Which bottom feeder team from '06 makes the playoffs this year (an (1 Viewer)

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

It seems every year some bottom feeder NFL team from the prior season rises from the ashes like the Phoenix (not the Cardinals though) and makes the playoffs.

Which team do you think fits the bill this year - and why?

 

[gianmarco]

Really don't see any of them doing it, but then again, who usually does as these were all last place teams. I think Miami has the best chance due to Trent Green and because of the rest of that division with the exception of NE. I think Arizona and Detroit have the most talent and will probably get the most votes, but they'll continue to underachieve.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Miami Dolphins. They have one of the best defenses in the league and they added Joey Porter. If Trent Green isn't done and can get the ball to some pretty good wide receivers in Booker and Chambers that helps out Ronnie Brown a lot. I could see a synergistic effect causing the offense to improve dramatically as a result.

With a great defense and potentially a very good offense the Dolphins have a chance to be a real surprise in 2007. Again this all hinges on a 37 year old quarterback (who was great) recovering from a major concussion so maybe it's asking too much. For what it's worth the Dolphins have beaten the Patriots three straight seasons so they can play with the best. Unfortunately it's the rest of the league that seems to give them problems.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Miami Dolphins. They have one of the best defenses in the league and they added Joey Porter. If Trent Green isn't done and can get the ball to some pretty good wide receivers in Booker and Chambers that helps out Ronnie Brown a lot. I could see a synergistic effect causing the offense to improve dramatically as a result.With a great defense and potentially a very good offense the Dolphins have a chance to be a real surprise in 2007. Again this all hinges on a 37 year old quarterback (who was great) recovering from a major concussion so maybe it's asking too much. For what it's worth the Dolphins have beaten the Patriots three straight seasons so they can play with the best. Unfortunately it's the rest of the league that seems to give them problems.

Unfortunately their defensive secondary is atrocious. And I think Booker and Chambers aren't as good as they're made out to be.The Dolphins are my AFC pick for the worst team in the conference. They'll duke it out with the Vikings for the #1 pick in next year's draft.My vote in this poll is the Lions. If their defense can keep them anywhere close in the scoreboard, their offense should be good enough to carry them.

 

[Mapmaker]

I like the Redskins to make a Wild Card run this year .... Portis/Betts is one very solid RB combination, Campbell showed a lot of promise late last season, the Defence only got stronger with Landry and Fletcher and the schedule doesn't look all that bad ... gotta love facing the G-Men twice, Mia, Tampa, GreenBay, Detroit, Min, Buffalo ...

 

[-OZ-]

I like the Redskins to make a Wild Card run this year .... Portis/Betts is one very solid RB combination, Campbell showed a lot of promise late last season, the Defence only got stronger with Landry and Fletcher and the schedule doesn't look all that bad ... gotta love facing the G-Men twice, Mia, Tampa, GreenBay, Detroit, Min, Buffalo ...

Heart says Lions, head says Redskins. Looking at that schedule, the skins might just get 10 wins, I won't say they'd win the division (Dallas), but they could get the wildcard.

 

[Papa Schnay]

I voted for the Bucs, but thought that the Lions also had a good shot

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I too can see the Redskins surprising.

I'm on the Campbell bandwagon (from an NFL perspective if not completely sold on his fantasy prospects).

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Miami Dolphins. They have one of the best defenses in the league and they added Joey Porter. If Trent Green isn't done and can get the ball to some pretty good wide receivers in Booker and Chambers that helps out Ronnie Brown a lot. I could see a synergistic effect causing the offense to improve dramatically as a result.With a great defense and potentially a very good offense the Dolphins have a chance to be a real surprise in 2007. Again this all hinges on a 37 year old quarterback (who was great) recovering from a major concussion so maybe it's asking too much. For what it's worth the Dolphins have beaten the Patriots three straight seasons so they can play with the best. Unfortunately it's the rest of the league that seems to give them problems.

Dolphins are the Detroit Lions south. They won't win six games. For the poll I went Bucs. I think they are still pretty solid.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Miami Dolphins. They have one of the best defenses in the league and they added Joey Porter. If Trent Green isn't done and can get the ball to some pretty good wide receivers in Booker and Chambers that helps out Ronnie Brown a lot. I could see a synergistic effect causing the offense to improve dramatically as a result.With a great defense and potentially a very good offense the Dolphins have a chance to be a real surprise in 2007. Again this all hinges on a 37 year old quarterback (who was great) recovering from a major concussion so maybe it's asking too much. For what it's worth the Dolphins have beaten the Patriots three straight seasons so they can play with the best. Unfortunately it's the rest of the league that seems to give them problems.

Unfortunately their defensive secondary is atrocious. And I think Booker and Chambers aren't as good as they're made out to be.The Dolphins are my AFC pick for the worst team in the conference. They'll duke it out with the Vikings for the #1 pick in next year's draft.

