What to Expect During The 2008 Football Season



Time for the 2008 season. It was difficult to tell from preseason this year since the Patriots ranked 32nd in about everything, and they are a much better team than the scrub team they fielded for four weeks performed. Several of the lower end teams looks really good in preseason since they are trying to sell tickets. I based much of this outlook on the past three seasons and off season changes and events.


Divisions


AFC East


1. Patriots - Still the bully in this division. Will be hard pressed to finish 16-0 again with some free agent defections, but will go deep in the postseason with all of their superstars.
2. Bills - Should make the playoffs as long as Marshawn Lynch stays healthy and avoids beating his wife or forgetting his helmet like other franchise tailbacks on this team has done. They are also loaded with play makers and would be a division champion if the Patriots were not on the schedule twice.
3. Jets - Acquiring Brett Favre has many believing this team will compete. Until they stop the run they will not.
4. Dolphins - Parcells was brought in to turn another team around. He was able to take Ricky's marijuana away and acquire some salary cap cuts from elsewhere. However, this team will take time to become competitive since the offensive line is still horrendous.


AFC North


1. Browns - An excellent off season will make them one of the top teams this season as the defense has greatly improved.
2. Steelers - Lots of good skill players, but thin on the lines. Will be hard pressed to make the playoffs.
3. Ravens - They will not surprise anyone this season. They already have several starters on IR and their fans will be following the Redskins in protest by October.
4. Bengals - The biggest underachievers in the game. Just look at the Hamilton County booking report and you will see why. The Bungles are back and will have a high pick in 2009.


AFC South


1. Jaguars - If not for the front office trying to keeps costs down they would be as good as the Patriots. With their talented running game they should eat the clock and beat out the Colts.
2. Colts - Loaded with talented skill players and good lines. High octane offense will put them in the playoffs for the seventh straight season.
3. Texans - An outstanding defensive team which will be competitive. Being in the tough division kills their playoff chances.
4. Titans - Their system does not fit their talent at all. This team needs some new coaches for starters. A series of bad moves during the off season will lead to a collapse.


AFC West


1. Chargers - Easily the best team in this division even without Merriman. They will put up some big numbers before they get out coached in the playoffs.
2. Raiders - Should field their best team in five years with four games against two terrible teams in the own division helping out. They also have excellent special teams and a ball control offense that will bring the mystique back to Oakland.
3. Broncos - This team has become similar to the Bengals off the field. Their secondary is great, but they can't stop the run so nobody will notice. They will be all banged up by mid season and become popular in their opponents highlight films.
4. Chiefs - This team has become a huge mess with front office blunders and no QB. Will be picking high for sure.


NFC East


1. Cowboys - Should easily win this division with their talented skill players and parolees.
2. Redskins - A new offensive system which is better suited for their personnel, but will it take a season to learn it. The defense and special teams will keep their games close this season.
3. Giants - Already lost Umenyiora for the season, but will hang around until their killer schedule in December ends any hope of a repeat.
4. Eagles - Getting old on defense and if either McNabb or Westbrook gets hurt they won't be much better than the Falcons.


NFC North


1. Vikings - Peterson is the best player in the game and having an excellent defense will bring back memories of the Bud Grant era.
2. Packers - Aaron Rodgers takes over and will put up some big numbers. Free agency losses on defense will kill their chances of being competitive.
3. Bears - This team is a circus on both sides of the ball. At least their fans can enjoy good baseball while the Bears continue to hibernate.
4. Lions - They looked great in preseason. So do most teams that earn high picks. They still have no offensive line just like the Dolphins.


NFC South


1. Saints - The defense is improved and with an explosive offense they should compete.
2. Panthers - Underachievers is the best word to describe them. On paper they look great then injuries hit them and they fall apart.
3. Buccaneers - This team is getting old. A major rebuilding job is in order, but coaching and defense are good enough to remain competitive.
4. Falcons - They have a good shot at a perfect season. That is 0-16 since the University of Georgia would easily destroy them. They will get the benefit of picking first next season.


NFC West


1. Seahawks - A solid contender nearly every season. They just get the job done even without the big names. Should easily win this weak division.
2. Cardinals - Loaded with skill players, but the lines and special teams mess everything up.
3. Rams - Should be healthier than last season which means they can only move up.
4. Forty Niners - Will start poorly and have a new coaching staff by October. That will not save the season.


Wild Cards

Colts, Bills, Panthers, Redskins


Super Bowl 43

Browns over Vikings



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