2004 NFL Predictions
 

Let's keep this real though. I'm a huge Packer fan, but I have to go with the Colts. Peyton Manning kills defenses.

Re: 2004 NFL Predictions
 

but Patriots defense


PATRIOTS!!!

With Corey Dillon they look stronger than last year, championship year by the way.

good point

I hope my Chargers do well, but in reality, I know they won't but I'll still pick them. Or the Dolphins

The RAIDERS.

They've got to do something to come back from the humiliating Superbowl defeat two seasons ago.

I have to go with the Patriots and Philly. Those are the teams I feel will be the strongest though the whole season.

The Ravens will RULE this year!

I like Dallas, If they can get a decent running game going.

I have to go with:

Ravens vs. Patriots in AFC Championship

Seahawks vs. Panthers in NFC Championship.

The Ravens actually have passing weapons this year, trading a draft pick for Kevin Johnson to start with Travis Taylor, and drafting Devard Darling. Jamal Lewis is looking like he'll be able to play the season, and the defense is a year more experianced.

The Patriots added a good running back to their already good passing game, plus their defense is among the very best.

The Seahawks have a solid young defense and a offense. They've been among the preseason picks the past couple years but haven't put it all together yet.

The Panthers return everybody, and if Jake Delhomme can become Tom Brady and last as a quality starter, they will be in great position for another run.

I think that Carolina makes the Super Bowl again, and Baltimore does in a close game at New England.

Baltimore over Carolina to win the Super Bowl.

I'll be back later to do an analysis of the Ravens like last year.

Baltimore Ravens

2003 Record: 10-6

2004 Projected Record: 12-4

Defense:

The defense is, as it has been, the strength of the team. Starting up front with a solid front in the 3-4. Anchored by Kelly Gregg, with a successful rotation of tackle/ends Tony Weaver, Marquis Douglas, Jarrett Johnson, Maa'ke Keamatu, and Aubreyo Franklin, they showed solid ability increasing throughout last year, and that should continue.

The linebacker corps is as strong as ever. Defensive Rookie of the Year Terrell Suggs was great in his pass-rush role last season, and is likely going to be the starter at OLB if he can improve his coverage ability. Along with Peter Boulware, the underrated Ed Hartwell, and the football god known as Ray Lewis, they would likely be the best LB corps in the league. Plus, they have solid depth in Cornell Green and the versitile Adalious Thomas.

The secondary rivals the best in football. Chris McAlister is considered by experts to be one of the top three or four corners in football. On the other side is Gary Baxter, who had a breakout year last year. Playing strong saftey is Ed Reed, who is among the best at his position. The question is at free safety, where Will Demps has shown flashes of talent, and is expected to have a year like Gary Baxter last year.

Offense:

This year's offense could be the best of any team the Ravens have had. Jamal Lewis is looking at court troubles which could be the hinge on how the entire season turns, but all indications are that he will play the season. If not, Musa Smith is a very similar player to Jamal, and Chester Taylor is a solid third-down option.

The passing attack is looking solid. Kyle Boller showed steady improvement from his first game until his injury last year, and has something to prove this year. The Ravens traded for the ideal possesion receiver in Kevin Johnson, allowing Travis Taylor to move to a more natural speed receiver role. Also drafted was Devard Darling, who in most years would have been a first-round talent.

The offensive line is as solid as ever. Last year there were question marks at center, and right guard and tackle. Now, only right guard can be considered a question mark. Mike Flynn and Orlando Brown sure up center and right tackle, while Benny Anderson is still servicable at guard. The left side is All-World with Jon Ogdan and Edwin Mullitallo. They were a large part of the reason for Jamal's 2,000 yard season last year, and will attempt to repeat it.

Overall:

I think that the Ravens are looking at a possible Super Bowl season. If Boller continues his improvement, the receivers play like they should, Jamal's legal troubles stay in the background, and the defense plays like they have over the past few years, they will be.

(Edited to add the part on the O-line)

Oh, of course you're gonna go with the Ravens beating the Pats. :lol:

My biggest concern with the Ravens is the status of Jamal Lewis. Isn't he being charged with or being prosecuted for something rather substantial? If the Ravens are without him, don't count on the Ravens going anywhere.

