The NFL and Subjective Math
I'm not a stout statistician like the guys at Football Outsiders, who use every single stat under the sun, for example, from Monday's MMQB by Peter King, “Tom Brady will face the toughest schedule of pass defenses for any QB since 1993.” The FO guys break down everything in every game and use the numbers to predict the future. My idea is to do a more simple, and way more subjective set of predictions. Because they are subjective, they obviously don't represent the truth, they represent what I personally think of each team.
So, thirty-two teams worked out in my own subjective way. I'll mark (out of ten) the Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers (WR and TE), Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebackers, secondary (CB and S), the coaching of each team, and the strength of schedule (in their favour) they face this upcoming season. Nine categories, a score out of Ninety. In terms of a tie, teams will be separated by their QB, and then if necessary, their combined defense (why not? After all, “defense wins championships”).
Here we go...
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
QB: 8 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 64
The Cowboys are NFC contenders for sure. A good receiving core from last year is upgraded with the drafting of Dez Bryant, making Tony Romo an even bigger offensive threat. They have one of the best groups of pass-rushers in the league with DeMarcus Ware and Theo Ratliff. Their weaknesses lie in their offensive line, which despite getting rid of Flozell Adams; managed to replace him with a just-as-likely-to-get-flagged-all-the-time tackle in Alex Barron from the Rams. The secondary is weak too, and they should pick up another CB soon (there are only 3 on the roster).
New York Giants
QB: 8 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 7 LB: 6 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 62
A diminishing set of Running Backs should hamper the Giants this season. Brandon Jacobs has already spoken out about a lack of carries in the pre-season compared to Ahmad Bradshaw. However, they're strong in most other areas. Eli Manning seems to be getting better by the season, with brother-like numbers last year. Tough games at pass-happy Minnesota, Indy and Green Bay will be major tasks for their secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 60
Kolb looks better than a 6, but it's hard to rate him any higher just yet. He played well in his 2 starts last year, but has to prove he can lead the Eagles for a full 16-game slate. In a west coast offense, the Eagles are loaded at receiver, and their blitz packages are loaded with extraordinary pass-rushers. You can never have too much of a bad thing. I've rated Andy Reid's coaching high based on his long-term success, not his two-minute offense, which I'd rate 0. Seriously.
Washington Redskins
QB: 7 RB: 5 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 58
Though the Redskins DL is rated an 8, the case could be they play more like a 5. Haynesworth isn't happy he played all but 3 snaps of the 4th pre-season game, which really is a slap in the face. Sure, he bitched and moaned all off-season, but I think the conditioning tests were enough humiliation from coach Shanahan. Elsewhere, the Redskins young receivers need to step up. Cooley will likely be McNabb's best friend, and the zone-blocking line should propel Portis and Larry Johnson to a good, joint stat line for the season. Then again, Shanahan's tendencies for ignoring his defense like he did in Denver may come back to haunt him once again.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 6 OL: 3 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
A lot of people were heralding the hire of Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator as an early success, saying Cutler looked good in training camp. But it doesn't look too good now. In the pre-season, Cutler was sacked 10 times on just 37 passing attempts. That's just terrible. If you're gonna play Martz's system, you have to have more guys blocking. The system is all about throwing into passing lanes before the receiver gets there, and if Cutler keeps waiting and waiting behind a sieve of an offensive line, it won't be long before we see Todd Collins under center. The return of Brian Urlacher is big. The Bears 23rd ranked defense of last year will be much improved thanks to his return and the free agent signing of Julius Peppers.
Detroit Lions
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 8 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
The Lions could be a juggernaut on offense this season (for once). They're loaded at Tight End, and of course have Megatron (Calvin Johnson) on the outside. Jahvid Best could be an impact player from the get-go and the development of Stafford will be key to their success. The defense is what everyone will be looking at though. Their DL looks amazing (Avril, Suh, Williams, Van den Bosch) and their secondary isn't too shabby either with the impressive Louis Delmas leading the way at Safety.
Green Bay Packers
QB: 8 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 61
Many are calling the Packers the favourites in the NFC. If Rodgers can do well behind a shoddy OL last year, he should fare better with the addition of Bryan Bulaga. The only real worry for the Pack could be their banged-up and ageing secondary. Then again, they do have the Defensive Player of the Year in Charles Woodson. The loss of Aaron Kampman doesn't really affect the DL as he was largely a non-factor in the 3-4. They should be a lock to win the NFC North at the very least.
Minnesota Vikings
QB: 7 RB: 9 WR/TE: 7 OL: 7 DL: 9 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 63
Well, the old man is back. I rated Favre a 7 because, well, he's an old man. I don't see him putting up numbers like he did last year, especially with Sidney Rice out for half the season. Chilly should give the ball to Peterson more often this season (unless Favre audibles into pass-plays again and again) and should be able to rely on an incredible DL to stop the likes of Jahvid Best, Ryan Grant and Matt Forte. The Vikes are another team who have secondary issues, with rookie Chris Cook already out injured, so they will have to turn to the sometimes unreliable Lito Sheppard (Peyton Manning's best friend) as cover.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 7 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 59
It's Matt Ryan's third season, and he'll probably play at the level of a 5th or 6th year starter. In my opinion, he's that good. They have an improved defense with the additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Weatherspoon, but will be relying on the perceived improvement of DE Kroy Biermann. The loss of Michael Jenkins at WR is not too bad, considering Ryan has Gonzalez and Roddy White to throw too. A healthy Michael Turner will be a big help If he plays anything like he did in his breakout 2008 season.
