2011 NFL Season Prediction

NFC North
1.) Green Bay Packers (12-4):
-The Defending Super Bowl Champions are hungry for another ring, and they took a step in the right direction thanks to the return of starters Jermichael Finley, Ryan Grant and Morgan Burnett. Clay Matthews missed out on DPOY last year and will be looking for revenge this year, which is bad news for opposing QB's. The defense is young and strong. the offense is one of the best in the NFL, and they are ready to defend their title
Team MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Defensive MVP: Clay Matthews

2.) Detroit Lions (9-7):

-The Detroit Lions went from the laughing stock of the NFL, to the favorites to be this years Breakout team. Matthew Stafford is incredibly talented and has great weapons to throw to in Calvin Johnson and Titus Young. They have built the best defensive line in football, one that will create nightmares for opposing QB's. The problem, the offensive line still has problems, and Matthew Stafford has not proven he can stay healthy. This team will go as far as Matthew Staffords' shoulder.

Team MVP: Ndamukong Suh
Defensive MVP: Ndamukong Suh

3.) Chicago Bears (9-7):

-The Bears were the surprise team of 2010, and went as far as playing the NFC Championship Game in Chicago. Jay Cutler faced alot of criticism in the off season for his "lack of toughness" (which i strongly disagree with). The Bears added veterans Marion Barber and Roy Williams in the off season, but saw Devi Aromashadu and Greg Olsen both head to new teams. The offensive line is still atrocious, meaning Jay Cutler is in alot of trouble. The Bears are likely in for a let down in 2011.
Team MVP: Jay Cutler
Defensive MVP: Julius Peppers
4.) Minnesota Vikings (6-10)
-After Brett Favre nearly led them to a Super Bowl trip in 2009, the 2010 season was a much different story. Favre saw his Consecutive Starts streak end, he threw more INT then TD, and he still couldn't play well with Randy Moss. Favre lost his job, Childress got fired, and now Randy Moss is retired. Fortunately for the Vikings Adrian Peterson is the best RB in the NFL, and veteran Donovan McNabb should give them a decent option. Sidney Rice left in the off season, leaving the Vikings with Percy Harvin as their only legitimate starting WR. The Vikings still have many questions both on offense and defense, making the odds of finishing at .500 very low
Team MVP: Adrian Peterson
Defensive MVP: Kevin Williams

NFC South
1.) New Orleans Saints (11-5)

-The team that won the Super Bowl in 2009 was upset by the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs. It was a tough year for the Saints, their defense was bad, Drew Brees was inconsistent and Reggie Bush was a no show. During the off season they bolstered their defense with Cameron Jordan, they drafted Mark Ingram who should have an instant impact on their running game, and they swapped out Reggie Bush and brought in Darren Sproles, the offense is as dangerous as ever but there are still questions on defense. They play in a tough division, but if Drew Brees can stay at his Elite level they should win the division.

