The KLIQNation VS The 2011 NFL Season

The lockout is over, the preseason games have been played, and the NFL Season will kick off this Thursday as the New Orleans Saints head to Green Bay to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.  This year the KLIQNation will deliver their predictions for the season.  TimDogg, Adam Black, and Mr. Smith will deliver their winners and losers of the year.  We will cover 2 divisions a day until the start of the season.  Starting in the North…

AFC North-

Baltimore Ravens—

Adam Black—I know everyone thinks that Joe Flacco is an elite QB because the Ravens got to the playoffs every year he’s been there but I don’t think so.  They have two elite wide receivers but they aren’t lighting up the scoreboards.  I think they have a stellar defense that keeps them in the game and a pretty above average running game.  I think that’s not going to change this year as I have them finishing near the top of the division.  (11-5)

Mr. Smith—I think that my boy Ed Reed will keep pulling down interceptions and Ray Ray will do his thing tackling and delivering the pain every week.  I know everyone is talking about the defense is old (which is true) but they are crafty.  I think this will be the Ravens year as they get over the Steelers and make a deep playoff run.  (13-3)

Timdogg—Killer Ray and the defense aren’t as dominant as they were even five years ago.  I believe the offense will improve this year.  Anquan Boldin will step up to be Joe Flacco’s #1 receiving threat.  The key on offense again will be Ray Rice and Ricky Williams running the rock. I see the Ravens still having a problem finish games out at the end though. (12-4)

Cincinnati Bengals—

Adam Black—Carson Palmer doesn’t want to play with a team of criminals so he bailed on the team for the season.  The owner is pretty much letting him sit out the season to retire and not trade Palmer and get some value for him.    Cincy is in a tough division as it is with a rookie QB trying to lead the team.  I don’t have much hope for their season.  See you in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  (3-13)

Mr. Smith—This team has no hope whatsoever.  Their owner is acting like a baby and their running back is going to jail during the season.  I don’t think this team will even win three games.  (2-14)

Timdogg—The Bengals gotta pray ya’ll.  Just too much of a dysfunctional franchise.  I just hope they don’t ruin AJ Green. (3-13)

Cleveland Browns—

Adam Black—I think Cleveland will slightly improve from last season but I don’t think they have what it takes to compete with the Ravens and Steelers.  Peyton Hillis will contribute heavily to the offense and Colt McCoy should be able to prove his worth through a full season.  (8-8)

Mr.Smith—I don’t have much to say on the Browns.  They don’t have the weapons on offense to hang in that division.  I like Colt McCoy but who is he going to throw it too.  (6-10)

Timdogg—If it weren’t for the lockout I would have a better feeling on the Browns season.  But with a new head coach and no training camp, I have to buffer my expectations.  I like Colt McCoy as the QB but I already know Peyton Hillis will struggle with injuries yet again.  For fantasy purposes I’d keep an eye out for their backup running backs.  (7-9)

Pittsburgh Steelers—

Adam Black—Pittsburgh should be back to form this year.  I think this year the Steelers will not suffer from their usual Super Bowl hangover which plagued them in 2006 and 2009—especially since they didn’t win the Super Bowl last season.  They have a stellar defense and the right weapons on offense in receiver Mike Wallace and running back Rashard Mendenhall.  They also have veteran offensive talent in Hines Ward and Jericho Cotchery.  (12-4)

Mr. Smith—I think this will be a down year for the Steelers.  Their offensive line has never been strong despite Big Ben making things happen constantly.  I think it will finally catch up to them this year.  (9-7)

Timdogg—I still see the Steelers battling for the AFC North title along with the Ravens.  The key (as with all teams) will be health.  Steelers cannot afford for Big Ben or Troy Polamalu to miss significant time.  There is just too much evidence of Super Bowl teams regressing the next season.  Also James Harrison needs to stay out of NFL Commissioner Darth Goodell’s crosshairs.  (10-6)

