Right on time. I slacked a little this year, but was able to complete my 2005 NFL Predicitions. If you recall from last year, I was pretty much right on except I had a little too much faith in the Eagles. This year though, there are less surprises in the way of upset picks, but I've got a couple in there. Stay tuned for my weekly column as well, which should resume later this evening. That column covers the weekly match-ups from a gambling perspective. Well, let's not waste any more time. 11 pages of predictions await.

(Cross posted here.)

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2005 NFL Predictions

Each division in order of first to last.

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers: (Last Season 15-1)

The only difference between last year and this year is the loss of Plaxio Buress. But he'll be missed only a little as standout Fred Gibson out of Georgia joins the Steelers receiving core. Here's the twist this year, can Big Ben keep up the pace and the luck that drove him last year? He melted in the playoffs against the Patriots, and I think that was partly due to him not playing after they clinched the playoffs. I think it killed his momentum and Cowher probably regretted that decision. The Steelers still have one of the toughest defensive lines in the league, again, and they are going to be a tough team to run against. Last year they finished first in rushing defense, second in rushing offense, fourth in passing defense and first overall for defense. The biggest issue besides Roethlisberger is going to be the aging running backs Bettis & Staley. They seemed to come to a slow halt last year, and Bettis is actually on the IR as of the writing of this column. But do not fear Steeler faithful, rookie RB's Zach Tuiasosopo of Washington and Noah Herron of Northwestern look ready to take up the reigns should Bettis or Staley falter. I'm putting the Steelers right back where they left off last year - in the AFC Championship game.

Baltimore Ravens: (Last season 9-7)

For the first time in their history, the Ravens are starting the same QB two years in a row. Even though it's Kyle Boller, this is still a really good sign. Criminal Jamal Lewis returns a changed man, and is determined to break the single season rushing record. Since the Ravens have games against the Browns & Bengals, that's highly possible, just in those games alone. And the defense just keeps getting better. Rex Ryan (son of Buddy Ryan) takes over at Defensive Coordinator, likely to employ some of his fathers' well-known tactics such as the "4-6" defense. I don't see them charging the passer more though, I still expect Baltimore to rely on a tough position defense to keep the scoring low and force interceptions & turnovers. Also, prolific wide-out Derrick Mason joins the WR core this year. The only problem I see is that Boller's back up is Anthony Wright, who has shown little in the way of confidence or consistency. So if Boller goes down, then the Ravens have a problem. I think he'll stand long enough though to make a serious run at the division but fall short. They will be fighting with Buffalo for the wild card this year.

Cincinnati Bengals: (Last Season 8-8)

Every year since Marvin Lewis took over this team, they have gotten better and better. Unfortunately they haven't gotten good enough. This year Carson Palmer will come into his own as the consistently accurate QB he can be. He's got Chad Johnson to throw to and an ever-improving defense to back him up. Chuck Bresnahan comes in at Defensive Coordinator to help improve the defense even further. This isn't an issue against teams like the Browns, but may come in handy when they play teams with some sort of an offense, such as other division foes like the Steelers. This year the Bengals have a chance to shed that horrible image of the worst team in sports, it's too bad that they will only come close once again. The Bengals won't make the playoffs or wild card this year if only because the rest of the AFC is going to be that much better.

Cleveland Browns: (Last Season 4-12)

For the second year in a row I'm going to have to do what I dread the most about writing these predictions, and that's place the Browns last in the division. In fact, if the Browns win five games this year I will be amazed. Trent Dilfer has won a Superbowl, or actually, he was present when the Baltimore Ravens defense won a Superbowl. Once again a former Buccaneer is going to take over the helm of the Browns. Kellen Winslow Jr. pulled a repeat of last year, this time setting himself out with an injury caused by a motorcycle accident, something I feel should cause the Browns to let him go, but instead they are paying him once again to not play. Next year, the payoff better be great. But there may not be a payoff for Kellen as this year Braylon Edwards, the standout WR from Michigan, joins the team as a top draft pick. Also coming to the Browns is Ruben Droughs from the Broncos. I don't know what the hell difference that is going to make behind an offensive line that is one of the worst in the league. But there is change looming in the distance. The bullshit that has gone on in Cleveland under Butch Davis is done, there is a new sheriff in town - Romeo Crennel. They are going to be crap this year, but organized crap. This time I really am looking forward to next year.

