NFL Preview 2011

Ao after a scary few months during the lockout, we have the game back ready to rock and roll with week one of the 2011 NFL season. So after the lockout ended there was a frenzy to try and get players signed and ready for the start of the season, but we are ready to go. So before we look at the schedule for Week One of the season here are my predictions for the divisions in the NFL. We Start with the AFC East.

So this year the AFC East went through some dramatic changes in both New England and New York. The pats looking to improve from last season add two huge weapons in Albert Haynsworth and Chad Johnson. As if the Patriots weren't a dangerous opponent as is, through those two guys into the mix and I think it might be a done deal. As much as it pains me to say this I give the Patriots the division going 14-2. Giving the pats the most trouble will be the Cowboys Eagles and Jets. Now then as for the Jets they too had some big changes. Shaun Ellis and Braylin Edwards are both gone, but they did replace Edwards with Plaxico Burress. This will be another strong showing for Gang Green this year I see a 13-3 maybe 12-4 season and Wild Card winners for the Jets. As for the rest of the East it was the same old story quiet as usual. Here are my predictions for the AFC East:

1. Patriots
2. Jets (Wild Card)
3. Dolphins
4. Bills

Now moving on to the AFC North there wasn't much noise coming from the division as neither of the 4 teams made any noise. The Ravens still have the one of the top 5 D's in the league and Pittsburgh is well Pittsburgh. here is how I see the standings in the AFC North:

1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Browns
4. Bengals

Now for the toughest division in the AFC to judge the AFC South. Under normal circumstances I would have had the Colts a lock to either win the South or get the Wild Card but this year it might not happen. With Payton Manning having neck surgery and more than likley going to miss week 1 the Colts are going with Kerry Collins as their starting QB. Unless Payton Manning can come back 100% healthy sorry but the best I see for Indy is somewhere in the 8-8 to 10-6 range. Here's my predictions for the AFC South:

1. Jaguars
2. Texans
3. Colts
4. Titans

Finally for the AFC West. This looks to be another down year for the AFC West once again proving that teams in the western divisions of both leagues are weak and pathetic. Oakland will have more and more bad years as long as Al Davis continues to own this team so once again the Raiders will be well below .500. The other 3 teams I can see as .500 or maybe better clubs. Kanas City will sit at 8-8 and Denver and San Diego will fight it out for the title. Here is the AFC West:

1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Chiefs
4. Raiders

NOw moving over to the NFC East. This much like in the AFC is tough to call. The only teams in this division to make any noise are the Eagles and Giants. Dallas was quiet which was a surprise, and Washington seems to be loosing its grip. The Eagles sign Mike Vick to a long contract worth over $100 Million. They have obvious faith in Vick but can Vick be a good return on the investment and not be just a flash in the pan. Here is how I see the NFC East ending up:

1. Eagles
2. Giants
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins.

NFC North is up next and home to the reining champs the Green Bay Packers. The only team really posing a threat to the Pack in this division is the Bears as they always do. Minnesota will make some noise but will faid out near the end and the Lions well they are just the Lions and are still trying to rebuilt I don't consider them worth much right now just like the Raiders. Here is what I see for the NFC North:

1. Packers
2. Bears
3. Vikings
4. Lions

NFC South is up next. This may be the most even division of all in the NFL. No teams making REAL noise. I give the division to the Saints based on the fact that they have been a solid team for the last little while and most of the core is still in tact from the suprebowl team so the Saints take it. Atlanta will pose the biggest threat. This is a ball club that is starting to make a solid upswing. easy 12 wins for them this year. Here is the NFC South:

1. Saints
2. Falcons
3. Bucs
4. Panthers

Finally the weak NFC West. Arizona and Seattle are going to be the dominant forces as they always are and San Fran and St Louis are average at best. This is the easiest division to predict. So here is the NFC West:

1. Cardnials
2. Seahawks
3. 49ers
4. Rams

So there are my divisional predictions. Check back next week for a Week 1 recap!