Surprise teams in '09?
 

Every year there are teams that jump out of no where and surprise you... last year Ten went 13-3 or ATL 11-5 even ARZ going to the Super Bowl!! Who do you guys think will be the BIG SURPRISE this season?

I say Kansas City has a shot at being a wildcard team because of Cassel and Bowe, he has the potential to become a solid WR. LJ could be a factor with a good QB. 9-7

In the NFC I will roll with New Orleans because eventually their D will step up and Brees, Colston, and Moore make up a Great passing attack even if Shockey isn't a major factor. Bush will be better and Pierre Thomas came on strong last year. I could see this team winning 11 games this season and winning the south.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Well, since I've made a habit of picking the Rams every year...why the hell not!

I think the Texans are going to be good, but people have been expecting them to break out for years. So if you want a real surprise, I would look at the Bengals or the Browns in the AFC. With Derrick Mason moving on, it cracks the back door open, however small, for someone else in that division to sneak in if they get hot.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;567797]Well, since I've made a habit of picking the Rams every year...why the hell not!

I think the Texans are going to be good, but people have been expecting them to break out for years. So if you want a real surprise, I would look at the Bengals or the Browns in the AFC. With Derrick Mason moving on, it cracks the back door open, however small, for someone else in that division to sneak in if they get hot.[/quote]

I agree with Andre Johnson and the Texans because he is a Superstar who has a great attitude and gives it all! IDK about Cin because Palmer can't stay healthy and Cle could be if they decide on a QB, I would go with Anderson.

STL maybe but I think Seattle will be much better, SF has no QB so I can't pick them.

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I guess these aren't really "surprises" but I think the Bills should be good(I always pick the Bills, I guess I feel bad for their four in a row SB losses). But TO should open up the running game and help the other receivers. Also always liked Edwards.

And I know this is cliche, but how about the Skins? I mentioned it in another thread. I think year could be a playoff one. But I guess I always feel that way.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=hooskins;567799]I guess these aren't really "surprises" but I think the Bills should be good(I always pick the Bills, I guess I feel bad for their four in a row SB losses). But TO should open up the running game and help the other receivers. Also always liked Edwards.

And I know this is cliche, but how about the Skins? I mentioned it in another thread. I think year could be a playoff one. But I guess I always feel that way.[/quote]


We should win 9 or 10 games so yea that would shock most of the media idiot's, and Buffalo is pretty good an TO will play hard all... well most of the time. :)

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Do the Skins/Saints/Seahawks/Packers/Jaguars/Texans...do any of those actually count as surprise teams? Every one of those teams has averaged 8+ wins over the last two seasons. I think it would be more of a surprise if they lost 11+ games than if any of them made the playoffs.

Rams, Bengals, Browns...if you want to get really crazy the Raiders aren't even a bad pick this year to wild card.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Do the Skins/Saints/Seahawks/Packers/Jaguars/Texans...do any of those actually count as surprise teams? Every one of those teams has averaged 8+ wins over the last two seasons. I think it would be more of a surprise if they lost 11+ games than if any of them made the playoffs.

Rams, Bengals, Browns...if you want to get really crazy the Raiders aren't even a bad pick this year to wild card.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Chiefs and Bengals

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

I actually say the Lions. The SURPRISE though will be that they win 7 games. Definitely not playoff contender but they will make a huge leap this year.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;567811]I actually say the Lions. The SURPRISE though will be that they win 7 games. Definitely not playoff contender but they will make a huge leap this year.[/quote]

I'll go w/that as well. They are making a fresh start, like an expansion team that stole a bunch of veterans.
Tampa maybe?

Please, someone say the broncos just for fun!

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I can't remember Chicago's record, but w/Cutler they will be interesting to watch. Cutler to Hester might be deadly. Hester is becoming a decent wr.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Broncos! Now that they have got a more balanced attack - they will be the surprise, simply because the media is crucifying Pat Bowlen and McDaniels. They won't be as high flying, but in their division, all they need is to be consistent. Oakland and KC also have a good shot at being the shock, but Denver will end up being the AFCW division winner.

(this was for you freddy :) )

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

NFC: Schwartz-led Lions (roar!)
AFC: a reconstituted KC

I would have said the Skins and the Jets but they would not be surprising enough

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

The funny thing is, I think there are only 11 teams that would consitute a "surprise" if they were still playing in January:

Jets
Bills
Bengals
Browns
Chiefs
Broncos
Raiders
Bucs
Lions
Rams
49ers

I mean, that leaves 21 legitimate contenders for 12 spots. It's probable that one of the teams above could sneak in, probably by virtue of winning a weak division (Lions?), but aren't all the other teams [I]expecting[/I] to make a run this year.

