NFL Predictions 2010: Who Has the Easiest Path to the Playoffs?
With the 2010 NFL season just weeks away, most fans are trying to convince themselves that their team has a chance to end up like Drew Brees in this photograph.
For a 2009 playoff team, maybe they're just one or two lucky breaks away from winning. For those who struggled, maybe they can take motivation from the 2006 Saints, who went from a bottom-feeder to the NFC Championship.
But no matter what the talent level of a team may be, one thing that is undoubtedly crucial to a successful season is their schedule.
What teams might have the easiest path to the January postseason?
Let's see!
*A quick note on how the rankings were done*
After looking at every team's schedule I did an analysis base on several factors.
1. My power ranking of the team
2. Games they play against playoff teams from last year
3. Games against teams that, while they were successful in 2009, are due to struggle more this season.
4. Just the opposite. Games against teams that disappointed last season, that are likely to bounce back in 2010.
32. Minnesota Vikings
1 of 32
Power Ranking: Four
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—Green Bay (twice), Dallas, Philadelphia, New Orleans, New England, New York Jets, Arizona
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philly and Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit (Twice), Buffalo
Chance For Playoffs: Just avoid injuries and on they go.
The Vikings should be fine, but have a tremendously hard schedule this year and must hope Brett Favre can remain healthy. If he can, the team can still contend for a division title.
31. Buffalo Bills
2 of 32
Power Ranking: 28
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—New England (twice), New York Jets (twice), Cincinnati, Baltimore, Green Bay, Minnesota.
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami(Twice), Pittsburgh
Games vs. lame ducks: Cleveland, Detroit
Chance For Playoffs: Playing golf in January.
The Bills seem to have their roster get worse every season. If this wasn't bad enough, the Bills have a very hard schedule, six games against playoff-caliber teams in their own division, and have to go against an equally challenging AFC North.
It's going to be a long cold winter in Buffalo.
30. New England Patriots
3 of 32
Power Ranking: 9
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—New York Jets (twice), Cincinnati, San Diego, Minnesota, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Baltimore
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami (twice), Pittsburgh
Games vs. lame ducks: Buffalo (twice), Detroit, Cleveland.
Chance For Playoffs: Probable, but can't slip up.
The Patriots are a team in transition but still have the talent to be a top-level team. With a schedule playing against virtually every other Super Bowl contender though, the Patriots could see themselves out of the playoffs for the second time in three seasons if they are not careful.
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29. Chicago Bears
4 of 32
Power Ranking: 19
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—Green Bay (twice), Minnesota (twice), Philadelphia, Dallas, New England, New York Jets
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit (twice), Buffalo
Chance For Playoffs: Need major help.
The Bears could very well have more talent this year than last year's 7-9 team. However, with a schedule as tough as theirs, there is a possibility they could have a worse record this year.
That will not do for the Bears brass who have announced this is a make or break year for coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo.
28. Detroit Lions
5 of 32
Power Ranking: 30
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—Green Bay (twice), Minnesota (twice), Philadelphia, Dallas, New England, New York Jets
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami
Games vs. lame ducks: Tampa Bay, Buffalo, St. Louis
Chance For Playoffs: Playing golf in January.
For a team that has gone 2-30 in its last two seasons, there are not huge expectations for the Lions. With some nice additions and another solid draft, the team is moving in the right direction.
But with their schedule this year, no one should expect more than four wins from them in 2010. On the bright side, they'd be on a pace to win 12 games by 2014!
27. Miami Dolphins
6 of 32
Power Ranking: 13
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Eight—New England (twice), New York Jets (twice), Cincinnati, Minnesota, Green Bay, Baltimore
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Pittsburgh, Tennessee
Games vs. lame ducks: Buffalo (twice), Detroit, Cleveland
Chance For Playoffs: Possible, but need help.
Miami took a step back last year after a successful 2008. While they are a sleeper pick by some to go make a run, they'll have to negotiate around a very hard schedule. With a young roster and some established veterans joining the club, there is hope Miami could bring their Wildcat back to the playoffs.