NFC North

Chicago Bears—

Adam Black—Personally I think last year’s trip to the NFC Championship game for the most part was a fluke.  The Bears have always touted a good defense but they have never had the offensive weapons as far as receivers.  Plus the new kick off rule could spell curtains for a return man like Devin Hester.  (8-8)

Mr. Smith—Jay Cutler is basically a punk to me.  He’s never really stepped up since he entered the league.  He does have Devin Hester as a receiver and he’s pretty under rated to me.  I think the Bears won’t be back to the playoffs this year.  (9-7)

Timdogg—The Bears will take a step back this year.  The offensive line will have problems protecting Jay Cutler, and offensive coordinator Mike Martz will refuse to max protect.  (7-9)

Detroit Lions—

Adam Black—I honestly think that the Lions will turn a corner this year.  I don’t have them with a winning record but they have stepped up.  Dirty player or not Ndamukong Suh is a beast coming off the edge.  The main X-Factor is Matthew Stafford the Lions QB.  If Stafford can stay healthy he has a great wide out in Calvin Johnson.  (7-9)

Mr.Smith—I am more optimistic for the Lions this year.  If Stafford can stay upright and on the field, the Lions will make the playoffs.  (10-6)

Timdogg—Everyone is on the Lions bandwagon, and that is never a safe place to be going into a season.  I do believe Matt Stafford will stay “relatively” healthy this year.  I only see him missing three games max.  However that will still not be enough to secure a playoff spot.  Ndamukong Suh will win Defensive Player of the Year.  (7-9)

Green Bay Packers—

Adam Black—Last season the Packers won a Super Bowl with a ton of injuries.  This year the team will have the majority of the team back and healthy.  I think there will not be a Super Bowl hangover for the Packers as they remain a dominant player in the NFC. (13-3)

Mr.Smith—I have nothing much to say.  I don’t see the Packers winning the Super Bowl again but they will be a playoff contender (11-5).

Timdogg—The Packers will win the NFC North.  Even with injuries they were able to win the Super Bowl last year.  They show a lot of heart and Aaron Rodgers is perhaps the best QB in the league today.  He has tons of weapons and the defense is lethal with Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson.  (11-5)

Minnesota Vikings—

Adam Black—This is a team that I cannot get a handle on.  The Vikings picked up Donovan McNabb for their starting Quarterback but I’m not sure which QB will show up.  The guy who took the Eagles to several NFC championship games, or the guy who couldn’t master the 2-minute offense in Washington last year.  (7-9)

Mr. Smith—I never thought much of Donovan McNabb.  Having Adrian Peterson does help so McNabb will not have too much to do throwing the ball.  I think the Vikings will be ok but not good enough for the playoffs.  (9-7)

Timdogg—After ditching Lorenzo Favre (shoutout to Ed the Sports Fan) the Vikings will have a better season than last. Donovan McNabb won’t be as horrible as he was with the Washington Redskins.  Though it seems he has no wide receiver weapons, Percy Harvin and Visanthe Shiancoe will suffice.  And it never hurts to have the best running back in the league Adrian Peterson to hand the ball off to.  (10-6)

AFC East

New England Patriots–

Adam Black—The Patriots will not lose a step this year. The team has made a lot of moves during the offseason to bolster their offense. Not sure how the Haynesworth trade will pan out but I am confident that Belichick will always have a plan for every team they face. (14-2)

Mr. Smith—These are my boys. The team hit a small snag in the playoffs last year but the team should recover fine. I still have the Patriots representing the AFC in the Superbowl. (15-1)

Timdogg—It seems the Patriots are always destined for at least 10 wins a season, and this year will be no different. Tom Brady will put up monster passing stats, but they still lack a quality rushing game. The Bill Belichick magic seems to only last through the regular season now. The Patriots have plenty of receiving weapons, but I wonder about the defense. 10-6

