NFL Thread - 2009-10

[RBH]

Originally I had the Pats to win the Super Bowl but then Sports Illustrated picked them soo here goes nothing...

AFC WEST


1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (13-3): The Chargers remain the class of this division until someone proves otherwise. Now with a healthy Merriman and a better offensive attack behind Phillip Rivers, the Chargers will win this division easily.


2. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (5-11): The Chiefs get better but they are still not good enough to compete with the Chargers. They will be in the playoffs within two years at worst.


3. OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12): The Raiders will not be good until they find a franchise Quarterback to match with their running back. Plus, they need a line that will block for them. They also need the owner to stop being an ignorant idiot for the most part. When coaches punch other coaches and put them in the hospital, you know that things are bad.


4. DENVER BRONCOS (3-13): The Broncos just suffered one of the worst off seasons in their team history. That always affects a team and this year’s Broncos are no exception. They will be back in the playoffs within two to three years however but they have gone from a good quarterback to an average quarterback.





AFC NORTH


1. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (13-3): The Steelers still have what it takes to repeat and will have a good season behind Ben Rothlesberger and that great defense. As long as they focus and do not let their off the field problems affect them, they will easily win this division.


2. BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-8): I simply do not trust the Ravens as a contending team yet. They made the playoffs in 06, missed it badly in 07 and then made it again in 08. This year, they have a harder schedule with games being played at New England and at home against the Indianapolis Colts. Plus, they have games against the Bears at home, they also have to go to Lambeau and the Metrodome this year. It won’t be easy.


3. CINCINNATI BENGALS (8-8): The Bengals are my sleeper team this year. They won’t make the playoffs this year but they will do much better as last year’s team had the number 12 defense. If this year’s team clicks on offense on all cylinders, watch out.


4. CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11): The Browns will have a bad season as they have no stable offensive system even with Mangini attempting to straighten them out. They have a Quarterback competition that does not look like it will ever be resolved.





AFC South


1. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4): The Colts have a generous schedule this year and will have no problem making the playoffs again. They have a new offensive coordinator for the first time in years but that will not affect Peyton Manning’s performance on the field. This team still has a great united defense and an offense to bolt.


2. HOUSTON TEXANS (10-6): Don’t get me wrong, the Texans still have a horrendous Quarterback situation but they have a great running back and a growing defense. They have the tools to get to the playoffs if they want and have an early schedule that favors them. They always play well in December so they must take advantage of that early pillow.


3. TENNEESSEE TITANS (7-9): The Titans have a much more difficult schedule this year and it starts with the Steelers. The Titans have an aging man as their starting Quarterback and a third year man who has no confidence. Their defense and running game is really good but you need a passing game to win championships.


4. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-9): The Jaguars get better but the difficult schedule will not help. They have the tools and the healthy players to make the playoffs. They need to win those close games and need to play better against their own division.





AFC EAST


1. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOS (13-3): The Pats will get off to a strong start but start to fizzle by mid season kind of like Tennessee did last year. I believe that they are more determined this year to win it again but if Brady goes down again, then they will be screwed.


2. MIAMI DOLPHINS (9-7): The Dolphins will be a better team with a worse record. They have games at Atlanta, Carolina, San Diego, Jacksonville and Tennessee this year not to mention their usual dates with the Patriots and this year they will have to go cold against the Bills. They have to keep their composure and play the type of football they played last year.


3. NEW YORK JETS (5-11): The Jets are going to do a lot of growing this year. Unfortunately for them, that will not translate to wins. They will be a good team in 2010 with Mark Sanchez under center but not this year.


4. BUFFALO BILLS (5-11): The Bills will officially take a step backwards this year as Terrell Owens will do nothing but destroy their team chemistry. He will rip the coach and the Quarterback apart and things will go skyrocketing to hell after a few weeks.





PLAYOFFS


1. PITTSBURGH


2. SAN DIEGO


3. NEW ENGLAND


4. INDIANPOLIS


5. HOUSTON


6. MIAMI





FIRST ROUND


1. NEW ENGLAND OVER MIAMI: The Patriots win a cold and great division battle in the first round of the playoffs.


2. INDIANAPOLIS OVER HOUSTON: The Colts welcome the Texans to the playoffs by kicking them out.





SECOND ROUND


1. SAN DIEGO OVER NEW ENGLAND: The Chargers finally get over their Patriotitis by beating Tom Brady at San Diego.


2. INDIANAPOLIS OVER PITTSBURGH: The Colts ride the wave of Peyton Manning for a victory over the Steelers at Three Rivers.





