Tis the time of year when everyone is an expert, when everyone's home team is set for victory, where we know EXACTLY who will show up in the playoffs, and take home the ring at the end of the year...

I know, because I've read many foxsport blogger's predictions and laughed my butt off. But, I decided it simply wasn't fair to comment on theirs without putting my own out there, so, here it is. I hope you enjoy, and I count on you disagreeing. It's cool. We won't really know until January, will we? I did go to the effort of walking through schedules and making in game predictions, and I'll admit, some favortism was shown to my Broncs, but... not a horrific amount. This is just my take.

AFC West -
San Diego (11-5) - Still the top of the west, I think they're going to look a bit more vulnerable than anyone is counting on. They stayed the same while those around them improved.
Denver (10-6) - I've already admitted to showing them some favoritism, but don't count this out from happening. They've improved in many key spots, and might push SD.
Oakland (6-10) - Call me a Raider hater, but I simply don't think JaMarcus is very good, and two good RBs don't make up for no good WRs. The defensive secondary is amazing, but the front 7 is not. If they stick with Lane though, I think they'll get better quickly.
Kansas City (6-10) - I think they'll prove to be tenacious this year, but win very rarely. Big things are on the horizon here though as well.

AFC North -
Cleveland (11-5) - Potent offense got better, and a scrappy defense got two hunks of talent at DT. I don't love the secondary, but I've been surprised before. For the record, I have the Steelers beating them twice.
Pittsburgh (10-6) - A consistently good team will be tough again this year, but I think will ultimately fall victim to the hardest schedule in football and risk missing the playoffs by that much.
Cincinnati (3-13) - After years of hoping, I simply don't think Cinci knows how to get a runner or field a mediocre defense, and life won't be easy for them. I don't think Lewis will be able to stand the meltdown that is coming.
Baltimore (2-14) - The started team workouts with an all out in team skirmish. I see this being very similar to the movie "Nessecery Roughness". They loose every game to simply come together as a team and win the last big game of the year. They also get the #1 pick next year.

AFC East -
New England (13-3) - Not as good as last year. Still really freaking good.
New York Jets (10-6) - Darn jerks made me go back and readjust after they got Favre. Now I actually think all the off-season moves will lead to something.
Buffalo (8-8) - What was once my dark horse for the playoffs just ended up feeling... so-so. If they can keep it together, they may make the playoffs next year.
Miami (2-14) - Plus side #1. They're rebuilding. Plus side #2. They play the Bad News Birds of Baltimore.

AFC South -
Jacksonville (12-4) - An always stout D, a potent tandem at RB, second year in charge for Garrard, some quality off-season moves and finally shedding (I hope) Matt Jones, and this team finally overtakes the Colts to win the division.
Indianapolis (10-6) - Still a good season, however, I think injuries are going to play a major factor here. Every stud on this team has missed time due to severe (and likely to reoccur) injuries, except Payton who just had his knee done.
Houston (10-6) - I was surprised too, but this has been a steadily building team that if healthy can give anyone a run for their money. I think they miss the playoffs, but only just.
Tennessee (6-10) Last year, Vince Young just won games. This year, I think he's actually working with less talent, and no... Alge Crumpler is not his key to success.

NFC West -
Seattle (11-5) I think this is their last year at the top of the heap in this division for a while, but I still think they have it, injured WRs and all.
Arizona (9-7) - A respectable season, but until someone realizes neither Leinart nor Warner is the answer, they're going to have problems.
San Francisco (6-10) - I see most games coming down to a few points. Their talent level is strong enough to keep up with other teams, but I don't trust their coaching.
St. Louis (5-11) - Let's put aside the fact that Steven Jackson is a pain. There is still no reason to believe in that defense. Plain and simple.

NFC North -
Minnesota (12-4)- I may be drinking the kool-aid, but I think offseason additions of Berrian and Allen, a very young, poweful team will emerge... and yeah, I think that either Travaris won't loose many games for them, or someone less worrisome will fill in.
Green Bay (10-6) - Aaron Rodgers will lead the Pack to the playoffs, which will keep shareholders from asking for heads to be served on platters.
Detroit (4-12) - Still not good. Everyone with this organization should be fired (though I think Kevin Smith will prove to be quite a find).
Chicago (4-12) - The question isn't Orton or Grossman... the question is... can anyone else in this state throw a football, please?

