2009 season playoff predictions
I have been reading some interesting columns today online about NFL teams that will fall out of the playoffs from last year and some new “chic” teams that should take their place. So here is my version of how I see things working in 2009.
AFC teams that will make the jump:
New England: When was the last time the Patriots weren’t in the playoffs? It feels like an eternity. Tom Brady will come in a do what Tom Brady does, Win.
If you want more proof that they will return to form, look at the schedule and their division. Which no longer boasts Brett Favre and no one is going to be surprised by the wildcat down in Miami after those defensive coordinators have time to plan for it.
Houston Texans: This team has run out of chances to be the “sleeper” that everybody saw coming and I am going to go out on a limb and say that for this team to fulfill their promise they are going to need to have some things go their way. Like making their 2009 draft a monster and allowing guys to come in and make an impact. If the offensive line isn’t too offensive and Matt Schaub can stay on his feet and not on his back then Houston can finally go to the playoffs for the first time in their existence.
That is it. Two teams in the AFC, the rest of the squads should be good enough to not fall off too much in my estimation.
AFC teams that will lose a step:
Miami Dolphins: When I think about last season the only thing that surprised me more than the Falcons winning games was the Dolphins winning games. Well, folks that was against the AFC West and the NFC West. Now they face the South and things get mighty hairy might fast down south when you have the Titans and the Falcons on the docket. Miami won’t fall off the planet mind you, just fall enough to miss out by a game or two that they will surly lose to more difficult divisions. No gimmies here fish fans.
Indianapolis Colts: There comes a time when the wheels fall off. The Colts last year started rough and then Manning seemingly willed himself back from a staph infection and knee surgery and they still made the dance but were unceremoniously thrown out really quick. Either this year is the year that the Colts return to form and start winning a lot like they have the last 7 or so years or they begin their decline into obscurity and that most dreaded word…rebuilding.
Now the AFC is a mixed bag for me because I could just as quickly say that the Tennessee Titans could be just as bad next year that there is no Al Haynesworth and now that Kerry Collins is a year older and they still don’t have a receiver in my opinion.
The NFC is a different case because the NFC South is such a crap shoot every year. Panthers won the division last year and got blown out in the first round and have such an inconsistent QB in Delhomme. The Bucs seriously find ways to lose down the stretch and the Saints score a ton and could be scary if their defense could stop anybody… which they cannot.
NFC teams to make the jump:
Dallas Cowboys: Seriously if they miss the playoffs again or can’t win the game then don’t just fire Wade Phillips take him back in the yard and just shoot him like old yeller. This team has the pieces to win a championship today and should have a better secondary then they had last year. No more excuses ‘Boys it’s time to put up or shut up.
Seattle Seahawks: Injuries ravaged this team like a plague in 2008 and the defense forgot how to defend. TJ Housh. will be a welcome target for Matt Hasselbeck and should give the fans in Seattle something to watch but this team is just too fragile and can be a top 5 pick squad again if they have the injury bug bite them again. Oh and to all of the people who say the 49ers will do anything need only look at J.T. O’Sullivan to know that they don’t have a prayer.
Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler was traded and instantly became the best QB in the franchise’s history. That says a lot for a fan base that wants, needs and in my opinion deserves a winner. When you compare Bears fans loyalty it is pretty much a religion at this point and for that alone I hope they do well. The defense is getting pretty long in the tooth but I feel they have a chance to make a run with a running back as good as Matt Forte.
NFC teams to fall:
Arizona Cardinals: So. if the Seahawks fall apart then the NFC West is won by default. The defense isn’t great and the lack of a running game has to catch up with them right? Right? I like Larry Fitzgerald, everybody loves Fitzgerald. He is the rare receiver in the NFL who has to be accounted for on every play and it is his ability that makes me feel like I could be eating my words saying that the “Hawks take back the division but the Superbowl Hangover is real friends and this is not a disciplined bunch folks.
Carolina Panthers: Have you seen more inconsistent quarterback play in a playoff caliber team then that by Jake Delhomme? I don’t think so. Jake throws interceptions at the worst times and he falls apart too often but his defense saved his hide more than once last year and with another year on the odometer on a lot of these guys and the lack of newly drafted talent this team makes me lick my chops at the thought of the NFC South being won by the Falcons.
Minnesota Vikings: They don’t have Favre, at least as of this post they don’t and they have a great defense and a world class running back in Adrian Peterson. Let’s get something straight right here right now. The NFL is a quarterbacks league, if you don’t have one you will not succeed. Sorry Vikes no way no how you win.