NFL Season Predictions 2015: These 5 Teams Will Disappoint Their Fans
After eight long months of waiting, the 2015 NFL season is almost here. Every season has its huge surprises, but unfortunately, every season also has its share of disappointing teams.
Here are five teams that will disappoint this season.
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of talent. Last year they began the season 6-0 before Carson Palmer got injured. They ranked fifth in points give up, but the Cardinals did allow the eighth most yards in the NFL. The Cardinals secondary took a big hit when Antonio Cromartie chose to rejoin the New York Jets. Patrick Peterson struggled last season with deep balls, and it won't get any easier this year. On top of all that, the Cardinals play in a tough NFC West division with the Seattle Seahawks still top dogs, and the running isn't showing much promise.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Every franchise has its "window of opportunity." The Cincinnati Bengals haven't won a single playoff game since 1990, which is the longest drought in the NFL. It's amazing Marvin Lewis is still the head coach. The Bengals have made the playoffs the last four consecutive seasons, but haven't taken advantage of the moment. Andy Dalton still has much to prove, and the Bengals defense, which ranked 22nd last year, hasn't made many improvements. The AFC North is viewed by many as the toughest division in the league. Expect the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens to finish ahead of the Bengals this season.
3. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions snuck into the playoffs last year as a wild card team, but they had some big losses this offseason, especially to their defensive line. Ndamukong Suh is now with the Miami Dolphins and Nick Fairley is a member of the St. Louis Rams. Thanks to those two, the Lions had the No. 1 run defense in the league last year. Calvin Johnson, who had his least productive season since 2009, has been battling injuries, and the Lions don't have a very reliable running game at all. The Green Bay Packers should dominate the NFC North once again. The Lions may lose out on a wild card spot to the Philadelphia Eagles or Dallas Cowboys.
4. Houston Texans
Last year J.J. Watt had one of the greatest seasons ever for an NFL player, let alone a defenseman. Despite Watt having more than 20 sacks, an interception, and even catching three touchdowns, the Texans only finished 9-7 last year. Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson is now with the Indianapolis Colts, and the Texans still have huge issues at the quarterback position. Arian Foster is also injured at the moment. More than likely only the Colts will be the only team to make it out of the AFC South this season.
5. Oakland Raiders
Every year fans and analysts think it's "the Raiders year" to finally break out. Unfortunately, it just never happens. Since their Super Bowl run in 2002, the Raiders haven't even once had a winning record. Derek Carr had an average rookie year, but he still has many things to improve upon. The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs are still far superior in the AFC West, and the San Diego Chargers are slightly better. Don't expect a surprise season from the Raiders this year with their terrible running game.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1