I also have my reservations with the Pats. I like the Dillon pick-up, but with Ted Washington jumping ship to Oakland, there's a big 350 lb. hole on the defense. Still, though, who else is really going to beat them come playoff time with the core group still intact.

I like the Ravens vs. Pats in the AFC championship, but if the Pats' defense is destroyed with Washington gone and the Ravens' offense weakened by a jailed Jamal, I'd go with Indy and Denver as the other hopefuls for the AFC title.

Super Bowl: Patriots 24 - Rams 3

BTW, damn your Orioles and taking the first two games from the Sox. I am very hateful, right now, towards Mora, Tejada, and Newhan, and wish them the same parasites that Giambi and Kevin Brown got in the MFYs' clubhouse. :mad:

From what I hear, the court date could be as early as mid-August, where he would probably just miss the end of camp, or in February. I have faith in Musa Smith, who looks and runs like he's Jamal's brother, but I DO hope he can play :D

As for the Pats, I think the Vince Wilfork was an absolute STEAL, and will be a perfect fit (literally :D) in Washington's spot.

Hey, blame Johnny Damon; he's looking like they just signed Fred Lynn out of retirement right now.

Plus, we're on a roll right now. Don't be suprised if we finish the year breathing down the Sawks' necks :)

don't count the rams out. i have a feeling they'll finish better than the seahawks

Im tired of giving expectations for the Dolphins, they have been one of the best teams on paper the last couple of years... I ALWAYS get disappointed...

So, Im gonna take a different approach and wait and see...

BUT, on a different note, there has be so many negative things going on this offseason for the fins, that I wouldnt doubt it if they surprise everyone and go all the way... we shall see

"could be..."

If they would realize that Fiedler is NOT the problem, they would be OK. They severely overpaid for a backup QB in AJ Feely.

That team goes the way Ricky Williams goes. The sooner they realize it and get a better line in front of him, they will be on their way. They are similar to the Ravens: the defense is there, the offense is lagging.

Green bay to finish top two in their division, second or third round exit from the postseason....

I love the packers, but they just don't have it together enough to make it to the big show.

And by the way... You can make me eat my hat if I'm wrong in January, but the Raven's are NOT making the superbowl, let alone winning... you can quote me on that, and you can dig up this post and shove it in my face next January if they do.

[edit]

Fear the Madden curse... Lewis is going DOWN ;)

Bears :lol:

Wishful thinking on my part but as long as they beat the packers I'm happy.

--jaded

Amen. ;)


But I do think the Patriots will be in the AFC Championship game and will probably win it.

I despise the Patriots...

I hate the Patriots too, but it's not a long shot to say they will go to the Super Bowl again. If not them, maybe the Colts. The AFC has some competition.
The NFC on the other hand...I'm putting all my eggs in the Eagles' basket. The only way I see them not getting there and possibly winning it is if Dallas' signing of George proves to be a stroke of genius, Dallas takes 2 or splits with Philly during the regular season, and beats them in the playoffs. The rest of the NFC will be thanking Dallas for the trouble it will give Philly in division games, I think.
More later.

The Pack will be back this year!

Niners and Raiders will both suck next year. Gonna be a bad year to be a Bay Area football fan.

i like the Titans and the Panthers.

About the Dolphins

Williams retiring completely screws the Dolphins for the next couple of seasons.

One of the teams I think could surprise people is the Buffalo Bills.

The Eagles have a weakened secondary, but added one and a half star star players (a full 2 if Kearse proves to be 100% all year), and they should have what it takes to get to the big dance this year.

Patriots added Dillon, who seems to be excited to be there, and also should know that they got to the Super Bowl without him, and if he acts like a little bitch again, they will likely cut him and move on. But he seems excited to be there, so it should make them a contender in the AFC again.

Williams leaving the Dolphins hurts a lot. They really need a star quarterback, and they don't have one at this point. They have receivers to throw to, but with Williams gone, the run threat is lessened immensely.

I don't consider the Buccaneers a contender, as they have way too many new pieces to be able to "jive" right away IMO. We'll see though, it's clearly Gruden's team now.

Lastly, I think the Seahawks have a chance at getting to the big dance. They are quietly getting better every year, and their younger players are starting to step up and be recognized.

Now that is a GREAT avatar you have!

--jaded

Buccaneers buddy....

Gonna be an interesting year. Why is Keenan McCardell holding out? He has two years left on his contract and he wants more money. Isn't a contract a contract? Keenan - this is a no-win situation. The Bucs will refuse to negotiate, you will hold out all of training camp with a $7,500 per day fine and then come back after the season starts out of shape.
We are all so glad that Me-Shawn is gone, but it looks like Joe Jurivicius is not going to make it back from knee surgery. He hasn't played since game 3 last season and still cannot work out at full speed. Good news is that Mike Alstott is back full speed and rested after a season ending neck injury last year.
First round pick rteceiver Michael Clayton from LSU shopuld replace MeShawn's size. Joey Galloway (still runs a 4.25 40) gives the Bucs their first real game breaker threat ever. Gruden signed Charley Garner to fill in for Michael (I run over women with cars) Pittman.

Sapp and Lynch are gone but they were out for several games last season. Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber are two solid corners. D should be okay overall.

Got a nice schedule after a 7-9 record last year.

Go Bucs !!

Well I'm gonna preach on my two teams... Titans and Raidahs

The Titans had a great year last year but the prize was still elusive. They had a fantastic draft(the selection of Ben Troupe to replace Frank Wycheck was outstanding), and hopefully the rooks will be able to help out a lot on the D-Line. We really need it there. The loss of Eddie was tough to take, but much more so for sentimental reasons than it being detrimental to the team. It's my opinion that Antowain Smith is very over-rated and he's not even really rated highly. The running game WILL suffer this year, but it is something that can be overcome. Maybe Smith will have a breakthrough year, and maybe Chris Brown will come into his own. The loss of Justin McCareins was hard to take, he was becoming, and will soon be, one of the best young wideouts in the game. However, Derrick Mason remains, along with Golden Hands Drew Bennet. Hopefully Tyrone Calico will be the hot talent everyone is hoping for. The defense overall will be still be tough, but it won't be the running-game-dominator it was last year.

And the most important factor: the best and toughest quarterback in the league, Steve McNair, will return. He alone could carry this team to the playoffs, IMO, and the Titans will still be a force to reckoned with in 2004.


The Raiders had a disappointing year last season due to coaching problems. But the most important main players are back and ready for action. The additions of Robert Gallery and Jake Grove is genius. These two vicious men embody the spirit of Silver and Black football. The best draft move made by any team, IMO. Warren Sapp is a ham, true, but the man is a definite force in the middle, and no one in the NFL can truly contain him when he get's fired up, not to mention the absolutely brilliant addition of man-beast Ted Washington. With he and Sapp in the middle, any running back will be hard pressed to gain 100 yards this season. The Raiders, under new leadership, will return to power this year and be the force everyone had come to respect.

i think cowboys.. they did well last year for an underdog team.. and with the new acquisition of eddie george.. its game over.. FLIP FLIP FLIP.. lol

Cowboys? game over? yeah, you are right, the Cowboys suck! Game over!!!

Packer fan here, wishin' that the Pack has what it takes to make it. I see a dismal season for them. It's all over but the crying for the Pack. Favre wants to mow his frickin lawn and throw a football to one of his kids, maybe coach HS football somewhere in Mississippi like his old man. he has been there and done that, won the big, had his time in the spotlight. As much as I WANT the PACK to be on top, it aint happenin'. I cannot even tell you who will be there. It's gonna be a Brittany Spears kind of season, if you are hot, you are hot, if you're not, well, wait a week...

T.O. is knocked unconscious by Ray Lewis after he goes across the middle one too many tmes against the Ravens.

You kidding? Last year against the Ravens he caught a ball about three yards from the first down mark, and instead of taking a hit to get the first, turned and ran for the sideline.

And that was when we DIDN'T have a grudge against him :D

I hope the Bengals have a strong showing this year. My team, the Saints, will probably not even make it to the playoffs. If by some miracle they do make it I think they will go down in the first playoff game.

I believe they wasted their miracle LAST year ;)

He's a head case and he'll forget the pain that lurks in the secondary. He'll make a mistake and Ray'll make him pay.

Pats will add colvin too, because he was out all of last season, and they will be even more dominant.

