Every preseason, NFL fans and analysts attempt to predict how the upcoming season will unfold. They often base these predictions on such factors as how teams finished up the previous season, what players were added or subtracted from each team, how well each team did in the draft, and who is coaching the teams. These are all ways that people make educated predictions. Then you have those who make decisions based solely on emotions. This is when you hear phrases like, “The rebuilding is finally over and we are ready to make the playoffs” (Lions fans). You also hear, “Our defense is great, all we need is consistent QB play and our defense will carry us to the Super Bowl” (Bears and Ravens fans). Then my personal favorite is the “if” fan. This guy invents a way for his pathetic team to have a chance in the upcoming season. For instance, “If Brodie Croyle plays like Peyton Manning and if Larry Johnson returns to form, and if our defense play up to their potential and be the best unit in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs will be playing in Tampa on February 1st” (Chiefs fans). Let’s be honest we all like to put on our prognosticator hat and predict what will happen in the upcoming season. It’s fun and if you are correct, you feel like a genius. If you’re wrong, who cares because the people who will point out to you that you were wrong, were probably just as wrong or even more wrong than you were. No matter what happens we all tend to look back at the season and find some way to make our initial predictions seem as though they were right.
Each season, I challenge a couple of my friends who are also huge NFL fans to put our picks in writing and review how well we did at the end of the season. In the past we have done pretty well. For instance, during the 2007 NFL draft I boldly predicted that the New England Patriots would have a perfect regular season and win the Super Bowl. Everyone thought that no team would go through a regular season undefeated and questioned my sanity. Although they did eventually lose the Super Bowl, I was very proud of my prediction about the perfect season. I was also correct in boldly stating that former MVP Shaun Alexander would absolutely suck once he got a new lucrative contract from the Seattle Seahawks (He will be watching this season from home just like you and me). Another surprisingly accurate pick occurred when one of my friends boldly picked DeMeco Ryans to win the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year and he was correct.
I have decided this season to up the ante. Instead of simply putting my picks for the 2008 season down on paper, I have decided to make them available for the entire world to see. (If you are confident enough to do the same, please post them in the comments section. You don’t have to pick everything, just the categories that you feel comfortable putting your name and reputation on.)
I hope everyone enjoyed the series of posts ranking various NFL positions and units. I had a lot of fun doing it and the feedback and comments I received were awesome. They were all leading up to this moment. My friends and I pick EVERYTHING including team standings and rankings, individual awards and rankings, and we even make a BOLD PREDICTION about the upcoming season.
IT IS NOW TIME TO MAKE MY 2008 NFL PICKS!!!! Sit back, enjoy, and get your comments ready.
****NOTE****
These picks were very difficult to make because they were made according to what I think will happen and not what I hope will happen. I tried very hard not to let emotions or “fandom” interfere with my thinking while making these picks.
MY 2008 NFL PICKS ARE A FOLLOWS….
DIVISIONAL STANDINGS:
NFC SOUTH
1. Saints
2. Buccaneers
3. Panthers
4. Falcons
NFC EAST
1. Cowboys
2. Eagles
3. Redskins
4. Giants
NFC NORTH
1. Vikings
2. Packers
3. Lions
4. Bears
NFC WEST
1. Cardinals
2. Seahawks
3. Rams
4. 49er’s
AFC SOUTH
1. Colts
2. Jaguars
3. Texans
4. Titans
AFC EAST
1. Patriots
2. Bills
3. Jets
4. Dolphins
AFC NORTH
1. Browns
2. Bengals
3. Steelers
4. Ravens
AFC WEST
1. Chargers
2. Raiders
3. Broncos
4. Chiefs
PLAYOFF TEAMS:
NFC
1. Cowboys
2. Saints
3. Vikings
4. Cardinals
5. Eagles
6. Redskins
NFC Championship Game:
Cowboys v/s Vikings
AFC
1. Colts
2. Chargers
3. Patriots
4. Browns
5. Jaguars
6. Texans
AFC Championship Game:
Colts v/s Patriots
Super Bowl:
Colts v/s Cowboys
Super Bowl Champion:
Colts
TEAM RANKINGS:
#1 Offense (Highest Scoring):
Colts
#32 Offense (Lowest Scoring):
Chiefs
#1 Defense (Fewest Points Allowed):
Vikings
#32 Defense (Most Points Allowed):
Rams
Most Special Teams Touchdowns:
Bears
Best Regular Season Record:
Colts
Worst Regular Season Record:
Falcons
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
MVP:
Peyton Manning
Offensive Player of the Year:
Peyton Manning
Defensive Player of the Year:
DeMarcus Ware
Offensive Rookie of the Year:
Darren McFadden
Defensive Rookie of the Year:
Curtis Lofton
Coach of the Year:
Brad Childress
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:
Passing Yards:
Carson Palmer
Passing TD’s:
Peyton Manning
Rushing Yards:
Adrian Peterson
Rushing TD’s:
LaDanien Tomlinson
Receiving Yards:
Chad Johnson
Receiving TD’s:
Randy Moss
Sacks:
DeMarcus Ware
Interceptions:
Antonio Cromartie
Tackles:
Patrick Willis
Defensive TD’s:
Antonio Cromartie
BOLD PREDICTIONS:
