2006 Pro and College Edition Insiders NFL Predictions - Walter's Football Site

Date: Aug 25, 2006

2006 Pro and College Edition Insiders NFL Predictions

Joey · Status: Offline

Patriots and Dolphins 9-7? I think that their schedules are too fluffy for them to finish that bad.

I can live with their NFC North predictions although Baltimore is probably too high.

I think that they overshot the Colts and Jags and they WAY overshot the Titans.

I find it hard to believe that they have the Chiefs and Chargers finishing with the same record they had last year despite the losses the two teams have faced. Kansas City no longer has Willie Roaf and they lost their coach to retirement while San Diego is now without the services of Drew Brees. I think that they messed up on the AFC West.

The NFC East prediction is wacky. New York isn't as good as Washington or us and from the looks of the preseason, Philadelphia may be better than them too. Plus, Cowboys finishing just 1 game better than last year? Their predictions are ludacris. Philly is probably about right, but they lowballed Washington.

Minnesota finishing above Chicago and Green Bay finishing above Detroit? Who are these people and why are they predicting football?

I think that if you look at Carolina's schedule they will have a very difficult time claiming 12 wins as these guys predict. Im begginning to doubt if the Panthers are even going to make the post-season this year.

Their NFC West prediction is the most accurate one.

Date: Aug 27, 2006

The New England Patriots have a reputation as a playoff performer; how could they not, with all the Super Bowl rings being brandished in the dressing room. And last year, despitre a mediocre, 10-6 regular season campaign, the Pats were still considered a top contender in the playoffs. NEw England's 28-3 drubbing of the Jaguars in the first round seemed to indiciate that they would take another strong run at the Super Bowl, but a subsequent 27-13 loss to Denver eneded their championship hopes. Does that mean the Pats are finnaly on the decline? Possibly, especially if you consider all the players they lost to free agency in the offseason (most notably K Adam Vinatieri, WR David Givens, LB Willie McGinest, T Tom Ashworth, WR Tim Dwight, TE Christian Fauria, and possibly WR Deion Branch). However, Bill Belichick and the Pats braintrust have been quite adept at replenishing the roster druing the team's current dynasty, so the rest of the AFC East shouldn't start celebrating New Englands demise just yet. Two players taken in the summer's NFL draft, RB Laurence Maroney and WR Chad Jackson, could start contributing to the team's offense right away, with Maroney pushing incumbent RB Corey Dillon for playing time. That'll provide more options for QB Tom Brady, who is still one of the best at his position in the entire league. As long as Brady and Belichick are in town, New England should be a competitive football team; maybe they won't be dominant, but they certainly won't be doormats.

Record: 9-7

Joey · Status: Offline

That analysis was pretty accurate but then at the bottom it says 9-7. Thats the thing that I disagree with. Their schedule is too easy for them to finish that low.

Walter · Status: Offline

The Patriots lost to the Broncos because they fumbled six times. If you replay that game 10 times, New England wins 7-8 of those matchups. I think New England easily finishes with at least 11 wins.

Why do you think Tennessee will win 7 games? I think that's way too much.

Date: Aug 28, 2006

The Steve McNair era will be giving way to the Vince Young era in Tennessee, but the Titans might toss in a Billy Volek era blip as a buffer. Longtime Titans starter McNair's falling out with the team opens the door for some new blood at quarrterback in Tennessee. And with the TAitans finishing with a 4-12 record last season, it's probably for the best. With Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler both also available, the Titans grabbed QB Young with their first-round pick in the NFL draft and the Texas standout is expected to become the face of the team for many years. However, the Titans don't seem like they want to throw Young to the wolves right away, so veteran Bolly Volek is likely to be the team's starting quarterback out of the gate. How much Young plays - whether as a starter or in special circumstances - will depend on Volek's performace. Young's development in practice, and the team's position in the standings (which isn't likely to be high). Also brought into the fold via the draft was rumbling RB LenDale White, a second-round pick out of USC that could turn out to be steal. WR David Givens, FS Chris Hope, and LB David Thornton were signed by the Titans as free agents in the offseason, and should fill some holes in the lineup. Tennessee lost starting center Justin Hartwig as a free agent but have replaced him with Kevin Mawae, who will get a front-row view of the quarterback performances.