AFC TITLE GAME


1. SAN DIEGO OVER INDIANAPOLIS: The Chargers continue their dominance of the Colts in playoffs and finally reach the Super Bowl.





NFC WEST


1. ARIZONA CARDINALS (9-7): This will be a tight divisional race which Arizona will win on a tiebreaker. The Cardinals have a great offense but if Warner goes down, they’re in trouble. Expect the defense to step up in a big way. Larry Fitzgerald is the best wide receiver in the league and everyone is going to be trying hard to cover him so that means that Aquan Boldin is going to have to step up his game and take some of the pressure off of Fitzgerald.


2. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (9-7): The Niners are improving but they need to step up the Quarterback play. It seems like they are in the same situation every year with this issue. They have two great running backs in Frank Gore and Glen Coffee. They have an improving defense with a philosophy headed by Mike Singletary but need to do everything right in order to have a chance at the playoffs but they are getting better. Michael Crabtree is only one guy and as a Niner fan I am hoping this idiot comes to his senses and does something right for a change but whatever.


3. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (9-7): The Hawks have an easy schedule but that does not necessarily translate to wins. They have a bad defense and their offense is getting older. They are trying to establish a running game which is okay but they need the line to protect their Quarterback or else Hassleback will go down again.


4. SAINT LOUIS RAMS (2-14): The Rams are not going anywhere anytime soon. Enjoy the bad season Ram fans but the good news is that they are going to be good in a few years once they get a Quarterback and a better offensive line.





NFC NORTH


1. GREEN BAY PACKERS (11-5): The Packers have the best Quarterback of the division (yes Aaron Rodgers is better than Brett Farve at this point and even Jay Cutler). They have a dynamic set of receivers and a running back that is determined to have a great season. Their defense has a genius for a coordinator and they are flying under the radar. They lost 7 games last year by 4 or less points and finished with a 6-10 record, what does that tell you? A play or two and they could have easily been 13-3.


2. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-6): Like with the Jets, Brett Farve’s arrival is going to energize the Jets but that is going to quickly fade towards the end. The only sole reason the Vikes do good is because of Adrian Peterson and a soft schedule. They will struggle towards the end of the season as Farve either breaks down or his career is ended by a defended knocking him to the ground.


3. CHICAGO BEARS (8-8): The Bears did add a great Quarterback in Jay Cutler but who is he going to throw to? Cutler only has Devin Hester to throw to and even that is not enough. Their defense is not as menacing as it once was. They could be better but I believe the Bears still have some pieces to fill up.


4. DETROIT LIONS (5-11): The Lions will start the season badly and end it well. Their future is finally bright for once and I could see them in the playoffs by the year 2011 at best. Matt Stafford is a stud and he will get the job done when he gets in if the Lions block for him.





NFC SOUTH


1. ATLANTA FALCONS (12-4): The Falcons will end a curse this year. For the first time ever, they will have a winning record for two seasons in a row. Believe it or not, it has never happened. This year Matt Ryan gets better and has a new toy in Tony Gonzales to play with. The Falcons offense is lethal and will be a very tough force to be reckoned with. Their defense gets better too.


2. CAROLINA PANTHERS (10-6): Like the Falcons, the Panthers will break a curse as they too have never had two winning seasons in a row. They still have the talent to get far and will do so in a tough division and now have the confidence to do that. Their defense is still great and they have a great running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and running teams usually do well when they have two runners.


3. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-8): If you gave the Saints the Steelers defense, they would easily win the Super Bowl. That is, they have the best offense in the league and one of the worst defenses in the league. The key to the Saints winning will be an improved defense which I have not seen yet.


4. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-15): The Bucs are rebuilding. Like the Rams, they will experience some growing pains.


NFC EAST


1. NEW YORK GIANTS (13-3): The New York Giants will bounce back as a healthy roster will benefit the entire team and make them even stronger. They have lost Plaxico Burress but their receivers will mature and their running game will continue to be strong with a triple headed attack. Eli Manning gets better this year and so does the already strong defense.


