Saturday, August 24, 2013
Jets "QBs"
I would like to point out that in the title I use the term QBs very loosely. Frankly after three weeks of the pre-season the Jets best bet at quarterback looks like either Matt Simms or someone from outside the organization. I wasn't very high on Geno Smith prior to the draft due to his incomplete play style and what I consider slightly questionable character issues. No, I don't mean character issues like say Aaron Hernandez. What I mean is that he seems very immature and does not strike me as a guy that you can rely on to be the face of the franchise at a young age, a la Russell Wilson. Smith has looked absolutely terrible thus far in the pre-season. He is 22-37 for 246 yards with one touchdown, three picks, a number of sacks, and a sprained ankle. He also had an absolutely bone-headed safety in their last game against the Giants. Smith, who got his first start on Saturday night against the Giants, threw for 199 yards on 16-30 passing, with one touchdown and three picks. On top of the aforementioned idiotic safety. Geno Smith had a golden opportunity to go out and solidify himself as the starter. Rex Ryan gave him the start and the chance to win the starting job. Actually all he had to do was not lose the job. Smith absolutely blew it. He looked terrible. Mark Sanchez meanwhile, has stunk it up year in and year out throughout his career and this pre-season he is 28-42 passing for 366 yards with 2 touchdowns and two picks. On the plus side he has no buttfumbles. Sanchez went down with a shoulder injury late in the game against the Giants, after Geno finished smelling it up. In the mean time Matt Simms, in limited garbage time action, has thrown 11-15 for 193 yards and a touchdown. He showed nice touch on his passes after Sanchez was injured against the giants and looked really sharp on some of his throws. He moved the ball down field well and unlike Geno and Sanchez, did not turn the ball over.Realistically I think that if Sanchez is healthy then he will be the starter week one. Ideally for Jets fans, Matt Simms, Greg McElroy, someone else, anyone else really, will be the starter week one. Hey, I hear Brett Farve might be interested in coming back...
MLB Steroid Scandal
Well, for the longest time I was trying to refrain from commenting on the latest steroid scandal that has rocked the baseball world. However, I was recently asked some questions pertaining to Alex Rodriguez and well here is my analysis of the whole scandal. First of all, it seems that no one really cares about any of the players who were caught cheating except A-Rod and Ryan Braun. To me it doesn't matter if you are a huge star or a no name, cheating is cheating. Just because these guys cheated and it actually showed good results doesn't mean we should hate on them any more than the other guys. Second of all, Ryan Braun's apology was a complete joke. Seriously dude, you did not know that the lozenge and cream you were using to "heal" from a pulled muscle was illegal? And who takes drugs to heal from a pulled muscle? Rumor has it that Braun has been using since his college days but somehow his apology seems to indicate that he only took any kind of banned substance one time at the end of 2011. Sure. Seems legit.
(Photo courtesy of: cbssports.com)
Third of all, for everyone calling for A-Rod's blood, just stop it. The man has only ever actually tested positive once. Now, I am not trying to defend him and say he has never used but all I am saying is there is only one instance of solid proof that he ever used and it was 10 years ago. Yes, his name came up in the bio-genesis clinics records, which clearly indicates wrongdoing. No, he should not get a lifetime ban or some non-sense suspension. Yes, baseball needs to stiffen the penalties for steroid use as well as up the testing rate and the drugs that they test for. If the players can't get away with it as easily and the suspensions are long enough, then the risk will finally out weigh the reward and baseball will finally be mostly clean. For now, missing 50 games once or twice in a ten to 15 year career of steroid induced hall of fame caliber number production is never going to be enough to deter players from cheating.
(Photo courtesy of: cbssports.com)
Third of all, for everyone calling for A-Rod's blood, just stop it. The man has only ever actually tested positive once. Now, I am not trying to defend him and say he has never used but all I am saying is there is only one instance of solid proof that he ever used and it was 10 years ago. Yes, his name came up in the bio-genesis clinics records, which clearly indicates wrongdoing. No, he should not get a lifetime ban or some non-sense suspension. Yes, baseball needs to stiffen the penalties for steroid use as well as up the testing rate and the drugs that they test for. If the players can't get away with it as easily and the suspensions are long enough, then the risk will finally out weigh the reward and baseball will finally be mostly clean. For now, missing 50 games once or twice in a ten to 15 year career of steroid induced hall of fame caliber number production is never going to be enough to deter players from cheating.
Friday, August 23, 2013
College Football Breakdowns
Be sure to check back here every weekend as I breakdown all of the latest and biggest news from Saturday's slate of games. This includes major injuries, huge upsets, new rankings and more.
(Photo courtesy of: prosportsextra.com)
(Photo courtesy of: prosportsextra.com)
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
QB Competition Follow-Up (Updated)
With just two more weeks of pre-season football most teams have identified their starters as they prepare for the final two pre-season games to be dress rehearsals for the real deal in September. About a month ago I gave my predictions and thoughts on the QB battles that were getting underway at camps. This is how things panned out...
