Phillies Win NL East!!!!!!

The Philadelphia Phillies have clinched their 3rd straight National League East crown. They are now guaranteed a playoff spot and a chance to repeat as World Series Champions. The end was kind of anticlimactic because the Braves lost before the Phils game was over, so they actually clinched the NL East before the game was over. But, hey, a division title is a division title.

As I type this I am watching the celebration at Citizens Bank Park (Photo above). The players are squirting themselves all over with champagne and celebrating their brilliant season. The Phillies pounded the Astros, 10-3, on their way to the playoffs.

Raul Ibanez is the player of the game in my opinion (maybe the smartest free agent pickup this year). Ibanez had a sac fly and a 2-run homer, leading the Phils to the the win.

Brad Lidge was brought out by Charlie to get the final out of the ninth. It was a rather touching moment, as Lidge trotted out to the mound. But was this a curtain call for Lidge? A last hurrah?

So their is still more work to be done by the Phillies. We, Philadelphians, are not satisfied with just a division title. We want a repeat, if not just for us, for Harry Kalas.

This team may be even better than last year's club. Their are only two major setbacks this club has faced, and both have to do with underachieving pitchers. Cole Hamels has to get back to prime form to give the Phillies the repeat. Also, the closer situation has to be addressed and Brad Lidge isn't the answer this year.

The Phillies now have Cliff Lee, a premium pitcher in the prime of his career. They have Raul Ibanez, a streaky hitter who (when hot) can win a series almost by himself. They now have Pedro Martinez, a pitching legend who still has a lot of playoff experience. Also, the have Ben Francisco, a great bat to have off the bench and a decent player.

Let's get ready for some October baseball, Philadelphia!!!!!!

Eagles Pound Chiefs

Even without Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, the Eagles still easily beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Kevin Kolb threw for 327 yards and 2 touchdowns (he also had a TD on the ground). LeSean McCoy ran for 84 yards and a touchdown. DeSean Jackson had 6 catches for 149 yards and a TD. After it was all said and done, the Eagles had trounced the Chiefs, 34-14.

Going into this game everyone was talking about Vick's debut. As it turned out, Vick didn't really contribute to this victory. Vick had a nice 7 yard run early in the game but that was about it. He threw 2 incomplete passes.

The Eagles' defense was exceptional in this game. The 2nd touchdown they gave up was late in the game after a Jeff Garcia fumble gave the Chiefs the ball at the Eagle 20 yard line.

So the Eagles played well today and improved their record to 2-1, but you have to remember who they were playing. The Chiefs are a pitiful team right now.

NFL Picks of the Week

Last Week's Line Record: I picked 6 right and 9 wrong

Last Week's W-L: 9-6

Panthers (o-1) at Falcons (1-o)

Line: Atlanta by 6

My Pick: Atlanta

My projected score: 31-10 Falcons win

Comments: The Panthers offense looked dismal in Week 1 against the Eagles. The Falcons looked good in Week 1. Looks like an easy pick to me.

Vikings (1-0) at Lions (0-1)

Line: Vikings by 10

My pick: Vikings

My projected score: 35-7 Vikings win

Comments: Adrian Peterson should run all over this defense. The Lions will look like domestic cats in this game, as they get roughed up by the Vikes.

Bengals (0-1) at Packers (1-0)

Line: Packers by 9

My pick: Bengals

Projected score: 24-17 Packers win

Comments: This line favors the Packers too much. The Bengals have a potent passing game, and that should at least keep them in the game. The Packers will still win though, especially at Lambeau.

Texans (0-1) at Titans (0-1)

Line: Titans by 7

My Pick: PUSH

Projected score: 21-28 Titans win

Comments: This will be a close game between two teams that favor the run. I think the Titans defense will step up and stop Steve Slaton. I believe the line is right on target here.

Raiders (0-1) at Chiefs (0-1)

Line: Chiefs by 2

My pick: Raiders

Projected score: 17-14 Raiders win

Comments: Even though Matt Cassel is playing for the Chiefs, I think the Raiders will be abe to pull one out on the road. Cassel doesn't have enough talent around him (including the defense) to beat most teams (even the Raiders).

Patriots (1-0) at Jets (1-0)

Line: Patriots by 4

My pick: Patriots

Projected score: 31-14 Patriots win

Comments: The Patriots won a close game last week. In this game, the Pats will return to form against the Jets. The Patriots defense will terrorize rookie Mark Sanchez.