2. DALLAS COWBOYS (10-6): The Dallas Cowboys will play a lot better than most people expect and may even have an amazing start. The Boys know what they need to do to win and Tony Romo is going to prove that he is a good Quarterback. I still doubt that they can win in December but it might not matter.


3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-7): The Eagles have the toughest schedule as they play games at Atlanta and Carolina and also have a date in San Diego and also have to head to Chicago along with games against their division. They usually miss the playoffs once every three years. Well, this is the once time.


4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS (7-9): They have a talented team but play in a brutal division and it makes it hard for them to improve.








PLAYOFFS


1. NEW YORK GIANTS


2. ATLANTA FALCONS


3. GREEN BAY PACKERS


4. ARIZONA CARDINALS


5. DALLAS COWBOYS


6. CAROLINA PANTHERS





FIRST ROUND


1. GREEN BAY OVER CAROLINA: The Packers reestablish their Lambeau Field dominance in the playoffs by taking out an old foe Carolina in the first round.


2. DALLAS OVER ARIZONA: Dallas ends Arizona’s season and ends a playoffs winless drought that reached a decade. Tony Romo proves he can win a big game.





SECOND ROUND


1. DALLAS OVER NEW YORK GIANTS: Tony Romo wins another big game with an upset at the Meadowlands as the Cowboys get revenge for that playoff loss suffered two years ago.


2. ATLANTA OVER GREEN BAY: The Falcons ends the Packers comeback season with a win at the Georgia Dome and young Matt Ryan is in the NFC Title Game.





NFC TITLE GAME


1. ATLANTA OVER DALLAS: The Cowboys goal ends and the Falcons ride the wave of their Quarterback to their second super bowl in team history.





SUPER BOWL PREDICTION


1. SAN DIEGO OVER ATLANTA: The Chargers finally win the big one and win the Super Bowl in a close contest with the Atlanta Falcons. Phillip Rivers is named the MVP.

 

[X]

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Five-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Richard Seymour has been traded from the New England Patriots to the Oakland Raiders, giving the rebuilding franchise a veteran stalwart up front.

In return, the Patriots received a first-round draft choice in 2011.

Seymour was in the final year of the four-year extension he signed in 2006. He was due to make $3.685 million.

Spoiler: Rest of Story

"From nearly the day he arrived in 2001, Richard Seymour established himself as one of our premier players for nearly a decade," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Sunday. "His presence has been felt as a force on the field, a respected man off it and a multiyear champion."

The 29-year-old Seymour was drafted by the Patriots sixth overall in 2001, and started 105 of 111 games over eight seasons. He made 460 tackles and 39 sacks, and in 2002 was selected to the first of five consecutive Pro Bowls. Seymour, who earned three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots, matched his career high with eight sacks in 2008.

"Any transaction we make is with the goal of what is best for our team and, as difficult as it is to part ways with a player of Richard's stature, many factors were taken into account when we considered this trade," Belichick said.

"As an organization, we feel the trade with Oakland brings sufficient value and is in the long-term interest of the club," he added. "We are extremely grateful for the huge impact Richard's elite level of performance had on our success and we wish him the very best during the rest of his career."

In a corresponding move, the Patriots reached agreement Sunday with free-agent guard Kendall Simmons, a source close to the player told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Simmons will fill the roster spot vacated by Seymour.

A former first-round pick of the Steelers, Simmons appeared in four games for Pittsburgh last season. He worked out for New England last week.

Kendall is expected to sign later Sunday.

Well god damnit if I'm not fucking heartbroken over this news. I understand the logic of the move; trading an aging linemen for a first round draft pick in 2011 from a team that's bound to be horrible for the next few years is a good move, and shows that we're looking towards the future. But from a present point of view, I just don't understand this deal. What good is a pick in 2011 if our defense can't stop anyone in 2009? Fuck rebuilding in 2 years, we need to be making a Super Bowl run RIGHT NOW, we've got loads of talent and with the Brady-Moss connection we once again have a serious shot at winning the Super Bowl...but trading Seymour is only going to hurt us. Hopefully someone better than Kendall fucking Simmons is on their way here and this was a preliminary movie.

Either way, I'm absolutely heartbroken. Richard Seymour was the last of the old school on our defense, and had been one of the very best DL in the league for nearly a decade now. He helped us immensely in this Super Bowl seasons, and was always a class act if there ever was one. I met him once a few years back during a preseason game, and he was the only player nice enough to sit back and chat with the fans for a while.

