was in the grasp of numerous defensive lineman, but the Pats D-Line just couldn't bring him down. He ended up escaping and throwing a deep pass that David Tyree caught with his helmet. So, the question is, what if Eli Manning was whistled sacked on third down in Super Bowl 42?
It's third down and five, 1:15 remaining and the Giants are on the 44 yard line. When the play started, Eli Manning was immediately faced with pressure from Richard Seymour and Adalius Thomas in particular. Both Seymour and Thomas along with Jarvis Green had Eli Manning in their clasps right away. According to lead official Mike Carrey, he assumed that a sack was probably going to happen. The rule is that once the quarterback is in grasp and in control of the defense, the play is dead. Manning was in grasp and in control, but no call. Carrey was milliseconds away from blowing his whistle, but then he saw Manning escape and he let the play continue. We're going to go back in time and say that Mike Carrey blew his whistle and Manning was sacked, leaving the Giants with a 4th and 8 with just over a minute left to go.
Now, we can't assume what would've happened on a 4th and 8. The Giants had already converted on 4th down that drive, but it was from only one yard away. This was 8 yards. The odds were with the Patriots at completing history. There are two simple scenarios on this play, the Giants convert or they don't convert. Scenario 1 is simple, they convert and the drive continues and god only knows what happens after that. But let's say scenario 2 happened.
We all know that the Patriots were 18-0. Now, they just had stopped the Giants and they would simply kneel down on the ball and capture the Super Bowl.
This would've been the Patriots 4th Super Bowl in 7 Years. This secures their place for sure, if it wasn't already secured, with the Steelers of the 70's and the 49ers of the 80's.
With a 19-0 season, the Patriots are the greatest team in NFL history. It isn't even a debate. The league is a little bit tougher now than it was in the 70's with more teams and more physicality. With a 19-0 season, there is not debate that the 2007 Patriots are the greatest team of all time.
With the win, Tom Brady would've become the greatest quarterback of all time. Yes, all time. This would've gave him four Super Bowls. He just came off the greatest single season for any quarterback of all time. He would've led a fourth quarter comeback to win the Super Bowl as well. He also would've been the quarterback of an undefeated team, only him and Bob Griese can say that. With all of these accomplishments under his belt, there is little doubt that Tom Brady would've become the greatest quarterback of all time.
Of course, if the Patriots won, this game wouldn't be considered one of the better upsets in Super Bowl history and the greatest play in Super Bowl history would never have happened. All things happen for a reason. We could only wonder as sports fans what would've happened if Eli Manning was sacked and the David Tyree catch never happened.
Eli Manning was Sacked
Super Bowl 42, Patriots v.s. Giants
Situation: Patriots up 14-10, Under Two Minutes to Go
Third Down and Long
Eli Manning was in the grasp of numerous defensive lineman, but the Pats D-Line just couldn't bring him down. He ended up escaping and throwing a deep pass that David Tyree caught with his helmet. So, the question is, what if Eli Manning was whistled sacked on third down in Super Bowl 42?
It's third down and five, 1:15 remaining and the Giants are on the 44 yard line. When the play started, Eli Manning was immediately faced with pressure from Richard Seymour and Adalius Thomas in particular. Both Seymour and Thomas along with Jarvis Green had Eli Manning in their clasps right away. According to lead official Mike Carrey, he assumed that a sack was probably going to happen. The rule is that once the quarterback is in grasp and in control of the defense, the play is dead. Manning was in grasp and in control, but no call. Carrey was milliseconds away from blowing his whistle, but then he saw Manning escape and he let the play continue. We're going to go back in time and say that Mike Carrey blew his whistle and Manning was sacked, leaving the Giants with a 4th and 8 with just over a minute left to go.
Now, we can't assume what would've happened on a 4th and 8. The Giants had already converted on 4th down that drive, but it was from only one yard away. This was 8 yards. The odds were with the Patriots at completing history. There are two simple scenarios on this play, the Giants convert or they don't convert. Scenario 1 is simple, they convert and the drive continues and god only knows what happens after that. But let's say scenario 2 happened.
We all know that the Patriots were 18-0. Now, they just had stopped the Giants and they would simply kneel down on the ball and capture the Super Bowl.
This would've been the Patriots 4th Super Bowl in 7 Years. This secures their place for sure, if it wasn't already secured, with the Steelers of the 70's and the 49ers of the 80's.
With a 19-0 season, the Patriots are the greatest team in NFL history. It isn't even a debate. The league is a little bit tougher now than it was in the 70's with more teams and more physicality. With a 19-0 season, there is not debate that the 2007 Patriots are the greatest team of all time.
With the win, Tom Brady would've become the greatest quarterback of all time. Yes, all time. This would've gave him four Super Bowls. He just came off the greatest single season for any quarterback of all time. He would've led a fourth quarter comeback to win the Super Bowl as well. He also would've been the quarterback of an undefeated team, only him and Bob Griese can say that. With all of these accomplishments under his belt, there is little doubt that Tom Brady would've become the greatest quarterback of all time.
Of course, if the Patriots won, this game wouldn't be considered one of the better upsets in Super Bowl history and the greatest play in Super Bowl history would never have happened. All things happen for a reason. We could only wonder as sports fans what would've happened if Eli Manning was sacked and the David Tyree catch never happened.