1. Marion Barber and Felix Jones of the Dallas Cowboys will both rush for at least 1,000 yards this season.
2. Brett Favre will throw more interceptions than touchdowns.
These picks are just one man’s opinions and predictions about the upcoming NFL season. I know that many of you will disagree with many of my picks. If you do, please comment and let me know. There is only one condition, if you disagree with one of my picks you must tell me who you would pick in their place and why. Also, if you have any questions about why I have picked a certain team or player in a particular place, simply ask me in your comment and I will reply with my reason. I look forward to hearing from you.
****NOTE****
We are now only 11 days away from the season opening kickoff. Get your popcorn ready. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
14 comments:
Here are my pics. Carlos can vouch that I sent these in before seeing his. Surprised we have Ware and Cromartie picked the same for so many categories.
NFC SOUTH
1 New Orleans
2 Tampa Bay
3 Carolina
4 Atlanta
NFC EAST
1 Dallas
2 New York
3 Philadelphia
4 Washington
NFC NORTH
1 Green Bay
2 Minnesota
3 Detroit
4 Chicago
NFC WEST
1 Arizona
2 Seattle
3 St Louis
4 San Francisco
AFC SOUTH
1 Indianapolis
2 Jacksonville
3 Tennessee
4 Houston
AFC EAST
1 New England
2 New York
3 Buffalo
4 Miami
AFC NORTH
1 Cleveland
2 Pittsburgh
3 Baltimore
4 Cincinatti
AFC WEST
1 San Diego
2 Denver
3 Oakland
4 Kansas City
NFC PLAYOFFS
1 (DIVISION CHAMP) New Orleans
2 (DIVISION CHAMP) Dallas
3 (DIVISION CHAMP) Green Bay
4 (DIVISION CHAMP) Arizona
5 (WILD CARD) New York
6 (WILD CARD) Minnesota
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Dallas
2 Green Bay
1 (DIVISION CHAMP) Indianapolis
2 (DIVISION CHAMP) New England
3 (DIVISION CHAMP) Cleveland
4 (DIVISION CHAMP) San Diego
5 (WILD CARD) Pittsburgh
6 (WILD CARD) Jacksonville
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
1 Indianapolis
2 San Diego
SUPER BOWL
Dallas
v/s
Indianapolis
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
Indianapolis
#1 OFFENSE (HIGHEST SCORING) New England
#32 OFFENSE (LOWEST SCORING) Kansas City
#1 DEFENSE (FEWEST POINTS ALLOWED) Indianapolis
#32 DEFENSE (MOST POINTS ALLOWED) Detroit
MOST SPECIAL TEAM TOUCHDOWNS Chicago
TEAM WITH THE BEST REGULAR SEASON RECORD New England
TEAM WITH THE WORST REGULAR SEASON RECORD Miami
MVP Tomlinson
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Tomlinson
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bob Sanders
OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR McFadden
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Dorsey
COACH OF THE YEAR Wade Phillips
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
OFFENSE
PASSING YDS Brady
PASSING TD's Brady
RUSHING YDS Tomlinson
RUSHING TD's Tomlinson
RECEIVING YDS Fitzgerald
RECEIVING TD's Owens
DEFENSE
SACKS Ware
INT's Cromartie
TACKLES Ryans
DEFENSIVE TD's Cromartie
Well my BOLD prediction has already been stated in the content of this blog and my NFC East standings magically are exactly the same as well. I'm not saying you stole my stuff, but um, we'll just say it is an odd coincidence. In fact my only difference from your picks is that I think Randy Moss will have more passing yards than Chad Johnson and top the league this season.
