With the NFL Hall of Fame game just 36 days away, every team is feeling that same type of discomfort you feel right before you plummet down a 15 story drop at an amusement park: how is this one going to turn out? What if (insert starting quarterback's name here) gets hurt in the pre-season? Is the defense going to do ok? Will the offense work out? Will we go 16-0 again?
These questions are hanging around every single head coach, GM, staff member, and player as schemes are just getting finished as mentalities are getting straightened.
The goal of every team is to get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl but only 6 of 16 AFC teams will grace the post-season. The following is an analysis of why? and why not's? for each teams glimmer of hopes.
AFC WEST
San Diego Chargers
Why they will make the post-season: fairly easy schedule, LT, a power-house defense, and many starters returning.
Why they will fail: the passing game missed a beat last season and can not afford to falter again. Another reason is that the Raiders or Chiefs might show everybody up and stun the Chargers season.
Comments: will Phillip Rivers go one season without doing or saying anything stupid?
Kansas City Chiefs
Why they will make the post-season: good coaching staff, bearable schedule, and talent spread out all over the place.
Why they will fail: they are not a consistent team, the Chiefs rely on the running game just a hair too much and none of the quarterbacks are exceptional at any rate.
Comments: will Herm Edwards keep his record of never losing to the Chargers twice in one season?
Denver Broncos
Why they will make the post-season: team effort exists and defense looks stable enough to handle the tough AFC.
Why they will fail: talent is laking and the Broncos need a tailback who can answer the call and lead the team (that's not very likely). Also, Champ is getting old.
Comments: will you please beat the Chargers and provide decent competition in this division?
Oakland Raiders
Why they will make the post-season: talent, talent, and talent. Russell, Jordan McFadden, Hall, and a few other big names have potential to be a power-house.
Why they will fail: Al Davis, tough schedule for young squad, bad luck, loss of Sapp, and a lot of criticism will be inflicted.
Comments: (see above)
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers
Why they will make the post-season: Polamalu is 100% and Willie Parker will do just fine since getting injured. Maturing players, a great draft class, and coaching staff is a bonus.
Why they will fail: tough division, tough schedule, not much room for injury, other minor details.
Comments: "will Anthony Smith please step forward. Shut up and never say anything besides 'I am thrilled to be here' at a press conference."
Cleveland Browns
Why they will make the post-season: momentum, talent, a great offense, a growing defense that can only get better, and an excellent coaching staff.
Why they will fail: karma! Ok, real reason, the losses from 2007 only occurred when the team couldn't play together. If everyone can anticipate and be on the same page on every down, division title is possible.
Comments: why does Brady Quinn get more interviews and air time than anyone else on that team? (this I already know but, moving right along...)
Baltimore Ravens
Why they will make the post-season: if Troy Smith gets the starting spot, he'll blow everyone out of the water. Defense may be getting old but talented backups are in reserves.
Why they will fail: young squad on offense, Jonathan Ogden leaving will cause the o to have a tough time, schemes have yet to be learned with brand new coach, teamwork is falling apart at the seams.
Comments: Boller, Flacco, and Smith; which one? Which one?
Cincinnati Bengals
Why they will make the post-season: Ocho-Cinco is back and ready to play. Also, a few additions to both sides of the ball will make this team a lot better than last.
Why they will fail: talent is there but passion and teamwork aren't. If Marvin Lewis can get his team to play aggressive smash-mouth football, an AFC North title is not unimaginable.
Comments: Randy Moss has shut up, Terrell Owens has cried, and Chad Johnson has claimed he's not that good. World ends tomorrow.
AFC EAST
New England Patriots
Why they will make the post-season: hall of fame coach, quarterback, go-to-guy, and various defensive players. Can't get much better than this. Also, getting embarrassed by a crummy team provides momentum and fuels the fire.
Why they will fail: key losses will hurt the team and only one team in the last 10 years has made the post-season after losing the Super Bowl. The Patriots will also be the biggest game of the year for all their opponents.
Comments: 16-0 again? not happening.
Buffalo Bills
Why they will make the post-season: decent team that made some good choices in the draft and has talent and ability at the seams.
Why they will fail: the division they are in is a tough one! The rest of the schedule is also pretty difficult. Being a flat out crummy team doesn't help either.
