This years biggest surprise...

[mercules20]

Disappointment: Denver goes 0-16

Surprise: Phillip Rivers finally gets it done and wins a super bowl

[antame]

At this point calling Houston a "surprise" to make the playoffs is a misnomer. I'm going to predict them as a disappointment at 9-7 with no playoffs. Until they finally do something, Im not on board with the Texans. Similar take on the Lions, though I think they're better than Houston, and 9-7 with no playoffs wouldn't be a total failure this year, considering their division and youth.

Other disappointments - Saints, Dallas (as usual), Eagles (sights too high), and Colts (getting long in the tooth).

Surprises - Browns, Titans, and Panthers (all competitive this year) and Rams (make the playoffs with a winning record).

[Get_on_my_horse]

I kind a like what Mike Shanahan is doing in DC.

The Vikings are in for a fail

[SOJA]

One of either the bucs, saints or falcons are going to have their season derailed by a season ending injury to one of their qbs

[Raleighcat83]

I like the Colts and Bears to fall off from last year. Lions, Browns are good surprise picks, how about Denver? Broncos passing game was good last year, we know Fox can turn around a run game and defense in a hurry.

[panthers55]

Indy goes 9-7 and misses playoffs. Houston wins that division with first double digit wins.

Atlanta wins 10 and finishes 2nd in the South.

[SnarkAttack]

I think the Bucs will disappoint their fans - the Lions will win 10. Also think the Saints are worse than advertised. That team's getting long in the tooth...

[ncbobcat]

NFC: Rams Cindarella story from last year goes bust AND Detroit goes to the playoffs

AFC: Ravens Holds off the Steelers, Pats and Jets in the playoffs AND Tennessee win the AFC south

[DevilCat]

Surprise: Detroit Lions-Playoffs

BTW- Panthers go 7-9.

[antame]

Surprise: Detroit Lions-Playoffs

I don't think anyone would see that as a surprise. Not a sure thing, certainly, but the Lions have alot of talent. A surprise would be if they flat out stunk.

[pantherclaw]

Surprise: the broncos winning thier division

Disappointment: the cowboys barely finishing 3rd in their division.

[4Corners]

Surprise: It's gotta be Armanti.

[Marguide]

I don't think anyone would see that as a surprise. Not a sure thing, certainly, but the Lions have alot of talent. A surprise would be if they flat out stunk.

If they were healthy, I would agree, but they seem to have horrible luck in that department. Fairley is hurt, and so is the RB they drafted (I think in the 3rd round).

[hepcat]

Oh man, the Giants will be pretty bad. 5-11 for them.

Surprise? I'll go with Arizona. I expect them to be better than everyone thinks...8-8.

And since this is a Panthers forum, I've always been predicting a 6-10 season. Competitive, lose some close games, and show improvement. But with a rookie QB this would be a successful season.