2008-09 NFL Thread

[Suntan Superman]

I have family and friends in Wisconsin, and all of them are heartbroken over the situation. So I don’t think you should be saying "we" in that post of yours as I'm positive it is mostly split when it comes to people's feelings on the matter. But whatever, I’m also happy it’s finally over with. I’m not a big fan of Favre, but something deep down in me wishes he does well in New York. I look forward to seeing how it turns out.

Anyway, mostly stopped in to say that after watching New Orleans’ first pre-season game against Arizona, I am more confident now then ever that if they can stay healthy, there's no doubt that the Saints are going to be seriously contending for a Super Bowl this year. Our defense still has a lot of questions, but our offense couldn't be any better. Well, I shouldn't say that, because our run blocking is still has some problems, but passing wise, I don't think things could be more perfect. We have the right quarterback, our offensive line can pass block a lot better than they can run block for whatever reason, and our receiving core has fucking improved drastically this off-season.

I can't wait for the regular season to start.

Really? Everywhere I've been(Including Green Bay) most people were glad it was finally over. I mean, I didn't literally mean we were glad that Brett's gone. Just for the most part that it's over. Favre jersey's were $12 at the Wal-Mart I was at yesterday.

 

[RBH]

Well football season is coming up and I have analyzed and prepared for it in every way possible. I have done an unbiased analyzation of the season and who I believe will make the playoffs and the super bowl. Here are my predictions division by division and conference by conference.

AFC WEST
1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 12-4: The Chargers are still the dominant team in the AL west. They have all the talent in the world. Phillip Rivers is improving as a QB and LaDanian Tomlinson will have another good and productive season. Rivers has weapons in Chambers and Gates. The Chargers have a great defense that is led by Shawne Merriman. Antowan Cromartie has emerged as a great corner and will be another threat to pick off any QB's passes. The Chargers are the dominant team here.
2. DENVER BRONCOS 9-7: The Broncos are still the same team they were last year. The Broncos have a Quarterback named Jay Cutlet who gives them the best chance to win. Sadly for Bronco fans, that will not be enough to win. They do not have the strength on both sides. They also will have trouble with the Chargers in both games.
3. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 8-8: The Chiefs are not as bad as many people think. They have a good enough team to pull out 8 wins. They are still the same division as the Raiders.
4. OAKLAND RAIDERS 5-11: The Raiders have an easy early seaosn schedule but even that will not be enough to help them win games this year. The Raiders still have to improve all the aspects of their game. The offense will be better and that will help them win a few games but the defense need to take a heavy toll on the shoulders if they want to win more games. Plus, they are in the same division as the Chargers.

AFC NOTRH
1. CLEVELAND BROWNS 11-5: I have thought about this for a long time. Especially given the fact that the Browns play in the same division as the Steelers and Bengals. Also given the fact that the Browns have a tough schedule. However, aside from the tough early stretch with games against the Cowboys and Steelers, the Browns will be capable of winning all the games they possibly could. The Browns are no fluke.
2. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 9-7: The Steelers will make the playoffs but just barely. They will have a hard time with the Patriots and Colts and Chargers. But they will still bring the same great Quarterback named Ben Rothlesberger and the same great defense. The Steel Crew will do the work really well.
3. BALTIMORE RAVENS 5-11: The Ravens are bound to have another poor season. They still have a great defense but that defense is aging. The Quarterback situation is shaky at best because they have a Quarterback named Kyle Boller who the team does not trust and a new rookie Quarterback named Joe Flacco who is going to be looming in the background. Still, the Ravens have a lot of work to do.
4. CINCINNATI BENGALS 4-12: I a officially done thinking that the Bengals will win anything anymore. The Bengals have a pourous defense. That is what prevents them from winning any games. They do however have a great Quarterback named Carson Palmer who will always give them a chance to win but Carson cannot carry the team on its own. Neither can OCHO-Cinco.

AFC SOUTH
1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 12-4: Does anyone really believe that the Colts will not win another divison title? They are the kings of the South which still remains one of the best divisions in football. Peyton Manning always gives the team the best chance to win and Joseph Addai is a legit runner. Marvin Harrison is dceerasing but Reggie Wayne is an elite reciever on his own. The defense has some great threats that include Bob Sanders. The Colts will win the division again.
2. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 10-6: Expect the Jags to make the playoffs agin but to take a step down. They are still in the best division and still have to compete with the Colts. They did get swept last season against the Colts. But they do have a great defense and David Garrard as QB. They also have the best running back tandem in Jones-Drew and Taylor. It will not be enough to take the division though.
3. Houston Texans 8-8: The Texans have a surprisingly tough scheduke for a team that finished last. Aside from several easy games such as the Raiders and possibly the Ravens, the Texans have a tough way to go. But I do believe they will finish at 500 but they will not make the playoffs. I just do not see Matt Schaub or Sage Rosenfels leading this team to victory.
4. TENNESSEE TITANS 7-9: The Titans are going to fall back a little because they do not have the offensive help to support the Quarterback Vince Young. The defense is great. But it will not be away.

AFC EAST
1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 12-4: Following a horrible letdown to a perfect seaosn, the Pats will be looking to win even more this season. I do believe that they will falter a little however and I do not see them going perfect again. The Pats will be weaker somewhat but with an easier schedule they will win 12 games at least. But their division, although still weak will be a little better.
2. NEW YORK JETS 7-9: Yes, the Jets got Brett Farve and yes he won some games last year but try and remember that before last season, Brett Farve led the Packers to 4-12 and 8-8 records respectively. So, the Jets will be better a little but they will NOT make the playoffs.
3. MIAMI DOLPHINS 6-10: The Dolphins will be improved this season but they will not win until enxt year. I forsee them going through a complete change and being a lot more competitive. Chad Penningston will help a little.
4. BUFFALO BILLS: The Bills are a team going nowhere. The Bills will still possess the same lackluster QBs in Edwards and Losman and the only highlight of the year will be their game in Toronto.

NFC WEST
1. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 11-5: I hate to say it but the Hawks are still the team to beat in the NFC west until someone (The Niners) does something about it. They have the QB in Hassleback but their running game has regressed from the days of Alexander and they now rely on Julius Jones. They also have lost their top wide reciever Bobby Engram for 6-8 weeks so that makes it a Week 9-10 return. He will miss both games against my Niners. The defense is still good but not good enough to win the conference.
2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 10-6: You all may laugh at this but the Niners were only bad last year because they had horrible coaching. They do have the players to win. Remember a year before they went 7-9 with Alex Smith playing really well in several games including a rain filled game against the Hawks. Bottom line, the Niners get good playcalling, the team is going to improve. They have Frank Gore who will be looking to improve after last year and the QBs will be looking to make up for last season's nausia. Plus, they still share the division with the Rams and cards whom they went 3-1 against last season.
3. ARIZONA CARDINALS 9-7: The Card will have a winning season but they will not make the playoffs. They have all the tools offensively but their Quarterback situation is puzzling. Kurt Warner and Matt leinart will be competing to win the job and the Cards have to learn how to defend and win on the road.
4. SAINT LOUIS RAMS 4-12: Everyone thinks that the Rams were only bad because they had so many injuries but you have to look beyond the fine print. The Rams lost their opener at home to the Panthers with a healthy squad. They even lost to the Forty-Niners at home with a generally healthy squad. The Rams are not as great as people think. Their defense is questionable and their offense is also questionable. Marc Bulger will be there but we'll see if he stays healthy.

