Early W/L offseason predictions (any team)...

[That Guy]

Just looking around i think there are at least three early, somewhat non-obvious calls that can already be made about next season:

1. Carolina returns in a big way. delhomme is back, the OL is beefier now, new RB, and a HUGE change in strength of schedule makes their life much easier. It's all dependent on delhomme staying healthy though, but if so, they should go 11-5 (+/- 1). The bucs likely take the hit at their expense and land just outside the playoffs.

2. The Rams will be better, but not as much as you might think. Yes, it'd be impossible for them to lose 80% of their O line again, and the defense actually was a bit better last year, but strength of schedule isn't really any better for them this year, with them playing the pats and the entire NFC east early... 8-8 (+/- 1) and outside the playoffs.

3. Oakland will be vastly improved - though more by accident than the work of Al Davis. Even though he put in 300$mill worth of contracts this offseason, most of it was wasteful. That said, they had a laughable schedule (.395 until december) compared to last year and better (but overpaid) talent. 8-8 (+/- 1) and outside the playoffs.


I'm less committed but willing to venture that the bills probably make the playoffs (10-6 +/- 1) and find a quick way out.


I generally don't like giving skins predictions, and with JC, zorn, a bunch of rookies that might or might not show up immediately, and a WCO, it's a real gamble to predict.


as far as FF goes, delhomme, smith, and stewart all are poised for big years, and could be overlooked in some drafts. The rams keys players are probably overvalued a bit, and walker (raiders) is only worth looking at later on (injury and a rookie qb w/ a questionable OL).