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.

NFL Preview

Here is how the NFL season will shake out in my point of view (records next to team names):
Playoff teams in bold

NFC

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles 12-4
2. Dallas Cowboys 11-5
3. New York Giants 10-6
4. Washington Redskins 8-8

NFC North

1.Minnesota Vikings 11-5
2.Green Bay Packers 9-7
3.Detroit Lions 6-10
4.Chicago Bears 5-11

NFC South

1.New Orleans Saints 12-4
2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-6
3.Carolina Panthers 8-8
4.Atlanta Falcons 3-13

NFC West

1.Seattle Seahawks 10-6
2.San Francisco 49ers 7-9
3.St. Louis Rams 4-12
4.Arizona Cardinals 4-12

AFC

AFC East

1. New England Patriots 13-3
2. New York Jets 10-6
3. Buffalo Bills 7-9
4. Dolphins 13-3

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
2. Cleveland Browns 10-6
3. Cincinnati Bengals 6-10
4. Baltimore Ravens 3-13

AFC South

1. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5
2. Indianapolis Colts 10-6
3. Tennessee Titans 6-10
4. Houston Texans 5-11

AFC West

1. Denver Broncos 12-4
2. San Diego Chargers 11-5
3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
4. Oakland Raiders 4-12


AFC Champion: Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC Champion: Philadelphia Eagles

Super Bowl Champion: Philadelphia Eagles

NFC South Preview

Here are my predictions for the AFC South. For NFC East and AFC East predictions, scroll down.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints



2007 record: 7-9

Projected record: 12-4

Team overview: The New Orleans Saints should have a good team. Then again, they should have had a good season last year two. Drew Brees is a great pocket passer. They have two good backs in Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. They need Bush (upper left) to have a breakout season. Marques Colston is a great target for Brees. Jeremy Shockey is a nice addition at tight end.

The Saints greatly improved their defense, which was ranked 26th in the league last season. Scott Fujita was a tackling machine last season, recording 95 tackles. Jonathan Vilma is a good middle linebacker. The Saints hope rookie Sedrick Ellis can make a (positive) impact on the defensive line. Randall Gay should help a pass defense that was ranked 30th last year.


2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2007 record: 9-7

Projected record: 10-6

Team overview: Jeff Garcia led the Buccs to a playoff birth last year, and he very well might repeat his performance this year. Garcia is a proven winner. Even if he gets injured, the Buccs still have Luke McCown and Brian Griese. The Buccs are stacked at running back, with Earnest Graham, Warrick Dunn, and Micheal Bennett.

The Buccs defense is as nasty as ever. Ronde Barber is still a great D-back. Their linebackers may be unmatched. Derrick Brooks recorded over 100 tackles last season and is at the top of his game. Barrett Ruud had 114 tackles last season.


3. Carolina Panthers

2007 record: 7-9

Projected record: 8-8

Team overview: I think Jake Delhomme is going to have a good year. But DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart are too inexperienced at running back. The Panthers will miss Steve Smith in two of those first three games he's suspended for. The toughies are at San Diego and at Minnesota. Although, Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett are still decent receivers. The offensive line is questionable.

Coach John Fox better hope that Julius Peppers can return to form. John Beason is a good linebacker. The rest of the defense is suspect.


4. Atlanta Falcons

2007 record: 4-12

Projected record: 3-13

Team overview: The Falcons will start rookie Matt Ryan at quarterback. Starting a rookie at quarterback, no matter who it is, isn't good. Their best backup is Chris Redman, another bad sign. They have unproven Micheal Turner at running back. Roddy White is an average wideout.

Keith Brooking and Lawyer Milloy are their only proven defensive players. 'Nough said.

AFC East Preview

Here are my prediction for the AFC East:

AFC East

1.New England Patriots

2007 record: 16-0

Projected record: 13-3


Team overview: The Patriots still have a very good team. They should easily win this division. Tom Brady is the best quarterback in the league. Randy Moss is the best wide receiver. Wes Welker lead the league in receptions last season. What more do I have to say. The Patriots offensive line may be the best in the league.


Their defense is aging quickly however. Tedy Bruschi is not the player he once was. Rodney Harrison is still one of the most feared safeties in the league, but how much longer can he still perform at a top level. Mike Vrabel is a tackling machine. Look for him to do the same this season.







