ST's 2009 NFL Thread.

[Sim shady 12]

Oh Blade you have it all wrong, the Cowboys would never charge $90 for a pizza. They are charging a much more reasonable $60 a pizza. But thats not including toppings. Omg lol, Jerry Jones sure knows how to rip people off.

[blade2k5 1,523]

That he does.

[Sim shady 12]

Here goes my NFL season predictions.  It took me just under two hours to write lol.  Just regular season predictions, no playoffs.  Predicted records are to the left in bold beside team name.

Sim Shady’s NFL football season predictions

 

NFC

 

NFC EAST

 

11-5             Dallas Cowboys- The Dallas Cowboys may not have finished first in the standings last year, but they certainly finished first in headlines. After compiling what was considered one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, the Cowboys collapsed under sky high expectations. The team spent this off-season excising its roster of players who grabbed media attention for the wrong reasons, with Terrell Owens and Pacman Jones two of these noteworthy departures. A cursory glance at the 2009 Cowboy’s roster compared to 2008’s would lead one to believe there is a noteworthy talent level drop off. However, upon closer study, it becomes clear that this year’s roster is potentially even better than last years team.

The quarterback position is manned by one of the top quarterbacks in the game in Tony Romo. His level of production is phenomenal. Last year, for all of the grousing by the media, was still an excellent season despite missing three games to a broken pinkie on his throwing hand that continued to affect him after his return to the field. Those three games without Romo were an absolute disaster with Brad Johnson at the helm. This year the Cowboys can take comfort in knowing that their backup can actually throw a football further than 10 yards.

The stable of running backs the Cowboys possess are arguably the best in the league. Marion barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice, also known as Smash, Dash, and Tash, each are above average running backs with unique skill sets and could easily be productive starters on another team in the league. Barber, the physical former Pro-bowl running back can run the ball. Felix Jones can really run with the football, showcasing his blazing speed last year, averaging 8.9 yards per carry last year, which is just flat out ridiculous. And Tashard Choice who seems to fit more in the mold of a conventional one cut running back, fared exceptionally well against top ranked defenses last year in Pittsburg and Baltimore. The biggest problem with this group will be to figure out how to get enough carries for everyone.

Their receiving corps has taken a huge hit with the departure of superstar Terell Owens. There is no way around it, the Cowboys will have a hard time replacing Owen’s production, and they certainly can not replace his presence on the field which commanded the respect and double teams across the NFL. However, the receiving corps of Roy Williams, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd, and Miles Austin is certainly able to get the job done. In addition to a solid group of wide receivers, the Cowboys return the most prolific receiving duo of tight ends in the league with the return of Jason Witten and Martellus Bennet. Mark my words; Bennet will open eyes around the league this year. He has the makings of a superstar with his incredible athleticism and size that allows him out leap nearly anybody in the league for a catch. The passing game will probably lack the explosiveness of years past, but it will still likely be one of the top ten passing attacks in the league this year.

The much maligned offensive line returns intact from last year. I feel that poor line play was the number one factor in the Cowboy’s demise last year. They clearly missed former offensive line coach Tony Sparano who now coaches the Miami Dolphins. With perennial Pro-bowlers Leonard Davis, Flozell Adams, and Andre Gurode, the talent is obviously there, but the question is, will they perform up to their abilities? This group will be again the x-factor for this Cowboys team’s success this year. Play well, and the team will do well, if not they may very well be looking at another year out of the playoffs.

The defense was an enigma last season, being absolutely dominant at times (The Bucs game) and absolutely choking at times (the Steelers, Ravens). After letting several veterans go, and replacing them with younger speedy guys, the defense has some question marks, but could very well be significantly upgraded. However, as long as they have one of the leagues top defensive players in Demarcus Ware, this defense will be a relatively good one.

Perhaps the most upgraded area of the team is special teams. The Cowboys could not field punts last year, could not block on kick returns, and could not cover anything. With Pro-Bowl punter Matt Mcbriar returning to health, bull’s-eye kicker Nick Folk, and leg cannon kick-off wonder David Buehler whose kickoffs consistently sail into the end zone for touchbacks, and new, highly regarded coach Joe Decamilis, special teams will be much better this year.

This team has the same nucleus that won 13 games two years ago. It is hungry with over a decade of abject failure in the playoffs. It has a new stadium to play up to. This team will finally break through this year, and reach the Super Bowl.

