Sports Illustrated: NFL 2005

Here is Sports Illustrated's preseason 2005 NFL picks, followed by final records. Teams with better than expected records are in bold and worse than expected in italics. An interesting note: SI and Dr. Z (Paul Zimmerman) 'power-ranked' the Bears as the weakest team in the NFL (worse than lowly San Francisco). Predictions within one game should be commended, however SI picked only four records correctly (Steelers, Titans, Chargers, & Vikings).

Update: SI also missed both of their Super Bowl picks (Panthers, Colts).

AFC East
Patriots (11-5), (10-6)
Jets (10-6), (4-12)
Bills (8-8), (5-11)
Dolphins (5-11), (9-7)

AFC North
Ravens (11-5), (6-10)
Steelers (11-5), (11-5)
Bengals (7-9), (11-5)
Browns (5-11), (6-10)

AFC South
Colts (13-3), (14-2)
Jaguars (9-7), (12-4)
Texans (8-8), (2-14)
Titans (4-12), (4-12)

AFC West
Chiefs (9-7), (10-6)
Chargers (9-7), (9-7)
Broncos (7-9), (13-3)
Raiders (7-9), (4-12)

NFC East
Eagles (10-6), (6-10)
Cowboys (10-6), (9-7)
Giants (5-11), (11-5)
Redskins (4-12), (10-6)

NFC North
Vikings (9-7), (9-7)
Packers (8-8), (4-12)
Lions (8-8), (5-11)
Bears (3-13), (11-5)

NFC South
Panthers (12-4), (11-5)
Falcons (10-6), (8-8)
Saints (8-8), (3-13)
Bucs (7-9), (11-5)

NFC West
Rams (9-7), (6-10)
Seahawks (9-7), (13-3)
Cardinals (7-9), (5-11)
49ers (3-13), (4-12)