Leo's major predictions for 2010

After carefully looking through each team and getting an idea of how many games they should win, I now will take my predictions to the posteseason.



In the NFC, I have San Francisco as an easy division winner. I like both Green Bay and Minnesota, and I think the Packers now have a slight edge for the division. I like both Atlanta and New Orleans, and I give the Saints a slight edge. I'm concerned about the East, where all four teams will kill each other. My pickings suggested that the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys would all be in there. I think Dallas still has the edge - I know their offense will be good, (can't say for sure with the other two) and they have consistently made the playoffs, even if they never win in them. It's tough because I see all these teams winning around 10 games and not much more or less. I have a feeling that the Eagles and Giants will be the odd teams out because their schedules are hard. It's too bad because they're both better than the 49ers. In the playoffs, I forsee upsets by the wild card teams over San Fran and Dallas (which actually shouldn't be so unexpected). I think we're going to have a tasty Packers-Vikings title game, in which Brett Favre's name will be said in vain more than 3000 times. Doesn't this just sound like an appropriate ending? He won't get to throw a crushing late-game interception because Green Bay will win easily.



In the AFC, I have the Colts and Chargers winning their divisions easily again. I like both Pittsburgh and Baltimore a lot. That leaves the East. I am not so high on the Jets as many are. They just don't have the offense. I think the Patriots are at a point where they win divisions, not playoff games, but they score and make it to 10 wins. Miami and Cinncinatti are intriguing, but they face tough divisions and need better passing games. A good passing offense is a must now, not just D. That's why my last pick to make it is Houston. They've been getting a little better each year for the past few years, and their offense is pretty good now. They're the only major sports team to not make the playoffs yet, they are motivated, and their schedule is a little bit easier than these other teams. Again, I know everyone loves the Jets, but I worry about Sanchez in his second year and their ability to score. So I have the Colts, Chargers, Ravens, and Pats as division winners with Steelers and Texans as wild cards. In the playoffs, the Pats, Chargers and Texans will be exposed for their flaws. I like a Colts - Ravens title game, with the Colts advancing because the difference between Manning and Flacco is just too much.



That leaves a Colts - Packers Super Bowl. If it wasn't football, this would be considered a ratings disaster and extremely boring. But the traditional small town team vs. the most popular pitchman in the league will attract people. People will be trying to make comparisons with the Pack and last year's Saints, but the Saints were better. The Packers don't have as many running backs to use or the ridiculous depth at receiver. Aaron Rodgers will be an MVP candidate and will increase his profile dramatically, but he's not quite Brees. The Colts just have too much. Last year, we all tried to think of reasons why they wouldn't make it and they still almost did. This year they have some motivation, they have recievers they trust, and their coaching staff has more to learn from. Plus, they know with a lockout looming, that this could be one of the last great years Manning has left. They don't have as much time. It's safe, it's broing, but this is my pick.



Colts 35, Packers 27


(oh, and first up, since it is early: NO over MIN)