NFL season is almost upon us, how do you think your team will do? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

metrodub · 08-20-2003, 06:51 PM

With the NFL preseason entering the third of four weeks, its time to own up and make some preseason predictions. Which is your favorite team and how well do you think they will do this year? What impact do you think your first round picks (second round for you Redskins fans) will have? How about your other picks/free agent acquisitions?

I'll start:

Team: Cowboys

Predicted Final Record: 7-9

With no true leader or talent at the quarterback position and a huge question mark at running back, the Cowboys will find it hard to win games convincingly this year.

The defense will keep them in most of the games, with Roy Williams making more statements on the field that he is the next Ronnie Lott, if not better. First Round draft pick Terrance Newman will find his way into the starting lineup and will have most Cowboys fans asking "Deion who?"

Second Round draft pick Al Johnson (Center) will be out for the year with an injury, but third round pick Jason Whitten (TE) and fourth round pick Bradie James (LB) will make huge contributions to the team.

New Cowboys Al Singleton (LB) and Terry Glenn (WR) will also thrive in Bill Parcells' system. Lets just hope that Parcells doesn't continue to call Glenn "She".

The_Dude · 08-20-2003, 07:06 PM

i dont have a single favorite team but i do follow some teams closely than others.

superbowl winner : st louis rams
y'all should've seen warner and bulger in that pre-season game (i only watched the first half) and they were spectacular. add marshall faulk to that and if their D can hold up, they can win it all.

gov135 · 08-20-2003, 07:14 PM

Team: Cleveland Browns
Prediction: 7-9

The Browns made the choice that didn't matter: Holcomb over Couch. It doesn't matter because either guy could start for alot of NFL teams. Unfortunately, Tim Couch can't play defense.

Strengths: Receiving core may be the best in the league. Running back position is set with William Green. Overall, the skill players are the strength of the team.

Weaknesses: The Browns are currently starting eleven men on defense that wouldn't make the Raven's NFL Europe affiliate. This includes three linebackers that haven't started a single NFL game. Dave Campo has installed a cover 2 defense, but the scheme relys on getting pressure up front. Gerard Warren may be a bust, Courtney Brown is a bust, and the only thing the D line will harass is seat cushions.
The offensive line has shown signs of cohesion, then faltered. Neither guard position is set in stone.

First round pick Jeff Faine brings alot of intensity. He also faces a steep learning curve. He'll get beat a few times a game this season, but he seems to be working out well.
Second round pick Chaun Thompson is looking more lke a reach every day. After holding out, today he was quoted as being surprised at the learning curve between West Texas A&M and the NFL. We'll see.
The third a fifth round picks, Chris Crocker and Michael Lehan (both corners) have been nagged by injuries. They won't be in the mix this year, save special teams, where Lehan has stood out.
Fourth round pick Lee Suggs is the cheap mans Willis McGahee, in that noone knows when they'll play and how they'll play when they do.
Biggest contributer besides Faine: Ryan Pontbriand, long snapper.

Wrap-up: Look for alot of shootouts this year as the Browns skill players shine. Unfortunately, so will the skill players of the opponents. I generally choose to be optimistic, and I dearly love the Browns, but the defense is not ready.

Kurant · 08-20-2003, 07:19 PM

Vikings talk is all Hype hype hype.

They are thinking rather high hopes this year IMO. Dan Patrick said NFC Championship. I just don't see Dante leading this team to where they thing they are going.

I predict 9-7, maybe 10-6 with a lucky divisonal game over the Packers.

djtestudo · 08-20-2003, 09:44 PM

Team: Ravens

Projected Record: 10-6

Like their Super Bowl-winning year of 2000, the Ravens defense will dominate the league. Now though, they have an offense to go with it.

The defense starts with the linebackers. Adding to the core of Lewis, Hartwell, and Bowlware is first-round pick Terrel Suggs, who holds the NCAA sack record, set last season. Also added Corey Fuller, who can play CB and safety to go with CBs McAllister and Baxter, and safety Ed Reed. The D-line is the weak spot, but is strong with steadly improving NT Kelly Gregg, along with Ends Marquis Douglass and Adalious Thomas (who tackled Mike Vick on that now-infamous play).

The offense is looking as good as it ever has since the team came to town. RB Jamal Lewis is fully healed from his ACL injury two seasons ago and ready to bear the load of the offense again. WR Frank Sanders and Marcus Robinson join with Travis Taylor and the promising Ron Johnson and Randy Hymes to create a WR corps that will be servicable at the very least. TE Todd Heap is overshadowed by Jeremy Shocky, but had a better year last season and is still improving. The O-line is solid on the left with Ogden and Mulitallo. The right is a question mark, but RT Orlando Brown adds some immovable mass to that side, if anything.

The quarterback situation has gotten a lot of national publicity, and with good reason. Will Chris Redman, the veteran who played well for 6 games last year before his back injury start? Or will rookie Kyle Boller, who has plenty of tools, but only had one good year at Cal? My prediction is Redman to start the season, but Boller to keep practicing and learning at an accelorated pace to start if Redman struggles.

