Football Thought of the Week
This is part II of my 2009-10 NFL preview. Here is part I.
AFC
East: 1) New England 2) Miami 3)Buffalo 4) NY Jets
Who knows if Tom Brady will stay healthy, but if they get any more than one quarter out of him this season, the Patriots will make their presence felt in the AFC. The Dolphins, who won the division a year ago, will take the standard step back that surprise teams tend to do with tougher schedules. Buffalo and New York each could contend, but I don't see enough defense from the Bills or offense from the Jets.
North: 1) Pittsburgh 2) Baltimore 3) Cincinnati 4) Cleveland
The Steelers were my pick to win it all last year, and sure enough, they did. I'm still on the Pittsburgh bandwagon, even though I see a bit of a downturn in '09. Their dominance over Baltimore gives them the division over to the Ravens, who I think could be even tougher this year thanks to the impressive running of Ray Rice. Based on Hard Knocks, I see the Bengals actually contending for a while before Carson Palmer gets hurt. That will leave them with about seven wins, four more than the Browns will grab.
South: 1) Indianapolis 2) Houston 3) Tennessee 4) Jacksonville
I'm as likely of nailing the correct order of these four teams through research as I would be picking the names out of a hat; they're just that even. Despite a new head coach, I'll take Peyton and the Colts to come in first, followed closely by the ever-improving Texans. If Houston can ever figure out how to win in the early part of the season, or Matt Schaub can stay healthy, they'll win at least 10 games. The Titans will see a slip from last season, even though their D and run game are still really good. And last is the Jaguars, who I actually think are underrated, but just not good enough to win the South.
West: 1) San Diego 2) Oakland 3) Kansas City 4) Denver
In the 2008 regular season, the Chargers went 5-1 in their division and 3-7 versus the rest of the league. Expect similar numbers this year. I think San Diego is talented but overrated, yet still light years better than the other three. The Raiders come in second, if their coaches can stop fighting each other. Look for Darren McFadden to have a big season. I'm interested to see what K.C. does with a new QB and reshaped defense. And last but not least are the Broncos, who I would once again like to thank for trading Jay Cutler.
PLAYOFFS
NFC
3) New Orleans over 6) Green Bay
5) NY Giants over 4) Seattle
5) NY Giants over 1) Philadelphia
2) Chicago over 3) New Orleans
5) NY Giants over 2) Chicago
AFC
3) Indianapolis over 6) Houston
5) Baltimore over 3) San Diego
1) New England over 5) Baltimore
2) Pittsburgh over 3) Indianapolis
2) Pittsburgh over 1) New England
SUPER BOWL
New York Giants 27, Pittsburgh Steelers 23
I can see you asking yourself, "Three consecutive road victories for the G-Men on the way to the Super Bowl? Again?" Yes, it's an almost identical road N.Y. took to the 2008 big game, and that turned out pretty well for them. I think the Giants' receivers will get better as the year progresses, and by playoff time, they'll be one of the most dangerous corps' in football. The Steelers come close to repeating, but Eli tops Ben in another classic Super Bowl.
NOTE: Here is the upcoming schedule for a busy week here on the blog.
Friday: Honoring new Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan
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