Don's Crystal Ball 2009 Season Predictions

[D'BOYZ]

THE DON'S
Crystal Ball
2009 SEASON
PREDICTIONS
By DonCanabis/D'BOYZ
Analyst/Godfather

Ok, the wait is finally over, preseason games are done, final cuts have been made and we already know all the injuries for the start of the season.... So with this it's time to dust off the old crystal ball and start with the Season predictions. I know some of you are going to hate me after you see the record of your teams but its part of the job. Let me assure you I take this very serious I go game by game for each team and count everything like depth on the roster in case of injuries plus take to account that each year an average of 5 new teams get to the playoffs some teams from last year have to be left out. Actual injuries and coaches changes to come up with this are a whole process so bare with me.
Here we go.
AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
2008 record:7-9
2009 Projection: 6-10
Buffalo has made some offseason changes to move them up in the division but no Oline, an injury to their best acquisition, a tougher schedule and question to their starting QB will keep this team out of the big show once again. Plus it's never a good news when a HC fires their OC prior to the first game of the season specially when you're not a new HC and he was handed to you.

MIAMI DOLPHINS
2008 Record: 11-5
2009 Projection: 8-8
This is a good team but three things stack against them this year. Every team in the league is either running or practicing to defend the wildcat which was the system that won the at least 5 games last year; add to that a tougher schedule and the fact that Tom Brady is actually healthy this season and if that's not enough add that history is against Cinderella stories the next year.... examples (NO, NE). I don't see a repeat. This team is on the right track but I believe it will take them at least another year.
NEW ENGLAND
2008 Record: 11-5
2009 Projection: 12-4 (2nd Place)
This team pisses everyone off except Patriots fans I mean even without Brady they still got almost to the playoffs that says a lot about the depth of the roaster and the coaches in this team. We all can hate them but we also have to admire them. Brady has trouble against aggressive defense we saw that in the SB. Also we have to consider the lack of leaders in the defense many new faces long gone are T.Bruschi, Seymour, Vrabel, key pieces of their SB runs... We have to see how Bellichick handles all this moves.
NEW YORK JETS
2008 Record:9-7
2009 Projection: 7-9
Mark Sanchez has looked the best of the new QB's in the league but he has got lucky with some of those preseason throws. The defense is going to get better with Rex in there but they're still a year away if Sanchez doesn't fall into a slump of getting to the big game. This team can surprise because of the coaching staff... Can they pull a Baltimore like last year? That’s the question but right now I don't see them getting there.
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
2008 Record: 11-5
2009 Projection:13-3 (Conference Champions)
The surprise from last year New HC new QB and 1 step from the Big Game... The defense has look aggressive like always they have gotten better in the Running game with the development of ray rice and Flacco has a year under his belt if they don't get a slump from the QB you can expect a excellent year.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
2008 Record:4-11-1
2009 Record 5-11
This team lost their momentum long ago the roaster has gotten old, the key players are often injured and it looks like M.Lewis has lost the battle I expect it to this being his last year once a team with so much promise.. Now it's back to the 90's
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2008 Record: 4-12
2009 Record: 4-12
This team has bigger problems that a QB battle no running game no TE and no secondary is the killer of this team tough second start for Mangini.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2008 Record:12-4
2009 Projection:12-4 (Wildcard)
I like this team and I like it a lot they don't look like they lost a step since the SB but with that the Oline still looks like they haven't lost a step keeping up their bad job from last year. I don't know how many more hits Ben has in his bag but I surely don't think he can last another beating like last year. The defense lost a key leader in Foote that might hurt them more and Mendenhall hasn't shown he can step up in the case fast Willy goes down and we all know he will. Still I believe this team has what it take to get into the big game and once there it's a whole new ballgame.
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
2008 Record:8-8
2009 Projection:9-7
This team is the Arizona Cardinals of the AFC. A team with tons of potential that should be going to the playoffs each year but always fell short... the biggest difference between Arizona who finally showed up last year and Houston is who they have to beat to get there while Arizona has to take Seattle,St. Louis and San Francisco. Houston has to go against the likes of Tennessee and Indianapolis. The defense didn't look good in the preseason and the end of last year and it's a big question mark especially because they should be doing better with the players they got. They offense is one of the best but you have to be worried about Schuabb injury bug. He just can't stay healthy... But at the end what it comes down to be the players believing they are that good you can have all the talent and pieces to the puzzle but if they don't believe it they won't make it... This could be their year or it can be another disappointing season.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2008 Record:12-4
2009 Projection: 11-5 (3rd Place)
Indianapolis has huge question marks starting with the loss of Tony Dungy, new Coaching staff can disrupt the harmony in this team plus they don't have anyone who can cover Manning blind side. But last year with all the questions with his knee especially at the start of the season Peyton found a way to take this team to the playoffs. So I can't start doubting Peyton now...
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
2008 Record: 5-11
2009 Projection: 6-10
They might not say they're in rebuild mode but they're. They did the right thing in the past two drafts going for DE last year and OL this year Mighty Mouse might do a better job this year with a better line but the biggest question on that team is the QB he hasn't look good since he got the big contract. This team is at least 1 year away too bad Del Rio might not see it.
TENNESSEE TITANS
2008 Record:13-3
2009 Projection: 10-6 (Wild Card)
The loss of Haynesworthwould be more for the titans that the gain of him by the Redskins, plus The titans have mayor problems in offense yes Collins didn’t turn the ball over many times but he didn’t also put to many points on the board and their defense won’t be able to hold teams as much as they did last year. Still they may get to the Playoffs but I don’t expect them to go deep.
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
2008 Record: 8-8
2009 Projection: 2-14
They lost their franchise QB and got a backup that now is hurt (yeah he started in Chicago but so could most backups in the NFL), plus his backup is hurt, their best WR is on the cooler, the new HC has pissed everybody except the owner and to top it all tey didn’t upgrade a bad defense. GL it’s going to be a looong season.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
2008 Record:2-14
2009 Projection:8-8
They made all the right moves this offseason they went for a top HC candidate, they got the best GM out there and got a great prospect at QB and the second best out there (behind Cutler). Yes there is question still behind Castle after just one season but he has a great support system behind him. Also I like the move off the canning of Galey. Haley got the job by being a great OC and he has to put his offense and system in there. This team will compete and put some close games and make trouble to some teams.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
2008 Record: 5-11
2009 Projection:3-13
This team just can’t get a break, and I like Cable I do and he has the attitude this team needs to get out of the hole but still has to many problems In both sides of the ball and if Al Davis keeps managing the draft this team will never get out of their funk
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
2008 Record: 8-8
2009 Projection: 10-6 (4th Place)
I do believe the moment of this team to win the big one has passed by and now they’re just benefiting from being in the worst division in the NFL, This team has hurt and they show it every year by playing top football at the most crucial times. Still I don’t trust Norv, and Merriman hasn’t come back from the injury last year. Still this team has tons of talent and should be enough to get them in the playoffs once more.