Overall, this team is a playoff contender. I can see the second-round in it's future, but if the offense performs well, then the sky is the limit.

gov135 · 08-21-2003, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by djtestudo
Team: Ravens

Projected Record: 10-6

I agree, grudgingly. And I think you are looking at a division winner.

docbungle · 08-21-2003, 12:30 PM

Broncos. Don't know yet. Lot's of potential as usual, but we'll see what Plummer does.

I expect lots.

hfw01 · 08-21-2003, 01:53 PM

New Orleans Saints... If we don't qiut at the end of the season we have a chance of having a good record. I expect that our offense should be productive, with Aaron Brooks coming off shoulder surgery and looking healthy. Hopefully all the changes on defense work out and they can play like a team. If so we may be looking at a playoff team. They should be, but we have to play Tampa twice, and when Vick comes back the Falcons should be tough...

Hopefully we get to 10-6 or so...

-hfw

HeAtHeN · 08-21-2003, 01:55 PM

Seahawks - Everyone seems to think we'll make the playoffs this season... and so do I

Go Hawks Go.

We have a good Offence and our defence is the real test. If they get better, we'll be up there.

Spartak · 08-21-2003, 04:09 PM

Niners.

Too tough to call, Rams look like they are upto their best.

No predictions on record, but they WILL make the playoffs imo.

SAM821 · 08-21-2003, 07:01 PM

Team: Miami Dolphins

Predictions - 12-4

Lets Just put it this way, i expect NOTHING less than a superbowl appearance. I mean shit, look at the stars they have on the team. On Paper, This team could just about fill EVERY Pro Bowl Spot (seriously); There Defense alone has NINE pro bowlers.

Not to mention a man named Ricky Williams, i wont even go there....(he'll most likely lead the NFL in rushing again). Jay Fiedler is looking hot, and he will shock a few people this yea (if he doesnt get hurt). Even the Offensive line is looking...

The only way that the Dolphins have a dissapointing season is if there are big injuries to key players (Ricky Williams, Jay Fieldler, Jason Taylor, or Zach Thomas, to name a few) or if Dave Wannstedt blows a few calls/game (like at the patriots last year)

Overall i think there is too much talent on this team...they are expected to win the division and be in the superbowl (Vegas gots them 6-1 favorites to win it all, best chance out of all NFL teams)

but thats just my opinion

Mr Scorcex · 08-21-2003, 07:51 PM

Patriots

Final record: 9-7

I predict a repeat of last year's performance. The offence is ok, but they just can't stop the run. Haven't followed closely enough to see the draft picks.

spectre · 08-21-2003, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr Scorcex
The offence is ok, but they just can't stop the run.

They just got Ted Washington and they already have Rosie Colvin, they will stop the run.

Jdoe · 08-21-2003, 09:57 PM

Steelers

We're play-off bound again. And thank freakin' goodness we don't have to put up with Stewart this time around!

Jdoe

MikeyChalupa · 08-22-2003, 02:14 AM

Buffalo Bills!

Tough season ahead, this is the strongest the AFC East has been as a whole in years. ANY team has the chance to win the division. If Buffalo's D has truly improved (Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams, Jeff Posey) and Jeff Reed can step up to fill Peerless Price's shoes, and Henry can have another 1400 yard season, the Bills stop taking STUPID penalties, and Bledsoe stops turning the ball over (15 picks, 5 fumbles lost), then we will return to the playoffs.

Actually, that's a lot of if's...

-Mikey

VeXteR · 08-22-2003, 09:28 AM

KC Chiefs

Projected 12 and 4

The Chiefs are a much improved team. With the return of the Holmes, and the additions on defense they will be a force in the AFC. In preseason the D has sacked the QB in the first series in every game so far. Sims is going to be a Probowler along with Hicks on the other side. Holiday will be a punishing run stopper. 2nd year LB fujita will also have a All Pro quality year. Then you add Barber and the only ? is the corners. They will be much improved over last years because of the new found pass rush.

I predict here and now that the Chiefs will the the AFC representative in the Superbowl.

Ryan · 08-22-2003, 10:35 AM

Lions all the way baby !!!!1!!

haha.. I hope the good old Steve can turn the lions around and maybe give us a 8-8 or 7-9 Season..

Hell in my opinion a playoff berth would be like the supebowl for us... I just hope we can start rebuilding and get back on track.. I really like Harrington and hopefully he will continue to devolpe.

mml · 08-22-2003, 09:51 PM

I live in Phoenix, so I guess the Cardinals are my team. I try to like them, but, well, you know...they suck. I have abosolutly no idea what they will do.

As far as Denver fans are concerned, if Plummer is given enough time in the backfield, he could really work out for you. The one year the Cards had a decent O-line, he took the Cards to the second round of the playoffs.

djtestudo · 08-23-2003, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jdoe
Steelers

We're play-off bound again. And thank freakin' goodness we don't have to put up with Stewart this time around!

