The NFL season is a day away from kicking off and it is an exciting time for American sports fans. So I have decided to look around the league and pick 3 teams that will play better then expected and 3 teams that will lay an egg.
Overrated:
San Diego Chargers - A team that is the Super Bowl darling for many "insiders" doesn't really do it for me again this year. Last time I checked Norv Turner is still the head football coach and they are still guessing at RB. The SuperChargers should make the playoffs this year due to being a good team in a crap division, but I don't see them having home field advantage and they are notorious for having disappointing Decembers. A good team but not a Super Bowl contestant. 10-6. Losing the Divisional Playoffs.
Philly Eagles - A team that some have referred to as a "Dream Team" should be the class of their division like the Chargers, but will disappoint in the playoffs as well. The DEF is way stouter then last year with the additions they have made and the OFF is explosive and can get 6 on any down and distance. Having said that I see them losing early in the playoffs to a team that can scheme against Vick and run the ball against the Philly front 7. San Diego and Philly have mirror seasons on one another. 10-6. Losing the Divisional Playoffs.
Houston Texans - Many "experts" have written the Texans into the divisional title this year primarily because of Payton Manning's neck and the addition of Jonathon Joseph to their secondary. For the Texans to overcome the Colts, Arian Foster will have to repeat leading the league in rushing, Payton will have to sit until week 7, and the DEF will have to stay healthy. I do not see all three happening. 8-8. Missing the playoffs due to a tiebreaker.
Underrated -
Baltimore Ravens - A team that many have slotted behind the Browns this year in the division. The DEF is another year older, but they have one more run in them and they are dangerous in December. I look for the Ravens to be a Wildcard team that can move the ball on the ground with Ray Rice and play postseason DEF. These two things are winning football when the weather turns colder. 9-7. 2 wins in the Playoffs.
Chicago Bears - This teamed played for the NFC Championship last year and no one is mentioning them at all. Cutler is a pussy, but I think he plays with a chip on his shoulder this year for the first time in his career and gets the Bears back to the playoffs. This is his second year in the Martz OFF and I look for him to have a more balanced year. Adding to this, it is Matt Forte's contract year and he needs to shed the "inconsistent" label. I look for him to have a more balanced year as well, with Marion Barbour taking a couple of the tough yards/hard hit carries away form him making him a little more healthy. Many have slotted the Lions ahead of the Bears this season, but I think the NFC Norse gets 3 teams in and the Bears are one of them. 9-7. A playoff win.
St. Louis Rams - Josh McDaniels single handily set the Broncos back 3 years with the draft of Tim Tebow, but the guy can work with QBs. I look for Sam Bradford to take the next step in his career and pass for 25+ TDs this season and if Steven Jackson can stay on the field they should have a balanced OFF attack. They benefit from playing in a crappy division and should represent the West in the Playoffs. 9-7. Losing in the Wildcard Weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment