Mid July Predictions:
 

It's always fun to look back towards the end of the season for what you thought in July. Granted huge things like injuries can take place that drastically change your expectations, but just toss your predictions down. No need to worry about records, too much work!

[U]AFC:[/U]
[B]East:[/B]Pretty obvious at this points. Jets could be a sleeper team, but they won't pass the Pats.[LIST][*]Patriots[*]Bills[*]Jets[*]Dolphins[/LIST][B]North: [/B]Cleveland keeps it going and the rest of the division falls off. Only one team to the playoffs this year. Sorry Steelers.[LIST][*]Cleveland[*]Steelers[*]Bengals[*]Ravens[/LIST][B]South:[/B] The Jags finally overtake the Colts. Both teams are quite good and it could go either way. The Texans will be much improved and in any other division, I might consider them a playoff team.[LIST][*]Jaguars[*]Colts[*]Texans[*]Titans[/LIST][B]West:[/B]Bad division. Chargers are solid but a bit overrated. Raiders will be much better and I see problems with Brandon Marshall which will kill Denvers offense. KC is obviously rebuilding.[LIST][*]Chargers[*]Raiders[*]Broncos[*]Kansas City[/LIST]
[U]NFC:[/U]
[B]East: [/B]Hard fought division. I could definitely see anyone but the Cowboys in spots 2-4. There's going to be a big tossup in our division this year.[LIST][*]Cowboys[*]Giants[*]Redskins[*]Eagles[/LIST][B]North:[/B] (This changes if Favre comes back GB wins it.) I think the Lions will be improved, and the Bears have no offense. Packers and Vikings duke this one out.[LIST] [*]Vikings[*]Packers[*]Bears[*]Lions[/LIST][B]South:[/B] Picking a winner is hard. This whole division could blow up and it really wouldn't matter. I don't see New Orleans as being very good. Carolina has QB issues. Tommy John surgery is a question mark for what it does to QBs.[LIST][*]Tampa Bay[*]New Orleans[*]Carolina[*]Falcons[/LIST][B]West:[/B] Another bad division. 49ers will be terrible. Seahawks still the class of this division. Cardinals could certainly beat the Rams. But I think Saunders offense in St. Louis will work without being handcuffed like it was in DC. Bulger, Holt, and Jackson are three of the best in the NFL. Offense could be nasty. Cardinals still have question marks.[LIST][*]Seahawks[*]Rams[*]Cardinals[*]49ers[/LIST]
[U]NFC Playoffs:[/U]
[B]Wildcard:[/B]Giants at Tampa Bay -- Giants win. The NFC South is weak, and someone has to win the division, but that's it.
[B]Wildcard:[/B] Packers at Seahawks -- Packers win. We see how weak the NFC West is here.
[B]Divisional:[/B]Packers at Cowboys -- Packers win, Dallas keeps the playoff streak alive.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Giants at Vikings -- Vikings win, too strong of a defense and a nasty running game.
[B]Championship: [/B] Packers at Vikings. Vikings win.
(I can't believe I have MN here. Dallas has a good shot too, so does GB is Favre is with them.

[U]AFC Playoffs:[/U]
[B]Wildcard:[/B]Chargers at Bills -- Chargers win. Don't really see SD as good as most folks do, but they're too much for a young but talented team
[B]Wildcard:[/B] Cleveland at Colts -- Colts win. Colts wipe up Cleveland.
[B]Divisional:[/B]Colts at Pats -- Pats win. Another classic game, but Colts pull it out.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Chargers at Jaguars -- Jaguars crush them. Strong offense and defense.
[B]Championship: [/B] Colts at Jaguars. Jags win. The power is shifting in the AFC South but be prepared for classic showdowns.

[U]Super Bowl:[/U]
Jaguars vs. Minnesota: Jags win. Just what the NFL doesn't want to see. Two strong defenses really going after each other with pretty solid offenses.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Playoff Teams:

AFC:
1) Patriots
2) Chargers
3) Colts
4) Steelers
5) Jaguars
6) Browns

NFC:
1) Cowboys
2) Saints
3) Packers
4) Seahawks
5) Eagles
6) Vikings

AFC Championship: Steelers over Patriots
NFC Championship: Saints over Cowboys

Super Bowl: Steelers over Saints

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Wow, you have two super bowl teams I dont even see making the playoffs.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I'm not going to go into great detail because of the whole parity thing.

SURPRISE in a good way teams: Vikings, Redskins, Eagles, Kansas City, Texans
SURPRISE in a bad way teams: Cowboys, Giants, Seahawks, Browns

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Daseal, are you assuming Favre going to Minnesota or Tavaris Jackson actually taking them to the Super Bowl?

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Schneed10;456939]Playoff Teams:

AFC:
1) Patriots
2) Chargers
3) Colts
4) Steelers
5) Jaguars
6) Browns

NFC:
1) Cowboys
2) Saints
3) Packers
4) Seahawks
5) Eagles
6) Vikings

AFC Championship: Steelers over Patriots
NFC Championship: Saints over Cowboys

Super Bowl: Steelers over Saints[/quote]

I like your short and sweet approach so here's mine:

AFC playoff teams:
Patriots
Colts
Chargers
Steelers
Jags
Texans

NFC playoff teams:
Cowboys
Packers
Saints
Redskins
Giants
Seahawks

AFC Championship: Chargers over Patriots
NFC Championship: Redskins over Cowboys (WHY THE HELL NOT!)

Super Bowl: Redskins over Chargers (110% HOMER PREDICTION!)

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Daseal;456941]Wow, you have two super bowl teams I dont even see making the playoffs.[/quote]

I find it more surprising that your super bowl teams are QB'd by two guys named Tarvaris Jackson and David Garrard.

