2011 NFL Season Win Total Over/Unders, Part III
The third installment of the Over/Under series concludes today, after covering ten teams in both part I and part II. With the twelve remaining teams with projected wins of 7 or under to get to today, there’s no room for flowery talk. Let’s get to these surprise candidates for 2011.
Oakland Raiders (7.0 wins, Over -110/Under -110). The franchise had a non-losing record for the first time since 2002, and so Al Davis fired Tom Cable and promoted Hue Jackson, who in one year managed to produce the 6th highest scoring team in the league. The schedule played a part in that, though. The offseason has seen them lose not only their best defender, Asomugha, but also their leading receiver, TE Zach Miller, and run blocker, failed tackle turned road grating guard Robert Gallery. That 8-8 record was achieved by going 6-0 in the West, something I don’t see happening again. UNDER.
Arizona Cardinals (7.0 wins, Over -110/Under -110). This team was awful last year, far worse than the record indicates because they managed to win some fluky games. The moves to get Kevin Kolb and Todd Heap will improve the passing offense, but I think still provide below average production. Levi Brown is a bad left tackle, Alan Faneca is so far past he can’t even see his prime in the rear view mirror [edit: he is so far passed, I forgot about his retirement this offseason], and Deuce Lutui is back at guard only because he failed the Bengals’ physical. The defense has lost personnel, and has an aging core. I like the Patrick Peterson pick, but I don’t think this team bounces back to the 3-year run (well, for this franchise) of 27 regular season wins from 2007-2009 just yet. UNDER.
Minnesota Vikings (7.0 wins, Over +110/Under -130). Lots of reasons not to like the Vikings. The offensive line is in flux, with overrated LT Bryant McKinnie showing up at 400 pounds and getting cut, and Steve Hutchinson aging. They lost Sidney Rice, but then again, he didn’t play last year. They lost their youngest defensive lineman. On the other hand, Favre was horrible last year, and I expect McNabb to be an upgrade at the position, Leslie Frazier is not Brad Childress, and the circus, and all expectations are gone. Feels like an 8-8 team with flaws to me, and consider I’d have to pay more for the under, I’ll hesitantly say OVER.
Tennessee Titans (7.0 wins, Over +120/Under -140). Another team that had a circus like atmosphere in 2010, with the Jeff Fisher vs. Vince Young drama and being part of the Randy Moss experience. They also looked like a playoff team at 5-2, until that collapse, and still scored more points than they allowed despite going 6-10. They lost Jason Babin and Stephen Tulloch in free agency, while adding Hasselbeck. I don’t think he’s going to be great, but he will stabilize the position. The offensive line is still a strength, and I think they will score if Kenny Britt stays healthy/out of jail. OVER.
Cleveland Browns (6.5 wins, Over -150/Under +130). The Browns were 3-7 in close games, and played a tough schedule. The line is a strength, and they lacked any kind of receivers. I expect Greg Little to move into the starting lineup as a rookie and provide an upgrade, and Colt McCoy will get a full season. They were one of the few teams to handle the Patriots, and showed that they have upside. A young developing team with a schedule that eases up makes an easy OVER for me (though I wouldn’t pay that -150 price).
Jacksonville Jaguars (6.5 wins, Over Even/Under -120). It was amazing that this team was in playoff position at 8-6 last year, because they weren’t very good. They got blown out, or won some close games, including that hail mary from Garrard to Thomas. The schedule looks to be a bit tougher this year (AFC North/NFC South + San Diego/Jets) and without the rabbit’s foot, this feels like a 5-11 or 6-10 type team, particularly with the possibility of going to rookie Blaine Gabbert and playing for next year if they start slow. UNDER.
Washington Redskins (6.0 wins, Over -120/Under Even). The easy answer is to say under. The quarterbacks consist of a bunch of guys who would never get a wedding registry post on our site. I don’t go for the easy answer. It’s been an un-Washington like offseason, with no splash signings. Trent Williams missed 3 games with injury last year, and should take a step forward at LT this year. Brian Orakpo is ready to become a star. Shanahan is entering year two, after cleaning house. The definition of an under the radar team, which I never thought Daniel Snyder could oversee. They won 6 games last year, with all the Haynesworth issues, and McNabb drama. They just need 7, and I think they get it. OVER.
