OK, in a few weeks (after the marathon preseason) the NFL regular season will start. But we are all wondering - who will win it all? And who will contend? Well, I am going to tell you one thing - having been there before doesn't mean squat, as shown by the Rams last season, the Broncos in '97, and even last year's Titans. So with that, I will take a look at each of the 6 divisions, first the AFC and then the NFC. <
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>AFC East - After the Colts improved by 10 games from 1998 to 1999, it became apparent that GM Bill Polian is a genius, after taking Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James instead of Ryan Leaf and Ricky Williams in the '98 and '99 drafts. With that said, the Colts are the obvious favorites to win the East. However, don't count out the Jets, whose quarterback situation should be a lot more stable this year with Vinny Testaverde back and Chad Pennington next in line. Really, the only team without a real shot at the division title is the Dolphins, who have to worry about replacing Dan Marino, O.J. McDuffie, and any players who can't stay out of trouble.<
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>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. Indianapolis (11-5)<
>2. New York (9-7)<
>3. Buffalo (9-7)<
>4. New England (8-8)<
>5. Miami (4-12)<
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>AFC Central: The NFL's only 6-team division has what amounts to three good teams and three teams with lots to be desired. The defending AFC champion Titans still look like a strong team, especially with Carl Pickens as a new weapon. But can they beat out the Jaguars the way they did in the AFC title game last year? The Jags are injury-riddled and not unbeatable but still one of the top AFC teams. The other strong AFC team is the Baltimore Ravens, a new challenger. They added Shannon Sharpe on offense, and Ray Lewis staved off murder charges, so no worries on defense.<
>On the flip-side, the Steelers are full of question-marks, the Bengals are mired in controversy and injuries, and the Browns can be written off with little experience and an injury to Ty Detmer.<
><
>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. Tennessee (13-3)<
>2. Jacksonville (12-4)<
>3. Baltimore (10-6)<
>4. Cincinnati (4-12)<
>5. Pittsburgh (4-12)<
>6. Cleveland (3-13)<
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>AFC West: Mike Holmgran has begun working his magic with the Seattle Seahawks, though being the first to fall in the playoffs at home to Miami since 1972 doesn't help any. The Raiders hope to take the next step with both a good offense and a good defense, but both they and Seattle will be challenged again by the Denver Broncos. Brian Griese is no John Elway, but Terrell Davis is still Terrell Davis even if he isn't 100%.<
><
>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. Seattle (10-6)<
>2. Oakland (9-7)<
>3. Denver (9-7)<
>4. San Diego (7-9)<
>5. Kansas City (5-11)<
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>NFC East: There's one team in this division everybody likes, and that's the Redskins. Owner Daniel Snyder has made this year the team's clearest shot to win the Super Bowl. However, before last season the 'Skins beefed up their depleted defense and it was still pretty anemic, which was made painfully obvious in Week 1 against Dallas when the 'Skins coughed up 21 points to allow Dallas to tie the score and eventually win in overtime. For the Cowboys, it will be all about staying healthy. If Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, among other players, can fight the injury bug, they should be OK and in the playoff race. However, if they get hurt, it could be a long year, as the Giants may rush their way into the wild card races, or the Cardinals could return to 1998 form.<
><
>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. Washington (11-5)<
>2. Arizona (8-8)<
>3. New York (8-8)<
>4. Dallas (7-9)<
>5. Philadelphia (6-10)<
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>NFC Central: The Central is pretty much the Bucs, then the Vikings, and then everybody else. The Bears are an obvious choice for Surprise Team of the Year, but they're still a year away. The Lions need a running attack better than the one that ranked 28th last season, and they need a healthy Charlie Batch to power a passing attack that ranked 9th last season. But out of all this, the division;s best team, the Bucs, are the Central's best Super Bowl hope.<
><
>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. Tampa Bay (12-4)<
>2. Minnesota (10-6)<
>3. Chicago (7-9)<
>4. Green Bay (7-9)<
>5. Detroit (4-12)<
><
>NFC West: What used to be the weakest division in football aside from the 49ers has represented the NFC in the Super Bowl the last two years - and neither team was the 49ers. The Atlanta Falcons should be almost as good as they were in 1998 provided Jamal Anderson stays healthy and Chris Chandler doesn't get hurt too much. The Rams have weapons on both sides of the ball and were nearly unbeatable last season except in two close road games against eventual playoff teams and once in a meaningless Week 17 game against Philadelphia.<
><
>PROJECTED STANDINGS:<
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>1. St. Louis (13-3)<
>2. Atlanta (12-4)<
>3. Carolina (9-7)<
>4. San Francisco (4-12)<
>5. New Orleans (3-13)<
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>AFC division champs: Tennessee, Indianapolis, Seattle<
>AFC wild cards: Jacksonville, Baltimore, Oakland<
>AFC divisional playoff qualifiers: Tennessee, Indianapolis, Seattle, Jacksonville<
>NFC division champs: St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Washington<
>NFC wild cards: Atlanta, Minnesota, Carolina<
