Week IV Predictions

Finally, I get around to doing an actual analysis of predictions and it is Week 4.

Carolina Panthers (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (1-2)
Pick: Carolina Panthers by 10
Let's face it. The Bears have just not looked good at all this season, home or away. Their offensive line has struggled early on just like last year. While they have to be able to turn it around on somebody and the Panthers seem like the perfect opportunity, Cam Newton has been running the offense very well and they finally came out with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. I believe the Panthers will come into Chicago and shock the league with a big win over the Bears.

Buffalo Bills (3-0) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Pick: Buffalo Bills by 17
I like the Bengals a little bit this year based on their young talent. However, I am not sold on Andy Dalton no matter how well he has played so far (which is not too well). On the other hand, the Bills have been playing very well. This will be a test to see if once the Bills have a lead in the first half, are they able to hold the lead? I do predict the Bills will lose a game very soon, but that game will not come against the abysmal Cincinnati Bengals.

Tennessee Titans (2-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Pick: Browns by 3
Both of these teams have been playing very well due to strong quarterback play and a strong defensive play. Matt Hasselbeck has been very exciting for the Tennessee Titans as he has been given plenty of time to sit back  in the pocket and make some plays to some very talented receivers. However, being a Seahawks fan, I know better than to predict Hasselbeck playing three productive games in a row at this point in time. It will also be interesting to see how Matt fares without his top receiver Kenny Britt. And if Chris Johnson continues to be a non-factor in the games, Tennessee's success will be very short-lived. I believe the Browns take care of Tennessee with a strong rushing attack from Peyton Hillis.

Detroit Lions (3-0) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Pick: Lions by 7
We all know it is true. Maybe Tony Romo is a very respectable, talented quarterback. However, how about them Lions! In my opinion, the Lions offense has been one of the most exciting so far this year. Nothing is more fun than watching Stafford throw well placed balls somewhere in the endzone for Calvin Johnson to skyrocket up and grab with ease. I love this team this year and I believe they will handle the Cowboys in Dallas very easily.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) @ Houston Texans (2-1)
Pick: Steelers by 3
The Texans should have beaten the Saints. There is no reason for the Texans to have lost that game. I used to consider Houston one of my favorite and most exciting teams in the AFC a couple years back and picked them to go to the playoffs. Bad mistake. Houston just can't seem to play for sixty minutes against other top notch teams. They may end up building up a 21 point lead against this Steelers defense, but they will lose it all in the 4th quarter.

New Orleans Saints (2-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Pick: Saints by 10
The Saints showed their true clutch with the big comeback win over the Texans last Sunday. The Jaguars also showed they had some life in them with the switch to rookie prospect Blaine Gabbert at quarterback. I believe with Gabbert's home debut the Jags will play tough but the Saints will be Saints and will come out on top.

Minnesota Vikings (0-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (0-3)
Pick: Vikings by 20
When you first look at the matchup and see two 0-3 teams battling it out this Sunday, look again. While the Chiefs are just downright terrible to watch this year with Cassel still playing quarterback and players like Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry gone for the year, the Vikings have lost three games they should have legitimately won. All three games they were leading at some point while the other team (San Diego, Tampa Bay, Detroit) came back and won. The Vikings have to seriously be upset about this and will unleash their true abilities this week in Kansas City. Adrian Peterson will see extended carries into the second half and their defense will hold the Chiefs' offense to minimal points. This game really looks to be a blowout in the making.

San Francisco 49ers (2-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Pick: Eagles by 17
The dream team will finally stop dreaming and come to their senses this week when hosting the 49ers on Sunday. The 49ers are on Cloud 9 just for the fact they are leading the NFC West and are over .500. Well, that won't last long because no matter who is quarterbacking the Eagles this week, the Eagles will just dominate. They've had enough of this poor play and underachieving. They will break out against this 49ers team who will probably not see a game over .500 again this year.

Washington Redskins (2-1) @ St. Louis Rams (0-3)
Pick: Redskins by 4
Is it a surprise that the Rams are 0-3? They should be leading the division, or even be among the league's undefeated right? Well they haven't, and although their schedule has been difficult (Eagles, @Giants, Ravens), they have not looked very productive in any of them. Granted they will probably have Steven Jackson back for this one, and the Redskins are arguably easier to play than all three teams prior, I still don't think the Rams are going to be able to get it done. Bradford will need a few more weeks before he starts to settle in to the flow of this new offense in St. Louis and Washington seems to be playing sound football so far in 2011.

