It's football time again, and that means it's time for my annual NFL preview and predictions. The Giants surprised everyone last year. Will there be another suprise winner this year? There seem to be more questions for more teams entering the 2008 than usual. The preseason was missing many injured stars. Peyton Manning's knee, Tom Brady's foot, Shawn Merriman's knee, and many more leave some doubt about the upcoming season. So here comes my take.
The biggest news in this division is the arrival of Brett Favre. Will he be able to lead the Jets to the playoffs? I kind of doubt it, since I think the Jets are more likely to get the Favre of 2005 and 2006 than the Favre of 2007. The Patriots won't finish this season, but they should win this division.
New England 12-4
New York Jets 9-7
Buffalo 7-9
Miami 4-12 North
This Brown's were the surprise of this division a year ago, and they should compete with the Steelers for the division this year. The Bengals and Ravens will probably struggle this year. It could be a very long year for Carson Palmer, and the Ravens offense.
Pittsburgh 11-5
Cleveland 10-6
Baltimore 6-10
Cincinatti 5-11
The Colts have dominated this division in the last several years and should win it again in a close race with the Jags. I think Houston has overtaken the Titans, and they could compete for a wild-card slot. Vince Young was horrible a year ago, and if the preseason was any indication he'll be bad again.
Indianapolis 12-4
Jacksonville 11-5
Houston 9-7
Tennessee 7-9
The Chargers should win this division again this year, but their injury sitation leave me uncertain. If Rivers, Tomlinson, and Gates are healthy all year, the injury to Merriman shouldn't be too traumatic.The Broncos have some problems on both offense and defense, but I think Jay Cutler could be in for a big year. I said that I felt he would be the best of the three QBs chosen a few years ago, and I think he has proven it. The Chiefs could be this year's worst team.
San Diego 12-4
Denver 10-6
Oakland 5-11
Kansas City 3-12
This division is one of the best in the NFL, with the Giants winning the Super Bowl a year ago and only the Eagles missing the playoffs. This year could see another 3 teams from this division in the playoffs, with the Redskins being the most likely missing. The Cowboys keep adding players of questionable integrity, and it is bound to catch up with them sometime, but maybe not this year.
Philadelphia 10-6
Dallas 10-6
New York Giants 10-6
Washington 7-9
The Bears took a dump in the woods last year and this year points to an even greater drop. The Packers won't miss Brett Favre as much as people think and should win the division. If the Vikings had a QB, they could be the class of the NFC. The Lions started off strong a year ago and then disappeared in the second half, and they will probably be mediocre this year as well.
Green Bay 11-5
Minnesota 9-7
Detroit 8-8
Chicago 6-10
The Falcons shouldn't be as bad as many think they will be, but they aren't likely to continue the division's worst to first history. The Saints will win this division if they have any defense. The Panther's are a chic pick to win the division, but I just don't see it.
New Orleans 10-6
Tampa Bay 9-7
Carolina 8-8
Atlanta 6-10
The Seahawks should win this division yet again. Their defense is good and Matt Hassellbeck is one of the most underrated QBs in the NFL. The Rams should rebound from last year, if Steven Jackson's holdout doesn't come back to haunt him. The Cardinals are still at least a year away, and hiring Mike Martz to run the offense won't be enough for the 49ers.
Seattle 11-5
St. Louis 9-7
Arizona 7-9
San Francisco 6-10
AFC Jacksonville; Cleveland
NFC Giants; Cowboys
AFC Champs Indianapolis
NFC Champs Philadelphia
MVP : Peyton Manning
Off. POY: LaDainian Tomlinson
Def. POY: Patrick Willis
Coach: Mike Holmgren
First Coach fired: Lane Kiffin