NFC East -
Dallas (11-5) - Thugs, miscreants and lawyers... but they're talented. Wade still looses his job.
Washington (10-6) - They've been trying to find a key to ignite this team for years. I think Taylor is it.
New York Giants (9-7) - The mighty have fallen. Strahan is missed. Eli is just a mortal again. What can you do?
Philidelphia - (7-9) - You know those guys who think McNabb is good? I'm really not one of them. I think he needs talented players and perfect health to win games, and beyond Westbrook, he has neither.

NFC South -
New Orleans (9-7) - The division no one cared about last year will again send a 9-7 team to the playoffs, but unlike the Bucs last year, New Orleans could actually do something with it.
Tampa Bay (8-8) - An aging team will show it this year.
Carolina (8-8) - The suspension of Steve Smith actually played into this. Weird, huh?
Atlanta (4-12) - It's more of a project than a team right now anyway, right?

Playoffs -
Wildcard
Denver @ Jacksonville - Just like the Pats never beat Denver, the Broncs never beat the Jags.
Pittsburgh @ San Diego - San Diego barely eeks this one out. I think most people are surprised the Colts aren't here.
Washington @ Seattle - Seattle wins at home.
Green Bay @ New Orleans - NO is back in the mix, as Rodgers can't keep pace with Brees. A Favreless Packer nation cries foul.

Division
San Diego @ New England - I'm actually predicting that... yeah... SD gets their vengence.
Jacksonville @ Cleveland - I think in the end, Jacksonville out-muscles the Browns.
New Orleans @ Minnesota - Minnesota says "no".
Seattle @ Dallas - Dallas wins. Wade starts thinking he'll keep the job.

Championship
San Diego @ Jacksonville - This could have gone either way, so I give it to the home team.
Dallas @ Minnesota - The Vikes shut down every aspect of the Dallas offense, and AP carries the team the rest of the way.

Super Bowl
Jacksonville vs. Minnesota - I see Minnesota being favored and the Jags pulling it off.

I know. I was as surprised as anyone.

So, tear it apart. It's cool. I understand. I just thought I'd be a man and put myself out there. Hope ya'll enjoyed.

The offseason... sigh... is there anything worse? Not for football fans. We wait. We debate. We attend draft day parties, track signings on line... some of us try to show up to training camp just to get a little fix.

And let's face it, it's not as if the offseason diminishes the celebrity of any footballer. You can pick out Tom Brady at fifty yards. Keith Traylor and Junior Seau are the most popular guys in their retirement communities, while Matt Leinart and Vince Young are the most popular at the local college keg party... and Brett... oh Brett.

But the problem with the offseason is that while a true fan still wants to be in touch with the league, the idea of it all gets muddled. When is it no longer football we are following?

For such cases, I ask myself H.D.T.A.M.F.L., or... "How Does This Affect My Fantasy League?" It's a great filter to keep in mind as cruising headlines in the offseason, and a very large reason that I believe EVERY person who writes about football should partake in it's fantasy outlet. This way, we can focus on ACTUAL football stories, and move away from the fluff and business that really shouldn't clog my brain EVER. Signings and team cuts are obvious, but others need a bit of perspective. Here are a few examples...

Terrell Owens say Jessica Simpson can come watch Tony play.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - It doesn't. Jessica is not Tony's downfall. Panic attacks are. This is not a football story.

Brandon Marshall is attacked by brother/McDonalds bag.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Tons, though only due to the resulting injury. The story itself... doesn't mean crap to me. He could have been attacked by the Burger KIng "King", and I don't care. Just as long as he can wrap his fingers around a football.

Javon Walker is beaten up by thugs, relives events in a flashback that closely resembles a season of "24".
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Doesn't affect anything. If you were planning on drafting him, you have deeper trouble.

