NFL Predictions

My baseball picks were lousy, so take these with a grain of salt:

AFC East

1. New England
2. NY Jets
3. Buffalo
4. Miami

One of the reasons New England & Indy are always in the playoffs is that they both play in pathetic divisions. I like Cam Cameron, but he's a lousy head coach, which is the only reason I'm picking them behind Buffalo.

AFC North

1. Cincinnati
2. Pittsburgh
3. Baltimore
4. Cleveland

The Ravens have the most talent but Billick has done a crappy job of getting them ready. The offensive line is out-of-synch and I don't see Ogden staying healthy. McGahee may be overrated. I think the defense will miss AD more than anyone thought. And why did they give Boller an extension when Leftwich was available? Cincy's defense still sucks but they match up well with both Baltimore & Pittsburgh. As much as I hate the Steelers and their arrogant fans, I think Big Ben will bounce back and Tomlin will be a good coach. I'm sure by the end of the year Brady Quinn will be a media darling. Ugh!

AFC South

1. Indianapolis
2. Jacksonville
3. Tennessee
4. Houston

Nobody here can compete with Indy. Given their schedule, they may go undefeated. What is going on in Jacksonville? I think Vince Young will have a bit of a sophomore slump.

AFC West

1. Denver
2. San Diego
3. Kansas City
4. Oakland

I'm picking Denver not because I think they're a true Super Bowl contender but because San Diego lost 5 coaches, including their head coach, and hired Norv Turner. A.J. Smith is a great GM but his ego is going to cost him a shot at the Super Bowl.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia
2. Dallas
3. Washington
4. NY Giants

Another example of where coaching will be the difference. On paper, I'd take Dallas but I don't like Wade Phillips as a coach and I really like Andy Reid. I think the Redskins could surprise, which would be sad. I don't think Tom Coughlin will last the season.

NFC North

1. Chicago
2. Green Bay
3. Detroit
4. Minnesota

There is nobody worth talking about in this division other than Chicago. The Bears will be the same as last year - pretty dominant in the NFC but maybe only the 6th or 7th best team in the NFL.

NFC South

1. Carolina
2. Tampa Bay
3. New Orleans
4. Atlanta

New Orleans has NO defense and I don't see their offense being as explosive as last year. There aren't any great teams in this division but I think Carolina's defense will be good enough to carry them to the division title.

NFC West

1. San Francisco
2. St. Louis
3. Seattle
4. Arizona

This is purely a hunch. I have no idea why I'm picking the Niners other than the fact that I like Mike Nolan.

Playoff Predictions

Wild Card Round
San Diego over Cincinnati
Denver over Pittsburgh
Carolina over Washington
Dallas over San Francisco

Division Round
New England over Denver
Indianapolis over San Diego
Philadelphia over Carolina
Dallas over Chicago

Championship Games
Indianapolis over New England
Philadelphia over Dallas

Super Bowl XLII
Indianapolis 55 Philadelphia 3

I'd almost insert that Super Bowl score regardless of who makes it. I do think Indy will finish undefeated. Ugh!