2008-2009 NFL Predictions

Updated *** 09/03/2008 ***

This was my first article posted on Football Calls, it was posted on May 15, 2008. Lets examine how I feel about my predictions so far and if there are some changes I would like to make.

Original Post ** May 15, 2008** 

Welcome to Football Calls, the place where you make the call!

Feel free to test your NFL knowledge by sharing your thoughts and making predictions through the comments section. Who do you think will win the Superbowl, NFL MVP, or Rookie of the Year? Post your predictions here before the season begins and we will track the picks throughout the season. It’s anyones guess and all in fun, so just give it a shot and see what happens.

The 2008 NFL Draft is over and training camp the season is underway. Although it is still pretty early, every NFL team is gaining a good grasp of the quality on their teams. Don’t be shy, go ahead and post your predictions and we will track them throughout the season to see who really knows their stuff. If you think you know your football and want to share your thoughts with the rest of the NFL community then this is the place for you. In fact, I will lead the way and post a few of my predictions below. Read more

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2008-2009 NFL Fantasy Rankings

**Updated - 08/19/2008**            

              

Underline: Means that the player is recommended highly to be drafted if possible. (Player is in a good situation for success if they can stay healthy.

Asterisk: Means that the player is a high risk/ possible high reward (be careful)

*Note: A player or team can be both.

  Quarterbacks:

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Tony Romo
4. Drew Brees
5. Carson Palmer *
6. Derek Anderson
7. Ben Roethlisberger
8. Donovan McNabb *
9. Matt Hasselbeck
10. David Garrard
11. Jake Delhomme
12. Matt Schaub
13. Eli Manning
14. Brett Favre *
15. Jay Cutler
16. Marc Bulger *
17. Aaron Rodgers *
18. Vince Young
19. Phillip Rivers *
20. Matt Leinart *
21. Jason Campbell
22. Trent Edwards
23. Jeff Garcia *
24. Tarvaris Jackson *
25. JaMarcus Russell *

*Updated: Due to the re-instatement of Favre he has been included on the top 15.

 

Running Backs:

1. Ladainian Tomlinson
2. Brian Westbrook
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Joseph Addai
5. Steven Jackson *
6. Clinton Portis
7. Marion Barber
8. Larry Johnson *
9. Ryan Grant
10. Frank Gore *
11. Marshawn Lynch
12. Maurice Jones-Drew
13. Michael Turner
14. Earnest Graham
15. Willis McGahee *
16. Willie Parker
17. Darren McFadden *
18. Thomas Jones
19. Reggie Bush
20. Selvin Young
21. Jamal Lewis *
22. Laurence Maroney *
23. Jonathan Stewart *
24. Chris Johnson
25. DeAngelo Williams

 

Wide Receivers:

1. Randy Moss
2. Terrell Owens
3. Andre Johnson
4. Reggie Wayne
5. Braylon Edwards
6. Marques Colston
7. Steve Smith
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
9. Chad Johnson *
10. Larry Fitzgerald
11. Plaxico Burress
12. Wes Welker
13. Roy Williams
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Calvin Johnson
16. Anquan Boldin *
17. Brandon Marshall *
18. Hines Ward
19. Jericho Cotchery
20. Dwayne Bowe
21. Marvin Harrison *
22. Santana Moss
23. Greg Jennings *
24. Laveranues Coles
25. Roddy White *

 

Tight Ends:

1. Antonio Gates
2. Jason Witten
3. Kellen Winslow Jr.
4. Tony Gonzalez
5. Dallas Clark
6. Chris Cooley
7. Jeremy Shockey
8. Heath Miller
9. Todd Heap *
10. Owen Daniels
11. Dustin Keller
12. Alge Crumpler *
13. Ben Utecht
14. Tony Scheffler
15. Greg Olsen *
16. Donald Lee *
17. L.J. Smith *
18. Vernon Davis *
19. Zach Miller
20. Benjamin Watson

 

Defenses:

1. Minnesota
2. San Diego
3. Dallas
4. Pittsburgh
5. Chicago
6. Indianapolis
7. Tennessee
8. New England *
9. Baltimore
10. Jacksonville
11. New York Giants
12. Seattle
13. Philadephia *
14. Tampa Bay
15. Green Bay
16. Washington

 

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NFC West Preview

This season the NFC West seems poised to be the tightest race in all of the NFC. All the teams in the division are capable of challenging each other in close games. Every team made adjustments this offseason that will give them a completely different look in ‘08.