>AFC diviaional playoff qualifiers: St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Washington, Atlanta<
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>AFC title game: Teneessee 24, Indianapolis 20<
>NFC title game: Tampa Bay 17, Atlanta 13<
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>Super Bowl XXXV: Tampa Bay 24, Tennessee 17 DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
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Commcorranhorn
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
u believing where u live is Tampa are probably leaning towards the bucs winning, but i suspect a wild card team to get a bigger offensive running back in there when they have little hope, make a come back and make it to div. finals... IMHO of course MTFBWY ~Commander Corran Horn<
><i></i>
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DEVILRAYS
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
I don't live in Tampa; I live in Columbus, Ohio. I figure it's either Tampa Bay or Atlanta in the Super Bowl for the NFC. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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Tornado8
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
I have a feeling the vikings are gonna take it this year.. <
>Visit These 4 Boards!! Inside The TornadoFlorence City Message BoardTyler's Little Ol Board Tornado8 is currently"I can't even think, I can't even speak, But I can still smile" Wide Mouth Mason- Smile"Cut my life into pieces, this is my last resort. Suffication, no
eathing, don't give a f*** if I cut my arm bleeding" Papa Roach- Last Resort<i></i>
>Visit These 4 Boards!! Inside The TornadoFlorence City Message BoardTyler's Little Ol Board Tornado8 is currently"I can't even think, I can't even speak, But I can still smile" Wide Mouth Mason- Smile"Cut my life into pieces, this is my last resort. Suffication, no
eathing, don't give a f*** if I cut my arm bleeding" Papa Roach- Last Resort<i></i>
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urobbie
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Not bad observations, but naturally there are a few changes I would make if I were evaluating the NFL at this point...<
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>I would watch for Indianapolis in the AFC; they looked like a Super Bowl team the majority of last year, and I suspect that they will do so this year as well; they will have something to prove after last year's upset. Of course, with Jacksonville and Tennessee as strong as they are, it's awfully close to call right now. And although I don't see them making any title games or anything, I think you are underestimating the Denver Broncos. The only reason they had such a bad season last year is that they were injury-ridden and searching for a new QB simultaneously. It's hard to find any continuity when you are constantly swapping players in and out of the starting lineup. I would suspect that Mike Shanahan will have that more under control this time around.<
><
>In the NFC, I'd be afraid to vote against the Rams, provided they stay healthy and don't meet the same fate the Falcons did. The Bucs will be right back in the mix, but they still need a better offensive punch if they're going to beat St. Louis. Know this, though. At some point the Bucs will find a formidable offense, and when they do, they will be nearly unstoppable. I think the Redskins are greatly overrated, and if the Falcons are to come back into contention, I think it will be later in the season. They may sneak into the NFC title game from a Wild Card spot like the 97 Broncos. I have a feeling you are underestimating the Packers a little. They will at least make the playoffs this year. The Chicago Bears could be dangerous as well. They will warrant watching as the season unfolds. <i><b>~Rob</b><
>"Do you bury me when I'm gone?<
>Do you teach me while I'm here?<
>Just as soon as I belong<
>Then it's time I disappear" </i><
><b>EZboard - R.O.B. Posting Service</b><i></i>
><
>I would watch for Indianapolis in the AFC; they looked like a Super Bowl team the majority of last year, and I suspect that they will do so this year as well; they will have something to prove after last year's upset. Of course, with Jacksonville and Tennessee as strong as they are, it's awfully close to call right now. And although I don't see them making any title games or anything, I think you are underestimating the Denver Broncos. The only reason they had such a bad season last year is that they were injury-ridden and searching for a new QB simultaneously. It's hard to find any continuity when you are constantly swapping players in and out of the starting lineup. I would suspect that Mike Shanahan will have that more under control this time around.<
><
>In the NFC, I'd be afraid to vote against the Rams, provided they stay healthy and don't meet the same fate the Falcons did. The Bucs will be right back in the mix, but they still need a better offensive punch if they're going to beat St. Louis. Know this, though. At some point the Bucs will find a formidable offense, and when they do, they will be nearly unstoppable. I think the Redskins are greatly overrated, and if the Falcons are to come back into contention, I think it will be later in the season. They may sneak into the NFC title game from a Wild Card spot like the 97 Broncos. I have a feeling you are underestimating the Packers a little. They will at least make the playoffs this year. The Chicago Bears could be dangerous as well. They will warrant watching as the season unfolds. <i><b>~Rob</b><
>"Do you bury me when I'm gone?<
>Do you teach me while I'm here?<
>Just as soon as I belong<
>Then it's time I disappear" </i><
><b>EZboard - R.O.B. Posting Service</b><i></i>
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DEVILRAYS
