25 Bold Predictions Heading into the 2011 NFL Season

Can you believe it? The 2011 NFL regular season is set to kickoff in just a matter of a few days—this Thursday with the New Orleans Saints taking on the Green Bay Packers. 

The 2011 offseason has been a hectic one, to say the least, and there have been several notable events happening all the way back from the draft throughout free agency, training camp and preseason. 

Now that the preseason has concluded, we now have a better idea of how teams and players are going to play in 2011. 

Here are 25 bold predictions for the 2011 season. 

Matthew Stafford Will Throw at Least 25 Touchdown Passes

This is the year for Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions—they will take several strides forward into having a successful run under Jim Schwartz. 

If Stafford can stay healthy, as he's yet to play more than 10 games in a season in his NFL career, he will toss 25 touchdowns. 

Let's be realistic here, if Stafford can stay healthy, there's no reason why he cannot accumulate around 25 and 30 touchdowns—he does have Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew as his top three options. 

Cam Newton Will Complete 50 Percent or More of His Passes

In his first preseason, Cam Newton completed only 42.1 percent of his passes—which is embarrassing and horrendous to say the least. However, I believe the rookie out of Auburn will complete at least 50 percent or more of his passes in 2011. 

Taking a look at Carolina's offense, it's pretty solid; their only weak point is their quarterback. Newton does have the weapons to produce solid passing numbers: Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Greg Olsen, Legedu Naanee and Jeremy Shockey. 

If you're looking for an exact number, I am predicting that Newton will complete 52 percent of his passes this year. Mark that down. 

The Oakland Raiders Will Finish with a Losing Record

Since 2004, head coaches entering their first year with the Oakland Raiders simply have not fared well. Norv Turner went 5-11 in 2004, Art Shell went 2-14 in 2006, Lane Kiffin went 4-12 in 2007 and Tom Cable went 5-11 in 2009. 

I'm sorry, Hue Jackson, but history says that you're going to have a rough time in 2011. 

Granted, the Raiders did go 8-8 just a year ago, but I'm simply not buying into the Raiders. They have too many question marks. 

The New York Jets Will Finish with 10 or Fewer Wins

Ever since Rex Ryan was hired as the New York Jets head coach, he has been predicting that his team will win the Super Bowl every single season—but it has yet to happen.

The Jets went 9-7 in his first season and went 11-5 last season, and this year I am boldly predicting that they'll finish at 10-6 or 9-7. 

Yes, the Jets will be a winning football team and will clinch a Wild Card spot; however, they will not win more than 10 games this year. 

New York simply didn't do enough in the offseason to improve from last year's 11-5 record. Yes, the Jets did re-sign Santonio Holmes, but let Braylon Edwards go in return for Plaxico Burress, who hasn't played since November 2008. On the other side of the ball, the Jets did not improve defensively; perhaps they even took a few steps back.

I do believe the Jets will make the playoffs, don't get me wrong, but they will not be a dominant force this year. 

Cam Newton Will Be Named Offensive Rookie of the Year

That's right, you heard it here first: Cam Newton will win the 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

As I previously stated, Newton is in a great position in Carolina—he has all the weapons that he needs in order to succeed as a young and developing quarterback.

Granted, I did predict that he'll only complete 52 percent of his passes, which is less than last year's winner, Sam Bradford at 60 percent, but he'll also contribute in the running game, something that Bradford did not.

Newton is obviously a two-dimensional quarterback; he ran pass and run the ball. 

I believe that Newton will be a real threat in the red zone, as he could potentially punch the ball in with his feet, which will only tally up in his touchdown totals as a rookie. 

Marcell Dareus Will Be Named Defensive Rookie of the Year

If people actually take a look at how well Marcell Dareus is playing for the Buffalo Bills, they will truly understand why he's a legitimate candidate for the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. 

Dareus is a major force in Buffalo's 3-4 defensive tackle as he lines up as a defensive tackle, but will not finish with flashy numbers, as his presence alone is what will make him a great player in their 3-4 attack. 

The Philadelphia Eagles Will Finish at 10-6

So much for being the "Dream Team." The Philadelphia Eagles will finish with a record of 10-6. Granted, that's likely good enough to win the NFC East division, but it's not dominating like many believe they will. 

