Postseason predictions from a blogger

[Box_O_Rocks]

Before any heads explode, check out his formula for making postseason predictions this early, it makes as much sense as anything else we read this time of year.

Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Houston, Cincinnati, and...

http://www.hogshaven.com/2009/7/15/948802/playoffs-you-want-to-talk-about

New England: You could argue that this team belongs in the Favorite category, but we might as well face the fact that this team is extremely well-coached (for anyone still in denial.) Bill Belichick has complied a 102-42 record in nine regular seasons. His Patriots teams are 14-3 in the playoffs and 3-1 in the Super Bowl. They only missed the playoffs last year on a tiebreaker, sitting home despite their 11-5 record. I don't see them going back-to-back seasons watching the postseason on TV. Tom Brady is back. Randy Moss and Wes Welker are basically unstoppable and their stable of running backs might be the envy of the league (seriously, read this list: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patrick Pass). I personally like Green-Ellis and Pass a lot and chances are they may not even need them--until the playoffs. Does this remind you of another coach who always seemed to have some fresh legs for the postseason? Does Timmy Smith ring any bells? Belichick could lean on this group of running backs all the way to Miami this year. And the stupid part is that this offense is pretty much going to be based on Tom Brady airing it out to Moss, Welker and Ben Watson. And the rich get richer.

 

[BigtimeColtsfans]

Before any heads explode, check out his formula for making postseason predictions this early, it makes as much sense as anything else we read this time of year.

Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Houston, Cincinnati, and...

Playoffs?!? You Want To Talk About Playoffs?!? - Part One:AFC - Hogs Haven

I've seen a couple of people pick Cincinatti as a playoff contender. I honestly don't get it. They're the third best team in their own division. Why that guy would pick them to win the division over the SB champs doesn't really make much sense to me.

I was at the Colts Bengals game last year and I know they didn't have Carson Palmer, but they were a absolutely horrible team last year. Getting Cason Palmer back isn't going to help that much.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I've seen a couple of people pick Cincinatti as a playoff contender. I honestly don't get it. They're the third best team in their own division. Why that guy would pick them to win the division over the SB champs doesn't really make much sense to me.

I was at the Colts Bengals game last year and I know they didn't have Carson Palmer, but they were a absolutely horrible team last year. Getting Cason Palmer back isn't going to help that much.

He's a Redskins fan, Cincy must not look too shabby in comparison.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

eh, I guess i agree with some of what he's saying. The Bengles? lol. ummm, yeah, he's right. If they could get their act together, they could be very good. I doubt it, but anything is possible. The Houston pick? Every year i think they will bust out, but they don't. Maybe it WILL be this year. Stranger things have happened.

Oh, and did i miss something? I thought Pass was already cut.

 

[farn]

I don't see Cinci in there either : BUT there are always a handfull of seemingly weak teams that get a few breaks, win more than expected, and then disappoint the following year.

Maybe the Benglas go 10-6, lose in the first round, and go back to their usual 5 or 6 wins in '10.

 

[BigtimeColtsfans]

I don't see Cinci in there either : BUT there are always a handfull of seemingly weak teams that get a few breaks, win more than expected, and then disappoint the following year.

Maybe the Benglas go 10-6, lose in the first round, and go back to their usual 5 or 6 wins in '10.

I dont' know, it's not like the Begals have been improving, or showed hints of becoming a decent team. They've been on a downward spiral since 2005. They won a few games at the end of last year, but they were against the Browns, Chiefs and Redskins. Not exactly awe-inspiring.

Maybe the Bengals will improve and make the PO's, but I don't know what would make anyone think that. The Ravens and the Steelers are both much better than the Bengals and the Browns are about equal. In the AFC you have the Colts, Pats, Dolphins, Steelers, Ravens, Chargers, and Titans, those teams are all better than the Bengals, without a doubt. Then you have teams like the Texans, Bills, Jets who are probably better. Honestly in the AFC what teams are the Bengals obviously better than? Maybe KC? But KC has made some serious moves in the offseason and should be much better this year.

Like I said, other than just making a wild prediction to be different, I don't see why you would pick the Bengals to win more than 6 games this year.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

Like I said, other than just making a wild prediction to be different, I don't see why you would pick the Bengals to win more than 6 games this year.

We all thought the same thing about the Dolphins last year. And yes, thats my objective opinion

 

[BigtimeColtsfans]

We all thought the same thing about the Dolphins last year. And yes, thats my objective opinion

Yeah, but you could say that about any really bad team and probably a good 90% of the time you'd be right. For every Dolphins team that goes from 1-15 to 11-5 there are scores of 1-15 teams that go 3-13.

I mean, I could predict the Detroit Lions will make the POs but why would I?

I'm obviously not saying the Bengals couldn't make the PO's, anythings possible. But why the heck would anyone think they would is what I'm asking? Other than getting Carson Palmer back have they improved?

The Dolphins made some serious moves going from 1-15 to 11-5, a lot of new players, including a decent QB for the first time in years, a new GM who has turned around many a train wreck of a franchise and a new coach.

