2009 NFL Predictions

FIRST PLACE: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-3)

Make no mistake about it, with Tom Brady back this team is easily the favorites to win the East. The running game doesn't have a star per say but a four or even five headed monster will keep opponents guessing. The receivers look even stronger with the addition of veteran Joey Galloway, and you know that production will come from Moss and Welker. The defense lost some veteran leaders but it shouldn't affect the team too much. Jerad Mayo is a star in the making. Some are skeptical of the Patriots secondary, although it may give up the big play on occasion it should be serviceable enough to make this defensive unit one of the best.

SECOND PLACE: NEW YORK JETS (7-9)

New coach Rex Ryan gives this team a new image of a tough team that will beat you up on defense. Along with Ryan, adding players like Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard, and Lito Sheppard make this a formidable defense that should keep them in most games. On the other side of the ball the Jets hope they have their franchise quarterback in Mark Sanchez. He should be a great QB in the future but will go through some growing pains especially since his receiving threats aren't exactly the best around. The O-Line should help a running game of Thomas Jones, Leon Washington and rookie Shonn Greene take pressure of Sanchez.

THIRD PLACE: BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)

Bills made one of the biggest and most surprising offseason moves in acquiring Terrell Owens. Although I believe that this will help the offense tremendously I do not believe it to be enough to put this team over the top. Owens addition immediately makes Trent Edwards and Lee Evans better but does nothing for what could be the worst offensive line in football. On the defensive side of the ball the Bills have some pieces in the right place with Schobel back healthy and Posluszny, Whitner, and McGee as three of the more underrated players in the NFL, overall this Defense may lack depth which could hurt them down the stretch.

FOURTH PLACE: MIAMI DOLPHINS (5-11)

I'll get a lot of flack for picking the Dolphins to have such a bad record but it's not necessarily because I think they have a bad team. They have a brutal schedule this year and last year all the pieces seemed to fall into the right spot for them something that usually doesn't happen two years in a row. Pennington had a great year but also usually struggles to go two strong years. Don't be surprised if Chad Henne is in place by season's end. The defense is strong led by a resurgent Joey Porter, the secondary is young but talented and should make some nice plays. Overall the Dolphins just have too much working against them and may face a long rough year.

FIRST PLACE: PITTSBURGH STEELERS (14-2)

The defending champs are poised to make another strong run at a title. With no key parts leaving the Steelers remain the team to beat. Big Ben may have taken a step back statistically last year but no one can question his leadership and ability to bring it when it counts. The offensive line is the weak part of the team and is a spot that needs to improve this year. Rashard Mendenhall missed most of last year but should play a huge part in the offense this year and may even be the feature back before the end of the season. Not much to say about the defense other than they are probably the best in the NFL.

SECOND PLACE: BALTIMORE RAVENS (10-6)

The Ravens still have a great defense although many of the player are getting older and could start falling off at any point. Even so, players like Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed make this team one of the scariest for any offense to go up against. Joe Flacco did exactly what they asked of him last year and managed the ball efficiently. This year he will be asked to do more though and he may find if difficult with the receiving options he has. Although the Ravens running game was led by 3 people last year I look for Ray Rice to emerge as the main guy for Baltimore as he fits the system nicely and gives them speed out of the backfield.

THIRD PLACE: CINCINNATI BENGALS (5-11)

Having Carson Palmer back healthy should help this team greatly but you can't turn a team of dysfunction around in one year. Palmer will have nice targets in OchoCinco, Coles, and Henry, but the O-line will have to give him more time to throw to those three. Benson is s nice find for them and will have to prove himself again this year but should be the same type of back as Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson before him. On defense this team gets stronger every year, it is still young though and could take a couple of years to gel together but when they do, teams better watch out.

FOURTH PLACE: CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-13)

Browns have a new coach in Eric Mangini but he may not be the savior they were looking for. The defense is in shambles with no real standouts outside of Shaun Rogers (and he only shows up on half the plays). On offense this team doesn't look much better. Neither Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson have shown much and Jamal Lewis is just about on his last legs. Braylon Edwards is extremely talented but drops too many passes and lacks the leadership skills this team needs.