Greatest Teams in NFL History- Super Bowl Era
20 1986 New York Giants
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 21
Dominant defense led by Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson
19 1977 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 12-2, Won Super Bowl 12
Talented across the board, offense and defense both spectacular
18 1992 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 27
Coasted through Bills to cap best season of 90's for Cowboys
17 2004 New England Patriots
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 39
The most balanced of the Pats Super Bowl winning teams, they were stout offensively and defensively
16 1971 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 11-3, Won Super Bowl 6
Dallas won games by an average margin of 13 points a game
15 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 13
This Steelers team had a little more offense to go along with their stellar defense
14 1994 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 29
Steve Young engineered a big time offense; the 49ers had 10 pro bowlers
13 1998 Denver Broncos
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 33
They started out 13-0 and they were the best team throughout the season
12 1973 Miami Dolphins
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 8
The year after the undefeated season, the Dolphins were arguably as dominant
11 1996 Green Bay Packers
Record: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 31
This was the most balanced and most dynamic of Favre's Packer teams
10 1998 Minnesota Vikings
Record: 15-1, L in NFC Championship
The Vikings had one of the best offenses ever, they were a missed field goal away from the Super Bowl
9 1966 Green Bay Packers
Record: 12-2, W Super Bowl 1
A well oiled machine, the Packers were dominant throughout the season
8 1968 Baltimore Colts
Record: 13-1, L Super Bowl 3
The Colts were 18 points favorites and would've captured their first Super Bowl if not for a guarantee
7 1989 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 24
The 49ers capped their great season off with an annihilation of the Broncos 55-10
6 1991 Washington Redskins
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 26
The 'Skins were dominant throughout, they finished off the Bills in dominating fashion
5 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 12-2, Won Super Bowl 10
They won games by an average of 15 points, enough said
4 1984 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 15-1, Won Super Bowl 19
This was the best 49er team, Montana and Rice were in their prime
3 2007 New England Patriots
Record: 16-0, L Super Bowl 42
They would've been the greatest team in history, oh what could have been
2 1972 Miami Dolphins
Record: 14-0, W Super Bowl 7
The Dolphins were perfect, they couldn't have done much better
1 1985 Chicago Bears
Record: 15-1, W Super Bowl 20
The Bears had the greatest defense of all time and perhaps the greatest running back of all time, they were the most dominant team of all time even though they did not finish undefeated
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 21Dominant defense led by Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson
19 1977 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 12-2, Won Super Bowl 12
Talented across the board, offense and defense both spectacular
18 1992 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 27
Coasted through Bills to cap best season of 90's for Cowboys
17 2004 New England Patriots
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 39
The most balanced of the Pats Super Bowl winning teams, they were stout offensively and defensively16 1971 Dallas Cowboys
Record: 11-3, Won Super Bowl 6
Dallas won games by an average margin of 13 points a game
15 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 13
This Steelers team had a little more offense to go along with their stellar defense
14 1994 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 29
Steve Young engineered a big time offense; the 49ers had 10 pro bowlers
13 1998 Denver Broncos
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 33
They started out 13-0 and they were the best team throughout the season
12 1973 Miami Dolphins
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 8
The year after the undefeated season, the Dolphins were arguably as dominant
11 1996 Green Bay PackersRecord: 13-3, Won Super Bowl 31
This was the most balanced and most dynamic of Favre's Packer teams
10 1998 Minnesota Vikings
Record: 15-1, L in NFC Championship
The Vikings had one of the best offenses ever, they were a missed field goal away from the Super Bowl
9 1966 Green Bay Packers
Record: 12-2, W Super Bowl 1
A well oiled machine, the Packers were dominant throughout the season
8 1968 Baltimore Colts
Record: 13-1, L Super Bowl 3
The Colts were 18 points favorites and would've captured their first Super Bowl if not for a guarantee
7 1989 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 24
The 49ers capped their great season off with an annihilation of the Broncos 55-10
6 1991 Washington Redskins
Record: 14-2, Won Super Bowl 26
The 'Skins were dominant throughout, they finished off the Bills in dominating fashion5 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 12-2, Won Super Bowl 10
They won games by an average of 15 points, enough said
4 1984 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 15-1, Won Super Bowl 19
This was the best 49er team, Montana and Rice were in their prime
3 2007 New England Patriots
Record: 16-0, L Super Bowl 42
They would've been the greatest team in history, oh what could have been
2 1972 Miami Dolphins
Record: 14-0, W Super Bowl 7
The Dolphins were perfect, they couldn't have done much better
1 1985 Chicago Bears
Record: 15-1, W Super Bowl 20
The Bears had the greatest defense of all time and perhaps the greatest running back of all time, they were the most dominant team of all time even though they did not finish undefeated
Sunday, August 21, 2011
2011 College Football Predictions- Preseason
After all the controversy and all the bullshit surrounding college football lately, we all can't wait for the season. The college football regular season is the second best regular season in sports after the NFL. Every week means something in college football. I would like to see a playoff system, but keep in mind that the BCS system works, I mean we would love to see a Boise State get a chance, but if a team like Boise State and TCU were playing in the SEC, playing excellent teams week in and week out, they would not have had an undefeated season in any of the past few seasons. They would've certainly had 10-2 and 11-1 seasons, but not 12-0. But anyway, back to my predictions. I'll break down each of the top teams, predict their regular season records, not including possible conference championship games. Then I'll go through each conference and predict a winner and then I'll predict the BCS bowl games.
1) Oklahoma Sooners
Predicted Record: 11-1
The Sooners will be undefeated by the time they visit Oklahoma State the last week of the season. It is there where they will be upset and possibly left out of the BCS National Title Game.
2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Predicted Record: 11-1
Like Oklahoma, I think the Crimson Tide trip up at home to LSU. Even with the loss, Alabama has a chance to get back into the picture of the BCS Title Game.
3) Oregon Ducks
Predicted Record: 11-1
Oregon is the third top tier team I think will slip up late in the season. Oregon losses to Andrew Luck and Stanford who lights up the Oregon defense.
4) LSU Tigers
Predicted Record: 11-1
LSU losses in Week 1 to Oregon, but given the fact that they lost early in the season and they survive their brutal schedule with only 1 loss, they are in prime position to play for the national title.
5) Boise State Broncos
Predicted Record: 12-0
Yes, this is the year, Boise State will go undefeated once more. Somehow and some way, the Broncos manage to find a way to go undefeated.
6) Florida State Seminoles
Predicted Record: 11-1
Florida State only loses to Oklahoma but other than that, they will dominate the ACC.
7) Stanford Cardinal
Predicted Record: 11-1
I think the Cardinal will upset Oregon, but I expect them to trip up somewhere between USC, Oregon State and Notre Dame.
8) Texas A&M Aggies
Predicted Record: 10-2
I expect the Aggies to trip up against either Oklahoma State or Arkansas at home and then lose to Oklahoma.
9) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Predicted Record: 10-2
They'll lose two Big 12 games, but they'll beat Oklahoma.
10) Nebraska Corn Huskers
Predicted Record: 10-2
They'll do very well for their first season in the Big Ten, but they will slip up at least once, probably twice.