Team MVP: Drew Brees

Defensive MVP: Jonathan Vilma

2.) Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
-The Falcons took a big step last year, and finished with the best record in the NFC, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Unfortunately, they were humiliated in the 2nd round by Green Bay 48-21. In the off season they bolstered their pass rush with the addition of Ray Edwards, and the moved up in the 1st round to grab play making WR Julio Jones. Jones will pair up with one of the best WR's in the NFL in Roddy White. It means passing the ball will be even easier for Matt Ryan, and the team could make that next stop in the playoffs. Only time will tell though, and we will have to see how they play in a tough division.
Team MVP: Matt Ryan
Defensive MVP:
3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
-The Buccaneers are starting to build a very young, explosive team. Raheem Morris who is definitely one of the most underrated coaches in the game has helped groom Josh Freeman into the QB he is now. Meanwhile Legarrete Blount was a bulldozer last year, and is poised to be even better this year. The defense is on the right track, and the team is making quick progress towards the top. They are however the 3rd best team in their division for now, and will have to try for a Wild Card spot this year.
Team MVP: Josh Freeman
Defensive MVP: Gerald McCoy
4.) Carolina Panthers (5-11)
-After finishing with the worst record in the NFL last season and taking Cam Newton 1st overall, the Panthers are hoping to begin a new Era. Ron Rivera is now at the helm and will lead a good defense led by Jon Beason and Charles Johnson. On offense they may end up starting Newton from Week 1, if that happens they will be in for a rough year. Fortunately they have two very talented RB's in Deangelo Williams and Jonathan, so as long as those two stay healthy, they should be able to reach 6 wins.
Team MVP: Jon Beason
Defensive MVP: Jon Beason
NFC East
1.) Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)
-The "Dream Team" is in place to finally make a deep playoff run, and the Off season additions of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Cullen Jenkins, Nnamdi Asomugha and others gives them one of the best defenses in the league. After a breakout year in 2010 Michael Vick is poised, to have another MVP like season. All the pieces are in place for the Eagles to make a run at the Super Bowl, but can they do it. This will be a make or break year for the Eagles, and Andy Reid.
Team MVP: Michael Vick
Defensive MVP: Nnamdi Asomugha
2.) Dallas Cowboys (10-6)
-After a disappointing 6-10 season that saw the team lose QB Tony Romo, and forced Wade Phillips out the door, the Cowboys are ready for a fresh start. Jason Garrett is the perfect coach for them, and should help them get back to their winning ways. Felix Jones is the featured back in this offense, and we will get to see how he does in that role. On defense they still have problems in the secondary, and will likely struggle throughout the season. But the Cowboys should have a turn around season in 2011
Team MVP: Tony Romo
Defensive MVP: Demarcus Ware
3.) New York Giants (9-7)
-After falling short of the playoffs in 2010, the Giants are hungry for a playoff appearance this year. Eli Manning ran into alot of problems with turnovers last year. In the off season the Giants lost Kevin Boss and Steve Smith to free agency, both were security blankets when Manning got pressured. On defense they have a stacked defensive line where everyone can get after the QB quickly. They addressed their need in the secondary by drafting Prince Amukamara to be their shut down CB. The loss of Smith and Boss will hurt Manning, and the offensive line is going to be a trouble spot all year. 9 wins is the most reasonable total for this team.
Team MVP: Eli Manning
Defensive MVP: Justin Tuck
4.) Washington Redskins (5-11)
-The 2010 trio of Mike Shannahan, Donovan McNabb and Albert Haynesworth, was the biggest failure of the year. McNabb was benched for Rex Grossman, Albert Haynesworth was rarely on the field, and the Redskins struggled to win games. Now as the Redskins head into 2011 McNabb and Haynesworth were traded for 6th rounders still 3 years away, and a QB competition of John Beck and Rex Grossman. Things don't look bright for the Redskins even if Beck proves he can be a good NFL QB, the Redskins are likely headed for the cellar again, and if that happens Mike Shannahan may not be around in 2012.
Team MVP: Brian Orakpo
Defensive MVP: Brian Orakpo
NFC West
1.) St. Louis Rams (9-7)
-Sam Bradford showed everyone last year that he is going to be one of the best at his position in a few years. The Rams fell just short of the playoffs, despite injuries to top WR Donnie Avery and others. In the off season they brought in Cadillac Williams, Jerious Norwood and drafted Robert Quinn in the 1st round to bolster their pass rush. In 2011 the Rams are poised to take the division Donnie Avery is healthy, Sam Bradford is in his 2nd year and the defense is improving. The Rams are the team to beat in the NFC West.
Team MVP: Sam Bradford
Defensive MVP: James Laurinaitis

2.) Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

-The Cardinals made the big move in the off season trading Rodgers-Cromatie and a 2nd round pick for young Kevin Kolb. Kolb will pair up with Larry Fitzgerald who has been one of the best receivers in the game for a long time. They drafted RB Ryan Williams to boost their RB core, but he was lost to a knee injury for all of 2011. The offensive line is still weak and Kevin Kolb will face alot of pressure week after weak, but the Cardinals WR core should help him. On defense the 2 bright spots are Darnell Dockett and rookie Patrick Peterson. Peterson is being slowly progressed into the starting CB role, but should have an instant impact as a rookie. Behind Kolb, Fitzgerald, and Peterson the Cardinals have a chance to win the NFC West, but it is going to be a tough road with the Rams standing in their way.
Team MVP: Larry Fitzgerald
Defensive MVP: Patrick Peterson

Could the first game of the season be a preview
of the NFC Title Game.

