1. New England Patriots - The first dynasty of the 21st century surely won't be out for the running this 2005 season. Parting ways with few and filling in the gaps is what Belichick does the best. Adding Ellis Hobbs should give some hope for their young DB core along with Logan Mankins adding depth to the OL. C. Dillon seems to have found his home along with T. Brady and his new contract. One thing that concerns me though, and that's if Mr. Mangini can fill in those big shoes of former DC Romeo Crennel. My Prediction: 11-5 losses (Panthers, Falcons, Bills, Chargers, Broncos) 2. Minnesotta Vikings - It's like undoing your pants button after feasting, Randy Moss is finally gone. As much as he was great for the team he wasn't happy, nor was the team. Culpepper is the real star of this team and even with Moss gone he'll still throw up 30+ td's this season. N. Burleson, T. Williamson, T. Taylor, K. Campbell and M. Robinson will make sure of it. The Vikings have added some very much needed players to their D such as, D. Sharper, F. Smoot and Erasmus James. They had the best offseason this year so i'm thinking BIG for this team. My Prediction 12-4 losses (Ravens, Saints, Panthers, Lions) 3. San Diego Chargers - Shawn Merriman and Luis Castillo are two HUGE additions to this defense. You think this team was good last year, ha, they might be the first team to show Brady what a playoff L looks like. L. Tomlinson will have another outstanding year, K. McCardell will finally get back to his potential, A. Gates will continue to become one of the elite and D. Brees.......well with those people surrounding you, along with a very solid OL, he shouldn't have a problem showing Rivers the door. My Prediction: 13-3 losses (Bills, Raiders 2x) 4. Atlanta Falcons- Now that everyone is making fun of the most exciting player ever to watch, besides Barry, the Falcons don't seem so tough. Well my friends you can Ron Mexico all you want the Falcons are still a force to be reckoned with. Their D is only getting better every year and with this years addition, Ed Hartwell, it will only bring more offenses to their knees. Let's all just hope that Roddy White isn't a bust. My Prediction: 11-5 losses (Panthers 2x, Saints, Vikings, Bills) 5. Pittsburgh Steelers-The Steelers are coming off of a cinderella year. No one thought that they were going to be that good. Not even Steeler fans, but somehow from the gods above they managed to shock us all. B. Rothlisberger has only 1 loss to his 14 wins in the NFL. ****, he's 30-1 in his last 31 games. The Steeler D is beyond good and their offense is starting to catch rythym, adding Heath Miller will sure help out. I'm thinking playoffs and possibly SB if they play their cards right. My Prediction: 11-5 losses (Patriots, Chargers, Bengals, Ravens, Vikings) 6. Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles will have another great year due to their very very VERY good defense and they might come out with a SB W even without T.O. cause no matter what McNabb is still a beast no matter who he's throwing to and Reid is tired of coming SO CLOSE!!!!! Reggie Brown will definitely be a factor for this team along with Mike Patterson adding depth to the D-Line. Also, i think Ryan Moats was a steal in the draft. The Eagles need to focus on this season and don't worry about what T.O. does. He's an incredible WR and extremely valuable to any team, but if this continues into the season, they need to focus on winning without him. My Prediction: 12-4 lossses (Falcons, Chargers, Redskins, Cowboys) 7. Baltimore Ravens - Well hopefully this year this team becomes a little more alive then last. Adding Adam Terry and Mark Clayton should help out Boller and gang, but with J. Lewis and his little controversy things could go down hill. Their defense is still in the top 3, so let's hope they can pull the weight again this year. I have a feeling they will struggle at away games this year. My Prediction: 10-6 losses (Jets, Steelers, Broncos, Browns, Bengals, Jaguars) 8. New Orleans Saints - Every year the Saints get the hype of being the team with huge potential, but failing to use it when needed. J. Haslett was close to seeing the door before his 4-0 run in the final games of December last year and considering it?s his 4th year missing the playoffs by one game, AGAIN, he still has his chance to shine. Free Agent?s D. Smith and J. Mayberry are huge additions to this team along with J. Brown, A. Fincher and J. Bullocks. Let?s hope the Saints play up to their potential or Haslett and Brooks might be helping each other pack. My Prediction: 10-6 losses (Panthers, Falcons, Bucs, Patriots, Bills, Jets) 9. Buffalo Bills - Defense wins championships, with the help of a descent offense. J.P. Losman is a gift sent from the football gods. Most people