I want to see a some of the training camp injuries come in before I make my picks but I will pick two busts this year.

1 - Eagles - Not just because I hate TO but they are just about as old as old can be. Horrible run defense could allow as many as 13 - 100 yard rushing games if you look at their schedule. (They are very lucky they play the Giants twice this year.)

2 - Broncos - A lot of early mags are picking them to win the AFC based on the ability they have to always find a good rusher. That luck may end this year. Also Jake Plummer is still Jake Plummer and their pass defense is nothing outside of Champ Bailey.

I also hope the Eagles go down in flames. In a related subject, I believe the Packers, if Favre really believes this is his last year, will make a dent.

Let me just join this little Eagle-bashing bandwagon. There is no team I despise more than the Philadelphia Eagles, and I will enjoy watching them disappoint all of their fans for a fourth straight time.

Agreed. But I have to confess I loved the fact that they beat the Packers in the playoffs last year. :D

/me does the happy dance

--jaded

2004 is to be known as "The Year of The Super Freak".

Expect Randy Moss and Dante Culpecker to rain much death and destruction upon all as we see fit this year. Once we get bored of beating you like that Michael Bennett and the Big O Smith will run the ball any which way. And maybe, just maybe, this year I won't feel the overwhelming need to beat the piss out of our Linebackers.

Go Vikes.

Colts or possibly Eagles will win it all.

LOL :lol: ahhh, man, thanks for the afternoon laugh. see you in the top 10 of the 2005 draft.

Gonna have to side with you on this one, I don't see the Vikes making much of an impact this year, but with the present state of parity in the NFL, you honestly never know.

They have like 7-1 odds in Vegas, if the Defense actually shows up I'm saying they will be NFC champs.

*edit* Plus we have Brock Lesnar, fear him.

What a great moment! And such an underserved win!

Ultimately, it seems the Packers have changed their defensive mindset as a result and replaced/fired a few of their coaches.

The Eagles added two big name players this off-season, and I definitely think they will make the playoffs again, and ideally the Bowl, but football is so hard to predict, and it's a good thing.

I still really don't think it's hit me that they have Owens now. Their receiving was so mediocre last year that for them to add a star receiver seems too good to be true.

Owens and McNabb get along now, but when McNabb starts throwing balls at Owens' feet and Reid continues to spread the ball around, all may not be well in TO land.

Regardless, whatever happens should be very interesting and exciting to watch/read. I liked Kearse on the Titans, and would like to see him come back healthy and do well.

Trotter is back for cheap, and will fill a back-up role. And Dawkins is healthy. Dawkins needs to stay healthy so that he can help the younger cornerbacks that really need to step up, and are surrounded with question marks.

It's a really exciting year for the Eagles, regardless of whether they do well or not. But given their talent and drive, they are expected to do well, and should. They Philly media is that added pinch of flavor that will make it a really fun season for the fans of the team.

Also, in a slightly un-related note, what's the deal with draft picks holding out?

Shawn Andrews (offensive lineman) almost held out, and that really boggles my mind.

I understand that all they want is to get paid fairly, but aside from my personal opposition to holdouts, it just seems like a terrible way to start off your service with a team.

Sure, it's just a business, but when you are just starting in the NFL, pretty much unproven, and a rookie among veterans, it just seems that you should play first and demand more money later.

It should be a really exciting season though. It always is, and I love the parity in the NFL and that any team really can win on any given week.

why does this reasoning remind me of Jim Carrey's character in "Dumb and Dumber" thinking he has a chance with Lauren Holly's character when she tell him the odds are one in a million that they'll end up together. since we're talking crazy now with the predictions, I'll say the Cardinals will finish with more wins than the Vikings.

also, is Minnesota becoming a refuge for former WWE "stars"? seems like it's becoming a trend.

I hope they do well too. I went to the Chargers mini camp last month and lots of autographs. I hope we can win at least 8 games. I am not real sure about Marty-Ball. Parcels was available at the same time we picked up Marty (would have offered him the world).

Rivers has a heck of an arm however I don't think we should throw him to the wolves quite yet.

