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.

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

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!

Re: Surprise teams in '09?
 

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.