3.) Seattle Seahawks (6-10)

-The team that went 7-9 in the regular season in the regular season, then shocked the football world by knocking off the Saints in the first round saw some major changes in the off-season.  Long time QB Matt Hasselbeck is now with the Titans, Sidney Rice is the No.1 WR and Tarvaris Jackson will be the starting QB in Week 1.The team is unlikely to be in contention for 1st in the weak NFC West, but they still should manage to win 6 games.
Team MVP: Earl Thomas
Defensive MVP: Earl Thomas

4.) San Francisco 49ers (5-11)

-After starting off the season 0-5 the 49ers managed to turn things around and finished just outside of the NFC West Crown.  Alex Smith was signed to a 1 year deal, Braylon Edwards was brought in, and they hired Jim Harbaugh as their coach of the future. There will be alot riding on Alex Smith because if he doesn't play well fans will want to see Kaepernick put in. The 49ers won't be good enough to win the division, but they could be bad enough to reunite Andrew Luck with Harbaugh.

Team MVP: Patrick Willis

Defensive MVP: Patrick Willis

NFC Playoff Seeds

1.) Green Bay Packers

2.) Philadelphia Eagles

3.) New Orleans Saints                                                    

4.) St. Louis Rams
5.) Atlanta Falcons
6.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers


AFC North
1.) Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
-The Pittsburgh Steelers are hungry for revenge after falling just short of their 7th Super Bowl in franchise history to the Green Bay Packers. In the off season they re-signed Ike Taylor and brought in WR Jerricho Cotchery to boost their receiving core. Their defense is just as good as it was last year, and the only thing going against this team is the long history of teams losing then not making the playoffs the following year, we will see if the curse can be broken.
Team MVP: Ben Roethlisberger
Defensive MVP: James Harrison
2.) Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
-After a disappointing effort in the AFC Divisional round, the Ravens will be looking to surpass the Steelers this year. In the off season many questioned if Joe Flacco was a true leader. His team stood behind him, and Ozzie Newsome even brought in Lee Evans who will give Flacco the deep ball threat he has been lacking for awhile. Ray Lewis is getting up their in age but is still a excellent technician and vocal leader, Ed Reed will also be healthy after picking off 8 passes last year in only 10 games. If any team is going to pass up the Steelers in the AFC it will be the Ravens.
3.) Cleveland Browns (7-9)
-Many people believed Colt McCoy could never be an NFL QB, Mike Holmgren took the chance, and is looking smart because of it. McCoy didn't blow anyone away during his first season, but he did enough to earn the starting job in 2011. Now in 2011 McCoy will get a new rookie target in Greg Little who on talent alone could develop into a No.1 WR in this league. On defense they made the transition to a 4-3 defense, and they hope rookies Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard can bring an immediate impact. The Browns are still a few years away from contention, but they could come very close this year.
Team MVP: Colt McCoy
Defensive MVP: Joe Haden
4.) Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)
-Chad Ocho Cinco is gone, Carson Palmer has retired (for now) and Pac-Man Jones was arrested again. There are bright spots on this team, A.J Green is one of the most to come out of the draft this decade, Andy Dalton is a precision passer, and there are some nice young pieces on that defense. The Bengals did lose Jonathan Joseph in free agency, making an average defense worse. It will be a rough year for Bengals fans but A.J Green will give fans a nice glimpse to the future.
Team MVP: A.J Green
Defensive MVP: Leon Hall
AFC South
1.) Houston Texans (10-6)
-After years of having a terrific passing game and an average running game, Texans RB Arian Foster surprised everyone by leading the NFL in rushing yards and TD's. Now with one of the best offenses in the game, the real focus will be on their defense. Demeco Ryans is healthy, Mario Williams was shifted to LB and the Texans went out and signed CB Jonathan Joseph. Will it be enough to lift them over the hump into the playoffs and surpass the Colts, it will be something to watch as the season goes on
Team MVP: Andre Johnson
Defensive MVP: Jonathan Joseph
2.) Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
-It is looking more and more like the Peyton Manning consecutive starts streak will come to an end. After having neck surgery in the off season Manning is still on a long road to recovery, and the time table has him coming back in Week 2 or 3. He is the glue behind the Colts success and without him they are an average team. Manning should be back before long, and Dallas Clark is ready to go this year. But the running game is still a question, and the defense failed to upgrade in the off season.
Team MVP: Peyton Manning
Defensive MVP: Dwight Freeney
3.) Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10)