FIRST PLACE: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4)

The Colts lost Tony Dungy, Tom Moore, and Marvin Harrison, but this team runs through Peyton Manning and he seems to better than ever. Look for Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark all to have career years. Joseph Addai to a big step backwards but the addition of Donald Brown and the strength of this O-Line should help the running game balance out the passing game. On defense the front seven need to do a better job of stopping the run but the secondary is one of the best especially if Bob Sanders can come back healthy.

SECOND PLACE: HOUSTON TEXANS (11-5)

This is the year that the NFL's newest team takes the step forward. The offense is one of the most explosive with Andre Johnson leading the way. Matt Schaub needs to stay healthy (something he hasn't been able to do) If he does stay healthy he could put up stats that could open some eyes. Steve Slaton is a versatile back that can do it all. On defense they are still a bit green but Houston is moving in the right direction. Mario Williams is one of the top 5 players on defense in the NFL and if Amobi Okoye can develop than the front four will be strong. Rookie Brian Cushing should help make DeMeco Ryans even better and Dunta Robinson signing gives this team a respectable secondary.

THIRD PLACE: TENNESSEE TITANS (10-6)

Losing Albert Haynesworth will hurt, but not as much as some think. Jason Jones and Tony Brown should be very good in replacing the big man and the rest of the defense is strong as well. Courtland Finnegan could be the most underrated defensive player in the NFL. The Titans will once again rely on the running game to be the focal point of their offense with Chris Johnson and LenDale White creating matchup nightmares for opposing teams. Kerry Collins will be asked once again to work with average receivers but rookie Kenny Britt could surprise some.

FOURTH PLACE: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (6-10)

Jaguars have to deal with one of the toughest divisions in all of football and their record will suffer from it. By no means is this a bad team, but they just don't quite match up with the rest. Jones-Drew is a superstar that will finally get a chance to get a full load. Garrard should improve upon his quarterback play especially with addition of Torry Holt. On defense this team is young and needs some seasoning. They will have their ups and downs but should be respectable in the end.

FIRST PLACE: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (14-2)

This team was a disappointment as far a record went last year but injuries played a major factor in that. Look for the Chargers to take advantage of what could be the worst division in football. Rivers has taken the next step and is a top 5 quarterback. Tomlinson if fully healthy and although is aging should be back as an elite weapon. Vincent Jackson has taken strides every year and should just keep getting better. Gates is also healthy will be back to his old self. On defense the team was a little shaky last year but the return of Shawn Merriman and with newcomer Larry English they should once again be one of the best.

SECOND PLACE: DENVER BRONCOS (6-10)

Quite an offseason for Denver as they got a new head coach and traded their franchise QB. Broncos have some very good players but this team will need some time to mesh together. Josh McDaniels will bring a new fresh look and players like Knowshown Moreno, Brandon Marshall, and Eddie Royal will bring excitement. Kyle Orton will be asked to be the quarterback for the time being but he doesn't seem to be the kind of guy that you can make a strong playoff run with. The defense has been awful the last few years and this year might not be any different.

THIRD PLACE: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-13)

Is Matt Cassel worth it? Can Todd Haley be successful on his own? Those are just a couple of the huge questions for the Chiefs to answer. Cassel was brought over to be the franchise quarterback but will have to prove that his limited success wasn't just the system he was in. The offense could be fun to watch with Larry Johnson and Dwayne Bowe providing the big plays. On defense this team will stuggle. Although some players like Glenn Dorsey and Derrick Johnson have talent...neither has lived up to expectations. The veteran presence of Mike Vrabel should at least point this D in the right direction.

FOURTH PLACE: OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-13)

Al Davis may be one of the greatest owners ever, but I'm afraid he has lost his touch. This team seems to be all over the place. JaMarcus Russell hasn't shown much to warrant his number one pick...but to be fair he has had absolutely no one to throw to. The Raiders hope that Derrius Heyward-Bey will be the answer but many were left scratching their heads after Oakland drafted him so high. The running game should be strong with a healthy Darren McFadden leading the way. Michael Bush could be a starter on most teams and should get plenty of carries as well. On defense this team is stingy and can frustrate offenses but a lack of depth and direction leads to mistakes to much and doesn't allow them to stay in games.