Continue...

[D'BOYZ]

NFC EAST

DALLAS COWBOYS
2008 Record: 9-7
2009 Projection: 11-5 (Wild Card)

There are questions about the WR position by the dismissal of TO but this is more created by the media that the real thing the fact is Dallas has a balance offense with tons of weapons the biggest problem in Valley Ranch is depth this team has the worst backups in the NFL they can’t afford any injuries to their top players especially the defense. Plus they got one of the most talented O lines in the NFL but they don’t play up to their level. If this team play up to their potential they can go deep for once it all comes down if they want it in December.

NEW YORK GIANTS
2008 Record: 12-4
2009 Projection: 12-4 (1st Place)

This team looked way better after FA and the Draft that it looks now. They got better at D-line but their acquisitions are hurt some might end up on IR, plus their stop starter has totally come back from injury. The lost of DC Spagnuolo has hurt as we expected and it has shown in the events in the preseason. At first we thought they had depth at WR position with tons of rookies and former 1st and 2nd round picks but after nobody other than Steve Smith stepped up during the preseason the questions still remains who will be the deep threat.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2008 Record: 9-6-1
2009 Projection 10-6

This team will self destruct in 3…2…1. Finally McNabb has wr and a decent backup for Westbrook when he falls apart during miss season. But now the biggest question mark is the defense three big loses with leader Brian Dawkings, Starting MLB S. Bradley the core of that defense and the Architect of it all the tragic loss of J.Johnson to cancer this past summer. It will be too much for this team, plus people might believe the signing of M.Vick will help them I believe it will just be a distraction.

Washington Redskins
2008 Record: 8-8
2009 Record 8-8

When a team is trying to ship their Starting QB not once but twice it isn’t a great sign, there still questions with the offense especially with the WR. The defense will be better with Haynesworth and can keep games close but it won’t matter if the offense can’t score.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO BEARS
2008 Record: 9-7
2009 Projection: 11-5 (3rd Place)

Changing Kyle Orton for Cutler and a healthy Urlacher should be worth at least 2 more wins. Still I don’t buy into the hype of automatic SB the media has put. Obviously that shift to Minnesota once Favre came back.

