NFL 2009-2010: Way Too Early Surprise Team Predictions

Mark Jones' NFL 2009-2010 Surprise Team Predictions

Yes, I know the Super Bowl was just six days ago. Still, I'm going to take a wild shot at predicting the biggest surprises of next year.

So, let's not waste any time. Starting with the most unexpected surprises, here we go...

1. Cincinnati Bengals

This team will have a very productive offseason, and their offense will return to it's once-prominent form. The Bengals may improve enough to even get back to .500!

Past Season's Record: 4-11-1

Predicted 09-10 Record: 8-8

2. Minnesota Vikings

I think the Vikings will go ahead and do their alluring yet risky trade this offseason: they will trade Taylor to get a respectable quarterback. Some QB ideas: Brady & Cassel. Two talented quarterbacks. Get the picture?

But it will pay off for both teams. And Minnesota will become one of the NFL's elite next season, too. They have a good running game, top-10 defense, and (after that trade) they will have a good quarterback (and he'll have Bernard Berrian to work with).

Past Season's Record: 10-6

Predicted 09-10 Record: 12-4

3. Houston Texans

This team, after starting 0-4, finished the season 8-4 to get back to a .500 record. I believe that they'll be able to play like that 8-4 team for the entire season this upcoming autumn. Big improvement for the Texans and a likely playoff spot will come with it.

Past Season's Record: 8-8

Predicted 09-10 Record: 11-5

4. Dallas Cowboys

The rout in their last game of the season definitely wasn't a good sign, but I think they might actually take advantage of their excessive talent this season. And Romo will overcome his collapsing-under-pressure streak (which has lasted plenty long enough)!

Past Season's Record: 9-7

Predicted 09-10 Record: 13-3

5. Oakland Raiders

Yes, I know, absolutely nobody is going to agree with me on this "surprise" pick. However, I'm just picking them to 6-10. That would normally not be a "surprisingly good" season for most teams. But for the Raiders, it is. They have a lot of young stars that currently aren't stars, but they might show some talent (for once) this season.

Past Season's Record: 5-11

Predicted 09-10 Record: 6-10

6. New England Patriots

Considering that that trade I mentioned in with Minnesota, this team will also improve. The suddenly-talented rushing attack with provide some room in the secondary for Cassel or Brady to find their receivers. If that trade goes through, the Pat's main offseason focus would be to just fix up some holes in the defense.

Past Season's Record: 11-5

Predicted 09-10 Record: 13-3

7. San Francisco 49ers

This "surprise" team may not really be a surprise team, because most everyone agrees that they're going to be kind of good this upcoming season. Instead, they may just be an "improved" team. Anyway, San Francisco may finally have a team to respect (for about the first time in 10 years)! However, they're going to need to pick up a QB sometime.

Past Season's Record: 7-9

Predicted Record: 9-7 or 10-6

If you haven't already read it, you can check out the my biggest disappointment team predictions at:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/120843-nfl-2009-2010-way-too-early-disappointment-team-predictions