The Eve of NFL Season. - bbauer's Blog

bbauer's Blog

The Eve of NFL Season.

Posted on September 10, 2009 at 02:19 AM.

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Some predictions the Night before the NFL season begins. Every year there are teams that surprise us, disappoint us, and some that do both. Rookies will have break out years and so called "sophomores" will have slumps. I'm going to give you a few predictions on all these things and some more.

NFC break out team of the year: Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks will reclaim their thrown from the other bird in the division. With the return of a healthy Matt Hasselbeck the Seahawks will win 10 games a 6 game improvement from last year. The Seahawk's added T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Edgerring James on offense and Cory Redding on defense. Housmandzadeh gives the Seahawks a wide receiver that has caught at least 90 balls over the last three years, and a rejuvenated James should help Julius Jones shoulder the load running the ball. On top of that Jim Mora Jr. has a huge chip on his shoulder after being fired in Atlanta and would love to prove what he can do.

NFC disappointment of the year: The Dallas Cowboys.

The 'Boys will miss the playoffs for the second year in a row. Not because they aren't talented enough but because they play in the toughest division in the conference. They will miss the production from the volatile T.O. They will not have a receiver to replace the production he gave them. Tony Romo hasn't been able to carry this team on shoulders and he wont be able to against some of the toughest defenses, and best pass rushes in the league, the Giants and the Redskins.(If the Redskins get the same type of effort out of Albert Haynesworth watch out league and good luck running on then.)

NFC rookie of the year: Is a two horse race between Chris "Beanie" Wells and LeSean McCoy.

Both running backs will figure significantly in to team plans this year. Wells has the better shot at being a big impact player off the bat but the Cardinals don't like to run the ball. LeSean McCoy will see significant playing time when Brian Westbrook gets hurt, and he will get hurt. I like McCoy's chances of having a good season and helping Westbrook carry the load. He can catch passes out of the backfield and has good vision. McCoy wins it over Wells by just a smidge.

NFC sophomore slump: Atlanta QB Matt Ryan.

Matt Ryan will have a decent year stats wise, but the Falcon will not win the division. They play some tough defenses with a combination of the AFC and NFC East opponents as there scheduled divisions to play. Teams will know a little bit more of what the Falcons are playing to do this year. They were a complete surprise last year, this year they wont be. And teams will focus on stopping Ryan and trying to contain Turner.

NFC MVP: This will go one of three ways, Peterson, Forte, or Rodgers. Which ever team wins the NFC North will have their best player win the MVP. Peterson and Forte will be made a lot better by their new QBs, A LOT better. If the backers win the division it will be from Aaron Rodgers carrying them.

AFC break out team of the year: San Diego Chargers.

The Chargers went 8-8 last year. They will 13 games this year. Though they made the playoffs last year and won their first round game, they will make it to the AFC Championship game. LT will be back this year and Phillip Rivers has one more year of experience in him. The Chargers defense will be better with the return of Merriam and rookie Larry English (another NIU back up, like Turner was) could have a big impact on third down situations, helping make QBs throw the ball quicker.

AFC disappointing team of the year: The Miama Dolphins.

Sorry Phin fans but you will not win the division again this year. And you will not make the playoffs. Tom Brady is back and your luck has run out. The wildcat will not be as effective not that defenses have had a year to catch up to it. Chad Pennington was a nice story last year, but will not live up to his year last year.

AFC Rookie of the Year: Mark Sanchez.

Sanchez is going to a team that should've made the playoffs last year. Sanchez will not have a better year than Favre but his defense will some games for him and he could possibly win 8 as a rookie QB which will garner a lot of hype even if its the defense winning the games.

AFC Sophomore slump: Chris Johnson

As with Ryan he has a chance to still have a good year stats wise but teams will be focusing on stopping him and not White. Not to mention losing Albert Haynesworth means losing more games. Period. It will mean more time of the defense on the field and being behind in games. Which means more passing and less running.

AFC MVP: Will also be the AFC comeback player of the year Tom Brady.

The guy is a stud with nothing but studs around him. Brady will through for the most TD's in the league again and take his Pats back to the playoffs.

NFC Championship game: Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants.

AFC Championship game: New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers.

Super bowl: Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots

Super bowl Champs: Chicago Bears.