I couldn't tell you who any of their defensive backs are for the Dolphins but they must have been doing something right on defense seeing as how they were ranked in the top 5 in scoring and total defense. According to CHFF their defensive passer rating wasn't the best ranked 21st but they were in top 6 in the defensive hog index. Personally i'd rather have a better run defense than pass defense any day of the week. Overall the defense is a strength of the Dolphins team.Marty Booker and Chris Chambers aren't Wayne and Harrison but I definitely think they're in the better half of wr duos in the NFL. If Trent Green can still play I think they'll benefit a great deal.Even in the absolute worst case scenario that Trent Green can't play a lick anymore and the offense still sucks, I don't think that the Dolphins are as bad as the Browns or Raiders. They all play each other this season so they'll decide on the field who the worst AFC team is.

 

[pyite76]

I went with Arizona because they really don't have a ton of dynamic competition in their division. Neither do the Lions but c'mon.... they're the Lions.

 

[Fallerjw]

Potential sneak into the final wild card by the ...................... Cleveland Browns.

The Browns will have some growing pains early with the new players in the OLine, but I think by midseason they should start to gel. Also, there could be a surprise for Browns fans this year.

If the receivers can stay healthy, they should be improved. Edwards and Winslow will have another year of experience, Joe J should be back, and Travis Wilson will look to contribute this year.

Reports about Jamal Lewis have been positive. I understand he's not the stud he once was, but I'm sure he can perform if the line gels.

The LB corps should be solid. Andra Davis, DQ Jackson, Leon Williams, Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinnest are all back. Last years experience should make this group much improved.

If the defensive backfield can stay healthy, they should be improved as well. Bodden and Baxter have injury concerns, Wright has experience concerns, but Jones and Pool should be good at safety.

In my opinion, the 2 biggest question marks are the QB and DLine position. If they can get some production out of those areas, they could compete for a wild card slot.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

In my opinion, the 2 biggest question marks are the QB and DLine position. If they can get some production out of those areas, they could compete for a wild card slot.

In a division with Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati it will be awfully difficult.I can't see them even earning a spilt with the first two. That's four losses right out of the gate, IMO.

 

[redman]

The two front-runners in this would have to be Detroit and Washington. They benefit from continuity of coaching and players, the subjective evaluation that their prospects were improving based upon the second half of last season, and from relatively weak schedules. I also think that their overall team talent levels are as good or better than anyone else on that list.

 

[cutter]

I picked Miami because I am a homer, but realistically, I can't see any of the AFC teams breaking in as the AFC is so tough. In the NFC though, it is possible that 7 or 8 wins will make a wildcard spot. So.... realistically, I think that any of those NFC teams has a good shot at it.

 

[hutchins929]

I think that any of those NFC teams has a good shot at it. (Except the Raiders, they just stink)

uh...

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

Skins

 

[Fallerjw]

In my opinion, the 2 biggest question marks are the QB and DLine position. If they can get some production out of those areas, they could compete for a wild card slot.

In a division with Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati it will be awfully difficult.I can't see them even earning a spilt with the first two. That's four losses right out of the gate, IMO.

Not saying they will, just saying that it's possible. Their schedule after the bye looks favorable for a decent run. The first 5 games will be mostly tough, but the last 11 give a chance for some wins. It's a young team that hopefully will develop as the season progresses. Sep 9 Pittsburgh - tough gameSep 16 Cincinnati - tough gameSep 23 @Oakland - won at Oakland last yearSep 30 Baltimore - tough gameOct 7 @New England - probable lossOct 14 Miami - potential winWeek 7 BYE Oct 28 @St. Louis - potential winNov 4 Seattle - potential winNov 11 @Pittsburgh -probable lossNov 18 @Baltimore - probably lossNov 25 Houston - potential winDec 2 @Arizona - potential winDec 9 @N.Y. Jets - beat them last yearDec 16 Buffalo - potential winDec 23 @Cincinnati - probable lossDec 30 San Francisco - potential win

 

[BigRed]

The two front-runners in this would have to be Detroit and Washington. They benefit from continuity of coaching and players, the subjective evaluation that their prospects were improving based upon the second half of last season, and from relatively weak schedules. I also think that their overall team talent levels are as good or better than anyone else on that list.

yepEasy vote for skins, unfortunately.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I went with Tampa. Gruden is really in a must-win season imho. Last year the QB situation absolutely killed that team - and the O-line/Cadillac didn't help matters. I know he took them to and won their only Super Bowl - but it reaches a point where the Teflon wears off of Gruden.

I think an NFC bottom feeder has a better chance of making the playoffs rather than an AFC cellar dwellar. WAY more good teams in the AFC.

 

[BLOX]

Arizona looks to be the only team with a shot.