Buffalo Bills - It appears that it is going to be E.J. Manuel for week 1, assuming that he is healthy and ready to go. Manuel recently had his knee scoped and is expected to miss the rest of the pre-season. If he isn't ready to go week one, he will still be the starter in Buffalo when he is ready to go. As I said before, you don't draft a guy in the first round at quarterback to sit him on the bench. (Despite earlier reports Manuel will in fact be ready to go and will start week 1)
Miami Dolphins - It is without a doubt Tannehill in Dolphin country.
New York Jets - Who the hell knows yet. (The Jets recently named Geno smith the starter for week 1.)
Cleveland Browns - It is going to be Weeden in Cleveland once again. No surprise here. Don't be shocked either if Campbell has to take over when Weeden isn't getting it done.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Blaine Gabbert has won the starting job down in Florida. This team is a mess. Don't be surprised if this changes throughout the year either.
Kansas City Chiefs - Alex Smith! There was no competition.
Oakland Raiders - It's going to be Matt Flynn. Although Flynn has not looked sharp thus far in the pre-season. (It appears Flynn has lost another job to a read option QB. For the second year in a row on a second team it was Flynn's job to lose and he promptly did just that.)
Philadelphia Eagles - Fresh off the wire, the Eagles have selected Mike Vick to be their starter. As I said, I still feel that a change needed to be made but they stuck with Vick as I figured they would. But watch out, if the Eagles play like they did next year, it will be a short season for Vick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - There wasn't a competition but like I said there should have been. Mike Glennon can play the game and Josh Freeman is not a starting caliber NFL signal caller.
Minnesota Vikings - It's CP7 time! There was no competition.
Arizona Cardinals - It's Carson Palmer hands down no contest. There was never a question.
Results? Well, you have to exclude all of the slots where there was no real competition, which leaves Philly, Cleveland, Jacksonville, New York, and Buffalo. For these teams I went 4-5 on picking their starting quarterback with the one not correct pick being due to the Jets not naming a starter yet. Knowing the Jets and their propensity for butt-fumbles they might very well wait until after the season starts to name a definitive starter. Eesh. Stay tuned for an update on that situation, followed by me boasting about accurately picking all 5 major QB competitions. You're all welcome. (My arrogance has been my downfall. I spoke too soon about the Jets and the Raiders. The Raiders shocked me by going with Pryor and the Jets didn't surprise me by going with Smith but I figured it would end up being Sanchez. All in all I was 3 for 5 with my predictions.)
Buffalo Bills - It appears that it is going to be E.J. Manuel for week 1, assuming that he is healthy and ready to go. Manuel recently had his knee scoped and is expected to miss the rest of the pre-season. If he isn't ready to go week one, he will still be the starter in Buffalo when he is ready to go. As I said before, you don't draft a guy in the first round at quarterback to sit him on the bench. (Despite earlier reports Manuel will in fact be ready to go and will start week 1)
Miami Dolphins - It is without a doubt Tannehill in Dolphin country.
New York Jets - Who the hell knows yet. (The Jets recently named Geno smith the starter for week 1.)
Cleveland Browns - It is going to be Weeden in Cleveland once again. No surprise here. Don't be shocked either if Campbell has to take over when Weeden isn't getting it done.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Blaine Gabbert has won the starting job down in Florida. This team is a mess. Don't be surprised if this changes throughout the year either.
Kansas City Chiefs - Alex Smith! There was no competition.
Oakland Raiders - It's going to be Matt Flynn. Although Flynn has not looked sharp thus far in the pre-season. (It appears Flynn has lost another job to a read option QB. For the second year in a row on a second team it was Flynn's job to lose and he promptly did just that.)
Philadelphia Eagles - Fresh off the wire, the Eagles have selected Mike Vick to be their starter. As I said, I still feel that a change needed to be made but they stuck with Vick as I figured they would. But watch out, if the Eagles play like they did next year, it will be a short season for Vick.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - There wasn't a competition but like I said there should have been. Mike Glennon can play the game and Josh Freeman is not a starting caliber NFL signal caller.
Minnesota Vikings - It's CP7 time! There was no competition.
Arizona Cardinals - It's Carson Palmer hands down no contest. There was never a question.
Results? Well, you have to exclude all of the slots where there was no real competition, which leaves Philly, Cleveland, Jacksonville, New York, and Buffalo. For these teams I went 4-5 on picking their starting quarterback with the one not correct pick being due to the Jets not naming a starter yet. Knowing the Jets and their propensity for butt-fumbles they might very well wait until after the season starts to name a definitive starter. Eesh. Stay tuned for an update on that situation, followed by me boasting about accurately picking all 5 major QB competitions. You're all welcome. (My arrogance has been my downfall. I spoke too soon about the Jets and the Raiders. The Raiders shocked me by going with Pryor and the Jets didn't surprise me by going with Smith but I figured it would end up being Sanchez. All in all I was 3 for 5 with my predictions.)
Thursday, August 8, 2013
NFL Preview
It's that time of year again everybody! Your neighbors are breaking out their grills and perhaps ordering new televisions. Team flags have been placed securely outside their doors. Everyone is waiting around to see if the jolly fat guy will pay them a visit...oh wait. Well, in a way I suppose for some teams it will seem as though it is Christmas but for others? They will receive coal. This is my division by division break down as well as post-season predictions.
