NFL 2011 PREDICTIONS
Here are my predictions for the 2011 NFL season a week out from kick off.
NFL MVP: Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers)
Defensive Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: J.J Watt (Houston Texans)
Most Passing Yards: Phillip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
Most Rushing Yards: Arian Foster (Houston Texans)
Most Receiving Yards: Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC South: Houston Texans
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC Wild Cards: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC Wild Cards: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings
AFC Title: Patriots over Houstons
NFC Title: Saints over Packers
Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots over Saints
NFL MVP: Tom Brady (New England Patriots)
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rogers (Green Bay Packers)
Defensive Player of the Year: DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: J.J Watt (Houston Texans)
Most Passing Yards: Phillip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
Most Rushing Yards: Arian Foster (Houston Texans)
Most Receiving Yards: Andre Johnson (Houston Texans)
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC South: Houston Texans
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC Wild Cards: New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC Wild Cards: Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings
AFC Title: Patriots over Houstons
NFC Title: Saints over Packers
Super Bowl XLVI: Patriots over Saints
AFC EAST
To kick off the season predictions, we will focus on a hotly contested division, the AFC East.
All teams have made some major changes throughout the preseason, and none were more involved than the New York Jets. With the Patriots having won the division last season with a 14-2 record, the Jets will look to go one better this season and trump the Pats. Miami have made a key move in signing former New Orleans RB Reggie Bush who will add some strength to their ground and pound game. The Bills unfortunately have struggled in recent years, and look set to again finish in 4th place in the strong division.
NEW YORK JETS (11-5 in 2010/2011):
Having finished a close second behind the Patriots in the previous season, and gaining the Wild Card, the Jets will be looking to claim the division title ahead of the Patriots and have the firepower to do so. Having recruited frantically almost immediately after the NFL lockout ended, the Jets have added proven performers to their squad and look a formidable force in the AFC.
KEY ADDITIONS: Plaxico Burress (Free Agent), Chris Bryan (Free Agent, gotta give the Aussie a mention!)
KEY LOSSES: Hard to argue if any!!!
DIVISION: 2nd (13-3)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $15
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-2 in 2010/2011):
After losing to the Jets in the Divisional playoffs last season, the Patriots will be out for revenge and have made some key additions to their squad for a launch at the 2011/2012 Championship. There is always a lot of pressure on the Pats with expectations to make the Superbowl every year, and that's hard to argue with when you have a coach like Bill Belichick and a QB such as Tom Brady. Once again that pressure is present, but they will have their work cut out for them with the Jets looking to take out the Superbowl.
KEY ADDITIONS: Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals), Albert Haynesworth (Washington Redskins)
KEY LOSSES: Same as the Jets, just got stronger.
DIVISION: 1st (14-2)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $6
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9 in 2010/2011):
Miami had a somewhat disappointing season last year, with several injuries and young QB's, the Dolphins will hopefully improve this year with the addition of Reggie Bush. Miami have been struggling to determine who their starting QB should be each season, and I think they have to go with Chad Henne. Henne (26), who is in his 4th season of pro football should be seen as a possible big improver in the league this year given he acquires the starting QB job over Moore and O'Connell.. He needs to work on his efficiency though, with a record or 14TD AND 19 picks last season, those kind of numbers don't help the teams success at all.
KEY ADDITIONS: Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints)
KEY LOSSES: Ronnie Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Ricky Williams (Baltimore Ravens)
DIVISION: 3rd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $51
BUFFALO BILLS (4-12 in 20120/2011):
Having struggled of late, the Bills need to fins some young potential amongst their squad to become a more competitive outfit in the AFC. With the number 3 selection overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Bills picked up Defensive Tackle Marcell Dareus, a big, strong rig whom is sure to worry opposition QB's on the pass rush.
KEY ADDITIONS: Not very active but did acquire young QB Tyler Thigpen (Miami Dolphins)
KEY LOSSES: Aaron Maybin (New York Jets)
DIVISION: 4th (3-13)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $151
All teams have made some major changes throughout the preseason, and none were more involved than the New York Jets. With the Patriots having won the division last season with a 14-2 record, the Jets will look to go one better this season and trump the Pats. Miami have made a key move in signing former New Orleans RB Reggie Bush who will add some strength to their ground and pound game. The Bills unfortunately have struggled in recent years, and look set to again finish in 4th place in the strong division.
NEW YORK JETS (11-5 in 2010/2011):
Having finished a close second behind the Patriots in the previous season, and gaining the Wild Card, the Jets will be looking to claim the division title ahead of the Patriots and have the firepower to do so. Having recruited frantically almost immediately after the NFL lockout ended, the Jets have added proven performers to their squad and look a formidable force in the AFC.