Carolina Panthers
QB: 5 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 58
Fantastic Running Backs, potential at Quarterback, but 3rd place looks likely. I think Matt Moore is a capable QB, but we've never seen him for a full season. The D will have to step up after losing Peppers. Peter King called the Panthers his sleeper team, but I see this as a transitional year. Jimmy Clausen might wind up starting the last couple of games if that is the case. I've got them ranked 21st, which suggests not a complete do-over, but rather a developmental year.
New Orleans Saints
QB: 9 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 69
The Super Bowl winners are still the best team in the NFL in my opinion. It's hard to argue they're not. They've got one of the best offenses in the league and their defense looks to be better than last year. Darren Sharper is lost to the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for the first 6 weeks, so converted Safety Malcolm Jenkins fills in for him. Rookie CB Patrick Robinson replaces Jenkins, and is touted to be a much better fit than his predecessor. Their biggest loss was short-yardage back Mike Bell, but his duties will likely be given to Pierre Thomas or Heath Evans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: 5 RB: 5 WR/TE: 5 OL: 5 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 51
Sub-par offense in another rebuilding year, with an average to above average defense. The very young Bucs could surprise a few teams this year. Rookie WR Mike Williams is likely to be the no1 wide-out and Gerald McCoy at DT is a massive upgrade to their defense. The basement of the NFC South is very likely.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
QB: 5 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 57
Kurt Warner's retirement is massive. His understudy Matt Leinart is now in Houston after playing and talking himself off the team, and former Brown Derek Anderson is now the starter. It wouldn't surprise me to see BYU rookie QB Max Hall playing by season's end. The plus side for the Cardinals is their defense. Daryl Washington and Joey Porter improves the LB core, and the re-signing of monster DT Darnell Dockett is key to stopping guys like Steven Jackson and Frank Gore twice a year.
San Francisco 49ers
QB: 6 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 64
I think you could swap Alex Smith for most of the starting Quarterbacks in the league and you would get the same results (bar the upper echelon of Brady/Brees/Manning). The 49ers offense rests on Gore, Davis, Crabtree et al. Smith will be kept upright more often this season with the addition of rookie Offensive Linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. The D is in the hands of Defensive Player of the Year candidate Patrick Willis.
Seattle Seahawks
QB: 5 RB: 5 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 55
Pete Carroll's already revamped Seahawks are rebuilding. It's clear Carroll didn't like what Mike Holmgren and Jim Mora Jr. left him. OL coach Alex Gibbs has just left because of health issues, but the Seahawks could be better with the OL they have playing anything but a zone-blocking scheme (they're just not built for it). RT Stacey Andrews, just acquired from the Eagles, could be a mistake waiting to happen. He's played RG for the majority of his career, so a change to a tougher position may prove costly if he doesn't grasp the playbook quickly. Earl Thomas should be a defensive playmaker.
St. Louis Rams
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 5 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 55
I think no1 overall pick Sam Bradford will play better than a 5. The Rams are rebuilding, slowly. Bottom of the NFC West is most likely. There just isn't much to say about the Rams. They acquired WR Mark Clayton from the Ravens this week to lead the young group of receivers. The Rams are relying on breakout performances from A LOT of guys.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
QB: 4 RB: 7 WR/TE: 5 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 5 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 49
I have the Bills ranked 32 of 32, and how can I not? They have two potential star players (RB Fred Jackson and S Jairus Byrd) and a Quarterback competition that reeks of mediocrity at best. The Bills are likely to win the Andrew Luck/Jake Locker sweepstakes with the team and coaching staff (Chan Gailey?!) they have right now. They haven't replaced DE Aaron Schobel either, good one, Bills. If they win 4 games, I'll be astounded.
Miami Dolphins
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 60
Chad Henne proved last season he's more than capable of leading the Dolphins. Because of that, the Big Tuna rewarded him with a new toy, namely wide out Brandon Marshall. Early concerns about Marshall dropping balls in pre-season will go away after the first game. Every WR drops balls in pre-season, and then they're quickly forgotten about after that first TD grab in week 1. Miami strengthened it's D in the draft, and is gonna be in a dogfight with the Jets and the Patriots. I expect at least two of them to make it to the playoffs.
New England Patriots
QB: 9 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 5 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 62
Enough talk of the banged up Patriots being past their best. Brady is fully fit (with a fat wallet coming soon according to ESPN) and he's proved in the past he can win with mediocre receivers. He'll have Moss on the outside, Welker in the slot when he's 100%, and two rookie Tight Ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) who could make an immediate impact. Though the Patriots rank 10th, they will most likely play better than that. The only hindrance to the Pats is their young and inexperienced secondary, so they could be in a lot of shoot-outs this season.