26. Dallas Cowboys
7 of 32
Power Ranking: Seven
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Philadelphia (twice), Indianapolis, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Arizona
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee, Houston
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit
Chance For Playoffs: Probable, but can't slip up
Tony Romo finally won his first big playoff game last year, Dallas's first since 1996. That momentum and the sour taste in their mouth after a blow out loss against the Vikings in last year's playoff defeat should propel them to a bona fide Super Bowl contender.
But before they punch a ticket to the playoffs, Dallas must first get through a tough schedule in which they play against almost every other Super Bowl contender. If Dallas does get into the playoffs though, look out!
25. Cincinnati Bengals
8 of 32
Power Ranking: 14
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Baltimore (twice), New York Jets, New England, San Diego, Indianapolis, New Orleans
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: None
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Miami, Atlanta, Pittsburgh (twice)
Games vs. lame ducks: Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Cleveland (twice)
Chance For Playoffs: Possible, but need help.
The Bengals surprised a lot of people last year by winning the AFC North; however, they lost to the Jets in the Wild Card round.
Now the Bengals have to deal with expectations, and while much of the team has returned with the addition of T.O., it's going to be a tough time to repeat their success. Baltimore looks like a Super Bowl contender, and Pittsburgh often doesn't have two bad years. While it's not impossible to see the Bengals reach the postseason again, the odds are probably against them.
24. Washington Redskins
9 of 32
Power Ranking: 24
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Philadelphia (twice), Dallas (twice), Indianapolis, Green Bay, Minnesota
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia (twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Houston, Tennessee
Games vs. lame ducks: Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Detroit
Chance For Playoffs: Need major help.
The Washington Redskins always seem to be at the center of attention during the offseason, yet always disappear when it matters the most. With new coach Mike Shanahan taking control of the team and new quarterback Donovan McNabb taking the snaps, the team seeks to have people pay attention to the on-the-field product.
With a fairly difficult schedule though, it will be hard to see this team make the playoffs. But an improvement over last year's disaster is likely.
23. New York Giants
10 of 32
Power Ranking: 18
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Dallas (twice), Philadelphia (twice), Minnesota, Indianapolis, Green Bay
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia (twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Houston, Tennessee
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit
Chance For Playoffs: Possible, but need some help
What a difference a year makes. After starting 5-0 in the Giants' '09 season, the team fell apart, seeing its defense that had been one of the best in the league completely collapse.
No one quite knows what team we'll see this year. With some signings like Antrel Rolle, the defense is being rebuilt. With a hard schedule, a very competitive division, and question marks at numerous positions, it's going to be a tough road to see the G-men get back to the playoffs.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
11 of 32
Power Ranking: 15
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Baltimore (twice), Cincinnati (twice), New Orleans, New York Jets, New England
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati (twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee, Miami, Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks: Cleveland (twice), Tampa Bay
Chance For Playoffs: Possible, but need some help
It has been a rough year for the Steelers. Whether it was the injuries to defensive captain Troy Polamalu, or the off-field antics of Big Ben that's going to see him sit out (most likely) the first four games of the season, there has been a lot of turmoil for a franchise that does its best to avoid it.
With 10 very tough football games, and in one of the more competitive divisions in football, those four games missed could prove to be vital as to whether the Steelers play in the playoffs or watch them.
21. Cleveland Browns
12 of 32
Power Ranking: 29
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Baltimore (twice), Cincinnati (twice), New Orleans, New York Jets, New England
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati (twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Pittsburgh (twice), Miami, Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks: Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Kansas City
Chance For Playoffs: Playing golf in January.
It's a pretty awful time to be a Cleveland fan right now. The Indians look like the team from the movie Major League. LeBron has just spurned them, and the Browns look like they will have another season in last place.
The good news, if you are a Browns fan, is you appear to be building the organization the right way, starting with Mike Holmgren becoming the new team President. It will take awhile for the Browns to get competitive again, and a schedule including the Ravens, the defending Super Bowl champions, and the AFC East will not help. But one has to hope the franchise might start to turn the corner.
