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Rams'
Run Unexpected
By NFL Publications
By
Randy Williams
New York (AQB)--The results are in and one thing is clear - NFL
publications do not see into the future.
Not surprisingly, none of the six NFL preview magazines I reviewed
prior to the season predicted that the Rams would finish higher
than third in the NFC West. And, though five of the six called Tennessee's
second-place finish in the AFC Central, none expected the Titans
to run all the way to the Super Bowl.
Listed below are each magazine's divisional predictions, with the
actual winner, and where they were picked, in parentheses. For good
measure (and more than a few laughs), I've thrown in the Crystal
Ball's preseason picks, as well.
Pro
Football Weekly's Preview '99
AFC East: Miami (Indianapolis - 3rd)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 2nd)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd)
NFC East: Arizona (Washington - 3rd)
NFC Central: Green Bay (Tampa Bay - 3rd)
NFC West: San Francisco (St. Louis - 4th)
Super Bowl: Miami over Green Bay
The quote: "Right now, Kurt Warner is the backup, and he has
played well in the World League in the past, but it would not be
an upset if rookie Joe Germaine wins the backup job."
Lindy's 1999 Pro Football
AFC East: Miami (Indianapolis - 5th)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 2nd)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd)
NFC East: Dallas (Washington - 5th)
NFC Central: Minnesota (Tampa Bay - 3rd)
NFC West: Atlanta (St. Louis - 4th)
Super Bowl: Miami vs Dallas
The quotes: "New name, new uniforms, new stadium, new practice
facility, new defensive line. The Titans have it all. This is their
big chance to wash away the Oilers' image problems and mediocrity.
All these ingredients should give the Tennessee Titans more intangibles
than any team in the league."
"The Rams will play only two teams - Atlanta and San Francisco
- that had winning records last season. The easy schedule should
enable the Rams to build some confidence and some momentum."
Preview Sports Football '99
AFC East: Jets (Indianapolis - 5th)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 2nd)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd)
NFC East: Giants (Washington - 4th)
NFC Central: Minnesota (Tampa Bay - 2nd)
NFC West: Atlanta (St. Louis - 5th)
The quote: "Maybe Vermeil does have the team headed in the
right direction. The playoffs may be within reach down the road,
as anything is possible. But consider how far the team has to rise
to reach even a level of mediocrity."
Ultimate Sports Football 1999
AFC East: Jets (Indianapolis - 5th)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 2nd)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd)
NFC East: Arizona (Washington - 4th)
NFC Central: Minnesota (Tampa Bay - 3rd)
NFC West: Atlanta (St. Louis - 3rd)
Super Bowl: Jets over Minnesota
Street & Smith's Pro Football
AFC East: Miami (Indianapolis - 5th)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 3rd)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd)
NFC East: Dallas (Washington - 3rd)
NFC Central: Minnesota (Tampa Bay - 3rd)
NFC West: Atlanta (St. Louis - 4th)
Super Bowl: Minnesota over Denver
The quote: "(Trent) Green did not show sure hands with Washington,
and that's of critical importance to the coaching staff. The Rams
also have no depth at this position with Banks gone."
Sports Illustrated (picks made by Dr. Z)
AFC East: Jets (Indianapolis - 5th, 26th of 31 teams)
AFC Central: Jacksonville (Tennessee - 2nd, 14th of 31)
AFC West: Denver (Seattle - 2nd, 6th of 31)
NFC East: Dallas (Washington - 4th, 19th of 31)
NFC Central: Minnesota (Tampa Bay - 2nd, 7th of 31)
NFC West: Atlanta (St. Louis - 3rd, 21st of 31)
Super Bowl: Jacksonville over Minnesota
The quote: "With Marshall Faulk on the field, there are no
limitations." - Rams offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
The
Guru's Crystal Ball
Super Bowl: Green Bay over Jets
Some Hits...
"The Falcons aren't getting much respect for last season's
NFC championship upset and I think I know why: It was a fluke. A
big, fat fluke."
"Everyone who isn't picking Jacksonville or the Jets loves
Miami to advance to the Super Bowl. Am I missing something or has
Dan Marino somehow regained the talent that age and injury siphoned
off in the past few years?"
"The Pack may win games in '99, in fact I think they will,
but it'll be in spite of the corpse on the sidelines."
"New Orleans' season went kaput in the preseason when star
defensive end Joe Johnson collapsed with a season-ending knee injury."
"Pete Carroll is a terrible, terrible coach who can't motivate
his players..."
"If Cincy wins seven games, I'll wear a pink tutu, dance downtown
and pay for therapy for the citizens scarred by my act."
...And A Few Misses
"Everyone is getting excited by the Colts' offense, and rightfully
so, but it's just hard to imagine this team being anything more
than middle of the road."
"St. Louis turns to Arena League refugee Kurt Warner whose
claim to fame is a fine set of bicuspids."
"If Bryant Young contributes, (the Niners) just may be dancin'
come January."
Consensus
Preview Magazine Picks
AFC East Champion: Miami/NY Jets
AFC Central Champion: Jacksonville
AFC West Champion: Denver
NFC East Champion: Dallas
NFC Central Champion: Minnesota
NFC West Champion: Atlanta
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