Current Mood: so much day...
Here's a midseason look at the state of the NFL...in my head.
Predictions:
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Best coaching job: Todd Haley (Chiefs)
Worst coaching job: Brad Childress (Vikings)
Rising star: Ndamukong Suh (Lions)
Falling star: Matt Hasselbeck (Seahawks)
Best game left: Monday, Dec. 27 - Saints @ Falcons
Worst game left: Thursday, Dec. 23 - Panthers @ Steelers
Most improved: Osi Umenyiora (Giants)
Least improved: Jay Cutler (Bears)
Comeback player of the year: Darren McFadden (Raiders)
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Arian Foster (Texans)
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: DeAngelo Williams (Panthers)
Playoffs:
AFC
North: Steelers
South: Colts
East: Patriots
West: Chargers
Wildcards: Jets, Ravens
Champion: Steelers
NFC
North: Packers
South: Falcons
East: Giants
West: Seahawks
Wildcards: Saints, Eagles
Champion: Packers
Showing posts with label prediction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prediction. Show all posts
11.07.2010
7.21.2010
8 BOLD Predictions for the 2010 NFL Season: Too Early Edition
Current Mood: antsy
Maybe you remember last year's post, 8 Bold Predictions for the 2009 NFL Season? Well, here's an update for this year! Mostly because of my job, which has moved from part time to full time this summer, I haven't been obsessively following every facet of the NFL offseason. Just...semi-obsessively. For your viewing pleasure, here's 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
Note: I'm going to try really hard shake things up and keep these predictions from looking too much like last year's. These are supposed to be Bold! Also, I am fully aware and acknowledging here that some of my predictions from last year turned out to be utterly moronic. Here we go.
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): So many interesting things to think about here, with some key players being sent to/from these teams in the offseason. Honestly, I could probably make a case for every team except the Bills winning here. I think I'll go with predicting the finishing order - Dolphins first, behind a revamped WR corp and surprising QB play (with a few creative running plays). Then Patriots, with a shaky Wes Welker to start but playing better as the year goes on. Then everybody's favorite media darlings the Jets who will lose on Thanksgiving to the Bengals. Bills? Why would you draft a star RB when your offensive line and indeed your offense in general is in shambles?
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): I already tried to say the Colts won't make the playoffs (last year) and I think I won't do that again until it actually happens. And *everybody* picks the Texans to be the surprise team to make the playoffs, so that's out (and besides, it's high time they either got over the hump and make the playoffs, or else something - probably head coach - needs to/will change). Instead I will go out on a limb and say that Chris Johnson will disappoint after an electrifying, record-breaking 2009 season, and instead finish the year with a solid, but unexciting 1400 yards. Regression toward the mean, people. Regression toward the mean.
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): I'd be very surprised if the Chargers didn't take this division by week 14 or so, so my prediction will instead focus on the most improved team from last year to this year - the Oakland Raiders. It's hard to put into words just how bad JaMarcus Russel was, and now that he's been replaced by a competent quarterback (and a surprisingly adept backup), and the franchise managed to get through the draft without making any idiotic picks means that this team is on its way back to respectability. Bold prediction? Oakland picking outside the top 10 in next year's draft.
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): Call me a homer if you wish but I'm predicting Cincy makes the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time in 27 years and THIS is the year they finally win a playoff game, the first time since 1990 (the longest NFL playoff win drought, yes, even more than the Lions), when the Reds won the World Series against the Athletics. Watch out for the Bengals defense, by the way, and Carson Palmer will return to form now that he has an elite TE.
NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins): This division is really all about sending Washington QB Jason Campbell to the Raiders and Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb to the Redskins. This completely changes the balance of power in the division, but maybe not in the way you'd think. McNabb will be playing on a vastly inferior team, while inexperienced Kevin Kolb fills in for the Eagles (yes, he did great in his 3 starts against pathetic teams). So really all this does is weaken the Eagles and bring the Redskins from "really bad" to just "bad". I'm predicting less than 8 wins for each team.
NFC South (Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Buccaneers): Atlanta bounces back from an injury filled year and Matt Ryan is over his sophomore slump, which means the Falcons and the Saints will be neck and neck in this race, splitting the games between them and deciding only in the last week which will win the division (the Saints) and who advances as a Wild Card team (Falcons). That's right. Two teams from this division will be playing in the post season.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): This is a super weak division to begin with, but the Rams are essentially an afterthought and the Seahawks have way too many new pieces to be considered a contender. Which leaves, to me, a two team race to win the division between San Fransisco and Arizona. Despite the naysayers, I think Cardinals QB Matt Leinart has potential and hopefully spent his time studying while Kurt Warner was at the helm, much in the same way Aaron Rodgers learned from Brett Favre. I think he'll struggle, but eventually lead his team to win the division (barely).
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): This also looks to be shaping up into a two-team race between the Packers and Vikings, largely dependent upon Minnesota's QB situation. That said, my prediction here is that the Lions will improve on last year's effort based on a solid draft and an overall upward trend. I think they will win 4 games this year, which leaves them far from the playoffs but counts as progress nonetheless. Poor Detroit.
Bonus Prediction: Brett Favre will start this year, but not finish.
Bonus content:
Edit - Mike Neal (2nd round draft pick of the Packers this past year) may be one of my newest football players, but watch out for Ryan Kerrigan.
Maybe you remember last year's post, 8 Bold Predictions for the 2009 NFL Season? Well, here's an update for this year! Mostly because of my job, which has moved from part time to full time this summer, I haven't been obsessively following every facet of the NFL offseason. Just...semi-obsessively. For your viewing pleasure, here's 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
Note: I'm going to try really hard shake things up and keep these predictions from looking too much like last year's. These are supposed to be Bold! Also, I am fully aware and acknowledging here that some of my predictions from last year turned out to be utterly moronic. Here we go.