FIRST PLACE: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (11-5)

Eagles are strong on all sides of the ball and should be one of the best teams in the NFL. McNabb is still one of the best and got another weapon in Jeremy Maclin. DeSean Jackson should build upon his success as a rookie and Kevin Curtis is back healthy. Brian Westbrook is amazing when he is healthy but that is always a big question. Rookie LeSean McCoy should fill in nicely when Westbrook gets hurt. On defense this unit has been strong with a group of unknown players especially in the front seven. The death of coordinator Jim Johnson will hurt but could also rally this team to be one of the best defensive units around.

SECOND PLACE: DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7)

Cowboys may have gotten rid of Terrell Owens but that doesn't change the fact that this team just has too much drama. Tony Romo is talented but needs to keep his head in the game. Roy Williams should do a nice job of filling the number one receiver spot and you know that Jason Witten will be strong but the receivers could be weak beyond that. Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice compliment each other well in the running game. On defense this team needs to be more consistent but the strength and speed of Demarcus Ware makes them scary every Sunday.

THIRD PLACE: NEW YORK GIANTS (8-8)

I'll start by saying I've never been a true believer when it comes to Eli Manning. I think he is an average quarterback and will struggle without Burress. The running game is strong behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Jacobs and Bradshaw are nice opposites which could wreak havoc. On defense the line is probably the best around, although I believe their are still some huge questions at linebacker and secondary.

FOURTH PLACE: WASHINGTON REDSKINS (6-10)

Once again they spent big money in the offseason, this time on Albert Haynesworth. Although I do think it will improve the defense greatly, it's the offensive side of the ball that really needs improvement. Jason Campbell hasn't done anything to impress and the'Skins were looking to replace him in the offseason. Portis is a workhorse but one has to wonder when all those carries will catch up to him. Santana Moss is not a true number one and will need either Devin Thomas or Malcom Kelly to step up and take coverage off him.

FIRST PLACE: GREEN BAY PACKERS (12-4)

This team has as much talent as anybody, now they just need to learn how to finish games. Aaron Rodgers was impressive in what was basically a rookie season and should become an MVP candidate as early as this year. Packers boast a strong receiving core with Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, and James Jones all contributing, along with tight ends Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley. On defense the team is switching to a 3-4 which some believe will hurt the team but I think the complete opposite. The linebackers are as good as anyone with AJ Hawk, Nick Barnett, Aaron Kampman, and rookie Clay Matthews. The front 3 is the weak point but if rookie B.J. Raji can be the player they expect then look out. The secondary is aging but still one of the best and frustrates wide receivers as much as anyone.

SECOND PLACE: MINNESOTA VIKINGS (11-5)

Well Favre is here whether you like it or not and is an upgrade over what they had. Lets not forget that this team won the division with basically the same team but a lesser quarterback. There is no reason to think that this team will take a step back. Adrian Peterson is the best running back in football and should just keep getting better. Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin are exciting playmakers that will keep defenses honest. The defense is strong as well especially up front with the Williams boys and sack machine Jared Allen. The secondary lost a leader in Darren Sharper but should still be good with Antoine Winfield leading the way.

THIRD PLACE: CHICAGO BEARS (9-7)

Jay Cutler may already be the best quarterback this team has ever had but that doesn't mean that they automatically become a great team. They might have the worst receiving unit in the NFL and that will hurt more than some think. Matt Forte should help take pressure of the passing game as he already seems to be one of the elite. The defense is aging but is still strong, especially in the front seven. The secondary is suspect and may be the undoing of the defense and in the end the team.

FOURTH PLACE: DETROIT LIONS (3-13)

No where to go but up, and the Lions should make improvements but don't expect a miracle. Jim Schwartz seems like a nice fit as coach but it will take a while to turn around what has been a dreadful franchise. Matthew Stafford will be thrown to the wolves right away and his confidence could be shaken. On the other hand he is throwing to what could be the best wideout in the league in Calvin Johnson. Kevin Smith looks like a nice running back and reminds me of Curtis Martin. The O-Line is the best it's been in years which is a step in the right direction. On defense this team will still struggle. The linebacking core is strong but the front four and secondary are still weak and should still give up a lot of points.