don?t know his potential due to his college years with the struggling Tulane Greenwave, but he?ll prove himself early this year. W. McGahee is looking to become one of the elite and with this young offense I?m sure he will. With not having a first round pick they didn?t have much of a chance to take any big names, but that?s not to say R. Parrish won?t shine for this young offense. With L. Evans and E. Moulds showing him the way, he?ll be sure to break out. My Prediction: 10-6 losses (Patriots, Dolphins, Broncos, Raiders, Texans, Bucs) 10. Arizona Cardinals - The Cardinals may have found their calling adding K. Warner to the roster. We all know that Warner is dangerous with good receivers and with L. Fitzgerald and A. Boldin he shouldn?t have a problem showing his skills. J.J. Arrington and A. Rolle are two huge additions for this team, along with some free agents to fill in the much needed gaps. Let?s hope Arrington isn?t a bust. This team needs a RB, bad, and yes this team will lose it?s last 3 games. My Prediction: 10-6 losses (Jaguars, Rams 2x, Colts, Cowboys, Eagles) 11. Dallas Cowboys - Oh yes, i did it. I have faith in ol Drew and Tuna. Adding K. Burnett, M. Spears and D. Ware to this D isn't considered wrong, that's just unfair. The Cowboys have a middle of the road offense with promise showing from J. Jones and even though their receiving core isn't the best, K. Johnson and Q. Morgan will be enough for ol Drew. I'm thinking BIG for this team this year because Tuna's hungry and he's tired of eating defeat. My Prediction: 10-6 losses (Eagles, Redskins, Chiefs, Rams, Chargers, Giants) 12. Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jaguars are looking for some hope from their young QB B. Leftwich and with the addition of Matt Jones and Chad (Mighty Mouse) Owens, they finally might be in business. Their defense is still amongst the top 10 in the league and they continue to get better every year. This year the Jags will struggle do to a tough schedule and even though i believe they will be able to take down the Colts they?ll still have trouble with the rest. They squeeze in the playoffs with a huge grand finale winning their last 7 of 8 games. My Prediction: 9-7 losses (Steelers, Seahawks, Broncos, Rams, Bengals, Texans, Jets) 13. Denver Broncos - This team is on the edge of making or breaking. Shanahan is a mastermind when it comes to the running game and with M. Clarret looking to show his skills this may just work out for both parties. D. Williams gets his chance to side up with C. Bailey, even though his injury his final year at OSU kept him from showing his skills. To be honest i have no clue as to how the Broncos will finish this year. I?m just going off of what they should accomplish with the talent they have. Adding J. Rice can be helpful for J. Plummer and the receiving core, lets just hope T. Bell can keep the running game alive so Plummer doesn?t become the turnover king again. My Prediction: 9-7 losses (Chargers 2x, Chiefs, Raiders, Eagles, Cowboys, Giants,) 14. Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks are another team in the NFC that have the talent and potential but can?t seem to cap the W when they need it the most. I rank Seattle at 14 because they?re on the edge of either becoming really good or really bad. Drafting Center C. Spencer in the first round still has me wondering why, but with solid second round selections they make up for it. L. Tatupu is a very solid LB with speed, determination and the heart of a lion. Hopefully he can help out at the much need MLB position. Adding J. Sharper and A. Dyson will bring this D back to par. My Prediction: 9-7 losses (Eagles, Rams, Cardinals 2x, Colts, Cowboys, Falcons) 15. Carolina Panthers - Another year of struggling to catch rhythm will keep this team from making the play-offs again. The defense continues to get better while the offense is hoping to stay healthy. S. Davis is close to the end of his career while D. Foster is just getting started and even though they?re both elite backs, someone?s going to be watching from the sidelines. J. Delhomme continues to show promise of becoming another Tom Brady except his coach is no Belichick. The Panthers will lose some very close games this year. My Prediction: 9-7 losses (Saints, Bills, Cardinals, Cowboys, Lions, Dolphins, Packers) 16. Indianapolis Colts- P. Manning is coming off of his record breaking season of most TD's thrown in one season, which is pretty impressive, and as much as i think their offense is quite lethal, their D can't keep up with the pace. The draft helped out tremendously by adding Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden, and also with Freeny getting better they're sure to improve. But i doubt this year will be the year. They?ll take a seat as AFC South Champs