The Story
NFL Postseason Preview --- Part 3: AFC East, AFC North
No, the headline is correct, and your calendar is correct. It’s only November. Regardless, from what I have seen of the 32 teams in the NFL, this is how I expect the rest of the season to shape up.
AFC East
Miami Dolphins
When I said the Rams were the worst team in the NFL, I think I forgot about the Dolphins. Honestly, it is hard to say who is worse. Let’s just say they are both horrible.
Record: 1-15 -- Will not make the playoffs
Buffalo Bills
When you combine the second worst offensive unit in the NFL with the second worst defensive unit in the NFL you get one bad team, a.k.a. the Bills.
Record: 7-9 -- Will not make the playoffs
New York Jets
Just when you thought the AFC East could not get any more atrocious, along come the Jets. Many people predicted the Jets to make the playoffs this season, but with neither the offense or defense clicking and a few big injuries, it seems like these predications were way off. The talent is there, but the winning mentality is not.
Record: 3-13 -- Will not make the playoffs
New England Patriots
This team is as close to perfection as you will ever see on a football field. Quarterback Tom Brady has a passer rating in the 130s and is on track to smash single season passing records left and right (including Manning’s touchdown record set just last year), and Randy Moss is back in the spotlight in a big way. They have the best coach in the NFL, they have the best team chemistry in the NFL, they have the best offense in the NFL, they have some of the most talented players in the NFL and they are the most feared team in the NFL. They do have a weakness though; their defense is only the third best in the NFL. However, there is still plenty of time for them to improve in this area too. This team will go undefeated and easily win the Super Bowl.
Record: 16-0 -- Will make the playoffs, Super Bowl Champions
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been a very offensively gifted team for the past few years, and this year has been no exception. While their offense is having no problem moving the ball and putting up points, their defense has been simply deplorable. Games are won by the defense. It does not matter how many Carson Palmers or Chad Johnsons you have when you cannot stop the other team from scoring either.
Record: 6-10 -- Will not make the playoffs
Baltimore Ravens
Unlike the Bengals, the Achilles heel for the Ravens has been their offense. With the recent injury to Steve McNair, this will not be changing anytime soon. Baltimore’s strong defense can only support them so long.
Record: 6-10 -- Will not make the playoffs
Cleveland Browns
Arguably the most disgraceful franchise in NFL history, the Browns have actually been playing fairly well (for their standards) this season. Their offense, led by no-name quarterback Derek Anderson, has been clicking, however their defense gives up points just as easily as they score them. This combination does not produce a playoff-bound team.
Record: 8-8 -- Will not make the playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers
With the poor performance of Ben Roethlisberger last season after his nearly fatal motorcycle accident and the departure of esteemed head coach Bill Cowher, many people in the football world had low expectations for the Steelers this season. The Steelers, under the command of William and Mary alumnus Mike Tomlin, have by far exceeded these expectations. The Steelers have the best defense in the league and one of the elite offenses. Roethlisberger has been putting up great numbers, and running back Willie Parker is on pace to rush for well over 1,000 yards this season.
Record: 11-5 -- Will make the playoffs