Which team will be NFL's biggest suprise this upcoming season?

[Xevious]

The Bengals and Panthers were last years biggest suprises. Who do you think will be this years?

With the way things are going, it will most likely be the one team you least expect.

[killswitch64]

Go Steelers!!! :D

[Wshakspear]

Go Lions?

[Javery]

The New York Football Giants

[Wlogan31]

My vote for surprise is Redskins if that will surprise anyone. I'm not a big fan, but I've heard the analysts say 9 wins tops. I think they'll fare much better.

[Squirms]

Gotta hope, yet again, for a surprise year for the Bears. I think they are due.

[scsg75]

The Cards. They will shock the world and win 4 games this year! Oh yeah, doubt me now, but they will, you'll see. Glad I moved out of Arizona.

[Xevious]

Here is my shocking pick: The Texans.

Yeah its a long shot but it wouldn't be a shocking pick if it wasn't

[hiccupleftovers]

I'm going with either the Ney York Giants or the Washington Redskins. Probably more the New York Giants since most believe the Redskins will fare much better since they got their new coack, Joe Gibbs. The New York Giants have the most talent any way that hasn't been tapped, Jeremy Shockey, etc.

[WhipSmartBanky]

The Jaguars. Nowhere to go but up.

[Cornfedwb]

My vote for surprise is Redskins if that will surprise anyone. I'm not a big fan, but I've heard the analysts say 9 wins tops. I think they'll fare much better.

I think 9 wins is being pretty generous. New coach, no real quarterback, no running game to speak of (Clinton Portis is good, but definitely far from great) and a secondary holier than the Fransiscan monks. Up against Bill Parcell's Cowboys, the Eagles who, while not good, are better than Washington and the Giants whom I expect to shape up this year with Eli Manning signed... I'd be surprised to see a 500 season out of Washington this year.

[Rodego]

I would say the Lions. They have gotten much better in the offseason, and should start to put things together

[johnnyoski]

Go Lions?

Don't we try believing that every year?
While they had a good draft and a few free agent pickups, I'm not expecting them to win more than 8 games unless Harrington improves greatly and Kevin Jones turns out to be a stud at RB.

[Doylerulez]

I have my hometown Bills, but I wasn't impressed at the scimmage against the Browns, though the running game was solid. My personal fav team Seahawks are expected to do well, so can't pick them.

I'd have to go with the Jag-u-wars, they were a tough team last year, could put on a good show this season.

[Dok Diamond]

Steelers, and thats all that matters.

[Cornfedwb]

I would say the Lions. They have gotten much better in the offseason, and should start to put things together

Jason Fife and Joey Harrington at QB? Shawn Bryson at HB? Hakim as their best WR? A pathetic LB crew? A very small and slow O-line?... explain how they got much better.. I mean I realize any improvement is huge after last year.. but they're still terrible.

As long as Ford owns the Lions, they're going nowhere.

[Cornfedwb]

I have my hometown Bills, but I wasn't impressed at the scimmage against the Browns, though the running game was solid. My personal fav team Seahawks are expected to do well, so can't pick them.

I'd have to go with the Jag-u-wars, they were a tough team last year, could put on a good show this season.

You mean the fact that the Brown's third-round draft running back ran all over the Bill's first string? :)

[magilacudy]

Redskins and Giants.

[Indiana]

I would say the Giants will be the big suprise this year.

[guessed]

I know this isn't what you meant, but the biggest surprise for me was the Titans losing Eddie George.

[Cornfedwb]

I would say the Giants will be the big suprise this year.

I'd love to see the Giants do well.. hell, who doesn't love watching Shockey play? But quite frankly, I worry Eli Manning was over-rated simply because of who his brother is. Eli doesn't have the poise and intelligence of Payton.. and that's what makes Payton such a quality commander on the field. If Eli doesn't perform the way I hope he will, the Giants are going to fall on the wayside yet again.

