2009 NFL Preview and Predictions

It's September. We are almost done with a crazy offseason and a new NFL Season is almost upon us.

Preseason ends on Friday, and the regular season kicks off September 10 with the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Tennessee Titans.

Here are my predictions for the way the 2009 NFL Season will play out.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The reigning Super Bowl champions really have not added much in the offseason, but they didn't lose anything either. Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker are both coming back healthy to revive a running game that was weak last year.

The defense is still the defense, which we all know is terrifying.

Prediction: 12-4, No. 2 Seed; first round bye

2. Baltimore Ravens

Although the Ravens will still finish second in the fairly weak AFC North, I see a major dropoff from last year for Baltimore.

Rex Ryan is gone, along with Bart Scott. The Ravens' defense is still powerful, just not the same.

Joe Flacco will see more action in the passing game, and thus I believe a sophomore slump is in line for him.

Prediction: 8-8, miss playoffs

3. Cincinnati Bengals

This will be a much improved team in 2009, though they just are not there yet. Carson Palmer is back, but as we have seen this preseason he is not Iron Man. They need to be careful with him, because if he is healthy, that will be one explosive offense.

The Bengals had a fantastic draft, picking up Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga, and Michael Johnson. All three could have been considered first round prospects. Not to mention they picked up veteran hard hitter Roy Williams to lead the secondary.

The thing that's holding this team back is weak coaching. Marvin Lewis has been walked all over by his players and organization.

I think they make a coaching move in the offseason, and will be a playoff contender in 2010.

Prediction: 8-8, miss playoffs

4. Cleveland Browns

This Cleveland Browns team is really bad. They have had one offseason distraction after another. The coach formerly known as Mangenius has still yet to make a decision at quarterback, less than two weeks away from the regular season.

No matter who gets the starting job, they will have a small arsenal of weapons to give the ball to after trading away Kellen Winslow and losing Donte Stallworth to suspension.

Prediction: 3-13, miss playoffs

AFC East

1. New England Patriots

I usually like to go against the grain, but this seems to stupid to pass up. Tom Brady is coming back, and they added veterans on offense in Joey Galloway and Fred Taylor. Not to mention returning starlets like Randy Moss and Wes Welker.

The defense is one I believe that will be better than a lot of people think, maybe top five in the league.

They added a lot of young talent in the draft with Darius Butler, Patrick Chung, and Ron Brace. All three could crack starting positions.

Prediction: 13-3, No. 1 seed; home-field advantage

2. New York Jets

I really like this team's mentality heading into the season, led by Rex Ryan. He brings a lacked smash mouth style to the Jets organization.

Mark Sanchez won't have to do much, as the Jets are a run first team. Sanchez will do a fine job of being a game manager and keeping his defense rested.

This team barely misses the playoffs, but are on the cusp.

Prediction: 9-7, miss playoffs

3. Buffalo Bills

You've heard it before: Get your popcorn ready because the T.O. show is coming to Buffalo. Dick Jauron is on the hot seat, and he needs to prove that he can finish seasons the way he starts them.

There is no reason for the offense to not succeed with Terrell Owens and Lee Evans lining up on either side of Trent Edwards, and Marshawn Lynch in the backfield when he comes back.

Aaron Maybin was brought in to help a much needed pass rush, but this will take time. The Bills still have a lot of questions to answer on both lines.

Prediction: 7-9, miss playoffs

4. Miami Dolphins

I apologize for getting your hopes up, but last year's Dolphins were a flash in the pan. The Wildcat offense took the NFL by storm, but mainly by surprise, which is why defensive coordinators could not figure out how to stop it.

It is a gimmick formation, that will be conquered by midseason. They still have a lot of playmakers, but this year's incredibly difficult schedule will bring them down.

Prediction: 6-10, miss playoffs

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts

Originally, I predicted that this year's Indianapolis Colts would miss the playoffs entirely. But the more thinking I do, I realize how dumb that really was.

When you have Peyton Manning as your quarterback, it doesn't matter who your coach is. That man basically calls all the plays at the line of scrimmage anyways.

He has a never ending list of weapons to throw the ball to, and the Colts did everything they could to shore up a passive defensive interior line. They drafted Fili Moala, who was a first round prospect in last year's draft.

Prediction: 10-6, No. 4 seed

2. Houston Texans

This team can be good, maybe even really good. The key to this is if Matt Schaub can stay healthy. Although that is a big if, he is out to prove to his teammates that he is not "soft."

