I'll jump in the pool of (sometimes clueless) record prognosticating (I had to look that word up, as I thought it meant something else). I skimmed over a couple blogs regarding this subject, and learned a valuable lesson. I better make sure my combined records for all teams ends up being .500. I'm not going to give exact records, so that will help me a little bit.
I'm going to stick mostly to picking division winners and try to nail down the wild card teams in both conferences.
NFC (L)East...
I don't care much for any of these teams, whether it be based on talent or just not being a fan. When I was growing up, mom liked the pretty blue uniforms of the Giants, and the Redskins were her dad's (that'd be my grandpa) team, while dad was a big fan of Tom Landry's Cowboy teams.
Luckily, neither one of them will see this post, so I can safely confess my hatred for the Cowboys (I won't mention the one player on that team I absolutely hate, but you can probably guess, along with the owner, since there is only one) and how completely #### up the Giants and 'Skins organizations are these days.
At any rate, I think the Eagles win this division. Of the 4 teams, I think they have the most talent, least amount of potential distractions, and until Andy Reid goes off the deep end because of one (or both) of his kids, I think they have the best coaching to go along with their talent. The division will probably be a slugfest again this year, so I think 10 wins might be all the Eagles can muster....or need....to come out on top. Both the Giants and Cowboys could battle for a wild card spot, but I think it depends on keeping the in-fighting and other distractions to a minimum.
NFC South...
Who's ready for another disappointing year by the Falcons, Bucs and Panthers? Even with Vick, I don't think the Falcons were going to be a playoff team this year. Now they're stuck with Joey Harrington along with a new coach who was going to open up the offense, and still a weak set of receivers (other than Joe Horn that is).
John Gruden has auditioned about 31 QB's it seems, and he could still end up starting Chris Simms. I think he'll go with Jeff Garcia and hope he still has some of the magic that he had with the Eagles last year.
Anybody pick Carolina to go to the Super Bowl again this year? If things get bad enough that they bench Jake Delhomme in favor of David Carr, it could be a long season, and a sign that the time has come to change coaches and rebuild.
Obviously, that leaves the Saints to win the division. It's still a bit strange to say that, but the team is legit. Solid QB (who had an MVP-caliber year last year, and would have won if not for some guy who goes by "LT" only), a 1-2 punch at RB, and a couple young receivers good enough to push Joe Horn right out the door.
As long as the defense can be in the top half of the league, there's no reason this team can't make it back to the NFC championship game, and maybe win it this time.
NFC North...
Who else is there besides Chicago? Well, unless Rex Grossman improves significantly (which he hasn't proven thus far in the preseason) or at least becomes more consistent, they could be their own worst enemy. The law of averages tells me their defense can't bail them out of jams like they did so many times last year.
If you listen to John Kitna, the Lions are going to be right there at the end. At least 10 wins? Only if the Bears forfeit both games to rest up for the following week's opponent and at least 4 other teams fumble (literally) their way to a loss from laughing so hard at Kitna's comments.
The Vikings have a talented rookie RB in Adrian Peterson. Too bad their QB hasn't proven he can throw the ball yet, and teams will load up to stop the run until he proves otherwise. Vikings fans are always so sure they've got a winner, that some of them think signing Packer-reject Robert Ferguson is an upgrade to their WR group. Either that, or he'll have all the secrets to stopping Brett Favre and the Packers offense to share with the defense. Judging by his last 2 seasons in GB, he's had plenty of time to study the playbook, and if he gets injured again this year, he'll certainly have the time to sit down with the defense and review game film and point out everything they need to know.
Speaking of Favre and the Packers, he's still honked off they didn't load up on new weapons for him to throw to in the offseason. As a matter of fact, they didn't do much of anything in free agency. Their notable free agent acquisition, according to NFL Network, was Frank Walker. In the 2 preseason games I happened to catch parts of, I seen him take part in 2 plays. One was a pass interference on a ball that was about 5 yards out of bounds, and I think the other one he fell down.
I'm not sure the defense needs him though. The big questions were at the safety spots, but from what I'm hearing those may be solved. A.J. Hawk is a beast in the making, and Al Harris and Charles Woodson should be one of the top CB duos in the league.
All that said, Chicago wins this division by at least a couple games, while Green Bay might be able to sneak up and finish 9-7, but just miss out on a wild card berth once again.
