Pro Football Update 12/04/05
NFC
In the chase; from 11/06 Sports Update: "With Daunte Culpepper now out for the season & Brad Johnson stepping in, there might be hope as Minnesota is still only two games back of da Bears."
Since starting 2-5, Minnesota at 7-5 has been fortunate and opportunistic in winning 5 straight. With a tough final 4 weeks, and better teams in the lead, the odds are against them, fougetaboutit.
After losing starting QB Brian Griese for the season, Tampa Bay rebounded, as Son of Simm's (an Opie Taylor look alike just like his pa) found his footing. TB being in the toughest division in football with Carolina and Atlanta has not helped.
The Buc's have a highly ranked defense, which disturbingly gave up 96 points in a recent three game stretch. The schedule might just stop them short of the playoffs.
NY, Dallas and Carolina with weaker schedules have rebounded to their previous playoff form. After making it to last years NFC title game, Philly's Eagles are out and it looks like they are not the only well done bird to have a fork stuck in them.
The other participant, our preseason pick Atlanta, is not flying high by losing 3 or their last 4. This year, the Falcons could not sneak up on anyone and had to play a much tougher schedule.
Inconsistent offensive play, 1st rushing, 28th passing, mental mistakes and a poor home record all look to eliminate the Falcons early or shut them out completely.
Seattle despite being 26th in defense is winning with their #1 offense. The Seahawks play in a weak division and have been fortunate to squeak out wins at home against more balanced teams like Dallas and NY.
Homefield in the playoffs will be key, but will Seattle survive at home in a rematch against NY or Dallas or even against Carolina or Chicago? Perhaps not.
Da Bears are the "surprise", winning on their #1 defense, and if they find an offense, which would require top draft pick RB Cedrick Benson (Texas) to return to the line up and start producing, its over. (surprise in quotes because we picked em.)
Chicago has a defense reminiscent of the 2001 Baltimore Ravens and 2002 Tampa Bay Bucs, both of which won on the road in the playoffs with suffocating defense on their way to Super Bowl Championships.
"Bear" in mind, this defense has yet to face a top notch offense. Recent wins against Carolina and Tampa Bay were impressive, however, neither of these teams is known for having an exposive offense.
Mistake free ball and staunch opportunistic defense wins championships. We believe that should Chicago secure a bye week and home field with the number 2 seed, they could arrive in the title game.
Carolina, whose defense has jelled in the last four games could up end the stout Bears. And even without Seattle losing at home in the opening round, da Bears or Panthers could well go into Seattle and strangle the Seahawks in the title game.
FYI, at 23 to 1 to win the NFC, da Bears are a real bargain. Our NFC six pack in seeding order: 1. Seattle; 2. Chicago; 3. Carolina; 4. NY Giants; 5. Dallas; 6. Atlanta/Tampa Bay.
AFC
In the talent rich AFC, San Diego and Kansas City with high powered offenses are in the chase. Unfortunately, they both play in the same division with Denver; and both have weak defenses KC 22nd overall, SD 26th vs the pass.
Interesting how all three have suspect pass defense and San Diego's defense is actually better than Denver's, and both SD and KC have better offenses than the Broncos who have benefited from a weaker schedule and playing less error prone ball.
Playing in a tougher conference has its price and winding up 10-6 will place both KC and SD behind Pittsburgh and Jacksonville in the wild card race, and out of the playoff picture.
Despite not being as good as SD or KC, New England will win the AFC LEast and host a playoff game. Their weakened defense and lack of a running game (29th ranked) spell an early exit from this years playoffs and an end to the dream of a three peat.
Last years other title game participant Pittsburg, losers of 3 straight will manage to make the playoffs on their defense at 11-5, that is, as a wild card.
The "surprise" Cincinnati Bengals #2 ranked offense combined with opportunistic defense has seemingly earned them the division title (and perhaps a #2 seed), leading by 2 with 4 to play.(surprise in quotes because we picked em to make the playoffs.)
Having the #3 offense and #4 defense gives Indianapolis perfect balance. From 11/06 Sports Update: "Bold prediction: If Indy wins at New England Monday night, it is quite possible we could see the Miami Dolphin's perfect 17-0 season in 1972 finally eclipsed by a 19-0 season."
Much like the "La Machine" 84 and 89 49er's, the Colt's are a pleasure to watch, methodically dissecting their opponents with calm and coolness on a weekly basis.