AFC East
4. New York Jets (4-12) - Yep, you guessed it the Jets are my pick to finish last in the East. Frankly, and no offense to you Jets fans, the Jets simply J-E-T-S Suck! Suck! Suck! But seriously it just isn't your year guys. It is time to rebuild this team and it will start with the head coach. Rex has to go and then this team needs an O-line, a QB, a RB, some WRs, a TE, a D-line, LBs, CBs, and Safety's. This team has very little going for them and lets face it, if it weren't for 4 games against Miami and Buffalo as well as games against Cleveland and Oakland this team wouldn't even come close to winning 5 games. Luckily this terrible season should result in a new coach and a top draft pick. Hey maybe this season will even treat us to another Buttfumble. Too soon?
3. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - This sort of pains me to have to put Buffalo at another 6-10 season like they finished last year because they have a new coach as well as a new QB (who I personally am very high on) and a solid looking defense. However, looking at their schedule, there are just too many solid teams on their schedule to be able to put together a better record. Sadly 6-10 is being kind of generous. The only outright winnable games I see on here are the divisional match ups with Miami and New York, a game at Jacksonville, and a game at Cleveland. Contrary to the Jets, I think this team will be able to shock some people in a couple of their more difficult games but they won't be able to do it enough. Not a great season but this is a team to watch in the near future.
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - I hate to do this as well but Fins fans, you guys will be 7-9 again. Yes Tannehill will be more experienced, yes he has a new weapon, yes Dion Jordan is there now. Did you see how terrible they looked against Dallas in the pre-season opener? Everyone looked awful. They have no running game with the loss of Reggie Bush and honestly I'm being generous predicting that they will right the ship from that terrible showing. Seeing as it is only the pre-season I am going to look past it, but the Fins still don't have what it takes to hang with the big boys and make the post-season. Sorry guys.
1. New England Patriots (11-5) - Really? Was there ever any question? This is the Pats division as it has been for the past decade or so. End of story. Two words Tom Brady. Yes, Welker is gone. Yes, Gronkowski is hurt. Yes, Hernandez is...err...gone. Really it just does not matter. Brady could be throwing to Joe Schmo from Huckleberry Agricultural College and he would make him look like Michael Irvin. The defense? They can be as bad as ever and Brady will still put points on the board. Running game? Who cares. Don't get me wrong, defense and a solid running game will win you rings but a star quarterback can get you to the playoffs even without those things. I don't think they have a deep run in them necessarily. Not anymore anyway but they are still one of the leagues elite teams.
AFC South
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13) - Why only one win better than last season? This is the exact same team from last years debacle with one minor exception MJD is back. For that I figure they win at least one more game. This team is terrible. They have terrible management. They are poorly put together. They have a generally fickle fan base and they aren't in a strong market. (i.e. Tampa Bay Rays) Plus they still don't have a quarterback. This team will end up moving out to L.A. or London or Mars. Wherever the hell Goodell wants them.
3. Tennessee Titans (7-9) - The Titans are part of what is now one of the better divisions in football, unlike the AFC East. The Titans now have a designated starter at quarterback in Jake Locker which settles things down on offense. Plus I expect Chris Johnson to return to more of the CJ2K form we used to know. He won't get 2,000 again but I expect solid numbers from him. Despite these positives the Titans have to deal with the Colts and the Texans twice each on top of visits to Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Denver. They also host San Francisco as well. That is eight very tough games right off the top of my head right there. I expect them to be a tough team but they won't be able to battle through some of the leagues best.
2. Houston Texans (9-7) - 9-7? But they were 12-4 last year! Yes, I know. Settle down all you Texans. They ran this division in a year that had the Titans QB controversy being solved still, the rookie debut of Luck, and the existence of the Jaguars. This season they have to face a sturdier Titans team twice, Andrew Luck twice, Tom Brady, the defending Champs, the defending NFC champs, the Seahawks, and the Broncos. That right there is nine games that this team could easily lose. However, I don't see the Titans beating them twice and I don't see them losing all of the rest of these games. I just don't see them winning a majority of these tough games. Plus, every year good teams lose to not so great teams. That means those games against Jacksonville, Oakland, and Arizona are games that they could easily drop. Well at least one or two here or there.
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) - Luck's sophomore season will be better than his first. He is essentially the second coming of Peyton Manning to Indy. Speaking of which Manning returns to Indy halfway through this season. I don't see any games on this schedule that they are not capable of winning and more importantly they don't have Tom Brady or the defending champs on their schedule. They have an easier schedule than the Texans and they have a better team in general. The Colts will take this division home.
AFC North
4. Cleveland Browns (2-14) - The Browns, well, the Browns are down right awful. They have Trent Richardson though. So I guess that is a plus. They don't have a quarterback or receivers. Their defense is suspect and they play in a tough division. Don't expect too much out of them. honestly if it weren't for games against buttfumble and the Jags, I wouldn't even be comfortable giving them two wins.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10) - Roethlisberger just doesn't seem to have the magic anymore. He is very injury prone and the Steelers as a whole seem like they are on a down swing. The defense is not the same as it was a couple of years ago and I don't see them being all that great this year. On the plus side their schedule isn't the toughest so that will help keep them out of the leagues cellar.