Then again they're up against the pathetic Redskins and the decrepit Eagles.. so they should be able to pull out a 500 season atleast.

[Cornfedwb]

I know this isn't what you meant, but the biggest surprise for me was the Titans losing Eddie George.

As compared to Ricky Williams leaving Miami the way he did? George not being signed was nothing after William's announcement.

[Graystone]

I know this isn't what you meant, but the biggest surprise for me was the Titans losing Eddie George.


where did he go?

[Cornfedwb]

I know this isn't what you meant, but the biggest surprise for me was the Titans losing Eddie George.


where did he go?

Cowboys.. go Parcells.

[SupremeNumNuts]

I would say the Lions. They have gotten much better in the offseason, and should start to put things together

Jason Fife and Joey Harrington at QB? Shawn Bryson at HB? Hakim as their best WR? A pathetic LB crew? A very small and slow O-line?... explain how they got much better.. I mean I realize any improvement is huge after last year.. but they're still terrible.

As long as Ford owns the Lions, they're going nowhere.


What about Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Streets at wide receiver and who knows how good Kevin Jones will be.

[johnnyoski]

The Lions will not compete in this year's Super Bowl and probably won't make the playoffs, but they will be better.

Jason Fife and Joey Harrington at QB?
No, Harrington, Mike McMahon and Rick Mirer. :lol:

Shawn Bryson at HB?
I sure hope not. Kevin Jones and Artose Pinner should get most of the carries.

Hakim as their best WR?
Roy Williams looks like the real deal and if Charles Rogers stays healthy the WR corp should be one of their strengths.

A pathetic LB crew?
For the most part I agree. But they did get Ted Lehman in the draft and Boss Bailey should be even better in his second season.

A very small and slow O-line?
They did get Damien Woody, who was probably the best available guard in the free agent market.

...explain how they got much better..
I think I just did.....but at best we're probably still a .500 team. I'll take it though considering we have combined to win 11 games the past 3 seasons!!

[Cornfedwb]

I would say the Lions. They have gotten much better in the offseason, and should start to put things together

Jason Fife and Joey Harrington at QB? Shawn Bryson at HB? Hakim as their best WR? A pathetic LB crew? A very small and slow O-line?... explain how they got much better.. I mean I realize any improvement is huge after last year.. but they're still terrible.

As long as Ford owns the Lions, they're going nowhere.


What about Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Streets at wide receiver and who knows how good Kevin Jones will be.

Yes... every team has atleast 6 wide receivers. However, listing off third-stringers (who unfortunately are starting for Detroit) doesn't mean anything. I have nothing against Detroit, hell I tend to root for them when they aren't playing a team I like.. but they're going nowhere, fast.

[tyecko]

I would say the Lions. They have gotten much better in the offseason, and should start to put things together

Jason Fife and Joey Harrington at QB? Shawn Bryson at HB? Hakim as their best WR? A pathetic LB crew? A very small and slow O-line?... explain how they got much better.. I mean I realize any improvement is huge after last year.. but they're still terrible.

As long as Ford owns the Lions, they're going nowhere.


What about Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Streets at wide receiver and who knows how good Kevin Jones will be.

Exactly, I was just about to say Rogers, Williams, and Streets. Hakim is probably their 4th best WR. Also, my pick is the Vikings. I believe they have a legitimate shot at the super bowl.

[bignick]

Raiders.

[Javery]

I would say the Giants will be the big suprise this year.

I'd love to see the Giants do well.. hell, who doesn't love watching Shockey play? But quite frankly, I worry Eli Manning was over-rated simply because of who his brother is. Eli doesn't have the poise and intelligence of Payton.. and that's what makes Payton such a quality commander on the field. If Eli doesn't perform the way I hope he will, the Giants are going to fall on the wayside yet again.

Then again they're up against the pathetic Redskins and the decrepit Eagles.. so they should be able to pull out a 500 season atleast.

