2009 NFL Season

We are just 10 days away from kickoff '09 and I thought I would share my thoughts and predictions of the upcoming season. There is no scientific reason why I say what I say, it's just based on my gut and my observations.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers (11-5)
They could very well be the best team in the NFL. Phillip Rivers is an upcoming QB. LT still has a little left in the tank. Darren Sprowls is on the verge of becoming a superstar ala Michael Turner. The Charger Defense is good, scary good. The one weakness I see are the Wide Receivers. But with that said, Chris Chambers has been a number WR, but had an awful year last year. Vincent Jackson is an upcoming star who needs to show consistency.

Oakland Raiders (9-7)
I thought the Raiders were going to be a surprising team this year, however watching them get destroyed by New Orleans in a meaningless preseason game, I am questioning my decision. I know it's preseason, but JaMarcus Russell looks lost. How can a team win with a lost QB? On the bright side, I think Darren McFadden will have an excellent Sophomore Season. They way the NFL is, talent prevails and Oakland has some talent.

Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
When you fire your Offensive Coordinator less then 2 weeks before the start of the season, that's not good. Matt Cassel is hurt, that's not good. They traded their leader on the off season, that's not good. New Head coach had the Cardinals Offense playing at a very high level last year and I think they can do the same with this Chief team. I expect Larry Johnson and Dwayne Bowe to be all pros and Todd Haley to be in the running for the Coach of the Year.

Denver Broncos (4-12)
Sorry Bronco fans, this will be a very LOOOONNNNNGGGG season. I don't like the pick of Knowshown Moreno. I think Kyle Orton is a decent QB with a lot of weapons surrounding him. But Brandon Marshall is a question mark and Defenses will challenge Eddie Royal with all kinds of double teams. Denver's Defense is bad and signing an aging Brian Dawkins will prove to be a bad move for the Broncos.

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
If Steelers win 5 games this year, I wouldn't be surprised. But I think they are a very disciplined team. They win in the trenches and make big plays when they need to. I predict Willie Parker to have a huge season and I Limas Sweed or Dallas Baker will come into their own as 3rd and 4th receivers.

Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
The lose of Bart Scott is going to hurt this team. Samare Rolle missing the first 6 games will hurt them too. Joe Flacco will experience somewhat of a sophomore slump. LJ Smith will be the biggest bust of a free agent signing. But Ray Rice will emerge as a top flight running back and Willis McGahee will settle into his position as a change of pace Back.

Cincinnati Bengals (5-11)
I wanna like Cincinnati, I really do. They have so much potential, but until Carson Palmer comes back healthy I can't see them winning more than a hand full of games. They have play off potential, but I am afraid to bet on them.

Cleveland Browns (4-12)
This is a rebuilding year for the Browns. Brady Quinn will settle into the QB position, but their ground game doesn't get me excited. Braylon Edwards took major steps backwards last year and I am not sure if he can back to where he was in a Browns uniform. The Browns will move in the right direction after this year when they move Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards for picks.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
Losing Tony Dungy might hurt a little and cost them 2 games. But I have all the faith in Peyton Manning. The big question will be the Colts Defense and I think they will show early how good they are. Reggie Wayne quietly is becoming one of the best Receivers no one gives credit to. Expect an all pro performance this year from Reggie and I expect a nice 1-2 punch with Donald Brown and Joseph Addai.

Houston Texans (10-6)
After back to back 8-8 seasons, it's time for the Texans to make a move and this is the year they will do it. With an under rated Defense and great Running Attack, I would be surprised if they aren't a playoff team.

Tennessee Titans (9-7)
I think Jeff Fisher is the best coach in the NFL. I think they have a great Running game and one of the top 10 teams in the trenches. Nate Washington will have his coming out party this season. But they play in the toughest division in the AFC.

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
Jax is one of those teams that will not surprise me one way or another. David Garrard is steady, but not spectacular QB. Mo Jones-Drew is 1,000 yard guy, Torry Holt will bring them a solid veteran presence, we just have to wait and see.

AFC East
New England Patriots (11-5)
Tom Brady is back and Bill Bellichik is still there

Miami Dolphins (9-7)
Last season was as much of a fluke at 11-5 as was the year before's 1-15. The Dolphins are on the right track to be an elite team. They are a veteran receiver away from making some noise.

Buffalo Bills (6-10)
Mt. St. Owens will erupt by week 8.

New York Jets (5-11)
I just think they are a few years off. I think Leon Washington will have a great season and get a HUGE raise next season

NFC West
Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
A healthy Matt Hasselbeck will lead the Seahawks back to the playoffs and I love the signing of Edgerrin James to compliment Julius Jones.

San Francisco 49ers (9-7)
This is my surprise team in the NFC, Glen Coffee will impress so much, Frank Gore will be shopped around in the off season. Once Michael Crabtree signs, he will excel. He has all the talent in the world, he just needs to stay away from his cousin and sign. He's got to earn his money on the field.

Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
See New England in '08; Chicago in '07; etc.

St. Louis Rams (6-10)
Still trying to find their identity. By season's end, no one will want to play this team.

NFC North
Chicago Bears (11-5)
Monster of the Midway are back. Matt Forte, Jay Cutler, Greg Olsen and Devon Hester, I see big things from this offense and the Defense still has it.

Green Bay Packers (9-7)
They might even be better than I expect. Aaron Rodgers has all the tools to be a superstar, I think a lot depends on Ryan Grant. Their success will coincide with each other's performance. Defense is the question.

Minnesota Vikings (9-7)
What a boring off season for the Vikings? Ha, I see the Diva playing okay, but his boy Chilly will take the fall and won't be around to see next season. Mike Holmgren will take the call and be the Diva's coach in '10. Adrian Peterson will be solid, but won't live up to those lofty expectations set upon him.

Detroit Lions (5-11)
The Good news, they will improve by 5 games, the bad news, it's not enough. Matthew Stafford will have a tough rookie season when he starts, but Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson will stick out like sore thumbs on this team.

NFC South
New Orleans (11-5)
I am drinking the Drew Brees/Sean Peyton kool aid. With improved Defense and a strong season from Reggie Bush, the Saints will win the NFC South. Look for Jeremy Shokey to be comeback player of the year.

Atlanta Falcons (9-7)
Mike Smith and Matt Ryan will not sneak up on anyone this season. They will be a very fun team to watch, Tony Gonzalez will be a nice presence and Roddy White will earn his new contract

Carolina Panthers (5-11)
I just don't think Jake Delhomme will get over that horrible performance from their playoff game last season.

Tampa Bay Buccs (4-12)
Rebuilding year for Raheem Morris, but he will get the time to build a winner.

NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
A Make or break year for Donovan McNabb. He deserves better than what he got from Philly Phan.

New York Giants (10-6)
Eli Manning and Brandon Jacobs will have monster seasons

Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Wade Phillips will be fired by week 9 and Jason Garrett will not be able to right the ship. Mike Shanahan will be their new coach next season.

Washington Redskins (5-11)
Daniel Snyder has no clue, Albert Haynesworth signed for what? Jason Campbell will play like a lame duck QB. Bright spot, Clinton Portis