Tom Brady dates model. They go places and look better than everyone.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - I've thought long and hard about it, in hopes to make SOMETHING in this count, but it doesn't. He's simply a very hatable man.

Marshawn Lynch plays bumper tag with woman on city street.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Deeply. The commishiner could suspend him forever. And there is that whole "jail" thing.

Eli Manning attends charity ball.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - It won't. Ever. Unless he gets stabbed in the leg with a serving fork. This is not a football article. Turn in your field pass.

Peyton Manning shoots 12 new commercials.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Massive impact. If I draft him, I now am forced to think about him more than food or women I would like to sleep with. Life takes a very dark twist.

Brett Favre.
H.D.T.A.M.F.L. - Haha! This is tricky. You would think massive impact, depending on where he ends up, if he ends up playing, etc. etc. BUT NO! He's on the Madden Cover. Untouchable. Proceed as normal.

So... I hope this gives some perspective to what should really constitute a sports story, and how I hope we can move away from the celebrity expose that we seem to be giving NFL footballers. Let's face it, in the end, we want them to play games and win. We want the to smash other guys in the mouth and make it more exciting to pass through a Sunday. Let's get down to brass tacks, and let Fantasy Football lead the way.

The new season is on it's way!

P.S. You may be asking yourself... H.D.T.A.M.F.L.
If so, excellent job. You were paying attention. This blog affects your fantasy league deeply. In fact, it should have changed the way you approach life. If not, meditate upon it, come back to me later.

For some reason, at first, Godell didn't want to admit it, but after the question was posed and a moment of hard staring had passed, the NFL commissioner finally admitted the truth. "We've changed our suspension policy."

He grinned mischievously, before adding "rather, I changed it, because I'm the only one who thinks around here."

Some would say a change was long overdue. One might believe that the change came due to the inconsistency in punishment making the entire exercise seem arbitrary and personal. Complaints from the prior season ranged from a non-standard penalty to players, to not allowing courts full time to rule on the subject matter and deem guilt or innocence, to punishing those who had already been previously held accountable for the actions. But these complaints, while logical, had nothing to do with Godell's decision.

The change of policy actually came to him during the NFL owner's meeting last spring. "NFL fans were angry. They were angry that while players on their team were being unfairly persecuted, other teams got to employ rarely punished thugs and miscreants." Giggled Godell like and excited schoolgirl. "So... the owners weren't sure if this was cutting into their profit margin, and actually allowing them to back up the claim that they've been losing money."

"A couple of weeks later I was out to dinner, and I had a busboy fired for looking directly at me. For the rest of the night, everything that went wrong was blamed on that busboy." Godell's eyes were now following a fly around the room. "The busboy, after he was fired, apparently poured me the wrong drink, overcooked my steak, and made the waitress fondle me. It was during the fondling that it occurred to me. Suspend players who don't have jobs. No one can get angry about it, but it still looks like I'm being really tough on bad behavior." This week, unemployed NFLers Mike Anderson and Shane Olivia were added to that list.

"Man, I don't get it." Said Mike Anderson when reached for comment, "I mean, I've been telling people for years I smoke weed... since I was in Denver. I was in the military. That stuff messes you up. I smoked weed to keep it straight, but everyone seemed cool with it. Then boom, I lose my job in Baltimore and now I'm suspended. Suspended from what? Looking for a job? Man, screw that."

When asked for comment, suspended former Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry simply made violent gestures and various grunts. The writer assumes he was either overwhelmed by his emotions concerning the subject, or jacked up beyond all belief.

This new trend in suspension policy has brought worry to certain NFL free agents. "I'm actually smoking weed right now." Said Travis Henry from his home. "I'm not a fool. I sued the NFL, got my way, and then got cut. I'd rather be suspended for actually smoking the weed over "presenting an image unbecoming the NFL" or whatever stuff he's claiming now. I know which way the wind is blowing."

"I actually received a call last week." Said a current NFL free agent who did not want to be named, but was once a lineman for the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns (whose name rhymes with ReCharles Rently) "They wanted to know if I was on drugs any time in the last year and a half. I said, "yeah, sure, antibiotics for the staph infection", and then they seriously asked me "what, God won't heal you?"... I didn't know what to say. I need to find a job quick though. Seriously, I'll play for anyone right now."