New York Jets
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 9 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 67
The Jets are going to be a force this season, that's what everyone's saying anyway. This subjective math gives them a ranking of second. Their secondary was ranked an 8 just 3 days ago, but then shutdown corner Darrelle Revis ended his holdout, and he makes the Jets defense elite. Had he not signed, teams would have been throwing all over rookie CB Kyle Wilson. Mark Sanchez has to show that his pre-season play was just a blip, and with Santonio Holmes at his disposal (after week 4 when his suspension finishes), the Jets passing offense should be better than last season.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 66
This could be the Ravens' year. The only thing missing from their line-up last year was a game-changing receiver. This off-season they've added Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth, to go along with the veteran Derrick Mason. Ray Rice is one of the best Running Backs in the league and will probably get around 350 touches this season. The only problem they have is a lack of depth in the secondary, and ball-hawk Ed Reed (every announcer just loves to call him that, don't they?) is on the PUP list until week 7. Michael Oher has now moved to LT (yes, The Blindside, aren't we all clever?) and struggled a little in pre-season, but other than that, the Ravens look very solid.
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 62
After the mess with Antonio Bryant and the acquisition of Terrell Owens, the Bengals still manage to look good this season. They have one of the deepest and best receiving corps in the league (Ochocinco, Owens, Caldwell, Shipley, Gresham) and a good power run game with Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. Those offensive weapons have to enable Carson Palmer to play better than he did towards the end of last season, which was a big factor in them crashing out to the Jets. A healthy Keith Rivers (LB) will improve the run defense (11th last year).
Cleveland Browns
QB: 4 RB: 6 WR/TE: 5 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 52
Jake Delhomme at Quarterback. Yikes. He's had a good pre-season, but the dude could be dead in week 3 if Suh comes at him a-house-on-fire again. They've already lost rookie runner Montario Hardesty, so Jerome Harrison is left alone to carry the rock. Joe Haden is expected of to be a fine, fine player, and he'll have to prove his no7 overall draft choice worth soon if the Brownies are gonna win games. It's a transitional year, and maybe Eric Mangini's last.
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 9 CB/S: 9 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 65
I've ranked the QB at 7 due to Roethlisberger's 4 week suspension. Dennis Dixon has been named starter after Byron Leftwich went down in pre-season, and he is probably capable of leading the Steelers to a 2-2 start at least. If he leads them to a 4-0 start, he should carry on under center in my opinion, and make Big Ben pay for what he did. He can't just walk back on to the field if Dixon is proving himself as a capable starter. On defense, Polamalu is fit and ready to go, and they should dominate as they always do.
AFC South
Houston Texans
QB: 8 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 59
Though the Texans signed Matt Leinart, it probably won't matter much at all in the grand scheme of things. Schaub will keep his starting job no matter what, and Leinart's there just in case Schaub goes down (like he did last year against the Jaguars, and SEXY REXY Grossman had to fail in his place for a quarter). The defense is good, but will have to deal with the loss of Dunta Robinson to the Falcons. Rookie CB Kareem Jackson starts in his place, and will probably be targeted a lot by Peyton Manning. If I'm coach Kubiak, I'm on the phone to free agent DE Aaron Schobel right now trying to work out a deal to get him in his hometown team's uniform.
Indianapolis Colts
QB: 9 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 66
The 3rd ranked Colts should be better than last year, and last year they were Super Bowl runners up. They've improved their run defense with rookie LB Jerry Hughes, their secondary with the return of Safety Bob Sanders, and their passing attack with the return of receiver Anthony Gonzalez. I'd be surprised if they don't win 13 games this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB: 6 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 57
The Jaguars are a tough team to break down. They improved their OL last year, and their DL this year (DE Aaron Kampman from the Packers and DE Tyson Alualu with their first draft pick). Teams are built at the line, now they need something more from their skill positions. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is arguably the 3rd best back in the league and Mike Sims-Walker earned the role of the go-to-guy over Tory Holt for QB David Garrard last season. Speaking of Garrard however, his pre-season was terrible, and he was badly outshone by backup Luke McCown. If he doesn't do well in the first few weeks, he'll be yanked for McCown. Oh, and they dumped Safety Reggie Nelson, about time they rid themselves of a guy who can't tackle AT ALL. +1 Jags.
Tennessee Titans
QB: 6 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 9 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 61
Nothing much has changed for the Titans. They've had a quiet off-season (bar Vince Young punching people in nightclubs) and haven't changed much. They traded away LenDale White to Seattle (who then bounced to Denver, and then to injured reserve), added pass-rusher Derrick Morgan in the draft, and signed LB Will Witherspoon in free agency. They played well last season when VY replaced Kerry Collins, going 8-2, so you would think they can go above that this season.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S : 8 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 56
Josh McDaniels' revamp of the Broncos has been...interesting. Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler were shipped out and replaced by rookies Deymarius Thomas and Eric Decker, and coach McDaniels is now grooming Tim Tebow to be his QB of the future. The loss of DE Elvis Dumervil is a huge hindrance to their Defensive Line, which I would have rated a 9 with him (he's that good). They could be unseated by the Raiders (gasp) in the race for 2nd, because we all know the Chargers will walk the division again.