Saints (1-0) at Eagles (1-0)

Line: Eagles by 3

My pick: Saints

Projected score: 28-24 Saints win

Comments: I picked the Eagles to lose last week, and I'll do it again here (hopefully the same thing will happen and I'll be wrong). I just don't see how Kevin Kolb can outscore the Saints potent offense.

Rams (0-1) at Redskins (0-1)

Line: Redskins by 10

My pick: 'Skins

Projected score: 21-10 Redskins win

Comments: The Rams are one of the worst teams in the league, and they won't pull off a road win against the tough Redskin D.

Cardinals (0-1) at Jaguars (0-1)

Line: Jaguars by 3

My pick: Cardinals

Projected score: 31-14 Cardinals win

Comments: With Anquan Boldin back at close-to-full strength, I think the Cardinals offense will flourish.

Buccaneers (0-1) at Bills (0-1)

Line: Buffalo by 4

My pick: Buccaneers

Projected score: 21-17 Buccs win

Comments: The Bills D held their own against the Patriots, but I don't think they will be able to stop the running back duo of Ward and Williams.

Seahawks (1-0) at 49ers (1-0)

Line: Seahawks by 1

My pick: 49ers

Projected score: 24-21 49ers win

Comments: No comment

Steelers (1-0) at Bears (0-1)

Line: Steelers by 3

My pick: Steelers

Projected score: 24-14 Steelers win

Comments: Jay Cutler struggled last week against the Packers... imagine what the Steelers defense will do to him.

Browns (0-1) at Broncos (1-0)

Line: Broncos by 3

My pick: Broncos

Projected score: 14-10 Broncos win

Comments: No comment.

Ravens (1-0) at Chargers (1-0)

Line: Chargers by 2

My pick: Ravens

Projected score: 28-24 Ravens win

Comments: This will be a very, very good game but I believe the Ravens have more talent and will pull one out on the road.

Giants (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0)

Line: Cowboys by 3

My pick: Giants

Projected score: 28-21 Giants win

Comments: BRING DOWN THE VIDEO BOARD! BRING DOWN THE VIDEO BOARD!

Colts (1-0) at Dolphins (0-10

Line: Colts by 3

My pick: Colts

Projected score: 31-21 Colts win

Comments: No comment

Eagles Bring Back Garcia

The Eagles have added to their quarterback depth today, signing former-Raiders QB Jeff Garcia, who will be in his second stint as an Eagle. The Eagles needed to add another quarterback after McNabb's rib injury yesterday. McNabb hasn't ruled out playing Sunday, but most reports are saying that there is no way McNabb can play on a broken rib in one week.

So now more quarterback controversies. Garcia did well in his stint as an Eagle, going 5-1 while McNabb was injured. So will he get the start over Kevin Kolb? He knows the Eagles offense, but I doubt Reid would start Garcia over Kolb. It would show that Reid lacked trust in Kolb.

With that said, I think Garcia should get the start. Even at 39, I believe Garcia is a better option than Kevin Kolb. Kolb has shown glimpses of talent in the preseason, but Garcia is a stable veteran who is a playmaker.

No, Garcia isn't a threat to throw the long ball, but he is a playmaker. Kolb is not a playmaker from what I have seen. A playmaker is a guy who can make the right play even if the play breaks down or the rush gets to him.

"Whether it's a week or two weeks or the entire season, I'm excited about the opportunity," Garcia said in a conference call. "As far as a team I can go to and blend right in, this is the team for me to do that."

Andy Reid called Jeff Garcia a "positive influence on Kolb." I'm hoping this move wasn't just for that. Speaking of moves, according to Sal Paolantonio, the Eagles are looking to trade wide receiver Hank Baskett for a draft pick to make room for Garcia on the roster.

Now here's an interesting situation: McNabb is still hurt Week 3 and can't play. Kolb starts Week 2 and does poorly and is replaced by Garcia who does less poorly, but still poorly. Mike Vick is eligible for Week 3. Could he be the Week 3 starter? .... hmmmm.

Pedro Tosses Beauty

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bootbearwdc/ / CC BY 2.0

The Phillies have one every one of Pedro Martinez's 7 starts. Pedro earned 5 of the wins himself, and last night's game against the Mets was his best start yet. Pedro seems to be getting better and better as his arm strengthens. Pedro went 8 scoreless innings, with only one run of support.

