1. Steelers. 12-4. Another convincing division win and solid playoff performance puts them in the Super Bowl again.
2. Colts. 12-4. Had bad luck in the playoffs, but they are still a league force.
3. Giants. 12-4. Stumbled a bit, but the defense is unbeatable.
4. Titans. 13-3. Had a nice season, and nearly beat the impressive Ravens.
5. Ravens. 11-5. Made a nice run with rookie Joe Flacco but got beaten by the rival Steelers... good season.
6. Panthers. 12-4. Taken by surprise in the playoffs, but had an overall great season.
7. Cardinals. 9-7. Carried by Fitzgerald, they sneak into the playoffs, and then make a solid run to lead Warner to another emotional Super Bowl with the Steelers.
8. Eagles. 9-6-(1). Got cut short by the Cardinals deep passing game, but really showed that they have what it takes.
9. Chargers. 8-8. Little production from LT in the playoffs cut San Diego short yet again in the postseason, but they are a consistently threatening team.
10. Falcons. 11-5. Led by Matt Ryan, Atlanta made a push, but stumbled at a bad time. No one expected the depleted Falcons to have this kind of success.
11. Vikings. 10-6. Choked early in the playoffs, but ended up not having a bad year, taking advantage of the departure of Brett Favre from Green Bay and winning the division.
12. Dolphins. 11-5. Admired for their tremendous bounce-back season, but a little disappointing in the postseason. All in all, not a poor year by any stretch for the previously 1-15 Miami squad.
13. Patriots. 11-5. One of the best non-playoff teams ever. What a bad break for New England to get cut short.
14. Buccaneers. 9-7. Bad losing streak to end the season, but had a solid year prior to that.
15. Cowboys. 9-7. Mid-season crisis leads to a terrible outcome for the Cowboys, seeing as they were popular picks to take home the Lombardi trophy.
16. Saints. 8-8. One of the better divisions in football, and New Orleans ends up in dead last, despite finishing at 500. Oh well, congrats Drew Brees on an almost-historic season.
17. Jets. 9-7. Led by Brett Favre, they had shots at a playoff birth, but didn't have great execution in the clutch.
18. Broncos. 8-8. Missed the playoffs by 1 game, but really not impressive throughout the season. Lots of injuries, which they look to take care of next season.
19. Redskins. 8-8. Adversity with injuries and a new coach, ultimately leading to a letdown season. Lots of room for improvement on offense, but Clinton Portis did a nice job.
20. Bears. 9-7. Up-and-down season for Chicago, but really no excuses for their lack of production. They have absolutely no quarterback.
21. Packers. 6-10. Big choke at the end of the season. Aaron Rodgers may be the future here, look for big things in Green Bay coming up.
22. Bills. 7-9. Another shaky season in Buffalo. Can they ever learn to be consistent?
23. Jaguars. 5-11. A highly talented team that lacks discipline and consistency. Could be a Wild Card threat in the near future.
24. Browns. 4-12. A generous rank, because there is talent here. Browns will surprise next year.
25. Seahawks. 4-12. Unexpectedly bad season. No room for excuses in Seattle.
26. 49ers. 7-9. A low rank for the final record, but the 49ers just are not a good team.
27. Texans. 8-8. Another stingy rank, but they are incapable of winning that division while Peyton Manning remains with Indy. Look down the road a few years for Houston, with possible success later on.
28. Raiders. 5-11. They can't get anything right.
29. Rams. 2-14. Atrocious season. No hope for the Rams next season, but look for a strong rebuilding proccess and come back to St. Louis in a few years.
30. Chiefs. 2-14. One of the NFL's worst teams. No hope for the miserable Chiefs.
31. Bengals. 4-11-(1). Not a bad team, but the hubbub involving Chad Johnson is getting to my head. It's all downhill from here on out for the distracted, frustrated, Cincinnati Bengals.
32. Lions. 0-16. This abysmal record got Detroit a spot in Canton, Ohio. Sorry Lions, but you are pitiful. No hope.
My Super Bowl prediction
Pittsburgh Steelers 32
Arizona Cardinals 19
Next year's teams to watch: (Predicted record)
Saints (11-5, 3rd seed)
Packers (10-6, Wild Card)
Browns (10-6, no playoffs)
Next year's letdowns: (Predicted record)
Panthers (8-8)
Jets (6-10)
Cowboys (8-8)
What a great season it has been. Congratulations to Peyton Manning for his MVP award. Congratulations to all the playoff teams for a well-played season. Good luck to Pittsburgh and Arizona, and congratulations to all the outstanding athletes going to the Pro Bowl. Hope all your teams do well in 09-10. It's been great. Thanks for reading,
Chris Byrne
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