Fuck I'm going to miss you Seymour. We'll never forget you here in New England.

This is a sad, sad day.

 

[Theo Mays]

Wow I can't believe Seymour was traded. When I woke up it was the first thing I saw on yahoo's homepage. I thought I was seeing things. Seymour is a stud DE. He may not rack up high number of sacks, but he is a good run stopper and a great 3-4 DE. Wonder if he plays DE or DT for the Raiders, as I believe this is his first time working in a 4-3 defense. My guess is they move him around and have him see time at both spots.

 

[Theo Mays]

Lol, roid rage at its finest there for Lights Out. I loved Merriman out of college, but since coming pro he has gotten on my nerves. I'm sure Roggy is gonna slap Merriman on the wrist with a hefty fine and probably a 3 or 4 game suspension. What an idiot though. I just lost the respect I had left for Merriman.

 

[Thriller Ant]

If he's not suspended for at least half the season, I will be shocked. This is a guy who has already been suspended for steroids, and like xfear said, has always been a jerk. Goodell will probably suspend him indefinitely until the legal situation is up, and tack on more games after that. Merriman is talented, but so was Pacman. Both of those guys really seem to not understand the fact that playing in the NFL is a privilege, not a right.

 

[X]

San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested early Sunday on suspicion of choking and restraining television reality show hostess and model Tila "Tequila" Nguyen, according to published reports.

NBCSanDiego.com and KABC Los Angeles said police got a call at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday from a woman who claimed to have been choked and restrained by a male at a home on Sagecrest Drive in Poway.

"Nguyen told deputies she had been choked and physically restrained by Merriman when she attempted to leave his residence," Public Information Officer Jan Caldwell said.

Merriman was charged with battery and false imprisonment.

Nguyen was transported to Pomerado Hospital and Merriman was taken into custody by Sheriff's deputies

Seriously, how fucking bizarre of a title to my post is that?

Man, what the fuck is wrong with players these days? I know everyone finds Tila Tequila to be annoying, but a man putting his hands on a woman is simply unacceptable, in any situation. The fact that Merriman apparently wouldn't allow her to leave his house implies that he may have had even worse intentions for her.

I hope he gets suspended for this bullshit. He's always been a punk, and this is just further evidence of that.

 

[gd]

First of all, the Seymour trade makes no sense at all. The Pats are in their prime right now, they want have their core on offense together forever. The are one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, so why trade one of your top defensive players? Since it is the Patriots, I assume they know what they are doing and have someone to replace him, but still. Strange move.

As for Merriman, why the hell was he dating that STD infested parasite in the first place? I would think he could get much better women, being in the NFL at all. He has proven time and time again that while he may be talented, he is a complete moron. I'm expecting a big suspension here, Goodell doesn't put up with this shit.

 

[Baller]

The reason Seymour was traded was because him an Wilfork are both down to their last year of their respective contracts. They knew they can only keep one because of the economy and they chose Wilfork. They then decided to get some value for Seymour instead of losing him for nothing.

On the Merriman topic, I have officially lost all of the little respect I had for him. This guy is a complete moron, and looks like this season for him is "Lights Out". Good luck Shawn, have fun in the CFL in the future

 

[TwistofRKO]

Because of the economy? They hardly hurt for money. They just can't get into bidding wars and overpay for anyone. Tom Brady needs a deal, Ty Warren needs a deal, Wilfork.. list goes on. Seymour is injured a lot, and is already 30, and they chose he was the one to go.

The thing I don't agree with is getting NOTHING back to help the team this year, at all. They did great getting a 1st for a 30 yr old DT with 1 year left on his contract, but it didn't help them this season.

 

[BooCocky]

1. SAN DIEGO OVER ATLANTA: The Chargers finally win the big one and win the Super Bowl in a close contest with the Atlanta Falcons. Phillip Rivers is named the MVP.

LOL, Merriman is too busy beating up women for your team to win a Super Bowl. He is going to get suspended and hopefully it's for a long time. The AFC is the Steelers conference to lose, and the Pats to win if that makes any sense. I believe the NFC goes to the Vikings because they're just solid everywhere.

While looking at the Waivers list I realized Redman wasn't claimed. Which is good for the Steelers. When Parker goes down with an injury again, they'll IR him and pick up Isaacs contract. Which is good because he knows how to score, and he showed it throughout training camp and the pre season.