Can't remember the name of the rookie kicker we got from Iowa but he was nailing 50 yard field goals! (still never should have got rid of Carney)

It is tough to be a Charger fan:crazy:

now that all the jaguar rookies have officially signed with the team, i expect the jaguars to be a dominant force in the afc.

jaguars in the superbowl in 05? watch out now...

Raiders! Look at my screen name :). Cant vote for other team. Seriously though, I think we will be back this season stronger than ever.

I would love nothing more than for my beloved Titans to walk away with the prize. Sadly I belive the loss of Jevan and Robair will be to much. In a deffense that doesn't have a competent nickle corner there is no way they can deffend in a nickle package without the pass rush those to provide, and forget about stoping the run Robair was highly underated in his ability to do that. Pluss how long can Mcnair keep going. He takes poundings like a running back.

As for my actual pick, I'm still likeing the patriots. They have the core pluss Dillon, and don't forget Belicheck. As for you Ravens fans keep dreaming.

I hope the Bears do something this year... their offense is going to be more like a west coast and hopefully Urlachers injury wont sideline him too much. I like Lovie's philosophy, I dont know if this is the year of the Bear but I hope its the year of us kickin Green Bay's ass!

I have to go with the Titans and Pats in the AFC championship game with the, as much as I would love for the Titans to win, Pats should be in the SB. I don't think they've done anything with their team but become better. Unless the Titans step it up on offense I don't think they'll go to the SB.

In the NFC, I think it will be the Eagles and Panthers with the Eagles edging them out. Again, I think the Eagles have done nothing but improved their team with Terrell Owens and Jevon Kearse(providing he can stay healthy. But even if he only played 3/4ths of the season JK is still better than most defensive ends.

I think the Eagles will beat the Pats in the SB. That is the "logical" and "on paper" thinking of me.

Now as to who I want, it will be the TITANS and Panthers with the TITANS winnning it all.

Packers all the way this year. No, really...I mean it. Stop looking at me that way.

Packers will be carried by Ahman Green on the ground this year with Favre playing a secondary role.

Go get 'em!

Barring the MAdden cover jinx I like the Ravens as an underdog favorite. I think Boller will have a breakthrough year and Ray Lweis will finally quash the curse by having a stellar year. My fingers are crossed. If the Raven's don't take it there is no other team I'd like to see win it besides the Packers. Favre is a great competitor and player.

The god damn Eagles will win the NFC East (AGAIN) with an 11-5 record, only to choke in the divisional playoff round this time, not the NFC Championship Game.

My favorite team, "America's Team," The Dallas Cowboys will go 9-7, one win less than last year, but they will absolutely not lose twice to any NFC East team. Parcells is lauded for his superior coaching as he leads them to the playoffs with a 40 year old QB and a rookie RB. They go 1-1 against the Eagles, 'Skins and Giants.

'Skins and Giants finish 8-8 and 6-10, respectively.

Dallas loses in the wild card playoff round (sigh), and here is my Super Duper NFL Super Bowl XXXIX Prediction!!!:

Indianapolis 27, Green Bay 24.

In the greatest Super Bowl ever, Peyton Manning leads the Colts on a 63 yard, five minute march down the field that culminates in a 2 yard HB Dive by Edgerrin James with 07 seconds left. Brett Favre , after throwing for 223 yards three TD's with no INT's is heartbroken, but retires as one of the greatest QB's ever.

Peyton Manning wins his first Super Bowl. Younger brother Eli is lost for the season in Week 10, his second start.

Minnesota isn't a refuge for wwe stars, we produce them en masse. They are our prodigal children.

The vikes have a tough schedule this year, and they always find a way to dissapoint. Even so, i predict at the very least a trip to the playoffs. The NFC north is weak this year, as usual.

Falcons. Wishful thinking.

and Cowboys, again wishful thinking.

It is hard to tell who will go the distance. I can tell you who won't - my Rams.

AFC Patriots and Colts
NFC Vikings, Seahawks

Patriots over the Vikings in the superbowl

This is assuming the cancer that is Corey Dillon does not kill the Pats

other teams of mention cardinals (assuming Q is ok) Eagles do not know how bad mcknabb is at qb and how many TO will drop, Jets are going to surprise alot, Tennesee needs a stud WR and Smith at RB to work out, Ravens need Jamal to clear his name but he is a felon.

the niners may be the worst team in the league, congrats to the Chargers for getting out of the basement

The Raiders When did Norv Turner become an offensive genious? Cowboys, with the best offensive line ever, and hall of famers on both sides off the ball
Redskins? ummm, did they have a winning record?
Dolphins? granted he did have Fiedler, but...
That being said the Raiders have done a lot of free agent moves, and I expect them to narrowly miss the playoffs.

and I am a Raider fan.

