Teams to watch this year

[rake]

I just mentioned (in Reznor's thread) how much I like the Lions to make noise this season. I also think the Ravens will be back to brutal this year under Nolan's D and Boller will inspire Redman to meet and exceed the initial expectations.

I would like to know what teams you guys like this year.

 

[The Brain]

Rising:
Carolina (You could say its a sentamental favorite, but they have a year now of learning their Defense; they have young players with another year under their belt; and they have a revamped offense that at worse will at least be able to match last year's numbers and could impove on them EASILY)

Buffalo (they lost Price but it won't be a back breaker. Their improved Defense will MORE than make of the difference.)

Bengals (So far all of the moves that have been made look good on paper, and it isn't TOO hard to improve on a record like there's.)

Falling:
Arizona (who'd a thought they'd get WORSE)

Philadelphia (While I don't think it will be a BIG fall I do think age and major losses to their defense will set them back. Instead of being a SB contender they will be in that group fighting for a final playoff spot.)

New Orleans (They're poised to fall HARD. They had a weak defense last year and have made very few SMART moves on improving that. If Aaron Brooks and Deuce McAlister stay healthy they have a solid offense, but there's still the lingering question of Joe Horn's contract status.)

 

[LarryD]

atlanta will definately be worth watching.

 

[rake]

Originally posted by LarryD
atlanta will definately be worth watching.

I was afraid somebody would mention those bastards. Yup, as long as Vick continues his evolution (and stays healthy) we won’t be the only team that they get a thorn into.

 

[Piper]

Hate to admit it, but the Skins do look dangerous. Depends a lot on Ramsey's development, but they overpaid for young stars around him, not aging ones. I've never cared for Snyders moves in the past, but this time, the talent looks legit.

I don't see Detroit at all. Still no D.

Cinci could move up to 8-8. The Browns have lost linebackers, their D will go down. Ravens have QB issues still. Boller's going to take time.

Atlanta should win the division this year.

 

[Boo]

you can put the vikings on the teams on the decline list. I bet the bears struggle too.

 

[Wp28]

Originally posted by Piper
Atlanta should win the division this year.

Anybody else see the Falcons as overated and a team that looked average last year against a ridiculously easy schedule?

They lost games to Cleve, Sea, Chic.

Tied Pitts.

Beat Carx2, Balt, NOx2, Minn, Det, NYG, Cinn.

Have they done enough in the offseason to win against a real schedule?

Hell, I know they own us (bad Karma or something) but I just don't see them as that good.

 

[ColinG]

Since last season's restructuring, the NFC South went from "weakest" to a potential perannual Super Bowl visitor.

This year: either TB or Atlanta
Next Year: either Atlanta or Carolina
Next year: either Carolina or NO

and so on.

The AFC East should all be taken out and shot. They will be bottom feeders for sometime to come.

So, rising or falling, I look at the divisions instead of the teams. If you can dominate your division you get an invite. If you do it and pick up a couple of extra home victories, maybe a couple of aways, you get a first round bye.

 

[slydevl]

I think San Diego and Seattle are going to surpirse a lot of people this year.

 

[kshead]

As much as I like Vick, I kind of think that Atlanta will be a team that may be better personnel-wise, but it won't show up in more wins because of the schedule. Someone mentioned that above I think. Has anyone looked at that schedule? The Atl-Car game early on will actually have some meaning.

Edit: Looking for slight drops from Miami and Philly this year.