Garrard's solid, he had a really good year last year in the QB rating department, but mainly because he only threw 3 picks. He'd have to take more risks in the playoffs to make some plays to beat a Patriot, Charger, Colt, or Steeler team. I think he managed the game exceedingly well last year, but if asked to make plays as he will in the playoffs, he won't be as good.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Mattyk72;456950]I like your short and sweet approach so here's mine:

AFC playoff teams:
Patriots
Colts
Chargers
Steelers
Jags
Texans

NFC playoff teams:
Cowboys
Packers
Saints
Redskins
Giants
Bucs

AFC Championship: Chargers over Patriots
NFC Championship: Redskins over Cowboys (WHY THE HELL NOT!)

Super Bowl: Redskins over Chargers (110% HOMER PREDICTION!)[/quote]

Not to burst your bubble, but you have 3 wildcard winners and no NFC West representative. Swap somebody out for the Seahawks!

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I love your SB pick Matty, that was my homer pick last year!
My picks:
NFC
East- REDSKINS, I'm a homer.
west- cardinals, they've been due for years to pass the seahawks by talent alone, but, they are the cardinals. Seahawks may win it again.
north- packers, the most solid team in the division, even with Rogers-see cowboys game last year. Vikings=overrated, defense above average, offense a joke accept AD and o line.
south- saints,Watch out for this team, defense is highly improved, offense always potent, running game a question.
wild cards- tampa bay, a team on the rise, watch out for Favre here.
dalass-no comment.

AFC
east-patriots, I hate them
west-chargers, everyone else is a joke.
north- steelers, I can't pick the browns, pitt owns them.
south- jags, I think they get over the hump, they haven't been able to get out from under the colts, I think they might do it this year.
wild cards- colts-nuff said.
texans- they play in the NFC East light! I can see three teams fom this division in the playoffs.
NFC Championship- REDSKINS-Saints- I'm a homer!
AFC Championship-Jags-Chargers.
Superbowl-REDSKINS-Chargers!
REDSKINS SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Schneed10;456966]Not to burst your bubble, but you have 3 wildcard winners and no NFC West representative. Swap somebody out for the Seahawks![/quote]

whoops, I'll take out the Bucs for Seattle

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I can dig a Minnesota vs Jacksonville matchup, and I'd love (of course) to see the Redskins at least play in the Super Bowl. But since money is changing hands here, I'm going to go against the grain here with my July picks. Ask me again in August, and it may change

NFC East: Cowboys
NFC North: Vikings
NFC South: Nawlins
NFC West: Seahawks
WC: Rams
WC: Redskins

NFC Championship: Seahawks over Redskins (damn you TJ Duckett!!)

AFC East: Patriots
AFC North: Steelers
AFC South: Colts
AFC West: Chargers
WC: Jaguars
WC: Bills

AFC Championship: Bills over Steelers

Super Bowl: Bills over Seahawks

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

AFC East:
1. Pats-They are going to be hell bent to avenge their SB loss
2. Bills-Better, but still not good
3. Jets-Constantly in flux at the skill positions
4. Dolphins-They still suck

AFC North:
1. Browns-They'll live up to the hype
2. Steelers-Close 2nd but will come up just short
3. Bengals-Offense rebounds, but defense is still pathetic
4. Ravens-'With the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select...'

AFC South:
1. Jaguars-It all comes together this year for Del Rio's team
2. Colts-The window closes on the end of the Dungy era
3. Titans-Lack of offensive weapons hurts this team
4. Texans-Good team in a better division

AFC West:
1. Chargers-Best in a bad division
2. Chiefs-Croyle and Bowe make a stong connection for the next few years
3. Broncos-Is this the year Shannahan is finally held accountable?
4. Raiders-They are the Raiders, duh.

Wildcards:
Colts
Steelers

AFC Champs-Jacksonville over New England

NFC East:
1. Dallas-My fingers ache just from typing that
2. Washington-Zorn has a Payton, Tomlin-like first year
3. Philly-Could this be Reid's final season?
4. NYG-The magic of '07 is long gone

NFC North:
1. Minnesota-Not as good as advertised, but good enough
2. Green Bay-Rogers struggles in his first year as a starter
3. Chicago-Lack of a QB kills any playoff hopes
4. Detroit-New year, same Lions

NFC South
1. Saints-Finally healthy the Saints rebound
2. Buccaneers-One of the 72 QB on their roster starts more than 8 games
3. Panthers-Exit John Fox, Enter Bill Cowher
4. Falcons-Still the least talented roster in the NFL

NFC West:
1. Arizona-Ok, now THIS is the year they put it together (where have we heard that before?)
2. Seattle-Holmgren goes out with a wildcard berth
3. SF-Martz makes Alex Smith loosely resemble an NFL QB
4. St. Louis-Some good young pieces but Holt, Little, Bulger start looking old

Wildcards:
Washington, Seattle

NFC Champs
Dallas (ugh) over Washington (I just shed a tear)

Super Bowl-Jacksonville over Dallas

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[B]AFC East:[/B]
Patriots - Still the best in the AFC with something to prove
Jets - Improved D & Solid OL keep the Jets in the hunt
Bills
Dolphins

[B]North:[/B]
Steelers - Very good D, Mendenhall & Sweed contribute
Cleveland - playoff bound
Ravens
Bengals - too much turmoil

[B]South:[/B] Dec 18th could determine the division
Colts - 1
Jaguars - 2 until they step up and knock the Colts off
Titans - D still solid, Crumpler helps Young but not enough.
Texans

[B]West:[/B]
Chargers - Great D, great OL, LT
Broncos
Kansas City - good draft, but two years and a QB away
Raiders - secondary looks very good on paper, but the front can't stop the run. Walkers eye socket fracture will be a factor, look for increased drops.

[U]NFC:[/U]
Cowboys
Eagles
Redskins
Giants - Offense will be solid, secondary is weak, Strahan's retirement will have a much bigger effect than many realize.

[B]North:[/B]
Vikings - Excellent OL & ground game, very good D wins the division
Packers - solid but Favre won't be back and Rodgers won't duplicate the #2 in the NFL passing numbers
Lions
Bears - No offense and a D that no longer scares anyone

[B]South:[/B]
Tampa Bay - solid D wins this ugly division
New Orleans
Carolina
Falcons

[B]West:[/B]
Seahawks
Cardinals
49ers
Rams

[U]NFC Playoffs:[/U]
[B]Wildcard: [/B]Redskins at Tampa Bay -- Redskins win. JC & Zorn's offense are clicking after some early stumbles.
[B]Wildcard:[/B] Eagles at Vikings -- Vikings win.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Redskins at Cowboys -- Homo chokes again.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Vikings at Seahawks -- Seahawks shut down run game and Jackson can't carry the Vikes
[B]Championship: [/B]Redskins at Seahawks. Zorn's knowledge of Holmgren's playcalling dooms the Seahawks.


[U]AFC Playoffs:[/U]
[B]Wildcard: [/B]Jagsat Steelers -- Steelers win.
[B]Wildcard:[/B] Cleveland at Chargers -- Chargers win.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Steelersat Pats -- Pats win. Brady and Belicheat have figured out how to solve the pressure defense by now.
[B]Divisional: [/B]Chargers at Colts -- Colts too much for Rivers
[B]Championship: [/B]Colts at NE. NE wins.

[U]Super Bowl:[/U]
Redskins vs. Patriots: NE is on a mission after last year's "Epic Fail". Patriots win.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

AFC East Afc north Afc South AFC West
1. Pats 1. Browns 1. Colts 1. Chargers
2. Bills 2. Steelers 2. Jags 2. Denver
3. Jets 3. Bengals 3. Texans 3. KC
4. Fins 4. Ravens 4. Titans 4. OAK

KC and OAK very similar teams, Browns come out on top of the north circa 05 bengals. Pats continue old ways from 07. Steelers and Texans finish with same record, Texans have tie breaker in the opener.

Wildcard 6 Texans lose to 3 Browns
5 Jags defeat 4 Chargers
Pats over Jags
Browns over Colts

Pats over Browns

NFC East NFC NORTH SOUTH WEST
1. Dallas 1. LIONS! (wow) 1. Saints 1. ARI
2. Skins 2. GB 2. TB 2. STL
3. NY 3. MIN 3. CAR 3. SEA
4. PHI 4. CHI 4. ATL 4. SF

Lions crank up the offense in a division up for grabs (getting shut down by GB's secondary on both occasions but they split)..injuries plague Minn. Arizona gets it together in the west and seattle begins to slip. Patrick Willis tears it up for SF but no offense yet again. Saints cruise through a weak south... Unfortunately Dallas wins the east. If we can snag 2 of the first 3 road div games things may be different.

6 SKINS defeat 3 Cards
4 Lions defeat 5 STL

SKins over Dallas (we are the 08 Giants!!)
Lions over Saints

Skins over Lions (1991?)

SUPER BOWL PATS OVER REDSKINS.... Pats make good on what they should have done last year. Belicheck later found guilty of taping our pre-game walk through and is tarred and feathered at the opener in Fed Ex field 09'.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I'm sure I'm going to waffle on these over the next two months. Especially in the NFC East, where my pick to win the division changes depending on which way the wind is blowing, seemingly.

Also, I didn't do these based on the schedule -- I rounded the win projection off to the nearest whole number -- so these might not even be a zero win sum (which means that these predictions might have more teams winning than teams losing, which is impossible).

**Team (win total)

Giants (12)
Eagles (11)
Cowboys (8)
Redskins (8)

Panthers (10)
Saints (9)
Bucs (6)
Falcons (3)

Bears (11)
Packers (10)
Vikings (9)
Lions (4)

Cardinals (9)
Seahawks (8)
Rams (8)
49ers (3)

Patriots (13)
Jets (7)
Bills (5)
Dolphins (4)

Jaguars (11)
Colts (10)
Texans (9)
Titans (4)

Bengals (11)
Steelers (9)
Ravens (5)
Browns (4)

Chargers (14)
Broncos (10)
Raiders (5)
Chiefs (3)

AFC Championship:

Patriots at Chargers

NFC Championship:

Eagles at Bears

Super Bowl XLIII:

Chargers over Eagles

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Da Bears with 11 wins?! Wow

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Mattyk72;457113]Da Bears with 11 wins?! Wow[/quote]It's more of an effect of "how bad can one predict the offense to play".

Sure, the team doesn't seem to be interested in finding a competent QB, but all Grossman has to do is have a career year, and that offense is in the top 20.

Plus, there are only a few certainties in the league, and one of those certainties is that teams will struggle to move the ball against Chicago's perennially dominant Defense and Special Teams.

So I could see the Bears winning anywhere between 9 and 12 games. They won 7 last year, so to expect them to win fewer than that would be to predict QB play at a worse level than during the 2006 season: I just can't see that happening.

So yeah, I penciled them in at 11 wins, but 9 or 10 is essentially saying the same thing: They'll be better than last year, and not quite as good as in 2006.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=GTripp0012;457117]It's more of an effect of "how bad can one predict the offense to play".

Sure, the team doesn't seem to be interested in finding a competent QB, but all Grossman has to do is have a career year, and that offense is in the top 20.

Plus, there are only a few certainties in the league, and one of those certainties is that teams will struggle to move the ball against Chicago's perennially dominant Defense and Special Teams.

So I could see the Bears winning anywhere between 9 and 12 games. They won 7 last year, so to expect them to win fewer than that would be to predict QB play at a worse level than during the 2006 season: I just can't see that happening.