20. Houston Texans
13 of 32
Power Ranking: 12
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—Indianapolis (twice), San Diego, Philadelphia, Dallas, New York Jets, Baltimore
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee (twice)
Games vs. lame ducks: Kansas City
Chance For Playoffs: Probable, but cannot slip up.
This is an extremely important year for the Texans. They are coming off their first winning season, and have the talent to make a run in the postseason. They have All-Pros at numerous positions and should have their schemes down pat with Gary Kubiak now in Houston for his third season.
The problem is, with a history of failure and blowing it in the clutch, it is very hard to trust this team. If they can play to their talent level, they could easily go 11-5. Yet, their past mental fortitude tells you it could also end up being a 7-0 campaign.
Their schedule will test them with games against some of the NFL's best. But if they can manage to come out of those games with about a 4-3 mark, then the playoffs could be in their future.
19. New York Jets
14 of 32
Power Ranking: Five
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Six—New England (twice), Cincinnati, Baltimore, Minnesota, Green Bay
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Houston, Pittsburgh, Miami (twice)
Games vs. lame ducks: Buffalo (twice), Detroit, Cleveland
Chance For Playoffs: Avoid injuries and on they go.
It was Week 16 of the last season when the 7-7 Jets looked like a team on the brink of flaming out after a strong start. It was then when the Colts took out their starters in a game they were winning, thus conceding the game to the Jets. New York won that game, won its next, and made an improbable run to the AFC Championship game.
Now, with a host of veterans signing there and a strong nucleus returning, the Jets look like a team worthy of being called a Super Bowl contender. It won't be easy, having to play ten games against very tough competition. If they can go 6-4 in those games though, they have four more against some of the NFL's weakest teams.
Ten wins should at least snag them a Wild Card.
18. Green Bay Packers
15 of 32
Power Ranking: Three
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Six—Minnesota (twice), New York Jets, New England, Philadelphia, Dallas,
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit (twice), Buffalo
Chance For Playoffs: Avoid an injury to Rodgers and on they go.
The Green Bay Packers are a team happy to have a new franchise quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, a quarterback who has allowed people to forget about their former legend. Rodgers looks like he is ready to join the true elites at the quarterback position. If he can raise his game up to that level, then the Packers are a Super Bowl contender, it's as simple as that.
While they have some tough games in store, it is a schedule the Packers should be able to handle. And if they can win the division this year and force teams like the Vikings and Saints to come to Lambeau, great things could be in store for the Pack.
17. Atlanta Falcons
16 of 32
Power Ranking: 11
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Seven—New Orleans (twice), Green Bay, Philadelphia, Arizona, Baltimore, Cincinnati
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia, Arizona, Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: San Francisco, Pittsburgh
Games vs. lame ducks: Tampa Bay (twice), St. Louis, Cleveland
Chance For Playoffs: Possible, but need some help.
Has any team been on as much of a roller coaster as Atlanta the past three years?
From Michael Vick's disaster and a 3-13 team, to the emergence of Matt Ryan and a division title in 2008, to the disappointment of '09, the Falcons have been all over the place. If recent trends continue, that means we can expect good things this year from the Falcons.
While they do have seven games against '09 playoff teams, three of them are against teams that might be taking a step backward. With four very winnable games on their schedule, Atlanta very well could be back in the postseason.
16. Denver Broncos
17 of 32
Power Ranking: 25
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Six—San Diego (twice), Indianapolis, Baltimore, New York Jets, Arizona
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Houston, Tennessee, San Francisco
Games vs. lame ducks: Kansas City (twice), St. Louis
Chance For Playoffs: Playing golf in January.
I'm not a believer in Denver or Josh McDaniels. Call me a Kyle Orton mark, but I don't understand why a team that has a proven winning quarterback at hand drafts Tim Tebow. This is the same Tebow that was taken in the first round that many insiders felt was no better than a third-round pick.