Kansas City Chiefs
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 57
A power-run game with the electrifying Jamaal Charles and the A-gap attacker Thomas Jones should propel the Chiefs to some more wins this season. Rookie playmaker Eric Berry should give the Chiefs secondary a huge upgrade, and Brandon Flowers at CB can only be good for each other's development. The 3rd RB, Dexter McCluster, a Reggie Bush/Percy Harvin type back/receiver could be dynamite for the offense. QB Matt Cassel just needs to be efficient with the ball.
Oakland Raiders
QB: 5 RB: 6 WR/TE: 6 OL: 5 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
I expect the Raiders to be a lot better this season, well, an improvement at least in the post-JaMarcus Russell era. Jason Campbell is a massive upgrade at QB, and the Raiders dumped LB Kirk Morrison for rookie Rolando McClain (fresh off a National Championship win at Alabama). The offensive line is a worry, meaning we may see Bruce Gradkowski a few times this season, but the defense looks strong. Second place in the AFC West is not out of the question.
San Diego Chargers
QB: 8 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 65
Finally, the Chargers. They may be without holdouts LT Marcus McNeill and stud wide-out Vincent Jackson, but a friendly schedule and a reinforced power run game with Ryan Mathews balances things out. With Patrick Crayton acquired from Dallas, the Chargers are likely to be a less-vertical team, with more short passes to Crayton, Gates and Sproles, before they eventually do go deep to Malcolm Floyd, who has shown glimpses of greatness at times. Rivers may not put up similar numbers to years gone by, but the Chargers are a well oiled machine that should make the Divisional Round.
Now, to look at how each team ranks: (click thumbnail)
From this subjective math, the Saints will beat the Jets in the Super Bowl, with the Colts and Cowboys making the Conference title games. These are not my predictions however, this is just an experiment after all.
Speaking of predictions, here are mine...
NFC East
Cowboys 11-5
Eagles 10-6
Giants 7-9
Redskins 7-9
NFC North
Packers 14-2
Vikings 11-5
Bears 6-10
Lions 4-12
NFC South
Saints 12-4
Falcons 10-6
Panthers 5-11
Buccaneers 1-15
NFC West
49ers 11-5
Cardinals 6-10
Rams 3-13
Seahawks 3-13
AFC East
Patriots 12-4
Jets 11-5
Dolphins 8-8
Bills 1-15
AFC North
Ravens 13-3
Steelers 12-4
Bengals 12-4
Browns 2-14
AFC South
Colts 13-3
Texans 8-8
Titans 7-9
Jaguars 6-10
AFC West
Chargers 14-2
Raiders 6-10
Broncos 5-11
Chiefs 5-11
You may have noticed the glaring exemption from the playoffs, the Jets. I'm just not that high on them. They were 9-7 last season and have added good veterans (Jason Taylor, Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson) who could be boom or bust. Personally, I see a bust.
MVP
Aaron Rodgers (QB), Green Bay Packers
He's the smart man's betting option. He's likely to put up massive numbers (maybe 35-40 Touchdowns) and lead the Packers deep into the playoffs.
Offensive Player of the Year
Ray Rice (RB), Baltimore Ravens
Normally, I'd pick Rodgers because, if he's MVP, he has to be the best offensive player too. But that's not how it works in the voting for this award, it's always someone else. I see Rice building on his impressive breakout 2009 season and leading the league in all-purpose yards in the midst of a great season for the Ravens.
Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Willis (LB), San Francisco 49ers
The next-incarnation of the beast Middle Linebacker, Willis will lead the 49er defense to a divisional title, amassing well over 100 tackles with many force fumbles, interceptions and
sacks to boot.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Ryan Mathews (RB), San Diego Chargers
With the Chargers shift from a vertical passing game to a power run game with an intermediate passing game, I expect Mathews to excel and prove that the Chargers were right to trade up for him. At least 1,100yds and 9 Touchdowns in my estimation.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Ndamukong Suh (DT), Detroit Lions
He may not have the numbers that easily show DROY credentials, but those that watch him specifically this season will see how much of a disruptive force he is. Even as a Defensive Tackle he might get 10 sacks.
Coach of the Year
Mike Singletary, San Francisco 49ers
Coach of the Year either goes to a coach who leads a team to a fantastic season (see: Bill Belichick of the Patriots in 2008) or a coach that brings a team back from the brink (see: Marvin Lewis of the Bengals last year). Singletary will take the 49ers to the peak of the NFC West for the first time since 2002, and for that he'll be rewarded with the label of Coach of the Year.
Week 1 Picks
Vikings @ Saints
Browns @ Buccaneers
Dolphins @ Bills
Bengals @ Patriots
Colts @ Texans
Broncos @ Jaguars
Falcons @ Steelers
Raiders @ Titans
Panthers @ Giants
Lions @ Bears
Cardinals @ Rams
Packers @ Eagles
49ers @ Seahawks
Cowboys @ Redskins
Ravens @ Jets
Chargers @ Chiefs
I'm not a stout statistician like the guys at Football Outsiders, who use every single stat under the sun, for example, from Monday's MMQB by Peter King, “Tom Brady will face the toughest schedule of pass defenses for any QB since 1993.” The FO guys break down everything in every game and use the numbers to predict the future. My idea is to do a more simple, and way more subjective set of predictions. Because they are subjective, they obviously don't represent the truth, they represent what I personally think of each team.