ACC
Florida State over Virginia Tech
Big East
West Virginia
Big Ten
Nebraska over Wisconsin
Big 12
Oklahoma
Pac 12
Stanford over USC
SEC
South Carolina over LSU
Rose Bowl
Stanford over Nebraska
Orange Bowl
LSU over West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma over Florida State
Sugar Bowl
Oregon over South Carolina
BCS National Title Game
Alabama Crimson Tide over Boise State Broncos
I predict that it will be a crazy season in college football. Boise State backs into the national title game with a lot of help from everyone losing. Since Alabama lost early in the season and then since LSU was upset by South Carolina in the SEC Championship game, Alabama narrowly scrapes past Oklahoma, Stanford and Oregon by percentage points in the BCS Standings to earn a spot in the National Title Game. From there, I like Alabama to defeat Boise State 31-24 in a very good national championship. Here are my final top 10 standings and my heisman trophy winner prediction.
1 Alabama 12-1
2 Stanford 13-1
3 Oklahoma 12-1
4 Boise State 12-1
5 Oregon 12-1
6 LSU 12-2
7 Texas A&M 11-2
8 Arkansas 11-2
9 Florida State 12-2
10 Wisconsin 11-3
Heisman Trophy: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
1) Oklahoma Sooners
Predicted Record: 11-1
 |
| Landry Jones |
2) Alabama Crimson Tide
Predicted Record: 11-1
Like Oklahoma, I think the Crimson Tide trip up at home to LSU. Even with the loss, Alabama has a chance to get back into the picture of the BCS Title Game.
3) Oregon Ducks
Predicted Record: 11-1
Oregon is the third top tier team I think will slip up late in the season. Oregon losses to Andrew Luck and Stanford who lights up the Oregon defense.
4) LSU Tigers
Predicted Record: 11-1
LSU losses in Week 1 to Oregon, but given the fact that they lost early in the season and they survive their brutal schedule with only 1 loss, they are in prime position to play for the national title.
5) Boise State Broncos
Predicted Record: 12-0
Yes, this is the year, Boise State will go undefeated once more. Somehow and some way, the Broncos manage to find a way to go undefeated.
6) Florida State Seminoles
Predicted Record: 11-1
Florida State only loses to Oklahoma but other than that, they will dominate the ACC.
 |
| Andrew Luck |
Predicted Record: 11-1
I think the Cardinal will upset Oregon, but I expect them to trip up somewhere between USC, Oregon State and Notre Dame.
8) Texas A&M Aggies
Predicted Record: 10-2
I expect the Aggies to trip up against either Oklahoma State or Arkansas at home and then lose to Oklahoma.
9) Oklahoma State Cowboys
Predicted Record: 10-2
They'll lose two Big 12 games, but they'll beat Oklahoma.
10) Nebraska Corn Huskers
Predicted Record: 10-2
They'll do very well for their first season in the Big Ten, but they will slip up at least once, probably twice.
ACC
Florida State over Virginia Tech
Big East
West Virginia
Big Ten
Nebraska over Wisconsin
Big 12
Oklahoma
Pac 12
Stanford over USC
SEC
South Carolina over LSU
Rose Bowl
Stanford over Nebraska
Orange Bowl
LSU over West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma over Florida State
Sugar Bowl
Oregon over South Carolina
BCS National Title Game
Alabama Crimson Tide over Boise State Broncos
I predict that it will be a crazy season in college football. Boise State backs into the national title game with a lot of help from everyone losing. Since Alabama lost early in the season and then since LSU was upset by South Carolina in the SEC Championship game, Alabama narrowly scrapes past Oklahoma, Stanford and Oregon by percentage points in the BCS Standings to earn a spot in the National Title Game. From there, I like Alabama to defeat Boise State 31-24 in a very good national championship. Here are my final top 10 standings and my heisman trophy winner prediction.
1 Alabama 12-1
2 Stanford 13-1
3 Oklahoma 12-1
4 Boise State 12-1
5 Oregon 12-1
6 LSU 12-2
7 Texas A&M 11-2
8 Arkansas 11-2
9 Florida State 12-2
10 Wisconsin 11-3
Heisman Trophy: Andrew Luck, QB Stanford
Saturday, August 20, 2011
2011 NFL Predictions- Preseason
AFC
East
1 New England Patriots
2010: 14-2, L in Divisional
The Patriots are coming off of a 14-2 campaign but they fell short again in the playoffs. But last year wasn't even supposed to be the year where the offense and defense come together to be a dominant force. The Patriots are blossoming on defense, led by Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty while the offense lights up the scoreboard and more impressively, they don't turn the football over. I expect the Patriots to be just like they were last season, a dominant force; but it will all come down to how the Pats perform if they make it to the postseason.
Record: 13-3, -1 from 2010
2 New York Jets
2010: 10-6, L in AFC Championship
The Jets have appeared in back to back AFC Championships but have fallen just short. The season depends heavily on Mark Sanchez, but the defense will also be put to the test with some games against premier offenses. I think the Jets are capable of going to the Super Bowl but I also think they are capable of falling flat on their face and going 8-8. The Jets put pressure on themselves and due to the fact that I believe the Jets did not get any better in the offseason, the Jets will struggle to get into the playoffs, if at all.
Record: 10-6, = from 2010
3 Buffalo Bills
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Bills were a very competitive 4-12 team if their is such a thing. This team did not have "it" in those close games. But I believe the Bills are on the right track; they have a potent offense and the additions of Marcell Dareus and Shawne Merriman will help out the defense. Expect the Bills to surprise this year and take a bigger stride forward then most would expect.
Record: 7-9, +3 from 2010
4 Miami Dolphins
2010: 7-9, Did Not Make Playoffs
This is probably the last chance for Chad Henne and Tony Sporano to make it happen. The Dolphins are a weird football team to assess because they play well on the road and are capable of playing stellar defense, yet they are a putrid team at home. They are far too inconsistent to win multiple games in a row, which keeps them out of the playoff hunt. I expect the Dolphins to be a team that no one will take lightly, but they're inconsistency keeps them from having a successful season, ending the Chad Henne and Tony Sporano era.
Record: 5-11, -2 from 2010
North
1 Baltimore Ravens
2010: 12-4, L in Divisional
The Ravens will rely on their defense and efficient play from Joe Flacco in order to be successful. A big key for the Ravens is closing out the tight games against Pittsburgh because the Ravens will have much better odds in the playoffs if they are playing at home. I think that Anquan Boldin is also a big piece to this Ravens team because he was nowhere near the player the Ravens hoped he would be when they acquired him last year. Look for the Ravens to have another consistent season along with at least a playoff berth.
