Unrelated to the GFFL but I thought with time to kill between now and the 8 days I'd post my NFL Season Picks 2 divisions at a time then post how I think the playoffs will come out this 2009 season. Wildcard teams are marked by (WC).
NFC NORTH
1. Minnesota Vikings 12-4 - The trendy pick here but with very good reason, a top 5 defense paired with an offense centered around the most exciting player in the game Adrian Peterson, and add to that a new toy in Percy Harvin who has the speed and elusiveness to contribute right away in the NFL making the offense one of the top units in the league. Of course one of the most talked about stories in the offseason has to be mentioned, Favre should improve this team providing veteran leadership and an aerial attack capable of keeping D's honest against the run. As long as Favre plays within himself and becomes more of a game manager (think Elway '98 and '99 when Terrell Davis was running the show) rather than going into gun slinger mode this team could be very special.
2. Chicago Bears 10-6 (WC) - Insert the first franchise quarterback the Bears have had since some guy named Sid Luckman add to it a defense that was superbowl caliber only a few years ago and you should have a solid wildcard team. The only question is has the defense slowed down and aged too much to be a top tier team with the addition of Cutler. I think it has some as Urlacher is of course no longer the player he used to be, but I think the new improved offense should lead to a very balanced and competitive team in the NFC.
3. Greenbay Packers 7-9 - Switching to a 3-4 defense can't do anything but help a defensive unit that was subpar last year. Aaron Rodgers and the offense were very efficient through the air last year and have looked great so far in the preseason if the defense can improve they should be very competitive but I can't see them winning the division this year and see them missing out on being playoff caliber for at least another year.
4. Detroit Lions - 0-16 last year...With the changes made this offseason the offense should make some serious strides and at best with a whole lot of luck could surprise like the Falcons of '08...but I don't see it happening. A great base in Detroit on offense (Stafford, K.Smith, Calvin, and Pettigrew) should give fans a lot to be excited about and could become a very prolific unit in the near future. So good things to come from the Lions they'll just have to wait a bit.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore Ravens 12-4 - An amazing defense that had Dolphins' fans wondering why they were even in the playoffs last year now has an offense that is catching up with it. Flacco has looked very good in preseason as well as Ray Rice leading me to believe this team is ready to overtake the Steelers for the North division crown.
2. Cincinatti Bengals 9-7 - A gut feeling here I believe the Bengals will have a very good season while the Steelers suffer through a superbowl hangover. They will come close but barely miss out on the playoffs but it will be enough to win back the Bengals' faithful.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-9 - The coach seems to be ready to repeat I just question if the players are, I'm looking at you Roethlisberger. The offensive line is a mess and it's a wonder they were able to succeed in spite of it last year but I don't see them getting past it in '09. Look for the Steelers to take a step backwards.
4. Cleveland Browns 6-10 - Anderson or Quinn maybe even Ratliff? It doesn't matter this team is not playoff bound and the 6-10 record I'm giving them is generous.
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