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): So many interesting things to think about here, with some key players being sent to/from these teams in the offseason. Honestly, I could probably make a case for every team except the Bills winning here. I think I'll go with predicting the finishing order - Dolphins first, behind a revamped WR corp and surprising QB play (with a few creative running plays). Then Patriots, with a shaky Wes Welker to start but playing better as the year goes on. Then everybody's favorite media darlings the Jets who will lose on Thanksgiving to the Bengals. Bills? Why would you draft a star RB when your offensive line and indeed your offense in general is in shambles?
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): I already tried to say the Colts won't make the playoffs (last year) and I think I won't do that again until it actually happens. And *everybody* picks the Texans to be the surprise team to make the playoffs, so that's out (and besides, it's high time they either got over the hump and make the playoffs, or else something - probably head coach - needs to/will change). Instead I will go out on a limb and say that Chris Johnson will disappoint after an electrifying, record-breaking 2009 season, and instead finish the year with a solid, but unexciting 1400 yards. Regression toward the mean, people. Regression toward the mean.
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): I'd be very surprised if the Chargers didn't take this division by week 14 or so, so my prediction will instead focus on the most improved team from last year to this year - the Oakland Raiders. It's hard to put into words just how bad JaMarcus Russel was, and now that he's been replaced by a competent quarterback (and a surprisingly adept backup), and the franchise managed to get through the draft without making any idiotic picks means that this team is on its way back to respectability. Bold prediction? Oakland picking outside the top 10 in next year's draft.
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): Call me a homer if you wish but I'm predicting Cincy makes the playoffs in back to back seasons for the first time in 27 years and THIS is the year they finally win a playoff game, the first time since 1990 (the longest NFL playoff win drought, yes, even more than the Lions), when the Reds won the World Series against the Athletics. Watch out for the Bengals defense, by the way, and Carson Palmer will return to form now that he has an elite TE.
NFC East (Giants, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins): This division is really all about sending Washington QB Jason Campbell to the Raiders and Philadelphia QB Donovan McNabb to the Redskins. This completely changes the balance of power in the division, but maybe not in the way you'd think. McNabb will be playing on a vastly inferior team, while inexperienced Kevin Kolb fills in for the Eagles (yes, he did great in his 3 starts against pathetic teams). So really all this does is weaken the Eagles and bring the Redskins from "really bad" to just "bad". I'm predicting less than 8 wins for each team.
NFC South (Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Buccaneers): Atlanta bounces back from an injury filled year and Matt Ryan is over his sophomore slump, which means the Falcons and the Saints will be neck and neck in this race, splitting the games between them and deciding only in the last week which will win the division (the Saints) and who advances as a Wild Card team (Falcons). That's right. Two teams from this division will be playing in the post season.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): This is a super weak division to begin with, but the Rams are essentially an afterthought and the Seahawks have way too many new pieces to be considered a contender. Which leaves, to me, a two team race to win the division between San Fransisco and Arizona. Despite the naysayers, I think Cardinals QB Matt Leinart has potential and hopefully spent his time studying while Kurt Warner was at the helm, much in the same way Aaron Rodgers learned from Brett Favre. I think he'll struggle, but eventually lead his team to win the division (barely).
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): This also looks to be shaping up into a two-team race between the Packers and Vikings, largely dependent upon Minnesota's QB situation. That said, my prediction here is that the Lions will improve on last year's effort based on a solid draft and an overall upward trend. I think they will win 4 games this year, which leaves them far from the playoffs but counts as progress nonetheless. Poor Detroit.
Bonus Prediction: Brett Favre will start this year, but not finish.
Bonus content:
High profile transfer makes Purdue sort of relevant.
Do I feel bad for Cleveland? Of course not.
Edit - Mike Neal (2nd round draft pick of the Packers this past year) may be one of my newest football players, but watch out for Ryan Kerrigan.
6.08.2009
8 BOLD predictions for the 2009 NFL season: Way Too Early Edition
Current Mood: antsy
I've spent the offseason digging deep into the dark recesses of the internet to find articles about the draft, the CBA expiration, free agency, and a slew of of other things I wouldn't care about if there was actual football to watch. With all that information floating about in my head, I thought I'd put down for your viewing pleasure 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): Despite the acquisition of star receiver Terrell Owens, the Bills are going to finish last in this competitive group. Why? QB Trent Edwards doesn't have the physical skills to take advantage of such a weapon, nor does he have the charisma to control that kind of personality. T.O. has destroyed every club he's been with, and the financially struggling Bills made one last push for something to spark this franchise. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all they have, and it won't be enough.
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): The Indianapolis Colts will miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. The loss of head coach Tony Dungy will be mitigated by coach-in-waiting Jim Caldwell as part of a succession plan, but there have been two other key staff members lost in part because of retirement/money problems. WR Marvin Harrison is gone, and won't be back. Injury-riddled offseason. Joseph Addai is not producing like he used to, and the current stable of RBs in reserve will take time to find its stride. Peyton Manning ain't no spring chicken, either. Look for some other club to step up and take over the division crown (Texans, perhaps?).
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): Kyle Orton will outplay Jay Cutler. Denver has a powerful group of battle tested RBs and deep ball WRs as targets. Their defense will have improved enough that not every game has to be won in a shootout, and Orton will play with a chip on his shoulder. Enough to raise them over San Diego, who will be let down by L.T. (just like thousands of fantasy football fans the world over).
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): There will be three top 10 defenses from this division next year, and the newest member of the club will be the Bengals. Building on last year with some help from the draft and returning injured players, Cincinnati's defense will be much improved. Similarly, the offense gets a giant upgrade with the return of the God of Golden Arms, Carson "Human Juggs Machine" Palmer. These guys are gonna shock the league by earning a wild card berth behind the Steelers.
NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Redskins): At the start of the season, all four of these teams will look like Super Bowl bound teams. Gradually, three will be exposed as a fraud for different reasons. The Redskins, because shiny new toys like DT Albert Haynesworth can't save mediocre play from QB Jason Campbell for long. The Giants, because Eli Manning has already peaked and won't bounce back without dominant weapons like Plaxico Burress and "Earth, Wind, and Fire", his RB trio. The Eagles, because Donovan McNabb is wildly inconsistent, Brian Westbrook is too injury prone, and the defense has a lost a step with the loss of S Brian Dawkins. That leaves us with the Cowboys. My bold prediction is that after a very competitive regular season, Tony Romo will silence his critics by winning one playoff game.
NFC South (Falcons, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers): Oh dear god, the Falcons are going to destroy every opponent they face this year. Last year rookie QB Matt Ryan took this club to the playoffs, and he's only going to be better this year (unlike Joe Flacco on the Ravens). Really, all you need to know about this group is that the Falcons have acquired 10x Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, meaning they have a trifecta of offense with WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner. Look out.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): Last year's Cinderella story (Cardinals) will be [barely] outplayed by the resurgent Seahawks in a mediocre battle for the division title. Matt Hasselbeck doesn't have much time left in the league, so the time is now for Seattle to make a push for the postseason. They have a strong defense (especially at linebacker) and won't have to rely on seventh and eighth string receivers after an incredible slew of injuries at WR last year.
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): Injury will knock Daunte Culpepper from the starting QB position early in the season, forcing rookie Matthew Stafford to step in. And the boy will produce, following in the footsteps of last year's breakout rookie quarterbacks. He will lead the hapless Lions to within one game of .500, a remarkable turnaround but ultimately falling short of making the playoffs. While I'm at it, I'll say they win on Thanksgiving, the first time since 2003.
BONUS PREDICTION: Brett Favre will stay retired.
I've spent the offseason digging deep into the dark recesses of the internet to find articles about the draft, the CBA expiration, free agency, and a slew of of other things I wouldn't care about if there was actual football to watch. With all that information floating about in my head, I thought I'd put down for your viewing pleasure 8 bold predictions (one for each division) for the upcoming season:
AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets): Despite the acquisition of star receiver Terrell Owens, the Bills are going to finish last in this competitive group. Why? QB Trent Edwards doesn't have the physical skills to take advantage of such a weapon, nor does he have the charisma to control that kind of personality. T.O. has destroyed every club he's been with, and the financially struggling Bills made one last push for something to spark this franchise. Unfortunately, that's pretty much all they have, and it won't be enough.
AFC South (Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans): The Indianapolis Colts will miss the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. The loss of head coach Tony Dungy will be mitigated by coach-in-waiting Jim Caldwell as part of a succession plan, but there have been two other key staff members lost in part because of retirement/money problems. WR Marvin Harrison is gone, and won't be back. Injury-riddled offseason. Joseph Addai is not producing like he used to, and the current stable of RBs in reserve will take time to find its stride. Peyton Manning ain't no spring chicken, either. Look for some other club to step up and take over the division crown (Texans, perhaps?).
AFC West (Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers): Kyle Orton will outplay Jay Cutler. Denver has a powerful group of battle tested RBs and deep ball WRs as targets. Their defense will have improved enough that not every game has to be won in a shootout, and Orton will play with a chip on his shoulder. Enough to raise them over San Diego, who will be let down by L.T. (just like thousands of fantasy football fans the world over).
AFC North (Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Steelers): There will be three top 10 defenses from this division next year, and the newest member of the club will be the Bengals. Building on last year with some help from the draft and returning injured players, Cincinnati's defense will be much improved. Similarly, the offense gets a giant upgrade with the return of the God of Golden Arms, Carson "Human Juggs Machine" Palmer. These guys are gonna shock the league by earning a wild card berth behind the Steelers.
NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, Redskins): At the start of the season, all four of these teams will look like Super Bowl bound teams. Gradually, three will be exposed as a fraud for different reasons. The Redskins, because shiny new toys like DT Albert Haynesworth can't save mediocre play from QB Jason Campbell for long. The Giants, because Eli Manning has already peaked and won't bounce back without dominant weapons like Plaxico Burress and "Earth, Wind, and Fire", his RB trio. The Eagles, because Donovan McNabb is wildly inconsistent, Brian Westbrook is too injury prone, and the defense has a lost a step with the loss of S Brian Dawkins. That leaves us with the Cowboys. My bold prediction is that after a very competitive regular season, Tony Romo will silence his critics by winning one playoff game.
NFC South (Falcons, Panthers, Saints, Buccaneers): Oh dear god, the Falcons are going to destroy every opponent they face this year. Last year rookie QB Matt Ryan took this club to the playoffs, and he's only going to be better this year (unlike Joe Flacco on the Ravens). Really, all you need to know about this group is that the Falcons have acquired 10x Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez, meaning they have a trifecta of offense with WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner. Look out.
NFC West (Cardinals, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks): Last year's Cinderella story (Cardinals) will be [barely] outplayed by the resurgent Seahawks in a mediocre battle for the division title. Matt Hasselbeck doesn't have much time left in the league, so the time is now for Seattle to make a push for the postseason. They have a strong defense (especially at linebacker) and won't have to rely on seventh and eighth string receivers after an incredible slew of injuries at WR last year.
NFC North (Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings): Injury will knock Daunte Culpepper from the starting QB position early in the season, forcing rookie Matthew Stafford to step in. And the boy will produce, following in the footsteps of last year's breakout rookie quarterbacks. He will lead the hapless Lions to within one game of .500, a remarkable turnaround but ultimately falling short of making the playoffs. While I'm at it, I'll say they win on Thanksgiving, the first time since 2003.
