2012 NFL Predictions Part 2 – The NFL

Here we go again, another season in the NFL.  Last year, I predicted a Packers-Ravens Super Bowl, and I wasn’t even close.  I also predicted the Giants to miss the playoffs, and they won the Super Bowl.  Hopefully I will be closer this year.  First, team by team analysis and W/L record predictions, then playoff predictions, then some awards.

AFC West

San Diego Chargers: I again expect this team to win their division, because they still have a solid quarterback and a solid defense.  There won’t be any dominant team in the AFC West this year, but the Chargers are again my pick to win it, even though they were extremely inconsistent last year.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Denver Broncos: We all know what the Broncos did this offseason:  signing the best quarterback of his generation, Peyton Manning, but also trading Tim Tebow, their catalyst and leader last season.  These moves will have both positive and negative effects, but more negative as I predict the Broncos to miss the playoffs.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 35%

Kansas City Chiefs: Romeo Crennel was the right pick to be their head coach, even though he did not do too well as coach of the Browns a few years ago.  But this Chiefs team should be competitive as long as they stay healthy.  In fact, they could very well win the division.  But I just see last year as too much of a setback.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 15%

Oakland Raiders: Really Raiders?  ANOTHER new coach?  How do you expect to stay relevant when you can’t hold onto a coach for more than two years?  But I will say that last year, the Raiders showed flashes that proved that they could be the best team in the division.  Palmer needs to stay healthy and that defense needs to improve.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 15%

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers: It seems like the Steelers just reload instead of rebuild.  They had a disappointing end to last season, losing in the playoffs to the Broncos, but they’ll more than likely be back this season.  I don’t know if I see another Super Bowl appearance out of the Roethlisberger-led Steelers. 
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 40%

Cincinnati Bengals: What a great season for Dalton, Green, and co. as they made the playoffs last season.  Seeing how young this team is and how good their defense can be, I see this team remaining in contention, and someday being division champs.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 25%

Baltimore Ravens: I see a setback this year for the Ravens.  Losing Suggs to injury will really hurt them.  Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are nearing the ends of their careers.  They’ve relied on their tough defense to win games the past decade, but I don’t think that defense will be as tough this year.  But they could just as easily be their normal selves and make the playoffs, which is why I have their division winning shot higher than the Bengals.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 30%

Cleveland Browns: You have to wonder, especially if you’re a Browns fan, when the Browns will win the division, if ever.  They drafted a 28 year old rookie to play quarterback.  Their defense is actually pretty good, but they need leaders.  Looks like Browns fans will have to wait another season for well… anything.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC South

Houston Texans: In their 10^th season in the league, the Texans finally made the playoffs and won a playoff game.  Their team is built to contend, so long as Matt Schaub stays healthy.  They have a good running game, and I think they will still have a good pass rush, despite losing Mario Williams to free agency. 
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 50%

Tennessee Titans: As I’m writing this, the Titans have not picked a quarterback, but I think Locker will be their guy this year.  The Titans are making strides and are just a few pieces away from giving the Texans a run for their money.  Look for them to be in the wild card hunt perhaps until the last day of the season.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Jacksonville Jaguars: Not much to say about the Jaguars.  They have a young QB who didn’t look that great in his rookie season last year, Blaine Gabbert, but look for him to improve this season.  They still have MJD who will be the main producer for this offense.  But you have to say that the Jaguars are a team in rebuilding mode, yet again.
Predicted record: 5-11
Odds of winning division: 10%

Indianapolis Colts: Well, here’s a team that is definitely in a rebuilding process, but a team that might get through it faster than the Jaguars.  Number one overall pick Andrew Luck will face his struggles, and I’d be shocked if they won the division, but stranger things have happened.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

AFC East

New England Patriots: The Patriots are once again kings of the AFC East and perhaps again kings of the AFC.  There were no huge losses or gains this offseason, so look for them to just keep winning.  Tom Brady just needs to stay healthy.
Predicted record: 12-4
Odds of winning division: 65%

New York Jets: They had such a disappointing season last year, as this is a team with HUGE aspirations and HUGE goals.  Despite finishing 8-8 last season, I wouldn’t be surprised if their goal remained to winning a Super Bowl.  They have the talent.  Mark Sanchez just needs to act like an elite quarterback.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Buffalo Bills: The Buffalo Bills are a team that could surprise people this season.  They signed Mario Williams, they have Fitzpatrick under contract, and they drafted a great young corner in Stephen Gilmore.  They might even contend for a wild card, depending on how the rest of the division does. 
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 10%