and try to regroup next year My Prediction: 8-8 losses (Chargers, Patriots, Jax 2x, Steelers, Ravens, Texans 2x) 17. Washington Redskins - Jason Campbell was a steal in this draft especially for the QB struggling Redskins. With Ramsey getting no faith from team members and fans he?ll be heading for the door soon enough. Adding C. Rogers to that mean defense is surely going to make teams hate playing the Skins. C. Portis is still young and full of..........potential to get better and better every year. Let?s not lose faith in ole Gibbs, he?ll bring this team back to the playoffs. Just not this year. My Prediction: 8-8 losses (Eagles, Cowboys, Cardinals, Chargers, Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders, Giants) 18. Cincinnati Bengals - Is 7/11 open??? All the time. C. Johnson is by far their best player on offense, maybe the team. R. Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are showing promise of becoming elite and so is their offense at times, but their defense is what needs some help. Well help they got with their first two picks of the draft. D. Pollack and O. Thurman will be a huge addition for this D this season. If it wasn?t for such a tough schedule I would say they would make it to the playoffs. Next year Marv. My Prediction: 7-9 wins (Steelers, Ravens, Bears, Titans, Jaguars, Browns 2x) 19. Kansas City Chiefs - The AFC?s Vikings. Another team with a dominant offense and no defense the Chiefs are looking for a turn around year after last years horrible display. Adding big names to the defense such as P. Surtain, S. Knight, K. Bell and D. Johnson should only make this team more elite. I believe their defense will improve by a lot, but I think their offense might take a dive after having to drag the defense along with them. They need a whole new receiving core before P. Holmes and T. Green are out the door. They could have addressed that issue with their 3rd round draft pick instead of drafting a Punter. My Prediction: 7-9 wins (Cowboys, Broncos, Bengals, Raiders, Dolphins, Texans, Giants) 20. Oakland Raiders - Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry along with Lamont Jordan................this could be a good thing. We all know K .Collins can launch a ball and we all know that there?s no DB in the league that can jump with Moss. Dangerous???? Depends on the attitude this team gets in before the season. Still can be a bad thing, but if it?s good thing, it?s a really good thing. Drafting two CB?s with the first two pics wasn?t that bad of an idea. With P. Buchannan out the door and C. Woodson still being a cancer this could be good in the long run. Fabian Washington and S. Routt should make an impact this year for the Raiders. My Prediction: 7-9 wins ( Chargers 2x, Redskins, Broncos, Bills, Chiefs, Titans) 21. Detroit Lions - The Lions select M. Williams as their first round draft pick, which isn?t a bad pick at all, but with C. Rogers and R. Williams already being two promising receivers shouldn?t they have gone for something other then a WR. Adding Garcia should put some pressure on Harrington who?s been struggling to get into groove. Adding Shaun Cody to their, already stacked, defense should only help this team out. They still have a few kinks to work out before they become a threat in the NFL. My Prediction: 7-9 wins (Bears 2x, Browns, Panthers, Packers, Vikings, Bengals) 22. Houston Texans - The Texans are a team that has huge potential and are on the edge of becoming an impact team. Their young QB David Carr is only getting better along with WR Andre Johnson and RB Dominick Davis. They did address their needs in the draft by adding DT Travis Johnson who will be a starter come game day. In my honest opinion they got themselves a pretty descent 6th round pick with SS C.C. Brown who has shown nothing but improvement since day one with the ULL, he may not become a starter in the NFL at SS but he?ll be a perfect ST addition. Also adding P. Buchanon is a cushion incase A. Glenn starts showing his age. My Prediction: 7-9 wins (49ers, Titans, Rams, Jaguars, Bengals, Colts 2x) 23. Miami Dolphins - Nick Saban is a football genius and he?s going to bring this team to win, just not this year. Their schedule has to be one of the hardest schedules this year. Bringing Ricky back may help this team or it may kill them, but with Ronnie Brown there, Ricky?s going to have to show something more than his skills. I?ll give this team another year or two before they take flight. My Prediction: 6-10 wins (Bills, Panthers, Jets, Titans, Browns, Raiders) 24. St. Louis Rams - This team is due for a season to flop and I believe this will be the year. M. Martz is hanging on by a limb and I can picture him hitting the road after this season. M. Faulk has now retired from his starting position and I. Bruce