New York Jets—

Adam Black—This is still one of the top teams in the AFC even if they still do it with smoke and mirrors—making everyone think Mark Sanchez is an elite quarterback. Still, the team has one of the best defenses in football. I still don’t think they will be able to best the Patriots this year. (12-4)

Mr. Smith—I HATE THE JETS! I HATE REX RYAN! I HATE THE JETS! THEY HAVE A GOOD TEAM BUT I HATE THEM! MY PATRIOTS STILL RULE THE DIVISION AND THE AFC! (11-5)

Timdogg—Since Rex Ryan became the head coach all eyes have been on the Jets. Mark Sanchez may not put up stellar stats but he wins games. Defense will be the Jets calling card. My only concern is with the wide receiving core. Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith and Jerricho Cotchery have been replaced with Plaxico Burress (fresh out of jail) and Mark Clayton (veteran possession receiver). 13-3

Miami Dolphins—

Adam Black—Dolphins management have no faith in their head coach or their quarterback but still expect this team to win football games—SMH. ‘Nuff said. (6-10)

Mr. Smith—The Dolphins should’ve just traded for Kyle Orton. They would have a better chance to win games that way. (3-13)

Timdogg—Dolphins have a lame duck coach (Tony Sparano) and a lame duck starting quarterback (Chad Henne). Not a winning recipe in my book. (4-12)

Buffalo Bills—

Adam Black—Despite the fact I have the Bills with a losing record this is a team that any team will not be able to just roll over. Last year this team with the exception of a couple games were competing down to the very last second. Still theY need some more help on the defensive side of the ball before they can compete with the Jets and Patriots.

Mr. Smith—I like Fitzpatrick as a QB but they don’t have enough on the offensive side to win in that division. (6-10)

Timdogg—I’m not sure why, but I see the Bills being a scrappy team this year. Ryan Fitzpatrick did a serviceable job at QB, CJ Spiller is in his second year running the rock and Fred Johnson will be ready once Spiller gets injured again. If only the Bills had a real head coach and were in a different division. (5-11)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles—

Adam Black—Why did VY have to call the Eagles the dream team? At this rate I hope that Vince Young won’t get on the field but since Michael Vick will probably be injured at some point in the season I guess it will happen after all. The Eagles defense will be tops in the league but if they don’t do something about their offensive line Michael Vick won’t make it through the season. (11-5)

Mr. Smith—Michael Vick at QB will always give you the best chance to win. Nnamdi Asomugha was a great pickup in the offseason. But I have the feeling that if Eagles don’t get to the Super Bowl this year that Andy Reid may be out after this year. (14-2)

Timdogg—The Eagles were the Offseason Champs by their numerous signings, with Nnamdi Asomugha the biggest name of the group. Andy Reid is a winning coach, but his playcalling and clock management leaves a lot to be desired. I’m not as high on the Eagles as others are. I think Reid chooses to pass the ball way more than necessary, especially with a quality running back like Lesean McCoy. On defense the cornerbacks are topnotch but where is the pass rush coming from? And will the offensive line keep Michael Vick upright and on the field? (10-6)

Washington Redskins—

Adam Black—I can’t figure this team out. I’m not sure if it’s because of Shanahan or because Rex Grossman is their QB. I don’t see much for this team. (4-12)

Mr. Smith—Shanahan won Super Bowls with John Elway. That is the only reason they won. He hasn’t done a whole lot since then. (3-13)

Timdogg—A QB controversy between John Beck and Rex Grossman….that’s what Redskins fans have to look forward to all season long. And then I wonder who the receiving threats will be. Chris Cooley always gets injured and Santana Moss isn’t making any Pro Bowls. Mike Shanahan thinks he’s this offensive genius just because he maps out the first 30 plays on offense and use to coach John Elway. You can be an NFL genius but only for so many years. Just ask Bill Belichick. 5-11

