It's funny how wrong preseason predictions are - already. Here's what it looks like after week 2:
AFC Division Winners
Colts
Chargers
Bengals
Patriots
AFC Wildcard Spots
Jaguars*
Steelers*
Ravens
There's 7 teams fighting for 6 playoff spots. I really don't see a team not listed here making it to the AFC Playoffs. The Ravens look good now, but I'm not sold. I expect Cinci to win the division, and the Steelers to get in the wild card.
NFC Division Winners
Seahawks
Bears
Giants
Falcons
NFC Wildcard Spots
Cowboys*
Cardinals*
Eagles
Vikings
Saints
Panthers
The NFC is a little more wide open, with 10 teams looking to get in 6 spots. I'm not counting out Carolina, but right now I see the Giants winning the East, and the Cowboys and Cardinals getting in.
I haven't seen a minute of carolina this year, but from my perception, their season rides on steve smith's health. with him (and practically only him) they dominated last year. now, they seem to be very mediocre. if he can play at a high level, i'll accept them as a playoff contender, but without him, it doesn't seem like they have a chance.
ReplyDeletebut also remember this, it's very early in the year. every year some team starts hot and doesn't make the playoffs and somebody else starts out ice cold, puts together a great run (usually combined with a weak finishing schedule) and makes the playoffs. last year the steelers got all the breaks to get into the playoffs and then won the super bowl.