NFC West....
San Francisco has been getting alot of media and blogger love this offseason. Adding Nate Clements is supposed to be huge for them, along with twisting Darrell Jackson away from the Seahawks on offense. (I still wonder why the 'Hawks would make this move unless there was something wrong with Jackson...either physically or in the locker room) I'm not sold on them winning this division, or grabbing a wild card spot just yet, but I won't rule them out at this point.
Up in Seattle, folks are expecting a return to their '05 Super Bowl form. I'm not betting on that, but they should take the division unless SF really proves me wrong. If it's always sunny in Philadelphia, I guess that's why it always seems to be raining in Seattle. If they manage 10 wins, it should be enough to win this division.
The Rams have offense. They have plenty of it. Too bad their Defense is more of a swinging gate than an actual fence. They should battle the 49ers for 2nd place, at about 8-8.
Do I have to even talk about the Arizona Cardinals? Ok, they have a young lefty QB, a slightly past-his-prime elite RB and 2 very good WR's. The also have a new coach. 6 wins sound like reason to party? If so, then you understand why I didn't want to talk about them.
Man, this thing is getting long.....
For that reason, I'm going to save my AFC predictions for another day. We're getting down to the wire, so I need to get back and finish that in the next week. I promise to finish this, unlike my CFB top 25 that I started like a month ago and never finished.
good job avoiding any exact record predictions. most times people end up looking stupid, or have to go down the list of excuses why so-and-so didnt do as well as they "knew" they would.
i'd like to say i think the packers are going to reach double digit wins this year, but i just dont see it. i'm thinking another 8-8 finish is about right, but maybe they'll surprise me in a good way for a change.
Dude, you are such a ####*ing ####!!!!! Who cares what grandpappy and your momma dukes thinks about uniforms!! You obviously know nothing about football, or at least the NFC! Go ahead and jump on the Saints' bandwagon like everyone else, you will be disappointed....NFC championship will surpirse many this year! Cowboys Vs. Panthers!!! As for you Mr. DI DA DI...save your wisdom or lack there of and don't finish this blog!! I can't believe I wasted my time reading half of it...WHAT A ####!!!!!
everyone needs to chill out. its mercury's blog about how HE thinks the NFC will do. and its pretty good. dont be flipping out like some roid-ed up wrestler. just chill. i think the cowboys wont go anywhere this season, maybe playoffs; and as for the Bucs, 8-8 is a stretch. i'm a rams fan, but the saints are quite good. look at the stats from last year. and look how far the saints came from nothing. pretty impressive
You are a f*&King hack and a ####. I don't know why this trash gets posted for sporting commentary. You gave absolutely no insight into anything. Infact this whole blog was some sick fu&*ing excuse to slob the knob of the Packers. You must be a Packers fan. The only team you said anything about was the Packers, and that team is a second rate hack of a team that has no chance at a Wild-Card even. Take your packer buIIsh*(t, and cram it up your @ZZ.
####.... what the Eagles have more talent then the Cowboys?????? besides qb where????? the offensive line is not anybetter then Dallas, the rbs are better in Big D and the wide recievers are better in Dallas...... defense should be better in dallas this year as well so really where are the eagles better????????? Cowboys in superbowl vs. Patriots
Merc, dude, all i can say is i'm glad i'm not you right now. just a bit of advice before you do respond (if you even bother) to some of these people...its not worth getting wound up about. i've had a little experience in matters like this, and i can tell you you're better off not taking the bait.
Wow, looks like you stirred up a few.
I think your "predictions" are well presented.And I do agree with quite a bit of your post.(not that my opinion is worth much, but it looked like this blog could use a more cheerful comment)
I of course, have to hope the Lions do decent this year, but they have let me down before and I haven't hung myself in the closet yet :)
cuziffer (for both comments)- Thanks for not ripping me a new one and for the advice.
Madden_King- Thanks for the kind words. You'd be doing me a favor as well by not coming back for my AFC predictions. Sorry you took this so hard, and that your life revolves around a video game. Tell your mom I said hi, but won't be able to make our weekly "meeting" tonight. She's getting too expensive, and giving hints that she wants me to be your new daddy. Now that I have an idea what you're like, my decision has become much easier.