NFC SOUTH
SAINTS
PANTHERS
BUCCANEERS
FALCONS
NFC EAST
COWBOYS
EAGLES
REDSKINS
GIANTS
NFC NORTH
VIKINGS
PACKERS
LIONS
BEARS
NFC WEST
SEAHAWKS
CARDINALS
RAMS
49ER's
AFC SOUTH
TITANS
COLTS
JAGUARS
TEXANS
AFC EAST
PATRIOTS
BILLS
JETS
DOLPHINS
AFC NORTH
STEELERS
RAVENS
BROWNS
BENGALS
AFC WEST
CHARGERS
RAIDERS
BRONCOS
CHIEFS
NFC PLAYOFFS
COWBOYS
SAINTS
VIKINGS
SEAHAWKS
PANTHERS
EAGLES
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
COWBOYS
SAINTS
NFC CHAMP
COWBOYS
AFC PLAYOFFS
CHARGERS
PATRIOTS
STEELERS
TITANS
COLTS
RAVENS
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
TITANS
STEELERS
AFC CHAMP
STEELERS
SUPER BOWL
STEELERS
v/s
COWBOYS
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
COWBOYS
#1 OFFENSE (HIGHEST SCORING): COWBOYS
#32 OFFENSE (LOWEST SCORING): FALCONS
#1 DEFENSE (FEWEST POINTS ALLOWED): STEELERS
#32 DEFENSE (MOST POINTS ALLOWED): BENGALS
MOST SPECIAL TEAM TOUCHDOWNS: BEARS
TEAM WITH THE BEST REGULAR SEASON RECORD: COWBOYS
TEAM WITH THE WORST REGULAR SEASON RECORD: FALCONS
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
MVP:QB Tony Romo Dallas
OFF.POY:QB Tony Romo Dallas
DEF. POY:SS Troy Polomalu Pitt
OFF.ROY: RB Chris Johnson Tenn
DEFENSIVE ROY: LB Jerod Mayo NE
COACH OF THE YEAR: Lane Kiffin Oak
INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
PASSING YDS: QB Drew Brees N.O.
PASSING TD's:QB Tony Romo Dallas
RUSHING YDS: LaDainian Tomlinson SD
RUSHING TD's:LaDainian Tomlinson SD
RECEIVING YDS: WR Larry Fitzgerald Arz
RECEIVING TD's:WR Terrell Owens Dal
SACKS DE Julius Peppers Carolina
INT's: CB Asante Samuel Phil
TACKLES:LB Jonathan Vilma N.O.
DEFENSIVE TD:CB Adam Jones Dallas
Carlos, Carlos, Carlos! Mr. "wrong" is the correct title for your predictions this year brother. I agree that the Patriots will make some noise this year, but the Cowboys, please! They don't have a sense of urgency this year. Much like Shaun--the jump and down during a serious injury punk--Alexander, the Cowboys are relying on lucrative contacts to bring home their much awaited rings. The AFC north is totally backwards. The Steelers will regain their rightful place atop the division. The Browns, although I love an underdog, will do the same as they do every year--disappoint countless fans. Cleveland already has enough problems! The Colts will fall this year, HARD! The Jags will knock the spit and courage from that long, pointy chin of the "great" Peyton Manning. The Vikings are the "sexy" pick this year, so that's an ugly pick. Be creative shawty. The Lions will make hella noise in that division. Look at the equation: No prediction+multiple deep threats-Mike Martz=a devastating outcome in the "Norris" division. Broadway Brett will redefine the age factor with at least 25 touchdown passes against 13 picks. Trust, Favre will be in playoffs with a highly publicized upset against the Patriots. Last, but not least, the Tampa Bay Bucs will leave the division with the same scour and sour impression Gruden does when a call doesn't go his way. Garcia, whether his "orientation," will light up the sky will amazing play-making abilities similar to the likeness of the aforementioned Brett Favre. The sleeper this year goes to: The Seahawks. They are going to be the team to beat in Mike's last year.