BONUS PREDICTION: Brett Favre will stay retired.
10.24.2008
NFL Predictions, 2008-2009 Midseason
Current Mood: Carnac
Here's a midseason look at the state of the NFL...in my head.
Predictions:
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Best coaching job: Bobby Petrino (Falcons)
Worst coaching job: *sigh* Marvin Lewis (Bengals)
Rising star: Kyle Orton (Bears)
Falling star: Donovan McNabb (Eagles)
Best game left: Panthers @ Packers (Sunday November 30th)
Worst game left: Lions @ Packers (Sunday December 28th)
Most improved: Jason Campbell (Redskins)
Least improved: JaMarcus Russell (Raiders)
Comeback player of the year: Ronnie Brown (Dolphins)
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: Tom Brady (Patriots)
Playoffs:
AFC
North: Steelers
South: Titans
East: Bills
West: Chargers
Wildcards: Colts, Patriots
Champion: Steelers
NFC
North: Packers
South: Buccaneers
East: Giants
West: Cardinals
Wildcards: Bears, Panthers
Champion: Packers
Super Bowl Winner: Packers 28-17
Now, for comparison, here are my predictions from the start of the season. Most of them seem pretty laughable now. In my defense, however, the NFL HAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, more or less.
My previous worst coach prediction has moved up to best coach, because the Falcons (who I thought were done for before the season started) are on fire. Worst coach could go to any of the SIX coaches fired already, but I decided to look ahead. Da Bears have picked Purdue's finest to carry them ahead, and as much as I don't like Chicago's teams - it's nice to see my school doing well. I'm done with Donovan, and Vince Young is RIGHT behind him. I see the best game as important for both teams to try and close out playoff berths, whereas the worst game is going to be a meaningless thrashing of of the Lions by the Packers B-Squad. Redskins have been keeping it close in the NFC East on the arm of Campbell. Ronnie Brown gets the comeback nod for having a very tough surgery last year and bouncing back (remember his 5 TD game?). At least my Tom Brady disappointment prediction stays put.
I feel like all my playoff picks are trendy "pick-the-team-with-the-best-record-right-now" choices, but really, I feel like NOBODY is stepping up as a legitimate contender. The Pats lost Brady and Cassel is barely hanging on. Peyton Manning the Robot is having Vista problems. Favre is all over the place. Browns have gone from Cinderella to ...shit. Steelers are decimated with injuries. I'm not sold on the QB play of Tennessee or the Bills. LT and AP have yet to impress, and Cutler apparently needs more insulin. God knows what's going on in the NFC South...it's like a cartoon dust cloud. Eli showed he's more than capable of falling apart (on Monday Night, no less!). Hell, even the Seahawks, a virtual lock for the NFC West for the past half of a decade, have dropped the ball.
Some comments on my 3 favorite teams:
1. The Packers are one of my picks to go the distance. I'm really happy Aaron Rodgers has stepped up and shown that Green Bay didn't do wrong sticking with him. He's got a cannon arm, a slew of young agressive recievers, and they'd be crushing if it weren't for so many injuries (mostly on defense). Dear Ryan Grant: please stop fumbling the ball.
Go Pack Go.
2. Say what you want about the Cowboys, I still love them. Well, I mostly just love Tony Romo (get well soon, Tony!). That said, I'm amazed how they have self-destructed so fast and so spectactularly. They started so great, and now are dangerously close to slipping out of contention in a very competitive divison. They've also had some injuries, and I don't think Marion Barber will last more than a few seasons the way he plays.
3. Bengals.
Where to begin...
Let's try this?
Yeah. If we win the rest of the season, we'll move to .500. Woo! Early round draft pick, comin' up!
SPEAKING OF
I know Hines Ward (Steelers) is a dominating player. Still, there is no excuse for our 1st round draft pick this year (Keith Rivers) - a middle linebacker to get absolutely mauled by a wide reciever like that. Guy broke his jaw, and he's out for the season (happened a few years ago to the Bengals 1st pick, too). Marvin Lewis at this point should consider sacrificing his job - protect Carson Palmer and let him heal back to 100% by not playing him, lose the rest of the season to get a good draft position, and then get fired.
I'm just frustrated. You know it's bad when Ocho Cinco won't talk shit anymore.
Also, Dear Chris Perry: PLEASE stop fumbling the ball.
Sidenotes:
College Football
I think I have taken for granted that Purdue has reached *a* Bowl Game 10 of the past 11 years (even if we it was a terrible bowl and/or we lost). Purdue has played some crazy good opponents this year, and at times looked pretty good, but we are now 2-5 and things don't look good. So much for sending Coach Tiller out on a good note.
And my brilliant prediction that Tim Tebow would be the second 2-time Heisman Winner... yeah, maybe not :D
Fantasy Football
Last year I did okay, then grabbed Ryan Grant and rode that train to our Super Bowl. This year, I'm in the basement saddled with a slew of horrible injuries (welcome to football, Ryan!) and multiple single digit losses. *snarl* I'm gonna have to find some miracle kid if I want to turn this around and even make the playoffs.
Here's a midseason look at the state of the NFL...in my head.
Predictions:
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Best coaching job: Bobby Petrino (Falcons)
Worst coaching job: *sigh* Marvin Lewis (Bengals)
Rising star: Kyle Orton (Bears)
Falling star: Donovan McNabb (Eagles)
Best game left: Panthers @ Packers (Sunday November 30th)
Worst game left: Lions @ Packers (Sunday December 28th)
Most improved: Jason Campbell (Redskins)
Least improved: JaMarcus Russell (Raiders)
Comeback player of the year: Ronnie Brown (Dolphins)
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Matt Ryan (Falcons)
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: Tom Brady (Patriots)
Playoffs:
AFC
North: Steelers
South: Titans
East: Bills
West: Chargers
Wildcards: Colts, Patriots
Champion: Steelers
NFC
North: Packers
South: Buccaneers
East: Giants
West: Cardinals
Wildcards: Bears, Panthers
Champion: Packers
Super Bowl Winner: Packers 28-17
Now, for comparison, here are my predictions from the start of the season. Most of them seem pretty laughable now. In my defense, however, the NFL HAS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, more or less.
My previous worst coach prediction has moved up to best coach, because the Falcons (who I thought were done for before the season started) are on fire. Worst coach could go to any of the SIX coaches fired already, but I decided to look ahead. Da Bears have picked Purdue's finest to carry them ahead, and as much as I don't like Chicago's teams - it's nice to see my school doing well. I'm done with Donovan, and Vince Young is RIGHT behind him. I see the best game as important for both teams to try and close out playoff berths, whereas the worst game is going to be a meaningless thrashing of of the Lions by the Packers B-Squad. Redskins have been keeping it close in the NFC East on the arm of Campbell. Ronnie Brown gets the comeback nod for having a very tough surgery last year and bouncing back (remember his 5 TD game?). At least my Tom Brady disappointment prediction stays put.
I feel like all my playoff picks are trendy "pick-the-team-with-the-best-record-right-now" choices, but really, I feel like NOBODY is stepping up as a legitimate contender. The Pats lost Brady and Cassel is barely hanging on. Peyton Manning the Robot is having Vista problems. Favre is all over the place. Browns have gone from Cinderella to ...shit. Steelers are decimated with injuries. I'm not sold on the QB play of Tennessee or the Bills. LT and AP have yet to impress, and Cutler apparently needs more insulin. God knows what's going on in the NFC South...it's like a cartoon dust cloud. Eli showed he's more than capable of falling apart (on Monday Night, no less!). Hell, even the Seahawks, a virtual lock for the NFC West for the past half of a decade, have dropped the ball.
Some comments on my 3 favorite teams:
1. The Packers are one of my picks to go the distance. I'm really happy Aaron Rodgers has stepped up and shown that Green Bay didn't do wrong sticking with him. He's got a cannon arm, a slew of young agressive recievers, and they'd be crushing if it weren't for so many injuries (mostly on defense). Dear Ryan Grant: please stop fumbling the ball.
Go Pack Go.
2. Say what you want about the Cowboys, I still love them. Well, I mostly just love Tony Romo (get well soon, Tony!). That said, I'm amazed how they have self-destructed so fast and so spectactularly. They started so great, and now are dangerously close to slipping out of contention in a very competitive divison. They've also had some injuries, and I don't think Marion Barber will last more than a few seasons the way he plays.
3. Bengals.
Where to begin...
Let's try this?
With a 38-10 loss to Pittsburgh last week, Cincinnati (0-7) remained winless through seven games for the fifth time since 1991. No other team has experienced that kind of futility more than twice in that span. -NFL.com
Yeah. If we win the rest of the season, we'll move to .500. Woo! Early round draft pick, comin' up!
SPEAKING OF
I know Hines Ward (Steelers) is a dominating player. Still, there is no excuse for our 1st round draft pick this year (Keith Rivers) - a middle linebacker to get absolutely mauled by a wide reciever like that. Guy broke his jaw, and he's out for the season (happened a few years ago to the Bengals 1st pick, too). Marvin Lewis at this point should consider sacrificing his job - protect Carson Palmer and let him heal back to 100% by not playing him, lose the rest of the season to get a good draft position, and then get fired.
I'm just frustrated. You know it's bad when Ocho Cinco won't talk shit anymore.
Also, Dear Chris Perry: PLEASE stop fumbling the ball.
Sidenotes:
College Football
I think I have taken for granted that Purdue has reached *a* Bowl Game 10 of the past 11 years (even if we it was a terrible bowl and/or we lost). Purdue has played some crazy good opponents this year, and at times looked pretty good, but we are now 2-5 and things don't look good. So much for sending Coach Tiller out on a good note.
And my brilliant prediction that Tim Tebow would be the second 2-time Heisman Winner... yeah, maybe not :D
Fantasy Football
Last year I did okay, then grabbed Ryan Grant and rode that train to our Super Bowl. This year, I'm in the basement saddled with a slew of horrible injuries (welcome to football, Ryan!) and multiple single digit losses. *snarl* I'm gonna have to find some miracle kid if I want to turn this around and even make the playoffs.
8.15.2008
NFL Predictions, 2008-2009 Season Start
Current Mood: catch up
Fantasy football drafts tomorrow- holy cow I'm so pumped. We have more than double the teams of last year, and most of the people signed up are way into the game. I've got my NFL draft magazine, cheat sheets, and bye week charts at the ready.
Bring it on.
This year, I want to learn more of the Bengals roster - learn the names of guys like Dexter Jackson. To start, I've decided to keep a printout of the depth chart in my room. Also, probably keep a list of all the coaches, starting QBs, and all 32 teams divided into their conferences and divisions, and try to learn all of those.