DETROIT LIONS
2008 Record: 0-16
2009 Projection: 3-13

I would give them 1 more win if Culpepper played but since it looks like Stafford will start this team is finally moving in the right direction and it all started with the firing of Matt Millen last year let’s hope the Ford keep moving that way and bring back some respect to a once proud franchise.

GREEN BAY PACKERS
2008 Record: 6-10
2009 Projection: 10-6 (Wildcard)

Aaron Rodgers did good last year the defense let them down. Here comes Cappers to save the day. New formation, new look and it looks great right now. If they keep it up this team looks scary.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2008 Record: 10-6
2009 Projection: 8-8

Some might think having Brett Favre is a step forward I believe it’s a step back. The running game is crazy Percy Harvin will make some big plays and the defense is great but I do expect the Williams getting suspended by the league and the run defense will suffer. I don’t expect Favre to last the whole season he even got hurt in his first game back.

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA FALCONS
2008 Record: 11-5
2009 Projection: 7-9

I expect a drop-off from the falcons this year their defense has big problems and I don’t expect Ryan to have another big year. Teams didn’t expect the Falcons team they saw last year but they will be prepared this year.

CAROLINA PANTHERS
2008 Record: 12-4
2009 Projection: 9-7

Same thing big running game but Delhomme has lost a step the past few years and will cost this team some games. They face tougher competition this year it won’t be a smooth ride anymore.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2008 Record: 8-8
2009 Record 10-6 (4th Place)

I expect the team we all have been expecting since they went to the Championship 3 years ago. The defense has been upgraded and the offense last time I checked still has Brees. This team is due.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2008 Record: 9-7
2009 record: 5-11

No QB, No OC and No defense no way. Plain and simple this team is rebuilding and needs a lot.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA CARDINALS
2008 Record: 9-7
2009 Projection: 12-4(2nd Place)

Arizona finally shows up after years of making us analyst look bad. But the payday in the playoffs I got make me even with them so no hard feelings. The team finally tasted victory and loved it. Only problem winning can go to their heads and mess everything up. We all know what usually happens to the Super Bowl losers the Next year but they don’t play In the AFC west. Expect them to get back to the playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2008 Record: 7-9
2009 Projection: 5-11

Singletary has this team in the right direction but that doesn’t mean this team problems are fixed. They still don’t have a QB and pep talk can only get you so far.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2008 Record: 4-12
2009 Projection: 8-8

A healthy Seahawks team is a way better team but still not good enough to get back in the big game. Hasselbeck isn’t what he used to they got no threat at RB they will be better but unless Arizona has a major collapse they won’t make it.

ST. LOUIS RAMS
2008 Record: 2-14
2009 Projection: 3-13

Spagnuolo will get this team going in the right direction but still a long way to go too many holes, too many things too fix in just one season but his the best man to turn this franchise around.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Green Bay Packers vs Dallas Cowboys

SUPER BOWL
Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers

SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS
Baltimore Ravens

[CRedskinsRule]

Well your AFC seems reasonable. But somehow, and I'm forgetting about the Redskins for now - let them prove it on the field, your NFC is less convincing.
As you have it, the DC and GBP are going to be in the conference championship, but you have both as wild cards. So ALL 4 division champs fail to make the Conf. Championship game? Plus you point out Dallas has a very weak depth chart, and yet they make it all the way to end of January?

I think the NFC will have a lot of surprise story lines this year.

[roth74va]

What a total waste of time, if you wanna dream that your Cowgirls are gonna finally win a playoff game, just take a nap please.

[backrow]

e-girls, we beat twice last year, cow-not-quite-men once, and gnomes all better than the B&G? Check your Crystal Ball, it's cracked!

[D'BOYZ]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Well your AFC seems reasonable. But somehow, and I'm forgetting about the Redskins for now - let them prove it on the field, your NFC is less convincing.
As you have it, the DC and GBP are going to be in the conference championship, but you have both as wild cards. So ALL 4 division champs fail to make the Conf. Championship game? Plus you point out Dallas has a very weak depth chart, and yet they make it all the way to end of January?

I think the NFC will have a lot of surprise story lines this year.

I totally agree it will have a lot of stories. You know a lot of things happen once teams get to the playoffs some hot teams fade and some teams tha tnobody expect raise.

The thing with the Dallas and GB thing after I did the whole schedulle game by game and had my playoffs this were the Wild Card Games

Dallas vs NO and GB vs Chi... Now I had NO beat Dallas in the regular season so we all know that is hard to beat a team twice during a season and I expect if Dallas get to the playoffs they will end their one and out record it has to happen one year and I expect it to be this. In the case of GB and CHI bot hare bad weather teams so it came down to in any given sunday who do I believe is the better team and I went to GB.