I also believe my Steelers got better with the addition of Logan and McDonald. McDonald is a clutch receiver who runs precise routes and has good hands and always knows where he is on the field.

Logan is something we've been missing for years, he's a threat on every kickoff and punt return becuase he can hide behind the lineman. With the McDonald addition I believe our sack total will decrease because we have three reliable hands who are capable of being the underneath guy.

Looking forward to Thursday and Go STEELERS!!!!!!!!

 

[Baller]

I cant wait for Thursday, and I think the Steelers are going to have a tough time against Tennessee, but will come up with the victory, as they have the better defense then the Titans and with the Titans crappy offense, I see a low scoring game.

Prediction: Steelers over Titans 13-7

 

[Theo Mays]

Man Thursday couldn't come soon enough. I have a feeling that the Titans pull the upset against the Steelers in a close, hard fought, defensive showdown. Something along the lines of 10-3 or 10-7.

 

[Baller]

I wouldnt be surprised by that either, and I am hoping Big Ben plays terrible because my fantasy team is going against him. LOL. But I still think Steelers win as they have the better overall team, and I hate to see Champs lose in their first game at home.

 

[X]

Tedy Bruschi, who enjoyed a long career with the New England Patriots and won three Super Bowl rings, is joining ESPN's stable of NFL analysts.

ESPN made the announcement Tuesday, saying Bruschi will provide NFL analysis on ESPNBoston.com, the network's new local sports site, and appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and other ESPN platforms.

ESPNBoston.com launches on Monday, the day the Patriots play their season opener on "Monday Night Football" against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium.

"Tedy Bruschi has embodied the Patriots and their unrivaled success the past decade, and we are thrilled that this three-time Super Bowl champion is joining our roster of NFL experts as well as ESPNBoston.com, which will give New England sports fans a stable of authentic and familiar Boston voices when it launches Monday," said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production.

Spoiler: Rest of Story

Bruschi retired last month after 13 seasons of playing linebacker and being the leader of New England's defense, saying he was simply too old and found his "body doesn't heal as quickly."

"I'm very excited to be joining the ESPN team. I hope to bring my passion and knowledge for the game as an analyst just as I did as a player," Bruschi said in a statement. "I look forward to the national exposure of covering the entire league while also having the opportunity to stay close to my roots here with ESPNBoston.com."

Bruschi is equally as well known for his determination off the field. After suffering a mild stroke in February 2005, he endured months of rehabilitation before he was medically cleared to play and returned to the Patriots lineup in October for the seventh game of that season after having surgery for a hole in his heart.

"I was retired," he said at the time. "I didn't think it was possible."

At the end of that season, Bruschi was named the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year and received both the Ed Block Courage Award and the Maxwell Football Club's Spirit Award.

Bruschi also has been named to NFL.com's All-Interview Team for accessibility to the media, and he has been one of the Patriots most active players in the greater Boston community. When his retirement announcement was made, Patriots coach Bill Belichick called him "the perfect player," and team owner Robert Kraft, citing "executive privilege," promptly named him honorary defensive captain of the franchise's 50th Anniversary Team.

Bruschi played in 189 regular-season games, more than any linebacker in Patriots history. His 631 total tackles over the past six seasons were the most on the team. For his career, he had 1,134 tackles, 30½ sacks and 12 interceptions, four of them touchdowns.

Good news for us Bruschi fans, looks like we're going to be able to see even more of him on our television sets than before! I'm really happy to hear he's going to join the NFL's group of analysts, I'm sure he'll fit right in. I can't wait until the first time I see Bruschi's mug on my TV after Monday Night Football.

 

[NSL]

Anyone else think this is a bit stupid? He says it's because the TV stations only want to show sold out stadiums, and it looks and sounds better. He also says it's not just ticket prices, and that sales are down because people don't want to go because of the behavior of other fans in attendance.

Wake up, Goodell. Ticket prices are a big factor. The teams kept the prices the same, but because people are making less on average, it's harder to afford that same price they could afford in the past. And, how is turning the games off going to help? The same people that can't afford to go to the games, rely on watching these games on TV.

I don't know about you, but I'd be pretty pissed if the Giants got blacked out because they had trouble selling out against someone like the Lions or Browns.