Comments: the Bills just lack motivation. If they get themselves a real franchise player, I'd hop on this bandwagon.
New York Jets
Why they will make the post-season: the system of Eric Mangini is still being put together for perfection. There is talent on the roster and if the players are willing to work together, they could make a run for it.
Why they will fail: as long as they sit on the sidelines every game drooling, not much will change from last year. Team's stability just isn't there yet.
Comments: what will you accuse the Patriots of this year?
Maimi Dolphins
Why they will make the post-season: Everything is brand-new. You can't even compare this years team to last year's.
Why they will fail: (see above)
Comments: why the Walsh did you let Jason Taylor off so quickly?!
AFC SOUTH
Indianapolis Colts
Why they will make the post-season: too much talent and since this might be Dungy and Harrison's last year, it will be an emotional campaign.
Why they will fail: tough schedule and equally tough division will be a simple obstacle to overcome with this all-star team.
Comments: why should we even vote for the Pro Bowl? Just send the the whole Colts team to Hawaii.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Why they will make the post-season: this is a high powered team that will be driven by Garrard and co. Excellent coaching staff and amazing team will give Colts a lot of competition.
Why they will fail: Like the Colts, tough division and cruel schedule will be in way of Tampa Bay march.
Comments: just send the Jags roster to be the backups.
Tennessee Titans
Why they will make the post-season: Vince Young is looking to be better than last year and running game just might have a breakout year.
Why they will fail: the defense has to step up to the Colts, Jags and other tough opponent's. Hard schedule is always a factor in this division.
Comments: whatever you do, don't get arrested...
Houston Texans
Why they will make the post-season: the Texans are a good team believe it or not. They have good players and great coaches. If Matt Schaub can get a good game on, the Colts, Jags, and Titans better watch their backs.
Why they will fail: they are a good team in a division that offers great teams. If the Texans can't keeps the playoff race close, go ahead and count them out.
Comments: get some players from the Texans on your fantasy team. Though Houston might not shock the fantasy world, Andre Johnson just might be a sleeper this year.
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3 months ago
Great Article; well done.
But just to help you out Andre Caldwell isn't on the Texans; i think you meant Andre Davis.
3 months ago
O gosh I feel stupid now.
Yes I meant Andre Davis.
Thank you!
3 months ago
Well, one thing i'll give you credit for.
Yes, Oakland has a lot of talent. however, on the fail list, you put down Al Davis, who doesn't have a positon on the field....If the team is winning, he'll probably shut up and leave things alone....orwe can hope.
Also, listing a tough schedule for a young club.....this schedule is the 3rd easiest in the NFL....if anything, it'll be considered a disaster to go 6-10, 8-8 missed a chance, and 10-6, a good effort.
Sapp's departure, does hurt, but it also begs the question....if we start winning like mad, and have 8 wins going into the last 4, does he try to come back?
And for the critical comments....this isn't anything new. If anything, they'll be shocked, if someone says something nice about the team for once....Davis will probably have a heart attack.
Hmm, beating the Chargers.....do we get bonus points for injuries to key players, or do you want a game where we actually win?
3 months ago
lol!
al davis just causes the team trouble.
i believe he will mess with the coaching staff and screw things up in oakland.
i doubt sapp will come back.
i root for the chargers since i live in LA and they are the closes team to me, but i think they are kinda classless sometimes and need to lose to low-profile teams.
the young bucks are going to have some getting used-to, it won't be easy. if hey had THE easiest schedule, then id say other wise.
from 3 months ago
You can root for the chargers....but that guy that keeps messing with the team has a few things, that you don't.
Every team has it's flat spots. But the Raiders have had great times too....3 time Super Bowl winner, 21 playoff appearances...and almost enough Hall of Famers to field a team.
I'm wondering if LT is going to share the curse, that Randy Moss has.....any team with him on the roster, can't win the big one.
Dan Fouts, for all his passing gifts, didn't even play, in a Super Bowl, let alone win one.
Sapp's probably done, true....probably next year, Lynch will be done in Denver, too.
The grand questions San Diego has to deal with, is, how do they tolerate Norv Turner? Who backs up LT when he goes down injured? Can the team handle injures, or do they fold up like a lawn chair?
Last year, you guys had a golden opportunity, to get past the Patriots....but by the time your team got there....everyone else was injured.