So, thirty-two teams worked out in my own subjective way. I'll mark (out of ten) the Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers (WR and TE), Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebackers, secondary (CB and S), the coaching of each team, and the strength of schedule (in their favour) they face this upcoming season. Nine categories, a score out of Ninety. In terms of a tie, teams will be separated by their QB, and then if necessary, their combined defense (why not? After all, “defense wins championships”).
Here we go...
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
QB: 8 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 64
The Cowboys are NFC contenders for sure. A good receiving core from last year is upgraded with the drafting of Dez Bryant, making Tony Romo an even bigger offensive threat. They have one of the best groups of pass-rushers in the league with DeMarcus Ware and Theo Ratliff. Their weaknesses lie in their offensive line, which despite getting rid of Flozell Adams; managed to replace him with a just-as-likely-to-get-flagged-all-the-time tackle in Alex Barron from the Rams. The secondary is weak too, and they should pick up another CB soon (there are only 3 on the roster).
New York Giants
QB: 8 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 7 LB: 6 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 62
A diminishing set of Running Backs should hamper the Giants this season. Brandon Jacobs has already spoken out about a lack of carries in the pre-season compared to Ahmad Bradshaw. However, they're strong in most other areas. Eli Manning seems to be getting better by the season, with brother-like numbers last year. Tough games at pass-happy Minnesota, Indy and Green Bay will be major tasks for their secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 60
Kolb looks better than a 6, but it's hard to rate him any higher just yet. He played well in his 2 starts last year, but has to prove he can lead the Eagles for a full 16-game slate. In a west coast offense, the Eagles are loaded at receiver, and their blitz packages are loaded with extraordinary pass-rushers. You can never have too much of a bad thing. I've rated Andy Reid's coaching high based on his long-term success, not his two-minute offense, which I'd rate 0. Seriously.
Washington Redskins
QB: 7 RB: 5 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 58
Though the Redskins DL is rated an 8, the case could be they play more like a 5. Haynesworth isn't happy he played all but 3 snaps of the 4th pre-season game, which really is a slap in the face. Sure, he bitched and moaned all off-season, but I think the conditioning tests were enough humiliation from coach Shanahan. Elsewhere, the Redskins young receivers need to step up. Cooley will likely be McNabb's best friend, and the zone-blocking line should propel Portis and Larry Johnson to a good, joint stat line for the season. Then again, Shanahan's tendencies for ignoring his defense like he did in Denver may come back to haunt him once again.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 6 OL: 3 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
A lot of people were heralding the hire of Mike Martz as Offensive Coordinator as an early success, saying Cutler looked good in training camp. But it doesn't look too good now. In the pre-season, Cutler was sacked 10 times on just 37 passing attempts. That's just terrible. If you're gonna play Martz's system, you have to have more guys blocking. The system is all about throwing into passing lanes before the receiver gets there, and if Cutler keeps waiting and waiting behind a sieve of an offensive line, it won't be long before we see Todd Collins under center. The return of Brian Urlacher is big. The Bears 23rd ranked defense of last year will be much improved thanks to his return and the free agent signing of Julius Peppers.
Detroit Lions
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 8 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
The Lions could be a juggernaut on offense this season (for once). They're loaded at Tight End, and of course have Megatron (Calvin Johnson) on the outside. Jahvid Best could be an impact player from the get-go and the development of Stafford will be key to their success. The defense is what everyone will be looking at though. Their DL looks amazing (Avril, Suh, Williams, Van den Bosch) and their secondary isn't too shabby either with the impressive Louis Delmas leading the way at Safety.
Green Bay Packers
QB: 8 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 61
Many are calling the Packers the favourites in the NFC. If Rodgers can do well behind a shoddy OL last year, he should fare better with the addition of Bryan Bulaga. The only real worry for the Pack could be their banged-up and ageing secondary. Then again, they do have the Defensive Player of the Year in Charles Woodson. The loss of Aaron Kampman doesn't really affect the DL as he was largely a non-factor in the 3-4. They should be a lock to win the NFC North at the very least.
Minnesota Vikings
QB: 7 RB: 9 WR/TE: 7 OL: 7 DL: 9 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 63
Well, the old man is back. I rated Favre a 7 because, well, he's an old man. I don't see him putting up numbers like he did last year, especially with Sidney Rice out for half the season. Chilly should give the ball to Peterson more often this season (unless Favre audibles into pass-plays again and again) and should be able to rely on an incredible DL to stop the likes of Jahvid Best, Ryan Grant and Matt Forte. The Vikes are another team who have secondary issues, with rookie Chris Cook already out injured, so they will have to turn to the sometimes unreliable Lito Sheppard (Peyton Manning's best friend) as cover.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 7 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 59
It's Matt Ryan's third season, and he'll probably play at the level of a 5th or 6th year starter. In my opinion, he's that good. They have an improved defense with the additions of Dunta Robinson and Sean Weatherspoon, but will be relying on the perceived improvement of DE Kroy Biermann. The loss of Michael Jenkins at WR is not too bad, considering Ryan has Gonzalez and Roddy White to throw too. A healthy Michael Turner will be a big help If he plays anything like he did in his breakout 2008 season.