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - I mean last year they were only 10-6 with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Why would I expect them to be better without them and now without Boldin and Dennis Pitta? They won't be better than last year and they won't win their division. They still have a good team but they have a tougher schedule and they have some holes that will need to be filled. Flacco will continue his rise and Ray Rice will keep being Ray Rice but this team has a few questions that need to be answered if they want a chance to repeat.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - It isn't much of a statement to say that the Bengals are going to win this division with only a 10-6 record. However, it is a statement to say that the freaking CINCINNATI BENGALS ARE GOING TO WIN THE AFC NORTH. Dalton is on the rise. A.J. Green is a bonified superstar. They've added James Harrison to an already solid defense and this team seems to be on the up and up whereas the Steelers and Ravens seem to have taken steps back from last season. The Bungles won't bungle this opportunity and I think they will rise to the occasion this year.
AFC West
4. San Diego Chargers (4-12) - The Chargers have Phillip Rivers, Manti Te'o, and Manti Te'o's invisible girlfriend. This team is on the way down. Rivers is the captain of a sinking ship right now. Somewhere Drew Brees and Eli Manning are breathing sighs of relief. They have a tougher schedule and I don't think they answered enough questions in the off-season to have a good team.
3. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - They brought in Matt Flynn as a solution to their quarterback issues but then again they had Carson Palmer before and he couldn't get it done. Like with San Diego I just don't think they made enough big moves to move this team into position to compete. However, I do think they will improve and they are heading in the right direction.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) - This is one of my big surprises. I truly think the Chiefs will be the feel good story of the league this season. They had five Pro-Bowlers on a team that went 2-14. That's huge! They brought in a great system quarterback, Alex Smith with a great quarterback coach, Andy Reid. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league, now anchored by Erik Fisher. They have a good defense and a good running game. They also have some solid receivers. Look out for this team this year. They will be contenders.
1. Denver Broncos (12-4) - For the Broncos it will be business as usual. They will be one of the best teams in the league. They have the best signal caller in the game who is now backed by a solid running game. They have a great defense which has lost some key pieces up front but have added some major players to bolster the secondary. Oh and did I mention that they added Wes Welker to an already potent receiving group featuring Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. No doubt about it, the Broncos will win the West.
AFC Playoff Teams
1. Denver Broncos - Best record in the AFC via tie breaker
2. Indianapolis Colts - Still earn a bye but not home field, thanks to that Manning guy.
3. New England Patriots - Still great but not what Brady used to be.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - Won their division and are on the rise. Question is, what is the ceiling?
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Worst to firs...well not quite but still pretty amazing. Wild card slot numero uno.
6. Baltimore Ravens - This was tough because I had to decide between the defending champs and the Texans to see who gets the last wild card spot. I think that the tie breaker will end up going to the Ravens. This very well could be a three way tie at 9-7 between the Chiefs, Ravens, and Texans.
How it Will Play Out?
The Pats will play host to Baltimore and I think Brady gets the job done this time around. In the other game, the Bengals will host Kansas City. I'm going to stun everyone right here. KC pulls the upset. That sets up Denver vs KC and Indy vs NE. Denver will trounce division rival KC. Indianapolis will knock off New England. AFC Championship game Denver (Manning) vs. Indianapolis (Luck). Successor vs predecessor. The wily old veteran will get the job done. Don't expect Luck to lose another one if he gets this far. Hell don't be shocked if the Colts represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, my official pick is the Broncos to win the AFC.
NFC East
4. Philadelphia Eagles (3-13) - Andy Reid got out of the sinking ship before it was too late. This team is terrible. Vick, Foles, or Barkley. Who cares. They are all bad. They have a decent running back in McCoy and a great wide out in Jackson. However, their defense is awful, their offensive line is awful, they have a new coach, and they have no quarterback. Sorry Eagles fans. If there truly is such a thing.
3. Washington Redskins (9-7) - But they won the division last year! But they have RGIII! I do not care. This is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL and the Skins' record will reflect it. I do not see the read-option offense that they ran almost every play last year to continue to be successful. The only run game they had was using the read-option. They ran it almost every play. I think that after a year defenses will tighten up on that collegiate non-sense. Plus, RGIII is coming off of a major injury and he doesn't play the way he should to protect himself for the long term. Furthermore. the Cowboys and Giants both have very tough defensive fronts.
2. New York Giants (10-6) - The Giants have Eli Manning. They have some decent receivers. They have a good defensive front and a terrible secondary. Plus they have no running game. The Manning factor alone should net them a ten win season but they very easily could flip flop with the Skins. Hell with this division they could very easily win the division or flip with the Eagles. You never know with this division.
1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6) - This could finally be Dallas' year. They have finally addressed some issues on the offensive line and their defensive front looks like it could be absolutely dominant in the new system being installed by Monte Kiffin. With all of the offensive weapons, if their offensive line is average and their secondary is decent, this team will be a bonified contender. They win the division via tie breaker with someone. As always this will come down to the last game of the season. Let the hate mail begin.