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins still don’t have a top-tier QB, and they haven’t since the days of Dan Marino, but they’re hoping someday Ryan Tannehill will be that guy.  Being in such a tough division, it’s hard to see these guys succeed, especially since they’ll be quarterbacked by a journeyman (Matt Moore) or a rookie (Tannehill).
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%


NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: What an unexpected season from them last year.  They went from NFC West doormat to dominant division champs, and they almost made it to the Super Bowl.  I don’t know if we’ll see the same dominance this year, but they will most certainly contend for the playoffs.  I just can’t see them making the Super Bowl without a top quarterback.
Predicted record: 11-5
Odds of winning division: 55%

Seattle Seahawks: Ah, the Seahawks.  Well, I already reviewed them here: http://briguy17-briguy17.blogspot.com/2012/08/predictions-for-seahawks-in-2012.html.  I expect them to contend for the division crown with the 49ers, which will probably start an intense rivalry between the teams.  It all comes down to the division games.  Can they beat the 49ers?  Can they sweep both the Cards and Rams?  And of course, the QB situation. 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals are another team with a QB situation, but as opposed to the Seahawks who have too much of a good thing, the Cardinals are looking like they are trying to pick the lesser of two evils.  Their defense can be really good at times, but they just can’t compete with the quarterbacks they have. 
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

St. Louis Rams: The Rams suffered a setback last year after being expected to contend for the division title.  They are still a work in progress, but Jeff Fisher, who is a great coach, will get these guys working hard and going in the right direction.  I expect them to fight hard all year long.
Predicted record: 6-10
Odds of winning division: 5%

NFC North

Green Bay Packers: The Packers had such a letdown of a postseason game after an incredible start to the regular season, almost going undefeated.  I expect the same dominance from them in the regular season and for them to bounce back from last year’s loss to the Giants.  This is a team built to win for year, and they will.
Predicted record: 13-3
Odds of winning division: 65%

Detroit Lions: The Lions showed they are no longer the NFC North doormat anymore by making the playoffs last season, only to lose to the Saints in their first playoff game in over a decade.  I don’t know what we’ll see from these guys this year, but I know there is a lot of talent in their division.  They’ll be neck and neck with the Bears all season long, I think.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 20%

Chicago Bears: The Bears suffered injuries to both Cutler and Forte last year, which is why they struggled.  But if they both stay healthy, I think they can really have a good shot at the playoffs.  They still have a pretty good defense.  But I just can’t see it all coming together like that.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 15%

Minnesota Vikings: Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  Once the kings of this division, they are now the cellar dwellers and will use the 2012 season as a rebuilding one, seeing how 2^nd year quarterback Christian Ponder does.  They are the only team I give a 0% chance of winning the division to because the other teams are just so talented in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 0%

NFC South

New Orleans Saints: Oh boy did they get penalized by the NFL for their bounties on players.  But guess what?  I still expect this team to win the division!  They are that kind of team.  Picking up ex-Seahawk David Hawthorne will help for sure.  But I expect the NFC South to be the closest and toughest fought battle for the division title in 2012.
Predicted record: 10-6
Odds of winning division: 30%

Carolina Panthers: People are saying this team is still another year away.  I say this team might just contend this year!  Cam Newton is so talented it’s ridiculous.  They have a great running game, and their defense is improving.  They’re my surprise pick this season (similar to the Lions in 2011). 
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 25%

Atlanta Falcons: Well, how long has Matt Ryan been here?  And how many times has he won a playoff game?  Exactly.  The Falcons really are losing ground in the NFC South and might suffer a setback this season.  It will be extremely competitive in this division and they could lose a lot of games they should win.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 25%

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Well, last year was quite a setback, but with a new coach, some excellent signings in free agency (Nicks, Jackson), and a new outlook, they should be improved.  They could very well win the division, but we’ll see how year one goes under Greg Schiano.
Predicted record: 7-9
Odds of winning division: 20%

NFC East

New York Giants: Like I said last year, and like I’ve said many years before, when I pick the Giants to do well, they lose, and vice versa.  So this year, I’m picking them to repeat as division champs.  Like I said, you can’t predict this team.
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Dallas Cowboys: Oh, the Cowboys.  How you have such high goals and such mediocre results.  It’s comical.  I don’t expect a breakout season from them this year.  Tony Romo is a good quarterback, but have they surrounded him with enough talent and depth?
Predicted record: 9-7
Odds of winning division: 35%

Philadelphia Eagles: A lot of people are expecting the Eagles to break out from a disappointing season last year, but I don’t.  I think they’re an average team.  Michael Vick is an average quarterback.  Vick has only once started all 16 games in a season.  Keep dreaming, Eagles.
Predicted record: 8-8
Odds of winning division: 25%

