this will be the final standings in the NFL this year in my view.
AFC EAST:
1.New England- For anyone who wants to argue with me, this is the best "team" in the NFL. They have proven to everyone every year that they are for real and should be no different this year. Some questions still fly around this team, but there was questions in the past too, and proved they can get through them. WINS 12 to 13
2.N.Y Jets- Some people may question the Nugent pick, but i believe it was very smart. If a player on your team ends your chances to go further in the playoffs TWICE, you must replace him. This team proved in 02 and 04 that they can go far in the playoffs, and Chad Pennington has showed how good of a qb he really is, but has shown to get injured a lot. WINS 9 to 10
3.Buffalo- I live here, and most people in Buffalo were completely satisfied with this teams finish last year. That is why I think this team can get far, ecause of the 12th man. This team has the best fans around. The only reason I dont see this team going far is because of J.P's first year, but I do see a similar image to Pittsburgh. They have a strong running game and a nasty D. Who knows, could J.P be the next Big Ben. I am guessing not. WINS 8 to 9
4.Miami- Ricky Williams retirement was on short notice last year, and the dolphins could not prepare in the draft, so this year was there first rebuilding draft. Brown should help a crappy running game last year, and there D should be as good as every year. I dont see a bad team here, they say defense wins championships, and Miami has a very good one. In a few years, this team will be back, but not in 05. WINS 5 to 6
AFC NORTH: 1.Pittsburgh- In my opinion, this is the best divsion in football, after being one of the worst in 03. I pick pittsburgh to win because I think Rothlisberger will mature enough to lead this team again at QB. A QB will always look good with Jerome Bettis, Duce Staley, Hines Ward, and a great defense behind him. Many say the loss of Plax will hurt them, and it probably will, but the amazing D will make up for a average WR. WINS 12 to 13
2.Baltimore- Mason, Lewis, Ogden, and an improving Boller is a more than average offense to go along with the best defense in the leauge is a pretty solid team going into 05. Mason is one of the most underated WR's in the leauge and should help a troubled Boller, along with the rookie Clayton. There D is just plain amazing(The baxter loss wont hurt). WINS 10 to 11
3.Cincinati- Cincinati is one of the 2 teams that have the most to prove in 05. They came 1 gae away from the divsion in 03, and lost it to.....cleveland. They had a bad start in 04 and were not able to recover. People are starting to actually believe in this team, and they better start talking playoffs soon before its to late. I dont think it will happen though because of the tough AFC NORTH. WINS 8 to 9
4.Cleveland- I dont know what to say about Cleveland. They dissappoint there fans every year. Last year they started good with a win with there rival ravens, then went down hill. They did have a good off-season with additions like Dilfer and Droughns and there 1st round pick Edwards, but with this teams history, I wouldent be suprised if they were bust. WINS 4 to 5
AFC SOUTH:
1.Indianapolis- Manning, Harrison, Stokely, Wayne, James...........you know the offense, but now to the defense. Everyone knows there weak in that area, but dont know they are 2-3 good defensive players away to a super bowl. If they get those players like the ones in Mike Doss and Dwight Freeny, some might say a dnasty might start. That is why the 99 Rams were so succsessful, a GREAT offense and a good D. That is what the Colts need. WINS 12 to 13
2.Jacksonville- I gave up on Jacksonville last year. Ill admit, i was thinking good things for the Jags last year in the first 3 weeks of the season, but gave up when they were HOME on there biggest game of the year against the Houston Texans and lost 21-0. They need a better fan base to help them out at home, because it shows that they nedd it badly. But hey, I still think this is a great team with a lot of upside. WINS 8 to 10
3.Houston Teaxans- A great starting 3 years for this young franchise, and they keep getting better. They are in the harder conference and it will be hard for them to get in the playoffs. I believe this team will lose more games than last year though because of the losses of there 2 top defenders in Aaron Glenn and Jamie Sharper. It will be tough for them to recover though I do like there young CB in Duante Robinson. WINS 7 to 8