Carolina Panthers
QB: 5 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 58
Fantastic Running Backs, potential at Quarterback, but 3rd place looks likely. I think Matt Moore is a capable QB, but we've never seen him for a full season. The D will have to step up after losing Peppers. Peter King called the Panthers his sleeper team, but I see this as a transitional year. Jimmy Clausen might wind up starting the last couple of games if that is the case. I've got them ranked 21st, which suggests not a complete do-over, but rather a developmental year.
New Orleans Saints
QB: 9 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 69
The Super Bowl winners are still the best team in the NFL in my opinion. It's hard to argue they're not. They've got one of the best offenses in the league and their defense looks to be better than last year. Darren Sharper is lost to the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for the first 6 weeks, so converted Safety Malcolm Jenkins fills in for him. Rookie CB Patrick Robinson replaces Jenkins, and is touted to be a much better fit than his predecessor. Their biggest loss was short-yardage back Mike Bell, but his duties will likely be given to Pierre Thomas or Heath Evans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
QB: 5 RB: 5 WR/TE: 5 OL: 5 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 51
Sub-par offense in another rebuilding year, with an average to above average defense. The very young Bucs could surprise a few teams this year. Rookie WR Mike Williams is likely to be the no1 wide-out and Gerald McCoy at DT is a massive upgrade to their defense. The basement of the NFC South is very likely.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
QB: 5 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 57
Kurt Warner's retirement is massive. His understudy Matt Leinart is now in Houston after playing and talking himself off the team, and former Brown Derek Anderson is now the starter. It wouldn't surprise me to see BYU rookie QB Max Hall playing by season's end. The plus side for the Cardinals is their defense. Daryl Washington and Joey Porter improves the LB core, and the re-signing of monster DT Darnell Dockett is key to stopping guys like Steven Jackson and Frank Gore twice a year.
San Francisco 49ers
QB: 6 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 64
I think you could swap Alex Smith for most of the starting Quarterbacks in the league and you would get the same results (bar the upper echelon of Brady/Brees/Manning). The 49ers offense rests on Gore, Davis, Crabtree et al. Smith will be kept upright more often this season with the addition of rookie Offensive Linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati. The D is in the hands of Defensive Player of the Year candidate Patrick Willis.
Seattle Seahawks
QB: 5 RB: 5 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 55
Pete Carroll's already revamped Seahawks are rebuilding. It's clear Carroll didn't like what Mike Holmgren and Jim Mora Jr. left him. OL coach Alex Gibbs has just left because of health issues, but the Seahawks could be better with the OL they have playing anything but a zone-blocking scheme (they're just not built for it). RT Stacey Andrews, just acquired from the Eagles, could be a mistake waiting to happen. He's played RG for the majority of his career, so a change to a tougher position may prove costly if he doesn't grasp the playbook quickly. Earl Thomas should be a defensive playmaker.
St. Louis Rams
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 5 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 55
I think no1 overall pick Sam Bradford will play better than a 5. The Rams are rebuilding, slowly. Bottom of the NFC West is most likely. There just isn't much to say about the Rams. They acquired WR Mark Clayton from the Ravens this week to lead the young group of receivers. The Rams are relying on breakout performances from A LOT of guys.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
QB: 4 RB: 7 WR/TE: 5 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 5 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 49
I have the Bills ranked 32 of 32, and how can I not? They have two potential star players (RB Fred Jackson and S Jairus Byrd) and a Quarterback competition that reeks of mediocrity at best. The Bills are likely to win the Andrew Luck/Jake Locker sweepstakes with the team and coaching staff (Chan Gailey?!) they have right now. They haven't replaced DE Aaron Schobel either, good one, Bills. If they win 4 games, I'll be astounded.
Miami Dolphins
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 60
Chad Henne proved last season he's more than capable of leading the Dolphins. Because of that, the Big Tuna rewarded him with a new toy, namely wide out Brandon Marshall. Early concerns about Marshall dropping balls in pre-season will go away after the first game. Every WR drops balls in pre-season, and then they're quickly forgotten about after that first TD grab in week 1. Miami strengthened it's D in the draft, and is gonna be in a dogfight with the Jets and the Patriots. I expect at least two of them to make it to the playoffs.
New England Patriots
QB: 9 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 5 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 62
Enough talk of the banged up Patriots being past their best. Brady is fully fit (with a fat wallet coming soon according to ESPN) and he's proved in the past he can win with mediocre receivers. He'll have Moss on the outside, Welker in the slot when he's 100%, and two rookie Tight Ends (Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez) who could make an immediate impact. Though the Patriots rank 10th, they will most likely play better than that. The only hindrance to the Pats is their young and inexperienced secondary, so they could be in a lot of shoot-outs this season.
New York Jets
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 9 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 67
The Jets are going to be a force this season, that's what everyone's saying anyway. This subjective math gives them a ranking of second. Their secondary was ranked an 8 just 3 days ago, but then shutdown corner Darrelle Revis ended his holdout, and he makes the Jets defense elite. Had he not signed, teams would have been throwing all over rookie CB Kyle Wilson. Mark Sanchez has to show that his pre-season play was just a blip, and with Santonio Holmes at his disposal (after week 4 when his suspension finishes), the Jets passing offense should be better than last season.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 8 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 66
This could be the Ravens' year. The only thing missing from their line-up last year was a game-changing receiver. This off-season they've added Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth, to go along with the veteran Derrick Mason. Ray Rice is one of the best Running Backs in the league and will probably get around 350 touches this season. The only problem they have is a lack of depth in the secondary, and ball-hawk Ed Reed (every announcer just loves to call him that, don't they?) is on the PUP list until week 7. Michael Oher has now moved to LT (yes, The Blindside, aren't we all clever?) and struggled a little in pre-season, but other than that, the Ravens look very solid.
