The NFL is the biggest entity in all of sports. It is the most popular sport with more Americans watching football and calling the NFL their favorite sport than the next three major leagues (MLB, NASCAR, and the NBA) combined. So, of course, there is so much anticipation for the start of the 2010 NFL season. As I have done since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, I am ready to give my loyal readers the only preview of the upcoming NFL season that they will need. All 32 teams briefly previewed with predictions that you can take to the bank. Here is my preview of the 2010 NFL season.
NEWS and NOTES -- NFL Team Previews
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Entering his third season at quarterback, Joe Flacco has emerged as one of the league’s best game managers. This season the Ravens have given Flacco some weapons so he can emerge as more than just a manager of the game; he can be a star. Ray Rice is a stud at running back and the additions of Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmandzadeh at wide receiver are boosts to this offense. Meanwhile, Ray Lewis just doesn’t seem to age as he continues to lead one of the league’s premiere defenses. The Ravens won’t be good in 2010; they will be great. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are the favorite team of VH1 because the star receivers are the former music/current reality drivel network’s Sunday night lineup. Chad Ochocinco is joined by Terrell Owens as the primary weapons for Carson Palmer. The real major weapons for Palmer may be rookie WR Jordan Shipley and rookie TE Jermaine Gresham as both come from major conferences and have big game experience. Cincinnati is filled with studs. If they can overcome the TO-Ocho drama that surely will come, the Bengals could have a playoff berth in them. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Pittsburgh Steelers - No Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games. No Santonio Holmes at wide receiver or Willie Parker at running back. An aging offensive line and defense that sees Troy Polamalu, their top player, injured more often than naught. The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming into this season looking over-the-hill and in a lot of trouble. Frankly, I think Pittsburgh will be lucky to see .500 this season. Too old, too many distractions, and not enough fresh weapons to keep opposition on their toes. Mike Tomlin is going to have to prove his worth as a head coach this season and work a miracle for the Steelers to look as good as the Super Bowl champs of a few seasons ago. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)
Cleveland Browns - The Cleveland Browns finally upgraded at QB from Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Sadly, now they have Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. The Cleveland Browns don’t have much to offer. With a young and talented offensive line, breakout offensive performer Joshua Cribbs, and not a lot more, the Cleveland Browns will be able to play spoiler a few times this season but ultimately won’t do much. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
AFC East
New York Jets - Rex Ryan is the league’s most entertaining coach. But, I think he’s been lucky to get to where he has so far. Ryan is an outstanding defensive mind but the New York Jets were hot at the right time during that AFC Championship Game run they made last season; not good but hot. The Jets are going to play a tougher schedule this season and will have to be good as well as hot in order to make the playoffs this year. They have one of the premiere defenses and the addition of Antonio Cromartie only makes it better. Mark Sanchez has a year of experience and new weapons in running back LaDanian Tomlinson and receiver Santonio Holmes will only make the offense better. The New York Jets will be one of the league’s best as this year’s playoff run will not just be because of a hot streak. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
New England Patriots - The New England Patriots just keep winning. Tom Brady remains one of the NFL’s premiere quarterbacks while Randy Moss and Wes Welker just continue having 80-100 reception seasons. I think 2010 could be a make-or-break season for the New England Patriots. Moss is entering a contract year, Welker is coming off an injury, and the defense is filled with a lot of inexperience that could be taken advantage of by some of the better offenses in the league. But, Bill Belicheck is still the Patriots’ coach and Tom Terrific is still at QB so I can’t count out New England. The Patriots are among the league’s elite until they implode. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Miami Dolphins - Getting wide receiver Brandon Marshall from Denver is a huge addition to the Dolphins’ offense. But, without a strong quarterback, Marshall is going to be as wasted in Miami as he was in Denver. I don’t have faith in Chad Henne. But, with Tyler Thigpen and the often-injured Chad Pennington as the other quarterbacks, Henne is the best option for the Dolphin offense. Miami’s defense is steady but nothing special even with the addition of linebacker Karlos Dansby. Miami has a chance at a playoff berth; a slim chance. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Buffalo Bills - The Bills stink. They don’t have a star quarterback or receiver and their defense is filled with weaknesses. Rookie running back CJ Spiller is going to be good in time. But, Spiller won’t be able to carry the entire team on his back this season. Also, when Chan Gailey is your new coach, you should already known it is going to be a long season. Just ask Dallas fans; he’s nothing special. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts - Jim Caldwell is the luckiest coach in the history of coaches. Inheriting this team from Tony Dungy a few years’ back was the biggest gift he could have even gotten. Peyton Manning remains simply amazing while the Colts’ defense will benefit from a healthy (hopefully) Bob Sanders returning. Even though last season ended with a Super Bowl defeat, the Colts are more of a lock than the Saints to return to the big game. There are few sure things in the NFL but the Colts winning the AFC South is one of them. (Estimated number of wins: 12-14)