Joey · Status: Offline

Tennessee is not getting close to 7 wins this year. Maybe next year, but this year I think 5-11 at best. They are likely to get swept by Indy and Jacksonville and on top of that they have to play the Patriots, Dolphins, Cowboys, Redskins, Eagles, and Giants. I dont think that they beat any of those teams.

Walter · Status: Offline

Apparently the Titans aren't too confident in Billy Volek's abilities because they brought in Kerry Collins.

Titans win four games at most.

Date: Aug 29, 2006

One of the least shocking developments of the 2005 football season was that the Arizona Cardinals finished with a record well below the .500 mark. Sure, there always seems to be some optimism about Arizona's chances at the beginning of each season, a "this-uear-the-franchise-will-finally-turn-the-corner" attitude, but the result is usually a disappointing mark like the 2005's 5-11. Will we get sucked in again this season? Well, it does kinda look like the franchise is going to finnaly turn the conrer. The Cardinals began their offseason with a bang signing RB Edgerrin James away from the Colts as a free agent. James should immediately boost the team's terrible running game, and add another dimension to an offense that already features a strong passong attack. Starting QB Kurt Warner is back in the fold this season, but he will be pushed by Matt Leinart, whom the Cards managed to grab way down at the No.10 spot in the draft. Leinart's presence effectiviely makes Warner a lame-duck QB, but the two should battle for playing time this season at least. That should take care of the teams/ offense, and the Arizona coaching staff is confident that their young defenders will be able to step up their play this season. The Cardinals move into a state-of-the-art stadium this year, and want to field a competitive team for all of their new season-ticket holders. Time will tell if their fans will end up disappointed once again.

Record: 9-7

Walter · Status: Offline

The problem I have with Arizona is its offensive line. I don't think Edgerrin James will find much running room, and I think he could possibly be a bust this year.

The Cardinals could finish 9-7. That's definitely a possibility. But a lot of things will have to happen. I have them going 8-8, and even that might be a stretch.

Date: Aug 31, 2006

The Atlanta Falcons lost their final thrree games and four of their last five contests on 2005, which caused them to finish out of the playoffs with an 8-8 record. In fact, the falcons ended up in third place in the competitive NFC South, three games behind both the Bucs and the Panthers. Atlanta went 2-4 against NFC South opponents last season, and since the divisions weren't re-aligned, and neither the Bucs nor the Panthers look to be worse this season, the Falcons seem to be in tough to move up in the standings. While Atlanata is close to their division rivals on offense, their mediocre defensive play hurts them against the tougher teams. To that end, the Falcons borugh in DE John Abraham and S Lawyer Milloy in the offseason. Abraham was acquired in a trade with the Jets, while Milloy was signed away from the Bills as a free agent. The only other major addition was made by the team in the offseason was CB Jimmy Williams, who was drafted in the second round out of Virginia Tech. Atlanta's offense was largely untouched, with WR Brian Finneran re-signed to a four-year contract. However, the team did bring in Bill Musgrave to act as the quarterback coach, and in effect try to coax more our of the talents (but often underachieving) Michael Vick. If Vick can take his game to the next level in 2006, the Falcons could be right back in the thick of this year's NFC playoff hunt.

Prediction: 8-8

Walter · Status: Offline

I agree with that 8-8 prediction. In another division like the NFC North, Atlanta could finish 10-6. But they have a brutal schedule.

Joey · Status: Offline

I dont know what to think of Atlanta. I dont think that they will go 8-8 though, they'll probably either be really good or really bad.

