Most likely to miss the playoffs: New York Jets
Rex Ryan may come after me for making such a claim, but the Jets are not as good as their 11-5 record might reflect. Outside of the Seahawks, Bears, and Chiefs - whom many believe will not make the playoffs for a second year in a row - the Jets are the most likely team to miss the postseason action in 2011. The Jets offensive efficiency is as bad as their defensive efficiency is good. Expect the Jets to go .500 or worse in 2011.
Most likely to make the playoffs: Minnesota Vikings
Most people forget that the Vikings are just 1 year removed from a 12-4 season. Last year's 6-10 finish was predominantly due to the 5th least efficient offense in the league. Brett Favre was awful and due to Shanahan's shanahanigans, people forget that Donovan McNabb can still play. Like the Vikings, McNabb is only 1 year removed from being a top 10 QB in terms of efficiency. With the Bears out, expect the Vikings to win 10 games and earn a wildcard spot in the NFC.
Looking forward to Week 1:
Here are a few picks and projections for week 1, from the same algorithm that beat the spread 55|PERCENT| of the time.
Carolina +7 vs Arizona
Despite both team's being horrendous, Rookie Cam Newton should keep the game close.
Dallas +4.5 vs New York
Romo is back and that means at least a slight resurrection for the Cowboys.
Top Fantasy Projections
QB - Philip Rivers - 22/34, 270 Yds, 2 TD
RB - Jamaal Charles - 125 Total yards, 1 TD
WR - Dwayne Bowe - 6 Rec, 90 Yds, 1 TD
The most accurate weekly projections from numberFire.com based on wall-street style analytics. numberFire outpredicted two of the most trafficked fantasy sites 70|PERCENT| of the time and are 54-55|PERCENT| against the spread over the last 3 seasons.