2011 NFL Predictions

As the 2011 NFL season begins, we celebrate one of the greatest days of the year (NFL opening weekend) on one of the most somber days of the year (September 11th). While enjoying the games this Sunday, we will most certainly be reflecting on the events of 10 years ago and on the lives that were lost. God bless...


And now without further ado..Predictions for the 2011 NFL divisions!

AFC East

1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Bills
4. Dolphins

AFC North
1. Ravens
2. Steelers
3. Browns
4. Bengals

AFC South
1. Titans
2. Colts
3. Texans
4. Jaguars

AFC West
1. Chargers
2. Raiders
3. Broncos
4. Chiefs

AFC Outlook
A couple of great divisional battles this year in the AFC, with Jets/Pats and Ravens/Steelers. I think the Jets can gear it up to split 1-1 or maybe even sweep the Pats, but the Pats are more likely to smoke the rest of the division. I forsee the Pats winning it at 13-3 and the Jets finishing 12-4. In the North, the Ravens and Steelers do battle again, while the Bengals may threaten to finish 0-16.

What the Titans lack in dental hygiene they make up for with playmakers such as CJ2K and Kenny Britt. I predict you will see the most consistent play from them this year (of all the AFC South teams)

The AFC South looks like it could be up for grabs. The biggest surprise to my blog readers is probably the choice of the Titans in the AFC South. I just think that they sneak up on people. They have a game manager at QB and the best running back in football, along with an above average defense and some special teams playmakers. The Colts absence of Manning could turn offensive players such as Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon into the "ho-hum" players they were projected to be entering the NFL. The Jags are a mess and could compete with the Bengals, Seahawks, and 49ers for the top spot in the 2012 draft.

Cassel and the Chiefs could be in for a rather harsh return to NFL mediocrity.  They don't have their cake schedule of 2010, and they looked lost in the preseason. With Cassel uncertain for Week 1, it's been exposed that Tyler Palko is their backup QB. It's downright irresponsible for a franchise to roll with a Tyler Palko-type as its #2.

In the West, I think the Chiefs will encounter a harsh return to Earth this year. Their preseason was tumultuous (both on and off the field), and I'm skeptical that Cassel can repeat his performance of 2010. I don't love the Chargers, there's just nobody else there to take the division. The Raiders have to break through one of these years, and their running game gives you hope. It's just that Jason Campbell is their QB. I will be curious to see if the Chargers get off to a slow start this year.

AFC CHAMPION: Baltimore Ravens
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NFC East

1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Giants
4. Redskins

NFC North
1. Packers
2. Vikings
3. Lions
4. Bears

NFC South
1. Saints
2. Falcons
3. Buccaneers
4. Panthers

NFC West
1. Cardinals
2. Rams
3. Seahawks
4. 49ers

NFC Outlook
Yeah...I picked the Cowboys. I know I'm a fan, but I really do believe in Jason Garrett. I think they could have one of the most explosive offenses in football this year. As for the dirty birds, the Eagles are an injury away (not going to specify where) from being mediocre. Big Blue has been decimated by injuries, and surprisingly I don't think Rex Grossman is the one to lead the Redskins out of the woods.

Detroit hasn't won consistently against the likes of the Packers, Vikings, and Bears since the days of the immortal Wayne Fontes. When Starter jackets and shark tooth hats were king....

Everyone's hot for the Lions...I think they'll be a tough out this year, but they certainly aren't beating the Pack. Maybe my judgement is cloudy because I haven't seen them win consistently in the NFC North since....well, since they formed the NFC North. I like the Vikings to finish behind Green Bay. The NFC South is pretty cut and dry...I think the Saints are still the team to beat (despite Atlanta's strong regular season last year).

"With the 1st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the (49ers/Seahawks) select...Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford" Will it be Tavaris Jackson or Alex Smith that leads his team to a #1 overall pick?

As for the NFC West....I really like the Rams to be tougher this year, they just have SUCH a difficult schedule. I think Arizona's Kolb-Fitz connection will carry them to a 9-7 record, good enough for divisional supremacy. The Rams will surge late but their early season schedule will prove too much to overcome. The most exciting race in the NFC West could be between the Seahawks and '9ers for the right to draft Andrew Luck. Pete Carroll will relish the opportunity to throw money at the best available player again (like he did at USC).

NFC CHAMPION: Green Bay Packers
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SUPER BOWL XLVI: Packers 31, Ravens 27

Green Bay repeat...you heard it here first...