is getting older. As for S. Jackson, he?ll have a standout year and show this team some promise and A. Barron will definitely be a huge factor for this team, but with Martz as head coach I don?t see this team reaching the playoffs again. My Prediction: 6-10 wins (Cowboys, Cardinals 2x, Jaguars, 49ers, Seahawks) 25. New York Jets - The Jets are very good team, which they?ve shown us the last two year, but they are still struggling to win big games when it?s clutch time, minus the Chargers game last post season. There?s always a team that bust really bad after a playoff appearance and I thought the Jets were the perfect candidates. I also think C. Pennington needs to play up to his potential or they?ll never get to the SB. J. Miller will be a stand out CB in this league. My Prediction: 6-10 wins (Ravens, Saints, Jaguars, Dolphins, Chiefs, Raiders) 26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Another team with cap issues struggling to keep it together, the Buccaneers need all the help they can get from rookie RB C. Williams. Even with B. Griese and M. Clayton showing the good side of their offense, they still need some serious work done. Their defense is still respectable and have a chance of becoming the best again, but with their cap issues I doubt that will happen anytime soon. My Prediction: 5-11 wins ( Saints, Bills, Lions, Dolphins, Jets) 27. Green Bay Packers - With B. Favre aging everyday along with his bad luck of family problems, it?s hard to see him bring this team back to the SB. The team itself has the talent to do so, but I think they might take a diving year which will help ole Brett decide on his retirement. A. Rodgers is something to look forward to along with Terrence Murphey and with rising stars Jevon Walker and Ahmad Carroll showing promise this team should be back in contention with a new face at QB. My Prediction: 5-11 wins (Bears, Lions, Bucs, Browns, Bengals) 28. New York Giants - With Eli Manning only getting better this team should be in contention in no time, the reason why I believe they will fall flat on their face is because of their schedule. They play in a very tough division that is only getting better and they have one of the toughest schedules in the league. Adding Corey Webster and Justin Tuck to this already proven D is only going to make things better for the headaches the offense will be giving to the coaches. P. Burress is a very high prospect in the NFL but he?s only proved him self one season, if he wants the respect he deserves he needs to put up numbers like he did in 2002. My Prediction: 5-11 wins(49ers, Redskins, Raiders, Rams, Cowboys) 29. San Fransisco 49ers - With the first pick of the 2005 draft the San Fransisco 49ers select Alex Smith..............are you serious???? I don?t know who hyped this kid up that much but I think he?s the next Ryan Leaf. Utah ran an offense that was executed well by all the players, not just him. Anyway, the 49ers will still struggle due to their dog mess of a 1st pick in the draft. Expect Frank Gore and David Baas to make an impact this year. My Predicition: 4-12 wins (Bears, Titans, Bucs, Rams) 30. Cleveland Browns - As much as I think Crennel has what it takes to help this team out I just don?t think T. Dilfer has it in him anymore. C. Frye is something to look forward to along with B. Edwards, but they still have a lot of gaps to fill. Their offense is going to need to step it up this year if they want to win. I believe I?m speaking for all the Browns fans when i say this, THANK YOU K. Winslow for being such a soldier. My Prediction: 4-12 wins (Ravens, Bears, Texans, Raiders) 31. Chicago Bears - The worst offense in the NFL has added some people to the roster that may help, but they still have to work on staying healthy. C. Benson is a nice pick, but T. Jones is still the better back, and M. Muhammad needs to hope Grossman can get him the ball. If Urlacher can?t stay healthy this year, then they need to start looking for another leader on that defense. The Bears are a team that beat themselves with nagging injuries and lack of confidence. My Prediction: 2-14 wins (Packers, Bucs,) 32. Tennessee Titans - This team went from being feared to being laughed at. S. McNair is not only getting older, but he?s been injured over 30 x?s and that?s only recorded injuries. Pac Man Jones is an awesome pick but this team is hurting in every way possible, Cap for one. I hate to put this team last, but I don?t see them having a chance to do much this year. Maybe Volek and Bennett will hook up this year. My Prediction: 2-14 wins ( Browns, Texans) Playoffs: NFC Wild Card: 27 Saints at Cardinals 24 13 Cowboys at Eagles 21 NFC Divisional: 17 Saints at Vikings 35 19 Eagles at Falcons 20 NFC Championship: 13 Falcons at Vikings 27 AFC Wild Card: 3 Jaguars at Patriots 28 23 Bills at Ravens 26 (OT) AFC Divisional: 15 Ravens at Chargers 27 33 Patriots at Steelers 21 AFC Championship: 17 Patriots at Chargers 7 SUPER BOWL XXXX: 21 Patriots vs. Vikings 19 SB MVP - Corey Dillon