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts: (Last Season 12-4)

Every year the Colts come so close, yet seem so far away. Last year they got absolutely blown out by the Patriots in the playoffs. In fact, Manning looked like he had never even seen snow before in his life. In order for the Colts to advance they are going to have to get home field advantage, and they may run out of time. Next year the Colts will get hit with a huge salary cap brick and their offensive playgroup of Manning, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley & Jeff Saturday won't be together much longer. Especially James and Harrison who will most likely be victims of the salary cap next year. So if the Colts plan on doing anything, this is the year. The Colts will be back in the playoffs this year, unfortunately, Tony Dungy's playoff luck (it's bad) will carry on this year as well. Plus with the AFC as tough as it is, they will have difficulty getting that precious home-field advantage. Oh, they will win the division of course.

Jacksonville Jaguars: (Last Season 9-7)

Byron Leftwich, striving to become the next Steve McNair, has a tough season ahead of him. The Jags got some damn lucky breaks last year to get within one win of the playoffs, but they couldn't do it. Their offensive scheme is predictable, with short passing and low to the ground running plays. They made up for the points on special teams last year, but their defense had trouble stopping those precious third down conversions. New offensive coordinator Carl Smith plans on bringing a deep threat type offense to the team. But whom is Leftwich going to be throwing to? Ernest Wilford, Jimmy Smith & Matt Jones can all catch the ball, but can they make those Randy Moss or Donald Driver type plays? And for that matter, can Leftwich even haul the ball that far? The Jags are going to have some tough losses this year for sure, but they'll also have some tough wins.

Houston Texans: (Last Season 7-9)

Once again the Texans failed to draft anyone to help their offensive line. They have allowed 162 sacks in the last three seasons, yet have not tried to pick up any offensive line help in the off-season or the draft. What the hell? David Carr can't take another beating this year if he wants to have a full career, not to mention - win. The Texans won some surprise games last year, and they will win some more surprise games this year, but that won't be enough to pull them close to the Colts in this division. Hell, it will be all that they can do to stay out of the gutter.

Tennessee Titans: (Last Season 5-11)

Well, at least they've sold out all of their games for this season already. The Titans are in the middle of salary cap hell. They are stuck with over $26 million of back debt, which forced the release of such players as Derrick Mason, Fred Miller & Samari Rolle. So last year was probably their last year for a while to make a run at the big game - which obviously did not happen. McNair is healthy, for the moment, but Volek stands ready. The Titans are going to be tough to lose to this year, as they are in that time frame between losing all their star players and the rebuilding time. Not to mention rookie Adam Jones is acting like the second coming of Ricky Williams, in the way of nuttiness. I've never put the Titans at the bottom of this division, but I think that they will make the Texans look good.

AFC EAST

New England Patriots: (Last Season 14-2)

How can I not pick the Patriots to shore up this division once again? This team could take yours truly and make me into a star linebacker or defensive end. The system that Coach Belichick has set up here in New England is amazing and will endure another year of victory. Tom Brady leads a team of team players once again, with the always good for team Karma Doug Flutie backing him up. Deion Branch, Kevin Faulk, Corey Dillon & a strong offensive line return to help Brady out, but like I said, the Patriots could turn a who-dat 10th round pick into a superstar. This year they drafted a bunch of O-line and D-line guys to hopefully give even more depth to those areas. The only thing the Patriots have to worry about this year is the Jets, the Bills and the rest of the AFC, which is going to be a bloody battle until the end. I still think the Pats will pull it out of their asses somehow to win by a field goal in some big game, possibly the Superbowl. I'll give them the division, but I'm not ready to hand them the trophy three years in a row.

New York Jets: (Last Season 10-6)

AP Defensive Rookie of the year Jonathan Vilma is probably the best linebacker in the league who is not Ray Lewis. This bodes well for the Jets who are looking to boost themselves right back into the Superbowl hunt this year. Adding Ty Law as at the corner doesn't hurt either. Even though it's a hell of a feat to hit a field goal at Heinz field, that wasn't an excuse for O'Brien last year when he honked those kicks. He's gone now, and rookie Mike Nugent steps in for the ever important field goal kicking. Nugent was the best kicker ever in college football, so he shouldn't have a problem having a long NFL career. Curtis Martin is still hugging the rock, and keeping his shoulders square, setting records along the way. The only question for the Jets this year is the same one that plagues a lot of teams, can the QB hold up. Who's the backup? Why none other than failed Dolphin Jay Fiedler. The Jets will be back in the playoffs this year.

