2The NFL began its preseason Aug. 11 with six different games. Although the official season does not begin until Sept. 8, students and faculty at California Baptist University already have predictions for the upcoming season.
One matchup included the Washington Redskins and the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, resulting in a 23-17 victory for the Falcons. The other game was between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, resulting in a 17-9 victory for the Eagles.
Dr. Todd Bates, professor of philosophy, predicted the Carolina Panthers are going to be hard to beat.
“The Panthers are going to be successful again this season,” Bates said. “I think they are going to be tough
to beat.”
Bates said he believes the Oakland Raiders are going to make the postseason, as well.
“The Raiders are young and have potential this year,” Bates said. “The Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs will be good competition this year.”
Bates also has predictions for the rest of the league in both the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference.
“For the NFC, the teams that could make it this year are the Panthers, the Atlanta Falcons, the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals,” Bates said. “In the AFC, the Tennessee Titans and the Cincinnati Bengals are dark horse teams this year. The New England Patriots and Tom Brady are getting old and if they remain healthy, they can make the postseason. The Houston Texans’ defense is very good, but their offense is sketchy.”
Paige Cooper, junior civil engineering major, predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers will be frontrunners this year in their
divisions.
“Ben Roethlisberger is doing good this season,” Cooper said. “Cam Newton and the Panthers will also return to the playoffs, as will the Seahawks and the Patriots.”