Cincinnati Bengals
QB: 7 RB: 8 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 8 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 62
After the mess with Antonio Bryant and the acquisition of Terrell Owens, the Bengals still manage to look good this season. They have one of the deepest and best receiving corps in the league (Ochocinco, Owens, Caldwell, Shipley, Gresham) and a good power run game with Cedric Benson and Bernard Scott. Those offensive weapons have to enable Carson Palmer to play better than he did towards the end of last season, which was a big factor in them crashing out to the Jets. A healthy Keith Rivers (LB) will improve the run defense (11th last year).
Cleveland Browns
QB: 4 RB: 6 WR/TE: 5 OL: 7 DL: 7 LB: 6 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 52
Jake Delhomme at Quarterback. Yikes. He's had a good pre-season, but the dude could be dead in week 3 if Suh comes at him a-house-on-fire again. They've already lost rookie runner Montario Hardesty, so Jerome Harrison is left alone to carry the rock. Joe Haden is expected of to be a fine, fine player, and he'll have to prove his no7 overall draft choice worth soon if the Brownies are gonna win games. It's a transitional year, and maybe Eric Mangini's last.
Pittsburgh Steelers
QB: 7 RB: 7 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 9 CB/S: 9 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 65
I've ranked the QB at 7 due to Roethlisberger's 4 week suspension. Dennis Dixon has been named starter after Byron Leftwich went down in pre-season, and he is probably capable of leading the Steelers to a 2-2 start at least. If he leads them to a 4-0 start, he should carry on under center in my opinion, and make Big Ben pay for what he did. He can't just walk back on to the field if Dixon is proving himself as a capable starter. On defense, Polamalu is fit and ready to go, and they should dominate as they always do.
AFC South
Houston Texans
QB: 8 RB: 6 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 8 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 59
Though the Texans signed Matt Leinart, it probably won't matter much at all in the grand scheme of things. Schaub will keep his starting job no matter what, and Leinart's there just in case Schaub goes down (like he did last year against the Jaguars, and SEXY REXY Grossman had to fail in his place for a quarter). The defense is good, but will have to deal with the loss of Dunta Robinson to the Falcons. Rookie CB Kareem Jackson starts in his place, and will probably be targeted a lot by Peyton Manning. If I'm coach Kubiak, I'm on the phone to free agent DE Aaron Schobel right now trying to work out a deal to get him in his hometown team's uniform.
Indianapolis Colts
QB: 9 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 9 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 66
The 3rd ranked Colts should be better than last year, and last year they were Super Bowl runners up. They've improved their run defense with rookie LB Jerry Hughes, their secondary with the return of Safety Bob Sanders, and their passing attack with the return of receiver Anthony Gonzalez. I'd be surprised if they don't win 13 games this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars
QB: 6 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 6 DL: 7 LB: 7 CB/S: 6 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 57
The Jaguars are a tough team to break down. They improved their OL last year, and their DL this year (DE Aaron Kampman from the Packers and DE Tyson Alualu with their first draft pick). Teams are built at the line, now they need something more from their skill positions. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is arguably the 3rd best back in the league and Mike Sims-Walker earned the role of the go-to-guy over Tory Holt for QB David Garrard last season. Speaking of Garrard however, his pre-season was terrible, and he was badly outshone by backup Luke McCown. If he doesn't do well in the first few weeks, he'll be yanked for McCown. Oh, and they dumped Safety Reggie Nelson, about time they rid themselves of a guy who can't tackle AT ALL. +1 Jags.
Tennessee Titans
QB: 6 RB: 9 WR/TE: 6 OL: 9 DL: 6 LB: 7 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 4
TOTAL: 61
Nothing much has changed for the Titans. They've had a quiet off-season (bar Vince Young punching people in nightclubs) and haven't changed much. They traded away LenDale White to Seattle (who then bounced to Denver, and then to injured reserve), added pass-rusher Derrick Morgan in the draft, and signed LB Will Witherspoon in free agency. They played well last season when VY replaced Kerry Collins, going 8-2, so you would think they can go above that this season.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
QB: 6 RB: 6 WR/TE: 6 OL: 7 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S : 8 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 56
Josh McDaniels' revamp of the Broncos has been...interesting. Brandon Marshall and Tony Scheffler were shipped out and replaced by rookies Deymarius Thomas and Eric Decker, and coach McDaniels is now grooming Tim Tebow to be his QB of the future. The loss of DE Elvis Dumervil is a huge hindrance to their Defensive Line, which I would have rated a 9 with him (he's that good). They could be unseated by the Raiders (gasp) in the race for 2nd, because we all know the Chargers will walk the division again.