New York Giants—

Adam Black—I don’t see the Giants making it to the post season again this year. The Eagles got stronger but the Giants have too many injuries to overcome. Eli Manning is still an elite QB but they don’t have the tools on defense to win. (8-8)

Mr. Smith—Tom Coughlin is out of there after this year. They had too many injuries in the preseason on defense. Eli is the least talented of the Manning brothers and he can’t win games in the east. (6-10)

Timdogg—Just when you think the Tom Coughlin era is going to end, it keeps on hanging to life support. Eli Manning is an interception machine and they’ve already lost five players to injury in the preseason. I just don’t see the defense holding up the whole season, and Manning will make too many mistakes. (6-10)

Dallas Cowboys—

Adam Black—This year will be much better for the Cowboys. They will improve since Romo will be healthy and with Austin, Whitten, and Bryant they will never be out of any game they plan. Plus having a Ryan running the defense will help too. (10-6)

Mr. Smith—I’m liking the Cowboys chances this season. Everyone is healthy and they have a chance to get back to the playoffs but they will not win the division. (9-7)

Timdogg—Last season everyone was on the Cowboys bandwagon and then it exploded. Tony Romo’s injury didn’t help matters, but it was time for Wade Phillips to go as the head coach. Now with Jason Garrett as head coach and Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator, I am finally behind the Cowboys. I think Rob Ryan will bring out the best in the defensive unit, and Romo has plenty of weapons to play with. Big things in store for Big D. 13-3

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts—

Adam Black—Well now that we know Peyton Manning will not play for most or probably the whole season I know that we will see a different division winner in the AFC South. Even though the Colts have the offensive weapons I think that a new QB may ruin the chemistry that is there. What is the cost of not having Peyton Manning—6wins. (6-10)

Mr. Smith—No Manning? Here come the Texans. (5-11)

Timdogg—For the first time in 10 years someone other than Peyton Manning will be lining up under Center for the Colts. Kerry Collins was pulled out of retirement to save the Colts season. Unfortunately it will take more than Collins to make the Colts a winner. Jim Caldwell is more of a mannequin on the sidelines than a head coach. The Colts have wiffed on too many draft picks over the years. Eventually the dynasty must come to an end. 8-8

Houston Texans—

Adam Black—If the Texans don’t win the division this year I’m not sure what to say. This team has a good QB in Matt Schaub and a great receiver in Andre Johnson. The defense was already good and now they have a good coordinator in Wade Phillips. I declare that the Texans will win the AFC South. (11-5)

Mr. Smith—I believe that the Texans will be the most improved team in the AFC. Now that there is Manning in Indy to stand in their way, they can pretty much dominate that division. (11-5)

Timdogg—The team everyone is picking to dethrone the Colts. They definitely have the offensive firepower to do it in Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster. However they still lack the mental toughness to take that next step. They’ll come close yet again, but no cigar. 9-7

Tennessee Titans–

Adam Black—I think having Matt Hasselback as the QB should help the Titans stay in games instead of getting blown out. Chris Johnson was having good years despite their QB situation so that should lead to some wins down the stretch. (8-8)

Mr. Smith—The Titans are rebuilding for the future. They have a backup on the bench in Jake Locker and he will learn from a good QB in Hasselback. They have a good wide receiver in Kenny Britt and with the Manningless Colts I think the Titans will improve this season and for the future. (7-9)

Timdogg—My pick to pass the Colts and win the AFC South. Every season there are surprise teams. I think Matt Hasselback will bring a steady hand to the offense that Vince Young was not able to do. Chris Johnson got paid. As long as he can avoid a serious injury since he missed training camp and the preseason, then there’s no reason to believe that the Titans can win the wide open AFC South. 10-6

Jacksonville Jaguars—

Adam Black—Jack Del Rio has to make the playoffs this year or he’s fired. However, the management cut their starting QB David Garrard before the season for budget reasons. Sorry Jack. (4-12)