Mon Sep 29 - Green Bay 38, Chicago 23
Sun Dec 7 - Green Bay 34, Chicago 21

/me does a happier dance

Its not that Turner is an offensive genius, its the fact that his vertical game is a much needed change for the silver and black. Now that we got the speed back on our receiving end, its going to be an entirely different offensive deep attack. No more of the 10 yard short yardage BS. Although that worked to perfection in '02, it failed Miserably last season. Norv is not the key reason we will be back in '04, dont forget about Joe Avezzano, Rob Ryan and Jimmy Ray.

Another key reason is that there were way to much off the field problems with Callahan which found its way on the field. Everyone was on a different page, way too much animosity. Unfortunately the only man who kept the team together has gone to the tampon bay fuccaneers. The new coaching staff is going to make all the difference in the world. Raiders are now a fresh team, and with the addition of Sapp, Washington, along with Parella in the 3-4 defense, they are going to be unstoppable. With Gallery at Tackle, Gannon will actually have more than 2 seconds in the pocket, which was severly lacking last season. Forget what you saw last season, this is the new Raiders. The Raiders we have all come to know and love. (well....maybe not all of us :))

New England- all the way again
Indy0 2nd best AFC

Philly-over the hump with TO and Kearse
G.B. Packers -2nd best NFC, always a contender with Favre

I'm a diehard rams fan.

AFC i like pats, chiefs, titans, ravens, broncos, colts as possible playoff teams, in that order.

Pats are returning a championship team, and have improved over the offseason, but do have the superbowl curse hanging over them. Repeating is difficult. Chiefs return many starters (missing only Jonathan Tait) and look to improve on the defense that kept them out of the superbowl last year. The titans filled holes in the draft and with Mcnair will be perennial contendors. Ravens have a shutdown D but have questions in the passing game and legal troubles with Jamal. Broncos will, IMO, produce another rusher, but the passing game will need to pick up. A healthy plummer for an entire season will help. D should improve. Colts have an amazing O but lack the D to go deep into the playoffs, IMO. THey could, however, go all the way, 99 rams style. The schedule, especially in their division, however, does not favor such a season.

NFC -

I like the rams, and will discuss them in a later post, for obvious bias reasons.

Seahawks look good but must play well on the road this year. Questions at DT and on D in general are the only shortcomings of what is an offensivly stellar squad. Vikings look improved and moss/culpepper are as fearsome as ever, but will need to overcome last year's embarassing loss. Packers are a solid team that will continue to compete, especially if the defense picks up and holds its own this year. The cowboys have too many questions on offense, with WR and QB being weak. If players break out in those areas, a playoff season could be there, but otherwise this team is 8-8. Eagles are better, but not the automatic pick people think. The NFC east has gotten tougher, (hopefully) and questions at CB will test the Eagles. TO should prove valuable, but is Mcnabb an accurate enough passer to really turn this duo into a force?

Panthers are coming off a superbowl year. I have a feeling statistics and history will be true here, and the team will not do well.

Niners, Cardinals, Gians, and Bears will be awful.

Lions will improve, provided harrington matures with the talent that now surrounds him.

Saints, Bucs... Saints deserve to finally make the playoffs, but a good offense needs some defensive play to carry it into the postseason. This is hopefully the year it comes together. I don't see things going well for the bucs this year. Questions at WR, weak QB, heart and soul of the defense gone, OL completely reworked... too much in one year.

Some AFC Teams i didnt talk about-

Jets - will improve, hopefully challenge the pats for AFC East. I hate the pats.

Bills - with moulds healthy, and a returning solid run game, the offense should be able to rebound and carry a stout defense to at least an 8-8 record, maybe even something like 10-6, esp given Miami's collapse.