Andre Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels make up for an impressive offense. On defense, the Texans have a talented front seven with sack master Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and potential-ridden Connor Barwin.

Dunta Robinson is the leader of a less than superior secondary, but the pass rush will help them out tremendously.

Prediction: 10-6, No. 5 seed

3. Tennessee Titans

It is fair to say that the longest tenured coach in the NFL knows what he is doing. Jeff Fisher has been around long enough to know that to win you need to be able to run the ball and stop the run.

Smash and Dash, or Every Coach's Dream, as Chris Johnson likes to call it is going to be around for a while.

LenDale White and Johnson make up for a perfect one-two punch in the backfield. Seasoned Kerry Collins won't be around much longer, but he is still viable.

The Haynesworth loss is huge, but they will make up for it with surrounding talent.

Prediction: 10-6, No. 6 seed

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Maurice Jones-Drew is great, and will finally be able to shoulder the load himself. David Garrard finally has someone to throw to in Torry Holt. He is on the downside of his career, but he still has something left.

My problems with this team is the revamped offensive line and the inability to convert on third downs.

Prediction: 6-10, miss playoffs

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers

This team is on a mission—always performing well in the regular season, to fall short when it really counts. Last year was different, though. They turned it on and won four straight games to win the division, only to lose to the eventual Super Bowl champions.

Shawne Merriman is back, LT is healthy, and San Diego is ready to do what they were always supposed to: win in January. Prediction: 12-4, No. 3 seed

2. Kansas City Chiefs

No matter what people say, I think this team will be a lot better. Scott Pioli worked directly with Bill Belichick in New England with all personnel matters. They brought in a veteran Mike Vrabel to be leader in the Chiefs' 3-4 scheme.

Matt Cassell comes over also from New England and hopes to be Kansas City's first stable quarterback since Trent Green.

They drafted Tyson Jackson to line up next to Glenn Dorsey, which will hopefully help the worst pass rush in NFL history.

Prediction: 7-9, miss playoffs

3. Oakland Raiders

Al Davis has always had intentions to win, no matter what it seems. After seeing all the turmoil this organization has gone through lately, someone close to him needs to tell Davis to let the men he hired do their own jobs.

They are a young team, and will need a lot of good coaching and growth before they really can compete at a serious level.

Prediction: 5-11, miss playoffs

4. Denver Broncos

I loved hearing the boos in Denver when Jay Cutler showed up. Cutler even had to cover his hears at one point to keep them out of his head.

But Broncos fans were not just angry, they were upset. Their Pro Bowl quarterback had left town, with no one to really claim the starting job.

Ever since Josh McDaniels came to Denver, there have been problems on and off the field. Hold on Broncos fans, this is going to be a long season.

Prediction: 3-13, miss playoffs

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers

I am really high on the Packers this year. Aaron Rodgers has really flown under the radar, but he is developing into one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Look at his numbers from last year: 93.8 passer rating, 4,038 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Those are Pro Bowl numbers, no doubt.

On defense, Dom Capers is working wonders with the new 3-4 scheme. He has playmakers in Aaron Kampmann, A.J. Hawk, and B.J. Raji. This will be a feared team.

Prediction: 12-4, No. 1 seed; home-field advantage

2. Minnesota Vikings

Brett Favre helps this team so much, but not because he is the dynamic quarterback he used to be.

Teams can no longer stack eight in the box to defend against the Vikings run game because now they have a legitimate passing game.

Adrian Petersn could rush for over 2,000 yards this season.

We all know about the intense run defense. The Achilles' heel for this team will be the ability of the receiving corps. If Brett Favre doesn't have a big playmaker, they will be in trouble.

Prediction: 11-5, No. 5 seed

3. Chicago Bears

People are way too hyped up on the Bears, for a reason unknown to me. Jay Cutler puts up great numbers, but his career record is 17-20. He has also never had a playoff appearance.

The defense is aging and is not what it was three years ago before their Super Bowl run. I don't believe this team is going to be what people think.

Prediction: 7-9, miss playoffs

4. Detroit Lions

Good news for all Detroit fans: this team can only get better. After posting the only bagel in a 16 game NFL season, this team has made a lot of changes.

My best advice to the Lions is to not start Matthew Stafford from day one. This kid needs to learn, and he is not in a situation where success will be easy for rookie quarterbacks before him. Give it time.