Mr. Smith—The Jags can’t get out of their own way. They want to make the playoffs but they get rid of the QB that got them to the playoffs multiple times. (3-13)

Timdogg—The Jaguars decided to cut David Garrard before the start of the season. Cutting a starting QB or coach right before the season starts is never a good sign for a franchise. Jaguars are a middling team; not terrible but not very good either. This may be head coach Jack del Rio’s final season with the team if they do not make the playoffs. 5-11

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons—

Adam Black—This is the team that everyone is picking to make it the Super Bowl. This disappoints me because I don’t think the Falcons have it. Julio Jones will make a great addition the offense but I have not been impressed with the Falcons defense beyond John Abraham and Brent Grimes. The Falcons need to stretch the field and stop doing the dinking and dunking they did last season. (10-6)

Mr. Smith—I think that the Falcons will be just as good as last year but the Saints are a much better team in the division. (11-5)

Timdogg—Falcons mortgaged their draft to secure Julio Jones to be a weapon alongside Roddy White. The run game will still be their staple with Michael Turner leading the way. The team will score points but will they be able to stop others on defense? I’m confident the Falcons will be in the hunt again for the NFC South title. (11-5)

New Orleans Saints—

Adam Black—The Saints are going to be a much better team this year. Darren Sroles will be a better version of Reggie Bush since he will stay healthy. Drew Brees as the QB spells nothing but points. (12-4)

Timdogg—Drew Brees had a slightly down season last year. Though they let Reggie Bush go they may have picked up a better replacement in Darren Sproles. These former Super Bowl champs will still be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC. (11-5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers—

Adam Black—I was not as impressed with the Bucs as everyone else last year. They basically beat teams with losing records. I think this young team will one day be a tough team in the NFC but they still have a long way to go. (7-9)

Mr. Smith—The Bucs are a young and hungry team and will surprise a lot of people this year. (10-6)

Timdogg—Another trendy pick to surprise people. With Josh Freeman, Mike Williams, Kellen Winslow and Legarrette Blount the offense is there. Defense can hold it’s own and they have a young promising head coach in Raheem Morris. However I think too many people are on their bandwagon. Bucs will be competitive, but can they reach the playoffs? I say yes. (10-6)

Carolina Panthers—

Adam Black—This is probably the worst year for Cam Newton to come into the league with no training camp or OTAs it will be a tough opening year their QB. They do have a good running game and I think that Rivera will make a lot of improvements on the defense. (6-10)

Mr. Smith—The Panthers will be improved but I don’t think Cam will be able to help this team improve much. (4-12)

Timdogg—New head coach in Ron Rivera, new QB in Cam Newton. No training camp, just a few preseason games to get acclimated with one another. I do see the Panthers winning more games this season than last. 5-11

AFC West

San Diego Chargers—

Adam Black—I see San Diego starting out strong (for a change) and will easily win their division. This year they will have all their receivers healthy and not negotiating contracts. The team will make the playoffs but I’m not sure if they have what it takes to beat a team like the Patriots or Steelers. (13-3)

Mr. Smith—I think that the Chargers can win the AFC West but that division is the easiest in the league. The Bolts have the team and talent to go far in the league but they don’t have the coach. Norv Turner can’t possibly compete with coaches like Belichick or Tomlin (11-5)

Timdogg—The team that should win the AFC West. They have the most talent. If only they had a better coach than Norv Turner. They always start the season slow and seem to gain steam at the end. Will this year be any different? Phillip Rivers should be an MVP candidate with the stats he puts up. (12-4)

Kansas City Chiefs—

Adam Black—This team was lucky they played in the AFC West last year or else they wouldn’t have any chance at the playoffs. I think the team has the tools on offense but Matt Cassel is not the QB for them. Sorry @themattgalloway. (6-10)

Mr. Smith—KC will not make it back to the playoffs this year. (5-11)