Blacksheep- That's about where I think the 'Boys will finish, maybe they can manage 9-7. If the Bucs make it, they'd surprise me.
superbowl28- You wouldn't be a Cowboys fan would you? At least you're not a Homer.
arizona- If you're really a felon, what gives you the right to call anyone a Tard?
rocket- Have you been video taping their sessions? Otherwise, how would you know?
OmniMoose- Thanks for reminding the masses this is my blog, apparently some forgot that.
KDXR- This is a blog site, not the foxsports.com football page. I sense I really hit a nerve with you just from a couple paragraphs about the Packers. You might want to check into anger management solutions. Feel free to take the same advice I gave MaddenQueen, and don't bother reading my AFC predictions.
mdm- Another Cowboys fan. Wonderful.
SUPERSKIN- At least you're honest about your feelings (and I agree Wade Phillips is a bum).
mdm 1971, do you truly believe any of those cowgirl rb's have more talent then westbrook? and yes philly has a way better line then dallas does. recievers maybe. defense we'll see. these are very resonable predictions mercury.
I have the Cowboys, Saints, Bears, and Niners as the NFC division champs. The Panthers and Seahawks as wildcards. I don't have the Eagles there because McNabb hasn't been able to stay healthy the last few seasons. He's getting older and I don't think that's going to change.
beacon- I'm going to try to get to the AFC predictions either tonight or tomorrow night. If I don't have them done by sunday, remind me and I'll definitely try to get them done sunday night.
jon- Unlike some, I won't rip you apart just because I don't agree with your choices. Some people just won't allow others to have an OPINION. You may be on to something regarding McNabb. We'll just have to wait and see....I understand that's why they play the games, to see if our "expert" opinions, analysis and research comes to fruition.
As far as Darrell Jackson in Seattle, you're right on. He was complaining about the contract and becoming a distraction. The Hawks will return to the Super Bowl.
Is this a joke? The Cowboys have a better RB then Westbrook abd their O Line is better. Say what? Coome back to earth please. The Cowdungs RB's are both average and their line quite frankly stinks. Please don't kid yourself that all those sacks were Bledsoes fault. Slow release or not when you only have 1 second before your getting hit its tough to find a WR. The Eagles O Line is top 5 in the entire NFL.
As far as the Eagles not making the Playoffs becasue MacNabb might get hurt, please just llok at last year and then four seasons ago. Both of those years the Eagles played without #5 and still made the playoffs. The Eagles have depth and they don't rely to heavily any one player except for Westbrook. Did anyone really think they would win with Garcia last year? I would argue that AJ Feely is a better back up and only because he fits the Eagles system so well. McNabb or not this team is in the playoffs this year. The only question is how far they get.
I think that rocket75 is a blubbering ####. and the only head that will be given is that from rocket 75. Because when they win the division that is the only thing you will be accomplishing. Maybe then and only then will that foul taste of stupidity be washed out, like his momma did for being stupid!!!!!!!!!
Drilly and Todd
#s dont lie Barber and Jones together are better then what the Eagles have look at the #s Barber and jones had 2076 combined yards 20 tds westbrook had 1916 combined yards and 11 tds so once again the combo of jones and barber are better then what the eagles have..... now the offensive lines are about equal I give you The qb is better in philly but the wrs are much more superior in Dallas..... now defense The cowboys have a better defense as you can see that Philly was one of the worst against the run last year and got rid of one of their top linebackers....... so once again this is what makes the season so fun because fans like you have your hopes up so high then the Eagles will fail to live up to what you think........ Westbrook wants more carries and i hope they give them to him because he will show how brittle he is....... anyway it will be nice beating you this year and watching T.O destroy your cbs
Calling somebody names on the internet is bush league. The name-caller looks small, not the person on the receiving end. Everybody has an opinion. Since nobody knows who is going to win the Super bowl this year every opinion is equal at this point in time. There will surely be one or two surprise teams in the playoffs. As for the Dallas Cowboys, you can't believe anything Cowboy fans say. I have a friend who is a Cowboy fan who picks the Cowboys to go to the Super Bowl every year. If they have a losing season this year that won't stop him from picking the Cowboys next year.
Last edited by Jimmy52 on August 30th at 11:40 AM.
