I didn't have time to do my NFL column this week with UFC 63 going on, but here's my picks for the week (and no, I'm not going to comment on the fluke that was the Eagles-Giants game last week. It was the beginning of the end when the Giants recovered the fumble in the end zone, and every Eagle fan knew it. And what's it mean? Nothing. The Eagles smacked the Giants around easily for three quarters and then fell apart. It means nothing. And they'll be fine without Kearse...it's the secondary that I'm more worried about. But i digress. Home teams in caps):
TEXANS over Redskins
Jets over BILLS
LIONS over Packers
Jags over COLTS
VIKINGS over Bears
Titans over DOLPHINS
Bengals over STEELERS
Panthers over BUCS
Ravens over BROWNS
SEAHAWKS over Giants
CARDINALS over Rams
Eagles over 49ERS
Broncos over PATS
SAINTS over Falcons
Last week's record: 12-4
Season: 23-9
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Saturday, September 16, 2006
NFL Week 2 and a Bit of Baseball
Week one is over, and we know a few things. A few. Not much, because the first three weeks of the season mean slightly more than the preseason. That having been said, there are plenty of division games this week, and division games always mean something. I’ll pass on my observations as I make my picks for this week (home team in caps, winners in bold).
Bucs vs. FALCONS
This is a tougher one to call than I thought. I didn’t catch much of either game these teams played in last week, but I can’t help but think that the outcome of the Falcons-Panthers game would have been slightly different had Steve Smith been healthy. It’s still too early to know, of course, whether the Ravens offense is for real with McNair at the helm, but I would imagine that if the Bucs couldn’t stop them, they won’t be able to stop the seemingly reborn Michael Vick. This game should tell us a lot about both teams.
Lions vs. BEARS
Was the Lions’ defense for real against Seattle last week? Was the Bears’ offense for real against the awful, awful Packers? I’m more inclined to believe the former, as Seattle’s offense is more likely to be good than Green Bay’s defense is. I caught quite a bit of the Lions-Seahawks game last week, and they were playing with a little extra something that they haven’t had over the past few years. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on, and quite honestly I could see them pulling the upset here, but I can’t bring myself to pick them.
Browns vs. BENGALS
Man, Cincy looked good last week against the Chiefs. They will smash the Browns this week.
Saints vs. PACKERS
I really do like Brett Favre. He’s always been fun to watch, and he’s been portrayed throughout his career as a likeable guy. But it sure is over, man. And it has been for a couple of years now. He’d be alright on a team with receivers that could jump up and grab those crazy hail Mary’s, but there is no support for him on this team. Seriously no bright side. The Saints, on the other hand, looked pretty good last week. Let’s see how they look against another bad team. Reggie Bush is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Texans vs. COLTS
Colts-Giants was a good game. This will not be such a good one. The Texans are better this year, but they still have a ways to go.
Bills vs. DOLPHINS
Honestly, I have no idea here. I didn’t see enough of the Bills to form an opinion, but Miami has a decent defense, and if Culpepper can not lose the game, they should be able to pull it out. On the other hand, if the Bills play the same way they did against New England last week, they may blow Miami out. Maybe. That’s just an assumption, because I didn’t see it.
Panthers vs. VIKINGS
For some reason, I like the Vikings. They’re playing with confidence and no real expectations from anyone but themselves, while the Panthers are only playing with expectations (and maybe without Steve Smith again). I think the Panthers will get on a roll as the season moves on; maybe once they feel “disrespected” enough, but I think the Vikes take this one at home
Giants vs. EAGLES
Key to the Eagles winning will be stopping Tiki Barber. That guy kills me. And the Eagles. Can I just say I’m extremely excited for this game? It’s one of those that means as much as a game in week two can mean. Key to the Giants winning will be stopping McNabb, but they just won’t be able to. The Eagles are too strong on the offensive line, and if McNabb even has a little time, he’s got enough weapons to take advantage of the Giants’ secondary. Watch for LJ Smith, Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter to have big games. This will be a breakout game for Buck, who (if he can stay healthy) is a lock for comeback player of the year.
Raiders vs. RAVENS
Oh man, are the Raiders bad. Week one or not, they looked completely hapless against the Chargers. Baltimore’s defense isn’t as good as they think they are, but they’re going to eat Oakland for freaking breakfast. Aaron Brooks might not get one pass off. It would be no surprise at all to see the Ravens get their second straight shutout to open the season. And if they do, let the hype begin.