Buffalo Bills: (Last Season 9-7)

J.P. Losman. Who's that you ask? Why, he's the future of the Buffalo Bills, as well as the now. Even with Bledsoe the Bills almost made it into the playoffs. Losman offers much more mobility as well as the ever-valuable asset of youth. He'll be certainly handing the ball off to Willis McGehee, who will finally have a serious breakout year. This offense (including the never aging Eric Moulds) will be supported by one of the best defenses and special teams around. The key for this team to make it to the playoffs this year is Mike Mularkey keeping faith in his starter. Chances are good that Losman might falter against foes such as the Patriots, but Mularkey can't jump the gun and throw back-up Kelly Holcomb in. This is a situation that Holcomb is familiar with, having been tossed back and forth between starting and the bench in Cleveland. Mularkey though, seems to like Losman enough to put his complete faith in him. I predict the Bills will trickle into the playoffs as a wild-card pick, though I don't expect them to win their first playoff game.

Miami Dolphins: (Last Season 4-12)

An inherent problem with egotistical coaches hopping from the college game to the professional game is that they insist on taking over General Manager duties as well as coaching the team. Butch Davis is the latest example of this stupid and selfish act. A coach has no business being the GM of the team as he should be concerned with winning games, rather than yell at agents and make front office decisions. But yet, this is exactly what Nick Saban has chosen to do in Miami. This, and take back that dropout Ricky Williams. The bad karma surrounding this team is overwhelming. Second year left tackle Vernon Carey is one of those Dolphins that need to step up to keep this team from finishing like they did last year. And keep in mind, starting QB Gus Frerotte has not started in eight years. He is obviously not the man for the future of this team, which means he won't have too much to be playing for other than simply the opportunity just to play - at all. I have a bet with a friend that the Fins will not win more than six games this year. He says (he's a Fins fan) that they will win seven or more. I told him he might as well hand over the twenty bucks right now.

AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers: (Last Season 12-4)

Here's one of the only teams with two possible starting QB's, and that's not just because they are paying Rivers like he is one. Rivers looked great in preseason and is ready to take over if Brees falters or gets injured. The Chargers surprised everyone last year with their run into the playoffs. They didn't surprise anyone with their loss in the playoffs though. Coach Marty has a horrible record in the playoffs. This year the team looks sharp, especially in their throwback powder blue unis. Antonio Gates is one of those explosive players who can motivate a team to victory. He's got help from a pretty consistent receiver core and a strong offensive line. The Chargers are going to (excuse the pun) charge right back into the playoffs this year.

Kansas City Chiefs: (Last Season 7-9)

Trent Green is seemingly such a great QB because he's got one of the best offensive lines I've ever freakin' seen. And most of these guys are castoffs from other teams. Tony Gonzalez has redefined the tight end position and Priest Holmes is quite possibly the best running back in the league. So why can't the Chiefs manage a winning season? Defense. Defense. Defense. A great offensive line and an explosive offense is great, but only if you can also keep the other team from scoring more points than you. This is something that the Chiefs have had a serious problem with. The Chiefs will do a bit better this year, but they still won't make it into the playoffs, where their offense - at least - belongs.

Denver Broncos: (Last Season 10-6)

Note to Mike Shanahan, you moved Jerry Rice, possibly the greatest player in NFL history and definitely the greatest wide receiver in NFL history to fifth on the depth chart. What the hell is wrong with you? This is not the only confusing decision that he has made in recent times. Let's take Maurice Clarett in the draft, said Mike. Then Clarett shows up to camp dragging ass and eventually gets cut - a pick wasted. And Denver acquired via trades or free agency four of the Cleveland Browns' defensive linemen from 2004 - though the Browns' defensive line finished dead last against the rush and 27th in sacks. Plus, the Broncos play great in the regular season, then get systematically cut down in the playoffs like they forgot how to play football for a day. What the hell? Can the Broncos get it together? I'm going to say no freaking way. Even with the magical system that can turn any moron into a 1000 yard rusher, the Broncos will not even make it to the postseason this year.