New York Giants (2-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Pick: Giants by 14
If the Seahawks could stop the Cardinals' offense and hold them to just 10 points, the Giants might be able to do even better. The Cardinals have not been blowing teams up as some might have expected with the trade for Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia. They have looked good, but not for 60 minutes of a game. The Giants have been more consistent and although they still have their "Eli" moments, they will come out of this game with a victory.

Atlanta Falcons (1-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Pick: Seahawks by 2
This seems like a crazy pick, and it is mostly based on that the Seahawks are my favorite team and picking against them would be a dishonor. But at the same time, the Falcons have just looked plain bad this season. Turner hasn't had a breakout game yet and it seems like something has clicked off in Matt Ryan's head as where to throw the ball in third down situations, etc. I do believe that if Tarvaris Jackson continues playing sound football and not making mistakes, the Seahawks can win this game against the reigning number one seed.

Denver Broncos (1-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-0)
Picks: Packers by 21
Listen up. There is absolutely no way the Packers will lose this game. I love the Broncos to death, they are probably one of my favorite AFC teams. However, they have so many holes in the offense and defense, as well as Kyle Orton at quarterback. There is just no way they beat the hottest team in football.

New England Patriots (2-1) @ Oakland Raiders (2-1)
Pick: Patriots by 17
There are two things to be taken from last week's games from the Patriots and Raiders. The Patriots lost, but they played a great game. Losing to the Bills does not make the Patriots a bad team. The Raiders beat the Jets pretty easily, but that does not make the Raiders a good team. I picked the Raiders to beat the Jets because I know the Jets don't normally play good every week and they would probably struggle against a team like the Raiders. However, that is not the case with the Patriots. The Patriots will not lose to the Raiders. Enough said.

Miami Dolphins (0-3) @ San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Pick: Chargers by 10
I have said it before many times: The Miami Dolphins are not a good team. Chad Henne is not a good quarterback. The team has even proved that Brandon Marshall is not a good wide receiver. However, the Chargers are my personal favorites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl this year, and I believe they will win a fairly well played game at home against the Dolphins.

New York Jets (2-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Pick: Jets by 9
This has the capability of being the game of the week, as long as it is not played how it was last year when the Ravens won 10-9. The Ravens won the matchup last year in the Meadowlands, but I believe the Jets will come up on top in Baltimore this year. The Jets are going to be an on and off team throughout the season and I do believe they will end up missing the playoffs, but they will show promise by beating teams like the Baltimore Ravens.

Indianapolis Colts (0-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Pick: Buccaneers by 21
The Buccaneers have not looked as strong as I predicted they would early on in the season, and frankly, they are lucky to have won 3 games. However, the Colts seem like they have stooped to the bottom of the league and will not win very many games this season without Peyton Manning. While they did handle the Steelers fairly well and almost come out with a win, I don't think they will match that intensity on the road in Tampa this week. Look for Josh Freeman to post career numbers as well as a strong effort from LeGarrette Blount.

Week 3 Predictions (Late Again)

I will get on track with these again. I promise.

Here were my picks.

Patriots over Bills (Incorrect)
Bengals over 49ers (Incorrect)
Dolphins over Browns (Incorrect)
Broncos over Titans (Incorrect)
Lions over Vikings (Correct)
Saints over Texans (Correct)
Giants over Eagles (Correct)
Panthers over Jaguars (Correct)
Chargers over Chiefs (Correct)
Raiders over Jets (Correct)
Ravens over Rams (Correct)
Falcons over Buccaneers (Incorrect)
Packers over Bears (Correct)
Seahawks over Cardinals (Correct)
Steelers over Colts (Correct)
Cowboys over Redskins

Late Week II Picks

I apologize for not making my picks and analyses for Week 2 in the NFL. As the games are already over, I will at least post my picks from ESPN.com

I picked:

Bills over Raiders (Correct)
Saints over Bears (Correct)
Browns over Colts (Correct)
Lions over Chiefs (Correct)
Packers over Panthers (Correct)
Titans over Ravens (Correct)
Buccaneers over Vikings (Correct)
Jaguars over Jets (Incorrect)
Redskins over Cardinals (Correct)
Seahawks over Steelers (Incorrect)
Cowboys over 49ers (Correct)
Broncos over Bengals (Correct)
Dolphins over Texans (Incorrect)
Chargers over Patriots (Incorrect)
Falcons over Eagles
Giants over Rams

Chris White's Week 1 Predictions

Here are my Week 1 predictions. As this came after the opening kick off game in Green Bay, that game will not count towards my overall record.

Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears
Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 10
I believe the Falcons have a legitimate chance at taking out the Bears at Soldier Field this weekend. Although the Bears went to the conference championship last season, the Bears played the woeful Seahawks while the Falcons played the soon-to-be-champion Green Bay Packers. The Falcons added an offensive weapon in Julio Jones and a defensive powerhouse in Ray Edwards. While it will be determined by the chance that Turner can get going early in the game for the Falcons, I believe that the Bears will make enough mistakes to allow the Falcons to run away with this one.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans
Pick: Texans by 7
The beginning of this season will be interesting for the Colts. Many people believe that Manning makes this team which sets him forth as better than Tom Brady. If this is true, then the Colts will not have much of a chance without Manning running the offense. Although Kerry Collins has proved to get the job done in the past in recent years, I don't believe he will be able to lead a team to a victory against a fairly strong Texans squad in Houston.

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Chiefs by 14
I love the Bills this year. I think they have a good chance at being second in the AFC East if they can beat the Jets. However, Arrowhead Stadium is an extremely tough place to play and the Chiefs are going to want to shut up their critics who grew after their terrible loss against the Ravens in the wild card round last season. Although Cassel is not a great quarterback, I believe he will get the job done in this one and the defense for KC will stand up.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Pick: Browns by 17
The Browns are one of those teams I am excited to watch this season. They showed spurts of promise in 2010 and I believe that will only lead to more success this season. Currently I even have the Browns finishing second place in the AFC North behind the Ravens barring a woeful season for the Steelers. I think Colt McCoy is the guy in Cleveland and he will find ways to win. And no time is better than a Week 1 home game against one of the worst organizations in professional sports. Browns win this one big.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Steelers by 7
Although I have the Steelers finishing bad in the AFC North, they have the current league lead for most consecutive Week 1 victories at 8. They also tend to play very well against the Ravens even when they lose. I see Flacco struggling early for Baltimore before posing a comeback in the second half, but fall just short. The Steelers with a consistent running attack and consistent run stopping defense will win this one.

Philadelphia Eagles @ St. Louis Rams
Pick: Eagles by 3
I like the Rams this year and that is saying a lot being I am a Seahawks fan. I like how  they have built their team and formulated a strong offensive line and passing game on top of Steven Jackson's consistency. Their defense is also probably one of the most underrated defenses in the NFL. I have a feeling this could be a breakout year for the Rams. However, beginning the season against a Philadelphia Eagles' team is going to be tough to come out with a win. I see the Rams playing strong and keeping up with Vick's potent offense, but falling short off a game winning field goal.

Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Lions by 10
I love the Buccaneers in 2011. They were my first pick back in June to win the Super Bowl in 2011. However, a bad preseason from Josh Freeman and his offensive line has me questioning myself. On the other hand, Detroit and Matthew Stafford have looked incredible this preseason. If Stafford can stay healthy, it could very well be the Lions celebrating the NFC Championship if they can beat teams like the Buccaneers to get there. This game could be a very intriguing playoff preview in Week 1 that I will make sure to watch. The keys to look for will be Freeman and Stafford's pass protection and their usage of the run games. Also look for the pressure both defensive lines get on opposing quarterbacks. I see Detroit jumping out ahead with a passing attack to Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson and running away with it. However, if Josh Freeman is on his A-game, it could be the opposite. Either way, I believe this game could be game of the week.

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Titans by 3
This is one of those games where I don't really want to make a pick. Both of these teams have so many question marks despite having two of the best runningbacks in the game between Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones-Drew. I believe those two will score most of the points in this game as quarterback play may not be sufficient. I have the Titans winning as Hasselbeck is much more accountable to lead an offense than McCown. We all know now that the Jaguars are poised to give Gabbert the starting job by the end of the season as McCown will not last all season.

Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers
Pick: Chargers by 21
After watching the Chargers number 1 offense pick apart the Seahawks offense in Week 1, I was ready to crown Philip Rivers and his Chargers Super Bowl 46 Champions. And then I remember that 95% of Rivers' passes were directed towards Kelly Jennings' receiver who is no longer with the Seahawks. However, the Chargers looked hot -- over-hot -- and that has been the difference between this season and seasons passed. The Chargers have an incredible opportunity to gain a load of momentum against a pretty bad Vikings squad and I believe Rivers will make the most of it. Watch a few deep passes to Vincent Jackson in this one for at least one touchdown.