Now the Division games were Ari vs Dal and NYG vs GB... Now we know that Arizona is a second home to dallas (maybe not after last year) btu overall I believe overconfidence and both team stack up very well. SO I went with Dallas. In the case of NYG vs GB I almost went with the Giants but I don't feel ok with their defense, and WR so I don't believe they will be as strong as previous years.

I'm really happy with the picks I have going to the playoffs but we all know tha tonce the playoffs start it can go waaaaay different we all tought. Like who tought once the playoffs started it would be Arizona vs Pittsburgh last year or NYG vs NE the year before. Weird things happen in the playoffs

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by D'BOYZ

I totally agree it will have a lot of stories. You know a lot of things happen once teams get to the playoffs some hot teams fade and some teams tha tnobody expect raise.

The thing with the Dallas and GB thing after I did the whole schedulle game by game and had my playoffs this were the Wild Card Games

Dallas vs NO and GB vs Chi... Now I had NO beat Dallas in the regular season so we all know that is hard to beat a team twice during a season and I expect if Dallas get to the playoffs they will end their one and out record it has to happen one year and I expect it to be this. In the case of GB and CHI bot hare bad weather teams so it came down to in any given sunday who do I believe is the better team and I went to GB.

Now the Division games were Ari vs Dal and NYG vs GB... Now we know that Arizona is a second home to dallas (maybe not after last year) btu overall I believe overconfidence and both team stack up very well. SO I went with Dallas. In the case of NYG vs GB I almost went with the Giants but I don't feel ok with their defense, and WR so I don't believe they will be as strong as previous years.

I'm really happy with the picks I have going to the playoffs but we all know tha tonce the playoffs start it can go waaaaay different we all tought. Like who tought once the playoffs started it would be Arizona vs Pittsburgh last year or NYG vs NE the year before. Weird things happen in the playoffs

Fair enough, I think Dallas is gonna have a rough year, but anything is possible.

Let the games begin!

[CRedskinsRule]

and your write up has the Eagles self destructing, but winning 1 more game than last year. Evil genius is what they are I tell you. Evil genius.

[NYCskinfan82]

He's a cowgurl what does he know, it's nice to fly below the radar.

[rbanerjee23]

You know what, I am just going to gun straight for defending the Skins; No way they are last in the division, how can an 8-8 team which just raised their defense to elite level and improved the offense by leaps and bounds go....8-8?? Eagles are getting puffed up, only reason they were able to compete was because of their defense which is now in the bottom 10 of the leage - Eli Manning lost his only real target and the running game, while still ferocious will not be as potent against the rest of the league after the every team has had a chance to try and figure out how to stop Brandon Jacobs. The Redskins had trouble with Burruss but he is gone and if even 1/2 of the teams the Giants play know how to stop Jacobs that is a full 2-4 game swing against the G-Men. 8-8 is the very worst that could happen given there are no crippling injuries. 9-7/10-6 is a much more realistic record for how the Skins will perform this season.

[CRedskinsRule]

for the record, based on opponents this year, I don't see any NFC East team having worse than a 8-8 season:

3 out of 4 AFC West wins (I think all 4 teams should go 4-0 but you know that never really happens)
2 out of 4 NFC South wins (again 3 out of 4 is realistic given last years games)
3 out of 6 NFC East games (yes I think we all beat each other up)
1 out of the other 2. That makes 9 games at a minimum for the NFC E. and I think that is realistic.

[DFI]

ok there D'Boyz fan of the cowgirls let me get this straight. Dallas is going to the NFC championship? I see several problems with this senario (Homo er ugh Romo has no one to throw to, and the biggest news to come out of dallas is the height of the scoreboard) but perhaps the biggest flaw in your theory:

1) There is no way to make it to the conference championship without winning a playoff game. you have Dallas as a wild card so they would have to win two playoff games to get to the championship

2) They have not done that (won a playoff game) since December 28, 1996 (Three presidents ago) my teenage daughter was not born yet.

sounds like homerism plain and simple. not that homerism is not alowed here you are just homeristic for the wrong team

sorry

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by DFI

1) There is no way to make it to the conference championship without winning a playoff game. you have Dallas as a wild card so they would have to win two playoff games to get to the championship

2) They have not done that (won a playoff game) since December 28, 1996 (Three presidents ago) my teenage daughter was not born yet.

Great Point...No way Dallas makes it to the NFC championship game, they probably won't even make it into the playoffs.

[dblanch66]

Well if Romo misses any time to injury, not only is there no one to throw to, there will be no one to throw it. So no one will be throwing to no one. Good luck with that.

[Lotus]

I feel violated for having to read through those uneducated, thoughtless, and grammar-challenged predictions.