So yeah, I penciled them in at 11 wins, but 9 or 10 is essentially saying the same thing: They'll be better than last year, and not quite as good as in 2006.[/quote]

The Bears D fell off dramatically last year, not just statistically but also in terms of their whole personna. They lost their swagger & intimidation. Having T. Harris healthy will of course make a huge difference, but he's had his problems staying healthy for a whole year. I think they're still a good unit, but I don't know if they're good enough to make up for a weak O that lost its top receivers & has a few qb's that are all equally avg. - poor.

Their top wr might be B Loyd for god's sake!

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I used the same format GT did, total wins aren't precise across the board.

Cowboys (12) Still the best team,maybe in the nfc, they could be dominant
Eagles (11)
Redskins (8) Too many questions at this point
Giants (7) I expected this last year. They will play well at some point but will have some problems they can't recover from; injuries, shockey, Plaxico & Eli will all have tough years.

Saints (11) - if the secondary improves this team could go far
Bucs (10)
Panthers (7)
Falcons (3)

Packers (12) - favre or not, they will be tough. I like Rodgers.
Vikings (10) - qb & wr keep them from more, though they got berrian.
Lions (7)
Bears (6)

Cardinals (9) - parity is forming in this division
Seahawks (9)
Rams (8)
49ers (5)

Patriots (12)
Bills (8)
Jets (7)
Dolphins (4)

Jaguars (12) - potential super bwl team
Texans (10) - they start to build a winner
Titans (9)
Colts (7) - Manning may not be healthy at the outset & they're due for a bad season in a tough division.

Browns (9)
Steelers (8)
Ravens (8)
Bengals (6)

Chargers (13) - could be their year
Broncos (9)
Raiders (7)
Chiefs (6)

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Here's mine:
NFC playoff teams:
Dal, NYG, Min, TB, Sea, StL

AFC playoff teams:
NE, Pgh, SD, Indy, Jax, Cinn

Super Bowl: NE over Dal

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=freddyg12;457118]The Bears D fell off dramatically last year, not just statistically but also in terms of their whole personna. They lost their swagger & intimidation. Having T. Harris healthy will of course make a huge difference, but he's had his problems staying healthy for a whole year. I think they're still a good unit, but I don't know if they're good enough to make up for a weak O that lost its top receivers & has a few qb's that are all equally avg. - poor.

Their top wr might be B Loyd for god's sake![/quote]I wouldn't say it was that dramatic...over the second half of the year, only the Chargers were more dominant on defense.

[URL="http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef.php"]This[/URL] link argues that the Bears D and Redskins D last year were roughly equivalent, with the Bears having a much stronger run defense, and the Redskins significantly better at the pass. That makes sense to me.

I guess my point is this: If the significant dropoff led them to the top quarter in defense, they would have to dropoff even further to be worse than last year. I'm betting (strongly) that the Bears D will be at or better than it was last year, considering the core is still around, and in it's prime. Plus: 100% less Archuleta.

And I wouldn't worry about B. Lloyd being their number one receiver. They still have some warm, non-Lloyd bodies ;)

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=GTripp0012;457117]It's more of an effect of "how bad can one predict the offense to play".

Sure, the team doesn't seem to be interested in finding a competent QB, [B]but all Grossman has to do is have a career year[/B], and that offense is in the top 20.

Plus, there are only a few certainties in the league, and one of those certainties is that teams will struggle to move the ball against Chicago's perennially dominant Defense and Special Teams.

So I could see the Bears winning anywhere between 9 and 12 games. They won 7 last year, so to expect them to win fewer than that would be to predict QB play at a worse level than during the 2006 season: I just can't see that happening.

So yeah, I penciled them in at 11 wins, but 9 or 10 is essentially saying the same thing: They'll be better than last year, and not quite as good as in 2006.[/quote]

A bit of a tall task to me. If he lasts the entire season as the starter I'd be surprised. Plus the cupboard seems pretty bare at WR and they will have a rookie at RB. I can see their D bouncing back, I'm just not sure that will be enough though.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Mattyk72;457132]A bit of a tall task to me. If he lasts the entire season as the starter I'd be surprised. Plus the cupboard seems pretty bare at WR and they will have a rookie at RB. I can see their D bouncing back, I'm just not sure that will be enough though.[/quote]No doubt that my 11 win prediction is based on a career year from a QB. And I don't disagree with you that it's a fallacious thing to base a prediction on.

But when you consider that a career year from Grossman is about 3,500 yards, a 1.5 to 1 TD/INT ratio (say 20 to 12), a completion percentage of a measly 58%, and about 6.7-7.0 yards/attempt, that seems somewhat reasonable (if unsustainable) for Grossman. It's important to remember that while Grossman isn't good at all, if you compare the first 5 years of his career to Jon Kitna, who a lot of people argue is the top QB in the NFC North right now, you would take Grossman in a runaway. It wasn't until he started pushing 30 that Kitna started producing results that weren't horrific.

I would totally reconsider my prediction if Orton wins the job...because those numbers seem somewhat unobtainable for the neckbeard, but Grossman could do it with a steady diet of passes down the middle of the field to like...Marty Booker, and Devin Hester occasionally getting behind the defense.