But that is all besides the point. The fact is, the Broncos are a team that's traded or lost many of its best players and just lost their defensive MVP for much of the season. The fact they have to play most of the AFC's elite certainly won't help their cause. To me, I see Denver falling and falling hard this year.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
18 of 32
Power Ranking: 16
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Dallas (twice), Minnesota, Green Bay, Indianapolis
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: None
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco
Games vs. lame ducks: Detroit
Chance for playoffs: Possible. but need help.
There are a lot of people high on the Eagles this year, despite having a quarterback that has two games of NFL experience. I am not one of those people, as I believe Kolb will struggle. I also believe this team has not improved much over the past few years while others in the NFC have moved up the scale.
The Eagles also have a sneaky hard schedule with five games against the NFL elite, and another four that are in the same talent range as themselves. They also don't get the buffer of playing a lot of the worst teams in the league. The Eagles could surely make the postseason, but it will take new players to rise up on their team or the failing of others to get there.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars
19 of 32
Power Ranking: 22
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Indianapolis (twice), Dallas, San Diego, Philadelphia
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee (twice), Houston (twice)
Games vs. lame ducks: Kansas City
Chance for playoffs: Need major help.
The Jaguars are stuck in a position in this league that the franchise can ill afford...irrelevance.
There is nothing fun about this team besides the occasional long run by Maurice Jones-Drew. There are very few names to keep an eye on with this team and have a fairly pedestrian offense and defense. This for a franchise that desperately needs something attractive for their fans who are not coming to their stadium.
It's alarming enough that the franchise could be in jeopardy. The saving grace is their schedule is not awful. But with a team that lacks a lot of parts, it looks like another season toiling around 8-8 for the Jags.
13. Indianapolis Colts
20 of 32
Power Ranking: One
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego, New England, Cincinnati
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Tennessee (twice), Houston (twice)
Games vs. lame ducks: Kansas City
Chance for playoffs: Book it as long as Manning stays upright.
You would think a team like the Colts who seem to win at least 12 games every year would have an easier schedule. But having the good fortune of playing against the AFC West and a few teams that are a bit overrated, the Colts should have no problem continuing their dominance.
12. Baltimore Ravens
21 of 32
Power Ranking: Six
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Cincinnati (twice), New York Jets, New England, New Orleans
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Cincinnati (twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Pittsburgh (twice), Atlanta, Houston, Miami
Games vs. lame ducks: Cleveland (twice), Buffalo, Tampa Bay
Chance for playoffs: Probable, but can't slip up.
The Baltimore Ravens seemed to find themselves towards the end of last year, peaking with a strong win at New England in the playoffs.
Though they went on to lose to the Colts, the Ravens ended last year with a lot of momentum, and look to continue their winning ways this year. With several new key additions, this is quite possibly the most talented Ravens team since they won the Super Bowl. They will also have a manageable schedule with only three games against elite NFL teams.
They do, however, face numerous teams that are looking to join that elite so they can not rest on their laurels. If they stay the course though, the Ravens should be fighting for a bye week in the postseason.
11. Tennessee Titans
22 of 32
Power Ranking: 10
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Indianapolis (twice), Dallas, Philadelphia, San Diego
Games vs. 2009 overachievers: Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers: Houston (twice), Pittsburgh
Games vs. lame ducks: Kansas City
Possible but needs some help.
There is perhaps no other team I have seen in my lifetime seemingly turn on the "on" switch like the Titans last year. Starting 0-6 including a humiliating 59-0 defeat at New England, the Titans turned back to Vince Young and managed to go 8-2 in their last ten games, nearly making the playoffs.
Which Titans team we see this year is anyone's guess. One thing that is for sure though is the schedule of Tennessee will be easier this year. With only five games against '09 playoff teams, the schedule is in their favor.
However, with numerous teams in the AFC fighting for a precious few playoffs spots (see, Miami, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Houston), the Titans cannot afford any lengthy losing streak if they wish to make it to mid January.