Predictions:
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Best coaching job: Tony Sparano (Dolphins)
Worst coaching job: Bobby Petrino (Falcons)
Rising star: Braylon Edwards (Browns)
Falling star: Reggie Bush (Saints)
Best game: New England @ NY Jets, Sunday September 14th
Worst game: Kansas City @ Falcons, Sunday September 21st
Most improved: David Garrard (Jaguars)
Least improved: JaMarcus Russell (Raiders)
Comeback player of the year: Chad Pennington (Dolphins)
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Troy Smith (Ravens)
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: Tom Brady (Patriots)
Playoffs:
AFC
North: Browns
South: Colts
East: Jets
West: Chargers
Wildcards: Patriots, Bengals
Champion: Colts
NFC
North: Packers
South: Buccaneers
East: Cowboys
West: Seahawks
Wildcards: Saints, Giants
Champion: Cowboys
Super Bowl Winner: Cowboys, 24-17
Fantasy football drafts tomorrow- holy cow I'm so pumped. We have more than double the teams of last year, and most of the people signed up are way into the game. I've got my NFL draft magazine, cheat sheets, and bye week charts at the ready.
Bring it on.
This year, I want to learn more of the Bengals roster - learn the names of guys like Dexter Jackson. To start, I've decided to keep a printout of the depth chart in my room. Also, probably keep a list of all the coaches, starting QBs, and all 32 teams divided into their conferences and divisions, and try to learn all of those.
Predictions:
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
Best coaching job: Tony Sparano (Dolphins)
Worst coaching job: Bobby Petrino (Falcons)
Rising star: Braylon Edwards (Browns)
Falling star: Reggie Bush (Saints)
Best game: New England @ NY Jets, Sunday September 14th
Worst game: Kansas City @ Falcons, Sunday September 21st
Most improved: David Garrard (Jaguars)
Least improved: JaMarcus Russell (Raiders)
Comeback player of the year: Chad Pennington (Dolphins)
Biggest Fantasy Surprise: Troy Smith (Ravens)
Biggest Fantasy Disappointment: Tom Brady (Patriots)
Playoffs:
AFC
North: Browns
South: Colts
East: Jets
West: Chargers
Wildcards: Patriots, Bengals
Champion: Colts
NFC
North: Packers
South: Buccaneers
East: Cowboys
West: Seahawks
Wildcards: Saints, Giants
Champion: Cowboys
Super Bowl Winner: Cowboys, 24-17
10.31.2007
fairly recent routine
Current Mood: improving
You should all know by now that I write about football around midweek. I do so because Saturday is college gameday, Sunday is NFL, and then there's usually MNF to wait for as well. I also like to read power rankings, finish up my fantasy team business, and study the reviews of the last week - and previews of this upcoming week's games. That said, here we go:
Purdue improved to 7-2 (all) and 3-2 (Big Ten) with a victory over Northwestern, 35-17. The offense-touted Wildcats made things close at times, but we managed to finish things off and secure a major bowl bid, and we're tied for 2nd in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, it seems that Purdue is perpetually unable to beat *good* teams, and reach the upper tier of the conference, at times skirting the BCS top 25 but unable to hold on to any sort of ranking. Next up: a tough road game at "Happy Valley" Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3 all, 3-3 conf.)
Other NCAAF thoughts: Indiana might actually give us a run for our money this year. Also, I think I may have to watch the annual OSU/Michigan game with Future Roommate Greg, even though he has no faith in his Wolverines.
This is simply amazing.
In the NFL, the Cowboys (6-1) had a bye week but the big news is that my boy Tony Romo signed a huge contract to be the Dallas franchise QB until 2013, worth $67.5 million. I could not have been happier with how that went. They play division rivals the Eagles (3-4) this week.
Patriots rolled over the Redskins (#5 ranked defense my ass). People have accused the Patriots of being stupid (keeping Brady in well into the 4th quarter, risking an injury) and running up the score. I have mixed feelings. For example, I want somebody to head block his knee and take him out, but I also think it's unsportsmanlike. One commentator suggested such tactics in his article "I'd Hit Brady Late". File that under "one of the gayest things I've heard this week". I also agree that if a team keeps scoring on you, it's not their job to let up - you should suck less. The Patriots had a sizeable lead and they went for it on 4th down late in the game, instead of kicking a FG, but I'm a big supporter of going for it on 4th down in general. Similarly, my love of trick plays knows no team loyalty, so when Brady faked a QB kneel and instead tossed it to the end zone, I was happy.
In the end, I suppose the consolation prize of their victory is a matchup this weekend between 8-0 Patriots and 7-0 Colts, the first meeting of lossless teams this far into the season. Everybody is going nuts over this game, and for once I will concede a bit of hype - we're well into the season and even though the Patriots have rolled over fluff teams from the basement of the NFL, the Colts have played with grit without one of their star receivers (Marvin Harrison - knee). One of the ESPN analysts on MNF thought it was particularly telling that the Colts - defending Super Bowl champs, undefeated and AT HOME are 5 point underdogs. Crazy. I've stated before that even though I've been in Indiana for about 3 years now, the Colts are not my team. I respect them, I think they're classy (especially coach Tony Dungy), and they are undeniably good. However I'm not a bandwagon fan, I'm not from around here at all, and I knew next to nothing about football right when they started getting good, so I resist rooting for them out of respect for the game. That, and QB Peyton Manning is a sellout/robot (admittedly, I begrudgingly respect his earning power, and this was pretty damn funny).
THAT SAID, I hope the Colts fuck up the Patriot's little party in an exciting, hard-hitting high-scoring game. I don't want a blowout, just high-caliber football with a Colts win (while I'm at it, I also hope Indianapolis loses later in the season and the Bengals make the playoffs, but one game at a time, right?).
The New Orleans Saints (3-4) seem to have a knack for shooting themselves in the foot and starting the season several games behind, before making a strong showing and giving glimpses of hope (Drew Brees with 4 TDs, weekly passing leader!). Will their 3 game win streak (including last week's win 31-10 over the 49ers) continue? I hope so, but I don't think they'll make the playoffs. Few things are better than a good underdog story. One of them would be playing well at the start of next year. They play the Jags (5-2) this week, which I think will be a good measure of how far they will go.
