Time to head down south for the look into what has turned into a couple of divisions with a few surprise teams making early season runs. First and for most, the Titans are shocking the world as they remain unbeaten and in the NFC, 3 teams over 500, it could be close.
AFC SOUTH
Titans 8-0
This is obviously the most talked about team in football right now. When any team starts their season 8-0, it is something to talk about. When I look at this team, I just continue to wonder how they win football games. They do not have a QB that is worth anything in Kerry Collins. Their running game is not bad. It really is all their defense that is keeping them in games. But the thing is that they still score points and win games. I have been really impressed by this team but it is only a matter of time before they fall. And when they do, it is going to be hard.
Colts 4-4
Talk about disappointment. There really is no bigger one than this in my eyes. With an arsenal like this one, I do not understand how this team is only 4-4. They are in second place in the division but they have just not been playing good football. Addai will help if he stays healthy. Manning is starting to connect but really we have not seen the Colts of norm. They will make more of a come back in the next 8 weeks. A playoff spot is in question but it remains simply a possibility, not a guarantee.
Texans 3-5
At the beginning of the season, I predicted this team to improve to the point where they are making a playoff run. That I cannot see happening anymore. Maybe next year. This team just cannot find any kind of groove. They are lacking in all aspects of the game. They don't have a go to QB who can stay healthy or they can rely on to win ball games. Texans will struggle for the remainder of the season.
Jaguars 3-5
Complete abomination. They were predicted to be making a Super Bowl run this year. I could not believe those talks and I had said I saw the Texans taking their playoff spot. That will not happen either but it is for certain that the Jags most likely won't be in the playoffs either. The Jags have not put their talent together to be successful. We saw Garrard struggle early and now he has begun to settle down. I do not think he is where he wants to be and this team will win a few more games but not enough to make a run.
How they will finish...
Titans 13-3
Colts 9-7
Texans 8-8
Jaguars 7-9
NFC SOUTH
Panthers 6-2
I have certainly been caught off guard by this team. A 6-2 start is a huge feat for this struggling team. Smith missed the first two games of the year due to suspension and really, they have the tools to win and they have utilized. I like their chances in this division but it is a tough one to win out. At least this year.
Buccs 6-3
Huge surprise here as well. The Buccs have really proven that they know how to win games as well. Garcia will win you games but will not put up huge numbers. He finds ways to win but does not make t incredibly pretty. Dunn has been running the ball good enough to help enough to win as well. They have a defense that could tackle its way into the playoffs.
Falcons 5-3
Hey, Mike Vick. Matt Ryan is in town and making that QB role his own. He has done everything to impress me and the entire league. Taking a team that looked to be on the verge of the worst season in years, turns things around and turns this team into a contender. I do not like their road numbers nor their 0-2 record in divisional games. But if you are playing them at home, look out. This team can do some damage.
Saints 4-4
You can't count them out yet. I beleive they are right where they want to be to really make a comeback in this division. Dree Brees is probably the 1st half MVP at the QB position and Reggie Bush has been impressing by the numbers as well. They have not done enough yet to win games but they are just a little tweek away from a huge run.
How they will finish...
Panthers 10-6
Saints 10-6
Buccs 9-7
Falcons 9-7
Hopefully I can get the West done by tomorrow!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
NFC North Time: Where they will finish--
I really can see this division being a lot closer than it is at this point. There are 3 teams that I could honestly see winning the North in the NFC. Peterson has been a little quieter than his last year first half. And we saw Rex Grossman step up and win a football game in week 9. Surprises all over. Another surprise, oh wait no. The Lions 0-8 is not a surprise. But them signing Daute Culpepper you could say is slightly surprising.
NFC NORTH:
Bears: 5-3
This team really let a lot of people down last year after their Super Bowl run 2 years ago. Rex is now under center in substitution of Kyle Orton. I kind of had to see his fall coming. As everyone should have. His success was a nice and for Chicago fans gave hope but it did not last. Rex did look good last week and who knows, maybe he will be back in Super Bowl form. I don't see it. This team will finish well and has a good shot at the division.