4.Tennessee- This is the last years Miami Dolphins. They have lost so many people over this off-season and it will be like climbing Mount Everest to get back into the playoff picture. Pac Man will not get this team into the playoffs. Period. Though he is a good player, They still nedd more help from next years draft. Plus, Mcnair will be injured again by mid October. WINS 3 to 4
AFC West: 1.Kansas City- I believe the Chiefs will return to the top of the West again after there D disappointed many last year. The additions of Knight, Hall, Surtain, and Bell WILL improve there D enough to make the playoffs again, and maybe a first round bye. Holmes NEEDS to stay healthy, though anyone will look good behind this offensive line. WINS 11 to 12
2.San Diego- This is just a good football team no matter what anyone says. Brees to Gates is just deadly, when also having the great LT in the backfield. There D was proved to be solid in 04 and should remin solid this year. But the thing is EVERYONE is here from last year, with the new defensive draft picks that should improve the team in any hole they had from 04. I expect the same as last yar. WINS 11 to 12
3.Denver- This is a good football team also, but I do question there off season. I do not agree with the release of Droughns. I do not agree with drafting Clarette, and I do think Champ Bailey is an amazing CB, but his skills have decreased because of the new 5-yard rule. In a nut shell, Good team/tough conference. WINS 8 to 9
4.Oakland- Many say trading for Moss was stupid, but I disagree. Moss is nothing but a machine at WR and should go well with the throw long happy Oakland Raiders organization. I love the addition of LaMont Jordan, because I think he is one of the most underated backs in the league. This team is on there way up and should only take 2 years to get back to the word "contender". WINS 7
NFC EAST: 1.Philadelphia- Best team in the NFC. Period. This team is 2 steps ahead of Minnesota, Carolina, Seattle, Atlanta, and every other team in this weak conference. They are solid in almost every posistion and should remain solid. Even without T.O, this team is amazing. Though they are the best, I still dont see them making a trip to Detroit in February this year as you will see in my S.B prediction at the bottom. The playoffs are way different then the regular season. WINS 13 to 14
2.Dallas- I loved Dallas's draft. It was the best(but not by far) in my opinion. They were troubled on D in 04, and they adressed it in the draft like they were supposed to. This D will be solid like in 03 and should compete for a wildcard. If they dont make it, I believe it will be because of Bledsoe. Hes not the answer. WINS 9 to 10
3.N.Y Giants- This is another team that is improving fast, but are mis fortunate to be in the tough NFC EAST. They have to play Dallas and Philly twice, and that might be a problem. They helped Eli, with Plax this year, and that is the best thing you can do with a young QB. Also, stealing a great LB from a divison rival will really have upside. I do not think this is a year for the playoffs though. WINS 6 to 7
4.Washington- I would have put them ahead of N.Y, if I wouldent heve seen them take no offensive help in the first round. What I am saying is I did not agree with there Cambell pick. I think Ramsey is an underated QB that needs more time. There Moss trade was good, meaning I think Moss is better then Coles, but I still see this team at the bottom of the NFC EAST this year. WINS 5 to 6
NFC NORTH:
1.Minnesota- Minnesota will dominate this divsion without a thought in my mind in 05. There D has impoved so much that I think they will do just find. There offense will still be top 10 with Cullpepper and the fast Troy Williamson and Nate Burlenson. They have good RB's , and since Moss is gone, they will use them more often to take the pressure off Daunte. I strongly have faith in this team in 05. The bad news is, I thought the same about Seattle last year too. WINS 12 to 13
2.Chicago- This is a sleeper team that may suprise many people this year, though wildcard my be a stretch. There D is pretty solid(if people may not have noticed),and there offense is young with a lot of talent. Muhammed is a great addition for a underated/injured Rex Grossman who needs to step up in 05. Also if Grossman feels pressured, Benson will be there. Benson was a GREAT pick in the 05 draft. By the way- Urlacher is not overated and who ever thinks that is just plain retarded. WINS 8 to 9