KEY ADDITIONS: Plaxico Burress (Free Agent), Chris Bryan (Free Agent, gotta give the Aussie a mention!)
KEY LOSSES: Hard to argue if any!!!
DIVISION: 2nd (13-3)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $15
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-2 in 2010/2011):
After losing to the Jets in the Divisional playoffs last season, the Patriots will be out for revenge and have made some key additions to their squad for a launch at the 2011/2012 Championship. There is always a lot of pressure on the Pats with expectations to make the Superbowl every year, and that's hard to argue with when you have a coach like Bill Belichick and a QB such as Tom Brady. Once again that pressure is present, but they will have their work cut out for them with the Jets looking to take out the Superbowl.
KEY ADDITIONS: Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals), Albert Haynesworth (Washington Redskins)
KEY LOSSES: Same as the Jets, just got stronger.
DIVISION: 1st (14-2)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $6
MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9 in 2010/2011):
Miami had a somewhat disappointing season last year, with several injuries and young QB's, the Dolphins will hopefully improve this year with the addition of Reggie Bush. Miami have been struggling to determine who their starting QB should be each season, and I think they have to go with Chad Henne. Henne (26), who is in his 4th season of pro football should be seen as a possible big improver in the league this year given he acquires the starting QB job over Moore and O'Connell.. He needs to work on his efficiency though, with a record or 14TD AND 19 picks last season, those kind of numbers don't help the teams success at all.
KEY ADDITIONS: Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints)
KEY LOSSES: Ronnie Brown (Philadelphia Eagles), Ricky Williams (Baltimore Ravens)
DIVISION: 3rd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $51
BUFFALO BILLS (4-12 in 20120/2011):
Having struggled of late, the Bills need to fins some young potential amongst their squad to become a more competitive outfit in the AFC. With the number 3 selection overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Bills picked up Defensive Tackle Marcell Dareus, a big, strong rig whom is sure to worry opposition QB's on the pass rush.
KEY ADDITIONS: Not very active but did acquire young QB Tyler Thigpen (Miami Dolphins)
KEY LOSSES: Aaron Maybin (New York Jets)
DIVISION: 4th (3-13)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $151
AFC NORTH
Next we take a look at the AFC North Division which has mainly been dominated by the Steelers and Ravens of recent years.
Last season was a very close encounter with both the Steelers and Ravens finishing the regular season with a 12-4 record, Pittsburgh claiming the division and the Ravens gaining a wildcard through to the playoffs.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12-4 in 2010/2011):
Last season the Steelers were in a lot of trouble early on in the season with Ben Roethlisberger missing the first month of football due to suspension. Once he returned, the Steelers were back to their old tricks and made the trip to the Superbowl only to fall short against a very skillful Green Bay Packers outfit. With Big Ben back and raring to go this season, the Steelers will be aiming to re-capture their form of past seasons and get to the Superbowl once again.
KEY ADDITIONS: Jerricho Cotchery (New York Jets)
KEY LOSSES: NIL
DIVISION: 2nd (12-4)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $13
BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-4 in 2010/2011):
The Ravens will be seeking revenge this season after being knocked out of the playoffs by the Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs by 7 points (Steelers won 31-24). Joe Flacco will once again be in great form looking deep to Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice will be keen to rack up the yards down the guts. Although they will have to get past the Steelers, I believe the Ravens have great potential this season and will trump the Steelers in 2011/2012.
KEY ADDITIONS: Mark LeVoir (New England Patriots)
KEY LOSSES: Willis McGahee (Denver Broncos)
DIVISION: 1st (13-3)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $17
CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11 in 2010/2011):
The Browns will be looking for a major improvement this year and will put a lot of their faith in young QB Colt McCoy. Last season Payton Hillis exploded onto the scene as one of the best RB's in the league. Browns' supporters should be rather excited to see some improvement this season, although it will be very difficult to replace the Ravens and Steelers at the top of the division.
KEY ADDITIONS: Benjamin Watson (New England Patriots)
KEY LOSSES: Jake Delhomme (Cut - Free Agent)
DIVISION: 3rd ( 7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12 in 2010/2011):
The Bengals have shown terrific signs in patches throughout the last few seasons but can never seem to be consistent on a weekly basis. Losing Chad Ochocinco does not help them at all, but if Palmer can develop a relationship down field with Terrell Owens and Cedric Benson continues his good form, the Bengals might trouble some teams.
