2008 NFL Playoff Predictions

by: Jimmy Boyd

Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL playoff predictions reveal his 12 playoff teams for the upcoming season. 

NFC North – I like the Vikings to come out of the NFC North. Minnesota came on strong late in the 2007 season, rattling off 5 straight wins, before losing two close ones. I think they'll ride that momentum to the playoffs just as the Green Bay Packers did in 2006. A dominant running attack, led by Adrian Peterson, and the addition of the NFL's sack leader, Jared Allen, will put the Vikes atop the North Division.

NFC South – The New Orleans Saints will run away with the NFC South. A slow start to the 2007 season kept them from repeating as NFC South champs. They'll be back on top in 2008 to advance to the postseason. The Saints should also have a great shot at a first round bye. The offense is a juggernaut, led by the arm of Drew Brees, and key offseason additions to the secondary will keep the defense from being exposed as often.

NFC East – I like the Giants to ride their Super Bowl momentum to an NFC East title. The Cowboys and Eagles will not be pushovers, but New York's pass rush on the defensive side of the ball sets it apart. It was this ferocious rush which ended the Cowboys in the playoffs and the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

NFC West – The Seattle Seahawks will take the NFC's weakest division again, earning their fifth straight division title and sixth straight playoff berth. Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck is playing as well as he ever has and the running game is getting a boost with the additions of Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett.

NFC Wildcards – The Dallas Cowboys are a shoe in for one of the NFC Wildcard spots. With Tony Romo, T.O., Jason Witten, and Marion Barber, America's Team has plenty of offensive weaponry to get back in the playoffs.

Another NFC East team, the Philadelphia Eagles, should be joining the Cowboys and the Giants in the playoffs. In 2007, the East put three teams through and it appears it will again as it is the deepest division in the conference. Adding superstar corner Asante Samuel gives even more fire to what should be a feared defense.

AFC North – The Cleveland Browns appear poised to capture the top spot in the North after a 10-win year. The offense was explosive in 2007 with Derek Anderson throwing 29 touchdown strikes and Jamal Lewis rushing for over 1,300 yards. Adding Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers to the defense will put them over the top.

AFC South – You can chalk up a sixth straight division title for Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. After an early playoff exit last season, the Colts will head into their 2008 campaign with a chip of their shoulder. Reggie Wayne, Marvin Harrison, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark make up one of the best receiving corps in football and Joseph Addai proved that he was not a one-year wonder at tailback. With Bobby Sanders leading the defense, Indy will win at least 12 games in the regular season again.

AFC East – New England will keep its stranglehold on this division. It's unlikely that Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker can be as good in 2008, but they will still likely be better than anyone else in the league. With as bad as the Jets and Dolphins are, the Pats will walk into the postseason again.

AFC West – The Chargers are the most complete and talented team in the AFC West by far with Pro Bowl performers at nearly every level of their offense and defense. Injuries to L.T., Phillip Rivers, and Antonio Gates may have cost the Chargers a Super Bowl berth last season. It is the only thing that will satisfy them in 2008.

AFC Wildcards – The Jacksonville Jaguars will put another effective team on the field again to advance to the postseason. Adding ends Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves through the draft should help out a lagging pass rush, giving them a chance to do more than just make the postseason.

The Baltimore Ravens had a letdown in 2007 following a great 2006 season, but they'll be right back in the playoff mix this year. Baltimore's defense keeps them in nearly every game and bringing offensive wizard Cam Cameron aboard should help the offense put the ball in the end zone more often.

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