Darkhorses this year in the AFC and NFC

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

We are the favorites and of course in the AFC to win it all and Indy,Denver,San Diego and Baltimore are also in the mix as AFC contenders.

In the NFC its a bit tougher but New Orleans,Chicago,Dallas,Philadelphia,Seattle and Carolina are once again being considered SB threats for the NFC.

Other than all of the favorites that people to make the Super Bowl you know there is always that chance a Cinderella team (Patriots in 2001 - Steelers in 2005) that may rise up from the dead and make it to the big game.

So if you can choose an AFC team and a NFC team to be a darkhorse to win it all,Who are the 2 you think should be a team to keep an eye on even though no one thinks they can win it all?

My Choices?

AFC - Cincinnati (that offense is too good not to be considered a dangerous team)
NFC - Washington (sooner or later all that talent this team puts on its team is going to pay off - This is a very talented roster and could finally do what was expected when Snyder took over the team - They may have the best secondary in the NFC by this season)

 

[stinkypete]

Jacksonville has the talent to take over the AFC South if their passing game ever clicks. They are a team with the run game and run defense built to go deep into the playoffs.

In the NFC, I pick the Rams to win the west and make it at least to the NFC championship. Their offense shold be the best in the conference with their offseason additions. Don't forget they drafted Bryan Leonard, who gives them a unique player in the run game. If Carriker can contribute early and Tye Hill continues to develop their defense should begin making more plays.

 

[DaBruinz]

Not sure I could call Cincy a Darkhorse with the talent they have. I would say Darkhorses would be the Bills, Steelers, and Jaguars. All 3 have issues that should limit them, but if they overcome them, they could surprise a lot of teams.

 

[BradfordPatsFan]

Pittsburgh and St. Louis.

 

[MrTibbs]

I'd say the Rams and Bengals but the Bengals are talented anyhow so that might not be a legit pick.

 

[tedylb]

Going out on a mighty fragile limb, my darkhorses are Arizona (maybe a year away) and the Niners. AFC will be too tough for a darkhorse to emerge this year.

Now, does anyone want my World Series picks? Your silence is deafening!

 

[Metaphors]

Wow, you guys are really going out on a limb huh? Two years ago, the Steelers won the SB, the Jags had 12 wins and the Bengals had 11...and last year they just missed the playoffs. I'll look for a couple of "out of the blue" teams...

I like Houston in the AFC. They should peak out at break-even, but I'll hope for an Indy/Jax upset or 2.

I'll go with the Vikings in the NFC. Good QBs killed them last year but they won't see Bulger or Brady this year. Jackson needs to be adequate and Petersen needs to be a stud...but stranger things have happened.

 

[mcsully]

(Patriots in 2001 - Steelers in 2005) that may rise up from the dead and make it to the big game.

I believe the Steelers went 15-1 the previous year before the pats knocked out Ben R. Not sure if they are dark horses

 

[PonyExpress]

We had a thread on this a month or so ago, and I picked the Rams and Redskins, and I'll stick with them. As for the AFC, it's harder because the good teams seem very entrenched, almost like in the 1970s.

Bills: This offense could be much better than people think. Personally, I like the way Marshawn Lynch ran in college, and some of the criticisms of his running style ("not very elusive") didn't make sense. He looked fantastic. However, he tends to get nicked up, and Cal backs don't have a good track record. Still, he has a classic low center of gravity, natural vision and hands. He could be a superstar. He's a bit of a fruitcake, but he seems to be taking his job very seriously so far. If Losman's improvement was legit, and Lynch is the real thing, then Buffalo could have a potent offensive unit considering the development of Peters, whom many think could be the best LT in the AFC by year's end. However the D-Line is very suspect, and a bad D-line dooms them. Their back 7 will get worn down and injured, although they do have some good young talent. I'm rooting for Buffalo, because they have such good fans, but it's dicey. '08 will be better, provided Losman and Lynch are the real thing, and Ralph will pay Evans as he deserves. IMO Evans is as good a receiver as there is in the NFL.

Texans: How good is Schaub? If he's an elite Qb, then the Texans can surprise. Mario Williams will break out this season, and that means the Texans have a potentially elite player at every level of their D with Ryans and the Robinson. I trust Kubiak to figure out the running game... he managed last year with Ron Dayne. If the team starts winning the fans will go crazy down there and their stadium will become a very intimidating venue. They're probably a year away, but could surprise with a 9 win season.

 

[brdmaverick]

I know, I know, everyone hates a critic, but I find it kind of hard to call the Steelers of 2005 a Cinderella team when they went 16-2 (including playoffs) the year before.


Anyways, as for my picks.........

while I think both Super Bowl participants will come from your group of 'favorites', the teams with the best chances from each conference would be.......

Bengals - really, who else?

Rams - Bulger, Jackson, Holt, that's a big three skill position trio, now throw in Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael. THis already upper echelon offense just got better.

 

[rabthepat]

I say the 49ers in the NFC and the Titans in the AFC. If Vince Young is a winner I think they may get 9 wins and make the playoffs as a wild card.

 

[LA Pats Fan]

AFC - Buffalo - I think no one expects them to do well but could surprise. I beleive Sirrius radio stated they lost quite a few games by 3 point margine last year.

NFC - Lions - I just hate seeing them continue to lose

 

[?????]

and...

 

[patriot lifer]

don't see the Bills being a "dark horse." They have way too tough a schedule. A great year for them would be to go 8-8. And that's very optimistic.

I like what Tedylb said. The afc will be too tough for any dark horses. In the nfc, dark horses can do damage. The Saints emerged last year and earned a first round bye.

 

[mosi30]

I'm gonna sound like a broken record but i don't see a dark horse doing damage in the AFC, but since I have to choose one I'll say the Jets but i think the Texans will be the most improved.

In the NFC I'll go with the Niners. They may actually still be a year away but that division doesn't impress me.

I really hope I'm wrong on both counts tho' since SF sent their '08 first rounder to the Pats and because I absolutely despise the Jets!!

 

[?????]

I'm gonna sound like a broken record but i don't see a dark horse doing damage in the AFC, but since I have to choose one I'll say the Jets but i think the Texans will be the most improved.

In the NFC I'll go with the Niners. They may actually still be a year away but that division doesn't impress me.

I really hope I'm wrong on both counts tho' since SF sent their '08 first rounder to the Pats and because I absolutely despise the Jets!!

Dont worry about it mate, greatness cannot be ignored. :rocker: