NFL Team Predictions

OK, time to post predictions for NFL teams.

Every team in the NFL has a similar schedule:

a) 6 games within the team's division
b) 4 games vs. another division in the same conference
c) 4 games vs. another division in the other conference
d) 2 games vs. team in the same conference based on last year's record; a team that finished in first (like Cincy) would play two division winners (NE and IND), while a team that finished 3rd (Bal) would play two teams who finished 3rd (Buf and Ten).

So, let's look at the Browns' schedule. Please note, this assumes that we will have a center on opening day. We now have lost 3 centers for various reasons (season-ending injury, retirement, and now drug charges), so this assumption may not be valid on Sept 10th.

a) Division games: Last year, we were 1-5. I do believe that we have grown enough to get 2 wins in the division this year. I see a win vs Bal at home and a win vs. Cincy (either away or at home). Even with my rose-colored glasses, I don't see a Pit win in store for us this season.

b) 4 games vs. division in the AFC: The AFC West.
The Browns got screwed here, playing the weaker teams on the road and the tougher teams at home:
@ Oak, @ SD
h KC, h Den
I think that they will beat Oakland (Charlie beat them last year at Oakland), and will have a chance at beating San Diego (I'm not sold on Phillip rivers) and may steal a home game vs. Den or KC.

I'll give them two wins here. 2-2.

c) 4 games vs. division in the other conference: The NFC South.
Browns get:
h NO, h TB
@ Atl, @ Car

I like what New Orleans is doing and think that they could be a force down the line, and I'm glad I'm playing Reggie Bush now instead of 2 years from now when he blossoms. I'm glad we get them in the opener before they start to jell. Let's just say if that the Browns lose on Sept 10th, I will be massively depressed.

Can we get another win? I have no illusions about Carolina; the early line on that game is probably Car -12 1/2. I do think we have a decent shot at an overrated Atlanta team - we do fairly well stopping the run, and Atlanta can't pass with Vick. Barring a Matt Schaub appearance, I say we steal this one.

2-2 here.

4) Conference games vs "like" teams:
h NYJ
@ Hou

Well, we certainly should beat the Jets at home. But 2006 could shape up like 2005, in terms of inferior opponents for teh Browns. The Jets' schedule :
@ Ten, NE, @Buf, Ind, @ Jax, Mia, Det.....
they could go 0-7 for that stretch.
And then they come to Cleveland.
Last year, of course, the Texans went 0-6 until they played... the Browns. And the texans won an UGLY game for their first win.

Could history repeat itself? It could, but I say no. We win that one in a squeaker, 13-9.

And we go to Houston for the last game of the season and win that, too.

2-0 for these games.

Where did we end up?
2-4
2-2
2-2
2-0

ends us up with an overall record of 8-8 for the Browns.