KEY ADDITIONS: Bruce Gradowski (Oakland Raiders)
KEY LOSSES: Chad Ochocinco (New England Patriots)
DIVISION: 4th (6-10)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
Last season was a very close encounter with both the Steelers and Ravens finishing the regular season with a 12-4 record, Pittsburgh claiming the division and the Ravens gaining a wildcard through to the playoffs.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12-4 in 2010/2011):
Last season the Steelers were in a lot of trouble early on in the season with Ben Roethlisberger missing the first month of football due to suspension. Once he returned, the Steelers were back to their old tricks and made the trip to the Superbowl only to fall short against a very skillful Green Bay Packers outfit. With Big Ben back and raring to go this season, the Steelers will be aiming to re-capture their form of past seasons and get to the Superbowl once again.
KEY ADDITIONS: Jerricho Cotchery (New York Jets)
KEY LOSSES: NIL
DIVISION: 2nd (12-4)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $13
BALTIMORE RAVENS (12-4 in 2010/2011):
The Ravens will be seeking revenge this season after being knocked out of the playoffs by the Steelers in the Divisional Playoffs by 7 points (Steelers won 31-24). Joe Flacco will once again be in great form looking deep to Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice will be keen to rack up the yards down the guts. Although they will have to get past the Steelers, I believe the Ravens have great potential this season and will trump the Steelers in 2011/2012.
KEY ADDITIONS: Mark LeVoir (New England Patriots)
KEY LOSSES: Willis McGahee (Denver Broncos)
DIVISION: 1st (13-3)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $17
CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11 in 2010/2011):
The Browns will be looking for a major improvement this year and will put a lot of their faith in young QB Colt McCoy. Last season Payton Hillis exploded onto the scene as one of the best RB's in the league. Browns' supporters should be rather excited to see some improvement this season, although it will be very difficult to replace the Ravens and Steelers at the top of the division.
KEY ADDITIONS: Benjamin Watson (New England Patriots)
KEY LOSSES: Jake Delhomme (Cut - Free Agent)
DIVISION: 3rd ( 7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-12 in 2010/2011):
The Bengals have shown terrific signs in patches throughout the last few seasons but can never seem to be consistent on a weekly basis. Losing Chad Ochocinco does not help them at all, but if Palmer can develop a relationship down field with Terrell Owens and Cedric Benson continues his good form, the Bengals might trouble some teams.
KEY ADDITIONS: Bruce Gradowski (Oakland Raiders)
KEY LOSSES: Chad Ochocinco (New England Patriots)
DIVISION: 4th (6-10)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
AFC SOUTH
The AFC South has been a hotly contested division is previous years with the Texans developing a great offensive combo at QB & RB, Peyton Manning leading the Colts and Chris Johnson running yard after yard for the Titans.
HOUSTON TEXANS (6-10 in 2010/2011):
The Texans should perform a lot better this season with QB Matt Schaub always being a stand out performer and and Arian Foster set to have another big year at RB. The texans were disappointing last season and will be looking to rectify that this season.
KEY ADDITIONS: Just Draft Picks & Rookies.
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 1st (12-4)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $26
TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10 in 2010/2011):
The Titans may have been worried throughout the preseason with the hold out of their best player RB Chris Johnson taking place. All is over now with Johnson resigning until 2016 which will bring smiles to the faces of Titans fans. The Titans too had a disappointing season last year and with the loss of Vince Young to Philadelphia, things may not improve for the lads from Tennessee.
KEY ADDITIONS: None to shout about.
KEY LOSSES: Vince Young (Philadelphia Eagles)
DIVISION: 3rd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-6 in 2010/2011):
The Colts have struggled this preseason and with Peyton Manning set to be closely monitored throughout the season due to injury, the Colts may have a rough road ahead of them. Many experts have stated their days have past, and their future hangs in the hands of Manning.
KEY ADDITIONS: Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans)
KEY LOSSES: Clint Session (Jacksonville Jaguars)
DIVISION: 2nd (10-6)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $21
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-8 in 2010/2011):
The Jags performed well last year to finish second in the division behind the Colts, but this year I think they will struggle having lost WR Mike Sims-Walker. Clint Session is a nice pick up for them to bolster their Defense.
KEY ADDITIONS: Clint Session (Indianapolis Colts)
KEY LOSSES: Mike Sims-Walker (St.Louis Rams)
DIVISION: 4th (7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $67
HOUSTON TEXANS (6-10 in 2010/2011):
The Texans should perform a lot better this season with QB Matt Schaub always being a stand out performer and and Arian Foster set to have another big year at RB. The texans were disappointing last season and will be looking to rectify that this season.
KEY ADDITIONS: Just Draft Picks & Rookies.
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 1st (12-4)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $26
TENNESSEE TITANS (6-10 in 2010/2011):
The Titans may have been worried throughout the preseason with the hold out of their best player RB Chris Johnson taking place. All is over now with Johnson resigning until 2016 which will bring smiles to the faces of Titans fans. The Titans too had a disappointing season last year and with the loss of Vince Young to Philadelphia, things may not improve for the lads from Tennessee.
KEY ADDITIONS: None to shout about.
KEY LOSSES: Vince Young (Philadelphia Eagles)
DIVISION: 3rd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (10-6 in 2010/2011):
The Colts have struggled this preseason and with Peyton Manning set to be closely monitored throughout the season due to injury, the Colts may have a rough road ahead of them. Many experts have stated their days have past, and their future hangs in the hands of Manning.
KEY ADDITIONS: Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans)
KEY LOSSES: Clint Session (Jacksonville Jaguars)
DIVISION: 2nd (10-6)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $21
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (8-8 in 2010/2011):
The Jags performed well last year to finish second in the division behind the Colts, but this year I think they will struggle having lost WR Mike Sims-Walker. Clint Session is a nice pick up for them to bolster their Defense.
KEY ADDITIONS: Clint Session (Indianapolis Colts)
KEY LOSSES: Mike Sims-Walker (St.Louis Rams)
DIVISION: 4th (7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $67
AFC WEST
The AFC West has been dominated by the Chargers and Broncos in recent years although the Broncos failed last year and the Raiders won the Division. Phillip Rivers has been in tremendous form in previous years and is a crucial link to ensuring the Chargers have a successful season.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: (9-7 in 2010/2011):
The Chargers have been the most dominant force in the AFC West in recent years but struggled last year finishing second in the division and missing the playoffs. Phillip Rivers will bey the key to their success once again and I expect them to have a successful year finishing on top of their division.
KEY ADDITIONS: None to rejoice about...
KEY LOSSES: Darren Sproles (New Orleans Saints)
DIVISION: 1st (9-7)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $10
OAKLAND RAIDERS: (8-8 in 2010/2011):
The Raiders had a reasonable season in 2010/2011 and will be looking to improve this year with Kevin Boss coming across from the Giants to help improve their team overall.
KEY ADDITIONS: Kevin Boss (New York Giants), Terrelle Pryor (Draft)
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 2nd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $51
DENVER BRONCOS: 4-12 in 2010/2011):
The Broncos had a very disappointing year in 2010/2011 and will be looking to make amends this season. Kyle Orton will be under pressure from young gun Tim Tebow who has all the skills to succeed in the NFL.
KEY ADDITIONS: Nil
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 3rd (7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $26
KANSAS CITY: (10-6 in 2010/2011):
The Chiefs finished on top of the division ending the Chargers and Broncos dominance of previous years and will be looking to do the same this season. Matt Cassel will continue to improve as starting QB and will be hoping to take the Chiefs to the playoffs once again.
KEY ADDITIONS: Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 4th (6-10)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: (9-7 in 2010/2011):
The Chargers have been the most dominant force in the AFC West in recent years but struggled last year finishing second in the division and missing the playoffs. Phillip Rivers will bey the key to their success once again and I expect them to have a successful year finishing on top of their division.
KEY ADDITIONS: None to rejoice about...
KEY LOSSES: Darren Sproles (New Orleans Saints)
DIVISION: 1st (9-7)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $10
OAKLAND RAIDERS: (8-8 in 2010/2011):
The Raiders had a reasonable season in 2010/2011 and will be looking to improve this year with Kevin Boss coming across from the Giants to help improve their team overall.
KEY ADDITIONS: Kevin Boss (New York Giants), Terrelle Pryor (Draft)
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 2nd (8-8)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $51
DENVER BRONCOS: 4-12 in 2010/2011):
The Broncos had a very disappointing year in 2010/2011 and will be looking to make amends this season. Kyle Orton will be under pressure from young gun Tim Tebow who has all the skills to succeed in the NFL.
KEY ADDITIONS: Nil
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 3rd (7-9)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $26
KANSAS CITY: (10-6 in 2010/2011):
The Chiefs finished on top of the division ending the Chargers and Broncos dominance of previous years and will be looking to do the same this season. Matt Cassel will continue to improve as starting QB and will be hoping to take the Chiefs to the playoffs once again.
KEY ADDITIONS: Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)
KEY LOSSES: Nil
DIVISION: 4th (6-10)
SUPERBOWL ODDS: $81