Our Predictions

While I love you all and hope that the Packers do win the NFC North (and even the NFC Championship, Andrew), might there be a little bias in these predictions? How difficult is it to maintain objectivity when talking about organization by whom you've previously been employed?

I wouldn't bet my own money on the Packers. The key is getting off to a fast start and with all the injuries they have had recently I don't see them picking up where they left off. Ryan Pickett, KGB and A.J Hawk haven't seen the field in awhile and the offensive line has been hit again by the injury bug. The Packers have a much tougher schedule than they did last year as well. At best the Packers end up 8-8.

Wow, Seahawks ... really!?
Michael are you looking for a job in the Pacific Northwest next year? ;-)

Apparently nobody read Matt Bowen's article on Brady's foot yesterday. ;-)

Mr. Bowen,

Once again your blatant bias against the Patriots shows up. How can you say with a straight face that Phillip Rivers and LT are going to come into Foxborough and beat Tom Brady in the playoffs?! It is not going to happen. Not to mention Norv Turner out coaching the hoodie. The Pats will focused and ready to redeem themselves after unfinished business last year.

Bowen came within getting the winner of the last game right...I read Lombardi every day, but, I mean, come on, he did once voluntarily take a job with the Raiders...so while he is most insightful, you have to question the judgement...LOL...like Pink says, let's get his party started!!!

Matt,
What is your logic on the Colts being picked as your super bowl champs? The way i look at it, they are the team that is getting old. Peyton Manning is entering is 11th year in the league and Marvin Harrison is 36 years old. Not mention the fact that Dwight Freeney missed significant time last year, and nobody knows how he is going to return. The Chargers were disappointing for most of last season, until winning one game at Indy. LT has more miles on him than my Ford Bronco II from college and they have zero threat at WR. Not to mention the fact Merriman is playing with a shredded knee. I am sorry I just don't see it. Granted the Pats are old on D, but they still have the most prolific offense in the history of the league largely in tact.

Matt - Why is it the Colts year?

I say it is San Diego's year.
+ Easy schedule
+ Shouldn't have a slow start this year
+ Crappy division
+ They own Indi
+ Deepest team in the NFL
+ Rivers will have a huge year now that he knows Norv's offense
+ If healthy, can beat New England

Andrew, I like your predictions (maybe I
m a little biased because I'm a Packer fan, but don't think they drop off much in talent/record just because Bretts gone), but I'd like to know your reasoning behind it. Obviously, you have inside info (and maybe a little bias) on why they may not drop off quite like the rest of the country seems to think they will, and I'm curious to know why!

Personally, I think Aaron has a strong arm, is accurate, can scrable, and has a lot of talent around him... and all he has to do is be efficient. He can run this offense as well, if not better than Brett (no, that doesn't mean he's a HOFer as you don't have to be in this offense), but he needs to stay healthy. They are returning like 20 of 22 starters, so that has to speak for something.

I'm sorry, I like the Seahawks, but I can't see them doing anything special. Hasselbecks healthy is questionable, Morris (as good as he's "supposed" to be, looked average last year), their WR's core is in shambles right now, and thier "amazing" defense was shredded by GB in the playoffs. You don't think people have tape of that game?! They will have a rough start to the season, and for them to have a chance, they'll have to get very hot late.

Shannon,

Interesting points on San Diego. Granted they own Indy, but NE owns SD. Also, they already have injury issues. Merriman has torn knee ligaments! Granted, they have a crappy division, but that won't matter come january. Plus, what has Norv Turner ever done in the playoffs besides two lucky wins last year.

Why am I still not sold on the Packers? I've been a Lions fan my whole life (hold the laughter), so I am quite familiar with the NFC North. Last year took me completely by surprise, and is it possible that it was just "miracle season" where all the cards line up? I think the NFC North is a crap shoot this year. I mean honestly, is there a team in that division that doesn't have any question marks going into this year? (i.e. T. Jackson, A. Rodgers, K. Orton, Lions D) All it will take is consistant play from these question marks, and the NFC North becomes a very tough division.