Jdoe

You know, you could have provided some evidence so that I wouldn't have to tear the Steelers apart on here...

On offense, the o-line is suspect. The running game is also suspect, as Zerowie had a good year, but would need to repeat that, and more. Bettis is like the Baltimore MTA busses when all their wheels kept falling off. The WRs are probably the best in the NFL, but need someone to throw them the ball. Maddox is presently the biggest overachiever in NFL history, more the Warner because Warner has had several good years. If Maddox goes down, remember Batch lost the starting job in DETROIT. You could always turn Randle-El into the new Slash

On defense, the line and linebacking corps are good. Only problem is any ball thrown past the LB will be a touchdown due to the total lack of a secondary.

At least you no longer have Stewert to blame for your crappiness.

pagliachi2003 · 08-23-2003, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Spartak
Niners.

Too tough to call, Rams look like they are upto their best.

No predictions on record, but they WILL make the playoffs imo.

Agreed. Denis Erickson is a great coach and I think they will be better than they were last year. Unfortunately, so will the Rams.

Shpoop · 08-23-2003, 05:29 PM

My team is also the Miami dolphins.

I either expect the superbowl, or not even the playoffs.

Indeed, on paper this time is phenomenal. On all the games they are like tied for first simply because u cant deny individual player's skills. But if a team doesnt click, individual skills can sometimes go to waste. Zach Thomas said it best "People call us a good team. We aren't. If you cant win big games, you arent a good team" he said that after we lost to the pats and missed out on the post season.

But late season curses aside, this should be a great team. Im not worried about a quarterback injury, because i think Griese is just about as good as Fiedler, plus we filled our QB injury quota last year. Ricky Williams is amazing, but even if he gets injured, Travis Minor will still put us on par with most teams. With Chambers, Gadsden, Thompson, etc, we have good receivers, but im worried about an injury there, as we saw last year the bench is pretty thin there. I would hate for any defensive injuries too

All in all, this team should be great, but as the dolphins have proved over and over, its bad to get your hopes up.

JamesS · 08-23-2003, 06:57 PM

I'm with Sam and Shpoop, the Miami Dolphins are my team.

We're looking good this year. Defense is awesome. Special teams are good. Hopefully the duo of Fiedler and Griese will prevent a repeat of a Lucas situation.

If we don't go deep this season, it will probably be because of a lack of a solid receiving corps, which would allow some cheating on Williams, as we saw in the Falcons game.

crewsor · 08-23-2003, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by djtestudo
Team: Ravens

Projected Record: 10-6

I would have agreed untill I watched their sorry performance against the Deadskins tonight.
Man I hope their play improves by the regular season. Even the defence looked bad.

Jdoe · 08-24-2003, 01:53 AM

djtestudo,

Lol, I see we have a Ravens fan in the house! I bet you are loving the new head coach for the Bungles...er, I mean Bangles. You and I are likely to have a tough division in a couple years.

No need for proof, by the way. We're always play-off bound!

Jdoe

RAMONES!!! · 08-24-2003, 06:24 AM

bucs, i'm not going to give any predictions.

but i have seen commercials on FOX hyping up the up coming season and they said was is Brains or Brawn OR FLUKE that the Bucs won the super bowl. Well lets put it this way "IF" Mike Vick is the best player in the League, if i remeber correctly, the Bucs beat them to a bloody Pulp.

The Bucs lost Al Singleton to the Cowboys, but in return we gained Dwayne Rudd, who the Bucs D is calling him the fastest Linebacker on the Team.

We lost Dexter Jackson, who was a good player, but not at his asking price, and Certainly not a Super Bowl MVP. He can be replaced, Dwight Smith will jump in and take his spot.

Our Back-up Quarterback Situation is going to be better this season, Shaun King is really looking good in Pre-season, and we also got Chris Simms who is looking sharp too.

We still got the same Front Four and Lynch, offense really stays the same, we brought in Thomas Jones, we have some new faces on the O-Line.

but the Bucs we be a force this season.

crow_daw · 08-24-2003, 08:07 AM

I got two teams that I honestly love equally, and I also honestly believe that they will both be powerhouses, just like last year.

First, my Tennessee Titans...

I put em at 12-4.

No one has a tougher defensive front four than the Titans, bar none, and Rookie CB Andre Woolfolk is gonna beef that backfield up big time. He and S Tank Williams are gonna be some phenomenal young blood back there, barring injuries. And LB Keith Bulluck is a beast.
On the offensive side, Steve McNair may be the best QB in the league, seriously, Michael Vick is damn good, but there is no tougher QB anywhere than Air McNair. He's never had many options of who to throw the ball to, yet he still pulled out some nice yardage, and Rookie WR Tyrone Calico is gonna make an instant impact.
One last note, K Joe Nedney is fucking CLUTCH.
The Titans are gonna be damn good, and we're gonna have the same scenario as last year, the AFC Championship game is gonne be a BATTLE, between my Titans and my other team....

the Oakland Raiders.