It won't be pretty, but then again, no game in that division will be with the quality of QB that Grossman will be facing.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

They did just get Kevin Jones, fwiw, but that doesn't change my prediction for them at all.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[B]AFC:[/B]
[U]East[/U]
Pats (12)
Bills (9)
Jets (6)
Fins (5)

[U]North[/U]
Steelers (11)
Browns (10)
Bengals (8) Marvin gets let go
Ravens (5)

[U]South[/U]
Jags (11)
Colts (10)
Texans (9)
Titans (9)

[U]West[/U]
Chargers (12)
Raiders (8)
Chiefs (7)
Broncos (4) and Shanahan gets the axe

[B]NFC:[/B]
[U]East[/U]
Cowboys (11)
Skins (10)
Eagles (8)
Giants (4)

[U]North[/U]
Vikings (9)
Packers (8)
Lions (6)
Bears (5)

[U]South[/U]
Saints (12)
Bucs (9)
Panthers (7)
Falcons (2) concerned about Ryan or whoever starts at QB

[U]West[/U]
Cardinals (9)
Rams (9)
Seahawks (8) I think they fall way off without a running game
Niners (5)

AFC Championship: Chargers over Jags
NFC Championship: Saints over Vikings

Super Bowl: Saints over Chargers

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=GTripp0012;457134]No doubt that my 11 win prediction is based on a career year from a QB. And I don't disagree with you that it's a fallacious thing to base a prediction on.

But when you consider that a career year from Grossman is about 3,500 yards, a 1.5 to 1 TD/INT ratio (say 20 to 12), a completion percentage of a measly 58%, and about 6.7-7.0 yards/attempt, that seems somewhat reasonable (if unsustainable) for Grossman. It's important to remember that while Grossman isn't good at all, if you compare the first 5 years of his career to Jon Kitna, who a lot of people argue is the top QB in the NFC North right now, you would take Grossman in a runaway. It wasn't until he started pushing 30 that Kitna started producing results that weren't horrific.

I would totally reconsider my prediction if Orton wins the job...because those numbers seem somewhat unobtainable for the neckbeard, but Grossman could do it with a steady diet of passes down the middle of the field to like...Marty Booker, and Devin Hester occasionally getting behind the defense.

It won't be pretty, but then again, no game in that division will be with the quality of QB that Grossman will be facing.[/quote]

Fair enough, that's what's fun about these because at this point it's anybody's guess.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Off the top of my head, based off of very little except for gut reaction to last year and what I've heard this offseason.

[B][U]NFC East[/U][/B]
1. Dallas (vomit)
2. New York
3. Washington
4. Philly
[B][U][/U]NFC North[/B]
1. Minnesota
2. Detriot
3. Green Bay
4. Chicago
[B][U]NFC South[/U][/B]
1. New Orleans
2. Tampa Bay
3. Carolina
4. Atlanta
[B][U]NFC West[/U][/B]
1. Seattle
2. San Fransico
3. St. Louis
4. Arizona

[B][U]AFC East[/U][/B]
1. New England
2. Buffalo
3. New York
4. Miami
[B][U]AFC North[/U][/B]
1. Cleveland
2. Pittsburg
3. Cincinatti
4. Baltimore
[B][U]AFC South[/U][/B]
1. Jacksonville
2. Indy
3. Houston
4. Tennessee
[B][U]AFC West[/U][/B]
1. San Diego
2. Oakland
3. Denver
4. Kansas City

[B][U]Wild Card Round[/U][/B]
NYG @ Seattle; Washington @ NO; Buffalo @ Cleveland; Pitt @ Jax
[B][U]Divisional Playoffs[/U][/B]
Washington @ Dallas; Seattle @ Minn; Jax @ New England; Cleveland @ SD
[B][U]Championships[/U][/B]
Minn @ Dallas; SD @ New England
[B][U]Super Bowl[/U][/B]
New England vs Minnesota

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

REDSKINS SUPERBOWL CHAMPS![/QUOTE]








That' interesting.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Let me give my take, I like doing these things although I won't go into predictions because I'm not good at predicting anything in the NFL lol.

AFCE:
Patriots - obviously they'll be the class of the AFC again, probably the #1 or #2 seed, barring an injury to Tom Brady lol.

Jets - They'll suprise people and be better than last year, but quarterback play will hold them back. I haven't really seen anything from the Jets that makes me believe they will be a hell of a lot better than last year.

Bills - I like them getting Hardy in the draft, though I doubt he will be a game changer this season. They are a team on the upside imo, but this team will go as far as Trent Edwards does, kinda like the Skins with JC. If Edwards stinks up the joint it might hold them back, or if he does pretty good I can see a pretty good year for them too.

Miami - Parcells will turn this team around. They'll probably still be sub-500, but they won't win one game like last year lol. I don't know what they are going to do at qb for this season though.

AFCN
Cleveland - I don't know what to think. I think they are a team on the upside, but they also have a lot of questions, the main one being can they build on last year and carry it into this year? Or will Derek Anderson not improve on last season's success. They've got a lot of weapons so they could possibly challenge the Steelers for the division crown.

Pittsburgh - Pretty solid team all around, I look for them to continue having an excellent defense and they should be decent enough on offense to carry them into the playoffs.

Cincinnati - The offense will do fine, but this team will only go as far as the defense can help them. If the defense continues to suck, whether from injury or w/e, then they will hover around .500 for the season.

Baltimore - Hard to believe this team won 13 games two years ago huh? They have a good defense, but with no clear cut starting quarterback that will hurt this team this year. I think they will be sub .500 mainly because I don't think Boller will cut it and if Flacco starts I think this team will be doomed, at least for this season.

AFCS
This is probably the second best division in the NFL in my mind.
Colts - Another great regular season for them, at least 12-4 and probably right up there with the Pats at the top of the conference. Defense good, Offense excellent. 'Nuff said.

Jaguars - It remains to be seen if this team can consistently keep improving enough to overtake the Colts at the top. Personally I don't think this year is their year, they will be over .500, maybe 10-6 or another 11-5 season, but not good enough to pass the Colts. They've got most of the tools they need, but they don't have anything that will make them clearly better than the Colts and that's why they'll be in second.

