Football Predictions 2007 – NFC

Update: The blue font shows you just how poorly I predicted, as of Dec. 31, 2007. 

TGINFL!

Just in case you’re wondering who my team is, this picture should help clarify. I’m not sure how my Chiefs are going to be this year – they seem a little shaky to me.

Anyway, thought I might as well list my NFC predictions for the season. I welcome plenty of banter in the comments.

NFC North:

1. Chicago (10-6): They’re lucky they’re in a weak division, cuz that’s where most of their wins will come from. I’m calling a Detroit win on Sept. 30. Ended 7-9, and in last place. Did I say weak division? For what it’s worth, Detroit did win on Sept. 30.
2. Detroit: (8-8): Kitna will be alright, and I’m anxious to see how their running game is this year. Ended 7-9. Almost got this one right on the record. However, they nose-dived into the end of the year. Kitna had a big year, but something just wasn’t clicking.
3. Green Bay (6-10): Tough schedule at the beginning of the year, but maybe they’ll make up for it later. I think it will rely on their defense. Ended 13-3. Hey, weren’t we all surprised?
4. Minnesota (5-11): Too many questions and new guys. We’ll see what Peterson adds to it. Ended 8-8. Peterson is the real deal. I think Jackson might turn out OK, too. Again, did anyone see this coming?

NFC East: 3 of the 6 NFC playoff teams come from this division.

1. Dallas (10-6): They got some real injury issues, but I still think they’re the team to beat in the East. Their first 6 games are tough, and if they can come out 3-3, then I think they can roll. Ended 13-3. Clearly, the injuries weren’t an issue, Romo is the real deal, T.O. showed why he’s so special, and the new game plan simply works. Until December, at least. I don’t like how they’re stumbling into the playoffs, but at least they one the division, and the NFC.
2. Philadelphia (9-7): Philly always figures something out, although I’m never impressed with what they put on the field. It will be interesting to see if McNabb makes it through the season, cuz Feeley can’t do what Garcia did last year. Ended 8-8. McNabb got hurt as predicted, and Feeley didn’t do what Garcia did last year, as predicted. Where will Donovan be next year? Where would the Eagles be without Westbrook?
3. New York (8-8): To me, they’re the real wild card in the East (or NFC, for that matter). Will Eli finally make his triumphant entry this year? Will Shockey and Buress last a whole season? Will Strahan be worth anything? Ended 10-6. They made the playoffs, but none of the guys mentioned had breakout years. If anything, thank Brandon Jacobs for getting them through. But they ended strong with the Pats.
4. Washington (6-10): These guys are gonna be terrible. I don’t know if Gibbs has it anymore, and their roster sucks. Ended 9-7. I guess they aren’t terrible. They had an awful year, but Gibbs pulled them through. I’m actually very scared of them if they face the Cowboys in the playoffs.

NFC South:

1. New Orleans (10-6): Yes, I have an unfair advantage having seen them play Thursday against the Colts. I think the Saints have issues, and I feel like I’m stretching too optimistic to have them at 10-6. I love me some Brees; can he lead the way? Ended 7-9. I was too optimistic, they had too many injuries, and starting 0-4 never helps. Brees is still great, though. Is Bush?
2. Tampa Bay (9-7): The Bucs need a winning season, and they’ve at least got some play-making experience at QB in Garcia. Cadillac Williams needs to return to his rookie year’s form, as well. Ended 9-7. Hey, I got one right. Surprisingly, that was enough to win the division. Earnest Graham was a nice addition after Williams went down.
3. Carolina (7-9): I’d love to see Delhomme get injured and Carr just go off now that he might not get sacked every other down. Nothing special here. Ended 7-9. Got another one right. And I partially got my wish with Delhomme getting hurt. Unfortunately, it didn’t stop there. I can’t believe they managed to win 7 games.
4. Atlanta (6-10): I think Vick leaving is going to be good for them – he’s the most overrated player in the game. But it’s going to take its toll, and Pitrino is going to have to be patient as they learn his offense. Fun to watch, but not many wins. Ended 4-12. As if losing your star QB isn’t enough, they had to deal with their coach leaving, too. If you’re a Falcons fan, try to just erase this season from your memory, and enjoy the rebuilding process.

NFC West:

1. St Louis (11-5): Strong team with all the pieces in place. I think they’re the team to beat in the NFC. Ended 3-13. Can injuries really hurt you this much? Out of all my crazy predictions, this one sucks the most. Shouldn’t Bulger + Jackson + good receivers = success?
2. Arizona (9-7): Arizona starts putting it together this year, and Leinart has a breakout season. Ended 8-8. Who’s Leinart?
3. Seattle (8-8): Their dominance comes to an end this year. Ended 10-6. Dominance is still rolling, as they quietly dominated to end the season. Can the Skins beat them in the first round?
4. San Francisco (7-9): San Fran is going to be good this year, but they play in what’s probably going to be the most competitive division in the NFC for the next 3-4 years. Ended 5-11. Wrong on them being good. Alex Smith is a bust, and Gore might be, too.

As as for the playoffs, here are your teams, with my prediction for the Super Bowl representative:

Dallas, New Orleans, Chicago, St. Louis, Arizona (wild card), Philly (wild card). I only got one of these teams right. Horrible.

St. Louis in the Super Bowl. Do I really need to address this?