2004 NFL Predictions
August 20, 2004:
Another NFL season is approaching. We see some new faces (like Eli Manning) and
some old ones (like his brother Peyton). And we see excitement. The 2004 season will see its
fair share of surprising and not-so-surprising moments. But the big story: can the Patriots
repeat? They might have to face some vastly improved teams in the playoffs if they want to.
Let me break down the NFC one division at a time. Let's start with the NFC East.
The Eagles are obviously the favorites. However, they'll have to face some tough teams, and will
end up 12-4. They'll easily take the division, though, as Dallas and Washington will both win 8,
while the Giants, despite their new quarterbacks, will only win 6. Now for the NFC North. I
think Green Bay has both the drive and the quarterback to win this division again. However, it
will be tough. They will edge out Minnesota 11 games to 10, while Minnesota takes a wild card
spot. Detroit will win 6, and Chicago, 4. In the NFC South, the Panthers should have no
trouble taking the division, even though they'll only win 10 games. Tampa Bay will be a semi-
surprise with 8 games, while New Orleans and Atlanta will win 7. Last is the NFC East.
Everyone thinks the Seahawks can win their division. Although they'll only win 11 games, St.
Louis's newbie QB will struggle, allowing Seattle to clench it. However, with 9 wins, St. Louis
can take a wild card spot. Arizona and San Francisco will manage 6 and 5 wins respectively.
Now for the AFC. In the East, Tom Brady should have little trouble winning another
14 games, sending the Patriots well on their way to a repeat. Buffalo and New York will only
win 7, while Miami wins a mere 5 games. The North could be very exciting--in a bad way.
The Lewis brothers will struggle in Baltimore, allowing Palmer to take Cincinnati to the playoffs.
The Bengals will just edge it out with 9 wins, while Baltimore (with 8), Cleveland (with 6), and
Pittsburgh (with 5) bring up the rear. The South will also be exciting, but in a good way.
Both Peyton Manning and Steve McNair will have excellent seasons as they back up last year's
Co-MVP performances. Indy can edge it out with 12 wins, and Tennessee, with 11 wins, will
have to settle for another wild card spot. Jacksonville will somehow manage to win 7, while
Houston will win a dismal four. The AFC West will be the real shocker to an overall predictable
season. Kansas City and Denver will both (surprisingly) struggle, while Oakland (surprisingly)
has a great season--thanks in large part to its veterans. It will be a photo finish, but I think KC
will win 10, Oakland 9, and Denver, sadly, only 8. Oakland's experience will also land them a
wild card spot. Meanwhile, San Diego will take--at most--6.
This will all serve for an exciting postseason. In the first round, New England, Indy,
Seattle, and Philly will gladly take their byes. Meanwhile, Green Bay will roll over St. Louis
and Carolina will edge past Minnesota. The newcomers Cincinnati and Oakland will both lose
(to Kansas City and Tennessee, respectively). In the second round, the Eagles will get revenge
on the Panthers, while Green Bay upsets early favorite Seattle. New England should charge
past Kansas City, while the Colts barly beat out their division rivals the Titans. New England
will keep up their momentum by also charging past the Colts. However, Philly fans will receive
another blow when the Packers deal them their fourth consecutive Conference Championship
loss.
The Superbowl will indeed be a classic showdown of quarterbacks: Tom Brady versus
Brett Favre. Although New England has the talent, they'll have a tough time fending off the
Packers' will to win. Altogether the pressure of repeating will land New England a disastrous
blow. It will be just like 2001--another underdog victor, but this time the Patriots will be on the
losing end, while the Green Bay Packers celebrate another Superbowl.
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