Gents,
Well I've spent enough time combing the schedules, and am ready to make some bold predictions. I know that a lot of people are going to disagree which is part of the fun. Conversation about our expectations for the Broncos, and other teams is how we pass the time away during these long off seasons. So without further adieu, I give you my predictions:
1. New England Patriots: 14-2
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: 13-3
3. San Diego Chargers: 12-4
4. Cleveland Browns: 9-7
5. Denver Broncos: 11-5
6. Indianapolis Colts: 10-6
These teams will be on the bubble through the end:
Houston Texans: 9-7
Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-8
I know that picking New England isn't the bold prediction, but who else from the East are you going to pick? The Pats are just about gift-wrapped 6 easy wins against their division, and play a soft schedule do to the NFL's system of scheduling. Also, the Seahawks proved that the team losing the Super Bowl doesn't have to fold the following season. If any team is capable of bucking the trend, it's the Patriots.
The Jags are usually an up and down team, so this pick is a little more bold, given they were up last year. But they are a pretty good team, and I think they are going to get out to a fast start. They are primed and ready to show everyone that there's more to the AFC South than the Colts.
The Chargers are a talented team, and I see nothing this off season that says this will change. Plus with this being the 2nd year under Turner's system, and some of their young players adjusting to his system, they should be good enough to take the West again.
The Browns have a tough schedule, as does the rest of the AFC North. But they have a great offense that is as good as any in their division, and arguable the best. I expect these teams to beat each other senseless, with the Browns narrowly edging the Steelers this time.
As for the Broncos, I've already posted my game by game predictions. 'Nuff said here. I certainly hope I'm right about this though, because I would love to see another Broncos-Browns playoff matchup. Now that was a rivalry there for a while, wasn't it?
Lastly, I've picked the Colts to finish a humble 10-6 by their standards. I don't have a lot to go off of here, other than they can't be on top forever, plus they are moving into a new out door stadium. Usually teams stumble a bit in a new stadium. Lastly I just think the Jags have an offense that can keep up, and a better defense than the Colts.
So there you have it. I welcome your comments, good, bad, and ugly.