NFC South
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - This is clearly the only team in the division that is in a downward spiral. A division that happens to be very very good. Then again the entire NFC looks as though each division has a three horse race for the division crowns. Josh Freeman is clearly not a starting NFL quarterback and the Bucs are starting to realize that. Top that with what could easily be six division losses, this team is in deep deep trouble.
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - The Panthers are on the rise but they can only go as far as Newton can take them. He has to mature as a player but at the end of the day I think this team could make some noise this season. Ultimately they didn't make enough big moves in the off-season to contend right now.
2. New Orleans Saints (10-6) - The Saints will return to form this season after the debacle that was last season. Of course last season was marred by the bounty scandal. This year they will put all of that behind them. Plus they have the Drew Brees factor! The Saints will be back and they will put the league on notice.
1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - This could very easily end up being the team to beat in the NFC. Matty Ice is a cold blooded killer at quarterback. They have Steven Jackson now at running back. They have Roddy White and Julio Jones at wide out. Plus they have a solid defense which has added Osi Umenyiora from the Giants.
NFC North
4. Chicago Bears (6-10) - This division is absolutely up in the air. However, someone has to win, and someone has to lose. In this case the Bears will lose. They have the worst quarterback in the division at the helm. Cutler is a guy who can easily give the other team a better chance to win than his own team. They have lost some names on defense and in general I think they are heading downward.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8) - The Lions have one of the League's best young quarterbacks in Stafford and a stellar wide out in Calvin Johnson.They added Reggie Bush and they have a decent defense...sometimes. I think they are better than their record showed last season and I think they will go out and make things happen this year.
2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7) - The Vikings lost Percy Harvin but they added Greg Jennings from Green Bay. Christian Ponder is starting to find his niche and of course they have Adrian freaking Peterson. The best running back of our time. For those reasons plus an easier schedule than others the Vikes will be in the race for this division till the end and they very well might win it.
1. Green Bay Packers (9-7) - I originally had them finishing 10-6 but with the injury to Bulaga I had to drop them down a game. This team simply lacks talent. They don't have anything at all up front, on either side of the ball. They have a questionable at best secondary. They have questions at running back and they are led by a slot receiver at that position. If it weren't for Aaron Rodgers this team would probably be picking 1st in next years draft. Luckily they have Rodgers and for that they will win the division via tie breaker. Mark my words though, the Packers are not set in stone to win this division.
NFC West
4. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) The Cardinals have Fitzgerald still even though many have forgotten all about him. Nevertheless with the addition of starter Carson Palmer, I'm sure his name will return to households everywhere. Plus they have Patrick Peterson! They have some great young talent but as a whole they can't keep up in the toughest division in the league.
3. St. Louis Rams (9-7) - The Rams have added some solid wide outs for young gun Sam Bradford. They lost their tailback but all in all I think the Rams are heading in the right direction. However, this division is very tough and I don't think they'll be able to surpass the Seahawks or the 9ers.
2. San Francisco 49ers (10-6) - I'm going to shock some people by putting them at second in this division but I think their defense and offense as a whole just isn't as good as Seattle's. They don't have many weapons for Kaep to throw to. Plus I think other teams will know how to finally shut down the option offense that they depend on.
1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - I put them at 11-5 simply because of how tough their division is. If they were in any other division I would have them with a better record. Their defense is absolutely dominant. Their secondary is top of the line. They have a good receiving corp. They have a better running game. They depend less on the option than the 49ers. Russell Wilson is a more intelligent quarterback in my opinion as far as game knowledge goes. For that reason the Hawks will take the division.
NFC Playoff Teams
1.Atlanta Falcons - The dirty birds will be the top team in the NFC.
2. Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks will earn the other bye in the NFC
3. Dallas Cowboys - This could easily be just about any other team but based on record it will be Dallas
4. Green Bay Packers - This could be a number of other teams too.
5. San Francisco 49ers - They could potentially flip flop with Seattle.
6. New Orleans Saints - This could end up going to the Rams, Lions, Vikings, Giants, or Redskins but I think it will go to the Saints via a tie breaker.
How it Will Play Out?
Dallas will host New Orleans in the first game and I think the Boys will take this one after a grueling season prepared them well. Green Bay will host San Fran in the other game. I think San Fran will win this game handily. The Packers just don't have what it takes. This will set up a Falcons vs 49ers rematch and a Seattle vs Dallas rematch from years ago in which Romo infamously botched the FG snap. The Falcons will dispatch the 9ers and the Hawks will once again down Dallas. This will once again set up another rematch from last season between Seattle and Atlanta. Once again Atlanta will win this game and earn the NFC Super Bowl bid. The Falcons will win the NFC.
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl will feature Denver and Atlanta, my two top seeds...not likely to play out that way but who knows. I think Atlanta will ultimately end up winning this game. I think it is their time to shine. The Falcons are my pick to win the Super Bowl this season.
Here's to finding out how things will play out and here's to a great season of NFL action. I wish all of your teams luck and have a fun and safe season. Stay tuned! You'll definitely hear from me after the college and NFL seasons get going!