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Indianapolis is an impressive team but now, like the Rams, people are gunning for them. Three of the five teams in the AFC East have a legitimate shot at winning the division, while New England may have some surprises up their sleeve. Jacksonville and Tennessee could very easily dominate the AFC again, seeing as how there are no true Super Bowl teams in the AFC West. The Seahawks may very well be two years away from the AFC title game, the Raiders are improving but still are not the same caliber as the Jaguars, Colts, Titans, or even the Ravens. And the Broncos need Terrell Davis at 100% and stability at quarterback to have any chance at a third title in four years.<
><
>Over in the NFC, everyone's saying "Redskins this" and "Redskins that". Daniel Snyder may be a big spender, but spending big bucks on defense surely didn't work in 1998; why should this year be any different? No matter how good the players on the Redskins defense are, they still have not shown they can take the next step and be as good as the Bucs or Rams. The Bucs have perhaps the best defense in the league and managed to make it to the NFC title game on a less-than-desirable offense; their latest acquisitions may or may not help them to the next level. The Rams, on the other hand, are coming off a dream season; as long as they stay healthy and keep the great team chemistry that helped them win last year's Super Bowl, there's no waking up in sight. However, expect a return from the Falcons. Jamal Anderson is back, and if they field the good Chris Chandler (read: 1998 Chandler) their offense will be tough to beat. As for the rest of the group, the Bears are improving but still a year away. The Packers will need a healthy Brett Favre to make the playoffs, especially in a division with the Bucs and the Vikings, who are still capable of a 10-6 finish even with Daunte Culpepper at the helm. With another wild card spot in the wings for Atlanta, there is only one spot left for a wild card team provided all the puzzle pieces fall into place. The teams to watch there are the Panthers, Cardinals, Giants, and even the Packers and Bears. That could be a tight race in the final couple of weeks barring a surprise (which the NFL is famous for.)<
>All in all, I stand by my prediction that the Buccaneers will finally make a Super Bowl and defeat the Titans 24-17 in another good game marked by outstanding defensive performances. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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><I><B>I'm having a wonderful time but I'd rather be whistling in the dark.</B></I><i></i>
><
>Over in the NFC, everyone's saying "Redskins this" and "Redskins that". Daniel Snyder may be a big spender, but spending big bucks on defense surely didn't work in 1998; why should this year be any different? No matter how good the players on the Redskins defense are, they still have not shown they can take the next step and be as good as the Bucs or Rams. The Bucs have perhaps the best defense in the league and managed to make it to the NFC title game on a less-than-desirable offense; their latest acquisitions may or may not help them to the next level. The Rams, on the other hand, are coming off a dream season; as long as they stay healthy and keep the great team chemistry that helped them win last year's Super Bowl, there's no waking up in sight. However, expect a return from the Falcons. Jamal Anderson is back, and if they field the good Chris Chandler (read: 1998 Chandler) their offense will be tough to beat. As for the rest of the group, the Bears are improving but still a year away. The Packers will need a healthy Brett Favre to make the playoffs, especially in a division with the Bucs and the Vikings, who are still capable of a 10-6 finish even with Daunte Culpepper at the helm. With another wild card spot in the wings for Atlanta, there is only one spot left for a wild card team provided all the puzzle pieces fall into place. The teams to watch there are the Panthers, Cardinals, Giants, and even the Packers and Bears. That could be a tight race in the final couple of weeks barring a surprise (which the NFL is famous for.)<
>All in all, I stand by my prediction that the Buccaneers will finally make a Super Bowl and defeat the Titans 24-17 in another good game marked by outstanding defensive performances. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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><I><B>I'm having a wonderful time but I'd rather be whistling in the dark.</B></I><i></i>
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NOAImawario
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Up...Down....Left...Right...Now Slide...Slide!!!! Hehehehehehehe <B>I'ma Wario!! I'ma Gonna Win!!!<B> <i></i>
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DEVILRAYS
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
I don't get this "Up" business. It's probably something I couldn't possibly understand. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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The Great Butcher
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
screw you the 49ers are not going 4-12 and the Rams suck "As for the types of comments I make... sometimes I just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence." <I>Gen. George Patton</I>Butcher's current mood: <i></i>
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DEVILRAYS
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
