How Much Will the San Diego Chargers’ Record Improve in 2009?

Last year, the San Diego Chargers got off to a very slow start, eventally becoming the only team in NFL history to start out 4-8 and make the playoffs. Many of their struggles stemmed from the loss of Shawn Merriman for the season and the suddenly below average rushing game due to LaDainian Tomlinson’s injuries in 2008. Because of their defensive struggles, they were unable to hold leads late in games. They lost a total of 6 games by 7 points or less. With LT and Merriman back, they are expected to have a significantly better record this year. But, how much better could it be?

Analyzing the Steelers’ 2009 Schedule

Ben Roethlisberger

The defending Super Bowl Champion Pittburgh Steelers (it’s wonderful to say, isn’t it? ) faced one of the toughest schedules in NFL history last year. In running that gauntlet, they posted a 12-4 record, then went on to win an NFL record 6th Lombardi Trophy. This year, the Steelers expect to compete again for the prize, bringing back the vast majority of last years’ starters. But how will their schedule compare with that of 2008? That is the question that this post looks to answer.

Can the Colts Win 12 Games This Year?

Peyton Manning

The Indianapolis Colts have won 12 games for each of the last 6 years, which is an NFL record. According to wikipedia, that is two more than the next closest team (scroll to the bottom), which is the Dallas Cowboys (1992-1995). Last year, with Peyton Manning missing all of the preseason, they got off to slow start, but finished strong to preserve the streak of 12 win seasons. Will they continue that streak this year, or will the loss of Tony Dungy prove too much for them?

NE Patriots: How Likely is 16-0 Again?

Tom Brady and Randy Moss

Two years ago, the New England Patriots had a historic regular season, the first team in NFL history to go 16-0. In that season, they also set the record for most points scored in a regular season. They were only seconds away from finishing the season with an undefeated Super Bowl championship, which would have made them the second team to ever accomplish the feat. With Tom Brady returning from a torn ACL, are the Patriots poised to pursue perfection again?

Will the Cowboys Improve in 2009?

Tony Romo (By Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)

Coming off of a 13-3 record in 2007, the Cowboys were among the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl before the 2008 season. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, several issues appeared in 2008 to derail what began as a promising season. TO whining, Tony Romo’s injury, and struggles on defense during Romo’s injury led to losses that ultimately cost the team a playoff berth. Coming off of those issues, how likely are they to repeat (or surpass) the success of 2007?

A Statistical Analysis of the Atlanta Falcons’ Schedule

AP Photo: Michael Turner Runs Away from Detroit Defense

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons were one of the surprise teams in the NFL. In fact, some were even predicting that the Falcons would go winless in 2008, including Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com (whose 2009 prediction for possible winless teams I came across in tlozwarlock‘s post at The Falcoholic). While it may have been a stretch to expect them to go winless last year, I don’t think anyone predicted that they would win 11 games and make the playoffs with a rookie GM, rookie Head Coach and rookie QB (not to mention a first year starter at running back). Never-the-less, the Falcons had a great year last year, with rookie QB Matt Ryan having one of the best rookie campaigns in NFL history.

Coming off of that success, how likely are they to repeat that success in 2009?