Cleveland, no way.

Detroit, will finish 3rd behind Chicago and Green Bay

Washington will not beat out either Dallas or Philly for even a wild card spot.

Arizona is in a division where all of the teams could end up being 9-7 or 7-9. It will be very interesting as all of those teams beat up on each other. Whoever wins 4 division games first will likely win the division.

 

[BassNBrew]

I went with Tampa. Gruden is really in a must-win season imho. Last year the QB situation absolutely killed that team - and the O-line/Cadillac didn't help matters. I know he took them to and won their only Super Bowl - but it reaches a point where the Teflon wears off of Gruden.I think an NFC bottom feeder has a better chance of making the playoffs rather than an AFC cellar dwellar. WAY more good teams in the AFC.

Tampa has solid talent and is in a division where everyone beats up on each other. This division turns over every year.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

Clayton was on The HUDDLE on ESPN earlier today, and he and his cohost liked Tampa's chances to quickly turn things around.

Therefore my pick of Tampa is doomed.

 

[Donnybrook]

I am going with Arizona because despite their record they did not get owned in their division. Unlike other teams.

Arizona 4-2

Washington 1-5

Detroit 0-6

Tampa Bay 0-6

 

[AB in DC]

Because everyone knows that last season's division record is so important to predicting this season's record.

 

[jurb26]

I am going with Arizona because despite their record they did not get owned in their division. Unlike other teams. Arizona 4-2 Washington 1-5Detroit 0-6Tampa Bay 0-6

Unfortunately for the Cards, there are 10 non-divisional games and only 6 divisional ones.

 

[bruha76]

The Bengals and the Falcons, neither one of those teams made it last year. They'll both get in this year.

 

[5Rings]

I went with detroit.

Last year's D was devestated by injuries, its Martz' 2nd year with the core O players, they had a solid draft including Calvin, and they play in the weakest division in the NFL.

I don't think a WC is out of the question at all.

 

[hutchins929]

Detroit, will finish 3rd behind Chicago and Green Bay

I think you're underestimating Minnesota. They have a very good defense and a good offensive line, so I highly doubt they'll finish last in the division. The NFC North will surprise some people this season.Chicago 10-6Minnesota 9-7Green Bay 8-8Detroit 7-9

 

[UrlacherIsGod!]

Where is 5Rings? He likes that one West Coast bottom feeder team. Suprised he hasn't piped in yet.

 

[KellysHeroes]

Redskins have a great shoot...

 

[zDwinger]

Texans.

 

[TheLastDispatch]

Surprised to see the Skins with 53 votes. There's no way they make the playoffs. Eagles and Cowboys run that division. Every year the Skins get picked to win it, and every year the Eagles win it.

The Skins could end up third ahead of the Giants, but for at least one more year they'll finish behind the Eagles and Cowboys.

 

[j3r3m3y]

I went with Tampa. Gruden is really in a must-win season imho. Last year the QB situation absolutely killed that team - and the O-line/Cadillac didn't help matters. I know he took them to and won their only Super Bowl - but it reaches a point where the Teflon wears off of Gruden.I think an NFC bottom feeder has a better chance of making the playoffs rather than an AFC cellar dwellar. WAY more good teams in the AFC.

I hate the "must win" menatlity. While it may be true that they must win, it assumes they haven't been trying as hard up to this point, which I find ridiculous.I am a homer, but I really see Miami having a shot due to a more stable QB, a solid defense and Ronnie Brown.

 

[FairWarning]

Since the NFC North has to play the AFC West, 9 wins may win the division. Worse plays than Detroit. I would take a flier on Tampa Bay too.

 

[5Rings]

Where is 5Rings? He likes that one West Coast bottom feeder team. Suprised he hasn't piped in yet.

One year away, my friend....one year away......

 

[Gatorman]

I'd love to be a homer and say Miami, but I cannot. I will make their argument however.

AFC east has some good teams and then the Patriots. The only player that Owns the patriots is Jason Taylor. He takes that one game and basically chases Brady all over the field. When the Dolphin O cannot do their part, we lose to them usually by 3-6 points. If not we win the game.

The defense, even with subpar corners, is a strong group. The problem for the past 4 or 5 years has been a combination of conservative coaching and bad QB play. I believe Cam Cameron will solve the conservative part of the coaching cycle, and if nothing else, this dolphin team may be entertaining to watch in a 6 win season. As for the QB play, Green is the first QB we have had since number 13 who can actually read defenses. I will still kick myself that we have passed on Brees twice, but Green may be the most "stable" QB since Fiedler left (Sigh, I am wishing for the Jay Fiedler times).

Add in the picks to improve field position (Ginn Jr) and the fact that Miami can play with anyone in their division and has a fairly easy schedule (with Oak and CLe on the menu) and you could see 10 wins.