Chargers have nothing but LT, who is imo the best RB in the league. Raiders have more this year than last, and could contend in the afc west. Maybe. Texans will be better, as will the jags, but how much remains to be seen. Could one of these teams be this years carolina panthers?

Falcons depend on Vick for the offense to do anything. A succsesful offense will invigorate the D and give it a chance field position wise. SHould improve greatly, a possible playoff team.

I probably missed a team somewhere, now its really late and im getting confused about AFC and NFC and all.

Carolina has been my team since the franchise started, they picked up some defense to strengthen that up a little more, but the lost some OL and that could hurt them a little bit, but it Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster can keep the running game going than they should be fine. They have always had decent recieving, between Mushin Muhammed and Steve Smith they will have good passing game. The real question will be if Jake Delhomme can pull through again and if there OL will hold up. I think the panthers could repeat the super bowl but i feel the patriots taking another super bowl ring now that they have a possible running game.

going with the colts... the only reason the patriots even won was because ty law played dirty and should have been flagged at least 10 times that game... this year with the new restrictions on DB's on WR's... Harrison is going to have a monster year and get himself a ring in the process hopefully. Dolphins are cool too, I think they'll shock everybody and win 8-9 games, for the first time in a LONG time they have absolutely no pressure to win, they can just go out and have fun which usually results in good game play.

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

The only reason? What about Peyton being sacked 4 times, throwing 4 INT's, and only averaging 4 yards per pass? The Colts shoulda gone to the run a lot more, used more play action, and then try to throw in Law's vacinity. The Pats also had the ball for 5 minutes longer because they established the run. The key to this game was sub-par coaching losing to excellent coaching.

The Colts are a talented team, but they won't go anywhere else they fix their coaching mistakes.

The Pats were holding Colts receivers left and right thought. It wouldn't matter what they did to establish the run, cut down on the sacks, or limit the interceptions. If the receivers aren't there, then the Colts offense isn't going anywhere. When the Pats blatantly held the Colts receivers on damn near every play they guarenteed their victory.

okay, the dolphins didnt collapse! the dolphins offense collapsed. With our current offense, we definitely can't contend for the superbowl, but with our current defense, theres no way this team could approach anything near as bad as a 6-10 record

morons, all of you, mark this name down now so you'll recognize it when you're reading the headlines, Fred Russell. I don't know why everyone is throwing a shyt fit about the dolphins... no ricky? so what? who cares it has nothing to do with anything, the fins had him for the last couple of years... no playoffs, look at troy hambrick... personally i think he's a mediocre back and still ran for over 950 yards last season, patriots won 2 super bowls w/o a RB i don't see why the dolphins can't. As for David Boston big deal, so what, he isn't an impact receiver, in fact there are only two in the league by the names of Moss and Harrison (Jerry was before but he's old now), just throw the ball to whoever's open, seemed to work for Brady in that short passing game. The point i'm trying to make is that you don't need superstars on your team to win championships, patriots, marlins, pistons.............................................

Patriots against Seahawks.

Seahawks winningit all.

iI think this is the year that Hassleback proves he isn t a fluke expecially the way he handled himself last year. and lost he kinfd of looked like a fool.
This I beleive will be the Seahawk redemption year.

Their team does have a rather good looking balance to it.

Honestly, how can you hate the Patriots? Aren't they what team football is all about? Everyone's on the same page, both coaches and players. They have no superstars, except for maybe Brady, who doesn't act like one. They put the best players on the field for every game, not just the highest paid ones.

Please enlighten this New England boy about this unsubstantiated hatred.

I despise the Patriots as well, both them and the Ref's they pay off. Robbed the Raiders in 01' with that BS call that should have been a fumble.

EDIT: Brady is way too pretty for the NFL. Mr. Hollywood Bachelor needs to go. "Hi guys, my name is Tom and I need to be on the cover of every magazine." I hate Brady more than I hate the entire team combined. Hopefully they will stay OUT of the Superbowl this season. Im sure my Raiders will take care of them though, so no worries.

As a Charger fan I would like to see Harrison get the big ring as well, Not much chance of my Bolts getting one.

Maybe we're just fed up with people who constantly say New England is by far the best team in the league when in reality. If they did not blatantly break the rules, and get some very bullshit calls they would be nowhere. Even when they DO get those breaks, the team STILL has difficulty defeating opponents.