 

1) Seattle Seahawks

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 10-6

In what could pan out to be a competitive division in 2008, the Seahawks should continue to reign atop the NFC West. They released Shaun Alexander, who was the heart and soul of their offense until a horrid performance last year forced the team to move him. Even after his lackluster season, Seattle still managed to win the division with a 10-6 record. They recently re-signed CB Marcus Trufant to a six-year deal and added Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to boost their running game. They have a solid offensive line and proven quarterback that can get the job done. The defensive line should get a nudge with the addition of DE Lawrence Jackson drafted in the first round. Their secondary and linebackers are solid and they are a force to be reckoned with on their home field. Playoff appearances from this team have become commonplace and this season should be no different.

 

2) St. Louis Rams

Record last year: 5-11 / Projected: 9-7

The Rams had a very difficult campaign last season and had trouble getting into a good rhythm. This year they should have an improved defensive line after selecting DE Chris Long in the first round. He will be teamed with last year’s first round pick NT Adam Carriker, DE Leonard Little, and DT LaRoi Glover for what should be a potent defensive line. They should help take some pressure off of the secondary and help the offense gain needed field position. Look for Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson both to have solid numbers in 2008 and bounce back from less than stellar performances a year ago. Speedy second rounder Donnie Avery should be able to contribute using his quickness and ability to make plays to help the team. Also, second year RB Brian Leonard should settle into the offense and provide support for Jackson when he needs a breather. Ever consistent Torry Holt returns for another year of solid production, which is always good news for the Rams. Though the team will miss the veteran leadership of Isaac Bruce, the resurgence of Bulger and Jackson will serve to propel this unit to a competitive year.

 

3) Arizona Cardinals

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 8-8

The Cardinals have a great offense on paper with a slew of offensive talent. They have an improving secondary that is full of playmakers especially first round draft choice Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, the fast and talented cornerback from Tennessee State. Draft choices like DE Calais Campbell and WR Early Doucet will be great additions as well. The Cardinals have a strong offense but Matt Leinart has a lot to prove this year. There will be some pressure on him to perform. In many games last year Kurt Warner stepped in and played well during Leinart’s absence. Leinart needs to show that this is his team and he is capable of taking them to the post-season. Also RB Edgerrin James turns 30 this year and it is tough for backs to continue performing at a high level when they reach that age. It will be interesting to see who steps up for them this season.

 

4) San Francisco 49ers

Record last year: 3-13 / Projected: 2-14

The 49ers will benefit from playing in one of the weaker divisions in the NFC. Other than LB Patrick Willis on the defense, their isn’t much to be excited about in San Francisco. They added WR Bryant Johnson, DE Justin Smith, RB Deshaun Foster, and WR Isaac Bruce. Not very impressive additions, Bruce turns 36 this year, Deshaun Foster has ball control issues, and Bryant Johnson is a good pickup at WR, however, the 49ers still haven’t addressed their QB situation. Mike Martz has been added to help with the offensive playcalling, but Marshall Faulk isn’t on this team, and they will not be the “greatest show on turf” like his Superbowl champion Rams were in ‘99 -’00. San Francisco just doesn’t have the talent to be a contender, even with a great mind like Martz. They lost offensive lineman Larry Allen, one of the strongest men in the NFL and even though Patrick Willis is a beast on defense, the 49ers will need more help on offense to get it done this year.

 

 

Here is our outlook for the NFC West, please feel free to share your thoughts. What’s your call!? 

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NFC South Preview

The NFC South might just be the most unpredictable division in the league. There are no dominant teams and the division title is always up for grabs. The phrase “worst to first” was crowned by the NFC South, where going from last in the division one year to first in the division the very next year is almost commonplace. Again this year, we may see another changing of the guard.

 

1) New Orleans Saints

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 10-6

The Saints made some improvements to their defense this offseason that should help get them back on the right track after a very bumpy 2007 season. Acquiring LB Jonathan Vilma via trade and DT Sedrick Ellis via the draft were clear examples of how the Saints look to bolster their defense. They have great offensive weapons with QB Drew Brees, RB Reggie Bush, WR Marques Colston, and newly acquired TE Jeremy Shockey who was acquired from the Giants for two draft picks. The health of Deuce McAllister should be a big concern for them as they struggled last year without the bruising back. New Orleans can put up points in a hurry and are very dangerous when Brees gets in his rhythm. The only problem with the Saints is their dismal secondary which ranked 25th in points allowed and 30th in pass yards allowed last season. Not much was done to develop that secondary this offseason and that could be a potential hazard for them in close games.    