I think, nationally speaking, the team that is probably the most underrated based on the indicators that suggest winning is likely the Redskins. So perhaps you could say that we ARE the surprise team. But if you've been paying attention at all this offseason, it's going to be hard to get surprised.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

I change my pick to the Lions, on the possibility that the Bears, Vikings, and Packers could all suck this year.

Bucs have the same opportunity, as the Saints figure to be good, but on the off chance that Williams misses badly with that defense (i.e. lacks the personnel), the Bucs are going to be right there at the end of the year to clean up.

So there, I've picked half the league.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Bears
Texans
Saints

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

I think the Seahawks bounce back and grab a bye in the first round.

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I think, much to everyone's surprise, the Titans and Broncos will finish last in their respective divisions

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Denver bombing wouldn't surprise me, in fact if they win more than 6 that would be the real surprise.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

It's difficult to pick one; I have quite few in my mind such as Saints and Texans.. If Gregg could do same thing with Saints' defense like he did with ours then Saints would have no excuse but to go all the way to SB.. Texans Houstons appears to have everything finally falling in right places, but it all depends on Schuab's durability.. If Schuab is able to play through out the season then Texans should have good season..

Once again, Saints and Texans wouldn't be much of surprise teams since we are expecting them to..

I think Jets might be the surprise team..

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[quote=SmootSmack;567905]I think, much to everyone's surprise, the Titans and Broncos will finish last in their respective divisions[/quote]I think Denver is going to be a better team than people think, but they play the Chargers twice, the Pats, the Colts, the Steelers, the Ravens, the Eagles, the Giants, the Cowboys, and the Redskins, which makes up 10 games right there. They will be underdogs in every one of those game.

6-10 seems almost like a best case scenario, and even if they had Jay Cutler, I'm not sure it would make a difference.

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No one really stands out to me this year but if I had to go with one team I'd have to go with the Raiders. I think that team is going to improve the most out of all the teams in the league. They might win 9 or 10 games but I don't know about playoffs.

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[quote=CRedskinsRule;567823]Broncos! Now that they have got a more balanced attack - they will be the surprise, simply because the media is crucifying Pat Bowlen and McDaniels. They won't be as high flying, but in their division, all they need is to be consistent. Oakland and KC also have a good shot at being the shock, but Denver will end up being the AFCW division winner.

(this was for you freddy :) )[/quote]

Thanks man. Look at the posts that came in since this one!
Denver is my preseason pick for #1 draft pick.

Nobody's mentioned the 49ers, but they finished the year strong & I think Singletary is going to get the most out of them. They could win the nfc west, it's not that tight a division.

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Bills will win more than 10 games, mainly due to <vomit> T.O. <cough, vomit>

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[quote=RedskinRat;567990]Bills will win more than 10 games, mainly due to <vomit> T.O. <cough, vomit>[/quote]

Sorry man, that ain't gonna happen. Owens does not make them better than the Dolphins and the Pats. Doubt all of them will have 10 wins or more, so the odd man out is Buff. They are always medioce, and this season is no different.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

oops, forgot my teams.

Jags and Saints.
Jags had 5 wins last year, they will double that easily.
Saints will also have 10 wins or more...I say 11. That's a 3 game increase...not sure that qualifies as a surprise team though.

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[quote=jsarno;568027]Sorry man, that ain't gonna happen. Owens does not make them [B]better than the Dolphins[/B] and the Pats. Doubt all of them will have 10 wins or more, so the odd man out is Buff. They are always medioce, and this season is no different.[/quote]

I think that the dolphins are gonna come back to earth. They are going to be the Cleveland Browns of 2009.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

Cowboys. Everyone will pick them to win the Super Bowl and they won't even make the playoffs. Wait.....that's not really surprising is it?

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=53Fan;568032]Cowboys. Everyone will pick them to win the Super Bowl and they won't even make the playoffs. Wait.....that's not really surprising is it?[/quote]

:rofl:

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=saden1;567985]No one really stands out to me this year but if I had to go with one team I'd have to go with the Raiders. I think that team is going to improve the most out of all the teams in the league. They might win 9 or 10 games but I don't know about playoffs.[/quote]
I've Said it before and I'll say it again, THE RAIDERS!! I know I'm going way out on a limb but, A) They play in a VERY weak division, B) They are a team similar to the Cardinals that have very many first round draft picks on their roster (loads of talent). If they can shirk the tradition of losing and gel as a team, I can see them taking advantage of a weak division. In other news The Saints won't exactly be a surprise team to be successful, but, it would be a surprise to see them win a Super Bowl... P.S. The Texans will also be a team that may be able to take advantage of their division with Indy and Titans losses of personnel.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

[quote=skinsfaninok;567796]Every year there are teams that jump out of no where and surprise you... last year Ten went 13-3 or ATL 11-5 even ARZ going to the Super Bowl!! Who do you guys think will be the BIG SURPRISE this season?

