We'll get back to horse racing soon. This is a lull in the season. Now, even the horse players are focused on the NFL. Who will be better? Who will be worse.
In this analysis, I simply take what the teams had, what they lost and gained, and weigh all the potentials. For example, 3 first and second round draft pick linebackers in their third year would translate into at least 2 successes.
NFC East:
1. NEW YORK GIANTS figure to win about 12 games and have the best shot to win the division. They are especially strong in the running game, but also are very good in pass offense, pass defense, and rush offense.
2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS have an aged offensive line, and that does fit well with a defense that will be near the best in the NFL. They should take about 11 wins and be in the playoffs.
3. DALLAS COWBOYS lost Owens, but overall have a more balanced team. They look good in all departments, and figure to win 10 games to be the last wild card.
4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES have a good defense, but their offensive line has no depth. They will rely on Vick to make things happen, but this looks like a team with only about 3 or 4 wins. Not the Eagles' year.
NFC North:
1. GREEN BAY PACKERS are set in all areas, but their pass defense, and depth of backs to play nickel and dime will be their ace in the hole. Probably 10 wins.
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS will be neck and neck with the Pack. Favre will air it out and keep defenses from putting everyone up front to get Adrian. Average defensively, they still figure to be in the hunt.
3. CHICAGO BEARS have overachieved and depend on Uhrlacher for too much. 4 wins would be an achievement for them. They just don't have any real talent, but last year's coaching job has to be nearly the best in History.
4. DETROIT LIONS are slightly improved from a no win season, which means maybe 2 or 3 wins. They could pass the Bears.
NFC SOUTH:
CAROLINA PANTHERS are easily the top team. One sour note is that the only defensive player they got rid of was the one that Steve Smith picked a fight with, and Lucas had a true winning attitude. This bodes badly,but it is hard to see them losing the division with their talent. If so, it will be from bad management, of which losing Lucas was a symptom.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS live with the pass and will not have a running game. Second place in this division is up for grabs, and the Saints have their defense together a little better than the others.
ATLANTA FALCONS excel in the run and have an excellent passing game this year. They are in the hunt in a solid division.
TAMPA BAY BUCS have a great offensive line and running game, but their revamped defense is already wrecked with injuries and suspensions. Not a Buc year.
NFC WEST:
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS have the upper hand in a well balanced and improved division, due to their defense.
ST LOUIS RAMS will surprise, and their passing game should be back in business along with a decent defense.
ARIZONA CARDINALS boast a super pass attack, and an okay defense. This is a division with lots of balance, so anyone could win, and anyone could run last. There probably won't be more than 3 games seperating first from last place.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS were used to overachieving and getting home field calls, and last year they underachieved and didn't get the calls. The true team is more inbetween. Expect the addition of Lucas on defense to help out.
AFC EAST:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS have awesome power, particularly on offense. Not much is made of their running game, but they are among the best.
MIAMI DOLPHINS excel in the run, and this will be a big year for Brown.
BUFFALO BILLS look good in every category, and have a super duper receiving corps.
NEW YORK JETS are a solid team that could get beat up in this super division, but still figure to get 7 or 8 wins.
AFC NORTH:
BALTIMORE RAVENS are the dominant force in the NFL, with close to the best defense, close to the best running game, and don't count on Flacco not finding star tight end Heap this year. Ravens should win 14 or 15 games.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS are still a dominant force, and should win about 12 games to be a wild card. If Sweed lives to his potential, the passing game will be outstanding with a load of receivers to open up a good running game. Defense is always good here.
CINCINNATI BENGALS are a force to be reckoned with, and could win some other divisions. Enough about Ocho Cinco, because this year they will do it with one of the NFL's best defenses.
CLEVELAND BROWNS are in sorry shape, and may be the lowest team in the NFL. They'll be lucky to win a game.
AFC SOUTH:
HOUSTON TEXANS have a top notch offensive line and offense, and their defense in improved. Could go 13-3.
TENNESSEE TITANS still have an excellent team, but the loss of Haynesworth may just make them the odd man out of the playoffs. Defense is still stellar, as is their running game.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS have Peyton and a good defense. The running game suffers, but this looks like a team to get about 10 wins and be another odd man out in a division that beats each other up and doesn't have a Cleveland Brown team to play twice.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS have missed their opportunities, and just aren't getting any better. They still have some talent, but not enough for this division. Diminutive runner Drew is hard to see over their tall offensive line, and he is quick enough to use that to make huge gains. Their problem will be on defense.
AFC WEST:
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS could win this poor division with only 7 or 8 wins. They are an average team, and have no glaring weakness. Their defense should be better this year.
OAKLAND RAIDERS have improved across the board and get a slight nod to take second with 6 wins.
DENVER BRONCOS have an excellent offense but poor defense. They are close to the same level as the Chargers and Raiders.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS have a young team, but not quite enough to get much done. Cassell is a good QB, but he looked great with a great New England team with great coaching. Now, he must get his timing right with a new set of receivers. It will be a long year for the Chiefs, and 4 or 5 wins would be great achievement. Not this year, but look for KC to be better next year.
Super Bowl. Odds are it will be Baltimore over Carolina.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Keywords: The Power in the NFL