Houston Texans - If Houston does not make a playoff run this season, I think the team should simply implode. Coach Gary Kubiak has a team filled with pro bowlers that have flirted with the postseason for two seasons. Quarterback Matt Schaub has the best receiver in the league at his disposal in Andre Johnson while Owen Daniels is a premiere tight end. Plus, Mario Williams and Brian Cushing helm one of the leagues’ top young defenses. It is put up-or-shut up for the Texans in 2010. I think this is the season they break through to the promised land: the postseason. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Tennessee Titans - Tennessee has the league’s best running back in Chris Johnson. That is all. Vince Young is a proven winner and he does seem to pull out victories more often than not. But, his mental stability remains an issue. Meanwhile, the Titans’ defense is like Swiss cheese as it is full of holes. Losing Kyle Vanden Bosch and Keith Bulluck will only make a bad defense worse in 2010. The Titans are a long way away from that 13 win season in 2008. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew would be heralded as one of the league’s biggest stars if he played anywhere else. Sadly, the talented Jones-Drew is trapped in Jacksonville with a perennial disappointment. The Jaguars’ defense is weak, the offense is nonexistence (except for Jones-Drew), and coach Jack Del Rio has gone from rising star to permanent resident on the hot seat. Jacksonville lost more than they gained in the off-season and it will show with the Jaguars being one of the league’s bottom feeders in 2010. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - Another divisional championship. Another high seed in the playoffs. Another early dismissal for the Chargers. 2010 is going to be a lot like 2009, 2008, 2007, etc. for the San Diego Chargers as Norv Turner is one of the best regular season and worst postseason coaches in the league. Phillip Rivers will have another tremendous season while running backs Darren Sproles and rookie Ryan Matthews will have to fully carry the load with the departure of LaDanian Tomlinson. Antonio Gates continues to be one of the best tight ends in the game while the Chargers’ defense still is among the best units in the NFL. However, San Diego lacks the edge needed to succeed in the playoffs and I don’t think they’ve acquired it this off-season. Great regular season and more postseason disappointment for the Chargers. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Oakland Raiders - The crypt keeper and the cable guy lead the NFL’s most devoted fans to another season of bitter defeats and tragic disappointment for a once-proud Raider Nation. JaMarcus Russell’s tenure in Oakland as quarterback as ended with Russell looking like one of the biggest busts in league history. Jason Campbell of Washington Redskins’ infamy is now at the helm in Oakland. The Raiders’ defense remains strong as ever but can’t carry the entire team. Oakland might surprise a few people with the amount of wins they grab but I’m not one of them. I see Oakland actually making a run for mid-pack in the AFC West. Sadly for Oakland, that’s still a long way from a playoff berth. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
Kansas City Chiefs - The Kansas City Chiefs are young, hungry, and a sexy pick by a lot of analysts to have a surprising season in 2010. I just don’t see it. Todd Haley is going to continue to coach up his team of underachievers and the Chiefs will benefit from being in the weak AFC West. But, Kansas City doesn’t have anything about them that says playoff team. Matt Cassel will be descent and they may have the defensive rookie of the year in free safety Eric Berry. But, they should be happy with six wins max in 2010. I don’t think they’ll get that many. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
Denver Broncos - They will be perfect. Denver gained the almighty Tim Tebow and nobody will hang with the Broncos now. Whatever. Denver lost their best offensive weapon in Brandon Marshall, lost their best defensive player with the season-ending injury to linebacker Elvis Dumervil, and their quarterback situation depends on the success of Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, or Tim Tebow. Josh McDaniels has taken a perennial playoff team and turned it into a walking disaster in two seasons. Denver will struggle greatly in 2010. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
NFC North
Green Bay Packers - After years of dogging him, I’m eating my words. Aaron Rodgers is a damn fine quarterback. He is deadly accurate and has some of the league’s best receivers in Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and tight end Jermichael Finley at his disposal. Plus, the Packer defense is loaded with so much talent that it is reminiscent of their Super Bowl run in the mid-90s with the late Reggie White. Only now, cornerback Charles Woodson and linebackers AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews are at the helm. The Green Bay Packers are loaded on both sides of the ball and are primed to make a run at a Super Bowl. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Minnesota Vikings - I’m going to say something I never thought I would say: Brett Favre should have stayed retired. He completed his mission when he beat the Packers twice and almost got to another Super Bowl to boot. Brett should have called it a career and left the Vikings in the hands of Tarvaris Jackson. Sure, Favre is better than Jackson. But, the Vikings are not better this year than last year. Favre is playing on a twig of a surgically repaired ankle while key receiving weapons Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are already injured with a hip injury and migraines respectively. Still, Minnesota boasts one of the top backfields in the game with Adrian “Fumbles” Peterson and rookie Toby Gerhart while there isn’t a stronger defensive front four in the entire game than the “modern day purple people eaters.” Minnesota is a playoff team. But, I don’t think they are the almost-Super Bowl team from a year ago. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Detroit Lions - I may be losing my mind but I just don’t think the Detroit Lions are going to be as bad as they usually are. Matthew Stafford appears to be a legit talented quarterback while Calvin Johnson is one of the best receivers in the league. The additions of running back Jahvid Best and defensive end Ndamukong Suh through the NFL Draft and receiver Nate Burleson and defensive tackle Kyle Vanden Bosch through free agency will only help a young and hungry Lions team get better. I don’t think they will be a playoff team by any means. But, the Lions could play spoilers to some other teams in the hunt. Considering where they were two seasons ago, this is a big improvement for the Lions. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
Chicago Bears - The Bears have added Julius Peppers to their defense and will get linebacker Brian Urlacher off the disabled list. Jay Cutler now has offensive coordinating guru Mike Martz helping guide the offense. Sadly, the Chicago Bears seem like they have no bite behind their mighty growl. Chicago doesn’t look impressive on any front and could actually replace Detroit in the NFC North cellar. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - The Dallas Cowboys want to be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium. On paper, the Cowboys look like they can do it. Tony Romo is coming off his best year at QB while Miles Austin has rookie Dez Bryant to help him, Roy Williams, and tight end Jason Whitten in the receiving corps. The Cowboys’ defense is still fierce with DE DeMarcus Ware leading a squad including standout linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking and cornerback Terrence Newman. However, Dallas’ major weakness lies in head coach Wade Phillips (a.k.a. the Human Jellyfish). Phillips has no backbones, allows the inmates to run the asylum, and folds under big game pressure. Dallas will win the NFC East once again and have it amount to an early playoff exit because Phillips can’t lead this team to the Super Bowl. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
New York Giants - The New York Giants have one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the league in Eli Manning, a coach who’s job safety must be in jeopardy in Tom Coughlin, no big wide receivers, and a defense that is old and suspect to most offenses. Yet, the New York Giants always seem to stay in the hunt and usually find some level of success. I think the Giants are in a must-win season after last season’s disappointing 8-8 record. While on paper, the safe money would be to bet against New York, the Giants have proven time and time again that they are hard to keep down. Coughlin coaches the G-Men up enough to save his job for another season. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Philadelphia Eagles - The Philadelphia fans finally got their wish as Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins during the off-season. Now, the Eagles are under the Kevin Kolb era at quarterback. Honestly, I believe this could be the final season for Andy Reid as Eagles head coach. Unless Kolb does something drastic and looks like the leader they drafted him to be, Philadelphia is going to be one of the major disappointments in the NFC. DeSean Jackson is one of the league’s fastest receivers and Brent Celek is a great receiving tight end. Plus, the Eagles defense is still among the league’s best even filled with veterans past their prime. However, without a true quarterback to lead the offense, the Eagles will be unable to fly high in 2010. I just don’t get Kevin Kolb yet. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Washington Redskins - The Washington Redskins 2010 lineup would have been the best team in the NFL in 2002. Donovan McNabb is now at quarterback for new head coach/dictator Mike Shanahan. Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis are at running back while Joey Galloway and Santana Moss head up the receiving corps. Shanahan’s war of words with top defensive player Albert Haynesworth have Haynesworth on the trading blocks and Shanahan looking petty instead of inspiring. The Redskins are going to need every bit of greatness left in the tank of their aging stars to muster more than four wins on the season. I think Washington’s “Expendables” have the potential for one last run. But, it is a slim amount of potential. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
NFC South
New Orleans Saints - The defending champions certainly celebrated all off-season long. But, will that partying lead to a hangover? I think so. But, I don’t think that hangover will be enough to seriously dampen New Orleans’ chances at another Super Bowl. Drew Brees is one of the league’s top passers while the Saints young group of receivers and back just continue getting better with experience. There are very few trios of wide receivers as good as Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, and Marques Colston in the league. Meanwhile, the Saints’ defense continues to remain strong and physical as the same unit that was underrated and under appreciated all the way to the Lombardi Trophy. I think New Orleans will lose a step this season but won’t have it affect their swagger as they return to the playoffs. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Atlanta Falcons - The Atlanta Falcons are one of the those teams under the radar in the NFL. Matt Ryan is a strong quarterback who continues to get better every year while running back Michael Turner is tremendous when healthy and tight end Tony Gonzales remains ageless. The Falcons’ defense is solid but nameless. Their anonymity sums up how the Atlanta Flacons are in the NFC. There are plenty of sexier names and teams in the league but there are few who are actually better in the league. The Falcons may not win their division but I think they could be a threat in the playoffs. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Carolina Panthers - Carolina has one of the best running back tandems in the league as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a scary one-two punch in the backfield. Plus, Steve Smith is still an elite wide receiver. That is all that I can say good about the Carolina Panthers. Matt Moore showed he could win in late 2009 but has looked terrible in the preseason while draft pick Jimmy Clausen will most certainly create a QB controversy if Moore isn’t lights out immediately because Clausen is from Notre Dame (like that means something). The defense lost Julius Peppers but still has looked strong in the preseason. Plus, the removal of Jake Delhomme means John Fox could be leaving soon too. A new coach would be a great move and, after this season, an expected one. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They stink. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Tampa Bay has nothing about their teams that looks remotely like a winning franchise right now. They have a lot of young pieces and will pull off a victory or two. But, Tampa Bay has nothing close to a playoff team or even a good rebuilding team. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - I like head coach Mike Singletary. He’s old school in a new school era. Plus, he’s taken a team that Dennis Erickson and Mike Nolan drove into the ground and turned them into a team on the verge of success. The 49ers strength lies in their defense as linebackers Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson, cornerback Nate Clements, and rookie safety Taylor Mays will lay into many this season. If quarterback Alex Smith can show the leadership skills he did in college and running back Frank Gore can stay healthy, the 49ers’ offense will surprise a lot with how potent it can be. San Francisco will be a playoff team in 2010 without any major injuries and that is something not said in a long time. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Arizona Cardinals - The retirement of Kurt Warner and the end of the Matt Leinart experiment have left the Cardinals with Derek Anderson at quarterback. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston are without Anquan Bolden in their receiving corps. Young running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells will help keep defenses from strangling the receiving part of the offense. But, Arizona’s other major weakness besides quarterback will be a defense lacking leadership and individual talent. Arizona is coming off a successful playoff year and, while they will fall, it won’t be a complete drop to the cellar. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll is a great coach… in college. The Seattle Seahawks might could win the Pac-10 but they will not be a threat in the NFC West. Matt Hasselbeck is a good quarterback but time is showing on this once-great QB. Julius Jones does not look like the running back he was in Dallas and Seattle’s defense is nowhere near as good as they were in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl trip five years ago. I just don’t see anything likeable in the Seattle Seahawks. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
St. Louis Rams - The Rams are going to throw number one draft pick Sam Bradford to the wolves as he will be starting QB behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Steven Jackson is a great running back trapped on a terrible team and he is the only help Bradford has on that hideous offense. The sad reality for the Rams is that the offense, as bad as it is, is their best quality. St. Louis is already out of the hunt and the season hasn’t began yet. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)
Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)
AFC North - Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns
AFC East - New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills
AFC South - Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West - San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos
NFC North - Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears
NFC East - Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
NFC South - New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West - San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
POWER RANKINGS - Top 20 NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time
20. Len Dawson
19. Donovan McNabb
18. Boomer Esiason
17. Dan Fouts
16. Bart Starr
15. Kurt Warner
14. Roger Staubach
13. Fran Tarkenton
12. Warren Moon
11. Jim Kelly
10. Steve Young
9. Troy Aikman
8. Terry Bradshaw
7. Dan Marino
6. Tom Brady
5. Johnny Unitas
4. John Elway
3. Brett Favre
2. Joe Montana
1. Peyton Manning
BIG A RECOMMENDS…
I recommend everybody putting their money on the following match-up occurring on February 6th, 2011 in Dallas, Texas at Super Bowl XLV: the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Green Bay Packers. And, I think it is a Baltimore Ravens championship season on the horizon.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK…
I didn’t learn anything. But hopefully you learned who are going to be the winners, losers, and surprises of the 2010 NFL season. If you’ve followed my previews since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, you know that my prediction of Baltimore vs. Green Bay means both franchises are doomed to mediocrity this season. But, I think this is the year I turn it around and make accurate predictions. Only time though will truly tell.
- Aaron Goins
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