By Nick Ferraro
Resident JetNation Bookie
As we head into Week # 2, it’s not too late to think about money matters. Season win/loss totals are some of the most enjoyable such “matters�. Here are a few choice picks to get the 2005 investment season off to a good start.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Season Win Total: 8.5
The Jaguars are admittedly a flawed team. They lack explosiveness on offense, and the health of Fred Taylor is always an issue. That said this total is way too low. The Jags posted nine wins last year, and the schedule will give the Jags every shot to challenge in the AFC South. If the Jags can take care of business at home, they’ll crush this number as their road schedule is a thing of beauty. In addition to the trips they will make within the division, the Jags will visit St. Louis, Tennessee, Arizona, and Cleveland. They will be favored in at least three of those four with a realistic chance to win the Ram game. They also benefit from a visit by the Niners. Take the Jags to easily post the 9 wins.
Tennessee Titans
Season Win Total: 6.5
The Titans are a shell of their former selves. They had to watch as a boatload of talent moved out of town due to salary cap issues. The Titans figure to be underdogs in their first five contests. In truth, I don’t see five wins on their schedule. I’m not sure where this number came from, but the Titans will break 6.5 only if they are allowed to add last year’s total to this year’s. Take the Titans to fall short of the 6.5.
Washington Redskins
Season Win Total: 7.5
The Redskins could only muster six wins last year. They don’t figure to be much better on offense this season. The Cowboys and Giants both had better off seasons than the Redskins. In addition, this season the NFC East will face the brutal AFC West. I can’t find six games on the schedule where the Skins will be favored. If they drop the opener to Chicago, they’ll start the year in an 0-5 hole. That will send Ramsey to the bench and turn 2005 a training year for new QB Jason Campbell. Take the Redskins to finish below the 7.5.
Denver Broncos
Season Win Total: 8.5
Mike Shanahan has averaged over 10 wins per season since taking over in the Mile High City. John Elway was admittedly a big part of that, but Denver hasn’t posted less than eight wins since 1999, the first year after Elway’s retirement. The major factor in this pick is the home field success Denver has enjoyed. They’ve posted at least six home wins in three of the last four years. If they can manage a mediocre 3-5 road record, they break the 8.5. Take the Broncos to surpass the 8.5.