NFC NORTH
1. GREEN BAY PACKERS 11-5: The Packers are still a good team. People and Farve obssessed morons need to realize that he is NOT the sole reason why they won last year. They won because they had a good defense and a talented offense around Farve. Aaron Rodgers will inherit a great team and will do just fine. The Packers will make if very far.
2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS 7-9: The Vikes have a great defense but they have basically no Quarterback. Eventually defenses will put up 8-9 man fronts to stop Adrian Peterson and then they will be forced to pass which will be their downfall.
3. CHICAGO BEARS 6-10: The Bears will still be the same bad team they were last year. The defense is aging and the offense still has no Quarterback. The Bears need work and a Quarterback would help.
4. DETROIT LIONS 3-13: the Lions are going to take a step backwards or a few. The Lions have no direction and no leadership. They will struggle once again.

NFC SOUTH
1. CAROLINA PANTHERS 9-7: This division will once again field a different division winner. However, this time it won't be the last place team. The Carolina Panthers can be very good if they can get a full season from Jake Dellhomme and their defense goes back to the dominance it was. They have question marks at running back and receiver but those questions will be quelled when the season comes. The Panthers are the team to beat in this division.
2. TAMPA BAY BUCS 8-8: The Bucs will start out well but eventually the South curse will take effect and they will lose. But they will be respectable enough to compete for the division title. Jeff Garcia hopes to keep the etam in it and so does the ageless defense.
3. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 7-9: The trendy pick by many to go and win this division. Here is why I am not picking them. Their defense has so many question marks I do not even know where to begin. They do have a great offense though but they are similar to the Bengals in that aspect. I am thinking Reggie Bush is not as a great as we all thought he was.
4. ATLANTA FALCONS 2-14: This will be a bad year for the Falcons. They are in deep rebuilding mode and it will be interesting to see what they do after.

NFC EAST
1. DALLAS COWBOYS 12-4: The Cowboys are hungry this season and they want to win, it is simple as that. But they will have to beat out a daunting divison to do so and I believe it can be done, they did it last year. Romo need to overcome his slow late season endings.
2. NEW YORK GIANTS 10-6: So much for winning the super bowl, the team still gets no respect and why should they? The Giants are a team that has many questions of their own but I guarantee you none of them have anything to do with Eli Manning. That man has established himself as a QB that knows how to play. If he can limit mistakes, he will be fine. The rest of the team will struggle though. I cannot see a repeat in their future.
3. WASHINGTON REDSKINS 10-6: Welcome to the Cleveland Browns of this year. They will be talented but will fall in the last week of the season to the team that takes their playoff spot, the 49ers. The Redskins have a dofferent team and a different coach. It will be interesting to see if they can play at the same level.
4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 8-8: The best team in the worst division, the Eagles will be competitive all year long but will also have the daunting task of playing the Cowboys, Redskins and Giants twice a year. Plus McNabb is not even the assured starting Quarterback. Things will be interesting.

Playoffs.
first round
AFC:
JAGUARS 24 STEELERS 14
VS VS
BROWNS 31 PATRIOTS 21

NFC
GIANTS 31 49ERS 17
VS VS
PANTHERS 20 PACKERS 31
DIVISION ROUND
AFC
PATRIOTS 17 BROWNS 27
VS VS
CHARGERS 24 COLTS 35

NFC
PACKERS 34 GIANTS 31
VS VS
SEAHAWKS 31 COWBOYS 38

CONFERENCE TITLE GAMES
COLTS 27 PACKERS 21
VS VS
CHARGERS 34 COWBOYS 24

SUPER BOWL
CHARGERS WILL BEAT THE COWBOYS 31-24!!!

NEW SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS SAN DIEGO CHARGERS.....I believe that if the Chargers can get past their injury problems, then they can beat both the Colts and Patriots.
There u go gentlemen, those are my picks for the 2008 season.

 

[RendarSelin]

Well I'm not gonna go as far in depth as some have...

Division Winners:
AFC WEST: San Diego Chargers: Easily the best team in the West...will easily clinch a first round bye
AFC NORTH: Cleveland Browns: A weakening Steelers team and all the right offseason moves brings the Browns a division title.
AFC EAST: New England Patriots: Even with Favre, NY won't go far...don't be surprised if the Pats clinch their division first and homefield advantage...
AFC SOUTH: Indianapolis Colts: Can Manning stay healthy after surgery? If not look for Jacksonville to take over...

NFC WEST: Seattle Seahawks: San Fran is catching up fast though...
NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers will be looking to prove the Pack can still go far without #4...and this young crew has all they need to take another title in the weak division...and a 1st round bye again...
NFC EAST: Dallas Cowboys: Very competitive division...but the boys are easily the best in the East...and possibly the entire NFC...the boys will take homefield advantage...
NFC SOUTH: Carolina Panthers: This also depends on how healthy the Panthers can stay...

AFC Wildcards: Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC Wildcards: New York Giants, San Fransisco 49ers

Playoffs:
AFC Wildcard:
Steelers V. Colts
Browns V. Jaguars

NFC Wildcard
Giants V. Seahawks
49ers V. Panthers

AFC Semifinals
Patriots V. Browns
Chargers V. Colts

NFC Semifinals
Packers V. Seahawks
Cowboys V. 49ers

AFC Championship
Chargers V. Patriots

NFC Championship
Cowboys V. Seahawks

Super Bowl
Cowboys V. Chargers

 

[Shocky]

God gag me with all of this love for the Cleveland Browns. Give me a break. Seriously guys, they played the AFC East, and the NFC West last year. Playing a schedule like that, you would have had to have been terrible not to sniff .500 last year.

The Browns are americans darling, they are the Cubs of the NFL. They win a few games and everyone jumps on the bandwagon. They have zero playoff games amongst this current crop of players, and to insinuate that they will do anything more then look up at the Steelers is mind boggling.

Likewise with the Packers. All of this hype for a guy that has started exactly ZERO games as an NFL quarterback. The Pack is a good, young team, but they have no leadership now. They have no Brett Favre to push and drive them even harder. They'll be around .500, if only because the NFC North is terrible. I just don't understand all the blind love that these two are getting not just here, but all around the NFL.

 

[RBH]

It's not blind love Shocky, I really believe that the Browns have finally improved and are the real deal. They did not even make the playoffs last year so it's not like they are gonna be content.....lets review who they played last year game by game
1. vs pittsburgh: LOST 34-7: yes they got killed but keep in mind it was the first game and Charley Frye started. Anderson would make his first start next week.
2. vs cincinnati: WON 51-45: Their offense showed everyone that they could score. I know it was the Bengals but still. It was a great win.
3. at oakland: LOST 26-24: After this game, I thought the Browns were destined for sucksville.
4. vs baltimore: WON 27-13: I did call this game successfully. I was even impressed that they managed to win it. Their offense did pretty well against the Ravens "tough" defense.
5. at new england: LOST 34-17: I knew they were going to lose but the Browns did make this one interesting until the 3rd quarter. There was potential but at this point they are 2-3.
6. vs miami doplhins: WON 41-31, I will give u credit where credit is due, Miami sucked last year.
7. at saint louis rams: WON 27-20: The mere fact that this were a road victory was enough to convince me, even if it was the Rams.
8. vs seattle: WON 33-30: their best game of the year and turning point in their season. It was at this point that I truly believed that the Browns could do something.
9. at pittsburgh: LOST 31-28: they played competitively in this one and lost. Still impressed me though.
10. at Baltimore: WON 33-30: They barely beat the Ravens yes but it was another road win. It does not matter how much you win by, all that matters is winning.
11. vs houston: WON 27-17: this win was the first great win they had other than the Ravens. They really played well and were dominant throughout.
12. at arizona: LOST 27-21: one of the two games that would ultimately cost them their season against an NFC west team nonthless. The Cards are a hard team to beat at Sun Devil Stadium.
13. at New York Jets: WON 24-18: Jets sucked yes but this win was good because it was on the road in New York.
14. vs Buffalo Bills: WON 8-0: Did you see this game? LOL....talk about SNOWBOWL....
15. at cincinnati: LOST 19-14: tHE game that cost them their season. The Bengals have always been a thorn in the Browns side and once again did just that.
16. vs san francisco: WON 20-7: yes my niners sucked but the browns were starting their rookie QB and he still did a very good job.

