SD or OAK or CAR vs PIT or DET or NYG

If the simulation results from the Dallas Technology Center's labs are any indication, the USAFL 2011 season promises to be a bloody battle for the championship. The average wins of the top 3 teams in each conference are within 1 game of each other. For the AFC: San Diego, Oakland and Carolina; for the NFC: Pittsburgh, Detroit and New York (Giants).

 

The Chargers averaged the most wins over a simulation of 40 (yes FORTY) seasons, going 13-3. The Raiders and Panthers were right behind with 12-4 records. The AFC Central is easily the most dominate division in the league with 4 out of 6 teams expected to finish with winning records: SD (13-3), OAK (12-4), HOU (10-6) and DEN (9-7). The other teams with winning records in the conference are CAR (12-4) and NYJ (9-7).

 

The Steelers, Lions and Giants all averaged 11-5 records. Green Bay and Cleveland are the next tier with 9-7 records.

 

NFC East

1. Pittsburgh (11-5) Steelers have never finished below 11-5.

1. New York Giants (11-5) Shot at first division crown.

3. Cleveland (9-7) Well, hello Browns! First winning season ever.

4. Washington (8-8) Defending division champ is a great spoiler.

5. Dallas (7-9) Cowboys endure a second down year.

6. Philadelphia (3-13) Eagles still grounded.

 

NFC Central

1. Detroit (11-5) Lion Country rejoice! First time visit to the playoffs!

2. Green Bay (9-7) SB Champs have won 25 consecutive regular season games.

3. Baltimore (7-9) Progress in Pony Town.

3. San Francisco (7-9) Blitz-happy over-achiever to 13-3 last season.

5. Chicago (6-10) Two seasons in a row to miss the playoffs?

6. Minnesota (5-11) Whazzup with the Vikings.

 

AFC East

1. Carolina (12-4) Division title should not be any trouble.

2. New York Jets (9-7) Could squeak out a playoff slot.

3. Boston (8-8) Chance at playoffs, needs to out coach NYJ and HOU.

4. Atlanta (7-9) First time to miss playoffs in 5 years

5. Buffalo (5-11) Uptick 2 wins since last season but needs a lot more work.

6. Miami (3-13) Dolphins remain underwater. One of only 3 teams never to make playoffs.

 

AFC Central

1. San Diego (13-3) #1 Offense + #2 Defense = Super Bowl

2. Oakland (12-4) Matchups vs SD will be games to watch

3. Houston (10-6) First winning season in franchise history?

4. Denver (9-7) Superior coaching will put wins into double digits.

5. Cincinnati (6-10) Setback from nice improvement (9-7) last season.

5. Kansas City (6-10) Lianos reviving Chiefs from the dead.

Round 1 Picks In: CAR or SD vs PIT in SB!

This will be the final pre-season prediction until the draft is done.

Based on 20 seasons of a computer-generated schedule, it looks like the Panthers and Chargers will face each other in the AFC Championship game. The Steelers could be facing division rival Giants in the NFC Championship. Both CAR and SD have the edge over PIT in the SB.

NFC East

1. Pittsburgh (12-4) Led by #2 defense but #7 offense is a weakness.

2. New York Giants (11-5) Top scoring offense but average defense is their demise.

3. Cleveland (9-7) Browns fan will rejoice: First winning season in franchise history.

4. Washington (8-8) Spoiler! Predicted 8-8 last season as well but went 12-4.

5. Philadelphia (4-12) Perhaps new owner can turn this franchise around.

5. Dallas (4-12) 2nd straight losing season for the Cowboys.

NFC Central

1. Green Bay (8-8) Super Bowl champ could struggle for playoff spot.

1. Detroit (8-8) Lions underachieved last year.

1. Baltimore (8-8) Colts severely underachieved last year.

4. Minnesota (6-10) Will miss the playoffs again.

4. San Francisco (6-10) 49ers severely OVERachieved last season.

6. Chicago (5-11) Owner Ziegert is used to winning seasons, this is uncharacteristic.

AFC East

1. Carolina (13-3) Contender for the 3rd season in a row. #2 offense, #4 defense

2. New York Jets (11-5) Jets fly again after one down season.

2. Boston (11-5) Patriots could miss playoffs at 11-5!

4. Miami (6-10) Dolphins not improving but not digressing either

5. Atlanta (5-11) Overachiever but difficult to make playoffs this season.

6. Buffalo (4-12) Hasn't had a winning season since 2007.

AFC Central
1. San Diego (13-3) Nordberg is best coach in USAFL: 80 wins (83%).

2. Oakland (12-4) Hello Raiders! Back from a short stint in mediocrity.

3. Denver (11-5) Mile High guys slide a bit, mainly on offense.

4. Houston (9-7) Won only 3 last year when expected to win 7.

5. Kansas City (5-11) Lianos needs to help Chiefs find inner Warrior.

6. Cincinnati (4-12) A down year for the Bengals after going 9-7.

Through Pick 22: PIT vs SD in SB!

10 seasons, through pick 22.

 

NFC East

1. Pittsburgh(13-3)

2. New York Giants (11-5)

3. Cleveland (9-7)

4. Washington (8-8)

5. Philadelphia (5-11)

6.  Dallas (3-13)

 

NFC Central

1. Green Bay (8-8)

1. Baltimore (8-8)

1. Detroit (8-8)

4. Chicago (7-9)

5. San Francisco (6-10)

5. Minnesota (6-10)

 

AFC East

1. Carolina (12-4)

2. New York Jets (10-6)

3. Boston (9-7)

4. Miami (7-9)

5. Buffalo (5-11)

6. Atlanta (4-12)

 

AFC Central

1. San Diego (13-3)

2. Oakland (12-4)

2. Denver (12-4)

4. Houston (9-7)

5. Cincinnati (5-11)

5. Kansas City (5-11)