I just wanna know where I can find whatever Pharoah Goolsby and Carl are smoking. Vince Young could lead a team out of a paper bag much less to the top of the AFC North over the Colts and Jaguars. Let's just be real here, even if Young could complete a pass, the only decent target he has is Crumpler and the Falcon's have already proved repeatedly that isn't enough. That team sucks too much to compensate for his shortcomings in that division. And as to Carl's prediction about Brett Favre in the playoffs, well there is one word for why that will never happen...KARMA!!!
Alright then Carl, coming out strong eh? I agree with you on the Colts, I believe the NFL is in for a shock with them this year. Peyton has had plenty of time studying, but if he's not practicing at 100% he won't be nearly as effective, he's the engine that makes the machine run...and this year they're going to sputter. And their motor, Bob Sanders, is going to give out during the season...hurting...again.
Now, Jamila, Vince Young is not your "prototypical" quarterback. We know that, he's never been one, in high school, Texas (where he single handedly took out Goliath)
or in the NFL. As a matter of fact, he may never "look" the part. But guess what he does...WINS. Unlike Vick, he's a leader and he's resilient. He's not gonna let the MEDIA get in his head and turn him into something he's not...a loser. You're being fooled by the play-action, what you're failing to see is that, the only thing containing/slowing/thwarting Vince...is himself and that's scary...and he's still winning.
Carl, I like your enthusiasm with Detroit. They're WR's will bring HELL, but who's playing D. Who on that D can effectively stop AP from running up "Satan's Alley" on their squad. They lost their 'MOUNTAIN'Shaun Rogers, who was very effective last year against the rush.
In response to the comment from scott....
I really like your picks. Although we do disagree on some things, it seems as though GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE. It is also nice to know that someone else can see the greatness that resides in Ware and Cromartie. Great Observation, you obviously did your homework.
However there is one thing missing from you picks to make them official. That is you BOLD PREDICTION. You have to MAN UP!!!! and have one to make the picks official, so please post one before the game this Thursday.
All in all I hope that at the end of the season I can say that you did a great job with your picks. That would also mean that I did a great job with my picks because like I said before GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE!!!!
As always thanks for the comment and please help spread the word about STRAIGHT CASH HOMEY!!!!
In response to the comment from jamila....
You are correct, I liked your BOLD PREDICTION about Brett Favre so much that I had to include it in the BLOG. Thank You and I want to let you know that I value your views and opinions.
Also our NFC East is not the same since the Osi injury and you may want to revisit that division.
As for Chad Johnson v/s Randy Moss on receiving yards, you have a legit argument. Chad will be playing hurt most of this season (he injured his shoulder after I made my predictions), so I no longer think that he will lead the league in receiving yards. However, I still don't believe Randy Moss will either. I now think that distinction will belong to Calvin Johnson. I know it's a stretch, but trust me on that one.
I like the fact that you know your stuff, and from the way that you write I can tell that you must be beautiful. If you can find the time, maybe we should go out some time. I am really much cooler (and better looking) than your average blogger and I know how to show a lady a good time. You know how to reach me, hit me up if you are interested.
Also in response to the comment from scott....
I want to caution you on your pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Although I am a big fan of Glenn Dorsey, keep in mind that the Defensive Rookie of the Year usually goes to a linebacker or defensive back because those positions can easily compile stats. It is very difficult for a Defensive Tackle to compile a lot of stats. At that position you can play a great game and have no tackles or sacks. A great game at that position can mean eating up blockers all night and allowing your teammates to make plays. That does not show up on the stat sheet and voters don't usually vote for what's not on the stat sheet.
Also linebackers and defensive backs play in space and are more visible to viewers of the game (in person or on television).
In response to the comment from pharoah goolsby....
I have been very busy with class and homework and have not been able to respond to blog comments during the past couple of days. Now I have a minute, so sit down get an pencil and paper. I am about to give you some key corrections to your comment that will save your football reputation if you choose to follow them.
As for your picks....
I can say that overall you did a very good job. Although we disagree quite a bit, the beauty of football is that it will all play out on the field. Therefore we will discuss our differences in my blog entry that will follow the Super Bowl.