It seems to me that the Bears and Saints are a cut above the rest of the NFC. Much like the 49ers and Cowboys were in the '90's. I expect at least 1 or 2 NFC teams that sucked last year to make the playoffs this year. One team that jumps out at me is Tampa Bay. Last year they were much better than their record indicated. And I think Jeff Garcia is the qb who can get them a wild card spot.
I won't say the Giants are anywhere near the top in the NFC, but they could be sleepers in the NFC East. Either way, I will always be a faithful Big Blue fan!!!
Last edited by chance281 on August 30th at 12:13 PM.
I just think its so funny how upset the dallas fans get when you have an opion that doesnt suggest they are going to win the superbowl. Crazy from the heat i guess
You morons that think the stanky A%@ cowbells will go all the way u are on that crack... come on SEATTLE will wipe with the cowgirls and flush the whole NFC and take the crown. Anybody writing after this should shut your faces unless u agree with me!
Last edited by SAVAGE BOY on August 30th at 12:45 PM.
oh i forgot the cowboys have such great recievers and its just too bad their fantasy talent doesnt actually equal the realworlds hand-eye skills they need and for T.Oh i forgot your supposed to catch the ball he's gonna implode your lil dallas cowgirls all the way down the line to your great kick holder Tony NoShow H omo Romo...game in the bag doh(seahawks game in case you forgot)....Eagles Own you u q ueers dont forget our nice Christmas present we dropped on you .....stop living in the past and get with the real. mcnabb or no mcnabb we will win the championship again...dont forget about our defense enough said....irish the get all crazy when you talk smack because they get b-slapped every year..my eagles ended irvins career and im sure we can add more cowboys to that list too
Last edited by dmacnasty on August 30th at 1:08 PM.
PF- Would Jackson's displeasure have anything to do with the deal the 'Hawks gave Deion Branch?
todd- Part of Bledsoe's high sack total were his fault, simply because teams knew he couldn't move, so they blitzed more, but I agree that the o-line should get plenty of blame, and it's not like Romo did all that well in his last 5 games either, but somehow Dallas fans conveniently forget, or forgive that because of "inexperience." Makes no sense to me.
Edwin- I'll just let you and rocket settle your own differences. I only ask you do it elsewhere, like maybe on his blog?
ricko- Thanks. As I told someone in a previous post (which I deleted because it turned into the perfect case study for childish behavior), I'm not here to make friends, but I'm at least going to try not to rock the boat just for the sake of rocking the boat. There's enough people who do that already.
mdm_1971- That's great that TWO Cowboy RB's can muster 160 more total yards than Westbrook. But why not add the Eagles backup RB's numbers? Maybe because combined, they are better than Jones and Barber? I realize the comparison challenge was Westbrook vs. both your guys, but even then, the numbers aren't all that much in your favor.
Jimmy- Excellent points.
I just think it is funny that the talent that dallas has in one player is more then all your pathetic excuse for teams have or will ever have. Oh and buy the way how many superbowls have the beagles or the seab@#$Hs won. Thats right 0! whether they win the superbowl or not dallas still has a better shot then your losers. You all just need to live in reality and stop dreaming about the big game. Because what it boils down to is that both the beagles and the seab@#$hs choke because the @#$%! Plain and simple
Jimmy- It does look that way, at least right now. We'll see once the season starts if they really are that much better, or if anyone else has closed the gap.
chance281- Nothing wrong with backing your favorite team. At least you're not guaranteeing they win the division, or worse, the Super Bowl.
irish10145- Agreed. I think the only other team in sports with so many fans who just can't believe their team might be mediocre is the Yankees.
I'm going to laugh so at everybody when the seahawks win it all! And you dallas people get a life! I know other than football there is nothing els to do in dallas LOL! Come visit Seattle and you will like it.
If anyone ever actually saw a West Coast game they would realize that D-Jack misses more games then he plays. Why would the Hawks sign him to a big contract...for wearing a suit on the sidelines? Overall I agree with this article, but I don't think anyone can hang with the Hawks if they stay healthy. They will return to the Bowl for the second time!
Cowboys??? You must have missed the playoff game last year when the Hawks beat you with 2 corners off the streets. You couldn't beat an injured team that had no chemistry! Hawks, Bears, and Saints are the only legit teams in the NFC.