Packers: 4-4
I like one thing about this team. And that is not seeing #4 running ramped every they score a touchdown. Post-Favre era and Aaron Rodgers has not disappointed me. He could possibly throw for 4000 yards this season. He has a great TD/INT ratio. His numbers do not lie. They have played well in their division thus far with a 2-0 record. The Packers have not had a bad first half and with the changes made this year, if they miss the playoffs, I do not think that is a huge disappointment. We have seen a lot of good things out of this team and will see more in the next 8 games.
Vikings: 4-4
The Vikings have had a better start than I had expected them to. Adrian Peterson is one of a kind but that cannot win games alone. I like the way they use his talent and then try, and i mean try, to use the pass but they have no QB. The defense has been a complete abomination. They came in predicted to be one of the best in the game and completely forgot how to pass cover. Their run defense is not bad, 2nd in football with rush yards against but when they have to play a team that can throw, like the Packers, they are toast.
(Cowardly) Lions: 0-8
I am not going to bore you with a whole paragraph about a team that could possibly go 0-16 this year. Duante Culpepper will not solve the problems. Because there are too many to fix. I'll give them 1 win but they should consider themselves grateful for that.
How they will finish:
Packers 10-6
Bears 9-7
Vikings 9-7
Lions 1-15
Coming soon, AFC/NFC South
NFC NORTH:
Bears: 5-3
This team really let a lot of people down last year after their Super Bowl run 2 years ago. Rex is now under center in substitution of Kyle Orton. I kind of had to see his fall coming. As everyone should have. His success was a nice and for Chicago fans gave hope but it did not last. Rex did look good last week and who knows, maybe he will be back in Super Bowl form. I don't see it. This team will finish well and has a good shot at the division.
Packers: 4-4
I like one thing about this team. And that is not seeing #4 running ramped every they score a touchdown. Post-Favre era and Aaron Rodgers has not disappointed me. He could possibly throw for 4000 yards this season. He has a great TD/INT ratio. His numbers do not lie. They have played well in their division thus far with a 2-0 record. The Packers have not had a bad first half and with the changes made this year, if they miss the playoffs, I do not think that is a huge disappointment. We have seen a lot of good things out of this team and will see more in the next 8 games.
Vikings: 4-4
The Vikings have had a better start than I had expected them to. Adrian Peterson is one of a kind but that cannot win games alone. I like the way they use his talent and then try, and i mean try, to use the pass but they have no QB. The defense has been a complete abomination. They came in predicted to be one of the best in the game and completely forgot how to pass cover. Their run defense is not bad, 2nd in football with rush yards against but when they have to play a team that can throw, like the Packers, they are toast.
(Cowardly) Lions: 0-8
I am not going to bore you with a whole paragraph about a team that could possibly go 0-16 this year. Duante Culpepper will not solve the problems. Because there are too many to fix. I'll give them 1 win but they should consider themselves grateful for that.
How they will finish:
Packers 10-6
Bears 9-7
Vikings 9-7
Lions 1-15
Coming soon, AFC/NFC South
Midseason Overview: Where they will finish--AFC North
Well now that we got the Eastern divisions out of the way, things start to slow down a bit. The North is not quite as interesting and intense of a division but there have been some surprises and also some let downs. Neither north division is a runaway, yet...but we could see a couple of teams pull away. And some, just completely disappear. Lets break it down:
AFC NORTH
Steelers: 6-2
Hands down the best team defense in the game right now. Tennessee was looking pretty sharp out of the gate but it has been all Pittsburgh the last 3-4 weeks. Big Ben has been battling injures left and right and that offensive line does not look the same as in the past few years. He has taken some big hits and that is probably the one thing I can see them needing to improve on, blocking. Willie Parker looked like he was going to rush for the league high this season after game 1. He is back and that is key if the
Steelers want to proceed and possibly win the division.
Ravens: 5-3
There seems to be a pattern here I guess in the north of the AFC. Defense is the way these teams win football games. Ray Lewis has proven to be a dominant player and has also proven himself to be able to build up a team and be successful. At least when they don't have the ball. Joe Flacco is not going to win you a Super Bowl and neither is Willis McGahee. I have enjoyed watching this team surprise a lot of teams in the early going but I just can't see them making a season out of this I guess you can call it "lack of talent" on the offensive side of the ball.