Titans - Another over .500 team. I feel bad for VY, he seriously needs help at WR and the Titans don't want to give him any lol. Offense will be ok, although I don't think their passing game will help at all. Defense will be a key component for them this year, statistically they aren't that great but they are excellent at making turnovers and that will help the offense. I look for them to go anywhere from 8-8 to 10-6.

Texans - team on the up, along with the Browns. I like Schaub at qb, provided he can stay healthy along with Andre Johnson. They won't have a lot of support but this offense will be ok. Defense is young and good with Mario Williams and Demeco Ryans being their key playmakers. I think they will be around or above .500, maybe 8-8 or 9-7, which is an improvement but not good enough because they are in a loaded division.

AFCW
Chargers - Probable division winner imo. Good offense, good defense. Can't get over the hump in the playoffs though.

Broncos - Ok team. Not sure about their defense though. Include the offense in that as well, although if Cutler improves the offense will be good as long as Brandon Marshall keeps putting up. They will be somewhere around 8-8, maybe under.

Raiders - running game is looking pretty good, although I'm not giving McFadden any props until he shows me he's good on the field. Passing game I'm unsure about. Defense could be anywhere from average to really good. Kinda reminds me of the 'Skins in '04 lol, only they have a very young quarterback instead of old one. Definitely under .500 but maybe not that bad, like 6-10 or something.

Chiefs - Lots of work to do but they helped themselves in the draft. Offense is a question mark, they need to start using the 2 back system to help out LJ, who should put up decent enough numbers if healthy. Passing game definite uncertainty with Croyle at quarterback. If he's decent than the offense will be decent, Dwayne Bowe has a bright future ahead of him and he could be a great help provided he doesn't have the sophomore slump.

NFCE
Cowboys - Hate to say it but definite 1 or 2 seed in the NFC, although I won't trust them to go anywhere in the playoffs until they actually do it lol. Great O and great D.

Giants - Above average team, at least 8-8 or better but not good enough to pass the Cowboys. Strahan's loss could hurt the team, we'll see if their depth will make up for him or not. They are decent on offense but other than Plaxico Burress nobody is really very consistent.

Eagles - Team on the rise, but not a 1 or 2 seed like most of their fans believe. McNabb is good when healthy, I just don't trust him to stay healthy at all, he might break a finger pouring himself a cup of Gatorade on the sidelines. They'll be above .500 but not more than 10-6.

Redskins - Do I even need to do this? We won't be horrible but idk what to expect either. New offense, will be decent but not Colts-like because it will take a little while to get used to the WCO. Defense could be ok, provided we get pressure on quarterbacks. No pressure on qb's = bad pass defense. Run defense should be ok though. This team hinges on how fast JC learns the WCO.

NFCN
Packers - huge question mark at qb. Maybe not really a question mark, it just remains to be seen how Rodgers will play. If Rodgers can play elite, which could happen cuz he's been ridin the pine for 3 years, then this could be an elite team. Defense will be fine, offense is the question. If problems abound on O, then not a very good year. I can see them anywhere from being bad to being elite.

Bears - Lovie Smith, I pity you. Just find a new quarterback already. Just cuz a guy had a great first month two years ago doesn't mean he's the qb of the future. Defense will be fine, offense is huge question mark. I look for the passing game to be subpar, no good receivers and qb is huge question mark. Running game should be decent, I think Matt Forte will be ok.

Lions - I don't really know what to expect. Something happened to them last season, you don't go from 6-2 to 7-9 without something breaking lol. New offense, same defense. Defense could be subpar, or could be decent. Offense should be fine in the passing game, although I don't really think they have any run game to speak of. Probably under .500 at best, maybe this year Ford will finally get rid of Millen.

Vikings - team on the rise. Idk if Tarvaris Jackson is the answer at qb. If they get Favre they could easily be elite, yet I don't see that happening at all. Run game will be fine, passing game is question mark. Elite defense that will help. At least 8-8 but not higher than 11-5.

NFCS
Carolina - if Delhomme can regain his form they will be decent on offense. Run game should be good, if qb problems arise passing game will suffer and their offense won't be that good. Defense is ok but nothing special. Somewhere around 8-8 for the boys in blue imo.

Atlanta - Not much to look forward to this season. Defense isn't excellent, probably somewhere around average. Run game should be good, I think Turner the Burner will help them this season but qb problems means this team's passing game won't be that good. Roddy White will take another step forward this season, but if the team has problems at qb he won't put up great stats.

New Orleans - Hard to know what to expect from them. Running game should be decent, but another subpar year from Reggie Bush and I'm gonna start putting him and "can't live up to the hype" in the same sentence a lot. Defense should be better but it remains to be seen just how much better. Passing game will be fine, easily the best strength on this team. Somewhere around 8-8 for them imo.

Tampa Bay - I see a decent season for them. Not horrible, but not elite. Offense will be ok, run game should be okay, pass game looks to be ok from what I can tell, and defense will be good but not great, mainly because of age. Somewhere from 7-9 to 10-6.

NFCW
Seattle - They'll be fine again, average to decent run game and above average pass game. Defense is main strength, it remains to be seen if Jones and Duckett will be a good combo in the run game though. They'll have a decent but not elite record, somewhere from 10-6 to 11-5.

Arizona - QB is kinda a question mark, they have good depth there in case Leinart doesn't improve there with Warner. Pass game should be fine any way you look at it, if James has another above average year the offense will be fine. Defense is the q with this team, it will be anywhere from decent to above average. Maybe they can finally put it all together and have an above .500 year. Imo they will be anywhere from 7-9 to 9-7.

49ers - About average team imo. Average on O, although run game should be fine if Gore is healthy. Passing game is real question mark, Smith was improving when Norv Turner was the o-coordinator but he's long gone now. He took a step back, it remains to be seen if Martz can help him and the passing game out. Defense is a question mark too, idk if they will be good or below average. They will be anywhere from 6-10 to 8-8.