I say Kansas City has a shot at being a wildcard team because of Cassel and Bowe, he has the potential to become a solid WR. LJ could be a factor with a good QB. 9-7

In the NFC I will roll with New Orleans because eventually their D will step up and Brees, Colston, and Moore make up a Great passing attack even if Shockey isn't a major factor. Bush will be better and Pierre Thomas came on strong last year. I could see this team winning 11 games this season and winning the south.[/quote]

Seems like coaching changes helped some of last year's surprise teams - Miami, Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore. That said, KC sounds logical to me. San Fran with Singletary looks good to me as well. The Jets too. Hmmm, who friggin knows?

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[quote=jsarno;568027]Sorry man, that ain't gonna happen. Owens does not make them better than the Dolphins and the Pats. Doubt all of them will have 10 wins or more, so the odd man out is Buff. They are always medioce, and this season is no different.[/quote]

Although I don't think the Bills would count as a surprise, the AFC East is going to be the 2nd most competitive division in the NFL. (guess who is first ;) ). And I think Owens does bring exactly what Buffalo needs, too bad the Patriots got SSprings. If Owens gives them a 1000+ yd year and 10+TDs, then they will be a serious contender. They were very much in the race for the first half of last year, and then they broke down - I don't remember why.
I would not be shocked to see the Bills in 1st or 2nd place in their division.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

we gotta make the playoffs 10 - 11 wins very hopeful

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[quote=CRedskinsRule;568059]Although I don't think the Bills would count as a surprise, the AFC East is going to be the 2nd most competitive division in the NFL. (guess who is first ;) ). And I think Owens does bring exactly what Buffalo needs, too bad the Patriots got SSprings. If Owens gives them a 1000+ yd year and 10+TDs, then they will be a serious contender. They were very much in the race for the first half of last year, and then they broke down - I don't remember why.
I would not be shocked to see the Bills in 1st or 2nd place in their division.[/quote]

I forsee serious issues in Buffalo for Owens. He WILL NOT stand by and be quiet when those poor qbs up there over throw him. He will cause a fuss, and will either fake an injury and not play, or will be traded away, or just flat out waste away on the bench. I am thinking it will be the injury part.
Buffalo doesn't know what they are in for. The reason they have been even mediocre is good team work, take that chemistry away and throw in a cancer, and you have a recipe for disaster.

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AFC - Bengals (meow)
NFC - Lions (meow)

I'm following their progress this year and their rookies. Probably in the next 3 years they will be a team to reckon with.

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[quote=Hamoskinz;568352]AFC - Bengals (meow)
NFC - Lions (meow)

I'm following their progress this year and their rookies. Probably in the next 3 years they will be a team to reckon with.[/quote]

The Bengals have one of the worst ownerships IMO, I think they continue to waste away Carson Palmer's talent. Unless the Steelers and Baltimore take a major nose dive, I don't see them being successful.

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[quote=skinsfaninok;567796]Every year there are teams that jump out of no where and surprise you... last year Ten went 13-3 or ATL 11-5 even ARZ going to the Super Bowl!! Who do you guys think will be the BIG SURPRISE this season?

[B]I say Kansas City has a shot at being a wildcard team because of Cassel and Bowe, he has the potential to become a solid WR. LJ could be a factor with a good QB. 9-7[/B]

In the NFC I will roll with New Orleans because eventually their D will step up and Brees, Colston, and Moore make up a Great passing attack even if Shockey isn't a major factor. Bush will be better and Pierre Thomas came on strong last year. I could see this team winning 11 games this season and winning the south.[/quote]

KC will be much improved, but they look to have a brutal schedule that includes three trips to the east coast and I believe they play the nfc east four consecutive weeks. I think Cleveland will be better and can take advantage of a weak schedule in the afc and I think San Fran in the nfc

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[quote=freddavisbro86;568101]we gotta make the playoffs 10 - 11 wins very hopeful[/quote]

I'd say thats a good prediction. playoffs or bust

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Should have opened the thread with "no spoilers" :D

Ummm lets see........San Francisco, St. Louis, Houston, Buffalo, Kansas City, and Washington are all nominees for surprise teams. I say Houston, Washington, and St. Louis will do well next year.

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Houston looks good.
St Louis may take some time for Spags to get the defense right.
KC. Im not sold on Cassel. could be a product of the NE system. plus havin Moss and Welker can make any QB look good.