We previously noted that the 13th game at Jacksonville might present a big problem for Indy as Jacksonville lost by a hair earlier in the year at Indy 10 - 3.
Jacksonville's no names have quietly run up a 9-3 record with the #3 ranked defense, defeating Seattle, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh along the way.
Byron Leftwich went down with a broken ankle last week, but his replacement David Garrard is actually a smarter QB = less mistakes; and has a better passing touch.
If the Jag's RB Fred Taylor can be in shape by week 13, Indy's undefeated season may come to an end. Too bad for the Jags that they play in the same division with Indy.
At 12-4 or 13-3 the Jag's would be a division winner and top 2 seed, rather than a wild card on the road. In all likely hood the Jag's season ends at Indy in the divisional round, leaving Cincy going to Indy for a title game shoot out.
Our AFC 6 pack in seed order: #1 Indianapolis; #2 Cincinnati; #3 Denver; #4 New England; #5 Jacksonville; #6 Pittsburgh
In the Super Bowl at Detroit, Indy should win and be at least a 7 point favorite. Whether they cover or not depends on several factors TBD and we will cross that bridge when we get there.
The #1 Draft Pick
In the chase, Houston; NY Jets; Green Bay and San Francisco (#1 in last years draft). It appears that the Jets should win at home against Oakland or Buffalo and the Packers should win at home against Detroit; this leaves Houston and the 49ers.
Houston almost beat St Louis last week, collapsing in the 4th quarter and losing in overtime. This week at Baltimore the Texans had the game all but won, until giving up a big gainer and last second field goal to once again, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Not to worry Phony Niner fans; Houston will win at home against Arizona and/or better yet, win at San Francisco in the last game of the season, giving SF the tie breaker.
And as for the Niners, they will lose all their games and select Reggie Bush from USC with the #1 pick in the draft. If the thought has not yet crossed 49er fans minds, here it is in black and white, JUST LOSE BABY!!! and here's why.
Bush is the real deal, he can run block, down field block, run routes and receive out of the backfield. I have not seen a back run with finesse moves, blinding speed and brute force in a long time.
In my estimation, Reggie Bush is the best pro prospect and impact player to come along since O.J. Simpson in 1969.
In the chase; from 11/06 Sports Update: "With Daunte Culpepper now out for the season & Brad Johnson stepping in, there might be hope as Minnesota is still only two games back of da Bears."
Since starting 2-5, Minnesota at 7-5 has been fortunate and opportunistic in winning 5 straight. With a tough final 4 weeks, and better teams in the lead, the odds are against them, fougetaboutit.
After losing starting QB Brian Griese for the season, Tampa Bay rebounded, as Son of Simm's (an Opie Taylor look alike just like his pa) found his footing. TB being in the toughest division in football with Carolina and Atlanta has not helped.
The Buc's have a highly ranked defense, which disturbingly gave up 96 points in a recent three game stretch. The schedule might just stop them short of the playoffs.
NY, Dallas and Carolina with weaker schedules have rebounded to their previous playoff form. After making it to last years NFC title game, Philly's Eagles are out and it looks like they are not the only well done bird to have a fork stuck in them.
The other participant, our preseason pick Atlanta, is not flying high by losing 3 or their last 4. This year, the Falcons could not sneak up on anyone and had to play a much tougher schedule.
Inconsistent offensive play, 1st rushing, 28th passing, mental mistakes and a poor home record all look to eliminate the Falcons early or shut them out completely.
Seattle despite being 26th in defense is winning with their #1 offense. The Seahawks play in a weak division and have been fortunate to squeak out wins at home against more balanced teams like Dallas and NY.
Homefield in the playoffs will be key, but will Seattle survive at home in a rematch against NY or Dallas or even against Carolina or Chicago? Perhaps not.
Da Bears are the "surprise", winning on their #1 defense, and if they find an offense, which would require top draft pick RB Cedrick Benson (Texas) to return to the line up and start producing, its over. (surprise in quotes because we picked em.)
Chicago has a defense reminiscent of the 2001 Baltimore Ravens and 2002 Tampa Bay Bucs, both of which won on the road in the playoffs with suffocating defense on their way to Super Bowl Championships.
"Bear" in mind, this defense has yet to face a top notch offense. Recent wins against Carolina and Tampa Bay were impressive, however, neither of these teams is known for having an exposive offense.