CBSSPORTLINE 1 New England Patriots 1 The champs have actually improved in the offseason, adding key veterans like David Terrell and Duane Starks. Taking them down won't be easy. 2 Indianapolis Colts 2 We know the offense will be good, and adding Marlin Jackson in the first round will help upgrade the defense. 3 Philadelphia Eagles 3 A deep, talented team again looks like it will be the class of the NFC. Are there any challengers? 4 Baltimore Ravens 5 This is a team we're really high on this year. If Kyle Boller can develop, watch out. The feeling here is he will. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers 4 They will push for the AFC title again, and the key to getting to the Super Bowl will be the improvement of Ben Roethlisberger. 6 Atlanta Falcons 6 Will Michael Vick improve his passing? If he does, they can unseat the Eagles. 7 Jacksonville Jaguars 10 They were a trendy team to watch last year, but this year they are a legit playoff team. They do need to keep Fred Taylor healthy. 8 San Diego Chargers 7 Was 2004 a fluke? Not likely. But they will be hard-pressed to have the same record in an improved division. 9 Denver Broncos 11 It's time for Jake Plummer to take this team to a playoff victory. If not, the heat gets hotter on The Teflon Coach. 10 Minnesota Vikings 16 They will miss Randy Moss, despite what they may say, but the improvement on defense may make up for that. 11 Carolina Panthers 15 They've made some nice moves in the offseason, but there is still some uncertainty as to who will be the feature back. That's not good for the style of ball their coach prefers. 12 New Orleans Saints 13 This is the year. It's time for this talented group to play as it did in the final four weeks last season. 13 Oakland Raiders 25 Can't wait to watch all the 38-35 games this team plays. Kerry Collins to Randy Moss will be explosive. 14 New York Jets 8 If Chad Pennington's shoulder is fine, they'll be competitive. If not, they'll be drafting in the top 10. 15 Buffalo Bills 14 The defense will be good again, but the team's fate rests with J.P. Losman. Is he this year's Roethlisberger? 16 Kansas City Chiefs 17 Once again the main question is the same: Have they done enough to help the defense? 17 Seattle Seahawks 9 I don't know why, but I have a feeling they will slide some this season. They'll be competitive, but slide just a bit. 18 Green Bay Packers 12 There are a lot of holes on defense, which might force Brett Favre to play like the old Favre. Is that possible? 19 St. Louis Rams 21 Will push the Seahawks and the Cardinals for the NFC West title. If they don't, there will be big changes next year. 20 Arizona Cardinals 27 This team starts here for now, but look for them to be higher as we move closer to the season. Watch out for this group. 21 Dallas Cowboys 26 Can Drew Bledsoe take the offense a notch up from a year ago? The defense will be better with the addition of more talent. 22 New York Giants 29 They will be better than a year ago, but they're still a year away from pushing the Eagles. Look out in 2006. 23 Cincinnati Bengals 19 They are this year's trendy pick. The offense will be fun to watch, but the defense has to make strides for this to be a playoff team. 24 Houston Texans 18 This is a huge year for this franchise in terms of making a playoff push. Have they done enough to do so? 25 Tennessee Titans 20 Coach Jeff Fisher will have this team playing hard and Steve McNair makes them a threat. But they've lost so much the past couple of years. 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23 Carnell Williams will enliven the running game, but the line is still suspect, and is Brian Griese the long-term answer at quarterback? 27 Detroit Lions 24 It's all on Joey Harrington. If he grows as a player, the Lions will be much improved. If Jeff Garcia is playing, they'll be out of it by November. 28 Washington Redskins 22 The staff doesn't believe in Patrick Ramsey, yet he will be the starter at quarterback. The offensive system is also outdated. The defense might have to carry this team again. 29 Chicago Bears 28 They better hope like heck that Rex Grossman is 100 percent healthy. If not, it's going to be a long year. 30 Miami Dolphins 30 Nick Saban will be a heck of a coach. It just won't show for two or three years. 31 Cleveland Browns 31 The last regime left behind a mess that will take time to clean up. But Phil Savage will make that happen. 32 San Francisco 49ers 32 Taking Alex Smith with the first pick was a step in the right direction. Mike Nolan will turn this team around. It will just take time.