Oh yeah and it would be you're an ####...good one though
Merc-------
no the reason that it was barber and jones combined out did westbrook because the way they get used they split carries where as in philly there is no real split......really everybody this time of year thinks this is their year as a cowboy fan this is the first year in a few years that i feel as though this is going to be a great year.....could it change? yes by all means we all know injuries can hurt ( like the eagles know the best since mcnabb and westbrook seem like they can never finish a season ) it will be intersting to see if all u eagle fans will have the b a l l s to get on one of these boards come december???????by the way nobody forgets Romos last 5 games did he look great no.... did he look like a young qb? yes lest go back to mcnabbs first year and see what it looked like did he get the eagles to the playoffs in his first year? lets see 60.1 rating in 6 games to romos 95.1 rating in 10 games.... also look at mcnabbs #s before he got hurt last season he didnt look any better over his last 5 games then romo 1 win and 4 losses and romo went 2 wins and 3 losses s ...... so really i dont know if the eagles would of been in the playoffs if mcnabb wouldnt of gotten hurt...... and even with romo playing poor in the last few weeks he still did enough to get into the playoffs....... so those of you eagle fans that still have to wonder why they picked up kolb look at mcnabbs #s and you will see why....it will be a great season and hope to see ya'll back here in the future.......
####99- They'll laugh at you too if Seattle doesn't win, as will fans of every other team for you being so sure they will.
DaBears- Provided Rex plays consistently, they've got as good a shot as anyone in the NFC.
Mac1785- I wouldn't brag too much about that game. Dallas was a botched hold away from taking the lead with very little time left, or it would be "Hawk fans taking a beating for a close loss, and complaining about not having your starting CB's healthy and on the field.
mdm_1971- Ok, so Dallas uses a 2 back system. Still, the 2 main reasons for doing so are a) to keep both back fresh, and b) to have a change of pace from time to time. That said, shouldn't their numbers (at least yardage-wise) be significantly higher than Westbrook's?
Question 2 is, if your Cowboys struggle and finish 8-8 or 7-9, will You have the stones to get on the boards in december?
See, you did exactly what I thought you would in defense of Romo. 'He was a young and inexperienced QB.' He was even younger and more inexperienced in the first 5 games. So, the explanation for the great start is what? I'd say in large part because opposing teams had no film to study, but I'm sure you've got a better explanation...one that suits your "Cowboys Rule" perspective better.
merc....
just like all young qbs they all start out solid then yes defenses do get film so now the question is did Romo learn and change a little..... but thought i would shre this with you
Cowboys QB Tony Romo was the best on 3rd-and-long last year, gaining first downs 47.5 percent of the time (Drew Brees No. 2, 46.2). -- Cold Hard Football Facts
and yes i will be back here in december because if for some reason My Boys are not in control of the East and on the cusp of elimination from the playoffs we Cowboy fans are real men and not afraid to face the facts.... but you eagle fans will be nowhere to be found..... i will be looking for you here come late november and december...... Good luck!!!!!!!but again what was mcnabbs reason for falling way off in the last 5 games last season he played??????? at least we can say Romo was young and teams started to get film and learned how to control him but why did mcnabb fall????/ he has been in the league what 8 years??? been starting for 7 1/2 this will be his 8th year as a starter.......also Tds are what matters and and cowboys were ranked #4 last year and philly #6 so i think what ever they do it must work because they score. Like I said this time of year everybody thinks it is the year their team wins it all....... come find me in december
Seahawks missed the bus when they allowed the BUS to run over them,like the man said youre just hoping that your team returns back to form.But even if they did that doesnt mean anything the Saints are the cream of the NFC.As for Romo he's looked like the same erratic clown in the preseason this year that fumbled last year, Rex Grossman actually looked worse in the preseason than he did in the regular season last year(as if that was possible), the Eagles,lets just say the Saints have got thier number,other than that Who Dat Even Think Dey Can Compete Wit Dem Saints? None of yall. If you havent noticed Brees is in midseason form and the Saints are on the march to the superbowl to win it all.
I'm here because I have too much time on my hands. Spending my time in bars just isn't all that appealing. I can't say spending my money there, or on gas, really gets me pumped up either.
Question: Why do we have the option of choosing "undeclared" for our marital status? Is this some underground swingers hook-up site or something? Better yet, why is our marital status even relevent?