Rams vs. 49ERS
San Francisco is better this year than they were last year, but that’s not saying much. I think Alex Smith will show that he doesn’t suck, but they still need help running the ball and everywhere on defense. I’m not ready to jump on the Rams bandwagon just yet, but they’re definitely worth watching.
Cardinals vs. SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks should be angry this week, and they’ll probably score a lot of points. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Arizona make a game out of this one.
Chiefs vs. BRONCOS
Once again, the Broncos are a mystery wrapped in an enigma to me. And who is the perfect quarterback to lead that kind of team? Jake Plummer, of course. This pick is a total guess. I need to see more of the AFC West, but I’m already doubting my picks in that division.
Patriots vs. JETS
So wait. I pick the Jets to finish last in the AFC East, and now I’m picking them to be first after two weeks? Makes no sense, does it? Well, I can’t defend my gut, and that’s what my gut is telling me. I don’t think the Jets will last, but they’ll beat the Pats this week in a good game.
Titans vs. CHARGERS
San Diego bulldozes Tennessee this week. I’m looking forward to seeing them play a good team.
Redskins vs. COWBOYS
I hate the Cowboys. But they’ll win this one. Both offenses leave something to be desired (namely a quarterback), but Dallas’ defense is better. That’s what wins the game for them.
Steelers vs. JAGUARS
I can’t see Charlie Batch beating the Jags’ defense like he did to the Dolphins. This should be a good game, but Jax pulls it out.
Last Week’s Record: 11-5
Baseball
The Phillies are doing it again. They’re way out of the division race (and have been since the beginning of the season), but they’re making a serious run at the Wild Card. Last year, they finished second in the Wild Card race by one game. They do this every year, but usually they wouldn’t have started their run so soon (about mid-August), and they’d be fading by now. So what’s different this year? Honestly, I can’t think of a factor bigger than Ryan Howard. The Phils are a game and a half out right now, and they’re not showing any sign of fading. It’s been frustrating in that whenever they get this close, they seem to freeze, but I really think they have a chance this year of making the playoffs. I don’t have illusions of winning it all this year, but it sure would be nice to see a playoff series after 13 years of frustration and apathy. There are 14 games left. Here’s hoping the past doesn’t repeat itself this year (that’s about the most optimistic statement I can muster to close). Go Phils!
Bucs vs. FALCONS
This is a tougher one to call than I thought. I didn’t catch much of either game these teams played in last week, but I can’t help but think that the outcome of the Falcons-Panthers game would have been slightly different had Steve Smith been healthy. It’s still too early to know, of course, whether the Ravens offense is for real with McNair at the helm, but I would imagine that if the Bucs couldn’t stop them, they won’t be able to stop the seemingly reborn Michael Vick. This game should tell us a lot about both teams.
Lions vs. BEARS
Was the Lions’ defense for real against Seattle last week? Was the Bears’ offense for real against the awful, awful Packers? I’m more inclined to believe the former, as Seattle’s offense is more likely to be good than Green Bay’s defense is. I caught quite a bit of the Lions-Seahawks game last week, and they were playing with a little extra something that they haven’t had over the past few years. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on, and quite honestly I could see them pulling the upset here, but I can’t bring myself to pick them.
Browns vs. BENGALS
Man, Cincy looked good last week against the Chiefs. They will smash the Browns this week.
Saints vs. PACKERS
I really do like Brett Favre. He’s always been fun to watch, and he’s been portrayed throughout his career as a likeable guy. But it sure is over, man. And it has been for a couple of years now. He’d be alright on a team with receivers that could jump up and grab those crazy hail Mary’s, but there is no support for him on this team. Seriously no bright side. The Saints, on the other hand, looked pretty good last week. Let’s see how they look against another bad team. Reggie Bush is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Texans vs. COLTS
Colts-Giants was a good game. This will not be such a good one. The Texans are better this year, but they still have a ways to go.
Bills vs. DOLPHINS
Honestly, I have no idea here. I didn’t see enough of the Bills to form an opinion, but Miami has a decent defense, and if Culpepper can not lose the game, they should be able to pull it out. On the other hand, if the Bills play the same way they did against New England last week, they may blow Miami out. Maybe. That’s just an assumption, because I didn’t see it.