Date: Sep 1, 2006

It was not a great year for football fans in Baltimore in 2005. Not only did the Ravens slump to a 6-10 rcord, but division-rival Cincinnati improved by leaps and bounds, and division-rival Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl. So where does that leave Baltimore in 2006? First and foremost, it leaves them hoping they finally have at least a short-term solution to their perennial quarterback woes. Kyle Boller has yet to prove himself as an effective NFL pivot, so the Ravens brought in Steve McNair, the victim of a messy breakup in Tennessee. McNair provides more stability, the veteran presence and star quality at the position for the Ravens, assuming he stays healthy. And his health is what precipitated the trade from the Titans in the first place. For 2006, Boller will remain in Raven nest as insurance. RB Jamal Lewis also remains in the flock and coach Brian Billick has given the troubled back a vote of confidence in pegging him as the team's starter 2006. The Ravens also brought in RB Mike Anderson from Denver, and he'll spell Lewis and bring a different look at the attack. On defensive side of the ball, DT Maake Kemoeatu left for Carolina, but the Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata in the first round of the draft. Also added to the defense will DE Trevor Pryce as the Ravens try to get back to the days of the being one of the stingiest teams in the league - back to the days when they were Super Bowl champs.

Prediction: 9-7

Joey · Status: Offline

If Steve McNair stays healthy all year, which is highly unlikely, then Baltimore could go 9-7 but I cant see it happening.

Walter · Status: Offline

I agree with that. I can't believe some people are actually picking the Ravens to win the AFC North. What a joke.

Joey · Status: Offline

I think that the Week 17 matchup between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will decide the AFC North, and the Bengals are going to win.

Date: Sep 3, 2006

How can you say that the Ravens won't be good? How can you say Ray Lewis is over the hill? McNair has looked perfect in the preseason, he has the highest completion % of all quarterbacks. He has good targets, including former Titan Derrick Mason. Not to mention Todd Heap and Mark Clayton. The running game should be sound with the three punch of Jamal Lewis, Mike Anderson, and Musa Smith. The offensive line is solid, I am a big fan of Tony Pashos. He is playing great, and was a steal when the Ravens drafted him. Also, even if McNair does go down, Kyle Boller, though not the best QB, has game experience and will fit in nicely for a few games if called upon.

The defense is still solid aswell. Trevor Pryce is a nice addition at DE, while Terrell Suggs had 8 sacks last season. Haloti Ngata was a solid first round pick. He is a huge body, and will fill running lanes, and he will be impossible to move. Ray Lewis battled with injuries last season, so I don't know how you can judge him. He will be fired up for this season, now that they will get some offensive production. The secondary is also solid with guys like Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, and the best SS in football, Ed Reed.

Plus, they play weak teams like the Raiders, Browns twice, Saints, Titans, and the Bills. They could also beat the Bucs, Falcons, and the Chargers.

Joey · Status: Offline

The Ravens will be competitive for the first half of the season but in the second half, age will catch up with them.

That three headed punch that you're talking about at running back includes a running back who has never been the same since being arrested, the backup running back from Denver, and a running back who has a grand total of 79 yards rushing in his 3 year career.

The defense will be sound but it wont be good enough to single handedly win the Ravens games anymore.

You're not mentioning the fact that Baltimore also plays Carolina, Pittsburgh twice, Cincinnati twice, Denver and Kansas City on the road.

By the way, how can you say that Ray Lewis isn't over the hill? He's been steadily declining for several years now.

That Kyle Boller stuff is a load of crap. He flat out sucks.

Date: Sep 4, 2006

Age? What are you talking about they are solid.

The three headed punch I talk of is a guy who rushed for 2,000+ yards in a single season, a guy who rushed for 1,487 yards and 15 TD's his rookie season in 2000, who also rushed for 1,014 and 12 TD's last season. And a guy with the upmost potential and a fierce runner.

The defense will not have to be called upon to win games, they have a passing game now.

I didn't mention those games because they will lose those games. I mentioned nine games they could possibly win, because my prediction is 9 wins and 7 losses.

How can you say he is? He was injuried last season. You just think he is over the hill because ESPN didn't do much coverage on him last season. Watch, he has something to play for this season. He is going to be a terror, and be all over the field.

I'd rather have a Kyle Boller then some other guy who is unproven. Boller has game play experience. You can rely on Boller to fill in decently for a few games. He knows what its like to play in games. Same goes for Joey Harrington.

Joey · Status: Offline

The Ravens are old. They wont be able to keep it up all season long.