They do not field the best players on the field for every game. They're lucky to have one of their players be vastly superior to his counterpart on the opposing team, and that one is Ty Law.

Say what you will about these mythical bullshit calls the Patriots get game in and game out, 15 straight wins is a pretty good indicator of how well a team plays together and how other teams can't react effectively.

BigGov, the Patriots love you :icare: , just let them into your heart and don't be afraid. I'll save you a seat on the bandwagon. :thumbsup:

Well of COURSE teams can't react effectively when a team grabs, holds, grabs, and holds a little bit more. And the refs don't throw a single damn flag.

And I'm just fine with my floundering Eagles, who will finish ahead of those cheating Patriots this year :p

I'll second that emotion. :thumbsup:

My prediction is that the Rams will struggle to reach 8-8, because of all of the problems on the offensive line. The Seahawks win the NFC, and the Pats win in the AFC.

Well, I guess I would expect a Raiders fan to hate the Pats. I was looking for an UNBIASED opinion as to why the Patriots were so hated.:)

Wasn't the "tuck rule" game in 2001 payback by the refs for the "roughing the passer" game in '76? It may have been a liitle payback for Tatum's hit on Stingley as well (in pre-season nonetheless).:)

In my opinion, as long as the Patriots can keep all of their good Karma from last year, they are the team to beat this year.

Hate the refs....not the team.

The Patriot's game plan in never to blow out their opponents. The offense controls the clock and the defense keeps their opponents out of the end zone better than most.

What I meant to say is that they field the best players on their roster rather than the past-their-prime, high-paid players. Their roster normally consists of very average to above average players at each position. None of the players are out for their own statistics, just the W's week after week. As long as Corey Dillon can abide by that same philosophy, they should be a solid TEAM yet again.

I want to see my Eagles beating my Panthers in the NFC Championship with the Eagles beating the Pats, but I doubt my trifecta will be right

I'm a Bills fans. The Patriots are in my division. So I hate them. Don't worry, I don't discriminate. I hate the Jets and Phish too.
But I really hate the Patriots. I think it helps that I'm a Yankees fan and hey, the Patriots are Boston's team. That's enough in itself.

Well, I certainly can appreciate that! I guess that my demographics are a good reason why I'm not a Bills fan.... especially since the Pats always have trouble up there as well.

I hope the Bills have a good season with an invigorated Bledsoe (but not too good a season, hehe).

thanks guys. i know little about nfl but i like a bet & watching the replays on fox in brisbane.
going on you're messages i'll ack the new england patriots & sit back & watch.
they are betting 6-1 out here.
what's the prices over there?

forget pipe dreams..... Eagles Seahawks NFC chanpionship game Patriots ..and Colts AFC championship....

I'm suprised by the Jags. I figured they would be good to very good. The defense is solid, but I can't believe how unproductive the offense has been. It was better last year, while the defense was coming into its on.

AFC Championship

Broncos vs. Colts

NFC Championship

Seahawks vs. Vikings

Superbowl

Broncos vs Seahawks

Superbowl Winner: Broncos

That would be my worse nightmare.

vikings will rule the NFC north. Vikes vs. Eagles in the NFC championship: battle of the artillery cannon QBs

The Saints will need just one more win at the end of the season to get into the playoffs, choke, lose and go home. And I will yell at the TV like I'm surprised it happened. :o

I cant believe it all came down to the extra point last season. Did they murder the Saints kicker yet? :D

I still have hopes that this year will be the year for my Seahawks. They're 3-0 right now, but havn't played anyone with a winning record. They have the Rams at home on Sunday. I'm hoping they'll take care of them the same way they took care of the Niners.

Next week will be the big test. Possible Superbowl preview matchup when they travel to Foxborro.

Now THAT will be a game!

I'm personally hoping for the all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl this year. For the first time in a while my Steelers look great (finally a good QB, but that's a whole other rant I could make - haha) and the Beagles, though I dont' like them, are off to another fantastic start.

All I know is if the Pats make it again, I'm going to vomit.

How good are the Jets this year?
Nothing wrong with a 5-0 start, but I cant help feeling their season will have a big turnaround, starting next weekend with the Patriots match.