Eli, according to reports, is going to be great. He is supposedly miles ahead of where Peyton was this early in his career. Kurt Warner will likely start the season and play about 8 games and then it will be Eli's team - hopefully for the next 15 years....

[danh920]

i'm thinking the broncos should contend to win the afc west, they have really improved their defense

[Zenithian Legend]

I think Duckman's buddy needs to read this before saying anything else about Detroit: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/features/story?page=overview/lions2004

The Lions could go finish anywhere from 5-11 to 10-6 this season, it really all depends on the season opener in Chicago. If Detroit wins, thus ending their record breaking losing streak on the road, they should be in good shape to contend all year. My guess is the team goes 8-8 and makes the playoffs next year. Harrington had better step up though, he's got some great receivers, Detroit's young tandum of Williams and Rogers could end up being the league's next Rice & Owens, doesn't hurt that Mooch is coaching here either. But hey call them third stringers, you're only making yourself look ignorant.

As far as the Giants go, get real, they'll be lucky to win 4 games. I really hope when Eli gets into a game someone just takes him out. The last thing the league needs is another self-absorbed hick running around talking himself up like he's God's gift to society. Archie may have fathered two NFL QB's, but as far as personality goes his sperm must've gone rotten.

Realistically I don't see a lot of surprsises this season. The way the media is talking up Washington, I don't think anyone would be too surprised to see them in January.

The one team that has really flown under the radar that might shock some people is New Orleans. The Saints have been playoff contenders the past 3 years and made it in 2000, nearly winning their division. Injuries crippled their team last year and at one point their defense only had 5 regular starters. Still the Saints finished 8-8, and I wouldn't be shocked if they found a way into the playoffs this year.

[thingsfallnapart]

The Packers, no ones talking about this year and i think big things are coming out of green bay this year.

[cag1000]

wow what a surprise no mention so far of the best and most consistent team in football. yea thats right the surprise is gonna be 4th time in the nfc champ game is the charm. what u gonna do when TO scores on u

[vherub]

efenay steelers, efenay!

[alfonsosoriano]

The Jets

[Derwood43]

Go Pack Go!

Brett Favre and the Packers will sneak up and win the SuperBowl. (Homer pick)


Honestly, I'd like to think that the Lions will surprise us. However, they have to play 4 games against the Vikings and Packers.

I don't think Washington can really surprise anyone. Everybody is already looking at them. Joe Gibbs and Clinton Portis are blockbuster moves.

Seattle was a playoff team last year...no major shocker if they make it this year.

My guess is...The Arizona Cardinals.

[johnnyoski]

wow what a surprise no mention so far of the best and most consistent team in football. yea thats right the surprise is gonna be 4th time in the nfc champ game is the charm. what u gonna do when TO scores on u

It remains to be seen how TO acts this season. Will he accept his role with the team or will he bitch and moan when McNabb doesn't throw to him 20 times/game?
This move could put the Eagles over the edge or blow up in their face.

[sblymnlcrymnl]

Here is my shocking pick: The Texans.

Yeah its a long shot but it wouldn't be a shocking pick if it wasn't


They get my vote too.

[zzl365]

Then again they're up against the pathetic Redskins and the decrepit Eagles.. so they should be able to pull out a 500 season atleast.

I'm sorry maybe I missed something but the Eagles have had the best record in the NFC for the past 2 years and in my eyes have improved over the off season. They finally have a go to receiver in TO and they have improved their pass rush by adding Jevon Kearse (barring injury). They lost some key players (Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor, and Duce Staley) but for much of the season last year Troy and Bobby were injured anyway. Additionally all 3 of the big players they let go were past their prime. I don't know that Philly will have a superbowl year, but I guarantee they will walk all over the rest of the division. And here's why:

Cowboys: They played over their heads last year, and Parcells amazes me, but a 40 year old starting QB... there's no way Vinnie lasts all 16 games this year, and then who do they turn to? Tony "Never heard of him" Romo or Drew "I finally realized I'm not that good of a baseball player" Henson. Also Eddie George is still a threat but his best years are behind him. They will need to win every game on defense alone, and though their's is great they will need at least some help from the offense.