Sure, Jamal Lewis rushed for 2,000+ yards in 2003 and Mike Anderson rushed for 1,487 yards yards in 2000 but this is a what have you done for me lately league. Anderson rushed for 1,000 yards last year too but he was a behind a better O-Line in Denver and he was running under the system that could transform any schmo into a 1,000 yard rusher. And on Musa Smith, sure he has potential but I thought you said that you would rather have a guy with game experience.

I just dont see 9-7. McNair's arm will wear out before the season is over.

Personally, I'd rather have someone without experience but is actually good than Boller or Harrington.

Date: Sep 5, 2006

Keep it up? Might I remind you how OLD the Raiders were back in the 2002 season, and made it to the superbowl? Tim Brown, Jerry Rice, Rich Gannon, Rod Woodson, and Bill Romanowski. Football players are in shape, they train to be played hard. I have to disagree that the Raven's are "old". Raiders proved "old" teams can still play.

The fact that Jamal Lewis is in the backfield will force teams to put extra men in the box. Jamal Lewis doesn't have to run for 2,000+ yards. His presence in the backfield will open up the running game. So what your saying Mike Anderson won't be good? The guy rushed for 10+ touchdowns in two seasons. He is solid. They do have guys with game experience, Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson, duh. Musa is young and still learning.

He is a quarterback, he is built to throw the ball.

And that is the reason why you'll never be a coach in any type of football program.

Joey · Status: Offline

That Raiders team was comprised of several legends of the game. The Ravens can't boast that. The Raiders also went 4-12 the season after that.

Noone is scared of Jamal Lewis anymore. His presence means nothing. Im saying that Mike Anderson wont be as good as he was in Denver because that is what you're anticipating. You're in for a surprise.

Your point is? Drew Bledsoe is a quarterback and his arm got tired near season's end last year. Pitchers are meant to throw the ball too, but their arms gets tired. Your excuse that he's meant to throw the ball is ludacris.

I never said I wanted to be a coach in any kind of football program you dumb****, what does that have to do with anything?

Date: Sep 5, 2006

Brett Farve is a legend and he is throwing picks like crazy. Age matters to some degree, but you can't count them out just because of that. The Raiders were comprised of 38 year olds. Regardless of how they did, they reached the Super Bowl. Rich Gannon was terrible after that game, while Rice and Brown were ancient.

It's a shame you believe everything Walter has to say about Jamal Lewis. It seems you back him until he bashes your pathetic cowboys, just sad kid. I think your in for a big surprise when the Cowboys don't do **** in the playoffs. I'm ludacris? Lol, I'm not the one predicting the Cowboys to go 15-1, get a life.

Drew Bledsoe is a piece of ****, just like you. I wouldn't be surprised if his nickname would be the statue of liberty. The Raven's are not going to throw on every down. They will establish the run first, then let McNair dice up some secondary with his targets.

I'm glad you don't want to be a coach, you'd be a bigger joke then Paris Hilton's album.

Joey · Status: Offline

It is apparent that you are incapable of holding an intelligent conversation so I am done talking to you.

Date: Sep 6, 2006

I think the literal translations if "I'm done getting owned and exposed as the football fraud I am". Your a bigger joke then when Walter predicted Carson Palmer to be a bust.

Walter · Status: Offline

Like I said in another post, arguing about sports is great; name-calling because someone disagrees with you is childish.

And by the way, that Palmer prediction was pretty bad. But I keep all my old pages linked on purpose, so people can see what I've gotten right and wrong. I guess you've never gotten anything wrong before, huh?

Date: Sep 7, 2006

Well if you read, you would know Joey started the "name-calling".

No, I've never been as wrong as you were. It is clear you are bias against badder teams.

Walter · Status: Offline

I'm "bias" against "badder" teams? I think you mean "I'm biased against bad teams."

I'm not even sure what you mean, to be honest. I'm going to have to call in a specialist for this one.

But hey, I appreciate you visiting the site, regardless of our differences of opinion. Thanks.

Date: Sep 8, 2006

Everything a bad team does you question it. While everything a better team, for example the Patroits is a great move.