3.Green Bay- Talk about a team going in the wrong direction. Favre is great, and should help his team with many TD's, but hurt them with many INT'S. Favre is not past his time, he is just with an average team now. Thy should have adresses D in the draft, thats all i got to say. WINS 8 to 9
4.Detroit- This is another sleeper team to many people, but i dont think that at all. This is a team known for "almost being there" or "being a year away", but ive heard that for 5 years now. Whens it gonna happen. I did not like the Mike Williams pick when you have Rodgers and Williams on your roster at WR. This team will sit out another year. You neeed D to win. WINS 7 to 8
NFC SOUTH:
1.Carolina- Atlanta took the NFC SOUTH last year because the real best team was all injuries, and that team is the Carolina Panthers. Its pretty sad when your on your 3rd RB, and your Best WR is out for the year, and still come one game away from the playoffs. Carolina was not a 1 year wonder, just a one year injured. Steve Smith will compete for comeback player of the year. WINS 10 to 12
2.Atlanta- This is a good football team that realizes on one mans health. Atlantas record without Vick was not good at all and must keep him healthy to hope for another chance at the Eagles. Hartwell was a great pickup to go along with a already solid Dm in the South. This is definally a solid team. WINS 10 to 11
3.New Orleans- A team with great talent, but does not know how to put it together. They have one of the best teams on paper, but dont know how to succeed. Howard might be gone so that is a definate negative. I dont know what to say about the Saints because I dont know what to say about a team that looked very well at the end of the 04 season. WINS 7 to 9
4.Tampa Bay- This teams has so many queston marks floating around like if there D will remain solid, and if Gruden will remain a savoir in Tampa Bay. I think they will rise to fame again, but in about 3 years when they get more offensive help from upcoming draft. Carnell Williams will be very good in the near future. WINS 5 to 6
NFC WEST:
1.Seattle- Yes. Seattle is the forgotten team in the NFL. Like I said in cincinati post, this is the other team with something to prove. Hasselbeck, Wistrom, Simmons, Trufant, Taylor, and Chad Brown were all injured by Week 4 and beyond last year. This team has brotten so much in this year and I have believed improved this off season with Sharper, Fisher, Herndon, and Dyson at D. Alexander will be back, and do very well with one of the best O-lines in football. WINS 10 to 11
2.Arizona- Arizona is not a sleeper team, because I have heard so much hype already from this team this offseason. They had a great draft, with Arrington in my opinion being an immediate impact. They have a solid D and a new offenseintact to make a run at the division. WArner i dont think is the answer, but still the word WILD CARD is floating in Arizona. WINS 9 to 10
3.St.Louis- The Rams have improved there D this off season, and have helped keeped Bulger healthy too, which is the key to this team in my opinion. Jackson is a GREAT RB that could carry this offense when the "greatest show on turf" disappears. Martz I think holds this team back, which makes stupid decisions sometimes. I think this team could do better then 8 wins, but may not with Martz at the helm. WINS 7 to 8
4.San Francisco- Alex Smith was the right choice in my opinion, but we may not know until 3 4 years in the future. Theres not much to say about this team but that they are in rebuilding mode right now, and are far from what they were. I dont see much from the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. WINS 3 to 5
AFC: 1.Pittsburgh 2.Indianapolis 3.New England 4.Kansas City 5.San Diego 6.Baltimore
San Diego wins the AFC West because LT is a dominnt RB, Brees to Gates was an unstoppable combo last year, and their D led by their monster DT, Jamal Williams and the MLB, Donnie Edwards, will frustrate most offenses. San Diego is improved and could give the Patriots, Steelers, and other monstorous teams in the AFC a run for their money.
The Jets might steal a win from the Patriots and other than the Chargers, they could give the Pats a real fight.
My Sleeper Pick:Tampa Bay because Brian Griese actually made the offense score points. Carnell Williams is a dominant RB who can tke their offense up a notch. And their D is great. Don't be surprised if they are in the hunt for the Wild Card by November.
Arizona should challenge the Seahawks and the Rams for the NFC West throne.
Like the Cards, The Dallas Cowboys should challenge Washington and Philly for the crown.