 

11-5                 Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are slowly retooling their roster from top to bottom. Their defense, the receiving corp, and the offensive line have all gotten younger and arguably more talent with the addition of players like Desean Jackson, Jerry Maclin, and Jason Peters. The roster is looking stronger than it has in years. However, the Eagles have been hit hard by injuries this training camp and have lost respected defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.

                        This team will be one of the top teams in the NFC this year, and with their stacked, playoff tested roster, and they could very well end up being the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl this year.

 

10-6                      New York Giants- A talented team one season removed from being Super Bowl champs, the Giants will be a good team again this year. The biggest question surrounding this team is how will the Giants replace problem child Plaxico Burress? It has a mediocre offense with Burress, coupled with a sensational defense that will be missing its brains in Steve Spagnoala. I think this combination will lead to a good team that is not quite as good as years past, but should still be a threat to make the playoffs.

 

 

8-8                   Washington Redskins- The redskins continue to follow Dan Snyder’s tried and failed formula of going out and buying the entire free agent market, similar to what the Yankees do. This team is good, but the competition is too tough for them, and a leaky offensive line will prove to be their bane and keep them out of the playoffs again.

 

 

NFC NORTH

         

10-6                 Chicago Bears- The Bears have struggled through mediocrity for the last couple of years after their run to the Super Bowl. The offense was never very good, but the defense also has languished, suffering from free-agency losses and an aging core of veterans. However, this off season they acquired the prize, Jay Cutler, who will lead them back to respectability.

                        The Bears offense will be significantly improved from last year with Cutler’s talents added into the fold. The problem is that the offense is still as a whole, very under whelming with a porous offensive line and a thin receiving corps. Adding Orlando Pace to man the left tackle position is only a stop gap measure that could very well blow up in their faces if he gets injured again. Matt Forte and Jay Cutler will have some heavy lifting to do if this team is to be successful.

 

9-7                   Minnesota Vikings- The Vikings remain essentially unchanged from last year’s squad, which had its struggles but also played well enough to make the playoffs.

                        They will go as far as Adrian Peterson takes them. The defense is very good, but the offense is extremely one dimensional, centered around their star running back. Rookie Percy Harvin could very well change that, but rookie wide outs rarely find success in their first years.

                        So while other teams made notable additions to improve their teams this off season, the Vikings were content to stand pat and stick with their current roster even after being spurned by Brett Favre. The end results should look similar to last year, competing for a playoff berth with a competitive team.

 

7-9                   Green Bay Packers- The Packers took a significant step backwards in Aaron Rodger’s first year as the starting quarterback, but that can hardly be attributed to him. He exceeded expectations while directing a very solid offense that really came on towards the end of the season as Ryan Grant got hot. However, what was once a strength, their defense, has become a liability as their secondary grew old and slow over the past year. This team should again be a solid offense team, but it takes teams some time to make the switch to the 3-4 defense, which will hold this team back and keep it out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year.

 

2-14                 Detroit Lions- Coming off of the NFL’s first 0-16 season, the bar is set pretty low this season for the Lions. They seem to be trying to wash their hands clean of the abject Matt Millen era, which can rightfully be considered among the worst in sports history. Roughly half of last years team is returning, with a host of promising rookies and displaced veterans. While 1^st overall pick Mathew Stafford looks like he will be a good NFL quarterback, he still faces a large learning curve as a rookie and will likely struggle this season if he starts over Daunte Culpepper. Despite all the new faces and new coaches, I think the Lions decade of incompetence will continue for at least another year.

NFC SOUTH

 

10-6                 New Orleans Saints- The Saints have always been a prolific offensive team, hamstrung by a wet noodle defense. This year should be a little better. Expect Brees to put up even better stats than last year with a fully healthy offense. This offense will lead the Saints to the playoffs this year.

 

8-8                   Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons made the postseason last year, but a large part of their success revolved around their cupcake schedule. This year they have a beast of a schedule that will prove to be a much stiffer test. The Tony Gonzales addition will be good, but expect Matt Ryan to hit a sophomore slump and the Falcons to fail to replicate last years magic.

 

8-8                   Carolina Panthers- The Panthers have leagues second toughest strength of schedule. Meanwhile, the squad has been severely hampered by salary cap problems created by Julius Peppers and other high priced veterans which has led to a lack of depth around the squad and an inability to address holes in their roster effectively.