So here goes, in the offseason, the Browns fired defensive coordinator and hired a new one. The Steelers did nothing...the Bengals still have no defense and the Ravens still have no offense. That is why I chose the Browns. They will lose to the Cowboys, Jaguars, Colts, Redskins, and Bengals once but they will for the first time in like years sweep season series from the Steelers.

As for the Packers, I am not on the Farve wagon deep enough to believe that he was the reason that the Pack were winning last year. If you read my post, you would see that in 05 and 06 the Packers sucked, then they rose to the top, Farve is one man. They had great skilled players around him. Plus Rodgers has already showed his maturity by not letting Farve's recent actions affect him.

I being a Niners fan knows how important the QB position is (or in our case currently, was) But when Joe Montana was going towards the end of his Niners career, one man was there waiting to replace him. His name was Steve Young.

Aaron Rodgers=Steve Young 2008.

 

[Shocky]

Well Until they can actually beat the Steelers once in a season, then saying they are going to sweep them is a huge leap.

Look, The Browns are this years 2006 Bengals. Everyone was so pumped and ready to crown the Bengals superbowl champions after they went 11-5. The Browns went 10-6 against a crap schedule last year. This year they play the NFC East, which I would be shocked if they walk away with more then one win. The AFC South, which they could split, the 6 games in the North, until otherwise, they'll split with the Bengals and get swept by the Steelers, and then the two second place team, This browns team reeks of .500 or below.

Reality is going to hit this team square in the face. It's been since 1988 since the Browns have swept the Steelers, in fact, they haven't beaten them once since 2003. Since they've come back to the league in 1999 they've only beaten the Steelers 3 times. The AFC North belongs to the Steelers until someone can not only unseat them, but remain at the top.

 

[RendarSelin]

However, at the same time, the Browns made a lot of improvements over the offseason...many NFL analysts are grading the Browns offseason at the top of the list...also the last game between the Browns/Steelers, Steelers only won with a last second field goal, for the Browns to walk into Heinz Field and challenge the Steelers is a HUGE improvement. The Browns have plenty of hard games: Cowboys, Giants, Jaguars...but the Steelers have the Patriots, Colts, Chargers, Cowboys...it will be a close one...I see the Browns/Steelers series going 1-1

As far as the Pack go...they play in a very weak division...the Vikings may give newcomer Rodgers trouble as the #1 rated defense in the league last year...but other than Adrian Peterson this team has no real offensive weapons...Rodgers has plenty to help him in the form of a great Offensive Line, a good receiving core, and a defense to help him recover off the field...they won't match the success they had last year but the Pack will stay in the playoffs.

 

[oneandonly]

Im a huge packer fan and even though I wish they could repeat thier success from last year I know they won't even tough I'm pretty sure they will still win the division and these are my predictions for the year

NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks 12-4
ST. Louis Rams 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 7-9
San Francisco 4-12

NFC North
Green Bay Packers 10-6
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 5-11
Chicago Bears 2-14

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys 14-2
Philedalphia Eagles 10-6
New York Giants 10-6
Washington Redskins 9-7

NFC South
Tampa Bay 9-7
Carolina Panthers 8-8
New Orleans Saints 8-8
Atlanta Falcons 1-15

AFC West
San Diego Chargers 15-1
Oakland Raiders 7-9
Denver Broncos 6-10
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
Cleveland Browns 10-6
Baltimore Ravens 8-8
Cinccinati Bengals 4-12

AFC East
New England Patriots 12-4
New York Jets 11-5
Miami Doplhins 6-10
Buffalo Bills 5-11

AFC South
Indianapolis 13-3
Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
Houston Texans 9-7
Tennessee Titans 6-10

AFC Wild Card
27 NYJ vs NE 23
45 CLE VS PIT 48

NFC Wild Card
24 PHI VS TB 21
20 NYG vs GB 23

AFC Divisional
28 NYJ vs SD 27
14 PIT vs IND 42

NFC Divisional
42 GB vs Sea 28
31 Phi vs Dal 33

AFC Conference
31 NYJ vs IND 23

NFC Conference
34 GB vs Dal 17

Super Bowl

45 vs GB 42

Brett Favre SB MVP!

Of course those probably won't happen so honestly Ill go with San Diego- 45 vs Dallas- 38

 

[BooCocky]

^^^^ You're love for Brett Favre and the Jets is ridiculous.

Honestly Shocky, the Steelers are going to suck. They have problems everywhere. Their line is depleted on both sides of the ball, their special teams are horrible. Maybe not their kick returning but their coverage. Their secondary is atrocious. They cant cover, and Taylor cant hold onto the ball. Again they cant protect the QB, running lanes arent opening up. Unless all this shit miraculously changes they are going to have an abysmal season. Besides 9 wins win that division.

 

[RBH]

Im a huge packer fan and even though I wish they could repeat thier success from last year I know they won't even tough I'm pretty sure they will still win the division and these are my predictions for the year

NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks 12-4
ST. Louis Rams 8-8
Arizona Cardinals 7-9
San Francisco 4-12

NFC North
Green Bay Packers 10-6
Minnesota Vikings 8-8
Detroit Lions 5-11
Chicago Bears 2-14

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys 14-2
Philedalphia Eagles 10-6
New York Giants 10-6
Washington Redskins 9-7

NFC South
Tampa Bay 9-7
Carolina Panthers 8-8
New Orleans Saints 8-8
Atlanta Falcons 1-15

AFC West
San Diego Chargers 15-1
Oakland Raiders 7-9
Denver Broncos 6-10
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers 13-3
Cleveland Browns 10-6
Baltimore Ravens 8-8
Cinccinati Bengals 4-12

AFC East
New England Patriots 12-4
New York Jets 11-5
Miami Doplhins 6-10
Buffalo Bills 5-11

AFC South
Indianapolis 13-3
Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
Houston Texans 9-7
Tennessee Titans 6-10

AFC Wild Card
27 NYJ vs NE 23
45 CLE VS PIT 48

NFC Wild Card
24 PHI VS TB 21
20 NYG vs GB 23

AFC Divisional
28 NYJ vs SD 27
14 PIT vs IND 42

NFC Divisional
42 GB vs Sea 28
31 Phi vs Dal 33

AFC Conference
31 NYJ vs IND 23

NFC Conference
34 GB vs Dal 17

Super Bowl

45 vs GB 42

Brett Favre SB MVP!

