2012 NFL Predictions

The summer is coming to an end. That is no need to sulk though, it is time to celebrate. That means it is now football season. The most popular professional sports league in this country begins its new season next Wednesday. No, that is not a misprint. The season will open up on a Wednesday due to President Obama speaking at the Democratic National Convention. The reigning Super Bowl Champion, New York Giants open up against the hated Dallas Cowboys. Every year is full with surprise teams that rise out of nowhere to make the playoffs. Or teams like the Giants that barely get in, and then make a run to capture the Lombardi Trophy. I don't see this producing as many surprises. When the dust settles at the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans on February 3rd, I see Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers winning their 2nd Super Bowl in 3 years. Here is a look at how I expect the 2012 NFL season to unfold. (Playoff teams are listed in bold).

AFC East
New England 11-5
NY Jets 9-7
Miami 6-10
Buffalo 6-10

AFC North
Baltimore 12-4
Pittsburgh 11-5
Cincinnati 7-9
Cleveland 5-11

AFC South
Houston 11-5
Tennessee 8-8
Indianapolis 4-12
Jacksonville 4-12

AFC West
Denver 10-6
San Diego 9-7
Kansas City 8-8
Oakland 6-10

NFC East
Philadelphia 11-5
NY Giants 9-7
Dallas 7-9
Washington 6-10

NFC North
Green Bay 12-4
Chicago 9-7
Detroit 9-7
Minnesota 6-10

NFC South
New Orleans 11-5
Atlanta 9-7
Carolina 7-9
Tampa Bay 4-12

NFC West
San Francisco 11-5
Arizona 7-9
St. Louis 6-10
Seattle 5-11

AFC Wild Card
Houston over San Diego
Pittsburgh over Denver

NFC Wild Card
San Francisco over Chicago
New Orleans over Atlanta

AFC Divisional
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Houston over New England

NFC Divisional
Green Bay over New Orleans
San Francisco over Philadelphia

AFC Championship
Baltimore over Houston

NFC Championship
Green Bay over San Francisco

Super Bowl XLVII
Green Bay over Baltimore

Super Bowl MVP - Aaron Rodgers
NFL MVP - Ray Rice
Defensive POY - Patrick Willis
Coach of the Year - Andy Reid
Offensive ROY - Andrew Luck
Defensive ROY - Courtney Upshaw