2. New York Jets

2007 record: 4-12


Projected record: 10-6




Team overview: This team really struggled last season, but I think they can turn it around. Brett Farve (above) will play consistent enough if he can stay healthy. Running back Thomas Jones had a disappointing season last year, but he will better with the new-look offensive line. The Jets added Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca and Daimen Woody to the O-line. Lavernues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery are good wide receivers.


The Jets also upgraded their defensive line. Calvin Pace (6 1/2 sacks last season) and Kris Jenkins (2 1/2 sacks) will get to the quarterback in a hurry. Free safety Kerry Rhodes will emerge as a top defensive back this season.



3. Buffalo Bills

2007 record: 7-9


Projected record: 7-9


Team overview: The Bills would be a playoff team if they had a decent quarterback. But since they're going with Trent Edwards, they'll finish below .500. The rest of the offense is pretty good. Marshawn Lynch had a breakout rookie season, and should carry the offense this season. Lee Evans is their only good wideout.

The Bills acquired linebacker Kawika Mitchell, who is excellent rushing the passer. The Bills overall defense is average.



4. Miami Dolphins


2007 record: 1-15


Projected record: 3-13


Team overview: The Dolphins lost their two top players (Jason Taylor and Zack Thomas), so how are they going to get two more wins than last year. Well, they definitely get an upgrade at quarterback with Chad Pennington. They have a good 1-2 punch at running back, with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. If both those injury-prone go down early, the Dolphins will be lucky to win a game. Ted Ginn is their top wideout, that is NOT a good thing.


Joey Porter is their only proven defensive player. The rest of the defense is a bit shaky, to say the least.

NFC East Preview

Over the next couple of days I will preview each division in the NFL. I have predicted EVERY NFL game this season and have projected each team's record. Today, I will preview the NFC East division.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles

Last season's record: 8-8

Projected record: 12-4

Team overview: 12-4 may be a bit too high for our Eagles, but I think we can pull it off. The NFC East is by far the toughest division in the East. Donovan McNabb is healthy and ready to unload on opposing defenses. Brian Westbrook is arguably the best running back east of the Mississippi. The wide receiving core is below average, but every other aspect of the team is above. The defense is excellent. I think the young linebackers will mature into fine young players this season. Brian Dawkins (upper right) can be dominant if he can stay healthy. Their cornerback depth is unmatched. Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel, and Lito Shepard will give the opposing offense headaches.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Last season's record: 13-3

Projected record: 11-5

Team overview: The Dallas Cowboys won this division last season and will likely contend for a Super Bowl again this season. Tony Romo is a solid quarterback, but can struggle in big games (or be distracted by Jessica Simpson). T.O. is a top wideout and Jason Witten is a good tight end. Marion Barber is set to have a big season, and rookie Felix Jones will help him carry that load. Dallas' defense is as stingy as ever with the pick up of Zach Thomas. He will join DeMarcus Ware, Roy Williams, and Terrence Newman on the defensive side of the ball. Why won't the Cowboys finish as well as they did in 2007. I think it's because they have too many distractions. I mean c'mon, T.O., Pacman, Tank Johnson, Jessica Simpson, owner Jerry Jones' constant pressure. That doesn't mean they won't make the playoffs.

3. New York Giants

Last season's record: 10-6

Projected record this season: 10-6

Team overview: Most people are underestimating the defending Super Bowl champs. I think they will do as well as the did last season even without key players like Osi Umenyiora, Jeremy Shockey, and Micheal Strahan. Eli Manning will mature as a quarterback and will not throw as many interceptions. Brandon Jacobs isn't a top back, but he is still very good. He plays a bruising style of football, which causes him to get injured a lot. Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, and company make up a fine receiving core. The Giants did the right right thing in trading Shockey, but Eli will miss his big body darting across the field. On the defensive side of the ball, Justin Tuck is their best pass rusher. He recorded an even 10 sacks last season. The defense will suffer because Umenyiora and Strahan are missing.

4. Washington Redskins

Last season's record: 9-7

Projected record: 8-8

Team overview: In most divisions, 8-8 would put you near the top. But in the NFC East, it nets you last place. I think Jason Campbell will have a good season, but he is clearly not a top quarterback. Clinton Portis will excel if he can stay healthy. Sanatana Moss is a decent receiver, but I believe he is overrated. Chris Cooley is an underrated tight end, however. Their defense is good but was devastated at hearing that Jason Taylor may miss some time with an injury.