 

[CH David]

They actually do this, or did this in Detroit last year. My coworker was up in Detroit last season, and she flipped on football expecting to see the Lions and whoever they were playing that week. No game on television, even though it actually said on the guide, Lions football. To which I understand, who wants to see a game where either fans aren't there, or they aren't enthusiastic at all.

But blacking out games that aren't sell outs is really quite dumb, unless you have a grand total of like 10,000-20,000 people in a stadium that seats about 70,000-80,000. The only way I would black out a game is if less than half the stadium is filled.

Obviously people will get pissed at their team if they aren't playing like they should. It is their right as fans that pay their hard earned money to buy those tickets to see their team play. But behavior at games is likely not the reason people aren't going. Like you said NSL, it is most likely ticket prices, because average incomes have dropped, and ticket prices stay the same. There has to be a little leeway when it comes to the fans. If you have 80,000 seats, and are charging somewhere between probably $50-300, if not higher, (I don't know exact ticket prices) Of course people will have trouble going. It doesn't mean they don't want to go, it just means they are having financial problems and can't.

 

[NSL]

They actually do this, or did this in Detroit last year. My coworker was up in Detroit last season, and she flipped on football expecting to see the Lions and whoever they were playing that week. No game on television, even though it actually said on the guide, Lions football. To which I understand, who wants to see a game where either fans aren't there, or they aren't enthusiastic at all.

The Lions were an entirely different animal last year. They were awful. So bad, that there was legit campaigning and petitions to have them removed from their customary Thanksgiving Day game. When it's that bad, for that long, they probably deserve to be blacked out for poorly attended games. I'm sensing this same thing could be coming in Oakland.

In all, Goodell has stated there are 12 teams facing possible blackouts, but of the ones I've heard, I'm sure they'll fill up closer to game time. Except, the Raiders. Why? Al Davis needs to be euthanised.

 

[whojgov32]

I am a die hard Lions fan and ALL 7 of us are optimistic every year. I am predicting 4-6 wins for them. One thing for sure the future is looking up, well, I guess it can ONLY look up from 0-16. Go LIONS!

 

[Shocky]

Let's go Titans, at least tonight anyways. Hoping that the Steelers fall of the face of the earth, and suffer the Super Bowl Hangover and the Madden curse all in the same year, here's to hoping anyways.

It's all well and good, because it's time for the Bengals to go 16-0 this year!!! No really It'll be along the lines of 6-10 or something atrocious like that.

Since the Season starts tonight, I'll make a quick rundown Division winners, and elaborate later on, but want to get these in before the season starts.

AFC. Division winners
New England, Pittsburgh, Tennesse, San Diego

Wild Cards: Indianapolis, and Houston (what!)

NFC Division Winners:
Philadelphia, Chicago, Seattle, Carolina

Wildcards: Green Bay and Minnesota

 

[TwistofRKO]

Official Picks:

AFC East

1. Patriots 13-3z
2. Jets 8-8
3. Dolphins 8-8
4. Bills 6-10

North
1. Steelers 11-5
2. Ravens 10-6 x
3. Bengals 6-10
4. Browns 4-12

South
1. Colts 10-6
2. Texans 9-7x
3. Titans 7-9
4. Jaguars 5-11

West
1. Chargers 11-5
2. Raiders 6-10
3. Broncos 4-12
4. Chiefs 3-13

NFC East

1. Eagles 12-4z
2. Giants 9-7
3. Cowboys 7-9
4. Redskins 5-11

North
1. Packers 10-6
2. Bears 9-7x
3. Vikings 7-9
4. Lions 2-14

South
1. Saints 11-5
2. Falcons 10-6x
3. Panthers 7-9
4. Buccaneers 3-13

West
1. Seahawks 10-6
2. Cardinals 8-8
3. 49ers 6-10
4. Rams 5-11

Wild Card
(3) Chargers over (6) Texans
(5) Ravens over (4) Colts
__________________________
(3) Packers over (6) Bears
(5) Falcons over (4) Seahawks

Divisional
(5) Ravens over (1) Patriots
(3) Chargers over (2) Steelers
__________________________
(1) Eagles over (5) Falcons
(3) Packers over (2) Saints

Championship
(5) Ravens over (3) Chargers
(1) Eagles over (3) Packers
___________________________
SUPER BOWL 44
Eagles vs Ravens

I wanted to pick Steelers vs Eagles, but it simply won't happen, as it's failed numerous times just this decade.