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Panthers by 7
Here are the two differences between these two teams compared to a season ago: Cam Newton and Kevin Kolb. The obvious thought is Kolb is much better than Newton. However, I am interested to see how Kolb does is his premier in the Cardinals regular season. Playing at home in front of a large crowd against the number one overall pick in this year's NFL draft? I think something will cause Kolb to struggle a little bit. Over the season he will gain experience and possibly become better but I still believe his hype is not worth it. Newton will lead the Panthers to an exciting victory in Arizona and spend at least one week ahead of the Saints.

New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
Pick: Giants by 3
I honestly have no interest in this game whatsoever as I don't have a lot of respect for either of these teams. I believe Washington is badly run and I have never truly liked Eli Manning running the Giants. While these games tend to end up exciting to a point, I have no excitement for this one at all. I do, however, predict the better team to win.

Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Seahawks by 7
You will notice me picking the Seahawks in just about every prediction I make because I am an avid fan. However, I believe I have a point in this one. These teams are extremely similar in talent: Not very good, good rushing attack, good rushing defense, bad passing defense, SF's passing offense better than SEA, SEA special teams better than SF, SEA better receivers, offensive line youthful, etc etc etc. In the end, however, I see the Seahawks defense stepping up and rattling Alex Smith and forcing a few interceptions with great field position.

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets
Pick: Cowboys by 14
This may be upset pick of the day for me, because for some reason the Jets have a lot of hype. Personally, I believe the Jets will finish 3rd in the AFC East and miss the playoffs. I understand they made it to the AFC Championship game after beating a very good New England Patriots team, but I don't think they will become close to achieving this against this year. The Cowboys, I believe, will surprise a lot of people this year.

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Pick: Patriots by 17
This seems like a very easy pick to make. The Dolphins typically do not play very well against the Patriots, and last year when they played a primetime game the Patriots rolled all over the Phins. I don't see anything different happening this year. The Patriots will win this one big and win early.

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Pick: Broncos by 3
I think the Raiders, coming off a very good year in 2010, will return to their woeful ways in 2011. They lost too many top players, and McFadden will be the next big name to know after he rushes for another big season this year. Even though in Denver I don't agree with what they have done either, I believe they will win this one on Monday Night Football in 2011.

Inaugural Full-Season Predictions I for 2011

Hey guys, I am Chris White, a young but avid NFL football fan. I am a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, as well as the Mariners and Sounders as I was born in Seattle and my entire family have always been Seattle fans. I take pride in my analyses for NFL games and I have started a second blog to record my predictions. If you like my style, like my analyses, get the word around about me!

With this post, I will start with my pre-season predictions for the season. I will predict records for each teams, as well as playoff runs. These sure are fun to look at when it is all said and done, because they are always so far off. I will do these full season predictions every season for pre-season, after Week 4, after Week 8, after Week 12, and again after the season's end. Enjoy!

Keep in mind these records are crude, I did not actually go through each game and give a win or a loss, so the ratio of wins vs. losses may be off a little bit.

NFC


NFC North
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Detroit Lions 9-7
Chicago Bears 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 6-10

NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles 12-4
Dallas Cowboys 10-6
New York Giants 8-8
Washington Redskins 4-12

NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-5
Atlanta Falcons 11-5
New Orleans Saints 9-7
Carolina Panthers 7-9

NFC West
St. Louis Rams 9-7
Seattle Seahawks 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 6-10
San Francisco 49ers 3-13

AFC


AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Cleveland Browns 8-8
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-9
Cincinnati Bengals 1-15

AFC East
New England Patriots 13-3
Buffalo Bills 8-8
New York Jets 7-9
Miami Dolphins 4-12

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts 9-7
Houston Texans 8-8
Tennessee Titans 5-11
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13

AFC West
San Diego Chargers 14-2
Denver Broncos 9-7
Kansas City Chiefs 9-7
Oakland Raiders 5-11


PLAYOFFS


Wild Card


Lions @ Buccaneers - TB
Cowboys @ Rams - STL

Chiefs @ Ravens - BAL
Broncos @ Colts - IND

Divisional Round


Rams @ Packers - GB
Buccaneers @ Eagles - TB

Colts @ Chargers - SD
Ravens @ Patriots - NE

Conference Championship


Buccaneers @ Packers - GB

Patriots @ Chargers - SD

Super Bowl


Packers vs. Chargers - SD