-Jack Del Rio has been given one more year to prove himself, and it will likely be his last in Jacksonville. The jaguars drafted rookie Blaine Gabbert in the 1st round and hope he can develop into a potential Phillip Rivers type QB. Until he has learned the system David Garrard will be their guy for the foreseeable future. MJD had knee surgery after the season, but should be ready to go this year. On defense they are steadily improving , but are still closer to bad then good. In a tough division the 2011 outlook isn't good for the Jaguars.
Team MVP: Maurice Jones-Drew
Defensive MVP: Rashean Mathis
4.) Tennessee Titans (6-10)
-Jeff Fisher is out of a job for the first time in a long time. After running into problems with Vince Young again, the Titans decided to cut ties with both of them and start fresh. They drafted Jake Locker who is still a 2 year project, but they also brought in long time veteran Matt Hasselbeck. The big issue for the Titans is Chris Johnson holding out. He is one of the most gifted RB's in the NFl, and still very young. A deal will get done but the question is when. CJ2K is the only thing worth watching on offense, and fi they want to put fans in the seats they need to re-sign him. It is going to be another tough year for Titans fans, but they will continue to build through the draft
Team MVP: Chris Johnson
Defensive MVP: Michael Griffin
AFC East
1.) New England Patriots (13-3)
-The best team in the AFC got even better in the off season. They brought in Chad Ocho Cinco who still is talented, but has drifted away because of his "antics". He gives Tom Brady another weapon to throw to, and will make things easier on Wes Welker. On defense the Patriots traded for Albert Haynesworth, in hopes they can bring him back to his Tennessee Titans form. The pieces are in place for a Super Bowl run, and Bill is hungry for another one. But will the Patriots fold up again in the playoffs, is the question.
Team MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: Jerod Mayo
2.) New York Jets (10-6)
-Rex Ryan has guaranteed another Super Bowl appearance this year, who knows maybe the 3rd time is the charm. The Jets lost out on Asomugha in free agency but instead spent their money to bring back Antoni Cromartie and Santonio Holmes. They saw Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Brad Smith all depart in Free Agency, then signed Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. The defense is unquestionable, the running game is solid, but can mark Sanchez step up his game in 2011, I say no.
Team MVP: Darrele Revis
Defensive MVP: Darrele Revis
3.) Miami Dolphins (7-9)
-The 2011 Miami Dolphins may grab the biggest headlines this year. Not because of their play on the field, but because of their players. What other team trades for Reggie Bush to bring in as a starter,has fans chant for Brett Favre, and will have more wins then Lebron has rings. On the defensive side of the ball there is alot for Dolphins fans to smile about. They have two potential Pro Bowl CB's in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, and they continue to bolster their linebacker core. On offense things won't be as much fun, Chad Henne still has not proven himself in the NFL, and their RB duo of Daniel Thomas and Reggie Bush is a fumble waiting to happen. Fortunately they do play the Bills twice a year, and their defense should be good enough to win 7 games.
Team MVP: Vontae Davis
Defensive MVP: Vontae Davis
4.) Buffalo Bills (6-10)
-The team that can never seem to win more then 7 games in a season, is headed in that direction once again. Ryan Fitzpatrick is their best option at QB, and that isn't exactly a good thing. On offense they have Fred Jackson who proved he can still be a good enough RB in the league to keep C.J Spiller off his back. Young WR Stevie Johnson broke onto the scene last year with 10 TD's and over 1,000 receiving yards. This year with Lee Evans gone he is likely to see alot more double coverage. On defense they added veteran LB Nick Barnett, and drafted DT Marcell Dareus. Shawn Merriman appears ready to return to "Lights Out" form which will give them a big boost in pass rush. Still this team is no better then 6-7 wins.
Team MVP: Fred Jackson
Defensive MVP: Shawne Merriman
AFC North
1.) San Diego Chargers (11-5)
-The San Diego Chargers were one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL last season. They had the biggest disappointment of a rookie in Ryan Matthews, Antonio Gates suffered through a foot injury, and Vincent Jackson held out for 10 games. Now in 2011 Eric Weddle returns along with newly signed Bob Sanders to form a dynamic duo in the secondary. The team is 100% healthy and Vincent Jackson is ready to show the Chargers he is worthy of a long term contract. All the pieces are in place to win the AFC North, but similar things have been said in the past.
Team MVP: Phillip Rivers
Defensive MVP: Eric Weddle
2.) Kansas City Chiefs (8-8)
-The Kansas City Chiefs broke through last year and made it all the way to the playoffs. Dwayne Bowe looked like one of the best in the NFL. Eric Berry looked like he will be the next Ed Reed, and Jamaal Charles showed everyone why he is one of the most electrify RB's in the NFL. But now in 2011 Charlie Weis is gone, Matt Cassel is set to face a much tougher schedule, and the Chargers aren't going to have a repeat Early in Pre Season the offense has looked lethargic without Weis, and Jon Baldwin got into a fight with Thomas Jones. The Chiefs are in line for a relapse and  them to fall back down.
Team MVP: Jamaal Charles
Defensive MVP: Eric Berry
3.) Oakland Raiders (7-9)