AFC East
4. New York Jets (4-12) - Yep, you guessed it the Jets are my pick to finish last in the East. Frankly, and no offense to you Jets fans, the Jets simply J-E-T-S Suck! Suck! Suck! But seriously it just isn't your year guys. It is time to rebuild this team and it will start with the head coach. Rex has to go and then this team needs an O-line, a QB, a RB, some WRs, a TE, a D-line, LBs, CBs, and Safety's. This team has very little going for them and lets face it, if it weren't for 4 games against Miami and Buffalo as well as games against Cleveland and Oakland this team wouldn't even come close to winning 5 games. Luckily this terrible season should result in a new coach and a top draft pick. Hey maybe this season will even treat us to another Buttfumble. Too soon?
3. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - This sort of pains me to have to put Buffalo at another 6-10 season like they finished last year because they have a new coach as well as a new QB (who I personally am very high on) and a solid looking defense. However, looking at their schedule, there are just too many solid teams on their schedule to be able to put together a better record. Sadly 6-10 is being kind of generous. The only outright winnable games I see on here are the divisional match ups with Miami and New York, a game at Jacksonville, and a game at Cleveland. Contrary to the Jets, I think this team will be able to shock some people in a couple of their more difficult games but they won't be able to do it enough. Not a great season but this is a team to watch in the near future.
2. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - I hate to do this as well but Fins fans, you guys will be 7-9 again. Yes Tannehill will be more experienced, yes he has a new weapon, yes Dion Jordan is there now. Did you see how terrible they looked against Dallas in the pre-season opener? Everyone looked awful. They have no running game with the loss of Reggie Bush and honestly I'm being generous predicting that they will right the ship from that terrible showing. Seeing as it is only the pre-season I am going to look past it, but the Fins still don't have what it takes to hang with the big boys and make the post-season. Sorry guys.
1. New England Patriots (11-5) - Really? Was there ever any question? This is the Pats division as it has been for the past decade or so. End of story. Two words Tom Brady. Yes, Welker is gone. Yes, Gronkowski is hurt. Yes, Hernandez is...err...gone. Really it just does not matter. Brady could be throwing to Joe Schmo from Huckleberry Agricultural College and he would make him look like Michael Irvin. The defense? They can be as bad as ever and Brady will still put points on the board. Running game? Who cares. Don't get me wrong, defense and a solid running game will win you rings but a star quarterback can get you to the playoffs even without those things. I don't think they have a deep run in them necessarily. Not anymore anyway but they are still one of the leagues elite teams.
AFC South
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13) - Why only one win better than last season? This is the exact same team from last years debacle with one minor exception MJD is back. For that I figure they win at least one more game. This team is terrible. They have terrible management. They are poorly put together. They have a generally fickle fan base and they aren't in a strong market. (i.e. Tampa Bay Rays) Plus they still don't have a quarterback. This team will end up moving out to L.A. or London or Mars. Wherever the hell Goodell wants them.
3. Tennessee Titans (7-9) - The Titans are part of what is now one of the better divisions in football, unlike the AFC East. The Titans now have a designated starter at quarterback in Jake Locker which settles things down on offense. Plus I expect Chris Johnson to return to more of the CJ2K form we used to know. He won't get 2,000 again but I expect solid numbers from him. Despite these positives the Titans have to deal with the Colts and the Texans twice each on top of visits to Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Denver. They also host San Francisco as well. That is eight very tough games right off the top of my head right there. I expect them to be a tough team but they won't be able to battle through some of the leagues best.
2. Houston Texans (9-7) - 9-7? But they were 12-4 last year! Yes, I know. Settle down all you Texans. They ran this division in a year that had the Titans QB controversy being solved still, the rookie debut of Luck, and the existence of the Jaguars. This season they have to face a sturdier Titans team twice, Andrew Luck twice, Tom Brady, the defending Champs, the defending NFC champs, the Seahawks, and the Broncos. That right there is nine games that this team could easily lose. However, I don't see the Titans beating them twice and I don't see them losing all of the rest of these games. I just don't see them winning a majority of these tough games. Plus, every year good teams lose to not so great teams. That means those games against Jacksonville, Oakland, and Arizona are games that they could easily drop. Well at least one or two here or there.
1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) - Luck's sophomore season will be better than his first. He is essentially the second coming of Peyton Manning to Indy. Speaking of which Manning returns to Indy halfway through this season. I don't see any games on this schedule that they are not capable of winning and more importantly they don't have Tom Brady or the defending champs on their schedule. They have an easier schedule than the Texans and they have a better team in general. The Colts will take this division home.
AFC North
4. Cleveland Browns (2-14) - The Browns, well, the Browns are down right awful. They have Trent Richardson though. So I guess that is a plus. They don't have a quarterback or receivers. Their defense is suspect and they play in a tough division. Don't expect too much out of them. honestly if it weren't for games against buttfumble and the Jags, I wouldn't even be comfortable giving them two wins.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10) - Roethlisberger just doesn't seem to have the magic anymore. He is very injury prone and the Steelers as a whole seem like they are on a down swing. The defense is not the same as it was a couple of years ago and I don't see them being all that great this year. On the plus side their schedule isn't the toughest so that will help keep them out of the leagues cellar.