 

2) Carolina Panthers

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 10-6

The Panthers had a lot to endure last season with their starting quarterback missing most of the season due to injury and poor performances from the QBs that followed. Carolina could not get into a rhythm on offense or defense. Despite all their mishaps they only missed the playoffs by one game. This year their starter Jake Delhomme is back healthy after a successful surgery and rehab. Several free agent offensive guards and tackles were acquired in an effort to strengthen the protection up front. The Panthers drafted RB Jonathan Stewart and OT Jeff Otah in the first round to augment their running game. They also added veteran WR Muhsin Muhammed and a dependable WR DJ Hackett to provide support for perennial playmaker Steve Smith. On defense they rearranged their defensive line and added youth in the trenches after a lackluster performance from the 2007 group. Despite having a rough season last year, Julius Peppers should re-establish himself as a premier probowl caliber DE once again. The Panthers added depth in their secondary as well as their linebacking core via the draft and free agency. They are solid in every category except defensive line and Julius Peppers can certainly change that with an impressive showing this year. Here is a wildcard team that can definitely make some noise in the playoffs.

 

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record last year: 9-7 / Projected: 7-9

There are several issues surrounding the Buccaneers this season including aging playmakers Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, Jeff Garcia, Warrick Dunn and Joey Galloway most notably. The loss of their ultimate sledgehammer Mike Alstott has got to hurt, not to mention the uncertainty of the health of Cadillac Williams. Tampa did, however, sign Earnest Graham to a 3 year extension as well as drafting CB Aquib Talib and WR Dexter Jackson who has explosive potential. They still have a good veteran team even though they are a bit aged. The Bucs will still be a tough match-up for any team and should not to be taken lightly, but their chances of making the playoffs in 2008 are slim.

 

4) Atlanta Falcons

Record last year: 4-12 / Projected: 1-15

The Atlanta Falcons have gone through quite a bit of turmoil lately. Their entire identity was overhauled when they drafted QB Matt Ryan with their first pick in the draft, giving the franchise a new look. Trading DeAngelo Hall to Oakland makes a huge difference in the Falcons secondary. However, they did acquire a future phenom in RB Michael Turner from San Diego to add some needed firepower to a stagnant offense. In 2008, this team will have a lot to overcome in order to have a successful season. A young and inexperienced secondary, below average defensive line, linebackers, and wide receivers. Not to mention a quarterback situation that is unenviable. This appears to be a classic rebuilding year for Atlanta as their new franchise QB gets welcomed to the NFL.

 

Here is the NFC South picture as we see it, feel free to share your input.

    

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NFC North Preview

The NFC North has undergone quite a makeover with the retirement of the legendary Brett Favre. He was the anchor of the Packers offense for 15 years. Without him in the division things will have a different feel in 2008. Here is a peak at the 2008 division forecast.

 

1) Minnesota Vikings

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 11-5

The Vikings will have a great chance to be the front runner in this division in 2008. They have an impressive offensive line and the best running attack in the NFC. This season they should benefit from an improved wide receiver core with the addition of Bernard Berrian and future phenom Sidney Rice in his 2nd year. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has a year under his belt and he should improve this year as he becomes more familiar with the offense. He isn’t the best QB in the division by any means but he is in a promising situation with the best offensive line and running game in the division surrounding him. Minnesota should continue to have the best defense in the NFC. With the addition of Jared Allen at defensive end (2007 sack leader), the Vikings now have the best defensive line in the NFL and should enjoy plenty of sacks and turnovers this year. The signing of Madieu Williams at safety and drafting John David Booty in the 5th round were great additions to the team and should prove beneficial throughout the season. Look for the Vikings to have an impressive showing this year. 

 

2) Green Bay

Record last year: 13-3 / Projected: 9-7

With the obvious retirement of the legendary Brett Favre, all hope lies on the shoulder of 24 year old Aaron Rodgers. For extra security the Packers drafted Brian Brohm with their 2nd round pick. The impressive emergence of Ryan Grant was a pleasant surprise for the Pack as well as the great season that Greg Jennings had last year. Green Bay has a good offensive line, running game, wide receivers, and defense. They are a still a good team, even without No. 4 slinging the football downfield. However, veteran leadership is crucial at the NFL level especially at the quarterback position and the Pack is lacking that this year. They should still have a winning record and a playoff appearance is probable but it will be tough in Rodgers’ first year at the helm.  