Of course those probably won't happen so honestly Ill go with San Diego- 45 vs Dallas- 38

This is laughable and blind love for a man who will probably show the world he made a mistake in returning. My Niners have been bad but they WILL NOT go 4-12...there are wayyyy too many winnable games on their schedule and better coaching to do that bad. Detroit, Arziona, St Louis and Miami are all winnable plus we can sweep either arizona or st louis. The NFC east will not have an winning division but they will come close. Tampa Bay will fall to the curse of the NFC South and give up their division lead. But we did have the same pick for the super bowl. I do truly believe it will be San Diego and Dallas. New England is not going anywhere this year but a second round exit at worst.

 

[X]

You guys are smoking crack. No team has more all-around talent then New England. The only weak point on this team is the secondary, and we're talking about a secondary that includes the absurd tandem of Rodney Harrison and John Lynch.

The offense will be just as good as last year, though they won't reach the absurd offensive records of last year, it will still be a fantastic season for New England. Will they go undefeated? No, most likely not. I for one don't think they really even want to attempt to go 19-0 again after last year. But look at our schedule. I say we easily win 13 or 14 games.

And Hayek, while I usually always respect your opinion, I must strongly disagree with you on two things you said.

1: The Browns beating New England in the playoffs?!?!?!?!?! ARE YOU INSANE?!?!?! The Browns were a fluke last year, they have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and an offense with a couple of big weapons. They share the exact same problems that the Bengals do, who you predicted to lost 10+ games. The Browns won't even make the playoffs, 8-8 at best this year.

2: The 49ers winning 10 games?!?!??! Not a chance. Alex Smith will go down as one of the biggest busts in football history. He just doesn't have the mental toughness to be an NFL QB in my opinion. Frank Gore is another guy who had better step up this season before he too is labeled with the fluke name. But neither of those two players is why I think it's absurd that they win 10 games, it's the fact that this team has no leader or chemistry, and the fact that nobody at this point even knows who's going to be the starting QB this season. It will most likely be Smith, but how long before they insert O'Sullivan in? It would only take one good half by O'Sullivan after a few bad starts by Smith to convince them to make JT the starter. With a revolving door at QB like that likely to happen, I don't see this team even winning 8 games, let alone 10.

Perhaps it's homerism, but I'm pickin the Pats to win the Super Bowl this year. Do you guys even comprehend the monumental anger and disappointment that this team experienced after New York's fluke win? (And anyone who argues that wasn't a fluke win is kidding themselves, that was a fluke season by the Giants. They'll win 8 games this year with a tough schedule.) You can bet your ass that Belichick is f'n pissed off and humiliated and wants nothing more then to hold up another Super Bowl trophy. The man is already going to go down as the greatest coach of all time (anyone who wants to argue that had better look up the stats: Belichick dominants in just about every one of them. He holds the record for consecutive games won, and consecutive playoff games won for starters.) and he has taken this team and brought all of their focus on one thing: the Super Bowl title. They aren't even slightly pressured in the least bit to try and go perfect, because they know the real focus is a championship.

That being said, I predict Dallas - NE this year. I still think NE will win the title, nobody has a better coaching staff, a better QB, a better WR, or better veteran leadership. Nobody.

 

[TheOneBigWill]

I haven't yet seen the full game, but I was very pleasantly surprised and happy with the Carolina Panther's 3rd pre-season game against the Washington Redskins. It's obviously known that pre-season games don't mean anything and aren't worth the amount of time wasted on them. HOWEVER.. the 3rd pre-season game is the one that's closest to a regular season game, in the understanding that most of the time each team plays it's starting line-up into the 3rd Quarter. Carolina defeated the Redskins, in a rout 47-3.

In this destructive game.. Mushin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, SAT OUT! That left Carolina with Steve Smith, Dwayne Jarrett & Jason Carter as the only WRs who're likely going to be on or make the team this year. That alone is impressive, but none more so then the 200 PLUS rushing yards they racked up.

Jonathan Stewart had 100 yds. on 10 carries and a TD.. not to be out done...

DeAngelo Williams had 9 carries for 101 yds. and a TD., 60 of those yds. was on a break-away.

Carolina's rushing game seems to have found a great strength, not just with it's one-two combination, but also apparently it's final line-up at Offensive line. This pleases me more than ever, because Carolina couldn't rush for crap behind DeShaun Foster. (have fun rotting in SF, jackass)

The one thing that will hurt Carolina early, is the 2 game suspension of Steve Smith, however we'll likely have Muhammad and Hackett for those games, and minus a freakish injury bug hitting our RBs, both of them as well.

Week one we'll be up against SD, at SD.. but they'll likely be without their main defensive weapon, as he's currently got a huge decision to make regarding surgery on a possible career threatening injury.

Week two we'll be at home, against the Chicago Bears. The way I see it, as long as we run well and our Defense doesn't give up too much.. we have the Bears game won already, and the Chargers game will come down to how well we stop the run, and run the ball on our offense.

 

[RBH]

You guys are smoking crack. No team has more all-around talent then New England. The only weak point on this team is the secondary, and we're talking about a secondary that includes the absurd tandem of Rodney Harrison and John Lynch.

The offense will be just as good as last year, though they won't reach the absurd offensive records of last year, it will still be a fantastic season for New England. Will they go undefeated? No, most likely not. I for one don't think they really even want to attempt to go 19-0 again after last year. But look at our schedule. I say we easily win 13 or 14 games.

And Hayek, while I usually always respect your opinion, I must strongly disagree with you on two things you said.

1: The Browns beating New England in the playoffs?!?!?!?!?! ARE YOU INSANE?!?!?! The Browns were a fluke last year, they have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and an offense with a couple of big weapons. They share the exact same problems that the Bengals do, who you predicted to lost 10+ games. The Browns won't even make the playoffs, 8-8 at best this year.

2: The 49ers winning 10 games?!?!??! Not a chance. Alex Smith will go down as one of the biggest busts in football history. He just doesn't have the mental toughness to be an NFL QB in my opinion. Frank Gore is another guy who had better step up this season before he too is labeled with the fluke name. But neither of those two players is why I think it's absurd that they win 10 games, it's the fact that this team has no leader or chemistry, and the fact that nobody at this point even knows who's going to be the starting QB this season. It will most likely be Smith, but how long before they insert O'Sullivan in? It would only take one good half by O'Sullivan after a few bad starts by Smith to convince them to make JT the starter. With a revolving door at QB like that likely to happen, I don't see this team even winning 8 games, let alone 10.

Perhaps it's homerism, but I'm pickin the Pats to win the Super Bowl this year. Do you guys even comprehend the monumental anger and disappointment that this team experienced after New York's fluke win? (And anyone who argues that wasn't a fluke win is kidding themselves, that was a fluke season by the Giants. They'll win 8 games this year with a tough schedule.) You can bet your ass that Belichick is f'n pissed off and humiliated and wants nothing more then to hold up another Super Bowl trophy. The man is already going to go down as the greatest coach of all time (anyone who wants to argue that had better look up the stats: Belichick dominants in just about every one of them. He holds the record for consecutive games won, and consecutive playoff games won for starters.) and he has taken this team and brought all of their focus on one thing: the Super Bowl title. They aren't even slightly pressured in the least bit to try and go perfect, because they know the real focus is a championship.

That being said, I predict Dallas - NE this year. I still think NE will win the title, nobody has a better coaching staff, a better QB, a better WR, or better veteran leadership. Nobody.

