AFC Predictions - 2011
Let me be clear... I did not take a DEEP dive when making these predictions, having some fun with it - I looked at surface offseason info, GM history and team trend (past 4 seasons only).
AFC East
Analysis: No GM has won more regular season games than GM Kevin Mullendore (I predict he hits the century make this season). The New York Jets appear ready to bounce back from a down season and take back the divisional crown. Fighting for his job, GM Brandon Lindgren has placed all his chips on a veteran QB (wise I think). The Buffalo Bills will end up doing enough to save their beloved GM and enter post season play as a wildcard. Some like the philosophy “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, the New England Patriots have likely erred with an offseason that didn’t do much more than rely on the draft to help the team (I think this is a typical approach for GM Briston Redford). There’s no denying the fact that talent is being acquired (I like what I see), but it’s still raw and needs to be developed. The Miami Dolphins appear to be relying too heavily on the draft and I feel this will be their downfall.
AFC North
Analysis: I tend to believe GM Ian Coyle was left a respectable roster that is still in shape to compete. The Cleveland Browns will repeat as divisional champs. The Baltimore Ravens long to silent the Dog Pound. Right on the heels, I think GM Norbert Huszti is a season away from taking the top spot. I like the work being done in by GM Brady Tinnin, but the Cincinatti Bengals aren’t ready to rise to the occasion (there’s always next season). At the bottom of the division will be the Pittsburg Steelers which will likely mean the end of GM Tim Miller’s time leading his squad of Scrambling QB’s.
AFC South
Analysis: The Indianapolis Colts come into the season having replaced most of the starting line-up. The situation GM Darryl Breckheimer came into (cap space and draft capital) allowed him to re-work the roster from top to bottom and has the team ready to compete and in post season play. Another team with new leadership is the Tennessee Titans and that should keep the team around the top of the division. GM Apolo Shapiro has already stockpiled draft capital and should have no issue keeping the team atop the division and participating in post season play. Let the rebuild begin for the Houston Texans and GM Wade Pearce. This team has enjoyed 4 straight seasons of winning football, but I believe that’s about to end. The Jacksonville Jaguars always seems to be the preseason darlings and projected for great things ahead, I’ll need GM Oli Ratajczak to show me he’s up to the task before I believe it. Fully prepared to eat crow on this one, if the team can stay healthy, they could climb from the cellar.
AFC West
Analysis: I have a lot of faith (well deserved) in GM Tom Collins, his Denver Broncos will be well balanced and score often and be an offensive force this season. The days of mediocrity are over post season play and winning will be expected in Mile High Stadium. The Oakland Raiders have had one hell of a run, and GM Garth Pearce wants everyone to believe it’ll go on forever. I’ll buy the team has a winning season left in them, but I think they’ll fall short of making it to the playoffs. The San Diego Chargers and GM Anthony Cepparulo will take a step back this season (from second in the division to third). Just not convinced enough was done this offseason or that the enough engagement will be there in the regular season. It looked like GM Justin Herr had the Kansas City Chiefs heading in the right direction… emphasis on “HAD”. The constant revolving door for QB’s on this team will be the reason the GM is on the Hot Seat again in short time.