My prediction: Vikings win the division with decent play from T. Jackson, Orton plays solid but the Bears D disappoints, and the Packers and Lions play in the final game of the season for an NFC Wildcard spot. (Ok, maybe a little wishful thinking on my part, but wouldn't that be great... Lions needing a win (in Lambeau) against thier rival and long time superior to finally make it over the hump and make the playoffs turning their fortunes and dominating the NFC North for years to come. Ahhh, I can see it now.

I wouldn't have said Andrew was biased just because he has the Packers doing well but to say the Cowboys won't even make the playoffs? Ok, guess we'll see about that. I'm traveling up to Lambeau on September 21 since I've never been there and it gets boring watching Dallas whip them down here all the time.

You know, I have to mention before I run... It's nice to see the writers actually active within their own blogs, It's pretty rare!

I also appologize for the grammar as I'm in too much of a hurry to proofread now, and type quicker than I think!

Until next time...

Butch- Great points about Turner. I have to agree that he has struggled in the post season during his career. You seem to be on top of your game today.I would like to see them face the Pats again this season, when all their players are healthy.

Turner does have two Superbowl rings you know? Granted, he wasn't head coach but still he played a huge part in developing that QB and whole offense really.

I know last year was last year, but the Steelers got roughed up by the Jags last year TWICE, and in convincing fashion.

Meanwhile the jags added Greg Williams and two edge rushers. What did the Steelers do, loose their best linemen.

This pick is indefensible without some explanation. Mike you always talk about quality lines being the difference maker, where are those 7 of ten quality linemen on the steelers?

In short why are you picking against your own method of analysis?

Totally agree with b roo. Norv got back some of that swaggered he had while in Dallas last year. The guy had a MASH unit on offense and beat Indi in Indi and almost beat New England.

He had no talent in Washington and Oakland.

Michael, why are you so high on Seattle?

The only scenario I can see them going to the Superbowl is if they have get homefield in all their playoff games.

The Rams and Cardinals have a great chance of splitting their series with them.

With Al Saunders grinding out games on the ground and controlling time of possession they could win the division by keeping the score low and close and getting a few breaks.

Mr Bowen,

I do not agree with your assessment of the Colts. I really feel the Chargers are going to be there in the end. I agree with Shannon who makes some good points. I do believe the Cowboys are going to be in the Super Bowl, I have them winning it.

Butch,
I believe the Pats are going to get real old real quick this year.

I'm siding with Michael on picking the Texans and Panthers to make the playoffs this year. At least I hope so. Picked up Schaub, Delhomme, Stewart, A.Johnson and Daniels for my FF team this year.

By my count: Mike has 8 teams returning, Andrew and Matt have 9, tho not the same 9. On form, it won't go like that as, over the past few seasons, teams return at ~ a 50% rate. Six that is.

As usual, injuries will tell. Those, in part, brought down both the Eagles and Panthers last season. I'm inclined to agree with those who have them back this time. The Bears and Rams were two others. If the Vikes are picked, despite a large question at QB, maybe the Bears figure too. IIRC, they did win 9 of 14, give or take, with Ortan at QB, circa 2004. If Forte delivers, and Dvorchek (sp?), this may be a better Bear team. As for the Rams, well, it's been awhile since they've sniffed it but they cannot have the kind of year along the OL they've endured over the past couple.

I'm a Steelers fan, but i have to say that Mike's line analysis puts them no better than 3rd in the AFC North. Their OL is surely behind Cleveland's and, probably the other Ohio team. Baltimore is better guard to guard...

Their DL is no better than 2nd, behind Baltimore's and that's now, before the season takes it's toll on their top six, all over 30 years of age.

in the Steel-no-more City, it could be a long, long season.

Appreciate the site. Much thanks.

Oops.

Ortan was a starter in 2005, not 2004. Sorry.

Dale Jr- I like the Cowboys pick, I just hope they dont implode by season's end.... It seems like you have the same view points when it comes to the Pats as well this season... By the way, Kyle Busch is going to take home the Sprint Cup. Have a good one...

No Bills playoff love, huh? I thought you guys were high on them getting to the playoffs this year? Is it because of Jason Peters' idiotic holdout???

Andrew, I can't see the Cowboys not making the playoffs, especially behind teams like the Vikings and Giants. What gives?

The biggest issue I see with the Cowboys is Jason Garrett. His play calling is questionable, especially towards the end of the season. They struggle when he forgets to run the ball and set up screen passes. BTW - they really need a decent 2nd receiver. My mom could cover Crayton.

B roo,
Last time I checked San Diego isn't lining up with HOFers a QB,RB, and WR with one of the greatest lines of all time. San Diego is one LT injury away from picking in the top 10 in my opinion.
I agree with Jason on the Bills. I think they are going to be a playoff team this year. They have playmakers on offense, and just enough D to get it done.

Michael - so you are looking for a Hoosiers type of season out of Seattle? Perhaps they should have signed Rudi instead of Detroit. ;-)

Butch,
The Chargers are lining up with a HOF RB and perhaps TE. The Chargers are loaded at RB. If you read the blogs here you know how much love Sproles is getting Tolbert and Hester both could thrive in Norv's system.

This is Rivers year, great line that is as deep as any team in the league, Chambers and Jackson are both number one receivers, Gates is back and oh yeah, theirs that LT guy.

Shannon,

Chambers and Jackson are garbage. Gates on the downside of his career. He may get 900 yds and 8 tds this year. I am no NFL expert, but Darren Sproles has been in the league 5-6 years and has been a career 3RD STRINGER, so I am assuming there is a reason for that. You also convienently left out the fact that Philip Rivers is their quarterback, who on a good day is a poor-man's Jake Delhomme. Call me crazy, but I will take Brady's 3 rings and Randy Moss over that crew any day.

Wow, you guys all pick the Packers to win the North. Hope you are right.

I am actually more concerned about the Guards, KGB, and the Tackles. Very spotty play in the preseason and very little participation for some of them.

I actually think that Rogers will be OK.
The Vikings have a fine O-line, a superior run defence and have improved the pass rush. Its going to be close

Butch,
The Chargers without LT and Gates almost beat New England in New England. It was a 2 point difference going into the four quarter.

I didn't leave out the fact that Rivers is their QB, I actually pointed out that this is his year.

I can't argue against Brady, but Jammer has owned Moss.

Chargers are peaking, New England is on their way down.

Michael how about some input on Sproles?

Michael - glad to see someone else with some Seahawk love. How's this for a list?

+ One of the top defenses in the NFL in 2007 returns all 11 starters.
+ Leroy Hill is a beast.
+ Playing in the NFC West is probably good for 5 wins.
+ Matt Hasselbeck is, arguably, the best quarterback in the NFC.
+ Mike Holmgren is allowing Hasselbeck to carry the offense. Seattle was noticably better last year when they passed more frequently.
+ Seattle plays the AFC east and could sweep the division with New England having to travel to Seattle.

Now I know Andrew is biased since he replied specifically to Jason and ignored me, the ultimate Cowboy homer. I'm out on the Chargers argument except to say they are talented and don't count Turner out as a coach. Picking past the 2nd round of playoffs at this point is a total crapshoot. Anyone saying SD or Dallas won't even make the playoffs will either end up being a genius or something else...

Go Bills!!!

Maybe being a recent Hawaiian transplant has left me with too much sun, but the Eagles to beat out the Cowboys? Does anyone remember the destruction at Lincoln field last year. Did I miss the Eagles addressing their wr issues? A case could easily be made for the Giants winning the division, but the Cowboys missing the playoffs entirely? Romo had one of the top ten statistical seasons ever, and while the 'Boys have recieved a large amount of criticism for their playoff failure, the Giants D-Line had the most dominating post-season run ever, outside of the 70's Steel Curtain.
Michael...the Seahawks? Is Burleson going to turn into R.E. Moss. I have seen enough of Julius Jones/Morris/Duckett to suspend my disbelief.

The AFC will come down to injuries, with Merrima being the first large, unsolvable issue.

Cowboys will be the first to six Lombardi's

The Redskins are awful; however Portis' is a stud, his hit on Kiwanuka may have been better than MJD on Merriman. I can't explain how happy I am that Snyder owns the 'Skins.