Oakland Raiders: (Last Season 5-11)

The Raiders have one thing going for them, and that's unconditionally rabid fans no matter how bad the team is. And the Raiders are going to be bad this year. So bad in fact, that I don't even know whom the starting QB is this year now that Gannon has called it quits. Not to mention the Raiders also are now going to be stuck with that Jerry Rice curse that the Niners carry. How can you cut the greatest player in football history? Oakland finished 30th in defense last year and had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league. I remember who the starting QB is, Kerry Collins. Well, at least with Moss and Sapp on the same team, the Raiders will have plenty of bark, but no bite.

NFC NORTH

Green Bay Packers: (Last Season 10-6)

Here we go. This season will be all sorts of storybook for Brett Favre, a'la John Elway. And if you recall, Favre was involved in that storybook ending as well. The Packers have not had a losing season under Brett, but last year they did lose at home in the cold, something that had not happened for a very long time. They also lost in the playoffs, but that's nothing new these days for the Pack. It's hard to believe that Favre only wears one Superbowl ring. The only thing that kept Favre out of the NFC title game last year was defense. But this year, the Packers are joined by Jim Bates as defensive coordinator. Bates ran a pretty tight ship in Miami for many years, so should be able to shore up the troubled secondary in Green Bay. Sherman has also decided to hire a General Manager, so that should help him make game time decisions and leave the other stuff to the front office folk. Like I said, storybook year. Favre is going to take his team to the NFC title game once again. Superbowl? We can only hope he retires on the highest point possible.

Detroit Lions: (Last Season 6-10)

Everyone went nuts when Matt Millen decided he could do better running a team than just simply calling the teams' games. Since he was named the GM four years ago, Detroit is 16-48, which is actually the worst record in the NFL within that time frame. He took a 9-7 team and turned them into fried shit. He has done nothing but run his mouth and stack the offense with nothing but WR's. Harrington has to come out of the gate shooting if he wants his team to be a success this year in spite of the moronic meanderings of the GM. The way I see it, if Steve Mariucci can deal with Terrell Owens, he can find a way to control Millen. The Lions will surprise everyone this year though as they will claw their way to a better than .500 season. This won't propel them to the playoffs though, but they'll look better losing. Hell, in the weakened NFC, it's highly possible they could make the wild card this year. But that means they are going to have to win games on the road, and that can be tough for them sometimes.

Minnesota Vikings: (Last Season 8-8)

It's going to be a quiet year in Minnesota. With no Randy Moss on the field, what will people have to talk about after the annual Vikings/Packers contests? The points scored? Well, Minnesota has been putting up plenty of those - three times last year they scored 28 or more points only to be handed a devastating loss and kept out of the playoffs. Minnesota has next to the worst pass defense in the league, but has consistently put up enough points to pull out those wins. But let's think about all the amazing plays in Minnesota over the years. They all involve Randy Moss. Culpepper can't do this by himself, and as obnoxious as Randy was, he brought energy and life to the team. The Vikings just aren't going to be the same without him.

Chicago Bears: (Last Season 5-11)

The Bears showed last year that Krenzel should have gone to become a doctor like he planned, rather than try to become a starting QB. Now another Big Ten QB, Kyle Orton takes over the reigns of the faltering Bears. Cedric Benson, no longer holding out will also be in the starting lineup. So what? The Bears boasted the worst sack yards last year and their defense shows no signs of improving. It shows what an athlete Urlacher is that he can shine on this team. Even worse, the Bears will be switching to a 'West-Coast' Offense, which relies heavily on the pass. Can Kyle Orton magically transform one of the worst passing teams in the league last year to a good one? I don't think so. The Bears take over the Lions spot at the bottom of the division.

NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints: (Last Season 8-8)

Now here's your feel-good story of the year. I had the Saints at the top of this list before the Hurricane turned New Orleans into a giant septic tank. A lot of people are predicting the Saints to have a horrible season because of their displacement. I think they'll be at an advantage not playing in that aging crap-shack. They get one less technical home game, but that doesn't matter. I think that the Saints will be propelled by their emotions to go out and win football games. That, and they have a cake schedule. They have all the major pieces in place to at least take the division. Aaron Brooks will have a blowout year, and all those defensive picks from last year will finally step up. Over the last four years the Saints have gone 32-32 and in this division, are next in line to go to the NFC title game. (Last three years, Atlanta, Carolina, Tampa Bay.) Like Pittsburgh last year, the Saints are my upset pick of the year and I'm putting them in the NFC title game.