 

3) Chicago Bears

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 6-10

In the first round of this year’s draft the Bears made it clear that they needed improvement in their running game. Drafting OT Chris Williams and RB Matt Forte were clear signs that the Bears look to strengthen their running game. The departure of Muhsin Muhammed and Bernard Berrian to Carolina and Minnesota respectively will have adverse effects on the Bear’s passing game. Their QB situation leaves a lot to be desired and their new WR core is probably the worst in that division. They may have trouble putting up points this season but their defense should get a shot in the arm when safety Mike Brown and cornerback Nathan Vasher return healthy this year. Both DBs missed at least 12 games last year and the defense really took a back seat as their interceptions decreased and they allowed 22 points per game. With Vasher and Brown both back healthy they will benefit from improved secondary play. However, they will not be able to put up enough points to be an above .500 team in 2008.

 

4) Detroit Lions

Record last year: 7-9 / Projected: 4-12

This appears to be a long season for the Lions. Former offensive coordinator Mike Martz is now with the 49ers and stout DT Shaun Rogers was traded to Cleveland for CB Leigh Bodden. Even though they have a solid receiver core and are capable of putting up points, they are also prone to allowing plenty of points. With Rogers in Cleveland, this could spell trouble for the Lions run defense. A poor run defense could have RBs like Adrian Peterson (twice), Ryan Grant (twice), Clinton Portis, Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor, and Frank Gore running wild on the defense while the offensive playmakers are rendered to observing from the bench. If the Lions don’t drastically improve their defense somehow this could be a rough season for Detroit.

 

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the NFC North. What’s your call? 

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NFC East Preview

The NFC East is the most competitive and consistent division in the NFC bar none. Home of the most bitter rivalries in the league. This division is a perennial powerhouse that always has a playoff atmosphere during division match-ups. Always a joy watching this division go at it.

 

1) Dallas Cowboys

Record last year: 13-3 / Projected: 12-4

Dallas added Felix Jones (RB, Arkansas) in the first round of the draft as well as Tashard Choice (RB, Georgia Tech) in the fourth round for extra running back depth due to the departure of Julius Jones. I think they will have more success running the ball this year and may have an even better offense this year than in 2007. Their schedule this season is a little tougher than it was last year but they are still the class of the division. They have a top five QB, WR, TE, and Defense. With the additions of Zach Thomas and possibly Adam “Don’t call me Pacman” Jones, the Cowboys should easily win the division again this year.  

 

2) Philadelphia Eagles

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 10-6

The Eagles have a slightly easier schedule this year and enjoyed a deep draft this offseason. They did well in the second round by selecting defensive tackle Trevor Laws and wide receiver Deshaun Jackson. McNabb is the key to the success of this team. He has suffered several injury plagued seasons in the last few years but if he can manage to stay healthy, the Eagles will certainly enjoy a playoff appearance. When Asante Samuel was added to the secondary this offseason, that signaled an immediate improvement to a defense that had some issues last year. Philly showed some flashes of brilliance last season and they can surely capitalize on that momentum going forward, and I think they will. A wildcard spot seems likely for this hard working, well coached squad.   

 

3) Washington Redskins

Record last year: 9-7 / Projected: 9-7

The Redskins used their first three picks in the draft on three receivers. New head coach Jim Zorn is making it quite clear what direction he wants the team to go in. He plans on opening up the offense for young quarterback Jason Campbell. This will be Campbell’s third offense he’s had to learn in three years. That can be tough on a young player, or any player, especially a quarterback. The skins have a harder schedule this season on top of playing in the most competitive division in the NFC. This will be a rebuilding year for the Skins that will feature a lot of chance taking and excitement in the offense. The recent trade for Jason Taylor from the Dolphins will definitely add a spark to the defense. The Skins D should be able to cause plenty of turnovers and be fairly dominant in most contests.

 

4) New York Giants

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 8-8

 The Giants had a difficult offseason with the loss of Gibril Wilson, Reggie Torbor, Kawika Mitchell, and William Joseph to free agency. Not to mention the retirement of Michael Strahan, the cornerstone of their defensive line and emotional leader on defense. These key losses will be very tough for the Giants to overcome. Even though they still have Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck, their 2007 league lead in sacks will certainly be hard to repeat without Strahan out there. Eli Manning is a good quarterback but there is no doubt that there success last year was in large part due to the exceptional play of their defense. With a tougher schedule and more off-the-field distractions, New York will be hard pressed to duplicate their 2007 success. They will also miss the offensive leadership of Jeremy Shockey. The Pro Bowl TE was traded to the Saints for two draft picks.

 

  

This is the 2008-2009 outlook of the NFC East from our perspective. What is your call?

 

Feel Free to share your thoughts. 

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