Record: 11-5, -1 from 2010
2 Pittsburgh Steelers
2010: 12-4, L in Super Bowl
The Steelers have everyone returning from their AFC Champion squad from 2010. The Steelers are always a tough team to beat and with their defense they will be in every single game. I still think that James Harrison is a big distraction for this team and they have shown in the past that they have let down seasons after years they go to the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, the Steelers will be one of the better teams in the NFL.
Record: 11-5, -1 from 2010
3 Cleveland Browns
2010: 5-11, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Browns lost a few guys in the offseason that will hurt them in terms of depth. But I still like the direction the Browns are heading. They have a stellar offensive line to help out second year starter Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis was one of the league's best running backs last year. Their defense has some solid blocks like cornerback Joe Haden. But with the Browns, they simply do not have enough depth and talent to have an over .500 record.
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
4 Cincinnati Bengals
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Bengals are clearly in a rebuilding mode. They will have a new quarterback, new receivers, new impact players on defense. I like the young pieces the Bengals have but that does not mean they will win many games in 2011. They are however, one or two very good draft picks away from contending again in the AFC North as long as they can figure out if Andy Dalton is the future. I think A.J. Green is the real deal and I compare him to Calvin Johnson in his first couple years with the Lions; great talent, horrible team.
Record: 2-14, -2 from 2010
South
1 Indianapolis Colts
2010: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Colts had a ton of injuries last season which was the reason for a less than stellar season by Colts standards. They don't look a ton healthier this year with Peyton Manning questionable to open the season, but I think he will be ready when it matters, even if it takes him three-four weeks. The Colts have so many weapons on offense and their defense is good enough to hold teams under 20. I think just when people doubt the Colts saying their too old, they'll show that they still have something left in the tank.
Record: 11-5, +1 from 2010
2 Houston Texans
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Texans are everyone's sexy pick to surprise, and this year, I agree with those people who like the Texans. What's not too like? Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are a lot to handle on offense and their defense boasts players like Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans who had injury battles all last season. The Texans sured up their issues in the secondary and they look poised to battle the Colts and make the playoffs in 2011.
Record: 11-5, +5 from 2010
3 Jacksonville Jaguars
2010: 7-9, Did Not Make Playoffs
It is still unclear whether or not the Jaguars will start David Garrard or rookie Blaine Gabbert but what is clear is that the Jaguars are neither good nor bad, simply mediocre. They will hang around with most or maybe even all teams they play, but they don't have enough depth or talent to go say 10-6 or 11-5. The Jaguars will be anywhere from 6-10 to 9-7, but I think the right move is too start Garrard because he gives you a slightly better chance to win.
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
4 Tennessee Titans
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
A new era in Tennessee begins. A lot will depend on whether or not Chris Johnson returns from his holdout because he is the difference from Tennessee being a horrible team and a fair team. The Titans will also have to sure up issues on the defensive side of the ball as well. All in all, the Titans have a lot of weaknesses and not a lot of strengths and it won't be an easy season for new coach Mike Munchak.
Record: 4-12, - 2 from 2010
West
1 San Diego Chargers
2010: 9-7, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Chargers simply beat themselves last year with turnovers and miscues. We have seen how great they are capable of playing, but they are very inconsistent. I expect more consistency from the Chargers this season because I think they will learn from what they did wrong last season and play determined to make the playoffs. The Chargers are the most talented team in the AFC West and led by Phillip Rivers, the Chargers will be heading back to the playoffs.
Record: 11-5, +2 from 2010
2 Kansas City Chiefs
2010: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Chiefs surprised many last season with their trip to the playoffs. But the schedule gets much harder for Jamaal Charles and co. I believe the Chiefs will continue to improve, but because of such a tough schedule, the Chiefs will not go 10-6 again because they will be exposed as a pretender from last year. The Chiefs still have young pieces in place, but they are still a year away from seriously contending.
Record: 9-7, -2 from 2010
3 Denver Broncos
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Broncos are certainly in turmoil, but I think they are a team that could surprise. People forget that they did not have their best defensive player, Elvis Dumervil, all of last season. Add him to new draft pick Von Miller and the defense is already improved. The offense is quietly productive as well. I think the Broncos are capable of winning games with Kyle Orton or Tim Tebow, but Orton gives them a better chance to win. I expect the Broncos to have a decent season giving that this is only John Fox's first year in a rebuilding mode.
Record: 6-10, +2 from 2010
4 Oakland Raiders
2010: 8-8, Did Not Make Playoffs
It is going to be difficult for the Raiders to recover after losing Nnamdi Asomugha and Zach Miller in the offseason. They really don't have much talent across the board now so they will rely heavily on Darren McFadden to improve on his 2010 season. I just don't see it with this Raiders team, they have a difficult schedule and they don't play in the easiest division, so they should struggle to come close to 8-8, if they even get that many wins.
Record: 5-11, -3 from 2010
NFC
East
1 Philadelphia Eagles
2010: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Eagles have the same sort of pressure the Miami Heat faced in the NBA this past season. Everyone is going to be gunning for the Eagles and after any loss it is going to be all doom and gloom. How the Eagles handle that will determine how they finish this season. The Eagles certainly have the talent too, but it will come down to Michael Vick; will he be the player he was in the first half of last year or the second half? I think Vick plays somewhere in between, ultimately leading the Eagles to a successful season.
Record: 13-3, +3 from 2010
2 Dallas Cowboys
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
Last season couldn't have gotten worse for the Cowboys, but 2011 is a new season. Tony Romo is back and healthy and the defense remains strong. I think the Cowboys are closer to their 2009 11-5 playoff team than the team that went 6-10 last year because the Cowboys have many promising players on both sides of the ball that are ready to step up for Dallas. It won't be easy, but I think Dallas is poised to return to the playoffs.
Record: 10-6, +4 from 2010
3 New York Giants
2010: 10-6, Did Not Make Playoffs
If the Giants had closed out a 31-10 lead in the 4th quarter against the Eagles, New York would've found themselves in the playoffs. This team has many problems internally that have caused the downfall of this team. From Eli Manning to Osi Umenyiora, the Giants do too much talking and not enough playing. I don't think Tom Coughlin has enough control of this team and the Giants will have another disappointing season.