Pedro was well over 100 pitches in the 8th inning with a runner on second and two outs when Charlie Manuel came out to the mound. Everyone in the ballpark thought Pedro was done for the night, but Charlie wisely left Pedro in and he (well Carlos Ruiz) delivered.

David Murphy took off for third on a pitch in dirt from Pedro. Ruiz made a nice block and fired a throw right to third, nailing Murphy. It was a emphatic play that ended the inning and capped off Pedro's beauty. Why Murphy took off for third on that play is beyond me... but it's probably just good old Mets baseball.

Pedro has certainly done his job since joining the Phillies. He is 5-0 with a 2.87 ERA in 7 starts. The Phils couldn't have expected more from him. I do not see how he doesn't make the playoff rotation if he continues pitching well.

Eagles Roll Past Panthers

Yes, I was wrong picking the Panthers to win in my weekly NFL Picks of the Week. And I'm happy about it. The Eagles put on a defensive clinic in Carolina, trouncing the Panthers 38-10. It wasn't good news for the Eagles today, however. Donovan McNabb left the game in the 3rd quarter with a fractured rib according to Chris Mortensen.

This team really surprised me today. I was nervous about the defense. I thought Carolina would run right over the Eagles D, and it looked like they would after the first drive. But then the defense kicked it up a notch (maybe 10 notches) and forced Jake Delhomme out of the game.

The Eagles defense picked off 5 passes in this game. Sheldon Brown (one of the stars of the game) picked 2 of those. The Eagles forced 2 fumbles. One of which was recovered for a TD by Victor Abiamiri.

The big story here is the McNabb injury, which is starting to overshadow the Eagles greatness in this contest. Derrick Gunn of CSN is reporting that McNabb is out 2-4 weeks with a broken rib. The Eagles only have 2 quarterbacks active (not counting Vick), and one of them is now injured. So, the Eagles can't go into a game with only one quarterback. So they will have to sign another QB. I expect A.J. Feeley will rejoin the team.

NFL Picks of the Week

Here are my world-famous NFL picks of the week

Week 1: Sunday

Miami at Atlanta

Vegas Line: Atlanta by 4

My pick: Atlanta

Projected score: 28-21 Atanta wins

Comments: The Dolphins defense won't be able to handle all Atlanta's offensive weapons (Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Matt Ryan, Roddy White.

Broncos At Bengals

Vegas Line: Bengals by 6

My pick: Broncos

Projected score: 24-21 Bengals win

Comments: I always used to pick the Bengals to win because of their high-powered passing game. I am wiser now and I have learned that they have no running game or defense, so I believe they will just edge out the Broncos.

Vikings at Browns

Vegas Line: Vikings by 4

My pick: Vikings

Projected score: 31-10 Vikings win

Comments: That's a very conservative line. The Browns defense, while improved, is not good enough to stop Peterson from going 100+ yards. The Vikings defense will not allow much to Brady Quinn and the Browns. Very safe bet to go Vikes here.

Jaguars at Colts

Vegas Line: Colts by 7

My pick: Colts

Projected score: 34-21 Colts win

Comments: The Jaguars were horrendous last year and the Colts will come out firing in week 1 and it would be a safe bet to go Colts here.

Lions at Saints

Vegas Line: New Orleans by 14

My pick: Lions

Projected score: 31-21 Saints win

Comments: New Orleans' D is too suspect to rely on. While the offense will have no trouble putting up points on the board. But the defense has trouble stopping most attacks even the feeble Lions.

Cowboys at Buccaneers

Vegas line: Cowboys by 5

My pick: Cowboys

Projected score: 24-1o Cowboys win

Comments: Nothing really to say here. Very conservative line (for some reason). Byron Leftwich is not a bad QB, but how will he handle the Cowboy rush. Safe bet says Cowboys roll.

Eagles at Panthers

Vegas Line: Panthers by 3

My pick: PUSH

Projected score: 24-21 Panthers win

Comments: This is a very tough game to wager on. It's all about who comes out better and scores first. I'm going to go with Carolina because I think DeAngelo Williams will run over the Eagle D.