-Nnamdi Asomugha is finally out of Oakland and the once talented Raiders passing defense takes a big hit. The Raiders saw Robert gallery, Asomugha, and Zach Miller all depart in the off season. They did bring in Kevin Boss who should be a decent replacement for Miller, and Jason Campbell should provide steady QB play for the Raiders. The problem, they went 6-0 in the division last year, but 2-8 outside of it. Repeating that success is unlikely especially without Nnamdi. I believe 7 wins is an achievable goal for them in 2011.
4.) Denver Broncos (5-11)

Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Kyle Orton, Tim Tebow, Brady Quinn? The ongoing QB battle between Brady Quinn and former 1st round pick Tim Tebow is going to be one to watch. Earlier in the offseason almost everyone expected Orton to be traded, instead he is still starting for the Broncos. That leaves the No.2 spot to the former first round bust or the potential 1st round bust Tim Tebow. Both players have heart, desire and will do whatever it takes to win the job, but I don't know if either can win NFL games. On offense there isn't much to be excited about, you love Tim Tebow. They drafted Von Miller in the 1st round with hopes he can be the next Clay Matthews, if he is he will make their defense that much better in 2011. Overall, neither offense or defense is worth watching, and because of that anything more then 6 wins is unlikely.
Team MVP: Kyle Orton
Defensive MVP: Von Miller

AFC Playoff Seeds:

1.) New England Patriots

2.) Pittsburgh Steelers

3.) San Diego Chargers

4.) Houston Texans

5.) Baltimore Ravens

6.) Indianapolis Colts

NFL Season Awards:

MVP: Tom Brady QB, NE

Defensive Player of the Year: Clay Matthews LB, GB
Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones WR, ATL
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Patrick Peterson CB, ARI
Comeback Player of the Year: Vincent Jackson WR, SD


NFL Playoff Prediction:
NFC Wild Card:
(3) Saints defeat (6) Buccaneers
(5) Falcons defeat (4) Rams
AFC Wild Card:
(3) Chargers defeat (6) Colts

Who do you think will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2012,
leave your thoughts below and discuss

(5) Ravens defeat (4) Texans

NFC Divisional Round:

(1) Packers defeat (5) Falcons

(3) Saints defeat (2) Eagles

AFC Divisional Round

(1) Patriots defeat (5) Ravens

(2) Steelers defeat (3) Chargers

NFC Championship:

(1) Packers defeat (3) Saints

AFC Championship:

(1) Patriots defeat (2) Steelers

SUPER BOWL:

(1) Packers defeat (2) Patriots

MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Final Score: Packers 31 Patriots 24