Prediction: 3-13, miss playoffs

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys

Finally. The Cowboys will be putting aside their off the field issues to win the division title back from the Giants.

The team knows that this year is a make or break year, especially now that they have no more excuses dealing with T.O.

Perhaps the most talented team in football, the Cowboys will finally put it all together and do well in the winter months.

Prediction: 11-5, No. 2 seed; first round bye

2. New York Giants

OK, maybe the Browns were asking too much for Braylon Edwards in draft picks. But do the Giants understand that the one and only thing holding them back from winning the Super Bowl last year was a number one wide receiver?

They were 11-1 and had already beaten the Steelers in the regular season. I was ready to hand them the Lombardi trophy. Until they get a new number one wideout to replace Burress, they will not return to Super Bowl form.

Prediction: 9-7, miss playoffs

3. Philadelphia Eagles

I said it in my predictions slideshow and I'll say it again, the Eagles will not make the playoffs. Year after year expectations are high in Philly. Year after year, they fail to meet them.

Donovan McNabb finally got his weapons, but what about the huge losses on defense? Brian Dawkins, Stewart Bradley, and Jim Johnson may he rest in peace, are all gone.

They were the heart and soul of that defense. I find it hard to see the Eagles coming close to the division title.

Prediction: 8-8, miss playoffs

4. Washington Redskins

This is a perfect example of why spending money does not win you championships. Dan Snyder has always gone after the high profile players at large cost to the team's chemistry.

Players like DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth have a history of disrupting team chemistry.

Also, Jason Campbell must prove he is the franchise QB everyone thought he would be, or it's possible he and Jim Zorn could be out of a job come season's end.

Prediction: 6-10, miss playoffs

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints

As much as it pains me to say this, I really like what the Saints have this year. The past few years they have always lacked a defense and a running game.

This year, they have improved on both. Pierre Thomas, not Reggie Bush, will be Deuce McAllister's real replacement as a runner who actually goes in between the tackles.

Gregg Williams brings an aggressive mindset to this defense that causes turnovers and forces teams to make mistakes.

Prediction: 10-6, No. 3 seed

2. Atlanta Falcons

I believe this is the year the Falcons overcome the curse of never having back to back winning seasons in the 43 year history of the franchise.

These are not the same people that have been running the Atlanta Falcons for the so many years before.

Matt Ryan is the next great quarterback in the NFL, all homerism aside. Tony Gonzalez will help him mature as a young passer.

The defense, however, has some question marks but coach Mike Smith was a defensive coordinator in Jacksonville and he knows what he is doing. This team will only get better.

Prediction: 10-6, No. 6 seed

3. Carolina Panthers

Jake Delhomme really showed why he is not worth the big bucks last postseason, but the Panthers gave him an extension anyways. Ironically, it was the same day the Falcons traded for Gonzalez.

Now with Kemoeauto (I know I didn't spell it right) gone for the year, the Panthers have a problem in the middle. Double Trouble will still bode well, but this team has hit the ceiling already.

Prediction: 7-9, miss playoffs

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In my opinion, GM Dominik and Coach Morris are doing things the right way and will have a good foundation in place. They cleaned out all the old players, drafted a future franchise QB, and have a three headed monster at running back.

Derrick Ward and Kellen Winslow were huge acquisitions for a young Bucs team. The only problem with this strategy is it doesn't help you win immediately.

Prediction: 3-13, miss playoffs

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks

This division will be one of the most competitive in the league, but not really in a good way. When Jim Mora coached the Falcons, his teams led the league in rushing yards all three years (04-06).

He has Julius Jones, T.J. Duckett, and a healthy Matt Hasselbeck. TJ Houshmanzadeh only adds to the deadly equation.

On defense, the Seahawks have perhaps the best LB corps in the league with Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, and Aaron Curry. They take the division in a close one.

Prediction: 9-7, No. 4 seed

2. Arizona Cardinals

If the Cardinals can play defense like they did last season, then they will be great. But if the preseason is any indication, the Cardinals will be playing shootouts all year long.

Also, they need Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells to step up in the run game, which was last in the league in 2008.

Prediction: 8-8, miss playoffs

3. San Francisco 49ers

Right now, the Niners have a lot of problems on and off the field. They recently named Shaun Hill their starting quarterback, but it still does not really fix anything.

Hill was last year's starter by season's end and they knew it was going to happen.