It took you long enough Xfearbefore, I was waiting for you buddy. New England is NOT going to win the Super Bowl. Yes they have the easiest schedule but like that has ever meant shit. My curse on the town of Boston started with the Red Sox and will continue with the Patriots. The Pats will lose in the AFC title game at best but they will fall to the curse of the Super Bowl losers and not make the Super Bowl. They have an aging o-line and the defense will not be as steady as last season. Plus you will not go undefeated again. That simply is not done. Brady is hurting now too. Keep in mind that the Browns did not make the playoffs last year therefore they are motivated to make it and then some. They have made the most improvements outta anyone in the offseason including firing their defensive coordinator and regrouping on that aspect. The Steelers also have the toughest scheduke but like I said that might mean crap. We'll see.

The Niners are predicted to do nothing. Which is why I said they would do something. Think about it. Last year they had all the hype and this year all they did was get the best offensive coordinator not from the USC program. Mike Martz was the reason the Rams won the Super Bowl in 99 and stayed good for a good 6 years. I never said we would win the super bowl but the Niners are a sleeper. The offense will be better (we can't get any worse) The Niners offense has done really well in preseason games against the Packers and bears and most of those points were scored in the first half when all starters would play. They have scored 34 and 37 points respectively with many coming in the first half. Plus the only reason why we sucked last year was because we were too damn predictable. Hell Xfearbefore you could coach a win over them. Thats how bad they were.

Here is what I do know,
1. the Giants are going to miss the playoffs (I said originally that they would but my opinion changed with Osi Umenyiora going down on the turf last night.)
2. I changed my Super Bowl pick from Chargers to Colts. Peyton wants to beat Brady and get another ring. Plus Dungy is going away after this year.
3. Cowboys will be madder and better. They get better players and will make the Super Bowl.
4. The Packers will be better than the Jets. Bertt Farve will fail miserably as a Jet.
5. The Redskins will not make the playoffs.

But one thing I can agree with you Xfearbefore, I am freaking excited for this damn season to start already...It makes me forget that summer is ending. (well its worse for you, you live in Boston where it snows in december)

 

[BooCocky]

This is laughable and blind love for a man who will probably show the world he made a mistake in returning. My Niners have been bad but they WILL NOT go 4-12...there are wayyyy too many winnable games on their schedule and better coaching to do that bad. Detroit, Arziona, St Louis and Miami are all winnable plus we can sweep either arizona or st louis. The NFC east will not have an winning division but they will come close. Tampa Bay will fall to the curse of the NFC South and give up their division lead. But we did have the same pick for the super bowl. I do truly believe it will be San Diego and Dallas. New England is not going anywhere this year but a second round exit at worst.

The 49'ers? You're talking about a team with JT O'Sullivan as their starting QB. What has he done to carry a football team? Their offense is depleted, there only passing weapon is Davis and there best player is Gore, but Gore is going to see like 9 in the box until Sullivan proves to be more consistent. I dont even give a damn with Mike Martz is their o coordinator ( i think he is). He's done nothing memorable since the super bowl and the glory days of Marshall Faulk. If Martz is an offensive genius then what the hell is Peyton Manning?

 

[X]

It took you long enough Xfearbefore, I was waiting for you buddy. New England is NOT going to win the Super Bowl. Yes they have the easiest schedule but like that has ever meant shit. My curse on the town of Boston started with the Red Sox and will continue with the Patriots. The Pats will lose in the AFC title game at best but they will fall to the curse of the Super Bowl losers and not make the Super Bowl.

Lol, what Boston curse? Sure the Sox have fumbled a bit over the summer, but that happens to almost every club. We've also been hit very hard with injuries lately, losing 3 of our starting 9 as well as our staff ace in Beckett and one of our more reliable pitchers in Wakefield. We're still going to make the playoffs though, we're only a few games out behind Tampa Bay (though at this point I don't think we can catch them) and we will most certainly be able to beat out the Twins or White Sox for the Wild Card spot.

Lol, I can't help but laugh here man, what curse has started with the Red Sox? The curse of winning the World Series? Keep cursing us, please!

Even the football prospectus people are calling New England an almost slam-dunk Super Bowl champion this year.

They have an aging o-line and the defense will not be as steady as last season. Plus you will not go undefeated again. That simply is not done. Brady is hurting now too.

The O-line is not aging man, only 3 of our guards/tackles are over the age of 30, and most of our starting line is still relatively young. Atleast I still consider 27-30 to still be young in the sports world. I'll agree with you that the defense won't be as good partly. I don't think our secondary will be as good, but I think our D-line has a chance to be not only good but even better then last year considering everyone is healthy. Our defense will be fine, it'll still be a top 10 if not a top 5 defense. Of course we won't go undefeated, but it'll be downright impossible for us to win less then 10 games and make the playoffs. We're going to be fine. Infact theres no way in hell we don't win atleast 12 games.

And Brady is NOT hurting. Brady has a minor bone bruise on his ankle, thats it. He played with a worse injury in the Super Bowl and still played relatively well despite the loss. Brady will be absolutely ready to go in Week 1, I'd bet my entire life's earnings on that one. And he's going to slay defenses again this year just like last, considering he still has Moss & Welker. I expect somewhere between 35-45 TDs this year barring any injuries.

Keep in mind that the Browns did not make the playoffs last year therefore they are motivated to make it and then some. They have made the most improvements outta anyone in the offseason including firing their defensive coordinator and regrouping on that aspect. The Steelers also have the toughest scheduke but like I said that might mean crap. We'll see.

Come on Hayek, the Browns defense is beyond pitiful. I could score a TD against that defense for god's sake. With that defense, theres just no way they make the playoffs. 8-8 at best I still say. We still aren't even sure if Derek Anderson was a fluke or not.

The Niners are predicted to do nothing. Which is why I said they would do something. Think about it. Last year they had all the hype and this year all they did was get the best offensive coordinator not from the USC program. Mike Martz was the reason the Rams won the Super Bowl in 99 and stayed good for a good 6 years. I never said we would win the super bowl but the Niners are a sleeper. The offense will be better (we can't get any worse) The Niners offense has done really well in preseason games against the Packers and bears and most of those points were scored in the first half when all starters would play. They have scored 34 and 37 points respectively with many coming in the first half. Plus the only reason why we sucked last year was because we were too damn predictable. Hell Xfearbefore you could coach a win over them. Thats how bad they were.

I'm sorry man, but the Niners just don't have the talent to win even 8 games let alone 10 as you're predicting. (I think it was 10, right?). Frank Gore is overrated and remains the only offensive weapon, which makes it incredibly easy for the defense just to focus on him. Alex Smith is still a terrible QB. JT O'Sullivan is from f'n NFL Europa for god's sake. Honestly they'd probably be best going with freakin' Shaun Hill at QB, that's how bad that situation is. Plus their defense is terrible as well. They're just an all around terrible team, not even a couching staff of Bill Belichick and Vince Lombardi could lead that team to 10 wins.

Hey, be happy with your Niner's glorious dynasty past. One day in the future I'm sure that organization will return to it's previous excellence. Hey it took the Pats 30 years to win a Super Bowl, let us enjoy OUR dynasty time for a little while man!

 

[RBH]

You are my favorite sparring partner for your well educated posts based on good hard stats and analysis. Damn it man we should do a freaking play by play team up someday. I am gonna leave the baseball stuff out until a month from now when the Rays win the east and I will have been right.

As for football, New England had a great season last year but what ultimately cost them the Super Bowl is that their o-line let the Giants get to Brady, something that they did not allow to happen all season. When you think about it, those guys were exhausted it seemed aftera long year of protecting their undefeated record all season long and just broke down in the big game. I do not remember how many times Brady was hit or sacked but it probably was more than the games against the Chargers and Jags combined.