San Diego wins a lot right now....but winning the AFC West, ain't too thrilling when everyone is under .500.
3 months ago
As a Charger fan, it's so great to see Rivers and company under so many people's skin. That's when you know you're a top team. LOL.
3 months ago
Your article cites that the Raiders have a tough schedule. They will actually see the easiest schedule in a decade or perhaps two decades.
The Chiefs will be a non-factor and the doormat of the NFL for a few years with their coaching staff, QB situation, and overall lack of talent.
from 3 months ago
Any schedule is a tough schedule for Oakland.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist... :D
3 months ago
The Raiders would have an easy schedule if they played the same teams from last year.
This year, teams like the Saints, Bills Dolphins and Texans will be entirely new.
from 3 months ago
Brian-
You don't know what you are talking about.
None of those teams were playoff teams last year. The Saints are the only team of that group that will likely make the playoffs this year.
Compare the Raiders' schedules of yesteryear and you will consistently find that their strength of schedule would be in the top 5-10 toughest schedules in the NFL.
From theredzone.org :
2008 Strength Of Schedule
Team Winning Percentage Opp. Total Wins Opp. Total Losses
Steelers .598 153 103
Colts .594 152 104
Jaguars .559 143 113
Vikings .551 141 115
Ravens .551 141 115
Titans .551 141 115
Bengals .547 140 116
Texans .547 140 116
Browns .547 140 116
Lions .543 139 117
Bears .531 136 120
Packers .531 136 120
Redskins .523 134 122
Cowboys .523 134 122
Eagles .520 133 123
Giants .520 133 123
Rams .488 125 131
49ers .484 124 132
Seahawks .477 122 134
Buccaneers .469 120 136
Falcons .469 120 136
Cardinals .465 119 137
Dolphins .465 119 137
Panthers .465 119 137
Jets .457 117 139
Chiefs .453 116 140
Bills .449 115 141
Saints .449 115 141
Broncos .445 114 142
Raiders .438 112 144
Chargers .422 108 148
Patriots .387 99 157
From espn.com :
2007 Strength of schedule
Team Opponents' '06 win pct. Opponents' '06 wins Opponents' '06 losses
Raiders .539 138 118
Bills .539 138 118
Patriots .535 137 119
Titans .520 133 123
Colts .516 132 124
Chiefs .516 132 124
Jets .516 132 124
Dolphins .512 131 125
Steelers .512 131 125
Bengals .512 131 125
Ravens .508 130 126
Browns .508 130 126
Jaguars .508 130 126
Broncos .504 129 127
Lions .504 129 127
Texans .504 129 127
Chargers .504 129 127
Redskins .500 128 128
Vikings .500 128 128
Eagles .500 128 128
Cowboys .496 125 131
Giants .496 124 132
Packers .492 126 130
Seahawks .488 125 131
Saints .484 124 132
Panthers .477 122 134
Buccaneers .473 121 135
Rams .473 121 135
Falcons .473 121 135
49ers .469 120 136
Bears .465 119 137
Cardinals .461 118 138
2006 from about.com
Cincinnati Bengals (.543)
New York Giants (.543)
New Orleans Saints (.539)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (.539)
Pittsburgh Steelers (.531)
Kansas City Chiefs (.527)
Tennessee Titans (.527)
Baltimore Ravens (.523)
Houston Texans (.523)
Philadelphia Eagles (.520)
Oakland Raiders (.516)
Washington Redskins (.516)
Denver Broncos (.516)
Cleveland Browns (.512)
St. Louis Rams (.508)
Atlanta Falcons (.508)
Carolina Panthers (.504)
Dallas Cowboys (.504)
Arizona Cardinals (.500)
San Diego Chargers (.488)
Jacksonville Jaguars (.488)
Indianapolis Colts (.484)
San Francisco 49ers (.477)
Buffalo Bills (.477)
Detroit Lions (.473)