Kansas City Chiefs
QB: 5 RB: 8 WR/TE: 7 OL: 5 DL: 6 LB: 6 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 6 Schedule: 6
TOTAL: 57
A power-run game with the electrifying Jamaal Charles and the A-gap attacker Thomas Jones should propel the Chiefs to some more wins this season. Rookie playmaker Eric Berry should give the Chiefs secondary a huge upgrade, and Brandon Flowers at CB can only be good for each other's development. The 3rd RB, Dexter McCluster, a Reggie Bush/Percy Harvin type back/receiver could be dynamite for the offense. QB Matt Cassel just needs to be efficient with the ball.
Oakland Raiders
QB: 5 RB: 6 WR/TE: 6 OL: 5 DL: 8 LB: 8 CB/S: 8 Coaching: 5 Schedule: 5
TOTAL: 56
I expect the Raiders to be a lot better this season, well, an improvement at least in the post-JaMarcus Russell era. Jason Campbell is a massive upgrade at QB, and the Raiders dumped LB Kirk Morrison for rookie Rolando McClain (fresh off a National Championship win at Alabama). The offensive line is a worry, meaning we may see Bruce Gradkowski a few times this season, but the defense looks strong. Second place in the AFC West is not out of the question.
San Diego Chargers
QB: 8 RB: 7 WR/TE: 8 OL: 6 DL: 7 LB: 8 CB/S: 7 Coaching: 7 Schedule: 7
TOTAL: 65
Finally, the Chargers. They may be without holdouts LT Marcus McNeill and stud wide-out Vincent Jackson, but a friendly schedule and a reinforced power run game with Ryan Mathews balances things out. With Patrick Crayton acquired from Dallas, the Chargers are likely to be a less-vertical team, with more short passes to Crayton, Gates and Sproles, before they eventually do go deep to Malcolm Floyd, who has shown glimpses of greatness at times. Rivers may not put up similar numbers to years gone by, but the Chargers are a well oiled machine that should make the Divisional Round.
Now, to look at how each team ranks: (click thumbnail)
From this subjective math, the Saints will beat the Jets in the Super Bowl, with the Colts and Cowboys making the Conference title games. These are not my predictions however, this is just an experiment after all.
Speaking of predictions, here are mine...
NFC East
Cowboys 11-5
Eagles 10-6
Giants 7-9
Redskins 7-9
NFC North
Packers 14-2
Vikings 11-5
Bears 6-10
Lions 4-12
NFC South
Saints 12-4
Falcons 10-6
Panthers 5-11
Buccaneers 1-15
NFC West
49ers 11-5
Cardinals 6-10
Rams 3-13
Seahawks 3-13
AFC East
Patriots 12-4
Jets 11-5
Dolphins 8-8
Bills 1-15
AFC North
Ravens 13-3
Steelers 12-4
Bengals 12-4
Browns 2-14
AFC South
Colts 13-3
Texans 8-8
Titans 7-9
Jaguars 6-10
AFC West
Chargers 14-2
Raiders 6-10
Broncos 5-11
Chiefs 5-11
You may have noticed the glaring exemption from the playoffs, the Jets. I'm just not that high on them. They were 9-7 last season and have added good veterans (Jason Taylor, Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson) who could be boom or bust. Personally, I see a bust.
MVP
Aaron Rodgers (QB), Green Bay Packers
He's the smart man's betting option. He's likely to put up massive numbers (maybe 35-40 Touchdowns) and lead the Packers deep into the playoffs.
Offensive Player of the Year
Ray Rice (RB), Baltimore Ravens
Normally, I'd pick Rodgers because, if he's MVP, he has to be the best offensive player too. But that's not how it works in the voting for this award, it's always someone else. I see Rice building on his impressive breakout 2009 season and leading the league in all-purpose yards in the midst of a great season for the Ravens.
Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Willis (LB), San Francisco 49ers
The next-incarnation of the beast Middle Linebacker, Willis will lead the 49er defense to a divisional title, amassing well over 100 tackles with many force fumbles, interceptions and
sacks to boot.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Ryan Mathews (RB), San Diego Chargers
With the Chargers shift from a vertical passing game to a power run game with an intermediate passing game, I expect Mathews to excel and prove that the Chargers were right to trade up for him. At least 1,100yds and 9 Touchdowns in my estimation.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Ndamukong Suh (DT), Detroit Lions
He may not have the numbers that easily show DROY credentials, but those that watch him specifically this season will see how much of a disruptive force he is. Even as a Defensive Tackle he might get 10 sacks.
Coach of the Year
Mike Singletary, San Francisco 49ers
Coach of the Year either goes to a coach who leads a team to a fantastic season (see: Bill Belichick of the Patriots in 2008) or a coach that brings a team back from the brink (see: Marvin Lewis of the Bengals last year). Singletary will take the 49ers to the peak of the NFC West for the first time since 2002, and for that he'll be rewarded with the label of Coach of the Year.
Week 1 Picks
Vikings @ Saints
Browns @ Buccaneers
Dolphins @ Bills
Bengals @ Patriots
Colts @ Texans
Broncos @ Jaguars
Falcons @ Steelers
Raiders @ Titans
Panthers @ Giants
Lions @ Bears
Cardinals @ Rams
Packers @ Eagles
49ers @ Seahawks
Cowboys @ Redskins
Ravens @ Jets
Chargers @ Chiefs
