Finally, I'm ready for my NFL Predictions. Let's not waste any time. First a few notes before I get to all my division, playoff, and Super Bowl picks. We'll start with surprise teams, one from each conference:
NFC: Arizona Cardinals - The Cards finally may have a decent team this year. They have an experienced QB in Kurt Warner, and the biggest group of receivers in the league with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin - and they are not just big, they are good. Fitzgerald was one of the best receivers in college 2 years ago, and he had a pretty solid year despite a poor QB. Boldin had a great rookie year 2 years ago, missed almost half of 2004, and still had over 600 yards. They drafted a very good running back out of Cal, JJ Arrington. Defensively they were the most underrated defense in the league in 2004, and are greatly improved on that side of the ball as well - they should have one of the top defenses in the NFC. In addition this is Dennis Green's 2nd year as head coach, whom I believe was unfairly fired by the Vikings. If they can get a few breaks and a few upsets don't be surprised to see this team in the playoffs.
AFC: Jacksonville Jaguars - My predictions say that they tie for the 6th playoff spot in the AFC but lose the tiebreak to the Jets. Leftwich has done nothing but improve thus far, they have a healthy Fred Taylor at RB (and a good backup in LaBrandon Toefield just in case), along with an excellent offensive line. The strength of this team however is the defense, and they are the most unheralded defense in the league. Last year they could not score yet still managed to find ways to win games. I like what Del Rio is doing with this team, and if just one thing goes their way, this team could make the playoffs and scare some teams once they get there.
One more thing before my picks. The most improved team this year will be my Kansas City Chiefs. The offense is going to be amazing again, especially with Priest and Larry Johnson in the backfield - as long as the O line stays healthy, this offense will score as many points as anyone. However, they've been doing that for a few years now - what KC needs is defense. They did just that this season by picking up Patrick Surtain, Sammy Knight, and Kendrell Bell. In addition they drafted who I think will be the #1 player of the 2005 draft - LB Derrick Johnson out of Texas. This guy is a beast, so keep an eye on him - I expect an immediate impact. They came close to being my Super Bowl pick, and if they can somehow grab home field, they could easily do it.
Now to my picks. Let's start with the division winners and wildcards for each conference:
AFC Division winners: 1. Indianapolis, 2. Kansas City, 3. Baltimore, 4. New England
AFC Wildcards: 5. Pittsburgh and 6. New York Jets (because they will beat Jacksonville in Week 3 for the tiebreak)
NFC Division winners: 1. Philadelphia, 2. Minnesota, 3. St Louis, 4. Atlanta
NFC Wildcards: 5. Carolina and 6. Seattle
AFC Playoffs: I expect the top 2 seeds to get through, with Indianapolis facing the Chiefs to go to the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning leads Indy to tough win, finally reaching a Super Bowl.
NFC Playoffs: I expect the Vikings to face Atlanta in the NFC Championship, after Atlanta knocks off the Eagles. The Vikings then roll over the Falcons to reach the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl: If the Vikings play the Colts, that sure would be a fun Super Bowl. I think both defenses are vastly improved over last year, but not improved enough as we see one of the higher scoring Super Bowls ever. The Colts win the Super Bowl over the Vikings 30-24.
Final analysis: Everyone expects the Eagles to get there, but I don't see it happening. TO is great, and will be playing, but chemistry is important - advantage Vikings. They got rid of Randy Moss, and as a result will benefit in more of a team atmosphere. Watch out for the Ravens in the AFC too. This will be one of the best defenses ever, including their Super Bowl team from a few years ago. They should have an improved offense too with a more experienced Kyle Boller and Derrick Mason catching passes.
OK, my picks are now set in stone. My college picks will be posted before Friday morning. Enjoy the NFL season!
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