Panthers vs. VIKINGS
For some reason, I like the Vikings. They’re playing with confidence and no real expectations from anyone but themselves, while the Panthers are only playing with expectations (and maybe without Steve Smith again). I think the Panthers will get on a roll as the season moves on; maybe once they feel “disrespected” enough, but I think the Vikes take this one at home
Giants vs. EAGLES
Key to the Eagles winning will be stopping Tiki Barber. That guy kills me. And the Eagles. Can I just say I’m extremely excited for this game? It’s one of those that means as much as a game in week two can mean. Key to the Giants winning will be stopping McNabb, but they just won’t be able to. The Eagles are too strong on the offensive line, and if McNabb even has a little time, he’s got enough weapons to take advantage of the Giants’ secondary. Watch for LJ Smith, Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter to have big games. This will be a breakout game for Buck, who (if he can stay healthy) is a lock for comeback player of the year.
Raiders vs. RAVENS
Oh man, are the Raiders bad. Week one or not, they looked completely hapless against the Chargers. Baltimore’s defense isn’t as good as they think they are, but they’re going to eat Oakland for freaking breakfast. Aaron Brooks might not get one pass off. It would be no surprise at all to see the Ravens get their second straight shutout to open the season. And if they do, let the hype begin.
Rams vs. 49ERS
San Francisco is better this year than they were last year, but that’s not saying much. I think Alex Smith will show that he doesn’t suck, but they still need help running the ball and everywhere on defense. I’m not ready to jump on the Rams bandwagon just yet, but they’re definitely worth watching.
Cardinals vs. SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks should be angry this week, and they’ll probably score a lot of points. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Arizona make a game out of this one.
Chiefs vs. BRONCOS
Once again, the Broncos are a mystery wrapped in an enigma to me. And who is the perfect quarterback to lead that kind of team? Jake Plummer, of course. This pick is a total guess. I need to see more of the AFC West, but I’m already doubting my picks in that division.
Patriots vs. JETS
So wait. I pick the Jets to finish last in the AFC East, and now I’m picking them to be first after two weeks? Makes no sense, does it? Well, I can’t defend my gut, and that’s what my gut is telling me. I don’t think the Jets will last, but they’ll beat the Pats this week in a good game.
Titans vs. CHARGERS
San Diego bulldozes Tennessee this week. I’m looking forward to seeing them play a good team.
Redskins vs. COWBOYS
I hate the Cowboys. But they’ll win this one. Both offenses leave something to be desired (namely a quarterback), but Dallas’ defense is better. That’s what wins the game for them.
Steelers vs. JAGUARS
I can’t see Charlie Batch beating the Jags’ defense like he did to the Dolphins. This should be a good game, but Jax pulls it out.
Last Week’s Record: 11-5
Baseball
The Phillies are doing it again. They’re way out of the division race (and have been since the beginning of the season), but they’re making a serious run at the Wild Card. Last year, they finished second in the Wild Card race by one game. They do this every year, but usually they wouldn’t have started their run so soon (about mid-August), and they’d be fading by now. So what’s different this year? Honestly, I can’t think of a factor bigger than Ryan Howard. The Phils are a game and a half out right now, and they’re not showing any sign of fading. It’s been frustrating in that whenever they get this close, they seem to freeze, but I really think they have a chance this year of making the playoffs. I don’t have illusions of winning it all this year, but it sure would be nice to see a playoff series after 13 years of frustration and apathy. There are 14 games left. Here’s hoping the past doesn’t repeat itself this year (that’s about the most optimistic statement I can muster to close). Go Phils!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
2006 NFL Preview, Part Two: AFC
Yeah, so it’s after the first game of the season. It’s not like anyone’s reading this anyway. I’m just doing this because I enjoy it. So let’s have a look at the AFC picks real quick.
AFC
East
4. Patriots
Dolphins
Bills
Jets
North
3. Bengals
Steelers
Ravens
Browns
South
1. Colts
6. Jags
Texans
Titans
West
2. Broncos
5. Chargers
Chiefs
Raiders
(Numbers are playoff seedings)
Notes:
With Drew Brees, the Chargers win the AFC this year. With Phillip Rivers, I don’t know.
The Dolphins will get there, but they’re still a year away unless Culpepper plays like the guy we saw in ’04, and not the guy we saw last year.
