Words of Wisdom

Every year I make a habit of giving you my predictions for the upcoming football season at no charge whatsoever. Though they tend to lack the characteristic of “correctness,” it is still fun to break down the numbers and see what we come up with. So, without further ado, the 2008 NFL predictions:

AFC Predicted Standings
East
New England 14-2
New York Jets 11-5
Buffalo 4-12
Miami 2-14

North
Pittsburgh 10-6
Cleveland 8-8
Baltimore 7-9
Cincinnati 6-10

South
Indianapolis 13-3
Jacksonville 11-5
Houston 7-9
Tennessee 4-12

West
San Diego 12-4
Denver 11-5
Oakland 5-11
Kansas City 4-12

New England
What else can be said about Bill Belichick’s crew? Even though they were upset in last season’s Super Bowl, a 16-0 record and astronomical offensive numbers cannot be ignored. The Pats should breeze through the season and into the playoffs.

New York Jets
Even before acquiring future Hall-of-Fame QB Brett Favre, I had a feeling the Jets could make some noise this season. Now, with Favre, New York’s future has just taken an abrupt turn…and for the better. They could challenge the Patriots for the division, but I expect them to be a wild card team.

Buffalo
RB Marshawn Lynch had a breakout season in 2007 as a rookie and he will again be looked at to shoulder the offensive load due to the Bills’ uncertainty at quarterback. Their defense isn’t terrible, but it is far from being capable of stopping their divisional rivals. This should be another losing season in Buffalo.

Miami
There are few reasons for joy with the Dolphins in the upcoming season. The uncertainty surrounding their running back situation (are they really considering pothead Ricky Williams over Ronnie Brown??) is just another reminder of just how awful the once-proud Miami team has become.

Pittsburgh
With one of the top-rated defenses in the league, the 2005 Super Bowl champs have long been known for their ability to stop opposing offenses and this year should be known different. They should be the clear favorites in their division and I expect them to waltz into the playoffs again.

Cleveland
The Browns were the surprise story of 2007, posting 10 wins and some high-powered offensive numbers, but this year Derek Anderson and co. will not sneak up on anybody. I expect their lack of defensive potency to stall them around .500 for the upcoming season.

Baltimore
Beset by injuries in 2007, the Ravens put up some of their worst defensive numbers in years to go along with their predictably atrocious offense. Though Ray Lewis’ squad is an aging one, it is still quite powerful and, if they manage to stay healthy, the D should keep this team around the .500 mark.

Cincinnati
When will the Bengals learn that you just can’t win championships in the NFL without a defense? Though their offensive fireworks are returning for another go-around, the team’s upside will be limited. At best, the Bengals might hit .500, but I expect less.

Indianapolis
The Colts are the Energizer bunny of the NFL and, as long as their core players remain healthy, they should keep going and going. An excellent defense and a high octane offense lead by perennial All-Pro Peyton Manning should again push Indy to the top of their division.

Jacksonville
Though the Colts are undoubtedly the cream of the crop, Jack Del Rio has put together a great group of players in Florida that could push them in 2008. Despite the unfortunate loss of Matt Jones, things are looking up with a high-potential offense and another stalwart of a defense.

Houston
The Texans have been toiling away near the bottom of the standings in their bleak Texas home ever since their inception, but last season proved to be a memorable one for the Lone Star state’s “other” team, as they finally reached .500 in the standings. This season, depending on how the proverbial cards fall, Houston may even push for a playoff spot.

Tennessee
Though the Titans again have a tough defensive squad under coach Jeff Fisher, their insane infatuation with the terribly overrated Vince Young continues for another season. So, again, the Titans will fall….and fall hard.

San Diego
Great running backs are a commodity of which few teams can boast, which means the Chargers, with Ladanian Tomlinson on the roster, can be the braggarts of the league. In addition to their offensive power, the Chargers also possess a top-notch defense, and the combination of these two things should propel them straight into the playoffs.

Denver
People wonder every year before the season starts about who the breakout players will be, but here at Words of Wisdom we are ready to pronounce this status upon one player before the season even starts – Jay Cutler. He is surrounded by weapons and fronted by a virtual wall on the offensive line. Watch out for the Broncos this season, if their defense improves, they could sneak up and take the division.

Oakland
The Raiders are stacked with young talent – most notably QB JeMarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden – giving them hopes for a bright, winning future. That being said, this is the present and it is going to be a tough year in Oakland.

Kansas City
The good news is that RB Larry Johnson is healthy and returning to the Chiefs’ running game. The bad news is that he might as well play the games alone. They have no defense and Brodie Croyle at quarterback. KC will need a near-miracle to even near .500 this season.