Projected record-- 11-5

Luckily for everyone in the Raider Nation, the old guys stuck around. And because of that, they are an instant threat once again. RB Charlie Garner is the single most underrated back in the league, and any team that has possibly the best two wideouts that ever lived lining up side by side, is gonna be a juggernaut. Not to mention that QB Rich Gannon is awesome.
I also think second year TE Doug Jolley is gonna be one helluva a player, as well as WR Jerry Porter.
Defensively, losing DT Sam Adams and DE Regan Upshaw really hurt, but the Raidahs got free agent Dana Stubblefield, and he'll help fill in the gaps.

Bottom line, these two squads are gonna meet in the playoffs yet again, and I wouldn't dare to venture a guess as to the outcome, I just know that I absolutely cannot wait.

djtestudo · 08-24-2003, 08:47 AM

@crewsor - Last night's game was nothing. The defense had some truly stupid penalties on one drive that basically gave the Indiginous Persons 3 first downs. Plus, Boller proved he isn't quite ready to start; though his numbers were ok, he didn't look that good.

@Jdoe - Two biggest games of the NFL season: Ravens @ Steelers week 1, Steelers @ Ravens week 17. Bring it on

lions20 · 08-26-2003, 05:50 AM

I think the Lions will go 6-10 or 8-8. We have to play the NFC West which scares me a little. I am also not used to winning 2 preseason games so maybe this is a sign of good things to come.

theinfamous · 08-27-2003, 02:06 PM

colts - i'm just gonna predict that their defense comes to form and the offense gels...so they're finally out of the first round. but that's as far as they can probably go..

Sion · 08-27-2003, 05:33 PM

Im a Steeler fan.

projected order of finish for the AFC North:

Steelers 10-6
Browns 9-7
Ravens 8-8
Bengals 6-10

based on talent level and assuming no major injuries on any of the 4 teams.

the Steelers have the best offense of the 4, even with the Oline problems and the uncertainty at RB. However, their secondary will likely lose them a couple games that they should win, which is why I dont have them at 12-4 or 13-3.

The Browns are nearly a mirror image of the Steelers on offense, but their Oline is even worse and William Green isnt nearly as good as most Browns fans think. On D, the Browns have a flipflop of the Steelers D (strong front 7 and weak secondary) with a stong secondary and a weak front 7. Teams with a decent running game will roll over the Browns.

The Ravens D isnt half as good as their SB team, but is decent enough to keep them in most games. However, their offense is downright weak, with only J Lewis T Heap having any real skill. Expect them to lose a bunch of 10-7, 14-10 type games.

The Bengals will improve under Marvin Lewis. Hell, how could they not? But anything more than 6 wins is a pipe-dream for this team this year.

djtestudo · 08-27-2003, 09:14 PM

Quote:

The Ravens D isnt half as good as their SB team, but is decent enough to keep them in most games. However, their offense is downright weak, with only J Lewis T Heap having any real skill. Expect them to lose a bunch of 10-7, 14-10 type games.

The Ravens D isn't as good as the SB team because there are questions at D-line. We now hae four potential Pro-Bowlers at linebacker, the best young safety in football, a franchise cornerback, and two solid players who can play both S and CB.

The quarterback is the only offensive question mark. Jamal Lewis is Jerome Bettis with real speed. Todd Heap will be called the best TE in football by the end of the season. Taylor and Sanders are solid recievers, and Robinson has all the ability in the world. The O-line is a little unsteady on the right, but you won't get within five yards of whomever's playing QB rushing from the left.

The Steelers have possibly a one-year wonder at QB (we'll see, not everyone can be Warner and Brady). Zerowie could still lose out to Bettis eventually, whic should put THAT in perspective. The secondary let Holcomb pass for 400 yards in a playoff game last season and hasn't really improved.

I agree with the Browns, and as for the Bengals, I can see them 7-9 if things go right. They do have an all-world running back, good recievers, and either quarterback would be good.

God of Thunder · 08-28-2003, 11:35 AM

As a Lions fan, I'm just happy if they show up

Aaron0000 · 08-28-2003, 02:34 PM

I am also a Cowboys fan, but I think they will win 8 games and have a chance at a wildcard.

Aaron0000 · 08-28-2003, 02:35 PM

Also, I think this is the year for Carter to step up and really compete, and hopefully win.

guthmund · 08-28-2003, 09:06 PM

The Raiders

11-5

It helps that there were minimal losses in the offseason. I think that by signing Stubblefield and the significant improvement of some of the second-years, the loss of DT Sam Adams is going to be a lot less noticeable.

I also like the way some of the younger guys are coming along. RB Justin Fargas, TE Teyo Johnson and WR Doug Gabriel just to name a few.

This is certainly a break out year for WR Jerry Porter and maybe TE Doug Jolley.

It's going to be tough out in the AFC West, especially with San Diego, but I expect them to make the playoffs if they don't totally self-destruct.

