My Predictions were not the best this year. I correctly picked six playoff teams but any dope could have told you the Patriots, Steelers, Ravens, Packers, Saints, and Falcons would be in the playoffs. I'll go through each division and then my awards, which were very stinky.
AFC East --- I had the Patriots being the 15-1 seed in the AFC, which they are, but I also added Fat Albert Haynesworth and Ochocinco would have big years, not so much. The Jets flopped. I had them going 11-5, however I did question if Nacho Sanchez was ready to win a Super Bowl, I know the answer to that one now. Tony Sparano ended out swimming with the fishes and despite the Bills hot start they ended out being a long way from making the playoffs.
AFC North --- My bias had me having the Steelers winning the North at 12-4. They did go 12-4 but so did the Ravens who earned the crown by beating the Steelers twice. For some reason I thought the Browns would be an improving 7-9 team. They won 4 games in typical Brownies fashion. My biggest blunder of the predictions was the Cincinnati Bengals. My statement on the predicted to be 2-14 team, "The Bungals are going to suck. Plain and Simple." I also crowned them the worst team in the league and said I'd be shocked if they won 4 games. Well 9-7 and a wild card is good way to shut me up. Congrats Bengals.
AFC South --- A close second to my worst pick would be the Colts winning the south. The day after I posted the predictions it came out that Peyton was going to miss most of the season, so I'm cutting myself some slack. The Texans were picked 2nd and I said Wade Phillips would improve the defense. The Titans also surprised me by going 9-7 and just missing the playoffs.
AFC West --- I did predict the Chiefs to go 7-9, I didn't much else right in the West. Chargers stunk early like they always do, the Raiders did not play Terrelle Pryor, and I had the Broncos in last place. However I said, " bottom line Broncos, just play TEBOW." That worked out pretty well.
NFC East --- My champs were the Cowboys at 11-5, they had their chance in week 17 but fell apart in December like normal. The Dream Team didn't have me sold before the season. I had them at 10-6 and a wild card team but it didn't shock me that Mike Vick got hurt a missed a few games. They will be much better next year. The Giants did what I thought they would do other than Eli Manning. He had a great season and carried the G-men to the division crown. The Redskins were awful, so was Rex Grossman, called that one correct.
NFC North --- The Packers are in the Super Bowl hunt and have home-field advantage like I thought. I didn't think they were going to make a run at 16-0 though. I had the Lions at 8-8 and missing the playoffs but congrats to them on making the playoffs for the first time since 1999.I gave the Vikings to much credit, they only won 3 games. Sorry I love Donovan McNabb, I thought it would work out for him in Minnesota. The Bears, "since 2001, they have won over 11 games three times (not including last year), and twice they failed to win 8 games the next season" the trend continues as the Bears won 8 and missed the playoffs. Some bad breaks for them though, they were looking tough when they had Cutler and Forte.
NFC South --- Predicted the Saints to win and Falcons to make the playoffs. Those things happened. I mentioned I was starting to like Cam Newton. I love Cam Newton now. The Panthers are going to be in the south race next year and for the future. He is a stud. Then the Bucs. Oh the bucs. What happened? From 10 wins in 2010 to 10 straight losses in 2011. Not good and very surprising.
NFC West --- This prediction was pretty much as bad as the Bengals. I had the 49ers at 4-12. Even if I reversed those numbers they still did better than my prediction. These Harbaughs know how to coach. The division race was over in week 8. I am no longer on the Kevin Kolb bandwagon. John Skelton was the main reason the Cardinals fought back to 8-8. The Seahawks still need a franchise quarterback and the Rams were awful. Sam Bradford being hurt didn't help but they don't have much talent.
All of my award picks bombed other than one. Let's start with the good.
Defensive Rookie of the Year --- Patrick Peterson. He should win the award. Peterson made some huge plays on defense and special teams. He single handily beat the Rams with a 99 yard punt return in overtime. He's also younger than me, depressing.
Injuries --- Mark Ingram for offensive ROY and LaMarr Woodley for Defensive POY. Both missed several games which hurt their chances. Ingram wouldn't have a chance anyway, with the years Cam Newton and Andy Dalton had. Woodley may have, considering he had 7.5 sacks in the 4 games before he hurt his hamstring.
MVP --- Philip Rivers. I predicted he may throw for 5000 yards. Instead he went with the 20 interceptions and 7 fumbles. He played great in December like he always does but then it was too late for him and the Chargers.
Coach of the Year --- Jason Garrett. He iced his own kicker to blow a game against the Cardinals. That's all that needs to be said on this pick.
First coach to be fired --- Mike Shanahan. Somehow he is never going to get fired. I must be awesome to make 20 million dollars and only be expected to win 5 games a year.
Worst Team in the NFL --- Cincinnati Bengals. I already mentioned this but I was convinced they were going to be awful. They shocked me. Andy Dalton shocked me. I'm not saying he is going to be a great quarterback but the Bengals did have a great season and made a great move in trading Carson Palmer to the Raiders for a hundred first round draft picks.
My Super Bowl pick has both the number one seeds, Packers over Patriots. I won't change it but I doubt I'll be right.
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