Chiefs at Ravens

Vegas line: Baltimore by 13

My pick: Ravens

Projected score: 28-7 Ravens win

Comments: Doesn't matter whether Matt Cassel plays week 1 or not. The Ravens D is so stingy that I see the Chiefs only getting 1 lucky TD. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice will have a field day against the woeful Chiefs.

Jets at Texans

Vegas Line: Texans by 4

My pick: Texans

Projected score: 24-10 Texans win

Comments: The Texans are a good team and their defense will pressure rookie Mark Sanchez to no end. Pretty safe bets to go with the Texans here.

Redskins at Giants

Vegas Line: Giants by 7

My pick: Giants

Projected score: 27-14

Comments: No comment. I don't like praising the Giants more than I have done already.

49ers at Cardinals

Vegas Line: Cardinals by 6

My pick: Cardinals

Projected score: 23-1o Cardinals win

Comments: The 49ers have a good D and a decent offense but Shaun Hill will not be able to throw against the Cardinals talented secondary. Safe bet to go with the Cards here.

Rams at Seahawks

Vegas Line: Seahawks by 8

My pick: Seahawks

Projected score: 27-6

Comments: Don't ever bet with the Rams during an away game. Just a rule because they were atrocious last year.

Bears at Packers

Vegas Line: Packers by 4

My pick: Bears

Projected score: 17-14 Bears win

Comments: I'm a little surprised by the line here. The Bears defense is flat-out stingy against the run and is OK against the pass. Expect Matt Forte to go 100+ yards, helping out Jay Cutler in his debut.

Week 1-Monday

Bills at Patriots

Line: Pats by 11

My pick: Patriots

Projected score: 35-14

Comments: Do I need to explain?

Chargers at Raiders

Vegas Line: Chargers by 9

My pick: Chargers

Projected score: 30-7

Comments: Vegas is being conservative with this one. Not even home-field advantage can save the Raiders from getting blown out (well, I didn't expect JaMarcus Russell). Expect the Chargers to trounce the Raiders.

Michigan Stuns Notre Dame

Michigan went 3-9 last year. This Michigan is clearly not the same Michigan team from last year. Freshman quarterback Tate Forcier lead Michigan to a late victory over Notre Dame earlier today at Michigan Stadium.

Notre Dame fell behind earlier but then took the lead late 34-31. One thing I can say about this game was that the refereeing was some of the worst I have seen. But at least the refs were consistently wrong I guess.

So anyway, Notre Dame forced a Michigan punt late in the game but couldn't capitalize. Tate Forcier then lead a great drive down the field to win the game.

Remember the name Tate Forcier because he is going to be a great player. He is a true freshmen who showed today that he can be a good quarterback even against a tough defense. Maybe not this year, but in the coming years, expect Forcier to be a Heismann candidate.

Forcier's accuracy was perfect today. He put balls right into the hands of the receivers and away from the defenders (something Jimmy Clausen couldn't do. Forcier can also run the ball himself for huge gains, like he did on his 31-yard touchdown run up the middle.

Now to Notre Dame. Jimmy Clausen did not look really good in this game. When Michigan blitzed, Clausen wasn't able to escape the defenders and make a good pass (which Forcier was able to do). Clausen would just throw it up.

The Irish better hope that WR Michael Floyd's injury is not serious. He is tall (6'3'') and fast. He is only a sophomore and has the potential of becoming a star wideout.

This was a game Notre Dame was supposed to win. I know that Michigan is a tough team to play at home but they were 3-9 last year. But who knows? Maybe Michigan will be really good this year.

Charlie Weis better correct the mistakes that Notre Dame made today. His job will depend on whether Notre Dame can reach a BCS bowl, and 1-1 is not a good start.

My 2009 NFL Preview

I have been busy this week, so I was unable to do all the divisional previews. So, instead, I will post my completed projected records all at once, without writing my take on each team. Each team is listed in order of my projected finish. Teams in bold are the teams I expect in the playoffs.

