PREDICTIONS 2018
IT is time to start putting predictions together. The reason I wait is because an injury in Preseason can change everything. So to finalize predictions, we have to see the opening day roster. But it does not stop there. Injuries, suspensions, other factors will happen throughout the season. Football in the NFL rewards the teams who have the goods to finish strong. That means guys who are the next men up stepping in and performing at a starter level.
SO Starting with the easiest Divison
AFC EAST
1 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 11-5
The PATRIOTS are the obvious choice in this division. Practically all sportscaster pick them to finish first. They have the depth, the ability and the genius coaching to take the season one week at a time and finish strong. Even though the QB is 41, I doubt that his backups are getting any minutes off during practice. 6 games are against weaker division opponents. The highlight of the non conference play will be a super bowl rematch against the Packers and a game against the Vikings a month later, both at home.
11-5 will be more than enough to win the division, and secure a playoff berth.
2 NEW YORK JETS 6-10
A Lot of hopes are riding high on the Jets draft, and added free agents, a new system under a newer GM and enough variables to pick up a few wins. They may not be ready for the postseason yet, but they are the team that will have the goods to one day unseat the Patriots.
3 MIAMI DOLPHINS 4-12
When will MY FINZ ever learn? To Build an Offense, one must have 5 or 6 solid players at the line to control the plays. The FINZ have not had that in a decade or more. They also have an owner who does not act like he cares, (because hey, with profit sharing, he is going to make money anyway) They change GMs and coaches every few years (Adan Gase...your days are numbered then) Each of which has a different plan for the year and when that does not work, they try something else, then fire everyone and start over. The only way to win is to develop a LONG TERM plan, scout out the right players who will fit that plan and stick with it. But in Miami, that is not how they run the Biz and that is why realistically, last place awaits them.
4 BUFFALO BILLS 2-14
Last year, the Team won based on luck, luck and more luck, which eventually ran out. This year, I do not expect them to do as well, especially with the departure of line boss Richie Incognito and expecting any of the QBs to be able to step up behind what is going to be a thin line. LeShawn McCoy will have to carry the offense, so expect a lot of running attempts which will be behind a line of castoffs.
AFC NORTH
1 PITTSBURGH STEELERS 10-6
Things are not all well in Steel City. First, a rocky camp has shown everything from defensive weaknesses to Big Ben's noggin mashing, Perhaps the wisest Player, Le'Veon Bell, has decided to sit camp out altogether. Interesting how it will impact his performance on the field when he shows up a week before the games start....if at all. . . Still the Steelers are like the Evil Patriots in that they are the big dog in a conference of puppies. But nothing like puppy bowl will resemble this team especially if Big Ben goes down with a real injury during the regular season. Will the team still have enough gas in the tank to go the distance? Playoff berth is likely, but going deep? That remains to be seen.
2 BALTIMORE RAVENS 9-7
“Other friends have flown before--
On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.”
Then the bird said “Nevermore.”
Once the proud stately Ravens on the wing of Big Joe Flacco coasted to the Super Bowl. But that was long long ago.....ere the fans are waxing poetic for a return to the Ravens Glory days. But so far, the team only appears to be heading to the final days of Coach Harbaugh Not that this is a bad team, but it really does not have all the pieces in place to mount a winning season. But in the AFC North, that is good enough for second place.
3 CINCINNATI BENGALS 6-10
There are a few sportswriters who are picking the Bengals 9-7 and a few down to 4-12. Somewhere in the middle, we must remember that the team is full of rookies, second rate free agents, and coached by Marvin Lewis, which may be the problem. The team has been the second biggest disappointment in the division for the last two seasons and they are a long long ways away from being a playoff team. On the upside, Dalton is a trustworthy QB and he is worth a few wins regardless of who is coaching.
4 CLEVELAND BROWNS 5-11
Now before anyone gets all excited, think back to the summer of 2016 when the Cavaliers won the NBA Championship and the good people of Cleveland got a well deserved championship and a huge parade and party. Remember that and relive it, because it won't happen this year. LeBron James, who was basically a one man team, is gone. The Indians may win the division but will have no chance against the Astros in post season. And that brings us to the Browns. One of the league's worse run franchises, right down there with My FINZ have thrown out a few draft picks and reeled in several who make us say "WHY?"
Of course, if they win, the GM can say "That is why" but when the lose , we say "Told ya"
Now the Browns are in a precarious position. Hugh Jackson is yet to prove himself as the next Jimmy Johnson. far from it. More likely, He may be the next John Fox, without the 5 wins though.
While the team may have talent (which was an excuse given last year) They will not win much. (which was similar to the last two years)
They will have to find some creative excuses along the way. The team may someday be good, but it is going to take a lot more first round picks, and the RIGHT ONES to get to that point.