Fantasma · 08-29-2003, 12:43 PM

Team: Patriots
Prediction: 10 - 6 (Wildcard, Miami wins the division)

Defense looks pretty good, they will stop the run (this is the key).
Besides, 4-0 in pre-season, it's a good augury.

maiden_fan_us · 08-29-2003, 02:13 PM

Long time Buccaneers fan, I predict we'll get to 12 - 4 and the NFC championship game. After that is anyone's guess.

tikki · 08-31-2003, 02:09 AM

Team: Colts

Offense good. Defense better. Still not there yet though. They'll make the playoffs assuming they can hold off Tennessee though.

djtestudo · 08-31-2003, 08:42 AM

Irrrrrrrrrr-sayyyyyyyyy

metrodub · 12-09-2003, 01:20 PM

Thought I'd bring this thread back to life to see how everyone's "predictions" are coming about. I think I shot low with my record, although the Cowboys are currently hurting.

How has your team fared compared to how you thought they'd do before the season began?

08-20-2003, 06:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
metrodub Crazy Location: Boston, MA	NFL season is almost upon us, how do you think your team will do? With the NFL preseason entering the third of four weeks, its time to own up and make some preseason predictions. Which is your favorite team and how well do you think they will do this year? What impact do you think your first round picks (second round for you Redskins fans) will have? How about your other picks/free agent acquisitions? I'll start: Team: Cowboys Predicted Final Record: 7-9 With no true leader or talent at the quarterback position and a huge question mark at running back, the Cowboys will find it hard to win games convincingly this year. The defense will keep them in most of the games, with Roy Williams making more statements on the field that he is the next Ronnie Lott, if not better. First Round draft pick Terrance Newman will find his way into the starting lineup and will have most Cowboys fans asking "Deion who?" Second Round draft pick Al Johnson (Center) will be out for the year with an injury, but third round pick Jason Whitten (TE) and fourth round pick Bradie James (LB) will make huge contributions to the team. New Cowboys Al Singleton (LB) and Terry Glenn (WR) will also thrive in Bill Parcells' system. Lets just hope that Parcells doesn't continue to call Glenn "She". Last edited by metrodub; 08-20-2003 at 07:21 PM..

08-20-2003, 07:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	i dont have a single favorite team but i do follow some teams closely than others. superbowl winner : st louis rams y'all should've seen warner and bulger in that pre-season game (i only watched the first half) and they were spectacular. add marshall faulk to that and if their D can hold up, they can win it all. __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

08-20-2003, 09:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	Team: Ravens Projected Record: 10-6 Like their Super Bowl-winning year of 2000, the Ravens defense will dominate the league. Now though, they have an offense to go with it. The defense starts with the linebackers. Adding to the core of Lewis, Hartwell, and Bowlware is first-round pick Terrel Suggs, who holds the NCAA sack record, set last season. Also added Corey Fuller, who can play CB and safety to go with CBs McAllister and Baxter, and safety Ed Reed. The D-line is the weak spot, but is strong with steadly improving NT Kelly Gregg, along with Ends Marquis Douglass and Adalious Thomas (who tackled Mike Vick on that now-infamous play). The offense is looking as good as it ever has since the team came to town. RB Jamal Lewis is fully healed from his ACL injury two seasons ago and ready to bear the load of the offense again. WR Frank Sanders and Marcus Robinson join with Travis Taylor and the promising Ron Johnson and Randy Hymes to create a WR corps that will be servicable at the very least. TE Todd Heap is overshadowed by Jeremy Shocky, but had a better year last season and is still improving. The O-line is solid on the left with Ogden and Mulitallo. The right is a question mark, but RT Orlando Brown adds some immovable mass to that side, if anything. The quarterback situation has gotten a lot of national publicity, and with good reason. Will Chris Redman, the veteran who played well for 6 games last year before his back injury start? Or will rookie Kyle Boller, who has plenty of tools, but only had one good year at Cal? My prediction is Redman to start the season, but Boller to keep practicing and learning at an accelorated pace to start if Redman struggles. Overall, this team is a playoff contender. I can see the second-round in it's future, but if the offense performs well, then the sky is the limit. __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

08-21-2003, 12:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
docbungle It's all downhill from here Location: Denver	Broncos. Don't know yet. Lot's of potential as usual, but we'll see what Plummer does. I expect lots. __________________ Bad Luck City

08-21-2003, 04:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Spartak Bang bang Location: New Zealand	Niners. Too tough to call, Rams look like they are upto their best. No predictions on record, but they WILL make the playoffs imo. __________________ I can read your mind... looking at you... I can read your mind...