Record: 8-8, -2 from 2010
4 Washington Redskins
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
This could be the year when it all comes crashing down for the Redskins. They are unsettled at pretty much every position on the field, primarily quarterback. Whether it is John Beck or Rex Grossman, the Redskins will have issues putting points on the board. On defense, the 'Skins had one of the worst in the NFL last season and they only made minor additions to patch up the defense. In such a competitive division with a tight schedule, I don't expect the Redskins to have a good season.
Record: 2-14, -4 from 2010
North
1 Green Bay Packers
Record: 10-6, Won Super Bowl
What's amazing about the Packers is that they still managed to win the Super Bowl after they were plagued by injuries. With everyone healthy, one can only imagine what the Packers are capable of doing. I can't really find any weakness on this team, possibly the D-Line but nothing else. The Packers might even be better than last season.
Record: 13-3, +3 from 2010
2 Detroit Lions
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Lions are one of the NFL's most promising teams. They have all the pieces in place, Matt Stafford at quarterback, Jahvid Best at running back, Calvin Johnson at wide receiver and Ndamukong Suh anchoring the defensive line. I don't expect the Lions to make the playoffs, but I expect an over .500 season because Matthew Stafford will stay healthy, the Lions will score points and their defense will get after the quarterback enough to win many games.
Record: 9-7, +3 from 2010
3 Chicago Bears
Record: 11-5, L in NFC Championship
Chicago was one of the NFL's surprises last year and they made a run to the NFC Championship. This year, they will have more of a target on their back. Jay Cutler has a lot of responsibility, he needs to play like he did last year in order for the Bears to get back to the playoffs. I think that this team in a way backed into the NFC Championship and into the NFC North for that matter and this year they're going to come back down to earth.
Record: 8-8, -3 from 2010
4 Minnesota Vikings
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Leslie Frazier era begins. The Vikings now have Donovan McNabb at quarterback as well. I can't tell you who the hell he'll be throwing to this year but I can tell you that Adrian Peterson will have a lot of the heavy lifting on the offense. The defense is looking weaker and weaker as well, with guys like Jared Allen and the Williams' not being the same as they used to. The Vikings are a team in limbo, in between rebuilding and contending, not sure what they are going to do.
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
South
1 New Orleans Saints
Record: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Saints had a little bit too much of a Super Bowl hangover last year. This year, they have a chip on their shoulders. Drew Brees simply can't turn the ball over as much as he did last year, but still continue to put points up on the board. The Saints offense will get a nice boost with rookie Mark Ingram. But the season will come down to their defense, which gave up 41 points in the playoffs last year against Seattle.
Record: 12-4, +2 from 2010
2 Atlanta Falcons
Record: 13-3, L in Divisional
The Falcons were destroyed in the playoffs by the Packers after a stellar regular season which begs the question of whether or not the Falcons were really that good. I don't think they really were. Matt Ryan is a very good player, but he is not a great player like everyone is making him out to be, so in order for the Falcons to succeed in the playoffs, Ryan needs to be more than just a dink and dunk passer. Like the Saints though, the entire defense needs to step up. If the Falcons can straighten these problems out before a potential playoff run, the Falcons are a dark horse to come out of the NFC.
Record: 10-6, -3 from 2010
3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 10-6, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Buccaneers were the NFL's biggest surprise last season. But now they have more people watching them and more teams aware of them. The Buccaneers need the same players who stepped up last season to do so again, especially LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams to take pressure off of Josh Freeman. The defense is solid, but I don't know if this team scores enough points or forces enough turnovers to win 10 games like they did a year ago against a pretty weak schedule. I expect a slight decline from the young Bucs.
Record: 8-8, -2 from 2010
4 Carolina Panthers
Record: 1-15, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Panthers have nowhere to go but up. They have a few things going for them this season; DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be healthy and when they are healthy, we all know that they are one of the better rushing tandems in the NFL. They also resigned Charles Johnson who will get after the quarterback. I think they took the right step forward with Cam Newton and if he is the starter, he will do fairly well. Well, not well enough to get the Panthers even close to .500.
Record: 3-13, +2 from 2010
West
1 Arizona Cardinals
Record: 5-11, Did Not Make Playoffs
Arizona finally has a legitimate quarterback in Kevin Kolb. I know that Kolb will be solid and to those who say he doesn't have enough experience, look at Matt Schaub. The Cardinals still have some weak areas that they need to settle, like a pass rush and replacing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the secondary but I just think that now with Kolb at quarterback, he will find Larry Fitzgerald enough for the Cardinals to at least be in contention in the waning weeks of the season for the NFC West crown.
Record: 9-7, +4 from 2010
2 St. Louis Rams
Record: 7-9, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Rams are heading in the right direction. It is only a matter of time before Sam Bradford leads them to the playoffs, but is this the year? They made upgrades at the receiver position with Mike Sims-Walker, the defense boasts a solid pass rush led by James Hall and solid play makers like James Laurinaitis. I know the Rams will be better that last year even if only by a little and like the Cardinals, I think at the very least the Rams will be in contention in the last weeks of the season like last year.
Record: 8-8, +1 from 2010
3 San Francisco 49ers
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The 49ers seem to have hype every year but I just am not buying it. They're like the Jacksonville Jaguars, not good enough to be a 10-6 team but not bad enough to be a 4-12 team. They aren't really rebuilding or loading up for the playoffs, they're like I said before, stuck in limbo. I guess it comes down to Alex Smith and whether or not he can earn his worth.
Record: 7-9, +1 from 2010
4 Seattle Seahawks
Record: 7-9, L in Divisional
The Seahawks pulled a shocking upset in the Wild Card Round against the Saints, but will they just live off of that and expect to get back to the playoffs based on that? I don't think so. This is a new Seahawks team, with Tavaris Jackson and Sidney Rice in and guys like Matt Hasselbeck and Lofa Tatupu out. They aren't stellar in any area of the game and even in a weak NFC West, they might be the clear cut worst team.