10. New Orleans Saints
23 of 32
Power Ranking: Two
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—Minnesota, Dallas, Arizona, Cincinnati, Baltimore
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Cincinnati, Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? Atlanta (Twice), Pittsburgh, San Francisco
Games vs. lame ducks? Tampa Bay (Twice), St. Louis, Cleveland
Chance for playoffs: Avoid injuries and on they go
It's great to be a Saints fan right now. Your team is coming off a Super Bowl championship, most of that team is coming back, and you get to enjoy one of the easier schedules in the NFL this year.
With only five games against '09 playoff teams, the Saints should be in great shape for a return trip to the playoffs. While they do have games against three teams primed to make a run this year, that is equalized by four games against three of the four worst teams in the league. Another 12-4 or 13-3 year is not out of the question for the defending champs.
9. San Francisco 49'ers
24 of 32
Power Ranking: 17
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Six—Arizona (Twice), San Diego, Green Bay, New Orleans, Philadelphia
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona (Twice), Philadelphia
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks? St. Louis(Twice), Tampa Bay, Kansas City
Chance for playoffs: Avoid injuries and on they go
Could this be the time for the 49'ers? I believe it is.
While their talent might have them finish third in a host of other divisions, the 49'ers benefit with possibly the worst division in the league and an easy schedule to boot where they seem themselves play against arguably the second worst division.
The Cardinals have lost the guts of their team, and the Rams and Seahawks are rebuilding. With only six games against '09 playoff opponents, a ten or eleven win season should be in store for the once great franchise that hasn't seen the postseason since 2002.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
25 of 32
Power Ranking: 32
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five—New Orleans (Twice), Cincinnati, Baltimore, Arizona
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona, Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? Atlanta (Twice), Pittsburgh
Games vs. lame ducks? St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland
Chance for playoffs: Playing golf in January
The good news for the Bucs is they have one of the league's easiest schedules.
The bad news? They have probably the worst talent pool in the league. With Josh Freeman and many no names "leading" the way, times in Tampa are not great. Having to rebuild after a decade long run where they were perennial playoff contenders, the Bucs will have another tough year.
The one thing going their way is they do have some winnable games on their schedule. The question is, will they actually win them? In the end, the Bucs will most likely be "fighting" for a No. 1 pick, not the playoffs.
7. Carolina Panthers
26 of 32
Power Ranking: 24
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Five— New Orleans (Twice), Cincinnati, Baltimore, Arizona
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona, Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? Atlanta(Twice), Pittsburgh, San Francisco
Games vs. lame ducks? Tampa Bay (Twice), St. Louis, Cleveland
Chance for playoffs: Needs major help
The Carolina Panthers are a team in a similar boat as Jacksonville. They're not particularly awful in any one area, and have a top rushing game.
However, the team just lacks sizzle and seems stuck in a rut of being stuck between 9-7 and 7-9. That's unlikely to change this year, though an easy schedule gives them a glimmer of hope that if they can catch some lightning in a bottle, they could try to sneak into the playoffs.
6. Arizona Cardinals
27 of 32
Power Ranking: 21
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—San Diego, Minnesota, Dallas, New Orleans
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? None
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? San Francisco (Twice), Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks? St. Louis (Twice), Kansas City, Tampa Bay
Chance for playoffs: Possible but needs help
No team in the NFL saw its guts get ripped out quite like the Cardinals this offseason. Kurt Warner retired, Anquan Boldin was traded to Baltimore, and Carlos Dansby, the team's defensive leader signed with Miami.
For most teams that would spell instant doom. But when you have a schedule as easy as the Cardinals, you still believe there is a chance to make the playoffs. Despite winning the NFC West last year, the Cards only have four games against '09 playoff teams, with four games against the NFL's worst teams. If they purely split those at 4-4, they would have to go 6-2 against the rest of the pack, to most likely make the playoffs.
Is it probable? No. But the possibility is still there that the Cards could make it three years in a row that they're playoff bound.