The Minnesota Vikings will win the NFC North next year.
Playoff Predictions AFC 1:Pittsburgh 2:New England 3:Indy 4:San Diego 5:NY Jets 6:Kansas City
NFC 1:Dallas 2:Minnesota 3:Carolina 4:Arizona 5:Atlanta 6:Tampa Bay
Wildcard NY Jets short-circuited SD 41-38 OT Indy gallops the Chiefs 35-28 Carolina sinks the Bucs 21-3 Atlanta can't stand the Arizona heat, loses 24-21
Divisional Jets crash at Foxborough 50-47 OT Steelers shut down the Colts offense, shuts them out 9-0 Cardiac Cats steal one from Big D 14-3 Vikings clips the Cards wings 19-18
Conference Championships Fumble by Staley nails in the Steelers coffin as Pats go to the Motor City dozen-10 Vikings sail to Motown 20-18
Superbowl Patriots win yet another championship, sinks the Vikings before they can land in Motown 62-7 MVP:Rodney Harrison 8 Tackles 4 TFL 1 Sack 3 Int 1 FF
Arizona still has to prove me something.(remember seattle last year). Arizona Still cant win on the road. And I still think Seattle is a better team, they were so injured last yearon D/
And you could be right about Tampa, ANYTHING could happen
The reason why Dallas is a #1 seed is their improved defense. Have you heard that Defense Wins Championships?
Remember when the Titans swept the Jags in 1999? Remember the Jaguars in the 62-7 clobbering of the Fins in 1999? Then they lost to the Titans who eventually lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl.
That was also the time when Dallas went to the playoffs as an 8-8 team. The Lions had the same record that year too.
The Cardinals have a shot at the NFC West because they have improved with a shutdown CB, a QB hat led the Giants to a 4-1 start and led the rams to 2 SBs and a RB who is a great runningback from Cal.
But the Titans were not a # 1 seed that year, and Jacksonville did not go to the superbowl in the point you were trying to say "that defense wins championships", which i agree, but the Rams won it that year and were mostly bases on offense. But if Defense wins championships, why Doesent Baltimore win it every year? You also need a offense that could get the job done, which i dont think bledsoe can do anyomre. Trust me, im from buffalo and had to see him get his ass sacked even when he had alot of time in the pocket. Its like he wants to get sacked.
Warner is not done, but is close. The only reason Warner went 4-1 is because of a man named Tiki Barber, which is when he had his best year ever. When Warner was benched, Tikis stats went down even with a rookie QB. So in my opinion, Arrington will not be much of a help this year and needs 1 or 2 years to ajust to the NFL. Hes no Tiki Barber right now.
Antrel Roole does not become a shut down corner in his first year, its not going to happen. CB's need time to get passed college to the NFL, and Rolle is no difference. Arrington and Rolle will become threats NEXT year, but for now they just need time. Arizona might/probably win the west next year, but for now I think Seattle has it, and maybe the Rams.
Side note:
NFC WEST will not be the worst division next year or maybe next year. All of the talent from the AFC is coming to the NFC this year, and the NFC will be back to its normal self with many teams geeting better as we speak.
Bledsoe will be good in his first year with the 'Boys because he knows Tuna's offense. Unlike David Carr's rookie season, Bledsoe will not get sacked like a bag of chips many times.
The Titans were a yard away from winning the Lombardi Trophy in 1999. They had a punishing D that year. Yet they couldn't shut down the Rams.
Last year, they were the Panthers of the AFC. Many expected them to be a great team, but they were an injured team. That = dissappointing season.
Kurt Warner was like himself early this season and Tiki Barber was running wild and the D did their part.
Enter Antrel Rolle, a shutdown corner who is going to be the next Champ Bailey.
If the 1999 Rams faced the 2005 Cowboys, the latter will win.
Like I said, Role will need time to ajust in my opinion. He reminds me of Suante Robinson o last year, he had a horrible start, but showed signs of greatness at the end of the season.
