2005 NFL Sleeper Team

[dirtbag2112]

Who is your sleeper team (other than us) for this season and why?

[dirtbag2112]

I'm still a Marvin Lewis fan...I think the Bengals are gonna turn it around. Carson Palmer showed flashes of greatness last year and I think with their defensive additions they could make a run at the playoffs.

[Duffman003]

I think Dennis Green will make Arizona do something this year. I'm saying maybe a wildcard spot but probably around .500 which is a breakout year for Arizona.

[PSUskinsfan11]

I agree with the Bengals in the AFC. In the NFC I could see the Lions or the Cardinals turning some heads. Both teams had very good drafts and had solid FA pickups, plus both teams have very experienced head coaches. If the NFC is as screwed up as it was last year I could see either of these teams making a playoff run. My other team to do damage is the Ravens. Although they are not really a sleeper I think with their additions in the draft and in free agency make them a big time contender in the AFC no matter how tough the conference.

[Red Robert]

Can you define what you would call a "sleeper" team? A team that did not make the playoff's last year? A team with a losing record that will have a winning record?

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by Red Robert

I am tired of being a special teams ace, but I really have nothing to say.

Well played, sir.

[dirtbag2112]

I dont think theres a clear cut definition of sleeper. To me it's a team that lacked in the win department the past few years. A team that doesnt get much media attention and or negative attention. The Chargers I think were the sleeper last year...who would have expected them to do what they did?

[Red Robert]

I would think the Panther jump to mind. Did not make the playoff's last year and had a losing record. They are healthy again and should make a run. Ride with Duffman003 on the Cards. They are very close to putting it togethor. Beangals have been 8-8 for the past two seasons. I don't know about those guys. Marvin is a great defensive coach but I wonder if his act will still have the same fire after two seasons.

Watch out for the Chief's if they can get some defensive stops this season they will be tough to stop with that offense.

[MTK]

I wouldn't call the Panthers a sleeper, they came on awfully strong down the stretch last year and almost snuck into the playoffs after a horrible start.

[Red Robert]

Again Matty I asked the question "What is the definition of a sleeper". The Panthers did have a losing record and missed the playoffs last year losing their final home game to the Saints. On the other hand they nearly won the Super Bowl two years ago.

[BrudLee]

Personally, I think the Panthers are due for a down year. They are based on a strong running game and explosive defense. Their RB's are oft-injured and old (sorry, Stephen), and their defense (other than a stellar line) isn't very deep. The loss of Sam Mills (RIP) will be a blow as well.
John Fox, though a great defensive mind, is also a rah-rah guy. That tends to be successful early (Super Bowl in the second year), but grate on the veterans late.

[SmootSmack]

How about the Bills?

[Red Robert]

TAFKAS, The Bills are an interesting choice. Losman, like Ramsey, is the key to success for those guys. Tough division.

[Daseal]

I'll take the Detroit Lions to take the NFC North! Like the coach, love the runner, love the WR's, young defense has been improving, big question is what Harrington can do.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

BOOM - Cardinals (the Vikes aren't sleepers) in the NFC and Bengals in the AFC.

BUST - Bills in the AFC (Losman isn't Roethlisberger) and Lions in the NFC (the Lions have the talent and good young roster, but Harrington isn't the answer).