Seattle Seahawks (6.0 wins, Over -105/Under -115). Everyone will focus on Tarvaris Jackson instead of Matt Hasselbeck, but let’s go through the offense. LT Russell Okung was a rookie and missed 6 games with ankle injuries, but the offense was much better with him. If he stays healthier and progresses, that’s a huge upgrade over what they got last year. Sidney Rice + Zach Miller is a massive upgrade over Ben Obamanu/Deon Butler/John Carlson. The interior offensive line was a problem and they couldn’t run the ball; they brought in Tom Cable to coach the line, added two linemen in the first 3 rounds of the draft, and signed Robert Gallery to play guard. It’s year two in this system, and this is going to be a better offensive unit than last year, even with Jackson. And you can get them at the lowest price in the NFC West, a division with no powerhouses. It wouldn’t shock me at all if they won a pillow fight for the division at 8-8 again. OVER.
Buffalo Bills (5.5 wins, Over -120/Under Even). Yeah, I said the Bills wouldn’t be as bad as you think last year (and they went 4-12) and I’ll say it again. How important is schedule? They went 0-9 vs. playoff teams, including several OT losses. They had the toughest schedule in the league in 2010. After the disaster that was Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick stabilized the position. Predicting future schedule strength is tough, but odds are, it won’t be the worst in the league again, and turn a few of those close losses to wins, and this is an easy OVER.
Cincinnati Bengals (5.5 wins, Over -120/Under Even). The Bungles are returning after a stretch of mediocrity, because Mike Brown isn’t going away. They didn’t franchise Johnathan Joseph and lost one of their best young players. Bruce Gradkowski and Andy Dalton will compete to start the opening game. UNDER.
Denver Bronc0s (5.5 wins, Over -120/Under Even). Denver won fewer than 6 games last year, the first time that has happened since 1990, and only second time since 1972. The Josh McDaniels regime was a trainwreck by the end, and I have a feeling that this team will respond under John Fox. Add in two impact defenders that can get the pass rush pressure this team lacked, in rookie Von Miller and injured Elvis Dumervil, and I this team should improve on the 4-12 from a season ago, no matter who is at quarterback. OVER.
Carolina Panthers (4.5 wins, Over -125/Under +105). Carolina joins the 2008 Falcons as the only team with a win projection below 5 since 2005 – that was Matt Ryan’s rookie year. This team won 20 games the previous two years, before it all fell apart. Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen were dreadful, Steve Smith was slowed by an injury and there was absolutely no other receiving option, DeAngelo Williams and Johnathan Stewart were hurt, and the team desperately missed road-grating RT Jeff Otah, who ended up missing the whole season. I wasn’t a fan of the DeAngelo resigning at the price for the long term, but in the short term, it will help. Smith is back after re-signing and presumably happy, and they upgraded with the combo of Shockey and Olsen at tight end. Otah is back in camp. Oh, and Cam Newton may not be great as a rookie, but he should be better than what they had in 2010. So many things went wrong in 2010, and they look to already be addressing them. Another Easy OVER for me.
[photo via Getty]

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73 Responses to “2011 NFL Season Win Total Over/Unders, Part III”
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August 5th, 2011 at 1:15 PM
I doubt he will have much affect on the Cardinals season. Positive or Negative.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Nice.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:20 PM
Glad Lions aren’t considered the dregs.
As for the Cards, I’m big on that over and think they win the division at 8-8.
I’m also big on the under for the Vikings.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Nah.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:21 PM
I gotta agree with most of these. The only one I would argue is the Browns. They feel like a 6-10 team for me. Tough Division (out side of Ohio), lots of young players (QB, WR, CB, DL) or injury prone players (RB, LB) in key positions, new offensive/defensive systems. Seems like the team that will start slow, like 2-6 and finish 4-4 getting their fans excited about next year.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
They went 0-9 vs. playoff teams, including several OT losses.
I think they made a mistake scheduling that many playoff teams.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:22 PM
I think they’re going to be terrible.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Under for the Titans. Way under.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
I meant to add, the +130 makes the UNDER such a valuable play that it seems like a no brainer.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
We are 35 million dollars under the cap, have won 14 games in 3 years, I really have no clue what the hell we are doing. It has been said we didn’t make any splash in free agency because we are paying off ex-coaches buy outs, but I also heard that is bullshit and not the. I don’t even know if the Browns ever want to be good or relevant. It’s disappointing, yet we will sell out every game. Fuck you Browns, fuck you really hard.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:23 PM
heh. +1
August 5th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
And I’ll buy the over in Carolina….