08-20-2003, 07:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	Team: Cleveland Browns Prediction: 7-9 The Browns made the choice that didn't matter: Holcomb over Couch. It doesn't matter because either guy could start for alot of NFL teams. Unfortunately, Tim Couch can't play defense. Strengths: Receiving core may be the best in the league. Running back position is set with William Green. Overall, the skill players are the strength of the team. Weaknesses: The Browns are currently starting eleven men on defense that wouldn't make the Raven's NFL Europe affiliate. This includes three linebackers that haven't started a single NFL game. Dave Campo has installed a cover 2 defense, but the scheme relys on getting pressure up front. Gerard Warren may be a bust, Courtney Brown is a bust, and the only thing the D line will harass is seat cushions. The offensive line has shown signs of cohesion, then faltered. Neither guard position is set in stone. First round pick Jeff Faine brings alot of intensity. He also faces a steep learning curve. He'll get beat a few times a game this season, but he seems to be working out well. Second round pick Chaun Thompson is looking more lke a reach every day. After holding out, today he was quoted as being surprised at the learning curve between West Texas A&M and the NFL. We'll see. The third a fifth round picks, Chris Crocker and Michael Lehan (both corners) have been nagged by injuries. They won't be in the mix this year, save special teams, where Lehan has stood out. Fourth round pick Lee Suggs is the cheap mans Willis McGahee, in that noone knows when they'll play and how they'll play when they do. Biggest contributer besides Faine: Ryan Pontbriand, long snapper. Wrap-up: Look for alot of shootouts this year as the Browns skill players shine. Unfortunately, so will the skill players of the opponents. I generally choose to be optimistic, and I dearly love the Browns, but the defense is not ready.

08-20-2003, 07:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kurant Junkie Location: Don't worry about it.	Vikings talk is all Hype hype hype. They are thinking rather high hopes this year IMO. Dan Patrick said NFC Championship. I just don't see Dante leading this team to where they thing they are going. I predict 9-7, maybe 10-6 with a lucky divisonal game over the Packers.

08-21-2003, 01:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
hfw01 Tilted Location: Mandeville, LA	New Orleans Saints... If we don't qiut at the end of the season we have a chance of having a good record. I expect that our offense should be productive, with Aaron Brooks coming off shoulder surgery and looking healthy. Hopefully all the changes on defense work out and they can play like a team. If so we may be looking at a playoff team. They should be, but we have to play Tampa twice, and when Vick comes back the Falcons should be tough... Hopefully we get to 10-6 or so... -hfw

08-21-2003, 07:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
SAM821 Surviving Hurricanes Location: Miami, Florida	Team: Miami Dolphins Predictions - 12-4 Lets Just put it this way, i expect NOTHING less than a superbowl appearance. I mean shit, look at the stars they have on the team. On Paper, This team could just about fill EVERY Pro Bowl Spot (seriously); There Defense alone has NINE pro bowlers. Not to mention a man named Ricky Williams, i wont even go there....(he'll most likely lead the NFL in rushing again). Jay Fiedler is looking hot, and he will shock a few people this yea (if he doesnt get hurt). Even the Offensive line is looking... The only way that the Dolphins have a dissapointing season is if there are big injuries to key players (Ricky Williams, Jay Fieldler, Jason Taylor, or Zach Thomas, to name a few) or if Dave Wannstedt blows a few calls/game (like at the patriots last year) Overall i think there is too much talent on this team...they are expected to win the division and be in the superbowl (Vegas gots them 6-1 favorites to win it all, best chance out of all NFL teams) but thats just my opinion

08-21-2003, 07:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
Mr Scorcex Insane Location: Colorado	Patriots Final record: 9-7 I predict a repeat of last year's performance. The offence is ok, but they just can't stop the run. Haven't followed closely enough to see the draft picks.

08-21-2003, 09:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
Jdoe Crazy	Steelers We're play-off bound again. And thank freakin' goodness we don't have to put up with Stewart this time around! Jdoe

08-22-2003, 02:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	Buffalo Bills! Tough season ahead, this is the strongest the AFC East has been as a whole in years. ANY team has the chance to win the division. If Buffalo's D has truly improved (Takeo Spikes, Sam Adams, Jeff Posey) and Jeff Reed can step up to fill Peerless Price's shoes, and Henry can have another 1400 yard season, the Bills stop taking STUPID penalties, and Bledsoe stops turning the ball over (15 picks, 5 fumbles lost), then we will return to the playoffs. Actually, that's a lot of if's... -Mikey

08-22-2003, 09:28 AM	#16 (permalink)
VeXteR Crazy Location: Missouri	KC Chiefs Projected 12 and 4 The Chiefs are a much improved team. With the return of the Holmes, and the additions on defense they will be a force in the AFC. In preseason the D has sacked the QB in the first series in every game so far. Sims is going to be a Probowler along with Hicks on the other side. Holiday will be a punishing run stopper. 2nd year LB fujita will also have a All Pro quality year. Then you add Barber and the only ? is the corners. They will be much improved over last years because of the new found pass rush. I predict here and now that the Chiefs will the the AFC representative in the Superbowl. __________________ If its not broke I'm prolly not done yet.

08-22-2003, 10:35 AM	#17 (permalink)
Ryan Crazy	Lions all the way baby !!!!1!! haha.. I hope the good old Steve can turn the lions around and maybe give us a 8-8 or 7-9 Season.. Hell in my opinion a playoff berth would be like the supebowl for us... I just hope we can start rebuilding and get back on track.. I really like Harrington and hopefully he will continue to devolpe.