My choice is the redskins, but Miami could be 10-6 or 6-10 and neither would surprise me.

 

[Despyzer]

I think the Raiders will be the most improved team of all those listed. However, that could still land them in 4th place in the AFC West. The Cardinals or the Lions look like they might have the easiest route to the playoffs considering their conference/divisions, so I'll go with the gutsy choice and say Arizona.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The Bengals and the Falcons, neither one of those teams made it last year. They'll both get in this year.

Thanks brainiac, I didn't realize they were 'cellar dwellar bottom feeder' teams last year. We're talking LAST place teams to the playoffs. Not underachieving teams.

 

[duaneok66]

I will take the Lions

they have (potentially) a very good offense if the OL problems are solved . . .

 

[BigRed]

Surprised to see the Skins with 53 votes. There's no way they make the playoffs. Eagles and Cowboys run that division. Every year the Skins get picked to win it, and every year the Eagles win it. The Skins could end up third ahead of the Giants, but for at least one more year they'll finish behind the Eagles and Cowboys.

1 - they could finish 3d and still get a WC2 - BOTH PHI and DAL could falter if not outright collapse for a variety of reasons (PHI mostly due to McNabb getting knocked out again)Skins have a lot of talent at RB, respectable talent at WR/TE, possible riser in Campbell, decent D (I think) and oh btw don't underestimate Gibbs just because he hasn't turned it around right away.

Detroit, will finish 3rd behind Chicago and Green Bay

I think you're underestimating Minnesota. They have a very good defense and a good offensive line, so I highly doubt they'll finish last in the division. The NFC North will surprise some people this season.Chicago 10-6Minnesota 9-7Green Bay 8-8Detroit 7-9

They have a very good RUN defense. And squat for a passing game. c ya next year.I also think TB has squat for the "skill" positions, when you get down to it, and the OL remains suspect.

The Bengals and the Falcons, neither one of those teams made it last year. They'll both get in this year.

Thanks brainiac, I didn't realize they were 'cellar dwellar bottom feeder' teams last year. We're talking LAST place teams to the playoffs. Not underachieving teams.

lmfaoI mean, fn grid

 

[QUEZILLA]

but fwiw, Tampa had one of the hardest schedules in the league last year, and they should have beat the NFC champs week 15. I don't think they are great, but I don't think they are as bad as what they seem. Rice and Kelly are 2 of our best defensive players, and they were both out. The improvements on defense alone could put the Buc's back in the playoffs. I don't see how the offense could get any worse... Oh wait, a Jeff Garcia injury

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

This poll is pretty interesting to look at now.

Houston is surprising everybody.

I'll bet Atlanta fans are REALLY pissed seeing Schaub doing so well - but they did get Jamaal Anderson and a second rounder in the next two drafts. So they've got that going for 'em.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I went with Tampa. Gruden is really in a must-win season imho. Last year the QB situation absolutely killed that team - and the O-line/Cadillac didn't help matters. I know he took them to and won their only Super Bowl - but it reaches a point where the Teflon wears off of Gruden.I think an NFC bottom feeder has a better chance of making the playoffs rather than an AFC cellar dwellar. WAY more good teams in the AFC.

Did you guys realize the LAST place team from the NFC South has won the division the past few years. Tampa Bay will complete the cycle this year:Atlanta in 04Carolina in 05Nawlins in 06Tampa in 07Great prediction on my part back in July.

 

[Peak]

Potential sneak into the final wild card by the ...................... Cleveland Browns.

The Browns will have some growing pains early with the new players in the OLine, but I think by midseason they should start to gel. Also, there could be a surprise for Browns fans this year.

If the receivers can stay healthy, they should be improved. Edwards and Winslow will have another year of experience, Joe J should be back, and Travis Wilson will look to contribute this year.

Reports about Jamal Lewis have been positive. I understand he's not the stud he once was, but I'm sure he can perform if the line gels.

The LB corps should be solid. Andra Davis, DQ Jackson, Leon Williams, Kamerion Wimbley and Willie McGinnest are all back. Last years experience should make this group much improved.

If the defensive backfield can stay healthy, they should be improved as well. Bodden and Baxter have injury concerns, Wright has experience concerns, but Jones and Pool should be good at safety.

In my opinion, the 2 biggest question marks are the QB and DLine position. If they can get some production out of those areas, they could compete for a wild card slot.

 

[redman]

The two front-runners in this would have to be Detroit and Washington. They benefit from continuity of coaching and players, the subjective evaluation that their prospects were improving based upon the second half of last season, and from relatively weak schedules. I also think that their overall team talent levels are as good or better than anyone else on that list.

yepEasy vote for skins, unfortunately.

Not that they didn't have their chances, but you blow that many second half leads and you deserve what you get.