Who's your darkhorse team this year?

[psychraider32]

I have to go with my Jags not because I am biased but because I really believe they can surprise some teams. A lot of course rides on MJD and Gabbert.

I could also see the Panthers getting the NFC wild card.

Who's your dark horse and why?

[TheMatrix31]

Panthers, Bears, Bills.

I expect Cam Newton to continue doing what he's doing and I expect them to learn how to close out wins better.

The Bears are pretty stacked. They don't get the press of a GB, SF, Philly, NYG, NO, but I love Cutler being re-united with Marshall. Add in Forte and the D as usual, and they'll be pretttttttay darn good.

Bills are loaded on defense. If their offense can stay healthy, they might be able to surprise. I don't know about playoffs but they'll be a solid team as they were until injuries hurt 'em last year.

[Scott812313]

In the AFC I'll go with the Chiefs. I like the weapons they have on offense, as well as a really good D. Jamaal Charles claims to be %100, and I think he's the 2nd best back in the league when healthy, Hillis is a nice change of pace back, with soft hands. Look for Baldwin to really step up from last year as well. Add in the fact that there's not a dominant team in the AFC West, and I like their chances.

I'll take the Seahawks in the NFC. They have an extremely good yound secondary and a few nice pass rushers, the only thing I question on their defense is the linebackers. On offense, you have to believe either Flynn or Wilson is a big upgrade from Jackson, Sidney Rice may finally be healthy and they may get bounce back years from TO and/or Braylon Edwards. In the end, I don't think they'll win the NFC West, but a wild card berth is definitely a possibility.

[BlueNGold]

The teams that come to my mind for darkhorses are Seattle, Buffalo, and Dallas (if they can even be considered one).

[RoundingThird]

I'm watching for the Panthers. With the Saints down, they have a chance. Also the Raiders, and maybe the Redskins, but it looks like a 4 team race in the NFC East.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

I'm gonna go with the Chiefs in the AFC (I think they can win that division) and the Seahawks (think they can challenge for the division) and Bucs (complete homer pick, but I think they can win 7+ this year).

Bills have been the sexy pick for a lot of people, but man, Fitzpatrick looked AWFUL in the pre-season opener. The defensive line is great, but the secondary is still swiss cheese. I have serious doubts about them making the playoffs this year, but if Fitz can play half-decent, they should be able to hover around .500.

[DukeC]

My Oakland Raiders. We can win that division dammit.

[SPTO]

AFC: Chiefs
NFC: Panthers

Scott812313 hit the nail on the head when it comes to the Chiefs. I'll just add that with Romeo Crennel as the head coach I can see the offense being a little more balanced in its attack so when Cassel is not having the greatest day the running game can pick up the slack.

The Panthers have a shot and will probably come down to the last week of the season for them. The defense is still iffy IMO but as long as Newton doesn't have the sophomore jinx and improve his play week to week than they have a really good shot.

As for my Bills, the defensive front is strong and if they can put pressure on the opposing QB than having a soft secondary won't be that big of a problem. The secondary is not that great but they do seem to come up with opportunistic plays. Everything hinges on the offense but as stated earlier in the thread Fitzpatrick looked BAAAD in the first preseason game. Hopefully that's just one bad performance and he'll be ready to go come week 1. The other issue is Chan Gailey's obsession with the passing game, if he can tone down on passing calls and use the run game creatively than it will put a lot less pressure on Fitzy. If they don't have injuries they'll be knocking on the door of the playoffs.