From atop his new dark tower, Godell beamed. "See, this is the ultimate plan. I'm tough on crime... on bad behavior. I'm doing what this country should have been doing in the first place and punishing people without representation. Now, I've even figured out a way to do it without making anyone angry. I'm that good." Then, just before ending the interview, the commissioner's face became somber again.

"Next, I'm coming after retired players. Terry Bradshaw? I saw "Failure to Launch" last night. You're suspended. Michael Strahan better keep up on his divorce settlement. And Michael Irvin? I've got my eye on you."

* This is not an actual article. No players or commissioners were accurately portrayed in the writing of this story. The author claims no responsibility for the contents, unless you found it to be awesome, in which case, it was totally me.

Last year, Denver Broncos fans walked away dismayed. I, like many, began the season excited. Jay Cutler had experience under his belt. Travis Henry was to lead another corps of stellar runners. Rod Smith might be able to return, Javon Walker and Brandon Marshall were looking to be quite a tandem in the making. On defense, we had drafted two new ends to compliment a very talented Elvis Dumerville. With the addition of Dre' Bly, the Denver top 3 corners looked to be the best combo in the NFL (at the time). Visions of Super Bowls danced in my head.

I, of course, lost hope as quickly as Jay was loosing weight. As our storied veteran O-line crashed down, so did the potency of our offense. Henry started strong, but between injuries and the drug testing fiasco, it wouldn't count for much. Walker hurt his knee. Smith didn't come back. Ebenezer Ekuban and Jarvis Moss were both lost for the season, leaving the D-line wanting. Dre' Bly got burned deep with some consistency. Lacking special teams decided it was a good idea to kick to Devin Hester twice in one game. To say the results of the season hurt is a slight understatement.

But as the wise John Madden once stated "Every team comes into the new season undefeated", which I think means that given the right moves, any team can rise again. Time to see why hope stirs on the horizon for the Broncos... the following are my top 5 off-season moves... and while these moves may have several parts, they add to why the Broncos might become contenders again.

5. O-lineman: Clady and Lichtensteiger are promising as rookies, but the return of Hamilton and Nalen also are part of this recipe. If Denver looses linemen, we lose everything.

4. Safety depth: While the Chargers claim not to miss Marlon McCree, he is one of a handful of safety acquisitions that allow Denver fans piece of mind. For those of us who remember the AFC championship against Pittsburgh, few things hurt us worse than not being able to sub in for Lynch should he come up hurt. If nothing else, it should boost our special teams strength, and keep Champ Bailey from running kick-off coverage.

3. Diabetes: OK, technically, Jay had it last year too, but finding it and addressing it should help the kid feel healthy again. He's also handled it like a pro, stepping up his own responsibility, and unlike the Marshall comments he made earlier in the year, he is downplaying the media hoopla in favor of just dealing with it.

2. Linebackers: While the return of Jarvis Moss, Ebenezer Ekuban, and the addition of Dewayne Robertson will likely help improve the Denver defensive front, it is more likely that the real growth will be shown in the LB corps, specifically the addition of Sam LB Boss Bailey and underrated Mike LB Niko Koutouvides. With D.J. Williams able to move over to the correct side of the field, the look of a "smart" defense should come again, plus with guys like Jamie Winborn, Jordan Beck, and Spencer Larson waiting in the wings, they'll look fast, fresh, and hungry.

1. Wide receivers: I've been a fan of Darrell Jackson for years. Add to that players who have much to prove, such as Sammie Parker and Keary Colbert, and rookie receiver/returner Eddie Royal, and you're not even half way to the 12 guys competing for a top spot on the roster. Assuming a strong recovery for Brandon Marshall, one thing Cutler should not be left wanting for is quality guys to throw to.

So, I see the Broncos improving this year, surprising many pundits who have so far dropped them off the radar. And if there are more moves, I can only assume they will help. But I've held these dreams before. Do I have a vision of a Super Bowl visit? Not yet. But remember... Everyone is undefeated until week one.

