NFL Predictions

[superdudeisgr8]

Why does it seem like 50% of football chat threads turn into being about Jake Delhomme? Is there something that I'm missing about the guy? Because last time I checked, he's not even a top-10 QB in the league, yet half the posts revolve around him.....I don't get it.

because he is Jesus. Jesus Delhomme.

[dfr52]

I can't make predictions for the other teams because I'm too lazy to do research on 31 NFL teams :). As for the better defense and better running game aspect, I believe the Bengals came in 12th overall in defense last year and just upgraded their defense with Tank Johnson and Roy Williams (hopefully only used in running situations). They also got healthier with both safeties and both DE's now rested up after their injuries from last season. Not to mention the healing of Keith Rivers and the pickup of his counterpart at USC Rey Maualuga in the draft and the pick right behind him Michael Johnson at DE will definitely help the defense in both the running and passing downs. The linebacker core alone is lethal hopefully fielding Rivers, Maualuga, and Dhani Jones.

The running game has vastly improved with the late season acquisition of Cedric Benson last season as well as drafting Andre Smith in the draft. Once again, Carson Palmer also improves the running game because he can actually throw the ball accurately unlike Fitzpatrick. The Bengals probably have one of the deepest receiving cores after the signing of Laveranues Coles joining the revamped Chad Johnson, Chris Henry, and two upcoming second year players Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson.

So, after all of that analysis, I say the Bengals, considering they have a decently tough schedule, will finish in the 9-7, 10-6 range either barely missing or barely making the playoffs.

I think the Bengals will surprise for the reasons you provided. Also they played tough all last season, which is impressive since they lost Palmer early on. IMO Maualuga is going to have an instant impact on that team.

[Alfordron]

Texans get over the hump in a big way. Finally put a knot on P.Manning's head and win the AFC South outright. Remember where you heard it first and give me crap if it don't happen...lol

[dfr52]

There's no doubt they added some athletes. I wonder if Barwin will be able to contribute as a DE this year.

[Alfordron]

There's no doubt they added some athletes. I wonder if Barwin will be able to contribute as a DE this year.

Word from Kubiak right now is that he plans on using Barwin as a pass rush specialist opposite Mario Williams in passing situations only and move Antowain Smith inside.

[xexus]

I will comment on this after I stop laughing!

There's nothing funny about it and you know it! The Bears WILL win after adding Cutler and Pace to their roster! You're just jealous! :D

[MadMan1978]

Wow, no love for the Bengals at all? I'd be surprised if they finished below .500. Does everyone know Carson Palmer is coming back this season? That's one of the main reasons they didn't do well last year... no offensive production because Fitzpatrick played most of the season. I'm just baffled by the Bengals predictions. Then again most of you probably did zero research into any team besides your favorite team.

Bungals will lucky if they get toi 8-8 The D is HORRIBLE! I have said this before and will say it again IMO Carson Palmer is overrated period! Not that he is a complete bust but he has not met his potential or any projections. The worst Part for the Bengals is playing in the AFC North. I believe most of the problems with the bengals are not in the Players it is more management. And well since you still have Chad on your team that is a huge drawback!

[MadMan1978]

There's nothing funny about it and you know it! The Bears WILL win after adding Cutler and Pace to their roster! You're just jealous! :D

Never jealous!
being the defending champions (AGAIN) should be fun if we can keep it together.

on to the bears, Cutler is a good Addition and at least the Bears have a RB that isnt on the DL! I just dont see him doing as well under the pressure. the AFC West is the weakness in the AFC The NFC Central is a different story! Viking and Packers Both lookj good on paper. The D in Minn. is just awesome and then their is AP! Should be some awesome football to watch in that Division this year.

[#1BILLSfan]

Yeah I think the Bears will be a good but no SB contender. Cutler is a top 10 type QB and can only get better IMO. But the lack of receivers in Chicago could hurt his numbers but that's why they have Forte right?

[larkin's_redlegs]

Bungals will lucky if they get toi 8-8 The D is HORRIBLE! I have said this before and will say it again IMO Carson Palmer is overrated period! Not that he is a complete bust but he has not met his potential or any projections. The worst Part for the Bengals is playing in the AFC North. I believe most of the problems with the bengals are not in the Players it is more management. And well since you still have Chad on your team that is a huge drawback!

You are right in that regard. The Bengals play in one of the best if not the best divisions in the NFL. The other problem the Bengals have playing in this division are all of the large, strong NT's for our tiny little center to block. Hopefully that will change this year.

Also, you are right in the management department. Mike Brown is a terrible owner. I honestly don't know if he knows anything about football. He's more of a financial/business guru, which doesn't help the Bengals as a football organization.

The defense is not terrible. You must be referring to the 90's Bengals. As I stated earlier, they finished 12th in overall D in new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's first year. The reason they didn't finish higher (they were outstanding all year) was the lack of an offense. I believe the Bengals' offense was first in the league in three-and-outs. With that fixed ( and I explained how it was fixed in my second post ), the Bengals defense will be much better.

I will admit Carson hasn't lived up to his potential. He was getting there before Kimo Von Olhoffen tore his ACL (Yes, I am still very, very bitter because of that play). That injury set him back a couple years. He didn't look the same throwing the ball. He was tentative to stay in the pocket. Hopefully he can return to his '05 form.

As for Chad Johnson (Ocho Cinco), he seems to have grown up since his talk with Denzel Washington. I've read several articles (some biased, some neutral) that have explained his workout routine includes boxing and some other type of fighting that I can't remember right now. The articles highlighted his repaired relationship with Palmer by including a quote from Chad that stated they were like "Brokeback Mountain". The three best parts of the articles IMO were his quotes "I'm going to bring the fun back." and "Look for a big season." and the fact that he actually attended OTA's (which was the best part), which was optional.

I will admit one more thing. I am a very optimistic person, so most of this talk is pure optimism and excitement for the upcoming season, but I wouldn't be surprised if they ended up in the playoff hunt. I would be surprised if they ended up below .500.

I just can't wait for some hard hitting AFC North matchups this year. It's my favorite football to watch, obviously. I really hope the Ravens and Steelers are still up to last year's standards and I hope the Browns and Bengals can join them becuase there is nothing like great/close(in score)/physical divisional/rival professional football.