I can see the Eagles losing against the Patriots, Jets, Giants, Cowboys, Falcons and the Bears. 

You may call me crazy, but I'm just not one of those guys who fall for the "hype." 

The Houston Texans Will Win the AFC South

That's right—for the first time in their entire existence, the Houston Texans will win the AFC South, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts. 

With Peyton Manning struggling to recover from his recent neck surgery, the improved Texans will certainly take advantage of Indy's loss and finish with 10 or more wins. 

Houston not only has a high-flying offensive attack, but in Wade Phillips' 3-4 defensive attack, the team should be much improved with key additions J.J. Watt and Johnathan Joseph. 

Eli Manning Will Throw at Least 20 Interceptions

Eli Manning has made far too many careless mistakes in his career to keep him out of being a top-tier quarterback, and he'll continue to make several mistakes in 2011 as he'll be picked off at least 20 times. 

Manning threw a career-high 25 interceptions last season, and he'll pick up right where he left off in 2011. 

Josh Freeman Will Throw at Least 30 Touchdowns

Josh Freeman is well on his way in emerging as one of the league's top quarterbacks. 

Last season for the Buccaneers, Freeman threw 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions in just his second year in the league. Freeman will only get better and should toss at least 30 touchdowns this year.

Freeman will do his part in helping push his team in a playoff run in 2011. 

Jamaal Charles Will Come Close to Rushing for 2,000 Yards

Jamaal Charles had an incredible season last year; he averaged a stellar 6.4 yards per carry as he ran for a grand total of 1,467 total yards while splitting carries with Thomas Jones.

As Jones gets older, Charles should receive a whole lot more touches this year, as he'll come close to gaining 2,000 yards. 

Attention all fantasy owners, if you can acquire Jamaal Charles, I would do it in a heartbeat, as I truly believe that he's primed to have an incredible season. 

Drew Brees Will Return to His MVP-Caliber Self

2010 just wasn't a great year for Drew Brees, as he completed an incredible 68.1 percent of his passes but still found a way to be intercepted 22 times.

However, I am predicting that Brees will throw around 10 interceptions and around 30 touchdowns on his way to a MVP-caliber regular season.

Brees is just too good of a quarterback to have another erratic season after last year's. 

The Arizona Cardinals Will Win the NFC West

Watch out for the Arizona Cardinals; they're going to be on the move in 2011 with newly acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Kolb is definitely capable of getting the ball to Larry Fitzgerald, who happens to be one of the league's best players. If Kolb can get Fitz the ball, the Cardinals will flourish in the very weak and watered-down NFC West. 

Arizona will likely be the only winning team in their division. 

Colt McCoy Will Complete 65 Percent of More of His Passes

I am a huge Colt McCoy fan, and I truly believe that he'll be a great quarterback in the NFL.

McCoy may not emerge as one of the league's top quarterbacks this year, but he'll take a strong step forward into emerging as one of the league's most efficient passers. 

Not only does McCoy have the guts to be a winner, but he has the talent to be a great passer. I believe he'll improve his 60.8 completion percentage for last season to 65 percent of higher in 2011. 

Tom Brady Will Win Back-to-Back MVP Awards

Tom Brady is primed for yet another phenomenal season for the New England Patriots. 

Mark this down: Brady will win his third career Most Valuable Player award this season, as he'll win back-to-back awards. 

Brady is coming off of an extremely successful 2010 season, as he threw 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions. 

Entering 2011, Brady has an even better set of weapons than he did last year. Brady will have another season under his belt with tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker will be another year removed from his major knee surgery, and he'll welcome veteran wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to the mix. 

Taking a look at how everything's shaping up for Brady and the Patriots, it's a recipe primed for success. 

The Baltimore Ravens Will Win the AFC North

This is the year for Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens, they will win the AFC North ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

I realize that Flacco has yet to win a game against Ben Roethlisberger, but I can honestly see the Ravens winning not just one, but both games against the Steelers in 2011. 

The Ravens will return the same dominant defense and will welcome running back Ricky Williams and wide receiver Lee Evans to a solid offensive attack entering this season. 