Record: 4-12, -3 from 2010
AFC Playoff Seedings
1 New England
2 San Diego
3 Baltimore
4 Indianapolis
5 Houston
6 Pittsburgh
NFC Playoff Seedings
1 Green Bay
2 Philadelphia
3 New Orleans
4 Arizona
5 Atlanta
6 Dallas
Wild Card Round
3) Baltimore over 6) Pittsburgh 20-13 The Ravens are bound to beat the Steelers in the playoffs some time
5) Houston over 4) Indianapolis 31-27 Houston plays enough defense to send Peyton and the Colts home early
6) Dallas over 3) New Orleans 28-20 The Cowboys have played the Saints well over the past few years; Tony Romo finally has a huge playoff game
5) Atlanta over 4) Arizona 34-24 Atlanta is simply the more balanced team
Divisional Round
1) New England over 5) Houston 36-14 Houston is a bit overwhelmed in Foxboro against the Pats
3) Baltimore over 2) San Diego 22-17 Baltimore knows how to win on the road, San Diego knows how to loose at home in the playoffs
1) Green Bay over 6) Dallas 23-16 Green Bay just has a few too many weapons on both sides of the ball for Dallas to stop
5) Atlanta over 2) Philadelphia 24-21 The pressure causes Philly to crack, Atlanta takes full advantage
AFC Championship
1) New England over 3) Baltimore 27-13 New England's defense stifles the Ravens offense and the Pats put up enough points to win going away
NFC Championship
1) Green Bay over 5) Atlanta 30-27 Not quite the same game as last years playoff matchup, Matt Ryan and Atlanta keep it close but Aaron Rodgers is too dynamic for the Atlanta defense
Super Bowl 46- Lucas Oil Stadium
New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers 34-28
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady, NE
This should be a shoot-out. I think its the Patriots time to break through once more and win their 4th and probably final championship in the Tom Brady era. The Packers won't make it easy, but the Patriots defense is now experienced enough to take on a big challenge on a big stage. I like the Patriots, 34-28 over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 46.
Awards Predictions
MVP
1 Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers
2 Phillip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
3 Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots
4 Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona Cardinals
5 Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Player of the Year
1 Phillip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
2 Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots
3 Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona Cardinals
4 Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers
5 Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Defensive Player of the Year
1 DeMarcus Ware, LB Dallas Cowboys
2 Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Philadelphia Eagles
3 Darrelle Revis, CB New York Jets
4 Jerod Mayo, LB New England Patriots
5 Troy Polamalu, S Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1 A.J. Green, WR Cincinnati Bengals
2 Cam Newton, QB Carolina Panthers
3 Mark Ingram, RB New Orleans Saints
4 Julio Jones, WR Atlanta Falcons
Defensive Rookie of the Year
1 Von Miller, LB Denver Broncos
2 Marcell Dareus, DT Buffalo Bills
3 Nick Fairly, DT Detroit Lions
4 Patrick Peterson, CB Arizona Cardinals
Comeback Player of the Year
1 Shawne Merriman, LB Buffalo Bills
2 Tony Romo, QB Dallas Cowboys
3 Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions
East
 |
| Jerod Mayo |
2010: 14-2, L in Divisional
The Patriots are coming off of a 14-2 campaign but they fell short again in the playoffs. But last year wasn't even supposed to be the year where the offense and defense come together to be a dominant force. The Patriots are blossoming on defense, led by Jerod Mayo and Devin McCourty while the offense lights up the scoreboard and more impressively, they don't turn the football over. I expect the Patriots to be just like they were last season, a dominant force; but it will all come down to how the Pats perform if they make it to the postseason.
Record: 13-3, -1 from 2010
2 New York Jets
 |
| Mark Sanchez |
The Jets have appeared in back to back AFC Championships but have fallen just short. The season depends heavily on Mark Sanchez, but the defense will also be put to the test with some games against premier offenses. I think the Jets are capable of going to the Super Bowl but I also think they are capable of falling flat on their face and going 8-8. The Jets put pressure on themselves and due to the fact that I believe the Jets did not get any better in the offseason, the Jets will struggle to get into the playoffs, if at all.
Record: 10-6, = from 2010
 |
| Shawne Merriman |
3 Buffalo Bills
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Bills were a very competitive 4-12 team if their is such a thing. This team did not have "it" in those close games. But I believe the Bills are on the right track; they have a potent offense and the additions of Marcell Dareus and Shawne Merriman will help out the defense. Expect the Bills to surprise this year and take a bigger stride forward then most would expect.
Record: 7-9, +3 from 2010
4 Miami Dolphins
2010: 7-9, Did Not Make Playoffs
 |
| Chad Henne |
Record: 5-11, -2 from 2010
North
1 Baltimore Ravens
2010: 12-4, L in Divisional
 |
| Anquan Boldin |
Record: 11-5, -1 from 2010
2 Pittsburgh Steelers
 |
| James Harrison |
The Steelers have everyone returning from their AFC Champion squad from 2010. The Steelers are always a tough team to beat and with their defense they will be in every single game. I still think that James Harrison is a big distraction for this team and they have shown in the past that they have let down seasons after years they go to the Super Bowl. Nonetheless, the Steelers will be one of the better teams in the NFL.
Record: 11-5, -1 from 2010
3 Cleveland Browns
2010: 5-11, Did Not Make Playoffs
 |
| Colt McCoy |
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
4 Cincinnati Bengals
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
 |
| Andy Dalton |
Record: 2-14, -2 from 2010
South
1 Indianapolis Colts
 |
| Peyton Manning |
The Colts had a ton of injuries last season which was the reason for a less than stellar season by Colts standards. They don't look a ton healthier this year with Peyton Manning questionable to open the season, but I think he will be ready when it matters, even if it takes him three-four weeks. The Colts have so many weapons on offense and their defense is good enough to hold teams under 20. I think just when people doubt the Colts saying their too old, they'll show that they still have something left in the tank.
Record: 11-5, +1 from 2010
 |
| Matt Schaub |
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Texans are everyone's sexy pick to surprise, and this year, I agree with those people who like the Texans. What's not too like? Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson are a lot to handle on offense and their defense boasts players like Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans who had injury battles all last season. The Texans sured up their issues in the secondary and they look poised to battle the Colts and make the playoffs in 2011.
Record: 11-5, +5 from 2010
3 Jacksonville Jaguars
 |
| David Garrard |
It is still unclear whether or not the Jaguars will start David Garrard or rookie Blaine Gabbert but what is clear is that the Jaguars are neither good nor bad, simply mediocre. They will hang around with most or maybe even all teams they play, but they don't have enough depth or talent to go say 10-6 or 11-5. The Jaguars will be anywhere from 6-10 to 9-7, but I think the right move is too start Garrard because he gives you a slightly better chance to win.