                        Expect a strong team that suffers from the passing game on offense and defense but controls the running game both ways. John Fox has a tough year ahead of him with this schedule, so the Panthers are not a good bet to make the playoffs.

 

2-14                 Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, this is a bad team in a full blown rebuilding process with a new coach and a new starting quarterback. When a team has an open quarterback competition, it is almost never a good thing because it simply means none of the quarterbacks on the roster have impressed enough or shown enough ability to be handed the mantle of the starting quarterback job. In addition to turmoil at the quarterback position, the Buccaneers excised their roster of expensive veterans and have one of the lowest total salaries of any team in the NFL this year. Taking these veterans’ places will be a group of green players that are still adjusting to the NFL, and have not yet shown an ability to be competitive. Potential just means you haven’t done anything yet.

 

NFC WEST

         

10-6                 Arizona Cardinals- This team has the ability to shake the seemingly inevitable Super-Bowl-runner-up slump that has been dodging teams for years. This is mainly predicated on two reasons; the main one being that, like their opponent in the Super Bowl last year, the Cardinals are almost getting a free pass on their schedule, which is amongst the easiest in the league, including games against the abysmal Lions and Rams, along with teams that have been vulnerable to potent passing attacks in recent years like the Jaguars and Packers. Which leads me to the other reason why I feel a return to the postseason is in the Cardinals cards; their potent passing attack. Mauling physical teams are bound to wear down over the course of an NFL season, and even more so with extended playoff runs, but the Cardinals deploy a more finesse offense through the air. With the leagues best receiving corps returning intact after the Cardinals refused to acquiesce Anquan Boldin’s trade demands this off-season, the Cardinals can return to the formula that made them so successful last year, outscore everybody.

 

 

9-7                   San Francisco 49ers- The 49ers are on the road back to respectability after suffering through almost a decade of ineptitude. The building blocks are in place for this team to take the next steps towards becoming a perennial playoff contender, but first they need to find a quarterback, which never used to be a problem. In a weak weak division, the 49ers should contend for a playoff spot, but I don’t think it will happen just yet.

 

8-8                   Seattle Seahawks- This team reminds me of the Kansas City Chiefs a few years back; a veteran laden team that had been winning a lot of games for a long time, but nearing the end of their run. The Seahawks are led by veterans Matt Hasselback and Walter Jones who are both on the wrong side of 30. They have enough talent to win a good bit of games, but this team needs to retool its roster and hope it isn’t hit by a similar rash of injuries as last years team did.

 

3-13                 St. Louis Rams- The Rams were bad last year. They should be bad this year. Likely, they will be bad next year. This team is presently under construction, and should be complete and ready to compete in a couple of years, but not right now.

 

AFC 

          AFC EAST

                       

14-2                 New England Patriots- How do the Patriots do it? This organization has put together one of the most complete rosters from top to bottom that should once again be one of the best in the league. Not only does this team have phenomenal depth, it has a couple of players that are rather good; this one quarterback, a couple of wide receivers, multiple offensive linemen, and a linebacker or two. Provided that everyone stays healthy, this team could have a ton of representatives in the Pro Bowl, which absolutely should not be in Florida, but back in Hawaii. And the team just had a great draft.

                        Besides Tom Brady’s health, Patriots fans should have nothing to worry about this year. With Brady returning to take the reigns of one of the leagues most potent offenses, this team will be good. Probably not 16-0 good, but the Patriots could very well return to the Super Bowl and win a fourth title this decade.

 

10-6                 Buffalo Bills- The Bills have been stuck in a rut the past few years finishing 7-9 multiple times, which has led them to make one of the ultimate gambles in acquiring incendiary receiver Terrell Owens. History holds that he behaves well in year one, which leads me to believe that the Bills gamble will pay off and will lead them to the playoffs for the first time in a while.

 

8-8                   Miami Dolphins-  Last year the Dolphins had an easy schedule. This year they do not. Sparano and Parcells know what they are doing, but the Dolphins will have an extremely difficult time matching the success of last year.

 

7-9                   New York Jets- No proven quarterback will hurt an otherwise rock solid team. Depending on how the defense responds to Rex Ryan, this team could be a lot better than my projection of 7-9, but for now, that’s what they get.

