What to Expect During The 2009 Football Season



Get set for the 2009 season. There were a near record number of off the field incidents this year so while many teams have have put up numbers off the field, this doesn't count on the field. The Lions actually would be a contender if off the field incidents were considered in the standings. Their competitive division doesn't even give them a chance on the field. Some teams didn't do much in preseason except determine who would make the roster while others are trying to sell tickets in a difficult economy. This should be an exciting season early on, but by December there will be the contenders on the field and the contenders off the field.


Divisions


AFC East


1. Patriots - Should be healthier this season with Brady and Maroney back in the lineup which will amount to a better record and a playoff run. The pass oriented offense remains one of the best while the defense goes through some changes.
2. Dolphins - Cut back on the off the field show and turned it around by winning 9 of 11. They won't sneak up on anyone this season since no effort was made to improve the offensive line which was most in need of improvement.
3. Bills - If Lynch returns to the team (from illegal gun charges), Owens will get open and put up big numbers. This will make them competitive because they are strong on defense. The big "if" is the issue this season.
4. Jets - Pair up a rookie QB with a terrible defense which did not receive any off season help will end in a disastrous season. Will be hard pressed to win 4 games.


AFC North


1. Ravens - Improving on offense and the defense is the best in the league. Will be playing through January.
2. Steelers - Will remain competitive because their defense is in a class with the Ravens. Their offensive line will prevent them from repeating.
3. Bengals - Healthier coming into the season which should lead to an improvement on the field. Would be more competitive if not for the Ravens and Steelers being in their division.
4. Browns - A huge underachiever last season and subsequently the team was torn up. Quinn the Eskimo will not save them.


AFC South


1. Colts - Strong lines will keep them competitive and Manning will continue to put up big numbers before the Indiana choke hits come playoff time.
2. Titans - Surprised everyone last season, but were hit hard by free agency. Still enough talent left to compete led by a strong run by committee.
3. Texans - Just like last season. This is an outstanding defensive team which will be competitive. Being in a tough division kills their playoff chances.
4. Jaguars - The bankrupt front office needs to be ousted if they are to compete anytime in the near future.


AFC West


1. Chargers - If Merriman goes to prison they will still win the division with their high octane offense. That is how bad the other three teams are.
2. Raiders - Will continue to improve as Russell and McFadden put up big numbers. Some recent trades will make them more competitive this season.
3. Broncos - A major rebuilding job is needed here. Will be hard pressed to win 4 games like the Jets, but they will win at least two games.
4. Chiefs - Worse than the Lions were last season on defense. If Johnson gets hurt again so will the offense. Will be picking first in April. Oh wait, the pick was traded.


NFC East


1. Giants - Healthier going into the season this year, but the off the field distractions must end if they are to play well into January.
2. Redskins - Two outstanding rookies and two big free agent pickups will make the defense one of the best around. The offense is too inconsistent.
3. Eagles - Signing Ron Mexico sure does not end their off the field woes. Just adds to the soap opera. The defense is way overrated.
4. Cowboys - Another circus show team although they have made some moves to cut down on the distractions. Too much talent was lost during the off season and a rebuilding job is needed.


NFC North


1. Vikings - Adding Favre provides them with a nice insurance policy in case Jackson goes down. Peterson is the best player in the game. The defense is better than last season.
2. Packers - An explosive team which should be over the free agency exodus which killed them last season.
3. Bears - They traded too much to get Cutler. While they will put up points, the defense is getting ready to hit the nursing home circuit.
4. Lions - They can only be better than 0-16. Stafford can put up big numbers with good receivers, but the defense and offensive line are terrible.


NFC South


1. Falcons - They went from awful to a contender in one season and will easily make the playoffs for two years straight for the first time as their division is soft.
2. Saints - Easy to interpret the team on easy street. Explosive on offense. Terrible on defense.
3. Panthers - An excellent group of running backs that can eat up the clock, but defensively they have some major holes.
4. Buccaneers - A major rebuilding job is in progress. Will compete by next season.


NFC West


1. Seahawks - Should come back to compete as injuries crippled them last season. They are too well run to be down again.
2. Forty Niners - Should compete as the defense is vastly improved and Alex Smith is healthy.
3. Cardinals - Stayed healthy enough last season to make the Super Bowl. They won't this year.
4. Rams - Most of their best players are left as free agents, but they should win more than two games.


Wild Cards

Steelers, Titans, Packers, Forty Niners


Super Bowl 44

Ravens over Falcons



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