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

[sandtrapjack]

Originally Posted by 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).

I agree with much of what you said here, except for Buffalo. Granted they are an improved team, and may see 10-6 or 9-7 next season. But as for the playoffs, they are in the AFC East and New England is the hands down favorite to win that division. So Buffalo will have to shoot for the wild-card.

And the AFC South is just as tough a division as the NFC East so I look for Jacksonville to get one of those WC slots (simply because Indy should win the division). Then it might be between Buffalo, Tennessee and (believe it or not) the JETS that get the last WC. Jets made some very nice moves this offseason and could be a sleeper in the conference.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by sandtrapjack

I agree with much of what you said here, except for Buffalo. Granted they are an improved team, and may see 10-6 or 9-7 next season. But as for the playoffs, they are in the AFC East and New England is the hands down favorite to win that division. So Buffalo will have to shoot for the wild-card.

And the AFC South is just as tough a division as the NFC East so I look for Jacksonville to get one of those WC slots (simply because Indy should win the division). Then it might be between Buffalo, Tennessee and (believe it or not) the JETS that get the last WC. Jets made some very nice moves this offseason and could be a sleeper in the conference.

Actually, I think this could be a big year for the Jags. I expect them to take the south from Indy & get to the afc championship.

[pigskinusa.com]

I know you Redskins fans don't want to hear this but the Cowboys should win the NFC East going away this year. In my opinion the Skins played over their heads last year and Joe Gibbs was the difference. Although I did like what they did in the draft. You guys got some young studs on the offensive side of the ball.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by pigskinusa.com

I know you Redskins fans don't want to hear this but the Cowboys should win the NFC East going away this year. In my opinion the Skins played over their heads last year and Joe Gibbs was the difference. Although I did like what they did in the draft. You guys got some young studs on the offensive side of the ball.

Cowboys won it last year,tell me how that worked out for them.