But by the looks of it, we dont even need to start the season, me and you pretty got it pretty much locked down.
Antrel Rolle + Lots of potential = Shut Down Corner. Nuff Said.
Barring an injury to Tom Brady, the Patriots will win 3 in a row and 4 titles in a span of 5 years. The last time they lost in the big game is in 1996 wen they lost to the Green Bay Packers
The Cowboys will get homefield advantage in the NFC but will lose to the Panthers in the divisional finals. The Steelers get HFA in the NFL but will lose in the conference finals to the Patriots If Chad's shoulder heals, he might beat the Patriots. Tampa Bay is my sleeper. Carolina will return to the playoffs.
Rookie year means rookie year. He'll get burned many time before he becomes Champ Bailey.
In MY OPINON, I still see Seattle as a threat in the NFC.
And for your predictions, I can see everything happening, because it is what exactly what happened last year in the AFC. But what I seriously want to know is, what do you see in Tampa Bay, I seriouly want to know because I thought that like nobody wanted to be there.
How many times did Rolle got burned when he was in college?
Seattle can't stop the run, to win the SuperBowl (or bound for), you have to stop the run. They will get blldozed by J. J. Arrington, Marshall Faulk, Steven Jackson (who has HOF potential), Edge James, Dominack Davis, and other good RBs in the NFL.
If Ryan was in a good team, he would have got 90 TDs right now.
If Akili Smith was in a good team, he would've got 8 TDs right now.
I am not done with Seattle, they drop balls as if the rock was covered in rain for 1000 years.
Well Rolle isent exactly on a good team now is he. I havent believed in them in years since they have had one good season in 50 years. I mentioned seattle run stopping ability on my other post, so i wont mention it now.
College is WAY different form the NFL. Any one could be a bust, and some people just need time, which i think Rolle will have to do along with every other CB in there rookie year.
Now the Cardinals have a Good QB, good RBs, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, an above average OL, good DLs good LBs, Antrel Rolle, good secondary, good ST, a legend coach (remember the 1998 Minnesota Vikings.) They just need a good owner.
Can USC beat the 2004 49ers? yes. Can the 1997 Cornhuskers beat the 96 Jets? absolutely. Can the 2003 LSU Tigers beat the Dolphins? yes. Can the 1999 Seminoles beat the new Browns? absolutely.
So, Tampa Bay was called to have one of the best teams ever at the beginning of the 03 season. What happened there? oh yeah, they sucked.
So what if Arizona has all of those so called "great things", Its may. Injuries, cuts, and diffiuclt decisions will be done in the near future. I see Arizona as a wildcard team, nothing better, nothing less. Your acting like I hate them, Im actually rooting for them, but i dont think there better then seattle just yet. And dont forget St.Louis, They adressed D this off season and could win the division also.
This will all be covered in my Season Previews in a few weeks, but...
I like Arizona to compete for the NFC West title this year. However, I think St. Louis will win it. Alex Barron looks good in minicamp, and the Rams added a few players on defense. I do not like Seattle's chances this year. I think they will struggle to win more than seven games. Chad Brown, Anthony Simmons and Ken Lucas are gone from an already-bad defense.
I think Antrel Rolle will be a great corner in the NFL, but there aren't many CBs who don't struggle their rookie year. Rolle has to go up against Torry Holt/Isaac Bruce and Koren Robinson/Darrell Jackson twice a year.
The 2002 Patriots could not stop the run, but I do not think their first Super Bowl was a fluke. I suggest Patriot Reign by Michael Holley. It's a really good book.
Right now, it looks like the Patriots will win the Super Bowl again. Minnesota and Pittsburgh may challenge them. The Steelers need a #1 cornerback. Ty Law?
I like Dallas this year, but I can't see them getting homefield advantage. The clear-cut top team in the NFC right now is Minnesota.
Carolina will return to the playoffs, barring another plethora of injuries. Tampa Bay would be a nice sleeper pick in 2006. I don't like them this year.
You're right from a historical standpoint. But, the 2005 season has nothing to do with what has transpired during the history of the Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals.