Washington Redskins: Drafting RGIII will either kill this team or return them to prominence, depending on if he’s a bust or not.  But for this first season I don’t expect much as he gets used to the NFL game.  I wouldn’t be too shocked if they won the division, but realistically, there’s just too much talent in their division.
Predicted record: 4-12
Odds of winning division: 5%

Playoffs:
AFC
1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. Houston Texans (11-5)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
4. San Diego Chargers (9-7)
5. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
6. New York Jets (9-7)

NFC
1. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
2. San Francisco 49ers (11-5)
3. New Orleans Saints (10-6)
4. New York Giants (9-7)
5. Detroit Lions (9-7)
6. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)

Wildcards
AFC
(6) Jets at (3) Steelers: Steelers
(5) Bengals at (4) Chargers: Bengals

NFC
(6) Seahawks at (3) Saints: Saints
(5) Lions at (4) Giants: Giants

Divisional
AFC
(5) Bengals at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Steelers at (2) Texans: Texans

NFC
(4) Giants at (1) Packers: Packers
(3) Saints at (2) 49ers: Saints

Conference Championships
(2) Texans at (1) Patriots: Patriots
(3) Saints at (1) Packers: Packers

Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans

Patriots 24, Packers 27

Well, there you have it.  This year, I predict the Seahawks to make the playoffs, but I think they’ll be a first round exit.  Also, Super Bowl XLVII between the Patriots and Packers would not be the first time those two teams met in the Super Bowl in New Orleans.  In fact, in Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots and Packers met in New Orleans, with the Packers winning their 2nd Super Bowl in 3 years.  I expect the same result this time around.  Finally, some predictions on NFL awards:

NFL MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Offensive Player of the Year: Cam Newton, Panthers
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Willis, 49ers
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck, Colts
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechly, Panthers
Coach of the Year: Ron Rivera, Panthers

Predictions for the Seahawks in 2012

Wow, it’s August already which means it’s time to make predictions for the Seahawks and the NFL for the 2012 season.  Last year, I predicted the Seahawks to go 9-7 and they went 7-9, so I was two games off there.  However, I correctly predicted the Seahawks to miss the playoffs, as I felt they weren’t ready and didn’t have a good enough quarterback.  I really feel the success of this season hinges on the quarterback position: whether or not we can get decent play from that position, regardless of who is the starter.  Just like last year, I will go over each game and make a prediction for a winner.  I will also predict Seahawks leaders in certain categories and analyze each position.  Without further ado, my 2012 predictions for the Seahawks!



Week 1: September 9 at Arizona Cardinals
The Seahawks start out in a place they’ve struggled in off and on for the past few years.  Both teams will have iffy quarterback situations, but I think the Cards prevail due to home field advantage, I’m afraid.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Seahawks 20
Seahawks record: 0-1

Week 2: September 16 vs. Dallas Cowboys
It should be a great matchup, and finally we are playing the Cowboys HERE and not in Texas.  I expect another competitive game, but if Romo is healthy and the Cowboys don’t make too many mental mistakes, it still will be tough to win.  Cowboys in perhaps a defensive struggle.
Prediction: Cowboys 17, Seahawks 12
Seahawks record: 0-2

Week 3: September 24 vs. Green Bay Packers
There is something about Monday Night with the Seahawks—they’re really good on primetime.  And seeing as Flynn will more than likely start, he will be facing his former team, so he’ll know how to beat them.  I expect a Seahawks team hungry for their first win to surprise a Packers team that underestimates the young Hawks.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Packers 28
Seahawks record: 1-2

Week 4: September 30 at St. Louis Rams
I can’t even remember if we’ve lost in St. Louis since our Super Bowl year.  I think we have, but just once.  Anyway, even with Tarvaris struggling in last year’s game in St. Louis, the Hawks still won 24-7.  I expect a similar score.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Rams 10
Seahawks record: 2-2

Week 5: October 7 at Carolina Panthers
Carolina is a team on the rise, but so are we, so it should be a great matchup.  I’ll pick the Panthers just barely in this one, I think Cam Newton pulls off a last-second win.
Prediction: Panthers 24, Seahawks 21
Seahawks record: 2-3

Week 6: October 14 vs. New England Patriots
Guess what?  Tom Brady has never played at Century Link Field.  The Patriots and Seahawks have played just twice since Century Link Field opened in 2002, with one game being played there.  But that one game (which was in 2008), Tom Brady was out due to his ACL injury.  Matt Cassel started in his place and the Patriots won 24-21.  But like I said, Tom has never played at the Clink, and I think the Hawks will be hungry for another upset win.  Just call them the Hawk Shockers. 
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Patriots 21
Seahawks record: 3-3