I like Mike Singletary trying to build the defense around Patrick Willis, one of the league's best linebackers.

With players like Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree however, there will be issues with this team. I think they take a small step back.

Prediction: 7-9, miss playoffs

4. St. Louis Rams

And with the number one overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft the St. Louis Rams select...Sam Bradford, quarterback; Oklahoma.

The Rams simply do not have the talent anymore to compete in this league. They cut the defense's leading tackler, Pino Tinoisamoa, and Tye Hill, the three years removed from being the number 15 overall draft pick.

Steven Jackson and Donnie Avery are two fine young talents. They need a quarterback who can stay on the field for 16 straight games, maybe longer.

Steve Spagnuolo wants a new QB in St. Louis, and this year is make or break for Marc Bulger.

Prediction: 2-14, miss playoffs

AFC Wild Card Round

Titans @ Chargers

At home, the Chargers take advantage of the Titans' interior line, coming up with huge numbers on the ground. With Shawne Merriman back, Kerry Collins will be forced to pass, and that is not a good sign.

Chargers 28, Titans 13

Texans @ Colts

Houston is on a hot streak heading into the playoffs and it does not stop here. Andre Johnson scored multiple touchdowns and catches for over 100 yards.

Colts try to win in a shootout, but the Texans have the ball last.

Texans 31, Colts 27

AFC Divisional Round

Texans @ Patriots

Unlike the Colts, the Patriots will have a dominant defense this year and will be able to hold off the firepower of the Texans.

Houston will succumb like everyone else to the passing game as long as Brady stays healthy. Their playoff experience is the difference maker.

Patriots 34, Texans 21

Chargers @ Steelers

I really do like the Chargers in this game. As all of us know, the Chargers have an impeccable pass rush.

The Steelers maintain a shaky offensive line. That is a recipe for disaster. Chargers in a close one.

Chargers 17, Steelers 13

AFC Championship Game

Chargers @ Patriots

This has happened before.

The Chargers get hot at the right time, then fall apart before getting to where they want to be: the Super Bowl.

This year is different. The Chargers have a unique sense of motivation going into this game trying to prove that they are not a regular season team with tons of talent. That will be enough.

Chargers 24, Patriots 17

NFC Wild Card Round

Falcons @ Saints

The defense of the Falcons is the key to this game.

Throughout the year, if the defense progresses and grows like I think it will then the Falcons can win this game.

Matt Ryan is part of a small group of quarterbacks who will actually work his tail off to be the best and to win. Ryan knows what he expects of himself, and will win this game in spite of a strong Saints team.

Falcons 27, Saints 21

Vikings @ Seahawks

When it comes to the playoffs, the Seahawks are no longer playing within the NFC West. They will play against tough teams who are desperate to win.

The Vikings' run defense and running game prove to be too much for the revived Seahawks.

Vikings 31, Seahawks 14

NFC Divisional Round

Falcons @ Packers

This has the makings of a huge upset at Lambeau Field. I really love the Packers and all they have done this year, so that is why I am still picking them to move forward here.

The Falcons have so much potential, but the Packers can do it all now.

Packers 23, Falcons 17

Vikings @ Cowboys

The Cowboys are good. The made it out of the NFC Beast alive, and they will not stop here. They have too much at stake by here.

Tony Romo escapes his years of being a regular season player and is voted player of the game with three touchdown passes to two different receivers, Jason Witten and Roy Williams. Cowboys in a game that looks much closer than it is.

Cowboys 34, Vikings 24

NFC Championship Game

Cowboys @ Packers

The NFC Championship game that was supposed to happen in January 2008. In the battle of the 3-4 I like the Packers here.

Aaron Rodgers has defined himself as the new QB in Green Bay. The team is his and the Packers have more confidence than ever going into this game.

Packers 21, Cowboys 16

Super Bowl XLIV

Before we get to my final prediction, let us all give a clapping hand to both teams. Both the Chargers and the Packers fought against the odds to be where they are right now. Let's get to it.

I think we will see the first overtime game in Super Bowl history. That is how well I think these teams match up. Who knows? Maybe even a coin toss will decide this game at the beginning of overtime.

I think that the San Diego Chargers will pull away with this on a last second kick from Nate Kaeding. Philip Rivers becomes the last QB from the class of 2004 to win a Super Bowl.

LaDainian Tomlinson shows why he is still among the league's best running backs. Good game in all.

Chargers 20, Packers 17 F/OT