NFC East

1. New York Giants

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

2. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 record: 9-6-1

My 2009 projected record: 10-6

3. Dallas Cowboys

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 9-7

4. Washington Redskins

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings

2008 record: 10-6

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

2. Chicago Bears

2008 record: 9-7

My 2008 projected record: 10-6

3. Green Bay Packers

2008 record: 6-10

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

4. Detroit Lions

2008 record: 0-16

My 2009 projected record: 2-14

NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons

2008 record: 11-5

My 2008 projected record: 10-6

2. Carolina Panthers

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 9-7

3. New Orleans Saints

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 4-12

NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 11-5

2. San Francisco

2008 record: 7-9

My 2009 projected record: 8-8

3. Seattle Seahawks

2008 record: 4-12

My 2009 projected record: 6-10

4. St. Louis Rams

2008 record: 2-14

My 2009 projected record: 3-13

AFC East

1. New England Patriots

2008 record: 11-5

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

2. Miami Dolphins

2008 record: 11-5

My 2009 projected record: 8-8

3. New York Jets

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

4. Buffalo Bills

2008 record: 7-9

My 2009 projected record: 6-10

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 14-2

2. Baltimore Ravens

2008 record: 11-5

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

3. Cincinnati Bengals

2008 record: 4-11-1

My 2009 projected record: 6-10

4. Cleveland Browns

2008 record: 4-12

My 2009 projected record: 6-10

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

2. Tennessee Titans

2008 record: 13-3

My 2009 projected record: 8-8

3. Houston Texans

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 8-8

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008 record: 5-11

My 2009 projected record: 5-11

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 10-6

2. Kansas City Chiefs

2008 record: 2-14

My 2009 projected: 5-11

3. Denver Broncos

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 4-12

4. Oakland Raiders

2008 record: 5-11

My 2009 projected record: 2-14

NFC Champion: New York Giants

AFC Champions: Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Bowl Champions: Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC East Preview

This is my first NFL divisional preview for 2009. I will list each team, based on my prediction for how they'll finish. I'll list their 2008 record, my projected record for 2009, and my take on each team. Here it is (teams in bold are teams I predict to make the playoffs):

1. New York Giants

2008 record: 12-4

My 2009 projected record: 12-4

My take: The Giants are a complete team, and only getting better. I believe they will duplicate their 2008 season this year. While their secondary is a little suspect, their defense line won't give the quarterback anytime to throw. D-ends Justin Tuck (12 sacks in 2008) and Osi Umenyiora (13 in '07) will give the quarterback heck.

Now to the offense. Eli Manning, while inconsistent, is one of the league's better QBs. Brandon Jacobs is an absolute wrecking ball, and Bradshaw is a good #2. While the wide receivers are young and inexperience, they are also talented. I think Steve Smith is going to have a breakout year.

Overall, the Giants should win the NFC East and go deep into the playoffs, baring any injuries.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 record: 9-6-1

My 2009 projected record: 10-6

My take: The Eagles barely squeezed into the playoffs last year, but I think the team will do about the same as they did last year. While some have aged (McNabb, Westbrook), some have matured (DeSean Jackson, Akeem Jordan).

The Eagles offensive line has been the worry for all Eagle fans heading into the season. They are all talented players on that line, and they'll eventually pull it together. I think Brian Westbrook will decline as much as people are saying. He can be effective as a rusher, and receiver, if he can stay healthy, which I kind of have to assume.

The defense, I am worried about. If they had the kind of defense they had 5 years ago, this would be a Super Bowl team. But their defense had looked bad in the preseason and they are unproven. There are several game-breakers on the unit though. Trent Cole and Asante Samuel can change the game with their ability.

3. Dallas Cowboys

2008 record: 9-7

My 2009 projected record: 9-7

My take: The Cowboys again missed the playoffs, and I don't see any reason why they should make it this year. They lost their best wide out, Terrell Owens, and Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton don't really inspire confidence. The Cowboys collapse late season, and Romo has not done well under pressure.

The Cowboys defense is always good and I expect no change this year. Their defense is stingier than most. They have many playmakers on the defense side of the ball, but I think their schedule is the reason why they will miss the playoffs. The NFC East is an extremely tough division and they also have games against Seattle, Atlanta, and San Diego.

4. Washington Redskins

2008 record: 8-8

My 2009 projected record: 7-9

My take: The Redskins would finish 2nd in most divisions but not the tough East. Their only real improvement was signing monster tackle Albert Haynesworth. While he is a big man, on player can't make all the difference. Their defense is pretty good, but the offense lacks consistency.

When their offense is good, the Redskins look like a playoff team. When it isn't, they look like an average team with a good defense. Jason Campbell, while improving, is still the worst starting QB in the NFC East. Clinton Portis is a beast, but how much will he deteriorate with age, running in his usual physical style.