Week 7: October 18 at San Francisco 49ers
Playing on just 4 days rest, the Hawks face the 49ers on a Thursday night game.  I can’t remember the last time we won IN San Francisco, which goes to show how badly we have played there recently.  I expect more of a competition this year, but a loss nonetheless.
Prediction: 49ers 18, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 3-4

Week 8: October 28 at Detroit Lions
This should be a great matchup, with Stafford and Megatron vs. our talented secondary.  I expect the Hawks to get a few road wins, and this could very well be one of them.  Hawks in a slight upset, because I believe they will be able to contain Stafford’s passing game.
Prediction: Seahawks 28, Lions 17
Seahawks record: 4-4

So, at the halfway point, the Hawks stand at 4-4, still a decent shot at the playoffs.  Let’s see how I think they’ll fare in the second half:

Week 9: November 4 vs. Minnesota Vikings
While the Vikings still have some stars in Adrian Peterson and Jared Allen, they are a team in rebuilding mode and this really is a game the Hawks should and must win.  Contain Jared Allen and AD, and this game is ours.
Prediction: Seahawks 34, Vikings 16
Seahawks record: 5-4

Week 10: November 11 vs. New York Jets
The Jets are one of those teams that could be a frontrunner for the Super Bowl, or a team that misses the playoffs with a record of around .500 or so.  It’s really hard to say.  But I think at this point the Hawks will be in a groove and will dispatch the Jets.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Jets 10
Seahawks record: 6-4

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: November 25 at Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins won’t win the AFC East, but they’re no slouch, either.  This should be a close game, at least at first, but I expect the Seahawks to pull away in the 2^nd half.  The Dolphins are an average team at best, while the Hawks have a lot of strengths and I believe are a slightly above average team.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17
Seahawks record: 7-4

Week 13: December 2 at Chicago Bears
At this point the Hawks would be in playoff position, but getting a win in December in Chicago is no easy task.  Matt Flynn’s played in cold weather before, and the Hawks did blowout the Bears 38-14 in Chicago last year, but the Bears were missing both Cutler AND Matt Forte.  If both of them play and they should, the Hawks will have a tough game.  Bears by a hair.
Prediction: Bears 19, Seahawks 17
Seahawks record: 7-5

Week 14: December 9 vs. Arizona Cardinals
This will be one of those pivotal must-win games for the Hawks.  This also might be the game to determine who finishes higher in the division standings between these two teams.  We won a squeaker at home last year vs. the Cards, and I expect the same this year.
Prediction: Seahawks 15, Cardinals 12
Seahawks record: 8-5

Week 15: December 16 at Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a team that’s slightly improving year after year, and after drafting well and signing Mario Williams they should be even better.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is an above-average QB for them and again, another cold weather environment for the Hawks in December.  Bless them.  But Bills win.
Prediction: Bills 20, Seahawks 14
 Seahawks record: 8-6

Week 16: December 23 vs. San Francisco 49ers
You talk about a potentially HUGE game, this is it.  If the 49ers are 9-5 or 8-6 going into this game, it will be absolutely huge.  This is a game that’s of course, hard to determine as it is four months out as I’m writing this (who knows who will be injured, who will be playing well, etc.).  It’s really a coin flip, and this game will probably decide the Hawks playoff chances.  I gotta go with my gut.
Prediction: 49ers 17, Seahawks 16
Seahawks record: 8-7

Week 17: December 30 vs. St. Louis Rams
Regardless of whether or not the Seahawks are playing for a playoff spot, this game should be a win, unless the Hawks have such a good record that they sit players out.  Not likely.  I predict a comfortable Seahawks win.
Prediction: Seahawks 31, Rams 14
Seahawks record: 9-7

So, for the 2^nd straight year, I predict a record of 9-7 for the Seahawks.  But like I said, it comes down to quarterback play.  Will we make the playoffs?  Well, you’ll just have to tune in to my prediction for the rest of the NFL to find out!  However, last thing I have is leaders in each category:

Passing
Completions, Yards, TD’s: Matt Flynn

Rushing
Carries, Yards, TD’s: Marshawn Lynch

Receiving
Receptions: Zach Miller
Yards: Doug Baldwin
TD’s: Doug Baldwin

Defense
Sacks: Chris Clemons
Tackles: Kam Chancellor
Interceptions: Richard Sherman

I hope to be surprised this year, but in a good way!  I can’t wait to see who will be this year’s Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, and Doug Baldwin.  Should be a fun 2012 season for the Seahawks.