Fearless NFL Predictions

Well good readers, we've come to that time of year where I annually embarass myself.

With that said here goes. The 2006 NFL predictions:

NFC East-You all know I'm a die hard Eagles fan and tend to go with my heart on this. I'm picking the Eagles to go 11-5 and win the division. Dallas may or may not have upgraded depending on how the T.O. saga plays out. The first game Bledsoe throws three straight at his feet or into coverage where he gets creamed by Brian Dawkins, T.O. will melt down. As for the 'Skins, not this year. They've definitely upgraded but the team has been changed so many times that they just can't gel. As for the Giants, Eli is a sham and will not have a great year, Tiki is older, Toomer is older and Shockey can't do it himself. They will win the wildcard if they can coax somewhat respectable football out of Manning but I'll take Tampa in that spot.

NFC South-Carolina is the class of this division. Atlanta may make a run but John Fox is among the best coaches in the league. Tampa is the one I can't quite put my finger on, how good will they be? New Orleans is still suffering the post-Katrina effect (I blame Bush!) and will finish at the very best 8-8.

NFC North-Chicago will win in a weak conference. Favre will show his age and Detroit has already has their share of problems (a coach busted for driving naked and DUI in a two-week period is not a promising omen) and will falter causing Millen to be canned. Minnesota is another of those enigma teams I can't seem to get a read on.

NFC West-Will the Cards finally make the playoffs? I say yes with a good year by Edgerrin James and some other players. Seattle will win the other wildcard and go far in the playoffs but I think the stars will finally align for the Cards. The 'Niners and St. Louis will be fodder for the 'Hawks and Cards.

AFC East-I like NE to win it and Miami to be one wildcard. Buffalo is a few years off but may surprise some and the Jets will crash and burn by week ten.

AFC North-Cincy will take the division but the Steelers will make a late run. Big Ben has had a rough year and he'll hit his stride come October. The Ravens and Browns will be also-rans again.

AFC South-Indy will win but losing Edgerrin James will prove more damaging than predicted. Jax will take the other wildcard and may pack a punch during the playoffs. Tennessee and Houston are a few years off.

AFC West-The key to the Chargers hopes is the maturity of Rivers. He's the man and has to act like it. Gates and L.T. should help his progress. I see L.T. getting more receptions this year in a dump off role and he'll rush for as many as last year. The Raiders are...well the Raiders. They'll never be good until they get a good QB and they don't have one this year. The Bronco's will be solid but Plummer will break down and make mistakes, it's his onus every year. The Chiefs are another team I can't get a read on. Great talent and a horrible coach. I'm a Herm Edwards fan from when he was a player but as a coach not so much.

Playoffs

NFC
Eagles
Panthers
Bears
Cards
Seahawks
Bucs

Divisional Round
Eagles
Panther
Seahawks
Bucs

NFC Championship
Eagles
Seahawks

AFC
Patriots
Bengals
Colts
Chargers
Steelers
Jaguars

Divisional Round
Patriots
Chargers
Colts
Bengals

AFC Championship
Chargers
Bengals

Superbowl (TM)
Bengals
Panthers

Champion
Panthers