Boller will show his true potential but it will take time. That's true that the running game will fade due to Jamal Lewis' absense so I guess they would go air more often.
i disagree with a few things, i completely disagree with the Jets 25th is way too low. There is no way they go 6-10. They've got one of the best defenses in the league with some young players who are gonna be great (Miller, Vilma, Coleman) The only hole there is a big CB to guard the big WRs in the leauge. Other than that the defense is great. Offense has some holes in it, offensive line lost a big man in McKenize last year but i think Mawae is just too dominant to let the oline just fall because of that. And if Pennington is healthy and throwing like he really can. They will make the playoffs. To tell u that truth this is a pretty solid team. I predict 9-11 wins. I dont like the Saints down there sure they have talent but they wont do that good, i think a coaching change will do them a lot of good. I also dont like the Cardnials as the 10th team, i think they have a good chance to make the playoffs because they are in the NFC but only because of that, 10 is just a bit too low. The Broncos have the talent, but i see them as a 8-8 team and not a playoff team. I dont see them going that far they are an inconsistant team.
Saint in my view are a decent team but in that division they will be lucky to finish third, I see the Panthers Taking it and the Falcons picking up a wild card, it could also be in vice versa either I don't see the Saints making it this year, Even though I think Haslett will be gone I think they'll hold on to Brooks atleast until Adrian Mcpherson can develop a little.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DaPackersGb)</div><div class='quotemain'>i totally disagree with a lot of that statement you just aid.</div> Id take that as a compliment, that likely means the statments were pretty accurate....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TheBeef)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DaPackersGb)</div><div class='quotemain'>i totally disagree with a lot of that statement you just aid.</div> Id take that as a compliment, that likely means the statments were pretty accurate....</div> i will listen to BF1 and not say anything...
Good thinkin'....a wise man once said, "Better to be thought a fool, than open ones mouth and remove all doubt"....
I have no beef...a third straight championship is fine with me....but if we lose to the Falcons...I'll kill my self..no way vick can put up 14 points on us...he will look just stupid.
If Vick has to go against the Pats there is no way in heck he will have a chance! He may be able run and throw all the way downfield, but thats not gonna help him when he's on the ground.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J-E-T-S 1083)</div><div class='quotemain'>They've got one of the best defenses in the league with some young players who are gonna be great (Miller, Vilma, Coleman).</div> I'll give ya Vilma and coleman as long as they build on last season COULD not WILL be great but to just throw Miller in there who hasn't played a snap in the NFL is a little ridiculous.
If I were to go against the Chargers and lose, I'll be the laughing stock of the whole school! But if I win, I would have all the bragging rights in the world even if I lose in the SB against the Patriots.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pats37)</div><div class='quotemain'>I have no beef...a third straight championship is fine with me....but if we lose to the Falcons...I'll kill my self..no way vick can put up 14 points on us...he will look just stupid.</div> Come on Pats, you guys got beat by the Dolphins. Get ready for that game because I'm definitely seeing a Falcons victory.