That’s right. The Steelers miss the playoffs, but not by much. And before you laugh, think of it this way: they almost missed the playoffs last year, and are they better this year without Bettis and Randle-El on offense?
The AFC West is still has three really good teams. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, they can’t be in the East or South.
Sorry, Myq. It just doesn’t look good for the Jets. The only thing that makes Buffalo better is Willis McGahee, who is going to be a monster.
I don’t know what the Jags need to put them over the top, but I don’t think it’s much.
So let’s have look at the AFC side of the playoffs (winners in bold):
Wild Card Games:
(5) Chargers at (4) Patriots
(6) Jags at (3) Bengals
Divisional Championships:
(4) Patriots at (1) Colts
(3) Bengals at (2) Broncos
Conference Championship:
(4) Patriots at (2) Broncos
Everyone’s picking the Colts for some reason, even though Peyton Manning has does his best impression of Chernobyl every January (he’s the Arizona Cardinals of quarterbacks right now—I won’t pick him until he proves he can get over the hump. And it is Manning that’s losing for the Colts. He looks awful in the clutch). And should they play New England in the postseason, I don’t care where it is, they have no chance.
I know Patriot fans would call for my head if any of them ever read the blog, but it doesn’t matter. Tom Brady is going to carry the team, but he won’t be able to carry them through Mile High Stadium this year any more than he could last year. Denver wins the AFC.
Super Bowl XLI in Miami: Eagles 35, Broncos 10
All that having been said, let’s get to the picks for this week. It’s late, so I’m doing it in a lazy format.
Wins: Steelers (I know they already played, but my opinion was formed before the game), Bucs, Panthers, Pats, Eagles, Browns, Seahawks, Jets, Bengals, Bears, Cowboys, Cardinals, Colts, Vikings, Chargers.
Everyone else loses, and a lot of the teams that lose this week will need to get used to it. Not that the first three weeks mean anything, mind you. They’re just bad teams.
AFC
East
4. Patriots
Dolphins
Bills
Jets
North
3. Bengals
Steelers
Ravens
Browns
South
1. Colts
6. Jags
Texans
Titans
West
2. Broncos
5. Chargers
Chiefs
Raiders
(Numbers are playoff seedings)
Notes:
With Drew Brees, the Chargers win the AFC this year. With Phillip Rivers, I don’t know.
The Dolphins will get there, but they’re still a year away unless Culpepper plays like the guy we saw in ’04, and not the guy we saw last year.
That’s right. The Steelers miss the playoffs, but not by much. And before you laugh, think of it this way: they almost missed the playoffs last year, and are they better this year without Bettis and Randle-El on offense?
The AFC West is still has three really good teams. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, they can’t be in the East or South.
Sorry, Myq. It just doesn’t look good for the Jets. The only thing that makes Buffalo better is Willis McGahee, who is going to be a monster.
I don’t know what the Jags need to put them over the top, but I don’t think it’s much.
So let’s have look at the AFC side of the playoffs (winners in bold):
Wild Card Games:
(5) Chargers at (4) Patriots
(6) Jags at (3) Bengals
Divisional Championships:
(4) Patriots at (1) Colts
(3) Bengals at (2) Broncos
Conference Championship:
(4) Patriots at (2) Broncos
Everyone’s picking the Colts for some reason, even though Peyton Manning has does his best impression of Chernobyl every January (he’s the Arizona Cardinals of quarterbacks right now—I won’t pick him until he proves he can get over the hump. And it is Manning that’s losing for the Colts. He looks awful in the clutch). And should they play New England in the postseason, I don’t care where it is, they have no chance.
I know Patriot fans would call for my head if any of them ever read the blog, but it doesn’t matter. Tom Brady is going to carry the team, but he won’t be able to carry them through Mile High Stadium this year any more than he could last year. Denver wins the AFC.
Super Bowl XLI in Miami: Eagles 35, Broncos 10
All that having been said, let’s get to the picks for this week. It’s late, so I’m doing it in a lazy format.
Wins: Steelers (I know they already played, but my opinion was formed before the game), Bucs, Panthers, Pats, Eagles, Browns, Seahawks, Jets, Bengals, Bears, Cowboys, Cardinals, Colts, Vikings, Chargers.