The Pats will win about 11-13 games this season. i guarantee it. The only thing that can go wrong is Brady getting hurt. I see a few losses on the schedule and one includes either the Colts or the Chargers (maybe not the Chargers anymore because of Merriman).

I am gonna give them a chance in Weeek 1 and then will grade the Browns absed on how they perform against the Cowboys high powered offense. If the Browns give up more then 25-30 points, I will admit that you are right. If they hold the Cowboys to 20 or less, then I will believe that they are legit a little bit. It is hard to refute your argument until isee them play but I do truly believe due to all their offseason moves, that they will at least improve.

Five years is a long time. That is how long it has been since we had a winning season. The Niners are not used to losing. The 80s and 90s were our time and then we lost our way when our owner became involved in a big scandal and had to sell the team to his sister and her husband. I see potential there but it is cautious optimisim. We have a very weak division and Seattle is not getting any better. Arizona is not getting better and the Rams are crap so our division is open season. The Niners went 3-3 against their division with one of their losses coming by 4 points. Plus our other 2 losses were injury ravaged losses against the Seahawks who we are capable of beating.

Any defense would be bad when the offense is going 3 and out all the time. Even New England's defense would be bad if your QB and RB and Wide Recievers were shit. Hell the offense is like the anchor of the team, once that goes, your team is put in a difficult situation. (I know you are probably going to mentiaon the 2001 Ravens and 85 Bears, the very big big exception to the rule) generally teams that win average on about 20-25 points a game and then if they are average at defense, their team has a shot at winning. If our offense even marginally improves (I use that word very loosely). Say we put up 20-25 points a game. We can beat Arizona, St Louis, Detroit, Washington, Philadelphia (whose QB situation is also getting muddled with an aging McNabb), NY Jets, Buffalo and Miami. That is 8 wins right there and if we sweep one or two of the division opponents I listed or get at least 1 win against seattle, that is 9-10 wins. Anything is possible and there has to be a sleeper team and thats why I picked my Niners to be that team.

 

[RBH]

The 49'ers? You're talking about a team with JT O'Sullivan as their starting QB. What has he done to carry a football team? Their offense is depleted, there only passing weapon is Davis and there best player is Gore, but Gore is going to see like 9 in the box until Sullivan proves to be more consistent. I dont even give a damn with Mike Martz is their o coordinator ( i think he is). He's done nothing memorable since the super bowl and the glory days of Marshall Faulk. If Martz is an offensive genius then what the hell is Peyton Manning?

Well like I told Xfearbefore, I am gonna wait till the season start to make my judgment but I have been impressed with how they have played in the preseason as most of their scoring has been done in the first half (when starters play). O-Sullivan knows the playbook and could break out of nowhere. Gore is still a good player and Davis is an underused talent. The only thing the Niners need is good coaching. We did not have that last year.

You are a Steelers fan right? As far as the Steel Crew go, I see them winning at least 9-12 games. It all depends on how Big Ben plays and if the team follows. Coach Tomlin even admitted that the Browns were the biggest thing in their way. I dunno we'll see. I have been right before and I have been wrong. We'll see how it goes.

 

[X]

Really Hayek, you see the Steelers winning that many games? With the big names that left that team I'm honestly expecting the Steelers to be a big disappointment this season, at max getting 9 wins I'd say. Ben is still a top 5 QB with championship experience, but their O-line without Faneca is going to be hard pressed, and the only real offensive weapon is Holmes. Hines Ward needs to retire at this point, the man is clearly past his prime.

As for the Niners, I forgot how weak of a division they play in, but I would still take the Seahawks over the Niners to win the division simply because of their D-line and their very efficient (but not exactly a gunslinger) QB. They should take the division this year I think. But still, I'd have to strongly disagree with some of those teams that you think the Niners can beat. Infact the only team on that list I'd say the Niners can definately beat are the Dolphins. The rest are 50-50 (except for the Eagles, who are going to be much better this year then you're giving them credit for; McNabb is still a great QB, trust me, I saw him in person last week in the preseason game against the Pats).

The thing about the Pats o-line though Hayek is that yeah, they may have choked a bit in the Super Bowl, but this is still the best offensive line in all of football, hands down. They gave up only 24 sacks all season long before the Super Bowl, that is damn impressive. Sometimes last year Brady would have what seemed like a good 10-15 seconds to sit in the pocket. So I wouldn't be in the least bit worried about our O-Line. They had a bad game against a team with a fantastic D-line that was on a roll.

I can't wait for the season to start so I can just laugh my ass off as the Giants roll to an 8-8 record this year. People will see that last year was not only a fluke, but the biggest damn fluke in sports history.

 

[Shocky]

Fluke or no fluke X, they still won the game....that probably stings. Messin with ya buddy. This is exactly the thing I was afraid of two as an NFL fan. The worse the Giants do this year, the more pissed off the Pats are going to be for letting that very winnable game slip away from that.

So onto my picks this year. I'm not going to get all elaborate with exact records and all of that, just a quick run down of each division.

AFC East.
Well obviously this is a one team race. How does the team that damn near goes undefeated the entire season last year, well with the easiest schedule in the league of course. How in the hell does that work out. Say what you will about the Pats and all that aging crap, it doesn't matter. This team can damn well run the table again and I fully expect them to do so. A few hiccups along the way may happen with San Diego and Indy, but its doubtful at this point. Coming behind the Pats is going to be the interesting story. I'm leaning with the Jets, solely based on the arm of Brett Favre. My heart tells me that Buffalo is a better team then the Jets but I can't bet against Favre. The Dolphins will no doubt be the bottom dweller, and I'll be real surprised to see them win more then 1 or 2 games.

1. New England
2. Jets
3. Bills
4. Dolphins

AFC Central.
Now you want to talk about a division that's a trainwreck going into this year, here you have it. Without question, probably the worst of the divisions as far as not having a power team at the top. I fully expect the Steelers to walk away with the Division crown again, and that's an indictment on the inability of any other team in this division to do anything. The Browns are America's Darlings at this point. They had a good year, but they played a terribly weak schedule last year. Derek Anderson is their quarterback, let me repeat that, Derek Anderson is their quarterback. How this team wins more then it loses is beyond me this year. The Bengals are flat out abysmal, the defense is still terrible. The offense is getting back all of its position players, just in time for the O-line to decide to forget how to block. The Ravens are the bottom dwellers. A third string rookie QB is starting this weak. Kyle Boller maybe out for a while, which leads to Troy Smith, ouch, good luck. New Coach, New QB, no running game, no passing game, and not an aging, but a flat out old Defense, Baltimore is lucky to win 3 games this year.

1. Steelers, will win the division with 9 wins.
2,3. Browns or Bengals could flip flop
4. Ravens.

AFC South.
The big question is, can Manning turn it on at the drop of a dime, because that is what he'll have to do at the beginning of this season. With no work in the offseason, he could be sluggish to start off, but thankfully for the Colts, they start with the dreadful Bears. In all honesty, this is the Colts division to lose still at this point. Jacksonville keeps closing the gap, but until they beat the Colts out, they will always play second fiddle. The interesting thing will be at the bottom of this division as well. Can the Texans get and stay out of the basement. I think they can. Tennessee and Vince Young are vastly over rated. Young is now starting to come back to the rest of the NFL, and I fully expect the Titans to struggle this year.