5. Oakland Raiders
28 of 32
Power Ranking: 23
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—San Diego (Twice), Arizona, Indianapolis
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? Miami, Tennessee, Houston, San Francisco
Games vs. lame ducks? Kansas City (Twice), St. Louis
Chance for playoffs: Needs major help.
There is something permeating around the Oakland Raiders' practice fields that hasn't been around in nearly a decade....a sense of hope.
Since 2002, the Raiders have become the laughing stock of the league. However after a very strong draft and offseason in which it appeared Al Davis was thrown into a broom closet, the Raiders have put together a decent defense and have a capable quarterback in Jason Campbell at the helm.
In addition, they have one of the five easiest schedules in the league this year. Will they make the playoffs? Probably not, but if San Diego fell flat on its face, the Raiders could be the team to take advantage of it.
4. San Diego Chargers
29 of 32
Power Ranking: 8
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—Arizona, New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona, Cincinnati
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? San Francisco, Houston, Tennessee
Games vs. lame ducks? Kansas City (Twice), St. Louis
Chance for playoffs: Avoid injuries and on they go.
The funny thing about San Diego is this might be the "worst" team they have had in the past several years. However, when you look at the success of the past years, you will see that this doesn't mean they're not a heavy favorite to win the division again.
The team has a lot of question marks all around. Who will carry the ball? Will Vincent Jackson be a Charger? Will the defense stay dominant?
But when you have a schedule with only four games against '09 playoff teams, an easy division and an easy NFC division to play against, the Chargers could play worse this year and still win 11 games and compete for a bye week.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
30 of 32
Power Ranking: 27
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—San Diego (Twice), Arizona, Indianapolis
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? San Francisco, Houston, Tennessee
Games vs. lame ducks? Cleveland, Buffalo, St. Louis
Chance for playoffs: Playing golf in January
The Chiefs must be hoping a lot of their younger players mature and turn a corner because the team did not do much in the offseason to improve this club.
Thomas Jones is now here to help with the running game, and Charlie Weis has come to be the offensive coordinator. Whether it all helps will be answered soon enough. The biggest help to the team is a schedule with only four games against '09 playoff teams. If the Chiefs can win the few games they're supposed to win, and pull off a few upsets, a six win season is not out of the question.
2. St. Louis Rams
31 of 32
Power Ranking: 31
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—Arizona (Twice), New Orleans, San Diego
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona (Twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? San Francisco (Twice), Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks? Detroit, Kansas City, Tampa Bay
Chance for playoffs: Playing golf in January
When a team wins one game, there really isn't any other way to go but up. With new quarterback Sam Bradford about to take over the reigns in St. Louis, the Rams are doing their best to build themselves back up to prominence brick by brick.
While they will not be a very competitive team, they should win more than one game thanks to a very easy schedule that includes 10 games against arguably the two worst divisions in football. For a franchise that would see four wins as a success, the Rams should be thankful to have such an easy schedule.
1. Seattle Seahawks
32 of 32
Power Ranking: 26
Games vs. 2009 playoff teams: Four—Arizona (Twice), New Orleans, San Diego
Games vs. 2009 overachievers? Arizona (Twice)
Games. vs 2009 underachievers? San Francisco (Twice), Atlanta
Games vs. lame ducks? St. Louis (Twice), Kansas City, Tampa Bay
Chance for playoffs: Needs major help
When you look at a roster that is devoid of major talent at many positions, you'd cat them off as a bottom feeder. However when you see a schedule that includes just four games against '09 playoff teams and then games against many of the league's worst teams, you hold out the slimmest of hopes for Seattle.
The fact is, the Seahawks could easily win seven games just by beating...Arizona (once), St. Louis (twice), KC, Tampa, Oakland, and Denver. Three more wins and all of a sudden Seattle is in.
Again is this likely that they make the playoffs? No. But this is the benefit of having the league's easiest road to the playoffs. You can have a team that went 4-12 last year, has a new coaching staff, and bottom half talent, yet still have a shot at the dance.
I hope you guys enjoyed this article. How do you feel your team was ranked? Comments are certainly encouraged!
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