Tangentially related to the Saints (+ Hurricane Katrina), many credit the Chargers's 35-10 win over the Texans to a sense of community bonding over the California wildfires. I think the two disasters are surprising in that this sort of weather/natural phenomena happens regularly in those areas and people are pretty blind, but that's a topic for another time. Situationally, I think the two events are different, and the Chargers win may have had more to do with a little guy named LaDainian Tomlinson. You may have heard of him, he was last year's MVP (early season lack of production notwithstanding).
Adrian Peterson is amazing. I will add him with Devin Hester to my list of players I like, but don't care about their team.
At first I was sad about not seeing the Giants beat the Dolphins 13-10 in Wembley Stadium, London. Then I saw the highlights, and noticed it was a boring game far away between crappy teams that nobody really enjoyed. Cool. Let's hope next overseas trip goes better, NFL?
Ack! Bengals lost big time to the Steelers 24-13. Not a big surprise, but being further away from home means I see less games, and it's easier to swallow a loss I don't spend 3+ hours watching. Apparently there was a big controversy over a fourth down call that came from coach Marvin Lewis (remember my earlier comment about going for it on 4th down) that could've cost the Bengals the game. The AFC North lead gets further away each week, though if the Ravens beat the Steelers on MNF this week, that could help by pitting the other massive juggernauts of my division against each other while the Bengals try to find some way to get their shit together and claw their way back to even .500. We're now 2-5, facing the Bills (3-4) this week.
I wish I could tell you a lot about Green Bay's 19-13 win over the Broncos on Monday Night Football, but I kinda slept through most of it accidentally. The highlights were pretty sweet, though, and Brett Favre continues to impress me. Apparently he's played over 30 MNF games, and is 2nd in just about every record there (trailing only Dan Marino, I believe). I hope he has many more MNF games left, since he's got the big-play arm and vision. Captain Comeback led the Packers to 6-1 (tied for the NFC best record with none other than the Cowboys) in a great overtime victory, with an 82 yard score by WR Greg Jennings - snapping a 6 game losing streak in Denver. Was not happy with some GB penalties, but special mention goes to Aaron Kampman for some great sackitude (sackitude?). Let's hope the Packers running game (if you want to call it that) can continue to grow against 4-3 KC Chiefs this week (if not, eh, let Brett Favre throw it s'more).
Here's a photo gallery of short NFL players. It makes me happy.
Another fantasy win this week, this time over 2nd place Cooper. This puts me back at .500, and I should win again this week (unless something crazy happens). That said, I don't know if I can realistically climb to the top, given current player distribution and win/loss records. Bill Vedra has Tom Brady, and he is very difficult to beat. Here's hoping not playing Eagles QB McNabb doesn't bite me in the ass AGAIN. He should not be as good against the Cowboys when compared to Hasselbeck vs. the Browns.
Lastly, I'm going to predict here (for nobody in particular) who I think will reach the playoffs, even take a stab at the Super Bowl. I should've done this earlier for a greater effect - I hereby admit that my mid-season knowledge makes this less impressive. I'm...I'm not entirely sure how this works? Note to self: learn playoffs system this year.
AFC East - Patriots (*sigh*)
AFC North - Steelers (*sigh*)
AFC South - Colts
AFC West - Chargers
Wild Cards - Browns (whaat?), Titans
NFC East - Cowboys (yeah!)
NFC North - Packers (yeah!)
NFC South - Buccaneers
NFC West - Seahawks
Wild Cards - Panthers, uh...Giants?
AFC Championship - Patriots vs. Colts
NFC Championship - Cowboys vs. Packers
Super Bowl - Cowboys over Colts, 24-21
What do you guys think? Did I do it right? Am I smoking something? Given the current records, remaining schedules, and probably some favorite-team bias, that's what I think will go down.
Ryan's blog: becoming an amateur sportswriter's column, one week at a time. Well, just football really.
You should all know by now that I write about football around midweek. I do so because Saturday is college gameday, Sunday is NFL, and then there's usually MNF to wait for as well. I also like to read power rankings, finish up my fantasy team business, and study the reviews of the last week - and previews of this upcoming week's games. That said, here we go:
Purdue improved to 7-2 (all) and 3-2 (Big Ten) with a victory over Northwestern, 35-17. The offense-touted Wildcats made things close at times, but we managed to finish things off and secure a major bowl bid, and we're tied for 2nd in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, it seems that Purdue is perpetually unable to beat *good* teams, and reach the upper tier of the conference, at times skirting the BCS top 25 but unable to hold on to any sort of ranking. Next up: a tough road game at "Happy Valley" Penn State Nittany Lions (6-3 all, 3-3 conf.)
Other NCAAF thoughts: Indiana might actually give us a run for our money this year. Also, I think I may have to watch the annual OSU/Michigan game with Future Roommate Greg, even though he has no faith in his Wolverines.
This is simply amazing.
In the NFL, the Cowboys (6-1) had a bye week but the big news is that my boy Tony Romo signed a huge contract to be the Dallas franchise QB until 2013, worth $67.5 million. I could not have been happier with how that went. They play division rivals the Eagles (3-4) this week.
Patriots rolled over the Redskins (#5 ranked defense my ass). People have accused the Patriots of being stupid (keeping Brady in well into the 4th quarter, risking an injury) and running up the score. I have mixed feelings. For example, I want somebody to head block his knee and take him out, but I also think it's unsportsmanlike. One commentator suggested such tactics in his article "I'd Hit Brady Late". File that under "one of the gayest things I've heard this week". I also agree that if a team keeps scoring on you, it's not their job to let up - you should suck less. The Patriots had a sizeable lead and they went for it on 4th down late in the game, instead of kicking a FG, but I'm a big supporter of going for it on 4th down in general. Similarly, my love of trick plays knows no team loyalty, so when Brady faked a QB kneel and instead tossed it to the end zone, I was happy.