It doesn't seem that long ago that the AFC West was considered to be the toughest division in football. The four teams, year in and year out, were likely to compete not only for their own division, but to rob other divisions of wildcard spots. Then, as was meant to be, the wind shifted. Just as the Chargers finally rose to the top, the world seemed to go topsy-turvy. It was suddenly all about gloating who was going to get the highest draft spot.

But as a Broncos fan, I want all teams to rise again, to become feared amongst other divisions, and to fulfill an ache for true rivalries that matter. What follows is what I see in the West now, and the biggest reason we need a rivalry to begin anew now.

San Diego Chargers - Without a doubt, they are the toast of the division at the moment, but... sadly, that's about as far as it goes. The talent has been there for years, and unlike many other teams, has maintained a large sense of consistency. There is no doubt that they should be capable to win a Superbowl... or multiple playoff games. Perhaps a second year with the coaching staff will put them over the top, but... I can't be sure. Chris Chambers being more ingrained in the offense will help too. They should be good again this year.
Reason for a rivalry: If you're not a Chargers fan, you likely hate Philip Rivers. He doesn't have the talent level of Tomlinson or Merrimen, but he makes up for it in unjustified sense of smack talking. I know several defensive players have put a large target on him.

Denver Broncos - Denver fans have been fortunate to have a very competitive team for many years. Even in some of the worst years the team has had recently, they still put together the second best record in the division. That being said, the true level ability seems in question. For every postive aspect of the team (Champ Bailey is the best corner in the game, Brandon Marshall is an unforeseen talent, The Denver run system) there is a negetive (Dre' Bly won't tackle and gets burned, Brandon Marshall wrestle with unforeseen objects, The line is as hard to get around as the boarder fence). While very strong acquisitions have been made in the off-season, addressing weaknesses on defense, O-line and special team, it remains to be seen whether the Broncs will treat Denver to another playoff trip, or whether we're rebuilding more than we thought. I'm hoping for the best, but... there is no promise.
Reason for a rivalry: Mike Shanahan. Like other coaches marked as "genius", if you're not a fan of the team, you want him to fail. Even the winning of two super bowl rings doesn't decrease this emotion, but rather pushes it further. The current theory is that Shanny won't win without Elway, and Elway couldn't have won without T.D. Every rival armchair quarterback loves to ask the question "who's a genius now?"

Kansas City Chiefs - KC has come upon hard times. Once the offensive line started showing their age, this often underrated but often competitive team started losing the ability to compete. This off-season, the coaching staff made the wise choice of calling this time what it was, and truly establishing a rebuilding process. The difficult choice to trade away top talent Jared Allen resulted in one of the mightest drafts of recent memory. The bold choice not to push competition on QB Croyle was also ingenious. Now, given time and consistency, the team is a few years out from having a truly scary team that will last years. But, don't expect a miracle this year.
Reason for a rivalry: Right now, it's Arrowhead. In a division that boasts both Mile High Stadium and the Black Hole, Arrowhead stadium has become the most difficult place to come to. As the talent on the team matures, I'm sure it will become a reasoning that follows the team on the road.

Oakland Raiders - Javon Walker. DeAngelo Hall. DMF. While major off-season gains for the team, it's left most of the league scatching their heads while the Raider-nation is loving it. To me, it looks like a series of moves I made when playing Madden Football's "Franchise" mode years ago. A lot of measureables, but not a lot of team. The plan may work. Or you might have found the fastest, strongest headcases, and locked them in a room, expecting to them to be victorious. I can't really say. But I don't have a good feeling about it.
Reason for a rivalry: Al Davis is pretty much the agreed embodiment of darkness in the NFL. The question is, do you follow that darkness, or not? Even some Raider's fans I've spoken with have wondered if the team will hit stride before he kicks the bucket. To his credit, he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He's as nuts as he wants to be, and that scariness is a reason to want them to be competitive. Every hero needs a villian... and it helps if the villian is completely cool with that casting.

Here's to hoping for top teams across the board (with the Broncs coming out on top, of course).