NFL Predictions 2010: Predicting Records for All 32 Teams
With the 2010-2011 season set to kickoff right around the corner, it's time to look closely at each team's strengths and weaknesses and how that will translate into their ultimate success.
As some of you may have noticed, I started out writing an in-depth outlook of each team. Unfortunately, I was only able to publish 18 up to this point. I apologize for not being able to do one on the remainder, but in order to get it in by the time the regular season starts, I decided this was the best route to take.
Therefore, here is my perspective on how all 32 teams will do in the upcoming 2010 season.
Note: I will be doing these in order of divisions (NFC North-AFC West).
4. NFC North: Detroit Lions
1 of 32
Final Record: (4-12)
Sure, the Detroit Lions are still in the rebuilding phase.
Nonetheless, they are making gradual improvements with their additions during the offseason. They have several pieces to build around and the future looks bright.
As a result, I expect them to double their win total for the second consecutive season
3. NFC North: Chicago Bears
2 of 32
Final Record: (5-11)
Regardless of their offseason acqusitions, I see it as tough for this team to get over the hump and into the playoffs because of their brutal schedule.
It'll be interesting to see what effect Mike Martz has on this offense, though.
2. NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
3 of 32
Final Record: (10-6)
The Vikings are one of the more intriguing teams this season, especially with Brett Favre returning for a 20th NFL season. Still, it seems as if more and more people are jumping off the ship and questioning whether or not they are true title contenders.
In my opinion, even though they have a tough road ahead of them, this is still an elite team.
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1. NFC North: Green Bay Packers
4 of 32
Final Record: (12-4)
The Packers have all the pieces in place to make a serious title run.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and their defense should maintain its high level of play even with the questions at secondary.
This is certainly going to be an exciting season for the Packers.
4.NFC East: Washington Redskins
5 of 32
Final Record: (7-9)
Putting the entire Haynesworth situation aside, I like what the Redskins did this offseason.
They brought in a franchise quarterback and an established head coach to run the team, which as a result should translate into more wins.
3. NFC East: New York Giants
6 of 32
Final Record: (8-8)
Really, the Giants' season will boil down to whether or not they can get back to the style of football that won them the Super Bowl just two years ago.
If they can run the ball effectively and get after the quarterback, then don't be surprised if they find themselves fighting for a playoff berth.
Otherwise, they'll have to settle for mediocrity.
2. NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
7 of 32
Final Record: (8-8)
This is a team in transition, especially after handing the reigns over to youngster Kevin Kolb at quarterback. If he can find a way to pick up where Donovan McNabb left off, then they could post another winning season.
However, I expect him to struggle at first, as most new quarterbacks do, which means they will most likely miss the playoffs for only the third time in the past 10 years.
1. NFC East: Dallas Cowboys
8 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
Despite a tough road ahead, I believe that the 'Boys are up for the challenge. They are arguably the most talented team on paper and I expect them to stroll through the regular season
The real question is whether or not America's Team can take it all the way to the Super Bowl, which conveniently takes place in Cowboys Stadium.
4. NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9 of 32
Final Record: (2-14)
In my mind, if there's a team out there with little to no hope heading into the season, it's the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Josh Freeman is unproven, and he has limited weapons to work with on offense. On the flip side, they should be an improved defense.
Still, this is a team that has major work to do before they become competitive.
3. NFC South: Carolina Panthers
10 of 32
Final Record: (7-9)
While I do thin the Panthers are a talented squad, it just won't be enough in the increasingly tough NFC South.
Definitely keep an eye out for if Jimmy Clausen is given the opportunity at starter.
2. NFC South: Atlanta Falcons
11 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
There are a lot of things to be happy about in Atlanta. It have the face of its franchise in Matt Ryan, it's built a strong nucleus and there is strong chemistry between teammates.
There is finally a winning mentality throughout the organization and this is definitely a team headed in the right direction.
However, because the NFC is growing to be much more competitive, I predict the Falcons fighting for a playoff spot down to the wire.
1. NFC South: New Orleans Saints
12 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
The New Orleans Saints are fresh off an impressive Super Bowl victory, and they should remain an elite team.
A pressing question, to me, is whether or not their defense can continue to make big-time plays like they did last year.
If they can, watch out!
4. NFC West: St. Louis Rams
13 of 32
Final Record: (3-13)
Sure, they are headed in the right direction with No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford. But, to be honest, the St. Louis Rams are nowhere close to being a competitive franchise.
I think it'll still take a few years, and until then they will probably continue to be a sub-.500 team.
3. NFC West: Seattle Seahawks
14 of 32
Final Record: (4-12)
The Seattle Seahawks were the toughest team to predict, simply because I don't know what to expect from them.
Even though the roster is still depleted for the most part, they could win seven or eight games if they can get strong quarterback play.
However, I don't see that happening.
2. NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
15 of 32
Final Record: (5-11)
With the several key offseason losses that they've suffered, it's tough to see the Arizona Cardinals maintain their position on the top of the division
In the end, it'll depend on how their replacements perform. Can Derek Anderson play like Kurt Warner did?
I highly doubt it.
1. NFC West: San Francisco 49ers
16 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
The San Francisco 49ers are no fluke. They have a stout defense and an underrated offense with multiple versatile playmakers at Alex Smith's disposal. That being the case, his performance will determine their ultimate success.
