2009 Worst to First Predictions
Last season the Miami Dolphins pulled off one of the greatest turn arounds in NFL history. They went from a 1-15 record in 2007 to a 11-5 finish and an AFC Eastern Division title in 2008. One of the greatest things about the NFL is that your team always has a chance as it is very possible to go from worst to first in a year’s time.Let’s preview last season’s five worst teams and their projected win total for 2009 from beted.com to see which team has the best chance to be this seasons Dolphins.
Detroit Lions: Last Year’s Record 0-16 Projected Win Total 4.5
The Lions failure to win a game last season gave them the dubious distinction of being the only team in the history of the NFL to lose sixteen games in a single season. With a whole new front office and coaching staff, they are trying to wipe the slate clean and erase the memory of 2008. With the first pick in the draft they selected Georgia QB Matthew Stafford with the hopes he will develop into the franchise quarterback this team has never really had.
Through the rest of the draft and free agency they added enough talent to keep them from going winless again, but I do think it will be enough to get them more than 4-5 wins so I would stick with the under on this one.
St. Louis Rams: Last Year’s Record 2-14 Projected Win Total 5.5
The Ram’s were equally as bad last season ranking near the bottom in both offense and defense. They hired Giant defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has their new head coach who immediately began to clean house releasing a number of aging veterans. Given the fact they will be relying on a number of young, inexperienced players to fill these spots, this will be rebuilding year for the Rams. I would lean toward the under with them as well as I can’t see them winning more than 5 games.
Kansas City Chiefs: Last Year’s Record 2-14 Projected Win Total 6
The Chiefs defense could not stop anyone last season as they gave up close to 30 points a game, while their offense only managed to score an average of 18 points per game. In an effort to bring in a leader for both sides of the ball, they traded draft picks to New England for QB Matt Cassell and LB Mike Vabrel. Along with some other free agents and draft picks this team has enough talent to win right away. Also, playing in the very weak AFC West will help their cause. I believe they will win more than six games, but not enough to make the playoffs in the very competitive AFC.
Cleveland Browns: Last Year’s Record 4-12 Projected Win Total 7
Former Jets head coach Eric Mangini takes over the reins as the Brown’s new head coach. His first task will be to improve an offense that ranked 31st in total yards per game and 30th in points scored. Unfortunately with no real improvement in offensive talent, I believe the results will be pretty much the same in 2009. Defensively they are not that bad, but I still see 3 or 4 wins as a realistic expectation for this team.
Seattle Seahawks: Last Year’s Record 4-12 Projected Win Total 7.5
Seattle got off to a 1-5 start last year and never recovered. Injuries to QB Matt Hasselbeck and other key players on both sides of the ball took their toll as the season progressed. With a healthy Hasselbeck and the addition of All Pro WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, there is enough talent on offense to score a lot points. New head coach Jim Mora’s job will be to improve a defense that was ranked 30th overall last season. Drafting LB Aaron Curry from Wake Forest in the first round will definitely help. This team has enough talent to win 9 or 10 games this season which should be enough to win the NFC West.
Of the five teams previewed, Seattle has the best chance to turn things around and get back to the playoffs, and make them the best worst to first story in 2009.