FIRST PLACE: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (12-4)

The Saints have what could be the most exciting offense in football. Drew Brees should put up monster stats with a healthy Marques Colston and Reggie Bush back. Pierre Thomas, Lance Moore, and Robert Meachem might not be big names but should put up nice numbers as well. The defense has been this teams downfall but I look for big improvements this year under new coordinator Gregg Williams. Darren Sharper also bring leadership to a unit that should mature this year.

SECOND PLACE: ATLANTA FALCONS (10-6)

Matt Ryan looked anything but a rookie this year and should be even better with a year under his belt and a new weapon in Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner and Roddy White made their selves known and should stay strong this year as well. The defense performed well last year but could take a step back this year. A leader outside of John Abraham will need to emerge or this team could struggle keeping teams off the scoreboard.

THIRD PLACE: CAROLINA PANTHERS (8-8)

The Panthers relied heavily on their two-headed running monster in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart last year and they will again this year. But if teams start to shut them down than Jake Delhomme may struggle to lead this team even with the help of talented wideout Steve Smith. On defense the team isn't quite as strong as it used to be although Julius Peppers, Jon Beason, and Chris Gamble are among the best.

FOURTH PLACE: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-13)

Tampa had an odd offseason and are a team that I think will struggle mightily this year. The offense is decent with a trio of above average backs. The breakout of Antonio Bryant will have to continue though to help Byron Leftwich and company along the way. Kellen Winslow at least gives the quarterback another target, though he is anything but reliable. On defense this team could go either way with talents in Gaines Adams and Aqib Talib, but the players will have to live up to their potentials quickly.

FIRST PLACE: ARIZONA CARDINALS (10-6)

I'm a believer that the Cards won't fall back this year. It may have been surprising that they made it as far as they did but it was not surprising that they made the playoffs. The offense should be even better with the drafting of Chris Wells. They may finally have a running game to go with the best receiving corps in the NFL. Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Breaston will all experience success again if Kurt Warner can stay healthy. The defense is better than most think and although can sometimes breakdown should be strong enough to stop opponents from keeping up with the high powered offense.

SECOND PLACE: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-7)

This team had a slew of injuries last year and should be much improved this year. A lot depends on how Matt Hasselbeck does but he should be back to normal. The running game is weak but the Hawks hope that either Julius Jones or Edgerrin James have something left. The defense was a disappointment last year but should be strong in the front seven. The secondary needs to get better fast though.

THIRD PLACE: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-11)

Although I think Mike Singletary is a great coach, I just don't think the niners have the personnel to succeed. No one really thinks that Shaun Hill is the answer a quarterback. Michael Crabtree was supposed to be the receiver of the future but his attitude looks like it could get in the way. Frank Gore is great at running back but you can be sure that defenses will key in on him. On defense the team has Patrick Willis who is a tackle machine but the secondary is weak and teams know they can throw on them.

FOURTH PLACE: ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-14)

Rams just don't have it yet. Marc Bulger seems to have lost his touch, the receivers are young and may not have the talent to succeed. The defense has some nice players in Chris Long and Atowe but beyond that are weak. Steven Jackson is the one positive about this team but how much can one player do? I guess we will see this season.

MVP: Drew Brees

Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson

Defensive Player of the Year: Mario Williams

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Wells

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Clay Matthews

Comeback Player of the Year: Tom Brady

Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy

FIRST ROUND

(byes: Steelers, Chargers, Packers, Saints)

Patriots over Titans
Colts over Texans
Eagles over Falcons
Vikings over Cardinals

SECOND ROUND

Colts over Steelers
Chargers over Patriots
Packers over Vikings
Eagles over Saints

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Chargers over Colts

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

Packers over Eagles

CHARGERS OVER PACKERS

Although I think the game will be very close I believe the Chargers will be able to run well on Green Bay and therefore believe that LaDanian Tomlinson will be the Super Bowl MVP