Anyways, the Steelers win easily tonight. The Titans will take a step back this season, IMO. Collins won't replicate his '08 and the defense won't be nearly as good.

 

[gd]

Are you ready for some muta fucking football!!?!?!?!?! Pretty pumped for tonight. The Steelers have very high expectations for this season, and they are perfectly justified. We are returning almost all of our team from last year and have the addition of Mendenhall, a much improved special teams, and a year of experience with our make shift offensive line.

We still have the best defense in the league and the best clutch quaterback in the league. I see no reason why we won't repeat this year, even though it's tough to do. As for tonight, I am pretty confident about a win. The city is really buzzing about tonight and there is some animosty against the Titans after the whole towel stomp incident from last year. Plus, I think we're just better than the Titans, I'll go with a score of 24-10.

Division Winners

AFC - Stillers, Texans, Chargers, Pats
NFC - Giants, Cardinals, Packers, Falcons
Wild Cards - Ravens, Colts, Eagles, Bears

Super Bowl

Steelers 31 Packers 20

 

[Theo Mays]

A fantastic start to the season. A hardnosed, defensive slugfest, just as I expected. Though the Steelers may have won, they may have lost one of their key players.]]

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during Thursday night's season opener against the Tennessee Titans, coach Mike Tomlin said after the game.

Tomlin added that more tests are needed on the five-time Pro Bowler, but that type of injury usually keeps players out three to six weeks.

Rest of article and video here

I think the Steelers can function without TP, but they definitely won't be the same thing and if it is worse than expected and happens to be a season ender, I really could see the Steelers missing out on the playoffs. We shall see.

 

[jmt225]

That was a brutal looking hit. For Polamalu to only be out for a couple of weeks after taking it shows just what great condition he is in.

Anyway, great game last night. Big Ben was simply spectacular, and if you don't think he's a top 5 quarterback after watching that performance and how well he played all throughout the playoffs last year... then I don't know what to say for you. Shit, in my opinion, Kobe Bryant is the only person in all of sports who anyone could consider to be more 'clutch' than Ben Roethlisberger. Nobody in sports plays better during the last moments of the game, when everything is one the line, than Ben Roethlisberger, except for maybe Kobe Bryant. I'd love to see somebody claim different.

Also, Tennessee's a damn good football team, too. Last year was definitely no fluke. I think Kerry Collins is on his way to having one of his greatest years thus far in his career. It's great to witness, too. I've been a fan of his since college, and I've been wanting him to finally live up to his potential. Of course, I wish it would've happened while he was in New Orleans, but still... I'm glad he's doing so well and am looking forward to him leading this team to another terrific season.

 

[BooCocky]

Yeha Crumplers fat ass fell on like the worst spot ever. They played well without Troy before and if it's only three weeks we won't really miss him for the first two seeing as how it is Cinci and Chicago, but the third week we do play the Chargers so that is when we'll miss him. But I think our veteran safeties will be able to fill in nicely. Plus we'' just blitz more to put more pressure on the QB just so our guys aren't in coverage too long.

It was a brutal game yesterday anyways, people we're falling down left and right and sometimes it is scary to watch. Lenwhale White needs to stop running his mouth because he is a shit running back. And Big Ben proved once again why he is an elite Quarterback. No running game and he still throws for 300 yards, has 10 incompletions and he wins football game. The whole team played extremely well and will only get better as the year goes on...

 

[X]

Anyway, great game last night. Big Ben was simply spectacular, and if you don't think he's a top 5 quarterback after watching that performance and how well he played all throughout the playoffs last year... then I don't know what to say for you. Shit, in my opinion, Kobe Bryant is the only person in all of sports who anyone could consider to be more 'clutch' than Ben Roethlisberger. Nobody in sports plays better during the last moments of the game, when everything is one the line, than Ben Roethlisberger, except for maybe Kobe Bryant. I'd love to see somebody claim different.

How about Tom Brady? Have we already forgotten his amazing clutch performances through out the playoffs and his TWO game-winning drives in the closing seconds of the game to win two different Super Bowls? I'll take Brady in a clutch moment over Big Ben every damn time. Every damn time.

Good game last night for sure. Pittsburgh's D played really good, which is good for my fantasy football team.