2. Baltimore Ravens (9-7) - I mean last year they were only 10-6 with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Why would I expect them to be better without them and now without Boldin and Dennis Pitta? They won't be better than last year and they won't win their division. They still have a good team but they have a tougher schedule and they have some holes that will need to be filled. Flacco will continue his rise and Ray Rice will keep being Ray Rice but this team has a few questions that need to be answered if they want a chance to repeat.
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - It isn't much of a statement to say that the Bengals are going to win this division with only a 10-6 record. However, it is a statement to say that the freaking CINCINNATI BENGALS ARE GOING TO WIN THE AFC NORTH. Dalton is on the rise. A.J. Green is a bonified superstar. They've added James Harrison to an already solid defense and this team seems to be on the up and up whereas the Steelers and Ravens seem to have taken steps back from last season. The Bungles won't bungle this opportunity and I think they will rise to the occasion this year.
AFC West
4. San Diego Chargers (4-12) - The Chargers have Phillip Rivers, Manti Te'o, and Manti Te'o's invisible girlfriend. This team is on the way down. Rivers is the captain of a sinking ship right now. Somewhere Drew Brees and Eli Manning are breathing sighs of relief. They have a tougher schedule and I don't think they answered enough questions in the off-season to have a good team.
3. Oakland Raiders (6-10) - They brought in Matt Flynn as a solution to their quarterback issues but then again they had Carson Palmer before and he couldn't get it done. Like with San Diego I just don't think they made enough big moves to move this team into position to compete. However, I do think they will improve and they are heading in the right direction.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) - This is one of my big surprises. I truly think the Chiefs will be the feel good story of the league this season. They had five Pro-Bowlers on a team that went 2-14. That's huge! They brought in a great system quarterback, Alex Smith with a great quarterback coach, Andy Reid. They have one of the best offensive lines in the league, now anchored by Erik Fisher. They have a good defense and a good running game. They also have some solid receivers. Look out for this team this year. They will be contenders.
1. Denver Broncos (12-4) - For the Broncos it will be business as usual. They will be one of the best teams in the league. They have the best signal caller in the game who is now backed by a solid running game. They have a great defense which has lost some key pieces up front but have added some major players to bolster the secondary. Oh and did I mention that they added Wes Welker to an already potent receiving group featuring Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas. No doubt about it, the Broncos will win the West.
AFC Playoff Teams
1. Denver Broncos - Best record in the AFC via tie breaker
2. Indianapolis Colts - Still earn a bye but not home field, thanks to that Manning guy.
3. New England Patriots - Still great but not what Brady used to be.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - Won their division and are on the rise. Question is, what is the ceiling?
5. Kansas City Chiefs - Worst to firs...well not quite but still pretty amazing. Wild card slot numero uno.
6. Baltimore Ravens - This was tough because I had to decide between the defending champs and the Texans to see who gets the last wild card spot. I think that the tie breaker will end up going to the Ravens. This very well could be a three way tie at 9-7 between the Chiefs, Ravens, and Texans.
How it Will Play Out?
The Pats will play host to Baltimore and I think Brady gets the job done this time around. In the other game, the Bengals will host Kansas City. I'm going to stun everyone right here. KC pulls the upset. That sets up Denver vs KC and Indy vs NE. Denver will trounce division rival KC. Indianapolis will knock off New England. AFC Championship game Denver (Manning) vs. Indianapolis (Luck). Successor vs predecessor. The wily old veteran will get the job done. Don't expect Luck to lose another one if he gets this far. Hell don't be shocked if the Colts represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, my official pick is the Broncos to win the AFC.
NFC East
4. Philadelphia Eagles (3-13) - Andy Reid got out of the sinking ship before it was too late. This team is terrible. Vick, Foles, or Barkley. Who cares. They are all bad. They have a decent running back in McCoy and a great wide out in Jackson. However, their defense is awful, their offensive line is awful, they have a new coach, and they have no quarterback. Sorry Eagles fans. If there truly is such a thing.
3. Washington Redskins (9-7) - But they won the division last year! But they have RGIII! I do not care. This is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL and the Skins' record will reflect it. I do not see the read-option offense that they ran almost every play last year to continue to be successful. The only run game they had was using the read-option. They ran it almost every play. I think that after a year defenses will tighten up on that collegiate non-sense. Plus, RGIII is coming off of a major injury and he doesn't play the way he should to protect himself for the long term. Furthermore. the Cowboys and Giants both have very tough defensive fronts.
2. New York Giants (10-6) - The Giants have Eli Manning. They have some decent receivers. They have a good defensive front and a terrible secondary. Plus they have no running game. The Manning factor alone should net them a ten win season but they very easily could flip flop with the Skins. Hell with this division they could very easily win the division or flip with the Eagles. You never know with this division.
1. Dallas Cowboys (10-6) - This could finally be Dallas' year. They have finally addressed some issues on the offensive line and their defensive front looks like it could be absolutely dominant in the new system being installed by Monte Kiffin. With all of the offensive weapons, if their offensive line is average and their secondary is decent, this team will be a bonified contender. They win the division via tie breaker with someone. As always this will come down to the last game of the season. Let the hate mail begin.