Putting that all into consideration, I firmly believe it's time that they mark their spot as the NFC West champion.
4. AFC North: Cleveland Browns
17 of 32
Final Record: (5-11)
Sure, the Browns have a good defense, rushing attack and special teams. However, considering that the Browns have one of the worst quarterback situations in a quarterback-driven league, it will be tough for this team to compile more than a few wins.
Optimistically speaking, though, finishing last could be a beneficial thing as it will put them in the running for the elite quarterbacks in next year's draft class.
3. AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
18 of 32
Final Record: (10-6)
The Steelers are a strong organization that has proven on numerous occasions to persevere through adversity.
I expect them to do the same with the Ben Roethlisberger situation and surprise a lot of doubters.
They will get back to running the ball effectively and playing dominant defense, which should carry them throughout the season.
2. AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals
19 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
The Cincinnati Bengals are a team that I'm most skeptical about. Can their defense continue to play well? Is Cedric Benson for real? Is the organization way in over its head with all these risky acquisitions?
While it could go either way, I think the Bengals will answer those questions with flying colors and post their first back-to-back winning seasons in nearly 30 years.
1. AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
20 of 32
Final Record: (12-4)
The Ravens are a team on the rise and they should make a major step up next year as their offense can finally stay on par with their defense.
I expect the team to cruise into the playoffs, where it will be interesting to see what they can do.
4. AFC East: Buffalo Bills
21 of 32
Final Record: (1-15)
There are simply too many questions for this team, and looking at the organization, from top to bottom, I just can't find the answers. The remainder of the AFC East has made too many improvements for the Bills to catch up.
Every year there seems to be a team that falters to the basement of the NFL and barely manages to squeeze a win or two by. This season, that team should be the Buffalo Bills.
So they are on the clock.
3. AFC East: Miami Dolphins
22 of 32
Final Record: (9-7)
Despite being a very talented club, the brutal schedule will make it tough for them to win more than eight or nine games. However, I could also see a couple-game swing on either side.
2. AFC East: New England Patriots
23 of 32
Final Record: (10-6)
Even with the losses they've suffered in terms of veteran leadership, primarily on defense, as long as Tom Brady is throwing to Randy Moss and Wes Welker under head coach Bill Bellicheck, this team is good for a double-digit win season.
Plus, I'm sure they have some added motivation with all the criticism they've received lately.
So don't sleep on the Pats this year.
1. AFC East: New York Jets
24 of 32
Final Record: (12-4)
Yes, they barely made the playoffs and wouldn't have if it weren't for the Colts caving in their bid for perfection.
However, that was primarily because they were adjusting to a new head coach and rookie quarterback.
The team that we saw in the playoffs is the real deal. Making matters even better, they've made several acquisitions this offseason which should improve their roster.
They have an underrated aerial attack, a premier ground game and arguably the best defense in football.
With Darrelle Revis signed, the Jets are contenders, not pretenders.
4. AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
25 of 32
Final Record: (4-12)
In my mind, the Jaguars lack direction and simply have too many question marks heading into next season to be competitive.
Enough said.
3. AFC South: Tennessee Titans
26 of 32
Final Record: (9-7)
The Tennessee Titans are one of my "sleeper" teams this year. I like the Vince Young and Chris Johnson tandem, and their defense should be improved.
However, the one obstacle in their way is an incredibly tough division.
2. AFC South: Houston Texans
27 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
Even though their schedule is brutal, the Texans have all the pieces in place to make the playoffs for the first time.
The real issue will be whether or not quarterback Matt Schaub can stay healthy for an entire season.
1. AFC South: Indidanpolis Colts
28 of 32
Final Record: (11-5)
Simply said, as long as Peyton Manning is with this team, I expect the Colts to win the division. No Super Bowl hangover is going to stop him.
With teams like the Ravens and Jets improving, it will be interesting to see if they can get another chance at a title though.
4. AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
29 of 32
Final Record: (5-11)
With the additions they've made, especially in the coaching staff, the Chiefs could surprise us this year. Of course, they key word is "could."
As long as they have the deadly trio of one of the worst starting quarterbacks, offensive lines and front sevens in the NFL, they won't win more than a few games.
3. AFC West: Denver Broncos
30 of 32
Final Record: (6-10)
I, honestly, don't think you can expect much from this team in the upcoming season. They are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, which will make it tough for them to post a winning record. They completely collapsed toward the end of last season, and I expect that to carry over.
2. AFC West: Oakland Raiders
31 of 32
Final Record: (8-8)
If there's any team that could get over the hump this season, it's the Oakland Raiders.
Their primary issue was quarterback JaMarcus Russell, and Al Davis made a wise decision by replacing him with Jason Campbell.
On defense, they look very strong with studs at each line of the unit.
In my mind, this is a team that is very underrated and could push for a winning record for the first time since their loss in Super Bowl XXXVII.
1. AFC West: San Diego Chargers
32 of 32
Final Record: (10-6)
With the recent issues this team is facing, I could see them falling from their elite status.
Their window of opportunity to win a championship is closing, and without Pro Bowlers Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill, I don't think they stand a chance.
If it weren't for being in such a weak division, they would have a tough time even contending for the playoffs.
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