Everyone else loses, and a lot of the teams that lose this week will need to get used to it. Not that the first three weeks mean anything, mind you. They’re just bad teams.
Monday, September 04, 2006
2006 NFL Preview, Part One: NFC
With three days before the regular season kicks off, I’m coming through with this year’s NFL predictions. But before we start with this year’s picks, let’s see how I fared last year.
NFC
Division My Pick Winner
East Eagles Giants
North Vikings Bears
South Panthers Bucs
West Cardinals Seahawks
Wild Card 1 Lions Redskins
Wild Card 2 Rams Panthers
AFC
Division My Pick Winner
East Patriots Patriots
North Steelers Bengals
South Colts Colts
West Chargers Broncos
Wild Card 1 Jets Steelers
Wild Card 2 Chiefs Jags
Not great, huh? To sum up, I picked two out of eight divisions, and a big zero in the wild card and conference champ picks. Well, the good news is that I’ve shined up my crystal ball this year and it’s clearer than ever. Let’s move on to this year’s picks. I’m doing it a little differently this year, as I’ll just list each division from top to bottom and then pick the playoff games. Here we go.
NFC
East
3. Eagles
5. Cowboys
Giants
Redskins
North
2. Chicago
Detroit
Minnesota
Green Bay
South
4. Panthers
6. Bucs
Falcons
Saints
West
1. Seattle
Arizona
St. Louis
San Francisco
(Numbers are playoff seedings)
Notes:
You didn’t really think I’d pick someone other than the Eagles to win the East, did you? Come now. The Birds have absolutely stacked both the offensive and defensive lines, and we all know that you win games in the trenches. Stay tuned, folks. The defense is going to be very nasty. I know the preseason means jack, but the Eagles’ starting D has allowed three points in eight series during the preseason. And as far as offense goes, the acquisition of Donte Stallworth was huge. He’s a number one guy that has tremendous speed and actually has some hands worth talking about. Add the young guys (especially Reggie Brown) to the mix, and you’ve got what’s going to be an underrated wide receiver corps. But I tell you, look out for them. Donovan McNabb is in top form, and he’s got a tremendous offensive line in front to give him plenty of time. The rest of the East could really shake out in any way. Surely there will be two playoff teams in the division, and there’s no bad team from top to bottom, so who takes positions 2-4 is anyone’s guess. It looks like I’m sleeping on the Redskins, but in truth I just put them in alphabetical order after Philly. Just bank on the Birds reasserting themselves as the best. (Oh—and while I’m on the subject of the NFC East, I can’t get away without mentioning that I’m absolutely delighted that Terrell Owens is in Dallas. Jerry Jones, Bill Parcells and T.O. is a match made in Eagle fan heaven. Just the fact that we get the chance to play a team associated with all three simultaneously is a gift. The prospect of beating them? It’s almost too much to think of. And if both make the playoffs, show me a single Eagles fan that wouldn’t take a lower seed just to have a shot at ousting Dallas in the first round, and I’ll show you a wuss. In fact, I’m changing my rankings. Give the Eagles the fourth seed and the ‘boys the fifth seed, and we’ll see you in the first round.)
You will see that I put the Cardinals in the number two spot in the West. Well, the West is bad enough, and the Cardinals did barely enough in the offseason, that I’ll put enough faith in them to make second place. Notice, however, that neither they nor the Lions make the playoffs. I am taking a hiatus from picking these teams until they prove that it’s actually possible for them to achieve anything.
After a regular season for the ages, here’s how the playoffs will look (winners in bold):
Wild Card Games:
(5) Cowboys at (4) Eagles
(6) Bucs at (3) Panthers
Divisional Championships:
(4) Eagles at (1) Seahawks
(3) Panthers at (2) Bears
Conference Championship:
(4) Eagles at (3) Panthers
In case you haven’t figured it out, I’ll always be picking the Eagles to win the Super Bowl as long as they’re anything resembling good. And you’d better believe they’ll be good this year.
You may also notice that I’ve got the 3rd and 4th seeds in the conference title game. This isn’t because the Seahawks and Bears aren’t any good, because they’ll both be very good teams. It’s the lack of quality in opponents that will set the teams apart. I’m not saying the NFC South is going to be outstanding, but it’ll be the major league to the West and North’s minor leagues. Not to mention the North and West play each other during the season, so they’ll barely get any quality competition inside the conference. So there’s your NFC preview. I’d do the AFC right now, but I don’t want to be overly long-winded. So the AFC will come later this week (before Thursday, mind you).