Rams - They will be better with Marc Bulger healthy. Him and Torry Holt can't do it all on their own though. Run game should be good with Steven Jackson, so overall they will be good on offense if they don't suffer through injuries like last year. Defense is question mark, that could be anywhere from below average to decent. Overall this team is hard to form an opinion on, they could be anywhere from 5-11 to 9-7.

Rather than try to predict exact records, I'm just gonna split the league into a few groups of where I think they will be this season.

Elite - Pats, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys

Could be anywhere from average to elite - Browns, Steelers, Giants, Eagles, Packers, Vikings, Seahawks, Saints, Bucs, Cards, Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Redskins. Bills

Under average to .500 - '9ers, Rams, Panthers, Lions, Bears, Broncos, Chiefs, Bengals, Jets

Still got work to do - Ravens, Dolphins, Raiders, Falcons

? Marks (these might be teams that could be in other groups, but they are also candidates to be better or worse than they were last year)- Redskins, Broncos, Bucs, Rams, Panthers, Chiefs, Raiders, Ravens, '9ers,

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

I just don't get how people can come here and talk Redskin foot ball everyday of the week then not even pick then to make the playoff's. I just cannot do that as they are my team I have to pick them to be somewhere in the playoff's.
Dallas
Washington
Giants
Phil
Redskins and Dallas have tied records but Dallas wins by stats.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=firstdown;457289]I just don't get how people can come here and talk Redskin foot ball everyday of the week then not even pick then to make the playoff's. I just cannot do that as they are my team I have to pick them to be somewhere in the playoff's.
Dallas
Washington
Giants
Phil
Redskins and Dallas have tied records but Dallas wins by stats.[/quote]Using the same logic, couldn't you say that we all [U]should[/U] feel that they are the best team in the league at all times?

I understand what you are saying, but why stop at playoffs? If you like them more than other teams, shouldn't you pick them to win the Super Bowl every year. I mean, if you are going to be wrong anyway, might as well follow your heart.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;457293]Using the same logic, couldn't you say that we all [U]should[/U] feel that they are the best team in the league at all times?

I understand what you are saying, but why stop at playoffs? If you like them more than other teams, shouldn't you pick them to win the Super Bowl every year. I mean, if you are going to be wrong anyway, might as well follow your heart.[/QUOTE]

The problem with that is that these are predictions. If it said "Mid July Dream Season" certainly I'd have them winning the Super Bowl. However, I don't think that's a reasonable prediction. I have struggled with whether or not they'll even make the postseason this year, but I that's the way I picked it.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=jdlea;457296]The problem with that is that these are predictions. If it said "Mid July Dream Season" certainly I'd have them winning the Super Bowl. However, I don't think that's a reasonable prediction. I have struggled with whether or not they'll even make the postseason this year, but I that's the way I picked it.[/quote]Right, but firstdown doesn't understand what could have possibly possessed you to pick that.

I was just wondering where he draws the line. His post suggested that everyone should pick them to make the playoffs, simply because they are the Redskins. I don't agree with that, but I was a bit perplexed why we were all supposedly expected to pick the Redskins to make the playoffs, but not go deep into them.

It felt like he was getting on our cases for not having boundless optimism (or perhaps for just being too pessimistic in general), but then, he put bounds on his own optimism in picking Dallas to win the division. I was just wondering: where is the line?

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=GTripp0012;457293]Using the same logic, couldn't you say that we all [U]should[/U] feel that they are the best team in the league at all times?

I understand what you are saying, but why stop at playoffs? If you like them more than other teams, shouldn't you pick them to win the Super Bowl every year. I mean, if you are going to be wrong anyway, might as well follow your heart.[/quote]
Well I never picked any of the playoff predictions in my post. I know each and every year we have either a stronger or weaker team based on prior years and all the other stuff that goes on. I just never go into a season thinking that we do not have a chance at the playoffs. Now I don't go into each year thinking we could win the SB but I do always hold that hope. Just look at the Giants last year and who would have thought the Giants had a chance but they found away. With that hope of making the playoffs make me feel they have a chance and I have to atleast pick them to make the playoffs.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=firstdown;457302]Well I never picked any of the playoff predictions in my post. I know each and every year we have either a stronger or weaker team based on prior years and all the other stuff that goes on. I just never go into a season thinking that we do not have a chance at the playoffs. Now I don't go into each year thinking we could win the SB but I do always hold that hope. Just look at the Giants last year and who would have thought the Giants had a chance but they found away. With that hope of making the playoffs make me feel they have a chance and I have to atleast pick them to make the playoffs.[/quote]I definately don't think we don't have a shot at the playoffs. In fact, we have a pretty good chance at the playoffs.

Right now, we have the weakest roster in the NFC East. My predictions reflect that, as they probably should. However, we are still probably better than every team in the NFC South, every team in the AFC North, every non-Pats team in the AFC East and every non-Seattle team in the NFC West.

I don't think anyone here are writing the Redskins off. I think my, and plenty of other peoples post show that while we have a ton of concerns about our team (for example, our secondary at this time last year was twice as talented as it is right now), we remain optimistic that they could pleasantly surprise us.

Our probability spreads in Pro Football Prospectus 2008 look like this:

(0-3 wins) 3%
(4-6 wins) 40%
(7-8 wins) 35%
(9-10 wins) 18%
(11+ wins) 4%

Basically, we have about as much of a chance statistically of winning the super bowl as we do in getting the top pick in next years draft: that shouldn't surprise anyone.

This is saying that we have a 93% chance of finishing between 4 and 10 wins. I don't disagree with that (though I'd bet more heavily on 10 than 4 if I was a betting man).