08-22-2003, 09:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
mml Adrift Location: Wandering in the Desert of Life	I live in Phoenix, so I guess the Cardinals are my team. I try to like them, but, well, you know...they suck. I have abosolutly no idea what they will do. As far as Denver fans are concerned, if Plummer is given enough time in the backfield, he could really work out for you. The one year the Cards had a decent O-line, he took the Cards to the second round of the playoffs. __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." -Douglas Adams

08-23-2003, 05:29 PM	#21 (permalink)
Shpoop Curious Location: NJ (but just for college)	My team is also the Miami dolphins. I either expect the superbowl, or not even the playoffs. Indeed, on paper this time is phenomenal. On all the games they are like tied for first simply because u cant deny individual player's skills. But if a team doesnt click, individual skills can sometimes go to waste. Zach Thomas said it best "People call us a good team. We aren't. If you cant win big games, you arent a good team" he said that after we lost to the pats and missed out on the post season. But late season curses aside, this should be a great team. Im not worried about a quarterback injury, because i think Griese is just about as good as Fiedler, plus we filled our QB injury quota last year. Ricky Williams is amazing, but even if he gets injured, Travis Minor will still put us on par with most teams. With Chambers, Gadsden, Thompson, etc, we have good receivers, but im worried about an injury there, as we saw last year the bench is pretty thin there. I would hate for any defensive injuries too All in all, this team should be great, but as the dolphins have proved over and over, its bad to get your hopes up.

08-23-2003, 06:57 PM	#22 (permalink)
JamesS Crazy Location: Land of the Hanging Chad	I'm with Sam and Shpoop, the Miami Dolphins are my team. We're looking good this year. Defense is awesome. Special teams are good. Hopefully the duo of Fiedler and Griese will prevent a repeat of a Lucas situation. If we don't go deep this season, it will probably be because of a lack of a solid receiving corps, which would allow some cheating on Williams, as we saw in the Falcons game. __________________ The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives. -- Albert Schweitzer

08-24-2003, 01:53 AM	#24 (permalink)
Jdoe Crazy	djtestudo, Lol, I see we have a Ravens fan in the house! I bet you are loving the new head coach for the Bungles...er, I mean Bangles. You and I are likely to have a tough division in a couple years. No need for proof, by the way. We're always play-off bound! Jdoe

08-24-2003, 06:24 AM	#25 (permalink)
RAMONES!!! _-_---_-_	bucs, i'm not going to give any predictions. but i have seen commercials on FOX hyping up the up coming season and they said was is Brains or Brawn OR FLUKE that the Bucs won the super bowl. Well lets put it this way "IF" Mike Vick is the best player in the League, if i remeber correctly, the Bucs beat them to a bloody Pulp. The Bucs lost Al Singleton to the Cowboys, but in return we gained Dwayne Rudd, who the Bucs D is calling him the fastest Linebacker on the Team. We lost Dexter Jackson, who was a good player, but not at his asking price, and Certainly not a Super Bowl MVP. He can be replaced, Dwight Smith will jump in and take his spot. Our Back-up Quarterback Situation is going to be better this season, Shaun King is really looking good in Pre-season, and we also got Chris Simms who is looking sharp too. We still got the same Front Four and Lynch, offense really stays the same, we brought in Thomas Jones, we have some new faces on the O-Line. but the Bucs we be a force this season. __________________ Come on

08-24-2003, 08:07 AM	#26 (permalink)
crow_daw Idolator Location: Vol Country	I got two teams that I honestly love equally, and I also honestly believe that they will both be powerhouses, just like last year. First, my Tennessee Titans... I put em at 12-4. No one has a tougher defensive front four than the Titans, bar none, and Rookie CB Andre Woolfolk is gonna beef that backfield up big time. He and S Tank Williams are gonna be some phenomenal young blood back there, barring injuries. And LB Keith Bulluck is a beast. On the offensive side, Steve McNair may be the best QB in the league, seriously, Michael Vick is damn good, but there is no tougher QB anywhere than Air McNair. He's never had many options of who to throw the ball to, yet he still pulled out some nice yardage, and Rookie WR Tyrone Calico is gonna make an instant impact. One last note, K Joe Nedney is fucking CLUTCH. The Titans are gonna be damn good, and we're gonna have the same scenario as last year, the AFC Championship game is gonne be a BATTLE, between my Titans and my other team.... the Oakland Raiders. Projected record-- 11-5 Luckily for everyone in the Raider Nation, the old guys stuck around. And because of that, they are an instant threat once again. RB Charlie Garner is the single most underrated back in the league, and any team that has possibly the best two wideouts that ever lived lining up side by side, is gonna be a juggernaut. Not to mention that QB Rich Gannon is awesome. I also think second year TE Doug Jolley is gonna be one helluva a player, as well as WR Jerry Porter. Defensively, losing DT Sam Adams and DE Regan Upshaw really hurt, but the Raidahs got free agent Dana Stubblefield, and he'll help fill in the gaps. Bottom line, these two squads are gonna meet in the playoffs yet again, and I wouldn't dare to venture a guess as to the outcome, I just know that I absolutely cannot wait. __________________ "We each have a star, all we have to do is find it. Once you do, everyone who sees it will be blinded." - Earl Simmons