Atlanta Falcons: (Last Season 11-5)

Atlanta led the league in rushing last year, this mostly being due to Michael Vick scaring the defenses with the possibility of a run. This opened up the running lanes and allowed Dunn & company to run themselves to a winning record and the NFC championship game. Atlanta though, has never posted two back-to-back winning seasons, and their passing game still reeks. Now that Price is gone (who did little anyways) Vick has to try even harder to find someone to force the ball to. He's not a good passer, and he may never be. This is the year that his shortcomings will be exposed. They played a cake schedule this year and with the 11-5 record, they will have a tougher one this year. I'm predicting the Falcons will start off hot as all get out, but they will turn to ash later in the season.

Carolina Panthers: (Last Season 7-9)

The Panthers have it almost as bad as my people (da Jews) had it trying to escape Pharoah. Ok, perhaps not that bad, but they have been plagued with a steroid scandal, criminal players, the death of Sam Mills and scores of injuries. Thankfully, none of those injuries has befallen Jake Delhomme. In case you were wondering, he's backed up by Chris Weinke. Yeah, that guy. It's going to be another tough year for the Panthers, eking out a win here and there, they won't be streaking like last year for sure. Jake will stay healthy, but I wouldn't look forward to any high scoring games or amazing defensive plays against the Bucs this time around. The Panthers will come pretty close to finishing .500, but that's too far to be considered for a wild-card spot.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Last Season 5-11)

Martin Gramattica lost his nerve last year in Tampa, and was then released. This leaves the Bucs with only six starters from the Bucs Superbowl run just under three years ago. This is not a good sign. The Bucs went RB crazy this year in the draft, the highlight of which was Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Of course, moving to a premier running game isn't going to help if the Offensive line cannot create running lanes. The Bucs have one of my favorite tandems of receivers in the league with Joey Galloway & Michael Clayton. They are both young and will find great success, just not with the Bucs. Griese is still going to start, with Simms backing him up. I'm surprised they didn't try to get Eli Manning a couple years ago so they would complete their collection of great-QB's-kids-who-really-aren't-that-hot. With great enthusiasm, I can predict the Bucs will be dead last in the division, with only a prayer to get more than five wins. Also, this will be Gruden's last season in Tampa Bay. I don't care what anyone says, he's a shitty coach and couldn't make a wise personnel decision to save his fucking life.

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles: (Last Season 13-3)

Oh will they ever love again? The continuing off-season drama between McNabb and Owens is utter bullshit and just shows that Owens is very good at two things; playing the game and playing the media. This is Owens at his best, and frankly I think it's a great piece of acting. It's too bad that this could hurt his professional relationship with his QB. This strained relationship will probably keep the Eagles out of the NFC title game this year. They lost the Superbowl last year for two reasons, they were unable to adjust to the Patriots constantly changing offensive schemes and they failed to bring a running game with them at all. Without a power running back, the Eagles will not achieve anything more than runner-up status, and they didn't even try to change that this year. The draft came and went and no new power running back and no off season acquisitions as well even though there were several available. The Eagles are good enough though to take the division, but I don't expect them to win their first playoff game. I just don't think the drive is there.

Dallas Cowboys: (Last Season 6-10)

Dallas has some tools this year again. Julius Jones will be the next great Dallas running back, and Keyshawn Johnson's mouth has turned over a new leaf under his real daddy, Bill Parcells. But nagging questions remain, like why in the hell does Parcells think that Bledsoe still has any gas left in the tank? When Brady took over for Bledsoe on that fateful day, Bledsoe should have called it quits, but instead he's struggled to stay in the league, even though he's quickly becoming one of the worst veteran QB's out there. He's got no mobility and a stiff arm these days. That's not to say he's not one of the best that's ever played. He's poised to pass Unitas and Montanta on the all-time passing yardage list. But, he may not get that far if he plays like he did last year. Bledsoe has got to be able to move around more, and I don't think Parcells will let him stay in the game if he's getting his head crushed by the opposing defenses. Of course, that decision could come with a price, as former Yankee Drew Henson is his back up. Unfortunately, I am one of those who still have faith in Bledsoe. I predict the 'Boys will fight their way into the running for the wild card.

