Whatifsports.com will utilize our NFL simulation technology, statistical research capabilities, up-to-the minute roster and depth chart information to preview the upcoming NFL season. We will look at each division before presenting final standings, fantasy and statistical leaders, award winners, playoff results and power rankings. This analysis is part of a broader endeavor with FOXSports.com's Fantasy Football.
Rosters and depth charts are up-to-date and as accurate as possible as of June 8, 2008. A schedule of upcoming NFL preview content including links to other previews that have already been posted is located here.
For this analysis, each regular season game is simulated 1,000 times, with the sum of the winning percentages of those games being our final predicted record. As can be noted, sometimes a team is "favored" (wins more than 50% of the time) in a different number of our games than the expected record shows. We list this record as the Absolute Record. The assumption of the Absolute Record is that the more likely scenario always happens. Since we know that it does not (see Super Bowl XLII), our expected record (in parentheses next to each team) is far more accurate. Also, especially since we are rounding, it is possible for a team to win a game more often, yet score the same or fewer points on average. In those cases, for Absolute Records, we always take higher winning percentage and are not predicting a tie or a win by an underdog. This is another reason why the expected records are more accurate, as the teams are so evenly matched, the game could easily go either way.
Today we will preview the AFC North.
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7 months ago
Cleveland will not win 10 games.... and for sure won't win 12.... how in the hell are they picked winning the conference over Pittsburgh anyways... I mean I hate both teams but disgusting..... the Browns might be the most overrated team in the entire NFL right now.... I'm not buying the hype and I'm not sure how so many people are.
from 7 months ago
Overrated? Nobody is picking them to win the Super Bowl bro. Playoffs are definatley a goal, but continuing to develop consistency is expected. And it will happen. Not overrated.
All our toughest games are at home. We could very possibly win 7 road games. Even if we lost to the Boys, Giants, and Colts, wich I doubt all three will happen, and split with the Steelers, we're looking at a 12 win season.
All speculation aside, I just want the Browns to establish themselves as a formidable team. Hopefully Super Bowls will come, but putting together winning seasons year after year is most important.
7 months ago
Great article. Although I think the predictions for my team (go Browns!) are a little optimistic, the basic premise that the Browns will finally battle for the division is correct.
I hope.
from 7 months ago
Yet again Jim, I am forced to say: Ditto.
from 7 months ago
They'll battle and it all comes dwon to the 2 Steeler games. If they can win them they can win the division. Lose 'em, no shot.
from 4 months ago
I don't think that they are too optomistic, but it is questionable. I think that after their performance last night against Dallas, they do not deserve to win 10 games. I hope that this was a wake up call for them and it showed them that they need to show up. If they show up next week against the Steelers, and win, we will win the division.
7 months ago
Get a backup running back.. Lewis is getting old... all my friends are Browns fans.. I know too much about them... I really think last year was a fluke. Don't get me wrong they have plenty of talent... the D-line got help.. linebackers are good and young... no secondary at all just like Pittsburgh.... except pitt has polamalu at least.. but I still think I'd take the veterans on Pitt over the young Cleveland D... offensively Lewis needs a legit backup.. he's getting old and he is due for an injury this year... it all comes down to QB play for the Browns.
from 7 months ago
You speak of Polamalu, I think that Sean Jones is developing into one of the top safties in the league. He's had 2 pretty good seasons, and he's getting better. He's no polamalu though, yet.
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