The Bengals have the same coach, the same crappy ownership they've had forever, and basically the same group of players.

 

[foley11]

Yeah, but you could say that about any really bad team and probably a good 90% of the time you'd be right. For every Dolphins team that goes from 1-15 to 11-5 there are scores of 1-15 teams that go 3-13.

I mean, I could predict the Detroit Lions will make the POs but why would I?

I'm obviously not saying the Bengals couldn't make the PO's, anythings possible. But why the heck would anyone think they would is what I'm asking? Other than getting Carson Palmer back have they improved?

The Dolphins made some serious moves going from 1-15 to 11-5, a lot of new players, including a decent QB for the first time in years, a new GM who has turned around many a train wreck of a franchise and a new coach.

The Bengals have the same coach, the same crappy ownership they've had forever, and basically the same group of players.

Every guy that makes preseason predictions has to throw one "wtf" pick into the mix. That way if his million to one shot pays off he can go around crowing about being the only one to pick the bengals. If it doesn't pan out(probably) then everyone forgets about it and moves on. Its a no lose situation for the guy.

 

[stinkypete]

I think CInci has an intriguing group, and I can see some reasons why they can contend. Their defense was quietly very good last year, and they add Rivers (for a full season) and Maualuga to that group. Coles is likely a better WR than TJ Housch. Also, if you look at recent history, it seems every year a team that added a top 10 OL makes a big jump (Miami in '08, Cleveland in '07, Jets in '06).

On the other hand, I doubt their depth, and wonder if Cedric Benson can be a full time RB, and the rest of their O-line still looks like crap. In that division, I still see them as the 3rd best team on paper. Maybe they can overtake Baltimore with Mason retired. I think they hover around .500 most of the season, but fall out of contention by week 14 or so.

 

[Dino 6 Rings]

I think Cincy does in fact Finish 2nd in the AFC north this year. I have the Ravens pulling their typical One Year Up, One Year Down performance.

I think the East actually sends 2 or 3 to the playoffs.

My playoffs are the Standard 4, Colts, Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, with Wild Cards as the Dolphins (Parcells is why I say Dolphins) and that last spot, maybe Titans or if either of those other two teams in your division steps one, Jets or Bills with 9 wins and wild card, maybe.

 

[bostonia3333]

The fact that more than one poster has mentioned the word Cincinnati (including myself) in an English sentence is worrisome. This season needs to get going or otherwise it's time to revive that Adam Seward thread.

 

[farn]

Wild "what if" but... if the Steelers were to lose a key cog (ex : QB) they might struggle to do better than 9-7. As mentionned : the Ravens are as likely to get 7-9 than 11-5 and I don't see Cleveland as a huge threat.

I don't think Cinci makes the playoffs. But weirder things happen every year in the NFL. But, as I already said, I definately do not see them becoming a powerhouse or dynasty (obv).

 

[Bartmac36]

I see why this guy likes Cincy...they have a good vibe going this off season that they haven't had in a few years...they are having fun for the first time in a while and I think they are ready to surpass everyone's expectations...

 

[fair catch fryar]

I see why this guy likes Cincy...they have a good vibe going this off season that they haven't had in a few years...they are having fun for the first time in a while and I think they are ready to surpass everyone's expectations...

Based on......?


Is that good vibe because no one on the team was arrested for a any felonies this off season. Seriously, I've liked Carson Palmer since he came into the league and have rooted for him more since his injury, but the Bengals organization is fricking mess. I won't deny that they have some scary talent on that team, but Lewis just doesn't seem able to get the job done.

 

[Bartmac36]

Based on......?


Is that good vibe because no one on the team was arrested for a any felonies this off season. Seriously, I've liked Carson Palmer since he came into the league and have rooted for him more since his injury, but the Bengals organization is fricking mess. I won't deny that they have some scary talent on that team, but Lewis just doesn't seem able to get the job done.

Yeah, but the players in Cincy have never all been on the same page like this before...last year was a media frenzy for them, this year even guys like Chris Henry and Chad have gotten a team first mentality and are dedicating more personal time to improving their game...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Yeah, but the players in Cincy have never all been on the same page like this before...last year was a media frenzy for them, this year even guys like Chris Henry and Chad have gotten a team first mentality and are dedicating more personal time to improving their game...

If that came off a Chad Johnson twitter it probably should be taken with salt tablets.

 

[cubedoggy]

OK, so he thinks Pass is still on the roster...and likes the Bengals in the AFC North.

Next.

 

[tuckeverlasting]

what a clown !!

 

[PatsFanSince74]

Great. And I like it when bloggers blog glowingly about my Pats, but I take all of this with a grain of salt.

Here's something I posted in another thread that James Adler wrote on August 10, 2001. He wasn't alone in this view: "The AFC Eastern Division Championship will be a three-team race this season, and one of those teams will not be the New England Patriots. They still have Drew Bledsoe running the offense, but this team has a shortage of impact players on offense and defense. If they manage to put together a decent running game, they may win as many as six games this year."

I still like Bill Belichick's approach to every new season; 32 teams starting at the bottom and trying to claw their way up the mountain.