Washington: Every year under Dan Snyder it's the same thing, add big names but still have bad teams. He made a poor decision bringing in Brunell when the money could have been spent bolstering the O-Line and seeing what Patrick Ramsey really has in him, he seems like a great talent but when the O-Line can't hold up neither can the QB. Also it'll be interesting to see if Dan Snyder keeps his noise out of Gibbs' business when the 'Skins are off to an auspicious start. I thought Spurrier was supposed to turn this team around too, but Snyder can't be happy just cashing the checks, he's gotta coach too.

New York Giants: Shockey can't stay healthy and even if he does who is going to throw to him. I don't think Kurt Warner has much left in the tank and Eli might turn out great, but probably not in year 1. Additionally their running attack is not great either, if Tiki "Fumble King" Barber could hold onto the ball the Giants would be much better off. Keeping Kerry Collins around for another year probably would have given them a better shot at a winning record.


And as for shocking pick, I'd go with Jax and Houston, both started playing very competitively towards the end of the season last year.

[Javery]

As far as the Giants go, get real, they'll be lucky to win 4 games. I really hope when Eli gets into a game someone just takes him out. The last thing the league needs is another self-absorbed hick running around talking himself up like he's God's gift to society. Archie may have fathered two NFL QB's, but as far as personality goes his sperm must've gone rotten.

First of all, the Giants will win more than 4 games. Second, it's not like you have to hang out with Eli so why do you care? If he is a good football player, what else matters? It's like not listening to a band because you dislike the members for reasons unrelated to their music... I don't get it...

[WarrenGekko]

Da Bearssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[ykryptonite13]

The Saints. But go Niners. In the NFC East: Philly will not win the division and won't even make the NFC Championship this time. Screw you TO and you're NFL 2K5 cover where you look like you're trying to make a lay-up.

[PawnTakesKing]

I'm gonna say the Texans, but I hope the Cowboys do really well.

[gameguy22006]

The Vikes!

[TomCloud9]

Go Steelers !!!!

[captainfrizo]

Here's the surprise team this year - the Carolina Panthers.

It's amazing, they are the defending NFC champs and no-one is giving them much of a chance of going back. Everyone is like "Philly this" and "Philly that." People seem to forget Carolina beat the Eagles in Philly.

The Super Bowl will be a rematch, and this time Carolina wins it all. You heard it here first.

Edit: Post #500. I'm an "All-Star."

Edit #2: For some stupid reason I had Carolina as the NFL champs in the original post. I wish that were true. I meant NFC.

[Xevious]

Here's the surprise team this year - the Carolina Panthers.

It's amazing, they are the defending NFL champs and no-one is giving them much of a chance of going back. Everyone is like "Philly this" and "Philly that." People seem to forget Carolina beat the Eagles in Philly.

The Super Bowl will be a rematch, and this time Carolina wins it all. You heard it here first.

Edit: Post #500. I'm an "All-Star."

I like Philly as a team but they are going to find out that Terrell Owens is a 24 carat asshole. He is going to disrupt the team and he can create internal conflict within the organization.

I dont think "Carolina" would be considered a surpise. They earned their respect last year and so everyone expects them to be fairly good.

[WhipSmartBanky]

My vote for surprise is Redskins if that will surprise anyone. I'm not a big fan, but I've heard the analysts say 9 wins tops. I think they'll fare much better.

I think 9 wins is being pretty generous. New coach, no real quarterback, no running game to speak of (Clinton Portis is good, but definitely far from great) and a secondary holier than the Fransiscan monks. Up against Bill Parcell's Cowboys, the Eagles who, while not good, are better than Washington and the Giants whom I expect to shape up this year with Eli Manning signed... I'd be surprised to see a 500 season out of Washington this year.