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
 |
| Chris Johnson |
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
A new era in Tennessee begins. A lot will depend on whether or not Chris Johnson returns from his holdout because he is the difference from Tennessee being a horrible team and a fair team. The Titans will also have to sure up issues on the defensive side of the ball as well. All in all, the Titans have a lot of weaknesses and not a lot of strengths and it won't be an easy season for new coach Mike Munchak.
Record: 4-12, - 2 from 2010
 |
| Phillip Rivers |
1 San Diego Chargers
2010: 9-7, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Chargers simply beat themselves last year with turnovers and miscues. We have seen how great they are capable of playing, but they are very inconsistent. I expect more consistency from the Chargers this season because I think they will learn from what they did wrong last season and play determined to make the playoffs. The Chargers are the most talented team in the AFC West and led by Phillip Rivers, the Chargers will be heading back to the playoffs.
Record: 11-5, +2 from 2010
 |
| Jamaal Charles |
2010: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Chiefs surprised many last season with their trip to the playoffs. But the schedule gets much harder for Jamaal Charles and co. I believe the Chiefs will continue to improve, but because of such a tough schedule, the Chiefs will not go 10-6 again because they will be exposed as a pretender from last year. The Chiefs still have young pieces in place, but they are still a year away from seriously contending.
Record: 9-7, -2 from 2010
 |
| Elvis Dumervil |
3 Denver Broncos
2010: 4-12, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Broncos are certainly in turmoil, but I think they are a team that could surprise. People forget that they did not have their best defensive player, Elvis Dumervil, all of last season. Add him to new draft pick Von Miller and the defense is already improved. The offense is quietly productive as well. I think the Broncos are capable of winning games with Kyle Orton or Tim Tebow, but Orton gives them a better chance to win. I expect the Broncos to have a decent season giving that this is only John Fox's first year in a rebuilding mode.
Record: 6-10, +2 from 2010
4 Oakland Raiders
 |
| Darren McFadden |
It is going to be difficult for the Raiders to recover after losing Nnamdi Asomugha and Zach Miller in the offseason. They really don't have much talent across the board now so they will rely heavily on Darren McFadden to improve on his 2010 season. I just don't see it with this Raiders team, they have a difficult schedule and they don't play in the easiest division, so they should struggle to come close to 8-8, if they even get that many wins.
Record: 5-11, -3 from 2010
NFC
East
1 Philadelphia Eagles
 |
| Michael Vick |
The Eagles have the same sort of pressure the Miami Heat faced in the NBA this past season. Everyone is going to be gunning for the Eagles and after any loss it is going to be all doom and gloom. How the Eagles handle that will determine how they finish this season. The Eagles certainly have the talent too, but it will come down to Michael Vick; will he be the player he was in the first half of last year or the second half? I think Vick plays somewhere in between, ultimately leading the Eagles to a successful season.
Record: 13-3, +3 from 2010
 |
| Dez Bryant |
2 Dallas Cowboys
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
Last season couldn't have gotten worse for the Cowboys, but 2011 is a new season. Tony Romo is back and healthy and the defense remains strong. I think the Cowboys are closer to their 2009 11-5 playoff team than the team that went 6-10 last year because the Cowboys have many promising players on both sides of the ball that are ready to step up for Dallas. It won't be easy, but I think Dallas is poised to return to the playoffs.
Record: 10-6, +4 from 2010
 |
| Eli Manning |
2010: 10-6, Did Not Make Playoffs
If the Giants had closed out a 31-10 lead in the 4th quarter against the Eagles, New York would've found themselves in the playoffs. This team has many problems internally that have caused the downfall of this team. From Eli Manning to Osi Umenyiora, the Giants do too much talking and not enough playing. I don't think Tom Coughlin has enough control of this team and the Giants will have another disappointing season.
Record: 8-8, -2 from 2010
 |
| Rex Grossman |
2010: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
This could be the year when it all comes crashing down for the Redskins. They are unsettled at pretty much every position on the field, primarily quarterback. Whether it is John Beck or Rex Grossman, the Redskins will have issues putting points on the board. On defense, the 'Skins had one of the worst in the NFL last season and they only made minor additions to patch up the defense. In such a competitive division with a tight schedule, I don't expect the Redskins to have a good season.
Record: 2-14, -4 from 2010
 |
| Aaron Rodgers |
1 Green Bay Packers
Record: 10-6, Won Super Bowl
What's amazing about the Packers is that they still managed to win the Super Bowl after they were plagued by injuries. With everyone healthy, one can only imagine what the Packers are capable of doing. I can't really find any weakness on this team, possibly the D-Line but nothing else. The Packers might even be better than last season.
Record: 13-3, +3 from 2010
 |
| Calvin Johnson |
2 Detroit Lions
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Lions are one of the NFL's most promising teams. They have all the pieces in place, Matt Stafford at quarterback, Jahvid Best at running back, Calvin Johnson at wide receiver and Ndamukong Suh anchoring the defensive line. I don't expect the Lions to make the playoffs, but I expect an over .500 season because Matthew Stafford will stay healthy, the Lions will score points and their defense will get after the quarterback enough to win many games.
Record: 9-7, +3 from 2010
3 Chicago Bears
 |
| Brian Urlacher |
Chicago was one of the NFL's surprises last year and they made a run to the NFC Championship. This year, they will have more of a target on their back. Jay Cutler has a lot of responsibility, he needs to play like he did last year in order for the Bears to get back to the playoffs. I think that this team in a way backed into the NFC Championship and into the NFC North for that matter and this year they're going to come back down to earth.
Record: 8-8, -3 from 2010
4 Minnesota Vikings
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
 |
| Adrian Peterson |
Record: 6-10, = from 2010
South
 |
| Drew Brees |
Record: 10-6, L in Wild Card Round
The Saints had a little bit too much of a Super Bowl hangover last year. This year, they have a chip on their shoulders. Drew Brees simply can't turn the ball over as much as he did last year, but still continue to put points up on the board. The Saints offense will get a nice boost with rookie Mark Ingram. But the season will come down to their defense, which gave up 41 points in the playoffs last year against Seattle.
