2011 NFL Season Predictions

It's "Christmas Day" for NFL fans with the first kickoff of the year set for tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin. A prime time match up between the past two Super Bowl Champions definitely has America salivating. Could one of these teams create a dynasty before our eyes, or will a new winner rise to the top? Before the opening coin toss, I'm going to put on my "Jimmy The Greek" hat and go out on a limb with some predictions for the upcoming season.



Division Winners
NFC North- Green Bay Packers
A much improved division will have a new winner this season. The Packers bring the most complete team to the table and should edge out the Bears and Lions.
NFC East- Dallas Cowboys
With a healthy Tony Romo at the controls, the Cowboys offense will be extremely explosive. I see Dallas squeaking by the Eagles for the crown.
NFC South- New Orleans Saints
Noticing a trend here? Three elite QB's all leading their teams to divisional titles. I think the Saints' experience will lead them over the Falcons.
NFC West- St. Louis Rams
 Last year, the NFC West was the worst division in football, and little should change this season. Unlike last year though, the Rams will take the West with a winning record.
NFC Wildcards- Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons
They may not win their divisions, but both the Eagles and Falcons are serious contenders to make deep playoff runs.

AFC North- Baltimore Ravens
Rivalries don't get much more bitter than the Ravens and Steelers and their race should be equally tight. I think the Ravens have a little something extra this time.
AFC East- New England Patriots
The Pats proved that they are still the class of the league last season and I don't think anything changes this year.
AFC South- Houston Texans
Never before have the Texans made the playoffs...until this year. It's a perfect storm with Peyton hurt, and the Jags & Titans both rebuilding.
AFC West- San Diego Chargers
The Chargers perennial slow starts finally bit them as the Chiefs surprised the world and made the playoffs. San Diego will get back to the basics and return to the post-season with star WR Vincent Jackson back.
AFC Wildcards- Pittsburgh Steelers, NY Jets
Two smash-mouth teams with staunch defenses and stellar running games will both return as wildcards.
Playoffs
NFC Wildcard Round- Cowboys def. Falcons, Eagles def. Rams
Both East squads prevail with superior all-around efforts.
AFC Wildcard Round- Chargers def. Jets, Steelers def. Texans
The Jets and Texans both have an Achilles heel. For Gang Green it's the O and for Houston it's the D.


NFC Divisional Round- Saints def. Cowboys, Packers def. Eagles
While the Saints outlast the Cowboys in a high scoring affair, the Pack will use a strong defensive effort to stop Vick and the Eagles.
AFC Divisional Round- Chargers def. Ravens, Patriots def. Steelers
San Diego uses veteran leadership to get by Baltimore. New England gets a last-second FG to edge Pittsburgh.

NFC Championships- Packers def. Saints
In a rematch of tonight's game, Green Bay makes it back to back Super Bowl appearances. The game's new best QB Aaron Rodgers will lead the way.
AFC Championships- Patriots def. Chargers
The AFC also features top tier quarterbacks. Tom Brady proves again that he's incredibly clutch in big moments, pacing the Pats past the Bolts.


Super Bowl- Patriots def. Packers
This could shape up to be one of the best Super Bowl match ups ever with two all-around greats battling to the finish. I think Brady and Bellicheck earn ring #4 and their first title since 2004.


NFL MVP Award- Aaron Rodgers
He's got the weapons, the skill set, and the situation to have an outstanding season. I'm predicting 41 total TD's with 8 INT's to go along with 4800 total yards for Rodgers in an MVP effort.
by Andrew Adamson