1. Colts
2. Jags
3. Texans
4. Titans

AFC West.
Shawn Merriman, ultra brave or ultra foolish? Two torn ligaments in your knee, and you still chose to play instead of shutting it down. I think he's dumb, and very dumb. Many people believe this is the Chargers year. I fully expect them to win this weak division, but they still have to get by the Colts and Pats on a regular basis. Hell, they have to make a Super Bowl before people talk about them being legit. The Broncos should finish behind the Chargers, but that's not saying much at all. The Raiders are improved, but still a sub five hundred team. The Chiefs should finish in last. I despise Herm Edwards, and soon hope that this illusion of him being anything but a joke is revealed to the rest of the league.

1. Chargers
2. Broncos
3. Raiders
4. Chiefs

Playoff Teams.
1. Patriots
2. Chargers
3. Colts
4. Steelers

5. Jaguars
6. Jets

Wild Card
Colts Destroy the Jets
Jaguars beat Steelers

Divisional Round
Colts beat Chargers
Patriots beat Jags

Conference
Patriots beat Colts

Very formulaic I know, but until these teams do otherwise, that's how I see it. I don't see the Colts losing to the chargers two years running. The Jags will keep running into the pats, and they simply don't matchup. It's a shame because the Jags could be the 2nd best team in all of football, they just can't compete with the Pats.

 

[RBH]

Really Hayek, you see the Steelers winning that many games? With the big names that left that team I'm honestly expecting the Steelers to be a big disappointment this season, at max getting 9 wins I'd say. Ben is still a top 5 QB with championship experience, but their O-line without Faneca is going to be hard pressed, and the only real offensive weapon is Holmes. Hines Ward needs to retire at this point, the man is clearly past his prime.

As for the Niners, I forgot how weak of a division they play in, but I would still take the Seahawks over the Niners to win the division simply because of their D-line and their very efficient (but not exactly a gunslinger) QB. They should take the division this year I think. But still, I'd have to strongly disagree with some of those teams that you think the Niners can beat. Infact the only team on that list I'd say the Niners can definately beat are the Dolphins. The rest are 50-50 (except for the Eagles, who are going to be much better this year then you're giving them credit for; McNabb is still a great QB, trust me, I saw him in person last week in the preseason game against the Pats).

The thing about the Pats o-line though Hayek is that yeah, they may have choked a bit in the Super Bowl, but this is still the best offensive line in all of football, hands down. They gave up only 24 sacks all season long before the Super Bowl, that is damn impressive. Sometimes last year Brady would have what seemed like a good 10-15 seconds to sit in the pocket. So I wouldn't be in the least bit worried about our O-Line. They had a bad game against a team with a fantastic D-line that was on a roll.

I can't wait for the season to start so I can just laugh my ass off as the Giants roll to an 8-8 record this year. People will see that last year was not only a fluke, but the biggest damn fluke in sports history.

Wait a minute, If you say the Browns are a fluke and the Steel Crew might not win that many games, who in your opinion is gonna take the AFC North? Bengals? Please!! Ravens? no not seeing it. The Steelers or Browns are gonna win that division. Head to Head games will matter a lot in that division.

Im glad you agree that the division is weak because it is. I say the Niners can only have a chance in hell if they manage to beat Seattle at least once. We did 2 years ago and almost won the division with a 500 record. The Cards and Rams are not to par as they never seem to adress the real issue of their team.

I am not saying New England is gonna have a bad year. I said on my radio show today that the Pats are still gonna easily take the east....but their rivals-Colts, Chargers ect are gonna be better. By better I mean more determined. Talent wise, its all the same pretty much. The Pats, Colts and Chargers are the big 3 of the AFC with the Jags lurking. In the NFC, its the Cowboys and whoever wants to do it this year.

I agree with you, the Giants are in for a large fall from grace this year. They just lost Osi Umynera (I spelled his name wrong I know) and Michael Strahan is gone. Defense will be weaker thats for sure and Eli is still unreliable...he only did good at the end of the season, the rest was crap.

Redskins are gonna be worse. I can almost guarantee that! Panthers will be better and Bucs will be tons worse! It is the NFC South trend for crap teams to start winning and good teams to turn to crap. Hence my reasoning.

 

[K Bro 30]

My predictions for the season:

AFC North: Weak division, I think the Steelers are going to win it. Browns defense is garbage, Ravens offense is garbage, and the Bengals just have to many in house issues. But if Cincy can somehow get all their stuff figured out...then they could be dangerous.

AFC East: Patriots. No doubt. However, they will not dominate like they did before. Losing Dante Stallworth has been overlooked this whole offseason, he helped stretch the field allowing for Welker to break out like he did. The secondary is slow. Not to mention, the other 3 teams all got better. I think Buffalo is good enough to at least be a threat in the wild card picture.

AFC West: Chargers. The Chiefs are young, the Raiders just aren't good (yet), and I don't think the Broncos can stop the Chargers.

AFC South: This is the year I finally grow a pair, I already bet on it somewhere else. The Jaguars will win this division. No disrespect to the Colts, but Jacksonville has been knocking on the door for awhile now. I also think this division will again have both wild card spots. Watch out for Houston if they stay healthy, they were right there last year.

AFC: Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Jaguars, Colts, Texans

NFC North: Minnesota. But this is in my opinion the worst division in football. No team has an established QB. The Lions even proved last year that when they play, they can be good. The Packers defense might be able to carry them to the playoffs. The Bears? I just don't see anything from them.

NFC West: Seattle. There is no reason not to like this team, and they are constantly overlooked. Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson in the same LB corps? The Rams don't impress me, Bulger isn't what he used to be. The 49ers have ways to go. The Cardinals I think have a playoff chances, but they need to start Warner.

NFC South: Saints. Brees, Shockey, Colston, Bush, McAllister. This is offense is as good as any in football. They are going to put up points. The Falcons will go through growing pains. The Panthers have looked good in the pre-season, but I'm just not convinced. The Bucs I think are going to struggle this year. I don't think Garcia is happy about Gruden trying to recruit Favre.

NFC East: This may be hometown bias, but I don't think it is. The Eagles. I understand all the weapons the Cowboys have. How do you stop offensive playmakers? With defensive playmakers. Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard, Sheldon Brown, Stewart Bradley, Trent Cole. Desean Jackson has been explosive, no other way to put it. The Cowboys will make the playoffs though. The Giants won't recover from losing Osi. The Redskins I just don't think have enough.

Playoffs-Wild Card: Colts beat Chargers
Steelers beat Texans
Cowboys beat Vikings
Eagles beat Cardinals

Divisional: Patriots beat Steelers
Jaguars beat Colts
Eagles beat New Orleans
Seattle beats the Cowboys

Championship: Seahawks beat the Eagles
Jacksonville beats the Patriots.

I like the Seahawks beating the Jaguars in the Superbowl. I know no one thinks this could be the matchup, but I think both of these teams have been too overlooked. They both have strong defenses, and when it comes down to it, "Defense wins Championships."

 

[Shocky]

and now to my NFC picks.

NFC East. This is about as easy as it gets to pick the winner of this Division. Dallas returns what, 20 of their starters from last year, a team that went I believe 13-3. How the Boys don't do the same this year is beyond me. To figure out the next three is a bit of a challenge however. I think the NFC East is overall the best division in the NFC, but only because the next three will all be incredibly mediocre teams. I would go with the Eagles to finish in second, then the Redskins. However, I'm not sold on the Redskins. The Redskins always seem to be a nice sleeper pick each year, yet they always seem to disappoint. The Giants, while defending champs, are simply too banged up on defense this year. Eventually it's going to catch up to them, and they'll be in the cellar this year.