So there's definately a measurable chance that we can make a playoff push. It's more unlikely than likely, but it's there, real, and we're all going to push for it.

I sort of felt like you might be questioning some people's fanhood, which is why my response was a bit edgy, but I understand now that you are just pulling for the best reasonable outcome. No hard feelings.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=GTripp0012;457304]I definately don't think we don't have a shot at the playoffs. In fact, we have a pretty good chance at the playoffs.

Right now, we have the weakest roster in the NFC East. My predictions reflect that, as they probably should. However, we are still probably better than every team in the NFC South, every team in the AFC North, every non-Pats team in the AFC East and every non-Seattle team in the NFC West.

I don't think anyone here are writing the Redskins off. I think my, and plenty of other peoples post show that while we have a ton of concerns about our team (for example, our secondary at this time last year was twice as talented as it is right now), we remain optimistic that they could pleasantly surprise us.

Our probability spreads in Pro Football Prospectus 2008 look like this:

(0-3 wins) 3%
(4-6 wins) 40%
(7-8 wins) 35%
(9-10 wins) 18%
(11+ wins) 4%

Basically, we have about as much of a chance statistically of winning the super bowl as we do in getting the top pick in next years draft: that shouldn't surprise anyone.

This is saying that we have a 93% chance of finishing between 4 and 10 wins. I don't disagree with that (though I'd bet more heavily on 10 than 4 if I was a betting man).

So there's definately a measurable chance that we can make a playoff push. It's more unlikely than likely, but it's there, real, and we're all going to push for it.

I sort of felt like you might be questioning some people's fanhood, which is why my response was a bit edgy, but I understand now that you are just pulling for the best reasonable outcome. No hard feelings.[/quote]
No I understand that most people here are diehard fans I quess I just don't get diehard fans not even picking their team to make it to the playoff's. It has nothing to do about if one is a true fan or not its just I have to atleast pick my team to make the playoffs. Your statement about we have just as much chance of winning the SB as we do of having the first pick I don't agree with at all and I think others would agree. We have talent and our only real change is in the passing game as Zorn has said he is not really changing much in the running game. I think our passing game will be just fine as our WR's and JC have had more time together and we have added some size which we can work into our game plain and not to leave off the Colley factor. While I loved Gibbs I believe he hand cuffed our O at times and it cost us some game which I hope we win this year.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Firstdown -- you don't have any questions about Zorn? Don't get me wrong, I like the guy and hope he pulls it out, but at the same time I can completely understand why folks question him. First of all, he's only ever been a QBs coach and never called plays in the NFL, the jump between QBs coach and HC is huge. How many successful coordinators do we see go on to fail as head coaches because they can't adjust?

Secondly, I know a lot of people in the media have mentioned they really don't like how Zorn was hired. Basically we brought on coordinators before a HC because we were waiting for Spags (god knows why, I could get sacks as the coordinator with that D line.) and didn't want to lose folks. He turned us down, and then we ran out of options so we decided just to promote Zorn.

Secondly, we have some key injuries/losses for this year that make a huge difference. No Rogers or Rocky to start the season is a big hit. Rocky may make it, but Carlos certainly won't. Also, the loss of arguably our best player, Sean Taylor, is a hit to the team. In the grand scheme of thing football is the least of the concerns, but when evaluating a team you have to recognize that he's gone.

On offense I agree Gibbs handcuffed the offense (kinda funny how many people fought tooth and nail that Gibbs wasn't holding us back last off season have suddenly admitted it after his retirement.) and that we could be in for a pleasant surprise on offense. However, I'm not sold on either of our starting WRs. I consider Moss a good #2 and ARE a great 3 or an okay 2. Hopefully Kelly or Thomas will work out, but it will take years to be able to see.

I think what the Redskins have going for them right now is depth. I feel like Dallas has more depth at a lot of positions than we do, but everyone else in the division is thin. If Philly loses McNabb or Westbrook, they're done. I don't see their defense being that good even with the addition of Samuel.

I guess I just try to be realistic with myself. I always hope the Redskins go 16-0, but when evaluating the team I do my best to look at what we have, what we're going against and evaluate fairly. Right now, we have a lot of question marks going into this year. If last year we had these same coaches, I would feel much more confident in our ability to land a playoff spot. As of now, I just can't see it. My belief is that we will start out slow, especially on offense. I think our offense will be improved from last year, but see our D falling off a lot. I don't particularly like Blache as our D coordinator. Maybe he can keep what G Will did here alive, but I'm not convinced. I also think we're going to be very thin on defense early in the year, and if we get many injuries on the defensive side we're in deep trouble. People do realize our nickle corner for week one will either be Torrence or Tryon, right?

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Daseal;457367]People do realize our nickle corner for week one will either be Torrence or Tryon, right?[/quote]

I actually don't feel that bad about Torrence at the nickel.

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

Schneed 10,

Do you really have the Eagles in the playoffs this year? Yeah that is not happening good sir. How do you get the Eagles over the Giants? Or even our skins?!

Re: Mid July Predictions:
 

[quote=Daseal;457367]I think what the Redskins have going for them right now is depth. I feel like Dallas has more depth at a lot of positions than we do, but everyone else in the division is thin. If Philly loses McNabb or Westbrook, they're done. I don't see their defense being that good even with the addition of Samuel. [/quote]I think our depth is better than at any point in the last decade, but I think we are far more reliant on Campbell than the Eagles are on McNabb. Kolb is unproven but very talented. Collins on the other hand is elderly, fairly inexperienced, and best case scenario: still incapable of duplicating the results from last year.

I agree the Eagles are dead without Westbrook, because he's a perennial MVP candidate. Pretty much just like we'd be dead w/o Portis.

I largely agree with the rest of your post, though I think I'm on record saying that Gibbs doing any "handcuffing" is 100% perception and very little reality.