With that being said, I must correct you on two things that you predicted. The funny thing about these predictions is that I truly believe that you knew they were wrong as you were typing them into this blog. That is what I like about you. You are a man that is strong in his convictions and will stand by the right or WRONG until the very end.
Are you ready? Here we go....
There is absolutely no way that the Tennessee Titans will win the AFC South & Make the AFC Championship Game. Master P has a better chance of recording another Platinum Album, Sir Mix-A-Lot has a better chance to make a comeback, Shawn Kemp has a better chance of being Father of the Year, Charles Barkley has a better chance of embracing the fact that athletes are role models, Alex Smith has a better chance to make the Pro Bowl, Sean "Diddy" Combs has a better chance at winning an Oscar (I know how much you love his acting skills), Terrance Moore (of the AJC) has a better chance of writting a good article, and there is a better chance that I will start wearing my clothes backwards like Kriss Kross. Well on the other hand Jay Z and Jermaine Dupre did somehow get Beyonce and Janet Jackson respectively, so I guess anything is possible. EXCEPT THIS!!!!
There is no chance that Vince Young will lead the Titans to a division title or to the AFC Championship Game. The University of Tennesee has a better chance of winning the AFC South than the Titans. Remember, I am only telling you this as a friend because I don't want you to go around telling people this. They will look at you like you are crazy and you will lose all football credibility.
Saying the Detroit Lions are going to the NFC Championship Game is bold, but saying that the Titans are going to the AFC (conference with the Colts, Patriots, Jaguars, Chargers,etc.) Championship Game is absolutely ridiculous.
But once again thanks for the comment and the continued support. Also keep spreading the word, I really appreciate all of your efforts.
OK you want BOLD PREDICTIONS, here are a few:
Ricky Williams will rush for 1000+ yards
Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones will have another run-in with the law
Mario Williams will be ranked higher in the league in sacks than Reggie Bush will be ranked in either TDs OR Yards (take your pick)
No Chicago Bear WR will have a 100+ yard game
In response to the comment from carl....
You started off all wrong. The Cowboys, love'em or hate'em is arguably the most talented team in the NFL. They will win the toughest division in football by at least three games. Real recognize real and this is a real talented team. Please don't embarrass yourself with statements like that again.
As for the Steelers, I don't think that they will win the division but I understand those that do. With that pick, I simply say we will wait and see.
Once again you have embarrassed yourself again speaking ill of the Colts. Let's evaluate the facts. Peyton Manning is the best QB in the league. Even if you don't agree that he is the best, no one can place him any lower than #2 and have any credibility (which you are quickly losing with these ridiculous comments). They also have more Weapons of Mass Destruction than Bush thought Iraq had on offense. What other team can put Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, Joseph Addai, and Dallas Clark on the field together? A team that talented would never fall off. Even a pathetic passer like Vince Young or Alex Smith can lead that group to the playoffs. Why are you hating on Manning so much? Let me guess, you must be a Brett Favre fan, which is a whole other issue in itself. Most Favre fans hate on Manning for some reason. The Jags will be good and I think they will finish second to the Colts. Also, did I mention that the Colts had the #1 ranked defense in the NFL last season even with Dwight Freeney injured most of the season. Please do your research before speaking so recklessly.
As for the Vikings, they are indeed the sexy pick this year and they will show you why by the end of the season.
The Lions are very talented on offense, but they do not have a team good enough to overtake the Packers or Vikings. Their defense sucks.
All in all, you made a good attempt at some almost legitimate arguments. You are acting on emotions and not facts. I have no problem with you disagreeing with my opinions or calling me Mr. "wrong", because I write this blog to get feedback and engage in strong discussions about sports, however before you take the time to write something, DO YOUR RESEARCH AND COME CORRECT!!!! Try again next time.
In response to Scott's bold predictions....
You have took my challenge and responded very well. For that I commend you. I think that all of your predictions are great examples of bold predictions except for one.
Ricky Williams will definitely rush for 1000+ yards. Everything else definitely qualifies as bold.
Good Job!!!!
That's cute, the Univ. of Tennessee winning the AFC South as if they can actually win the SEC. I understand the sarcasm, and best believe I'll be laying it on thick in January.
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