Browns: 3-5
Now we are starting to fall further down the mountain. This team has disappointed a lot of eyes in these first 8 games. Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards have really been under-performing. I expected a lot more out of especially Anderson. Jamal Lewis is doing his average. He is the numbers one back on this depth chart but he only averages 3.6 yards a carry. Not solid numbers. The Dog Pound is not going to be pleased come December. If Anderson can dig himself out of this hole he put himself in, they might hit 500.
Bengals: 1-8
Both the AFC and the NFC need to have a floor mat. And it looks like both fall in the North Division. The Bengals are completely dysfunctional. No Carson Palmer is a death sentence.
Ocho Cinco has not put his money where his mouth is. They did beat Jacksonville last week. That could be a spark of life. A bye week upcoming and then on to Pennsylvania to play Philly and Pitt back-to-back weeks. Good Luck with that. The Bengals have no shot at making a season out of this complete and total chaotic mess. I see them maybe beating Baltimore or Kansas City in week 17. I cannot give them much more than that.
How I see them finishing...
Steelers 12-4
Ravens 9-7
Browns 6-10
Bengals 3-13
Back later with NFC North Breakdown...
AFC NORTH
Steelers: 6-2
Hands down the best team defense in the game right now. Tennessee was looking pretty sharp out of the gate but it has been all Pittsburgh the last 3-4 weeks. Big Ben has been battling injures left and right and that offensive line does not look the same as in the past few years. He has taken some big hits and that is probably the one thing I can see them needing to improve on, blocking. Willie Parker looked like he was going to rush for the league high this season after game 1. He is back and that is key if the
Steelers want to proceed and possibly win the division.Ravens: 5-3
There seems to be a pattern here I guess in the north of the AFC. Defense is the way these teams win football games. Ray Lewis has proven to be a dominant player and has also proven himself to be able to build up a team and be successful. At least when they don't have the ball. Joe Flacco is not going to win you a Super Bowl and neither is Willis McGahee. I have enjoyed watching this team surprise a lot of teams in the early going but I just can't see them making a season out of this I guess you can call it "lack of talent" on the offensive side of the ball.
Browns: 3-5
Now we are starting to fall further down the mountain. This team has disappointed a lot of eyes in these first 8 games. Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards have really been under-performing. I expected a lot more out of especially Anderson. Jamal Lewis is doing his average. He is the numbers one back on this depth chart but he only averages 3.6 yards a carry. Not solid numbers. The Dog Pound is not going to be pleased come December. If Anderson can dig himself out of this hole he put himself in, they might hit 500.
Bengals: 1-8
Both the AFC and the NFC need to have a floor mat. And it looks like both fall in the North Division. The Bengals are completely dysfunctional. No Carson Palmer is a death sentence.
Ocho Cinco has not put his money where his mouth is. They did beat Jacksonville last week. That could be a spark of life. A bye week upcoming and then on to Pennsylvania to play Philly and Pitt back-to-back weeks. Good Luck with that. The Bengals have no shot at making a season out of this complete and total chaotic mess. I see them maybe beating Baltimore or Kansas City in week 17. I cannot give them much more than that.How I see them finishing...
Steelers 12-4
Ravens 9-7
Browns 6-10
Bengals 3-13
Back later with NFC North Breakdown...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Midseason Overview: Where they will finish-- AFC/NFC East
AFC EAST:
Lets start our way on the Atlantic seaboard and then work our way across the country. I certain picked the two divisions in football that have the most contenders for sure. It is hard to believe that we are talking about the AFC East being close.
Patriots:
5-3
The Patriots have been the solid rock in that division for almost a decade, 2000 being the last time they missed the playoffs finishing at a disappointing 5-11 and landing in last place. Not a usual scenario for the guys in Gillette in recent years. But losing your QB and also league MVP from 2007 is a huge blow. This team is one built around stars. And now they are faced with trying to replace those stars with guys who haven't played since high school. But I think the Patriots will turn things around in the second half of the season. They are currently tied with the Bills and Jets on top all posting 5-3 records. The Patriots have the tools to make a season out of this disaster. Matt Cassell will have to step up as this team also is lacking in the running attack. Patriots are arguably the "winning'est" team in the 21st century. They won't end that this year.