08-24-2003, 08:47 AM	#27 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	@crewsor - Last night's game was nothing. The defense had some truly stupid penalties on one drive that basically gave the Indiginous Persons 3 first downs. Plus, Boller proved he isn't quite ready to start; though his numbers were ok, he didn't look that good. @Jdoe - Two biggest games of the NFL season: Ravens @ Steelers week 1, Steelers @ Ravens week 17. Bring it on __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

08-26-2003, 05:50 AM	#28 (permalink)
lions20 Insane	I think the Lions will go 6-10 or 8-8. We have to play the NFC West which scares me a little. I am also not used to winning 2 preseason games so maybe this is a sign of good things to come.

08-27-2003, 02:06 PM	#29 (permalink)
theinfamous Crazy Location: Cali	colts - i'm just gonna predict that their defense comes to form and the offense gels...so they're finally out of the first round. but that's as far as they can probably go..

08-27-2003, 05:33 PM	#30 (permalink)
Sion Dumb all over...a little ugly on the side Location: In the room where the giant fire puffer works, and the torture never stops.	Im a Steeler fan. projected order of finish for the AFC North: Steelers 10-6 Browns 9-7 Ravens 8-8 Bengals 6-10 based on talent level and assuming no major injuries on any of the 4 teams. the Steelers have the best offense of the 4, even with the Oline problems and the uncertainty at RB. However, their secondary will likely lose them a couple games that they should win, which is why I dont have them at 12-4 or 13-3. The Browns are nearly a mirror image of the Steelers on offense, but their Oline is even worse and William Green isnt nearly as good as most Browns fans think. On D, the Browns have a flipflop of the Steelers D (strong front 7 and weak secondary) with a stong secondary and a weak front 7. Teams with a decent running game will roll over the Browns. The Ravens D isnt half as good as their SB team, but is decent enough to keep them in most games. However, their offense is downright weak, with only J Lewis T Heap having any real skill. Expect them to lose a bunch of 10-7, 14-10 type games. The Bengals will improve under Marvin Lewis. Hell, how could they not? But anything more than 6 wins is a pipe-dream for this team this year. __________________ He's the best, of course, of all the worst. Some wrong been done, he done it first. -fz I jus' want ta thank you...falettinme...be mice elf...agin...

08-28-2003, 11:35 AM	#32 (permalink)
God of Thunder Talk nerdy to me Location: Flint, MI	As a Lions fan, I'm just happy if they show up __________________ I reject your reality, and substitute my own -- Adam Savage

08-28-2003, 02:34 PM	#33 (permalink)
Aaron0000 Crazy Location: CA	I am also a Cowboys fan, but I think they will win 8 games and have a chance at a wildcard.

08-28-2003, 02:35 PM	#34 (permalink)
Aaron0000 Crazy Location: CA	Also, I think this is the year for Carter to step up and really compete, and hopefully win.

08-28-2003, 09:06 PM	#35 (permalink)
guthmund big damn hero	The Raiders 11-5 It helps that there were minimal losses in the offseason. I think that by signing Stubblefield and the significant improvement of some of the second-years, the loss of DT Sam Adams is going to be a lot less noticeable. I also like the way some of the younger guys are coming along. RB Justin Fargas, TE Teyo Johnson and WR Doug Gabriel just to name a few. This is certainly a break out year for WR Jerry Porter and maybe TE Doug Jolley. It's going to be tough out in the AFC West, especially with San Diego, but I expect them to make the playoffs if they don't totally self-destruct. __________________ No signature. None. Seriously.

08-29-2003, 12:43 PM	#36 (permalink)
Fantasma Psycho Location: Ciudad De La Furia	Team: Patriots Prediction: 10 - 6 (Wildcard, Miami wins the division) Defense looks pretty good, they will stop the run (this is the key). Besides, 4-0 in pre-season, it's a good augury. __________________ Siempre es Hoy

08-29-2003, 02:13 PM	#37 (permalink)
maiden_fan_us Tilted Location: Springfield, VA	Long time Buccaneers fan, I predict we'll get to 12 - 4 and the NFC championship game. After that is anyone's guess. __________________ Remember Eric, there are no stupid questions, only stupid people!

08-31-2003, 02:09 AM	#38 (permalink)
tikki Justified Location: West Lafayette, IN	Team: Colts Offense good. Defense better. Still not there yet though. They'll make the playoffs assuming they can hold off Tennessee though. __________________ Take notice. Take interest. Take me with you.

08-31-2003, 08:42 AM	#39 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	Irrrrrrrrrr-sayyyyyyyyy __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

12-09-2003, 01:20 PM	#40 (permalink)
metrodub Crazy Location: Boston, MA	Thought I'd bring this thread back to life to see how everyone's "predictions" are coming about. I think I shot low with my record, although the Cowboys are currently hurting. How has your team fared compared to how you thought they'd do before the season began?