The Indianapolis Colts Will Win Only Nine Games

With Peyton Manning's offseason neck surgery, the Colts could go without Manning for quite some time, which will likely result in some losses. 

I'm sorry, Colts fans, but without Peyton, Indianapolis is nothing. The whole entire team revolves around Peyton, as it is Peyton's team. Without him, the Colts are screwed. 

Shonn Greene Will Run for 1,000 or More Yards

2011 will be Shonn Greene's breakout season. 

Greene will be entering his third season with the New York Jets and has been improving every year, as he ran for 540 yards as a rookie and 766 yards last season.

Greene should get more touches this year and will have a good shot at reaching the 1,000-yard mark. 

Fantasy owners, please take note. 

The Chicago Bears Will Not Make the Playoffs

The Chicago Bears played great last year as Jay Cutler led his team to an impressive 11-5 record—however, I just don't see the team winning more than eight games in 2011. 

The Bears will not be making the playoffs because the Green Bay Packers should improve on their 10-6 record from a year ago, the Detroit Lions are primed for a solid season and the Minnesota Vikings could surprise a few people with Donovan McNabb at the helm. 

To top it all off, who knows which Jay Cutler will show up this year?

Arian Foster Will Decline This Season

Arian Foster may have led the NFL in rushing yards last season with an incredible 1,616 yards, but he will take a decline in 2011 partially thanks for his recent hamstring injury. 

Foster could miss some time due to his injury, which could open the door for Ben Tate, Houston's second-round pick from 2010 that missed all of last season. 

Tate definitely has the talent and upside and could make a case for stealing a chunk of carries from Foster. 

Colin Kaepernick Will Finish 2011 as the 49ers Starting Quarterback

Alex Smith is entering 2011 as the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback, but he will not be ending his season as the team's starter. Colin Kaepernick will steal the job away from him.

Smith simply is not an NFL starting quarterback, he is a draft bust as he was the first overall pick back in 2005.

It's a real shame that Smith will not pan out as a starter, as I do believe he has the stuff to be successful but was never able to put it together. 

Kaepernick has the talent and potential to be a successful quarterback in the league, and he will get his chances towards the end of this year. 

Jim Schwartz Will Be Named Coach of the Year

The Detroit Lions are taking several steps forward and will improve tremendously in 2011, as Jim Schwartz will earn himself a Coach of the Year honor. 

Schwartz is doing a fantastic job in Detroit, as he's installing a winning culture with quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Calvin Johnson and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. 

Watch out for the Lions this year; they are going to turn a lot of heads. I guarantee it. 

Chad Henne Will Save His Job in Miami

This is it for Chad Henne—it's make it or break it time for the fourth-year quarterback out of Michigan, and I strongly believe that he'll save his job as starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

Henne is definitely no Dan Marino, but he's still a serviceable passer who has the potential to be great and possibly even make a few Pro Bowls.

With another year with wide receiver Brandon Marshall, I can see Henne tossing around 23 touchdowns and being intercepted only 15 times in 2011. 

Michael Vick Will Revert Back to His Days as Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons

Let's put it this way: Philadelphia's offensive line simply isn't that great; some could say that it's below average.

After watching Michael Vick struggle throughout the preseason, I have noticed that the 2010 Comeback Player of the Year has been making only one read while passing the ball before tucking the ball and running with it—similar to his days as quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. It's almost like that Vick is looking to run the ball.

This trend of Vick running the ball and looking foolish has been happening ever since the tail-end of last season and in the playoffs. When Vick plays like this, the Eagles will lose. 

It's Going to Be Saints vs. Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI

I am telling you right now that it's going to be the New Orleans Saints vs. the New England Patriots in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. 

The Saints and Patriots are both primed for success in 2011, as both teams did a solid job in the draft a phenomenal job in free agency to improve their older winning ball clubs. 

Bill Belichick and Sean Payton are two of the league's best coaches, and Tom Brady and Drew Brees are two of the league's best quarterbacks—it almost makes too much sense. 

Who do I think will win the Super Bowl, you might ask? Well, here is my prediction:

New England 31, New Orleans 24.