New York Giants: (Last Season 6-10)

Plaxico Burress is the biggest off-season move the Giants could stand to make, besides letting Kurt Warner go of course. So what are they left with? Well, Amani Toomer will be running along side Burress and the both of them better hope that their offensive line gives Eli time enough to pass because he won't be handing the ball off much in the Giants pass crazy offense. Speaking about Eli, I'm going to say the same thing this year that I said last year - he will be a bust. Eventually, they will realize that the name is the only good thing about this kid, it's the only reason he is still playing. He is no better than any other college star that came to the NFL only to fade away. I can name tons of them in the last couple years, I think most of them have played in San Francisco or Chicago. So Eli has a unique opportunity here, he gets a second chance. If he weren't a Manning, he'd be gone. The Giants won't be great this year, not by a long shot. But they won't be the worst in the division.

Washington Redskins: (Last Season 6-10)

Gibbs enters his second year as head coach of the Redskins. He found out last year that player attitudes have changed a little bit since he last coached, and it's been tough for him to adjust. It's also been tough not having a starting Quarterback worth a shit. The Redskins have been plagued with some of the worst Quarterbacking the league has ever seen. This year Gibbs might hand the ball to rookie Jason Campbell out of Auburn. The defense finished third last year overall. This is the only bit of good news for the 'Skins. They are in salary cap hell and will likely be unable to retain even a place kicker after this year for more than the league minimum. More bad news, that salary cap crushed forced the release of Smoot and Pierce, two of the best defensive players on the team. The 'Skins are more than fucked this year, they'll be lucky to notch four wins in their belts.

NFC WEST

St. Louis Rams: (Last Season 8-8)

The pass crazy Rams will look to make a slight change this year, starting with putting the ball in Stephen Jackson's hands a little more often. Although they finished fifth in passing last year, they had nearly as many interceptions (22) as they did touchdown passes (23.) This is not a good stat. However, the Rams can finish 8-8 and still lock up the weak West division. Martz is a madman, and has made some rough draft picks over the last couple years and this year is no exception. Bulger has shown consistency though over the years since he took over the helm, but he's struggled to keep his footing behind a poor offensive line. Again, the Rams will have the most trouble against the Seahawks, as they will likely lose to any other team with a winning record. But when you have games against the Cardinals and the Niners, it's not too hard to prevail in this division.

Seattle Seahawks: (Last Season 9-7)

The Seahawks sure did have a pretty good rating when it came to the ball clanking to the ground. Was it Hasselbeck or was it his receivers who weren't getting it done right? I'm thinking it was the receivers. Their best bet is to just hand the ball off to Shawn Alexander and let him carry them to victory. This is it for Holmgren. If he doesn't lead them to playoff victory this year, he's going to be looking for a new job next year. The 'Hawks will probably be a little better this year, but will have to fight hard to get that wild-card spot. I expect a lot of close games especially with the division rival Rams.

Arizona Cardinals: (Last Season 6-10)

Since last season, and including the first game of this season there have been four starting QB's in Arizona. Shaun King, John Navarre & Josh McCown failed last year, Kurt Warner tries to make a comeback this year. This kind of indecision can be blamed on Dennis Green, who passed on Roethlisberger, Losman & Rodgers in the last two drafts. When Green was at Minnesota, he went through Sean Salisbury, Warren Moon, Jim McMahon, Brad Johnson, Jeff George, Rich Gannon, Randall Cunningham and finally settled on Daunte Culpepper. This bodes not well for Arizona, as having a steady quarterback helps to improve team play, changing the QB every year only helps to make the team look like a bunch of homeless guys trying to pick the pockets of a bunch of really fast guys. Playing a home game in Mexico is a nice way to get some new fans (possibly) but it's not going to help them get any more wins. Kurt Warner will burn out after 4 games and Green will become impatient and make the change. Expect Arizona to be fighting with the Niners to stay out of last place.

San Francisco 49er's: (Last Season 2-14)

Once again, the Niners are being crushed by the karma of cutting Jerry Rice. Now drafting Alex Smith and setting him up for many hurtful life lessons, the Niners are no better now than they were last year. Not much can be said about the crap fest that is the Niners defense, not to mention their laugh out loud offensive line. Coach Nolan might be able to make the Niners good enough to compete with the Dolphins, but I doubt it. This team will crash and burn to the bottom of the league. Perhaps though, now that Rice has retired, the curse will be lifted.

Playoff Rundown:

AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC West: San Diego Chargers

NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC West: St. Louis Rams

AFC Wild-Card: Buffalo Bills
AFC Wild-Card: New York Jets

NFC Wild-Card: Dallas Cowboys
NFC Wild-Card: Detroit Lions