NFC North: Another tough division to figure out, this time because all of the teams are incredibly bad here. My gut says the Vikings. That defense is solid enough to make up for the shortcomings at the QB helm. Adrien Peterson is simply bad ass, but was he a one year wonder or not? Sickengly enough, I'm picking the Lions to come in second. I'm thinking the Lions get off to another fast start, and then come back to the Pack. The Packers by the way, are analyst serious in thinking that this team is going to win the division? Seriously, Aaron Rodgers has started exactly 0 games in the NFL, and to think that essentially a glorified rookie is going to win a division in his first year is beyond me. The Bears finish in distant last. Orton or Grossman, both suck, it doesn't matter who.

NFC South.
New Orleans. Maybe a trendy pick, but this team is simply loaded. Reggie Bush is amazing, and I think he's going to have another big break out year. Carolina I'm going for in second. Eventually this team is going to breakthrough, and I think this is their year they get back on track. The Bucs come in third. I'm not a big Chucky fan, and I think he is very over rated as a coach. With no solid QB, this team struggles, and struggles big time. They benefited from dumb luck last year. The Falcons are simply put, going to be facing off with the Dolphins as the worst team in the NFL.

NFC West. Seattle and then everyone else. Holmgren's last year, this team has a purpose to play. I can see Seattle getting a better record then what they actually should get this year, due to the weakness of this division. Seattle maybe lucky enough to win enough games to get a first round bye this year. San Francisco comes in second, but a distant second. Adding Mr. Average Justin Smith does nothing for me. The Rams come in third, but again, a distant third. I'm done hoping that the Cardinals breakthrough to the next level. For the last three years they've been my "sleeper" pick and done just that, put my predictions to sleep. How does that 2.6 QB rating taste, Matt Leinart?

So here we go.
1. Cowboys
2. Seahawks
3. Saints
4. Vikings

5. Panthers
6. Eagles

Wildcard Weekend.
Panthers over Vikings
Saints over Eagles

Divisonal Weekend
Saints over Seahawks
Cowboys over Panthers

Conference Finals
Cowboys over Saints

Superbowl XLIII
Patriots over Cowboys.

Very safe pick, but it just looks too obvious. Barring major injuries on either of these two teams, this game should be a lock from 6 months out. The Patriots are pissed, and the Cowboys are loaded with talent.

 

[jmt225]

AFC

East: New England Patriots. I see them having another great season. 16-0? Eh, not sure about that, but with their schedule, I don't see them losing more then 3 games.

North: Cleveland Browns. A sexy pick more then anything I guess. I really do think they're the best team in the division since the Steelers offensive line is terrible and their secondary on defense is unproven. And the Bengels... well, the Bengels are just too undisciplined to ever get over the hump and live up to their full potential. Anyway, I don't think Derek Anderson was a "One Season Wonder", so to speak, and you add that with the Browns amazing coaching staff and their defense improving every single year, I see them having a great season.

South: Indianapolis Colts. Obvious. They lose no more then four games.

West: Denver Broncos. A lot of people pick the Chargers for this division, and I don't even have them making the playoffs. I just think the Chargers are overrated and I have a feeling they will get some more injuries this year that will keep them from living up to whatever potential they contain. The Broncos, on the other hand, I just have a good feeling about them. I think this year will be Jay Cutler's break out season, and their defense is very solid. Shanahan, I believe, has done a great job rebuilding this team these past couple of years and I think this will be the year we'll see those positive results Denver fans have been waiting for.

Wildcard 1: Jacksonville Jaguars. Very good squad; two or three pieces away from being able to win it all sometime in the future. They looked great last year and if they can stay healthy, I see them having another solid season.

Wildcard 2: New York Jets. I just have a lot of faith in Brett Favre I guess. Their defense is a little shaky and their running game is questionable, but I think Favre will work miracles with this squad, just like he did with the Packers last season.

NFC

East: Dallas Cowboys. Haven't looked too good during the preseason, but I personally don't buy into that so much. They're just way too talented not to win this division. Giants will cause them some trouble, though. The Eagles and Redskins, however, not so much.

North: Minnesota Vikings. Adrian Peterson is amazing and I'm sure will have another incredible year. I'm not too confident with their quarterback situation, but their running game, receiving core, and defense will lead this team into a good year in a weak division.

South: New Orleans Saints. Ahhh… my team. They've made tons off improvements during the off-season. Secondary and pass rush is still a concern, but our defense has still improved and our offense is better then ever. Also, I expect Reggie Bush to have an amazing season with Deuce in the back with him to take some of the load off. Carolina and Tampa Bay, I don't even have making the playoffs. Carolina fucking sucks and will have a terrible season, I know it. And Tampa Bay... while I trust in Jeff Garcia to have a good year, he's just not enough to really make something of this regular season. The Falcons though, I'm really worried how good they'll be in a couple of years, but for now, it's a rebuilding year and they shouldn't win more then four games.

West: Arizona Cardinals. It's time for Seattle’s flukish regular seasons to come to an end. Arizona's offense, I believe, is going to be fantastic this year. I think Leinart will have an unbelievable season, and it will lead to great things for the organization. Their defense has a lot of questions, but their offense is just too good. The Rams will probably have another bad season. Sucks for them too considering how good of a QB Marc Bulger is and to see all his talent go to waste during his prime years.

Wildcard 1: New York Giants. They'll have a very solid regular season, with no miracle in the post season like last year.

Wildcard 2: Green Bay Packers. Eh, I was originally pissed at the Packers over the Favre shit, but after watching them this preseason, I do think they have a good enough squad to make the playoffs in the NFC. Aaron Rogers is definitely a good QB. Not great like Favre, but definitely good. And the rest of the team is good enough to have a 10-6 or 9-7 season with Rogers at QB.

And here are my standings and playoff and Super Bowl picks.

AFC
1. New England Patriots
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Denver Broncos
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. New York Jets

NFC
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Minnesota Vikings
5. New York Giants
6. Green Bay Packers

Wildcard Weekend:
New York Jets over the inexperienced Cleveland Browns
Denver Broncos over Jacksonville Jaguars

Arizona Cardinals over Green Bay Packers
New York Giants over Minnesota Vikings

Divisional Weekend:
New England Patriots over New York Jets
Indianapolis Colts over Jacksonville Jaguars

Dallas Cowboys over New York Giants
New Orleans Saints over Arizona Cardinals

Conference Finals:
New England Patriots over Indianapolis Colts in a close game
Dallas Cowboys over New Orleans Saints in another close game

Super Bowl XLIII:
New England Patriots over Cowboys by a couple of touchdowns

MVP, both regular season and Super Bowl, will be Tom Brady.

 

[Draven~]

Eagles did okay in the preseason, i hope they do much better though in the real season. I'm hearing there doing alot better in the McNab situation. He's feeling alot better, especially with his knee. I have a good feeling about this year.

 

[RBH]

Well, my week 1 was a bust. I only went 7-7 on sunday and my Niners cost themselves the game despite a better offense and defense. The Patriots lost Tom Brady and the Colts lost their opener. Not always the best thing. The Chargers lost their opener and the Bears are suddenly back to being a defensive powerhouse. Plus, Matt Ryan wins his NFl debut and Brett Farve wins his Jets debut. So, what is to be said about week 1? I know it is the first week but the Dalllas Cowboys looked really good last night. I can see a Cowboys team like that in the Super Bowl? Thoughts?