My NFL Predictions

NFC North

1. Bears 12-4

Jay Cutler = Bears Superbowl!

2. Vikings 7-9

I know, most people think the Vikings are going to be great. Everyone is picking them because they added Brett Favre. People aren't picking the Bears because they say the Bears are that team that everyone picks but flops (yet no one is picking the Bears). This is the team that flops this year. They have an old man, whose never played well at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, and a locker room that is rumored to be somewhat divided. Plus everyone is talking about how great Percy Harvin is, who I think will be a bust. Put all that together and you have the makings of a grade A flop.

3. Packers 7-9

I'm not sure why everyone is picking the Packers. They are switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 without the proper personnel. They went 6-10 last year, and Aaron Rodgers is Mr. Collapse in the 4th Quarter. So, 7-9 makes sense to me, they'll improve a little bit, but I really think its 2010 that this team will start to hit its stride.

4. Lions 4-12

Yes, I do think the Lions will not only win one game this year, but 4. Lets be honest, although the Lions were AWFUL last year, they aren't actually a 0 win team. They'll pull off some wins.


NFC East

1. Redskins 11-5

Yes, I know, everyone is picking the Eagles, Giants, or Cowboys. Personally, the Eagles have suffered some injuries over preseason, and are always overhyped. The Giants were useless without Plaxico, and the Cowboys are not that good. That leaves the Redskins. With a shut down defense, and now they added Haynesworth, a QB that is consistently improving, and has the looks of putting up a solid season, some solid WR's, TE, and Clinton Portis, this team could be a contender this year.

2. Dallas Cowboys 10-6

I know they aren't that good of a team, but Romo was injured last year which caused them to lose a few games. I see them improving this year, but still falling short of the Redskins.

3. Philadelphia Eagles 9-7

Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb are injury prone. They have sustained a few injuries during preseason and they are always overhyped. Thus 9-7.

4. New York Giants 7-9

The Giants had a nice run to the Superbowl two years back, and they had a great regular season last year. With that said, this team doesn't have a good WR which is going to hurt them since they don't have that good of a QB. The only thing they can do is run the ball, and it won't be enough to win this division.


NFC West

1. Seahawks 10-6

Edge and Julius Jones. TJ Whosyomomma (no idea how to spell the actual name) and a healthy Matt Hasselbeck spell success in the league's second easiest division.

2. Arizona Cardinals 7-9

Superbowl failures, an old (overrated) QB, and an elite cast of WR's. This team will have a good offense, but they're defense still isn't up to snuff. Don't expect their offense to put up the same numbers as last year.

3. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

A slight improvement this year, as Mike Singletary continues to build his team towards winning in the future.

4. St. Louis Rams 3-13

One of the worst teams in the league got rid of their LT, WR, and LB. A remnant of its former self.


NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers 11-5

Good RB, WR, QB, OL, DL, and DB = 11-5.

2. Tampa Bay Buccanears 8-8

Not the same team as they were two or even four years ago.

3. Atlanta Falcons 7-9

Played way above ability last year. A team with talent, but just no quite enough, at least not yet.

4. New Orleans Saints 7-9

For the life of me I just cannot figure out why people pick this team. They have no talent on D, and their RB's are incredibly overrated. Another mediocre year for this team.


AFC North

1. Steelers 12-4

Reigning Superbowl champs continue their great play.

2. Ravens 11-5

A good young QB, solid RB's, and an incredible defense that is great at everything.

3. Bengals 9-7

I think this team is going to take a huge step forward this year. This may be the year Carson actually stays healthy!

4. Browns 4-12

They stink. Brady Quinn is no good. Jamal Lewis is old. Braylon Edwards can't hang on to the ball.


AFC East

1. New England Patriots 13-3

The best record in the NFL again, as Tom Brady stays healthy this year, and Fred Taylor gets over 1,000 yards on the ground.

2. Buffalo Bills 7-9

They continue to improve, there's hope for next year, but this just isn't their year.

3. Miami Dolphins 5-11

I think we can all agree that the Dolphins were by far the worst 11-5 team last year. Chad Pennington is far from being a great QB, and the Wild Cat won't be as effective this year as teams learn to slow it down.

4. Jets 4-12

Matt Sanchez = Bust. Thomas Jones = Good RB but can't lead his teams to the playoffs without a great defense, which they don't have.


AFC West

1. Oakland Raiders 10-6

I know, what am I thinking, right? JaMarcus Russell (although I've always thought he was a bust), Darren McFadden, Richard Seymour, Eric Kelly, Nnamandi Asom(whatever; and just b/c I don't think he's better than Bailey doesn't mean I only found out about him due to Madden, just an untrue statement). This team is loaded with young talent, and I think they are going to shock the football world this year.

2. San Diego Chargers 10-6

A healthy defense, plus LT should have another good year, as well as Phillip Rivers. This team could be dangerous.

3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-11

This was a team that blew many games at the end due to their inexperience. This record could be a few games better if they learn to start Tyler Thigpen over Brodie Croyle and Matt Cassel.

4. Denver Broncos 4-12

They traded away their team for a couple of draft picks and Kyle Orton. They have one of the worst coaches I have ever seen, they won't have Brandon Marshall, their defense let up 28 points a game last year, this team is a mess.


AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts 11-5

Peyton has another strong year as this team wins their division once again.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6

This team's defense reverts back to its former self. Their improved o-line play, and Torry Holt help them improve this year.

3. Houston Texans 9-7

A good young team, but just not quite there yet.

4. Tennessee Titans 5-11

Losing their best player on defense, having Kerry Collins start at QB again, and having no good receivers is a recipe for a HUGE crash and burn.


PLAYOFFS

NFC:

Panthers 27 Eagles 30.

Seahawks 24 Cowboys 17.

AFC:

Colts 21 Jaguars 27.

Raiders 10 Ravens 31.

Divisional Round

NFC:

Bears 31 Eagles 17.

Redskins 21 Seahawks 23.

AFC:

Patriots 41 Jaguars 28.

Steelers 17 Ravens 21.

Conference Championships

AFC:

Patriots 20 Ravens 31.

NFC:

Bears 42 Seahawks 17.

SUPERBOWL:

Bears 20 Ravens 12.

Jay Cutler Superbowl MVP
Matt Forte Regular Season MVP
Matt Forte Offensive Player of the Year
Brian Urlacher Defensive Player of the Year
LaDanian Tomlinson Comeback Player of the Year (does he qualify?)


As you can see, I think the Bears are going to have a great year. And no, I'm not a homer (oh wait, yes I am!!!)


Tomorrow Power-Rankings