AFC SOUTH
1 Houston Texans 10-6
A lot of people are high on the Jaguars, a team that will have a weaker offense and will be riding the trough of a losing wave while the Texans ,when healthy, are the better team. And the "When healthy" is the key point here. The team has everything needed to make a playoff run, but early wins then late season injuries like last time will diminish the chances.
2 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10-6
I Would not mind seeing this team go the distance this year and already, many sportscasters are picking them to do so. Many of those picked them to go 3-13 last year. What hurts is that NFL variable of a late season loss (as in the last game of the season) and sometimes it is very very hard to bounce back. Especially with a solid healthy group of Texans in the division. Still, the team has the tools to take a late playoff run IF the offense can find a groove.
3 TENNESSEE TITANS 8-8
While Mariotta is the Franchise QB, I don't think of the TITANS as the Franchise team. I see too many problems and weaknesses and some are on the sidelines. Best build skill players in the next draft and hope for a better season.
4 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 6-10
Andrew Luck took the Colts to the Playoffs in 2014 when he had a solid supporting cast. Then he got hurt and now he is back, though unproven since his injury, and lacks a good supporting cast. Which means a long sad season for the people back home in Indiana.
AFC WEST
The Big question I am hearing is how long it will take Gruden to get the Raiders back to the Super Bowl?
Probably a while, if ever. And not this season. Second, I am not high on the Chargers. In fact, most of you know how much I dislike that franchise anyway. That being said, just because a team finished strong last year means NOTHING going into a new year.
1 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 10-6
Can we trust Andy Reid to win? I say yes, In fact I would trust him just about anywhere except in the line ahead of me at the all you can eat Buffet. Talk about FAT-CATS both of us need a diet. Yes, He had good reason to go with Maholmes as the QB and YES his defense will still work and YES he will still win.
2 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 8-8
I am already not liking some injuries and gaps I am seeing in preseason. And I don;t trust the way they run the franchise either. I mean it is not as bad as the ones say in Cleveland or Miami, but it is not Super Bowl worthy.
3 DENVER BRONCOS 8-8
Another team I despise, they will be solid on defense and improved at QB this year.
4 OAKLAND RAIDERS 4-12
This squad will be better on the sidelines....coaching that is. It will take a while to get a team built but Gruden will do OK with what he has available.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NFC EAST
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 10-6
LETS face it. This division is the Eagles to lose. The lat team that repeated as Division champs in the NFC EAST? The EAGLES back in the early part of the century. But if preseason and camp is any indication, the Eagles are already resting on their Aeries and may be in for a rough season, as everyone in the league will be gunning for them.
DALLAS COWBOYS 8-8
The COwboys will likely NOT make the playoffs and likely not have a winning team. The defense is still sketchy, with NO depth especially in the secondary, which will allow QBS like Manning, Wentz, Folkes to have a field day throwing. The Offensive line is hurting...already too many nagging injuries going into opening day which will be a problem later on. Pro Bowl Center Frederick is likely out for the year. And the WR core is very thin, meaning that the Cowboys are going to be a running team, and once the blocking is gone for that, well, so is the offense. Oh and they have the same crappy owner and his muppet on strings coach that has yet to impress this cat.
NEW YORK GIANTS 7-9
I would say that things will be better in the Big Apple this year for Giant's fans. I will say that in this division, they may even get to first. but not likely. But if this season is successful, then we all know that they are on the right track.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS 4-12
Someone always gets mad at the Cat for picking the Redskins last. But there is a lot of work to be done here. Firing the coach will be a likely step.
NFC NORTH
LET'S TALK HEISMAN !!!!
Looking over the past twelve years, half of the players have been NFL Busts. Which brings us to two of this years NFL QBs...what does the NFL have for them ?
Going back to 2006, when Troy Smith won the Trophy and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, the team was hopeful in settling in on a franchise QB. After all, who would not have been happy to have Heisman talent on the team available in the 5th round. Sadly, Illness and size forced a short career, and Smith ended his career briefly in Canada BUST
Along came Tim Tebow part of a national championship team. he seemed destined for great things, but never worked out on a Big league level. TOTAL BUST
Finally, a talented Sam Bradford came along and while not a superstar, has been working hard in the NFL. But sadly, he is riding the cusp of Bust material as he has been bounced around by several teams. It would seem that no one seems to thing that he has the franchise quality ON THE FENCE
in 2009 power runner Mark Ingram came along and the Saints have had a running threat ever since. GREAT PICK
in 2010, AUburn QB Cam Newton showed the power earned him a trophy past anyone else he led his team to a Super Bowl shortly after, and in spite of coaching changes and line changes, keeps his team competitive in a tough division of 3 power teams. SOLID PLAYER
2011 Winner Robert Griffin 3 may be the second biggest bust of the decade so far, earning nicknames such as RG 0and3 the fans can coaches were disappointed at the outcomes of this player. It is rumored that he works in the Raven's cafeteria as a server and table cleaner now. BUST
2012 What can be said about Johnny "Mr Football" Manziel that has not already been said about the Adventures of Pluto Nash ?