That was...real mature, Butcher. Pfffft. Mind telling me WHY the 49ers aren't going 4-12 or close to it? Mind explaining WHY the Rams suck? 'Cuz I could tell you why I believe I am right, and the strongest argument against that seems to be this idea of all these surprise teams all all the turnover in the NFL lately. But really, the Rams haven't lost a whole lot - their core players are still there, and their speed should be unstoppable. The 49ers, on the other hand, are facing the wrath of the salary cap. Being $15 million short in that regard, or however short they are, and a lot more short in years to come leaves Steve Mariucci and Bill Walsh between a rock and a hard place. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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><I><B>I'm having a wonderful time but I'd rather be whistling in the dark.</B></I><i></i>
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The Sidewinder
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Once, again shouldn't this be in the *sports* section???? <b><i>"The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his."-George Patton</b></i>I currently feel : <i></i>
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The Great Butcher
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
The Rams are just like Atlanta was during their shining year - and the 49ers have a weak schedule so I do not expect them to go 4-12 after watching their preseason "As for the types of comments I make... sometimes I just, By God, get carried away with my own eloquence." <I>Gen. George Patton</I>Butcher's current mood: <i></i>
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DEVILRAYS
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Sidewinder, this WAS in the Sports forum, but it was moved here...I didn't move it and don't know who did.<
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>Butcher, let's take a look at who the 49ers play. Of course they get each division foe twice. The Rams clubbed them twice last season, and I see no reason this year should be different unless the Rams are ravaged by injuries. Injuries killed Atlanta in 1999; the Rams look even healthier this year (though looks can be deceiving.) The Panthers are gradually improving and should take two from the Niners. This leaves the Falcons and Saints. The Falcons should be back strong this season, but the Saints...well, we won't go there. The Saints have worse problems than the 49ers A 2-6 division season for San Francisco is not unlikely, while the Rams should have no trouble winning 7 of 8 against the West.<
>The Niners' other conference foes are the Cowboys, Cardinals, Bears, and Packers. A 2-2 run seems logical, as the Bears are expected to make some noise this year. Outside the conference, they face the AFC West, which has some good but not too impressive teams. They get everyone but the Seahawks in that division. This could be a 2-2 run easily. The 49ers, if Jeff Garcia plays better and salary cap problems prove to be less of a problem than they seem, could contend for a wild card spot. On the other hand, they could bomb again. That's why football is so tough to predict.<
>The Rams, on the other hand, draw a couple of tough teams. They should split with Tampa and the Redskins, while they should pick up wins over Minnesota and the Giants. They have pretty much the same AFC opponents as San Francisco, thanks to the miracle of the rotating schedule. In any event, the 49ers have some time before they get out of the woods with the salary cap, and the Rams have at least this year to win. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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><I><B>I'm having a wonderful time but I'd rather be whistling in the dark.</B></I><i></i>
><
>Butcher, let's take a look at who the 49ers play. Of course they get each division foe twice. The Rams clubbed them twice last season, and I see no reason this year should be different unless the Rams are ravaged by injuries. Injuries killed Atlanta in 1999; the Rams look even healthier this year (though looks can be deceiving.) The Panthers are gradually improving and should take two from the Niners. This leaves the Falcons and Saints. The Falcons should be back strong this season, but the Saints...well, we won't go there. The Saints have worse problems than the 49ers A 2-6 division season for San Francisco is not unlikely, while the Rams should have no trouble winning 7 of 8 against the West.<
>The Niners' other conference foes are the Cowboys, Cardinals, Bears, and Packers. A 2-2 run seems logical, as the Bears are expected to make some noise this year. Outside the conference, they face the AFC West, which has some good but not too impressive teams. They get everyone but the Seahawks in that division. This could be a 2-2 run easily. The 49ers, if Jeff Garcia plays better and salary cap problems prove to be less of a problem than they seem, could contend for a wild card spot. On the other hand, they could bomb again. That's why football is so tough to predict.<
>The Rams, on the other hand, draw a couple of tough teams. They should split with Tampa and the Redskins, while they should pick up wins over Minnesota and the Giants. They have pretty much the same AFC opponents as San Francisco, thanks to the miracle of the rotating schedule. In any event, the 49ers have some time before they get out of the woods with the salary cap, and the Rams have at least this year to win. DEVILRAYS Rad Stadium<
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><I><B>I'm having a wonderful time but I'd rather be whistling in the dark.</B></I><i></i>
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Ingrid
Re: Official DEVILRAYS 2000 NFL Predictions
Well guys, I moved the thread. I know...it was where it belongs, at Sports...but sometimes I like to
ing interesting threads from another forums for more "exposure".... <
>Once they pass first page then they are sent back to the forums where they belong. <i></i>
ing interesting threads from another forums for more "exposure".... <
>Once they pass first page then they are sent back to the forums where they belong. <i></i>