Record: 12-4, +2 from 2010
2 Atlanta Falcons
 |
| John Abraham |
The Falcons were destroyed in the playoffs by the Packers after a stellar regular season which begs the question of whether or not the Falcons were really that good. I don't think they really were. Matt Ryan is a very good player, but he is not a great player like everyone is making him out to be, so in order for the Falcons to succeed in the playoffs, Ryan needs to be more than just a dink and dunk passer. Like the Saints though, the entire defense needs to step up. If the Falcons can straighten these problems out before a potential playoff run, the Falcons are a dark horse to come out of the NFC.
Record: 10-6, -3 from 2010
 |
| Mike Williams |
Record: 10-6, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Buccaneers were the NFL's biggest surprise last season. But now they have more people watching them and more teams aware of them. The Buccaneers need the same players who stepped up last season to do so again, especially LeGarrette Blount and Mike Williams to take pressure off of Josh Freeman. The defense is solid, but I don't know if this team scores enough points or forces enough turnovers to win 10 games like they did a year ago against a pretty weak schedule. I expect a slight decline from the young Bucs.
Record: 8-8, -2 from 2010
4 Carolina Panthers
 |
| DeAngelo Williams |
The Panthers have nowhere to go but up. They have a few things going for them this season; DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be healthy and when they are healthy, we all know that they are one of the better rushing tandems in the NFL. They also resigned Charles Johnson who will get after the quarterback. I think they took the right step forward with Cam Newton and if he is the starter, he will do fairly well. Well, not well enough to get the Panthers even close to .500.
Record: 3-13, +2 from 2010
 |
| Larry Fitzgerald |
1 Arizona Cardinals
Record: 5-11, Did Not Make Playoffs
Arizona finally has a legitimate quarterback in Kevin Kolb. I know that Kolb will be solid and to those who say he doesn't have enough experience, look at Matt Schaub. The Cardinals still have some weak areas that they need to settle, like a pass rush and replacing Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the secondary but I just think that now with Kolb at quarterback, he will find Larry Fitzgerald enough for the Cardinals to at least be in contention in the waning weeks of the season for the NFC West crown.
Record: 9-7, +4 from 2010
 |
| James Laurinaitis |
2 St. Louis Rams
Record: 7-9, Did Not Make Playoffs
The Rams are heading in the right direction. It is only a matter of time before Sam Bradford leads them to the playoffs, but is this the year? They made upgrades at the receiver position with Mike Sims-Walker, the defense boasts a solid pass rush led by James Hall and solid play makers like James Laurinaitis. I know the Rams will be better that last year even if only by a little and like the Cardinals, I think at the very least the Rams will be in contention in the last weeks of the season like last year.
Record: 8-8, +1 from 2010
 |
| Alex Smith |
Record: 6-10, Did Not Make Playoffs
The 49ers seem to have hype every year but I just am not buying it. They're like the Jacksonville Jaguars, not good enough to be a 10-6 team but not bad enough to be a 4-12 team. They aren't really rebuilding or loading up for the playoffs, they're like I said before, stuck in limbo. I guess it comes down to Alex Smith and whether or not he can earn his worth.
Record: 7-9, +1 from 2010
4 Seattle Seahawks
Record: 7-9, L in Divisional
 |
| Marshawn Lynch |
Record: 4-12, -3 from 2010
AFC Playoff Seedings
1 New England
2 San Diego
3 Baltimore
4 Indianapolis
5 Houston
6 Pittsburgh
NFC Playoff Seedings
1 Green Bay
2 Philadelphia
3 New Orleans
4 Arizona
5 Atlanta
6 Dallas
Wild Card Round
3) Baltimore over 6) Pittsburgh 20-13 The Ravens are bound to beat the Steelers in the playoffs some time
5) Houston over 4) Indianapolis 31-27 Houston plays enough defense to send Peyton and the Colts home early
6) Dallas over 3) New Orleans 28-20 The Cowboys have played the Saints well over the past few years; Tony Romo finally has a huge playoff game
5) Atlanta over 4) Arizona 34-24 Atlanta is simply the more balanced team
Divisional Round
1) New England over 5) Houston 36-14 Houston is a bit overwhelmed in Foxboro against the Pats
3) Baltimore over 2) San Diego 22-17 Baltimore knows how to win on the road, San Diego knows how to loose at home in the playoffs
1) Green Bay over 6) Dallas 23-16 Green Bay just has a few too many weapons on both sides of the ball for Dallas to stop
5) Atlanta over 2) Philadelphia 24-21 The pressure causes Philly to crack, Atlanta takes full advantage
AFC Championship
1) New England over 3) Baltimore 27-13 New England's defense stifles the Ravens offense and the Pats put up enough points to win going away
NFC Championship
1) Green Bay over 5) Atlanta 30-27 Not quite the same game as last years playoff matchup, Matt Ryan and Atlanta keep it close but Aaron Rodgers is too dynamic for the Atlanta defense
Super Bowl 46- Lucas Oil Stadium
New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers 34-28
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady, NE
This should be a shoot-out. I think its the Patriots time to break through once more and win their 4th and probably final championship in the Tom Brady era. The Packers won't make it easy, but the Patriots defense is now experienced enough to take on a big challenge on a big stage. I like the Patriots, 34-28 over the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl 46.
 |
| Tom Brady |
 |
| Aaron Rodgers |
MVP
1 Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers
2 Phillip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
3 Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots
4 Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona Cardinals
5 Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Player of the Year
1 Phillip Rivers, QB San Diego Chargers
2 Tom Brady, QB New England Patriots
3 Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona Cardinals
4 Aaron Rodgers, QB Green Bay Packers
5 Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
 |
| DeMarcus Ware |
1 DeMarcus Ware, LB Dallas Cowboys
2 Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Philadelphia Eagles
3 Darrelle Revis, CB New York Jets
4 Jerod Mayo, LB New England Patriots
5 Troy Polamalu, S Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Rookie of the Year
1 A.J. Green, WR Cincinnati Bengals
2 Cam Newton, QB Carolina Panthers
3 Mark Ingram, RB New Orleans Saints
 |
| Von Miller |
Defensive Rookie of the Year
1 Von Miller, LB Denver Broncos
2 Marcell Dareus, DT Buffalo Bills
3 Nick Fairly, DT Detroit Lions
4 Patrick Peterson, CB Arizona Cardinals
Comeback Player of the Year
1 Shawne Merriman, LB Buffalo Bills
2 Tony Romo, QB Dallas Cowboys
3 Matthew Stafford, QB Detroit Lions
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)