Bills: 5-3
This is a team that had a great start to their season but frankly, I do not see it continuing. They have yet to win a division game, losing to both the Dolphins and the Jets. There is still a lot of season left and things could turn around. They have to play the Pats this coming week and also they end their season with New England. They have to play the Dolphins and the Jets one more time each and at this point, if they do not begin to play better in their division, I cannot see them going anywhere. Trent Edwards needs to stay healthy and that I do not think is possible. Bills will come close again but miss the playoffs.
Jets: 5-3
This team has been turning things around. They have won their last two contests beating Buffalo
and Kansas City. KC is a game they obviously should have won and they did. This team has veteran leadership and I like their chances. They get a second chance at NE in week 11 after they should roll over St. Louis. As this team has moved on through the 1st half, I have seen improvements. Brett Favre is getting more adapted to the offense and his receivers like him throwing them the ball. One key for them is to continue to play solid defense. Their offense is going to score points and it is a matter on who scores more. Most of the jets games this year will be shootouts and with that, defense. I give them a wild cars spot.
Dolphins: 4-4
This team is funny. It looks like they have a team that could compete for a Super Bowl title. But if you w
atch the way they play the game, you may change your mind. The Dolphins scrounge wins out of pretty talented opponents. Two weeks in a row beating up on New England and San Diego, really made critics take a step back and see if this team is for real. They very well could be. I don't see it in the near future. Trickery and creativity only get you so far. Experience and clutch performing skills are what this team lacks. Can't see them winning the big game.
How I see them finishing...
Patriots 11-5
Jets 11-5
Bills 9-7
Dolphins 8-8
NFC (B)EAST:
This has to be top 5 toughest division is professional sports. Between the 4 teams, we could see over 40 wins. It would not surprise me in the least. These teams all play each other tough and it is always hard to predict a winner when it comes to these 4 teams. The last few years we have seen these teams take it right up to the finish and it could take until week 17 to determine a winner of the NFC East.
Giants: 7-1
You really have to consider this team the favorite at the half. They are reining Super bowl Champs and they are certainly starting right where they left off. Eli Manning may not be the ideal quarterback for your fantasy team but he has proven that he knows how to run an offense and a team. He flat out wins games. If you had said that a year ago, you would have been laughed at. But he took his team to the big show last year and now they start out 7-1. The Giants are the team to beat in the second half. It would surprise me if they do not win the division.
Eagles: 5-3
This is a team that will turn into a playoff threat. Donovan McNabb can never be underestimated. The Eagles finished a dismal 8-8 in 2007 but that is going to change here in 2008. Despite their lack to perform in divisional games, 0-2 currently, they will begin to turn the boosters on. Andy Reid will groom this team in the next 8 games and they have really put themselves in a position to do some damage. They are on a 3 game winning streak and next week the two teams in the NFC East with a 3 game streak will go head to head, Giants Eagles.
Redskins:
6-3
It is party time in the nations capital. Yea yea the presidential election is a reason to party but can you believe that the Skins are 6-3? It is for real. With the Cowboys falling off the face off the Earth, the redskins look like they could possibly trump the team from Dallas and take a playoff spot. This team holds the leagues leading rusher who really looks like he is a freight train rolling down a hill. Look out for the skins come December.
Cowboys: 5-4
What a story to talk about here. The only thing that I can say that i have liked out of this team is that TO realized that he does not need to shoot his mouth off when the team starts to lose. I was pleased about that. Maybe he should give some advice to Ocho
Cinco. You can't ever count the Cowboys out and with Tony Romo scheduled to come back after this bye week, this could be a whole different team. They have been battling injuries but are only at 5-4. That is not a bad record after playing your last 3 games without your stud QB. Marion the Barbarian will finish strong as well I think the only question left is who is the teams Holder?
How I see them finishing...
Giants 13-3
Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Redskins 10-6
Coming soon, NFC/AFC North!
Lets start our way on the Atlantic seaboard and then work our way across the country. I certain picked the two divisions in football that have the most contenders for sure. It is hard to believe that we are talking about the AFC East being close.