NFC South
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) - This is clearly the only team in the division that is in a downward spiral. A division that happens to be very very good. Then again the entire NFC looks as though each division has a three horse race for the division crowns. Josh Freeman is clearly not a starting NFL quarterback and the Bucs are starting to realize that. Top that with what could easily be six division losses, this team is in deep deep trouble.
3. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - The Panthers are on the rise but they can only go as far as Newton can take them. He has to mature as a player but at the end of the day I think this team could make some noise this season. Ultimately they didn't make enough big moves in the off-season to contend right now.
2. New Orleans Saints (10-6) - The Saints will return to form this season after the debacle that was last season. Of course last season was marred by the bounty scandal. This year they will put all of that behind them. Plus they have the Drew Brees factor! The Saints will be back and they will put the league on notice.
1. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - This could very easily end up being the team to beat in the NFC. Matty Ice is a cold blooded killer at quarterback. They have Steven Jackson now at running back. They have Roddy White and Julio Jones at wide out. Plus they have a solid defense which has added Osi Umenyiora from the Giants.
NFC North
4. Chicago Bears (6-10) - This division is absolutely up in the air. However, someone has to win, and someone has to lose. In this case the Bears will lose. They have the worst quarterback in the division at the helm. Cutler is a guy who can easily give the other team a better chance to win than his own team. They have lost some names on defense and in general I think they are heading downward.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8) - The Lions have one of the League's best young quarterbacks in Stafford and a stellar wide out in Calvin Johnson.They added Reggie Bush and they have a decent defense...sometimes. I think they are better than their record showed last season and I think they will go out and make things happen this year.
2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7) - The Vikings lost Percy Harvin but they added Greg Jennings from Green Bay. Christian Ponder is starting to find his niche and of course they have Adrian freaking Peterson. The best running back of our time. For those reasons plus an easier schedule than others the Vikes will be in the race for this division till the end and they very well might win it.
1. Green Bay Packers (9-7) - I originally had them finishing 10-6 but with the injury to Bulaga I had to drop them down a game. This team simply lacks talent. They don't have anything at all up front, on either side of the ball. They have a questionable at best secondary. They have questions at running back and they are led by a slot receiver at that position. If it weren't for Aaron Rodgers this team would probably be picking 1st in next years draft. Luckily they have Rodgers and for that they will win the division via tie breaker. Mark my words though, the Packers are not set in stone to win this division.
NFC West
4. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) The Cardinals have Fitzgerald still even though many have forgotten all about him. Nevertheless with the addition of starter Carson Palmer, I'm sure his name will return to households everywhere. Plus they have Patrick Peterson! They have some great young talent but as a whole they can't keep up in the toughest division in the league.
3. St. Louis Rams (9-7) - The Rams have added some solid wide outs for young gun Sam Bradford. They lost their tailback but all in all I think the Rams are heading in the right direction. However, this division is very tough and I don't think they'll be able to surpass the Seahawks or the 9ers.
2. San Francisco 49ers (10-6) - I'm going to shock some people by putting them at second in this division but I think their defense and offense as a whole just isn't as good as Seattle's. They don't have many weapons for Kaep to throw to. Plus I think other teams will know how to finally shut down the option offense that they depend on.
1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - I put them at 11-5 simply because of how tough their division is. If they were in any other division I would have them with a better record. Their defense is absolutely dominant. Their secondary is top of the line. They have a good receiving corp. They have a better running game. They depend less on the option than the 49ers. Russell Wilson is a more intelligent quarterback in my opinion as far as game knowledge goes. For that reason the Hawks will take the division.
NFC Playoff Teams
1.Atlanta Falcons - The dirty birds will be the top team in the NFC.
2. Seattle Seahawks - The Seahawks will earn the other bye in the NFC
3. Dallas Cowboys - This could easily be just about any other team but based on record it will be Dallas
4. Green Bay Packers - This could be a number of other teams too.
5. San Francisco 49ers - They could potentially flip flop with Seattle.
6. New Orleans Saints - This could end up going to the Rams, Lions, Vikings, Giants, or Redskins but I think it will go to the Saints via a tie breaker.
How it Will Play Out?
Dallas will host New Orleans in the first game and I think the Boys will take this one after a grueling season prepared them well. Green Bay will host San Fran in the other game. I think San Fran will win this game handily. The Packers just don't have what it takes. This will set up a Falcons vs 49ers rematch and a Seattle vs Dallas rematch from years ago in which Romo infamously botched the FG snap. The Falcons will dispatch the 9ers and the Hawks will once again down Dallas. This will once again set up another rematch from last season between Seattle and Atlanta. Once again Atlanta will win this game and earn the NFC Super Bowl bid. The Falcons will win the NFC.
Super Bowl
The Super Bowl will feature Denver and Atlanta, my two top seeds...not likely to play out that way but who knows. I think Atlanta will ultimately end up winning this game. I think it is their time to shine. The Falcons are my pick to win the Super Bowl this season.
Here's to finding out how things will play out and here's to a great season of NFL action. I wish all of your teams luck and have a fun and safe season. Stay tuned! You'll definitely hear from me after the college and NFL seasons get going!
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