Mistake free ball and staunch opportunistic defense wins championships. We believe that should Chicago secure a bye week and home field with the number 2 seed, they could arrive in the title game.
Carolina, whose defense has jelled in the last four games could up end the stout Bears. And even without Seattle losing at home in the opening round, da Bears or Panthers could well go into Seattle and strangle the Seahawks in the title game.
FYI, at 23 to 1 to win the NFC, da Bears are a real bargain. Our NFC six pack in seeding order: 1. Seattle; 2. Chicago; 3. Carolina; 4. NY Giants; 5. Dallas; 6. Atlanta/Tampa Bay.
AFC
In the talent rich AFC, San Diego and Kansas City with high powered offenses are in the chase. Unfortunately, they both play in the same division with Denver; and both have weak defenses KC 22nd overall, SD 26th vs the pass.
Interesting how all three have suspect pass defense and San Diego's defense is actually better than Denver's, and both SD and KC have better offenses than the Broncos who have benefited from a weaker schedule and playing less error prone ball.
Playing in a tougher conference has its price and winding up 10-6 will place both KC and SD behind Pittsburgh and Jacksonville in the wild card race, and out of the playoff picture.
Despite not being as good as SD or KC, New England will win the AFC LEast and host a playoff game. Their weakened defense and lack of a running game (29th ranked) spell an early exit from this years playoffs and an end to the dream of a three peat.
Last years other title game participant Pittsburg, losers of 3 straight will manage to make the playoffs on their defense at 11-5, that is, as a wild card.
The "surprise" Cincinnati Bengals #2 ranked offense combined with opportunistic defense has seemingly earned them the division title (and perhaps a #2 seed), leading by 2 with 4 to play.(surprise in quotes because we picked em to make the playoffs.)
Having the #3 offense and #4 defense gives Indianapolis perfect balance. From 11/06 Sports Update: "Bold prediction: If Indy wins at New England Monday night, it is quite possible we could see the Miami Dolphin's perfect 17-0 season in 1972 finally eclipsed by a 19-0 season."
Much like the "La Machine" 84 and 89 49er's, the Colt's are a pleasure to watch, methodically dissecting their opponents with calm and coolness on a weekly basis.
We previously noted that the 13th game at Jacksonville might present a big problem for Indy as Jacksonville lost by a hair earlier in the year at Indy 10 - 3.
Jacksonville's no names have quietly run up a 9-3 record with the #3 ranked defense, defeating Seattle, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh along the way.
Byron Leftwich went down with a broken ankle last week, but his replacement David Garrard is actually a smarter QB = less mistakes; and has a better passing touch.
If the Jag's RB Fred Taylor can be in shape by week 13, Indy's undefeated season may come to an end. Too bad for the Jags that they play in the same division with Indy.
At 12-4 or 13-3 the Jag's would be a division winner and top 2 seed, rather than a wild card on the road. In all likely hood the Jag's season ends at Indy in the divisional round, leaving Cincy going to Indy for a title game shoot out.
Our AFC 6 pack in seed order: #1 Indianapolis; #2 Cincinnati; #3 Denver; #4 New England; #5 Jacksonville; #6 Pittsburgh
In the Super Bowl at Detroit, Indy should win and be at least a 7 point favorite. Whether they cover or not depends on several factors TBD and we will cross that bridge when we get there.
The #1 Draft Pick
In the chase, Houston; NY Jets; Green Bay and San Francisco (#1 in last years draft). It appears that the Jets should win at home against Oakland or Buffalo and the Packers should win at home against Detroit; this leaves Houston and the 49ers.
Houston almost beat St Louis last week, collapsing in the 4th quarter and losing in overtime. This week at Baltimore the Texans had the game all but won, until giving up a big gainer and last second field goal to once again, snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Not to worry Phony Niner fans; Houston will win at home against Arizona and/or better yet, win at San Francisco in the last game of the season, giving SF the tie breaker.
And as for the Niners, they will lose all their games and select Reggie Bush from USC with the #1 pick in the draft. If the thought has not yet crossed 49er fans minds, here it is in black and white, JUST LOSE BABY!!! and here's why.
Bush is the real deal, he can run block, down field block, run routes and receive out of the backfield. I have not seen a back run with finesse moves, blinding speed and brute force in a long time.
In my estimation, Reggie Bush is the best pro prospect and impact player to come along since O.J. Simpson in 1969.
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