At least in Hollywood someone gets a second chance. In the NFL they get several, and Manziel blew them all. MAJOR BUST
2013 Jamies Winston has been nothing but a disappointment in the NFL so far. While I blame it on the team and poor coaching, including lack of mentoring and inability to design plays around his skill set, the fact is that Winston has been taking his money, riding in Uber to strip bars, and disappointing the good people of Tampa again and again. BUST SO FAR !
2014 Marcus Mariotta is another QB who has shown his ability in spite of being on a team that is coached by a group of clowns. We will throw in his team mate 2015 winner Derrick Henry and say that they are doing OK in spite of the limits that are imposed on them by the coaches. If they played someplace like, say, New England or Kansas City, they would be stars. AVERAGE
SO that brings us to Rookies Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. We must remember that the pressure and stress of a Heisman winner in the NFL is far greater in the public and media's eyes than that of a normal player. These players are constantly hounded and followed by the media who watch for everything from a dropped pass to a dropped fork at dinner. The pressure is always on in the NFL and it is really on for Heisman Trophy winners. A few on the list have rid=sen to potential, but most have not. Something to remember this year .
Looking over the past twelve years, half of the players have been NFL Busts. Which brings us to two of this years NFL QBs...what does the NFL have for them ?
Going back to 2006, when Troy Smith won the Trophy and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, the team was hopeful in settling in on a franchise QB. After all, who would not have been happy to have Heisman talent on the team available in the 5th round. Sadly, Illness and size forced a short career, and Smith ended his career briefly in Canada BUST
Along came Tim Tebow part of a national championship team. he seemed destined for great things, but never worked out on a Big league level. TOTAL BUST
Finally, a talented Sam Bradford came along and while not a superstar, has been working hard in the NFL. But sadly, he is riding the cusp of Bust material as he has been bounced around by several teams. It would seem that no one seems to thing that he has the franchise quality ON THE FENCE
in 2009 power runner Mark Ingram came along and the Saints have had a running threat ever since. GREAT PICK
in 2010, AUburn QB Cam Newton showed the power earned him a trophy past anyone else he led his team to a Super Bowl shortly after, and in spite of coaching changes and line changes, keeps his team competitive in a tough division of 3 power teams. SOLID PLAYER
2011 Winner Robert Griffin 3 may be the second biggest bust of the decade so far, earning nicknames such as RG 0and3 the fans can coaches were disappointed at the outcomes of this player. It is rumored that he works in the Raven's cafeteria as a server and table cleaner now. BUST
2012 What can be said about Johnny "Mr Football" Manziel that has not already been said about the Adventures of Pluto Nash ?
At least in Hollywood someone gets a second chance. In the NFL they get several, and Manziel blew them all. MAJOR BUST
2013 Jamies Winston has been nothing but a disappointment in the NFL so far. While I blame it on the team and poor coaching, including lack of mentoring and inability to design plays around his skill set, the fact is that Winston has been taking his money, riding in Uber to strip bars, and disappointing the good people of Tampa again and again. BUST SO FAR !
2014 Marcus Mariotta is another QB who has shown his ability in spite of being on a team that is coached by a group of clowns. We will throw in his team mate 2015 winner Derrick Henry and say that they are doing OK in spite of the limits that are imposed on them by the coaches. If they played someplace like, say, New England or Kansas City, they would be stars. AVERAGE
SO that brings us to Rookies Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson. We must remember that the pressure and stress of a Heisman winner in the NFL is far greater in the public and media's eyes than that of a normal player. These players are constantly hounded and followed by the media who watch for everything from a dropped pass to a dropped fork at dinner. The pressure is always on in the NFL and it is really on for Heisman Trophy winners. A few on the list have rid=sen to potential, but most have not. Something to remember this year .
THE KINGCAT PICKS THE 2018 WINNERs, Losers and SUrprisesCOming Late August 2018Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. In ut tortor interdum, vulputate neque eu, finibus augue. In semper porta ipsum a placerat. Quisque laoreet efficitur metus, ut eleifend turpis porttitor non. Nullam pretium, leo a euismod semper, dolor purus efficitur mi, ut dapibus mauris metus at felis.
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