New England Patriots (.473)
Miami Dolphins (.469)
New York Jets (.465)
Minnesota Vikings (.457)
Seattle Seahawks (.457)
Green Bay Packers (.449)
Chicago Bears (.445)
2005 from about.com
Cincinnati Bengals (.543)
New York Giants (.543)
New Orleans Saints (.539)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (.539)
Pittsburgh Steelers (.531)
Kansas City Chiefs (.527)
Tennessee Titans (.527)
Baltimore Ravens (.523)
Houston Texans (.523)
Philadelphia Eagles (.520)
Oakland Raiders (.516)
Washington Redskins (.516)
Denver Broncos (.516)
Cleveland Browns (.512)
St. Louis Rams (.508)
Atlanta Falcons (.508)
Carolina Panthers (.504)
Dallas Cowboys (.504)
Arizona Cardinals (.500)
San Diego Chargers (.488)
Jacksonville Jaguars (.488)
Indianapolis Colts (.484)
San Francisco 49ers (.477)
Buffalo Bills (.477)
Detroit Lions (.473)
New England Patriots (.473)
Miami Dolphins (.469)
New York Jets (.465)
Minnesota Vikings (.457)
Seattle Seahawks (.457)
Green Bay Packers (.449)
Chicago Bears (.445)
2004 Strength of schedule from fanbay.net :
1 Miami Dolphins 14.891 10 6 0 19.4 16.3 288 299 11.58
2 Arizona Cardinals 15.255 4 12 0 14.1 28.3 281 344 24.34
3 Oakland Raiders 15.392 4 12 0 16.9 23.7 286 369 24.50
4 Houston Texans 15.398 5 11 0 15.9 23.8 269 380 23.56
5 Cincinnati Bengals 15.400 8 8 0 21.6 24 333 351 20.05
6 Seattle Seahawks 15.522 10 6 0 25.3 20.4 352 327 14.38
7 New England Patriots 15.563 14 2 0 21.8 14.9 315 292 7.91
8 St. Louis Rams 15.634 12 4 0 27.9 20.5 341 316 12.77
9 Chicago Bears 15.976 7 9 0 17.7 21.6 274 309 21.10
10 Buffalo Bills 16.028 6 10 0 15.2 17.4 272 270 16.25
11 New Orleans Saints 16.033 8 8 0 21.3 20.4 340 327 15.70
12 San Diego Chargers 16.125 4 12 0 19.6 27.6 323 350 23.14
13 Washington Redskins 16.216 5 11 0 17.9 23.3 291 338 22.14
14 Atlanta Falcons 16.245 5 11 0 18.7 26.4 272 382 23.00
15 Carolina Panthers 16.347 11 5 0 20.3 19 321 295 14.30
16 New York Jets 16.359 6 10 0 17.7 18.7 309 332 18.03
17 Kansas City Chiefs 16.426 13 3 0 30.3 20.8 369 357 12.85
18 Jacksonville Jaguars 16.509 5 11 0 17.3 20.7 335 291 16.75
19 Indianapolis Colts 16.605 12 4 0 27.9 21 367 299 8.77
20 Baltimore Ravens 16.605 10 6 0 24.4 17.6 308 271 11.61
21 San Francisco 49ers 16.831 7 9 0 24 21.1 355 308 14.05
22 Minnesota Vikings 17.155 9 7 0 26 22.1 393 335 16.16
23 Detroit Lions 17.263 5 11 0 16.9 23.7 266 335 23.10
24 Pittsburgh Steelers 17.270 6 10 0 18.8 20.4 300 299 17.94
25 Tennessee Titans 17.273 12 4 0 27.2 20.3 344 306 10.56
26 Green Bay Packers 17.290 10 6 0 27.6 19.2 362 319 10.99
27 Cleveland Browns 17.316 5 11 0 15.9 20.1 282 310 19.34
28 Philadelphia Eagles 17.530 12 4 0 23.4 17.9 315 332 11.69
29 Denver Broncos 17.634 10 6 0 23.8 18.8 350 277 10.58
30 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17.778 7 9 0 18.8 16.5 341 279 13.30
31 New York Giants 18.039 4 12 0 15.2 24.2 309 333 22.84
32 Dallas Cowboys 18.092 10 6 0 18.1 16.3 323 254 14.70
3 months ago
Grow some sleaves jerk!
3 months ago
The past 5 seasons the steelers had been in the top 10 toughest shedules, and they manage to go in the post-season and another SB ring. The chalenge is great but if they win the division they will go all the way to Tampa.
3 months ago
Just because teams sucked last year doesn't necessarily mean they will suck this year.
I still think the Raiders will be surprised in the '08 campaign.
3 months ago
Great work!
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