NFC
Division My Pick Winner
East Eagles Giants
North Vikings Bears
South Panthers Bucs
West Cardinals Seahawks
Wild Card 1 Lions Redskins
Wild Card 2 Rams Panthers
AFC
Division My Pick Winner
East Patriots Patriots
North Steelers Bengals
South Colts Colts
West Chargers Broncos
Wild Card 1 Jets Steelers
Wild Card 2 Chiefs Jags
Not great, huh? To sum up, I picked two out of eight divisions, and a big zero in the wild card and conference champ picks. Well, the good news is that I’ve shined up my crystal ball this year and it’s clearer than ever. Let’s move on to this year’s picks. I’m doing it a little differently this year, as I’ll just list each division from top to bottom and then pick the playoff games. Here we go.
NFC
East
3. Eagles
5. Cowboys
Giants
Redskins
North
2. Chicago
Detroit
Minnesota
Green Bay
South
4. Panthers
6. Bucs
Falcons
Saints
West
1. Seattle
Arizona
St. Louis
San Francisco
(Numbers are playoff seedings)
Notes:
You didn’t really think I’d pick someone other than the Eagles to win the East, did you? Come now. The Birds have absolutely stacked both the offensive and defensive lines, and we all know that you win games in the trenches. Stay tuned, folks. The defense is going to be very nasty. I know the preseason means jack, but the Eagles’ starting D has allowed three points in eight series during the preseason. And as far as offense goes, the acquisition of Donte Stallworth was huge. He’s a number one guy that has tremendous speed and actually has some hands worth talking about. Add the young guys (especially Reggie Brown) to the mix, and you’ve got what’s going to be an underrated wide receiver corps. But I tell you, look out for them. Donovan McNabb is in top form, and he’s got a tremendous offensive line in front to give him plenty of time. The rest of the East could really shake out in any way. Surely there will be two playoff teams in the division, and there’s no bad team from top to bottom, so who takes positions 2-4 is anyone’s guess. It looks like I’m sleeping on the Redskins, but in truth I just put them in alphabetical order after Philly. Just bank on the Birds reasserting themselves as the best. (Oh—and while I’m on the subject of the NFC East, I can’t get away without mentioning that I’m absolutely delighted that Terrell Owens is in Dallas. Jerry Jones, Bill Parcells and T.O. is a match made in Eagle fan heaven. Just the fact that we get the chance to play a team associated with all three simultaneously is a gift. The prospect of beating them? It’s almost too much to think of. And if both make the playoffs, show me a single Eagles fan that wouldn’t take a lower seed just to have a shot at ousting Dallas in the first round, and I’ll show you a wuss. In fact, I’m changing my rankings. Give the Eagles the fourth seed and the ‘boys the fifth seed, and we’ll see you in the first round.)
You will see that I put the Cardinals in the number two spot in the West. Well, the West is bad enough, and the Cardinals did barely enough in the offseason, that I’ll put enough faith in them to make second place. Notice, however, that neither they nor the Lions make the playoffs. I am taking a hiatus from picking these teams until they prove that it’s actually possible for them to achieve anything.
After a regular season for the ages, here’s how the playoffs will look (winners in bold):
Wild Card Games:
(5) Cowboys at (4) Eagles
(6) Bucs at (3) Panthers
Divisional Championships:
(4) Eagles at (1) Seahawks
(3) Panthers at (2) Bears
Conference Championship:
(4) Eagles at (3) Panthers
In case you haven’t figured it out, I’ll always be picking the Eagles to win the Super Bowl as long as they’re anything resembling good. And you’d better believe they’ll be good this year.
You may also notice that I’ve got the 3rd and 4th seeds in the conference title game. This isn’t because the Seahawks and Bears aren’t any good, because they’ll both be very good teams. It’s the lack of quality in opponents that will set the teams apart. I’m not saying the NFC South is going to be outstanding, but it’ll be the major league to the West and North’s minor leagues. Not to mention the North and West play each other during the season, so they’ll barely get any quality competition inside the conference. So there’s your NFC preview. I’d do the AFC right now, but I don’t want to be overly long-winded. So the AFC will come later this week (before Thursday, mind you).
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