My NFL Previews

Every year, right around this time, I will write my NFL predictions for the upcoming season. I will preview each division starting tomorrow. I can't give you an exact schedule, but I'll get them all done by the end of the week.

Right now, I will look at the complete NFL schedule and pick a winner for every game every weeks. From that, I will get my projected record for each team and that will decide who I pick for the playoffs and eventually the Super Bowl.

I will give my take on each team, along with their record last season and my projected record for 2009. Let's take a look on how close my projections were last season (listed in order of 2008 record) Note: teams in bold are teams I predicted their exact record, and teams in italics are teams where I predicted where they finished in their division:

NFC East

1. New York Giants

2008 record: 12-4: Won NFC East

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: Finish 3rd and miss playoffs

2. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 record: 9-6-1: 2nd in division, Wild Card

My 2008 projected record: 12-4: Finish 1rst and win division

3. Dallas Cowboys

2008 record: 9-7: finish 3rd, missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 11-5: finish 2nd, Wild Card

4. Washington Redskins

2008 record: 8-8: finished 4th, miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 8-8: finish 4th, miss playoffs

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings

2008 record: 10-6: Won North division

My 2008 projected record: 11-5: 1rst in North, make playoffs

2. Chicago Bears

2008 record: 9-7: 2nd in division, missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 5-11: 4th in North, miss playoffs

3. Green Bay Packers

2008 record: 6-10: 3rd in North, missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 9-7: 2nd in North, miss playoffs

4. Detroit Lions

2008 record: 0-16: 4th in North, miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 6-10: 3rd in North, miss playoffs

NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers

2008 record: 12-4: Won South, playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 8-8: 3rd in South, miss playoffs

2. Atlanta Falcons

2008 record: 11-5: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 3-13: 4th in South, miss playoffs

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 record: 9-7: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: 2nd in South, Wild Card

4. New Orleans Saints

2008 record: 8-8: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 12-4: 1rst in South, make playoffs

NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals

2008 record: 9-7: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 4-12: tie for 4th in West, miss playoffs

2. San Francisco 49ers

2008 record: 7-9: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 7-9: 2nd in West, miss playoffs

3. Seattle Seahawks

2008 record: 4-12: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: 1rst in West, playoff team

4. St. Louis Rams

2008 record: 2-14: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 4-12: tie for 4th in West, miss playoffs

AFC East

1. Miami Dolphins

2008 record: 11-5: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 3-13: 4th in East, miss playoffs

2. New England Patriots

2008 record: 11-5: somehow miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 13-3: 1rst in East, playoff team

3. New York Jets

2008 record: 9-7: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: miss playoffs

4. Buffalo Bills

2008 record: 7-9: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 7-9: 3rd in East, miss playoffs

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2008 record: 12-4: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: 1rst in North, playoff team

2. Baltimore Ravens

2008 record: 11-5: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 3-13: 4th in North, miss playoffs

3. Cincinnati Bengals

2008 record: 4-11-1: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 6-10: 3rd in North, miss playoffs

4. Cleveland Browns

2008 record: 4-12: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: 2nd in North, playoff team

AFC South

1. Tennessee Titans

2008 record: 13-3: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 6-10: 3rd in South, miss playoffs

2. Indianapolis Colts

2008 record: 12-4: Wild Card

My 2008 projected record: 10-6: 2nd in South, Wild Card

3. Houston Texans

2008 record: 8-8: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 5-11: 4th in South, miss playoffs

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008 record: 5-11: miss playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 11-5: 1rst in South, playoff team

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers

2008 record: 8-8: playoff team

My 2008 projected record: 11-5: 2nd in West, Wild card

2. Denver Broncos

2008 record: 8-8: missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 12-4: 1rst in West, playoff team

3. Oakland Raiders

2008 record: 5-11: missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 4-12: 4th in West, missed playoffs

4. Kansas City Chiefs

2008 record: 2-14: missed playoffs

My 2008 projected record: 5-11: 3rd in West, miss playoffs

Ok, maybe my projections weren't so hot last year. It's very difficult to do well. So don't knock me until you try doing it yourself. Obviously, I couldn't plan for injuries to certain players. That's why I do my "NFL Picks of the Week". So my projections for each division will be coming up this week, so don't miss it.