Timdogg—The winners of the division last season. A safe bet to be one of the teams to fall off this year. Everything went their way last season but this time it will be different. Whether it’s through injuries or just bad luck, Chiefs won’t make playoffs. (4-11)

Oakland Raiders—

Adam Black—How ‘bout them Raiders? You mean Al Davis is still running the show ? They did get rid of the coach who beat up the other coach, though. Sorry. (8-8)

Mr. Smith—I’m not sure what to say for this team. They are another team that can’t get out of their own way. They have what it takes to compete within the division but not outside of it. (7-9)

Timdogg—Amazingly the Raiders swept the AFC West last season. Raiders are one of the hardest teams to gauge. They are so dysfunctional that they could be over .500 or below .500 and no one would bat an eye. Just win baby! (6-10)

Denver Broncos—

Adam Black—Now that the QB debate is over with we can get down to business. I think Kyle Orton is a better starting QB than Tim Tebow but not enough to win this lame duck division or get to the playoffs. I think John Fox will be a big improvement as head coach. (7-9)

Mr.Smith—This team has a better and more stable head coach but the Chargers are running away with this division. (9-7)

Timdogg—Tim Tebow or Kyle Orton? That’s the debate in Denver on who should be the starting QB. If Orton keeps the job then Broncos have a chance to win the AFC West. Another frisky team that could surprise people. 8-8

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals—

Adam Black—The jury is still out on Kevin Kolb as a starting QB. It does help having a wide-out like Terry Fitzgerald who has proven to be a difference even with terrible QBs. (7-9)

Mr. Smith—Kevin Kolb did not impress me in Philadelphia and he had a good offense on that team. This team will still have to find another QB next year (7-9)

Timdogg—Cardinals now have their QB of the future in Kevin Kolb. But do we really know if Kolb is any good or not? You’ll hear differing opinions for both sides. Larry Fitzgerald is one of the best wide receivers in the league. If their run game can take off, Cardinals have a real opportunity to win this crummy division. 8-8

San Franciso 49ers—

Adam Black—When will the Alex Smith experiment end? This guy has had terrible luck due to a revolving door of offensive coordinators but this was the year to start fresh with a range of free agent quarterbacks. This team will be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. (4-12)

Mr. Smith—I think we will be surprised by 49ers this year. Frank Gore is a beast at running back and they have always had a decent (not great) defense. I have faith that their new coach will help them improve. (7-9)

Timdogg—The Alex Smith era continues. Why the 49ers didn’t cut the cord on him baffles me. The offense should be better than it will turn out to be, with Vernon Davis, Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards. New coach Jim Harbaugh will bring new energy to the franchise. However they’re still a year away from being relevant. 5-11

Seattle Seahawks—

Adam Black—This team is another one that I scratch my head at. This team could have improved with a new quarterback but chose Tavaris Jackson who couldn’t do much in Minnesota. They did get a proven wide receiver in Sidney Rice during the offseason so the team but this team will take a step back. (6-10)

Mr. Smith—Sorry Seachickens you will not get to the playoffs this year. (5-11)

Timdogg—The Seahawks added castaways from the Minnesota Vikings in Sidney Rice and Tavaris Jackson. If only they could have added actual GOOD players from the Vikings like Adrian Peterson and then I’d take them seriously. Zack Miller is a good pickup at the tight end position. Though the Seahawks won the NFC West last season they will fail to repeat this year. 5-11

St. Louis Rams—

Adam Black—This team will improve but if Steven Jackson can’t stay on the field Sam Bradford will have trouble winning games. I see the team still winning the division but not getting past the 1^st round of the playoffs. (8-8)

Mr. Smith—I was impressed with Sam Bradford last year. This division is one where the Rams can easily take and make theirs for years to come. (9-7)

Timdogg—The Rams intrigue me. Sam Bradford is a promising young QB. Steven Jackson can run the football, though he has problems staying healthy. The defense is sneaky good, and new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel will pay off. Rams will win the NFC West and be in double digit wins. 12-4