August 5th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
This as well. They got the QB they wanted. DRC was dreadful last year and will be replaced by Peterson and they also got Heap to help the new QB out. I think they take the west. Plus I like Wells/Williams in the backfield. Much more dynamic than hightower.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
you’re a good fella, Lisk.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:24 PM
I don’t see them winning 8 games again…probably 5-6. It was a good run.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
If Kevin Williams gets suspended then the Vikes will be under. If not, over. Remember, this is not that vanilla defense Chilly liked to run. The blitzed the hell out of teams, epecially the Eagles, after Frazier took over. Also with a 2 to 3 tight end set, expect the Vikes to unleash Adrian this year with a power blocking scheme.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
Nah.
i watched the vast majority of a Carolina game last year (versus the NY Giants week 1) and Matt Moore was the worst QB I had ever seen, to that point.
Later, I watched part of a Carolina game with Jimmy Clausen at the helm, and the first statement was no longer true.
Then, I watched an Arizona game, and you can imagine my chagrin.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:25 PM
I’ll take the Under on Tennessse and the over on Jacksonville please.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
I’d agree with your take on over for the Seahawks. Apart from the QB situation they’ve actually made some pretty decent upgrades, and the line will be better (barring injury). The defense might get a little interesting, but this is a work in progress.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
with a power blocking scheme.
you know they have a marshmallow soft left tackle now, right? Charlie Johnson isn’t going to be part of any power running game.
And did the center change? Or is it still Sullivan subbed by the backup tackle?
August 5th, 2011 at 1:27 PM
They didnt get to play themselves.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
Holy shit, I’m taking the under
August 5th, 2011 at 1:29 PM
they’ll be 4-2 going into the Colts game in week 8. week 9 and week 10 are the Bengals and Panthers…two more wins. the Titans will already have 6 wins through 9 games.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:31 PM
This is why they will have Kleinsasser, Dugan and Shiancoe/Rudolph blocking at times for Peterson.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Oh, and Cam Newton may not be great as a rookie, but he should be better than what they had in 2010
Want to hear from SEC fans when another of their overated QBs fall on their face this year.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:41 PM
An ultra-idiotic statement. I know of no SEC fans apart from Auburn fans (and those SEC fans who root for the Panthers I suppose) who want to see Newton succeed.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Haha, perfect.
Sucks that the Raiders are going back to being the Raiders again. Last year was fun.
Thank god.
Thank god again. 8-8 would be a pleasant surprise. I’m expecting another year of 6-10.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
I like to think that “Ultra Idiot” was the original name for one of the Transformers, but was discarded when the premise of a dunce robot for comic relief became unworkable.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Yes, I loved seeing that last year. Winfield can bring down any QB, I want to see him blitz more.
Except Shiancoe and Rudolph can’t block that well.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Well, maybe he needs to read the Bible more…or kill someone.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Not sure who Carolina’s OC is but Chico is a defensive guy. Cam needs heavy tutoring. I just have zero faith in him turning out more than a 3 year NFL career. I think he’s going to be terrible. Like, Akili Smith bad. Maybe worse.
I like the over on the Browns too. Just from a rooting perspective. I want them to be good again. The Tribe is already turning things around. The Cleve needs it.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:48 PM
Moderated? For that? Well fine that little gem will stay unshared with the world.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:49 PM
I saw the Panthers QB situation last year too, dirt. Also known as the worst NFL game of all time featuring Todd Collins and Jimmy Clausen. 8 total picks and 7 completions between the two of them I want to say.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Lisk takes the over on the Bills? Hell yes.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
/Team Wants to Read ms621′s Moderated Gem
August 5th, 2011 at 1:51 PM
August 5th, 2011 at 1:52 PM
It’s probably full of shit.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:52 PM
TIGER WOODS MAKES HIS RETURN AND… looks totally mediocre. Are we ever going to get to the point where people want to know about the players who are actually playing really well?
August 5th, 2011 at 1:53 PM
he comments here, so by default, it is.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:53 PM
It’s probably full of shit.
You’re one to talk.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:54 PM
How dare you openly pee in my Cheerios. A healthy Adrian Peterson is good for 6 wins at least.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:55 PM
Like Akili Smith bad. Maybe worse.
Not Ryan Leaf bad? Racist.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:56 PM
and about 15 fumbles
August 5th, 2011 at 1:57 PM
Hey now. I’m an idiot. Not a liar. There’s a difference.
/chops down cherry tree
August 5th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
How are things back in 2009?
August 5th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
ms – I think SC’s “full of shit” line was more a jab at me than you.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
No one is Ryan Leaf bad, Lisk. We could suit up Chip Douglas and put him behind the Bears offensive line and he wouldn’t be that bad.
August 5th, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Hey, I don’t go by facts. I’m just a flamethrower!
August 5th, 2011 at 1:59 PM
Trent Edwards
August 5th, 2011 at 1:59 PM
How dare you openly pee in my Cheerios.
you could remind me that Dallas just spent $75 million in free agent money to lock up last year’s lousy nucleus, or that Terence Newman was a good reason not to pay for Nmandi Asomougha, and then point out that Terence Newman will once again miss all of camp, plus probably half the season in exchange for the 10 million dollar cap hit he brings to the table.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:00 PM
It’s more fun to watch you pee in your own Cheerios. See how fun that was?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:01 PM
No one is Ryan Leaf bad
a whole lot of guys have been Ryan Leaf bad. Just few have been Ryan Leaf bad in conjunction with being drafted where Leaf got drafted. Akili Smith is at least that bad, and he’s a #3 overall pick, right in front of Ed James and Ricky Williams. And then there’s the saints draft picks they didn’t take to stay there and get him.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:03 PM
It’s more fun to watch you pee in your own Cheerios. See how fun that was?
do you want to hear about the mold in my basement? Or my dead grandfather who lives around 1200 dollars and one 13 hour travel day away from here?
I’ve got some piss filled cheerios this morning.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:05 PM
ms – I think SC’s “full of shit” line was more a jab at me than you.
Oh. I see.
/sense that my foot has found it’s way to my mouth
August 5th, 2011 at 2:07 PM
I think you wanted to say rests or resides here.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:09 PM
Redskins under. I just don’t see where they are going to get offense from this year. WR’s corp is thinwith Moss being the only proven starter and he is getting older. I agree Trent Williams is going to be a good LT but the rest of the line is a mess. I think the defense is better this year but this is really the start of a rebuild. They tried to win last year with McNabb and Haynseworth. This season they are in full on rebuild mode.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:10 PM
I think you wanted to say rests or resides here.
yeah probably. the worst part is, I have to take the boy with me. So it’s 1200 bucks for him too (it’s probably closer to 1000), because my wife has a non-refundable spa weekend already set up next weekend.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:10 PM
i like the Skins WR corps but they have no good option to get them the ball
August 5th, 2011 at 2:13 PM
You don’t live anywhere near someone reliable that could watch your son for a couple days?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Also, did your grandfather live in Hawaii? Or Alaska?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Dirt, where do you have to go that the travel is so expensive?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:14 PM
You don’t live anywhere near someone reliable that could watch your son for a couple days?
I’m in negotiations with his grandparents, but they’re 6 hours away from us.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:16 PM
no, I live 1.5 hours from a teeny, tiny airport in burlington VT. And my grandfather lives in South Texas, by only teeny tiny airports.
So I basically have to pay for 3 flights. There may be one cheaper one from manchester nh
August 5th, 2011 at 2:19 PM
/waves to dirt from the Utica, NY area!
//wait, you can’t see me from there in VT?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Is there a bigger airport near the grandparents? The drive will suck but maybe you could drop the kid off at the GPs and fly from and to there.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:22 PM
Is there a bigger airport near the grandparents? The drive will suck but maybe you could drop the kid off at the GPs and fly from and to there.
good ideas, thanks. We’ll see what flies. Although I’m not driving to NYC solo with this asshole in the back.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:25 PM
spit-take
August 5th, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Good stuff.
Maybe an 7pm departure? Get in after midnight while the aforementioned angel sleeps quietly in the back.
/couldn’t call him an asshole
August 5th, 2011 at 2:28 PM
Maybe they’d be willing to split the difference. It’s for a good cause! Not sure what, if any, airports are 3 hours from NYC.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:33 PM
Albany would be a good middle ground. Could possibly get a flight from Albany to south Texas with only 1 connection.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:43 PM
I’m not that worried. They’re already coming all the way here, I just spoke to them.
But I might want to take what’s his name to Texas, just because we might not be back for 10 years, and funerals suck, but kids make people happy.
Except some of you people.
August 5th, 2011 at 2:47 PM
10 years? Do you hate your family?
August 5th, 2011 at 2:53 PM
10 years? Do you hate your family?
yes, for the most part. I liked the now dead grandfather though.