In the end, I suppose the consolation prize of their victory is a matchup this weekend between 8-0 Patriots and 7-0 Colts, the first meeting of lossless teams this far into the season. Everybody is going nuts over this game, and for once I will concede a bit of hype - we're well into the season and even though the Patriots have rolled over fluff teams from the basement of the NFL, the Colts have played with grit without one of their star receivers (Marvin Harrison - knee). One of the ESPN analysts on MNF thought it was particularly telling that the Colts - defending Super Bowl champs, undefeated and AT HOME are 5 point underdogs. Crazy. I've stated before that even though I've been in Indiana for about 3 years now, the Colts are not my team. I respect them, I think they're classy (especially coach Tony Dungy), and they are undeniably good. However I'm not a bandwagon fan, I'm not from around here at all, and I knew next to nothing about football right when they started getting good, so I resist rooting for them out of respect for the game. That, and QB Peyton Manning is a sellout/robot (admittedly, I begrudgingly respect his earning power, and this was pretty damn funny).
THAT SAID, I hope the Colts fuck up the Patriot's little party in an exciting, hard-hitting high-scoring game. I don't want a blowout, just high-caliber football with a Colts win (while I'm at it, I also hope Indianapolis loses later in the season and the Bengals make the playoffs, but one game at a time, right?).
The New Orleans Saints (3-4) seem to have a knack for shooting themselves in the foot and starting the season several games behind, before making a strong showing and giving glimpses of hope (Drew Brees with 4 TDs, weekly passing leader!). Will their 3 game win streak (including last week's win 31-10 over the 49ers) continue? I hope so, but I don't think they'll make the playoffs. Few things are better than a good underdog story. One of them would be playing well at the start of next year. They play the Jags (5-2) this week, which I think will be a good measure of how far they will go.
Tangentially related to the Saints (+ Hurricane Katrina), many credit the Chargers's 35-10 win over the Texans to a sense of community bonding over the California wildfires. I think the two disasters are surprising in that this sort of weather/natural phenomena happens regularly in those areas and people are pretty blind, but that's a topic for another time. Situationally, I think the two events are different, and the Chargers win may have had more to do with a little guy named LaDainian Tomlinson. You may have heard of him, he was last year's MVP (early season lack of production notwithstanding).
Adrian Peterson is amazing. I will add him with Devin Hester to my list of players I like, but don't care about their team.
At first I was sad about not seeing the Giants beat the Dolphins 13-10 in Wembley Stadium, London. Then I saw the highlights, and noticed it was a boring game far away between crappy teams that nobody really enjoyed. Cool. Let's hope next overseas trip goes better, NFL?
Ack! Bengals lost big time to the Steelers 24-13. Not a big surprise, but being further away from home means I see less games, and it's easier to swallow a loss I don't spend 3+ hours watching. Apparently there was a big controversy over a fourth down call that came from coach Marvin Lewis (remember my earlier comment about going for it on 4th down) that could've cost the Bengals the game. The AFC North lead gets further away each week, though if the Ravens beat the Steelers on MNF this week, that could help by pitting the other massive juggernauts of my division against each other while the Bengals try to find some way to get their shit together and claw their way back to even .500. We're now 2-5, facing the Bills (3-4) this week.
I wish I could tell you a lot about Green Bay's 19-13 win over the Broncos on Monday Night Football, but I kinda slept through most of it accidentally. The highlights were pretty sweet, though, and Brett Favre continues to impress me. Apparently he's played over 30 MNF games, and is 2nd in just about every record there (trailing only Dan Marino, I believe). I hope he has many more MNF games left, since he's got the big-play arm and vision. Captain Comeback led the Packers to 6-1 (tied for the NFC best record with none other than the Cowboys) in a great overtime victory, with an 82 yard score by WR Greg Jennings - snapping a 6 game losing streak in Denver. Was not happy with some GB penalties, but special mention goes to Aaron Kampman for some great sackitude (sackitude?). Let's hope the Packers running game (if you want to call it that) can continue to grow against 4-3 KC Chiefs this week (if not, eh, let Brett Favre throw it s'more).
Here's a photo gallery of short NFL players. It makes me happy.
Another fantasy win this week, this time over 2nd place Cooper. This puts me back at .500, and I should win again this week (unless something crazy happens). That said, I don't know if I can realistically climb to the top, given current player distribution and win/loss records. Bill Vedra has Tom Brady, and he is very difficult to beat. Here's hoping not playing Eagles QB McNabb doesn't bite me in the ass AGAIN. He should not be as good against the Cowboys when compared to Hasselbeck vs. the Browns.
Lastly, I'm going to predict here (for nobody in particular) who I think will reach the playoffs, even take a stab at the Super Bowl. I should've done this earlier for a greater effect - I hereby admit that my mid-season knowledge makes this less impressive. I'm...I'm not entirely sure how this works? Note to self: learn playoffs system this year.
AFC East - Patriots (*sigh*)
AFC North - Steelers (*sigh*)
AFC South - Colts
AFC West - Chargers
Wild Cards - Browns (whaat?), Titans
NFC East - Cowboys (yeah!)
NFC North - Packers (yeah!)
NFC South - Buccaneers
NFC West - Seahawks
Wild Cards - Panthers, uh...Giants?
AFC Championship - Patriots vs. Colts
NFC Championship - Cowboys vs. Packers
Super Bowl - Cowboys over Colts, 24-21
What do you guys think? Did I do it right? Am I smoking something? Given the current records, remaining schedules, and probably some favorite-team bias, that's what I think will go down.
Ryan's blog: becoming an amateur sportswriter's column, one week at a time. Well, just football really.
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