No real quarterback? Brunell is a great quarterback, but like zzl365 said, without a great O-line, he's going to get killed, Same thing happened when Brunell was here in Jax. When we had the line, we took it all the way to the AFC championships.

[mario23air]

Da Bears

[FriskyTanuki]

I say either Atlanta(Vick is healthy and he will continue his form from the end of last season) or Houston(They've gotten a lot of experience and have improved their defense greatly through the draft and will do well this season).

[Grave_Addiction]

I have to say Detroit will be. Harrington has a couple seasons under his belt and they just picked up Kevin Jones and another good receiver to complement the one they have already.

Plus they signed Brock Marion, who is always a solid saftey. I think they'll be pretty good next year.

[Slipknot9762]

I know this isn't what you meant, but the biggest surprise for me was the Titans losing Eddie George.

damn that really sucks but i hope they go all the way

[jimbodan]

How about them Cowboys?

Losing Carter to cocaine hurts, but Drew Henson is the QB of the future anyways. Eddie George has been impressive and Keyshawn is a true go-to reciever.

[LinkinA]

the ravens are gonna win it, im a pats fan, but i think the texanz will be the biggest surprise by having a decent year. they're quarterback is stepping up.

[karsh]

wow what a surprise no mention so far of the best and most consistent team in football. yea thats right the surprise is gonna be 4th time in the nfc champ game is the charm. what u gonna do when TO scores on u

Consistent....Consistent at CHOKING!


Sorry....I had to get it out of my system. TO is detremental to this team, and he will bring that team down. And Eagle fan's shouldn't be praising Kearse that much either. Kearse is more of a liability anymore, as the fact that he is already injured proves. I expect to see the Eagles choke yet again this year, probably in the NFC Championship game again no less.

*Is and will always dislike the Eagles cause of their fans, plus grew up in a Dallas Cowboy household*

But to get back on topic, I'd have to go with either Atlanta (not a real surprise, but if people really think last year was how they were, they'll be surprised), Houston (I really like Carr as QB, and I think they really could do good this year), and Detroit (Harrington is better then people give him credit for, and with their excellent draft, they'll improve this year to the tune of .500 and in the next couple years, be a playoff contender). I also expect to see good things out of Dallas, as I never believed in Quincy Carter in anyway. Not that I put much faith in Drew Henson, but we'll see.

[johnnyoski]

I see Washington's great luck has already started. Starting offensive tackle Jon Jansen out for the season.

[Grave_Addiction]

How about them Cowboys?

Losing Carter to cocaine hurts, but Drew Henson is the QB of the future anyways. Eddie George has been impressive and Keyshawn is a true go-to reciever.

I think the Cowboys are going to be damn good this season. I didn't mention them because I don't think they'll be a "suprise" team. They proved themselves last season.

They have the most dominating defense in the game. With Roy Williams lurking in the middle of the field, receivers are scared shitless to run in the middle. He has some of the most vicious hits I've seen in a long time. Plus, I expect Marcellus Wiley to play a big factor this year, too.

On the offensive side, there's no question that we've upgraded in almost every position.

We have three really good receivers in Keyshawn, Terry Glenn and Antonio Bryant.

Our offensive line should be a lot better than last year with a healthy Larry Allen and Al Johnson coming back to man the center spot. I'm looking for some good things from the O-line.

Getting rid of Troy a-midget-can-tackle-me Hambrick was one of the best moves in the offseason. Picking up Julius Jones and Eddie George was even better. We now have a promising running back that will be complemented by a proven veteran.

Quincy was never going to be a good starter in the NFL. Nothing more than a bus driver. But Vinny can still play, and I think the O-line will keep him safe. Plus Drew probably will be ready to play later in the season if needed.

This is a much better team this year than last year's 10-win team. I think we will win 10 to 11 games this season. I don't think our schedule is too tough, either.

Go Cowboys!