Patriots:
5-3The Patriots have been the solid rock in that division for almost a decade, 2000 being the last time they missed the playoffs finishing at a disappointing 5-11 and landing in last place. Not a usual scenario for the guys in Gillette in recent years. But losing your QB and also league MVP from 2007 is a huge blow. This team is one built around stars. And now they are faced with trying to replace those stars with guys who haven't played since high school. But I think the Patriots will turn things around in the second half of the season. They are currently tied with the Bills and Jets on top all posting 5-3 records. The Patriots have the tools to make a season out of this disaster. Matt Cassell will have to step up as this team also is lacking in the running attack. Patriots are arguably the "winning'est" team in the 21st century. They won't end that this year.
Bills: 5-3
This is a team that had a great start to their season but frankly, I do not see it continuing. They have yet to win a division game, losing to both the Dolphins and the Jets. There is still a lot of season left and things could turn around. They have to play the Pats this coming week and also they end their season with New England. They have to play the Dolphins and the Jets one more time each and at this point, if they do not begin to play better in their division, I cannot see them going anywhere. Trent Edwards needs to stay healthy and that I do not think is possible. Bills will come close again but miss the playoffs.
Jets: 5-3
This team has been turning things around. They have won their last two contests beating Buffalo
and Kansas City. KC is a game they obviously should have won and they did. This team has veteran leadership and I like their chances. They get a second chance at NE in week 11 after they should roll over St. Louis. As this team has moved on through the 1st half, I have seen improvements. Brett Favre is getting more adapted to the offense and his receivers like him throwing them the ball. One key for them is to continue to play solid defense. Their offense is going to score points and it is a matter on who scores more. Most of the jets games this year will be shootouts and with that, defense. I give them a wild cars spot.Dolphins: 4-4
This team is funny. It looks like they have a team that could compete for a Super Bowl title. But if you w
atch the way they play the game, you may change your mind. The Dolphins scrounge wins out of pretty talented opponents. Two weeks in a row beating up on New England and San Diego, really made critics take a step back and see if this team is for real. They very well could be. I don't see it in the near future. Trickery and creativity only get you so far. Experience and clutch performing skills are what this team lacks. Can't see them winning the big game.How I see them finishing...
Patriots 11-5
Jets 11-5
Bills 9-7
Dolphins 8-8
NFC (B)EAST:
This has to be top 5 toughest division is professional sports. Between the 4 teams, we could see over 40 wins. It would not surprise me in the least. These teams all play each other tough and it is always hard to predict a winner when it comes to these 4 teams. The last few years we have seen these teams take it right up to the finish and it could take until week 17 to determine a winner of the NFC East.
Giants: 7-1
You really have to consider this team the favorite at the half. They are reining Super bowl Champs and they are certainly starting right where they left off. Eli Manning may not be the ideal quarterback for your fantasy team but he has proven that he knows how to run an offense and a team. He flat out wins games. If you had said that a year ago, you would have been laughed at. But he took his team to the big show last year and now they start out 7-1. The Giants are the team to beat in the second half. It would surprise me if they do not win the division.
Eagles: 5-3
This is a team that will turn into a playoff threat. Donovan McNabb can never be underestimated. The Eagles finished a dismal 8-8 in 2007 but that is going to change here in 2008. Despite their lack to perform in divisional games, 0-2 currently, they will begin to turn the boosters on. Andy Reid will groom this team in the next 8 games and they have really put themselves in a position to do some damage. They are on a 3 game winning streak and next week the two teams in the NFC East with a 3 game streak will go head to head, Giants Eagles.
Redskins:
6-3It is party time in the nations capital. Yea yea the presidential election is a reason to party but can you believe that the Skins are 6-3? It is for real. With the Cowboys falling off the face off the Earth, the redskins look like they could possibly trump the team from Dallas and take a playoff spot. This team holds the leagues leading rusher who really looks like he is a freight train rolling down a hill. Look out for the skins come December.
Cowboys: 5-4
What a story to talk about here. The only thing that I can say that i have liked out of this team is that TO realized that he does not need to shoot his mouth off when the team starts to lose. I was pleased about that. Maybe he should give some advice to Ocho
Cinco. You can't ever count the Cowboys out and with Tony Romo scheduled to come back after this bye week, this could be a whole different team. They have been battling injuries but are only at 5-4. That is not a bad record after playing your last 3 games without your stud QB. Marion the Barbarian will finish strong as well I think the only question left is who is the teams Holder?How I see them finishing...
Giants 13-3
Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Redskins 10-6
Coming soon, NFC/AFC North!
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