AFC NORTH

 

13-3                 Pittsburg Steelers- Super Bowl Champs return with all their starters and an easier schedule. Expect another playoff run, although one has to wonder if their physical style of play and extended post season run leads to a Super Bowl hangover. Maybe. I don’t think so.

 

10-6                 Baltimore Ravens- The Raven’s defense has been decimated by free agency and a coaching change this off season. The Ravens are still going to be good though.

 

4-12                 Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals are welcoming the return of a fully healthy Carson Palmer for the first time in years. The passing game should be much improved this year. But nothing else will. Maybe next year.

 

2-14                 Cleveland Browns- You know it is going to be a bad season when signs of discontent are already brewing between your players and your new coach in their first preseason together, and this team has a serious dearth of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Browns failed to make any discernable upgrades this off-season to their roster, while managing to subtract significant talent away from a lousy team that went 4-12 last year. On offense this team has two quarterbacks that have not impressed so far, a solid offensive line, and one receiving threat in Braylon Edwards after trading away one of the top tight ends and headaches in the league in Kellen Winslow Jr. For an offense that averaged a paltry 14.5 points per game last year, that spells trouble. The defense is shaping up to be awful again this year, after stinking it up pretty badly last year as well. Mangini may be respected for his coaching prowess around the league, but he won’t be able to bail out this ship with his coaching smarts this year.

AFC WEST

 

11-5                 San Diego Chargers- For all the talk about this being the Chargers last legitimate shot at a champion, I have to disagree. General Manager A.J. smith has constructed a rock solid team stacked with stars and quality players from top to bottom that are all relatively young. However stacked the roster may be though, I feel that their goal of a Super Bowl championship is unfeasible as long as Norv Turner remains coach. While a great offensive coordinator, I feel that he has never consistently shown the ability it takes to be a great head coach in the NFL. After inheriting a 14-2 team from Marty Schotteheimer, Turner has led teams of equivalent talent to 11-5 and 8-8 records.  Additionally, this year the Chargers will have to play games against divisions that require far more than 8 wins to win. Their schedule is nasty, as I only see four gimme games this year; two against the Raiders and two against the Chiefs. Like the Cardinals, if not for their division, they would never have made the playoffs last year. Nevertheless, with the talent on this Chargers squad, they should be able to return to the playoffs

 

8-8                   Denver Broncos- The Broncos will be surprising. They could conceivably start off 3-0 before hitting a ridiculous 8 game, 9 week stretch against the heavy weights of football.

 

4-12                 Oakland Raiders- The dysfunctional Raiders are stacked with lottery pick busts, courtesy of their eccentric owner. This year will not look much different for the Raiders than any of the years following their Super Bowl run in 2002. It will be ugly.

                        Until the Raiders can set up a proper player development program and identify key positions in need of an upgrade and groom players for those positions, they will be hard pressed to escape the bottom of the NFL ladder. The NFL just simply is not fantasy football.

 

4-12                 Kansas City Chiefs- Scott Pioli may be a brilliant football mind that helped forge a decade of excellence in New England, but he has just begun to ply his craft on this team. Right now this is a young team that lacks the elite talent and organizational depth required to be a serious Super Bowl contender, and at this point, even a playoff contender. I am not sold on their off-season acquisition of Matt Cassel just yet. He did put up an excellent statistical season last year, but Tom Brady put up well over twice as many touchdowns with the same supporting cast. What will Cassel do with the talent drop-off in Kansas City? Outside of emerging star Dwayne Bowe, the receiving corps boasts little talent, especially with the departure of longtime tight end Tony Gonzales. The fact is, this is a rebuilding team that, unless Matt Cassel blows everybody out of the water, will only garner a few wins in 2009.

 

AFC SOUTH

 

12-4                 Houston Texans- For numerous seasons now, the Texans have been a chic pick for making the post season and unseating the Colts from the top of the division. This year, they will likely break through. The offense is loaded with playmakers that should key a top 5 offensive attack, including one of the games top 3 receivers in Andre Johnson, emerging tight end Owen Daniels, and sophomore running back Steve Slaton. The defense will be solid with stars like Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans leading the way. Provided this team can stay healthy, I think this will be the year that they break through and reach the postseason.

 

10-6                 Indianapolis Colts- Peyton is Peyton. Reggie is Reggie. Sanders is Sanders. As the years pass, the league keeps changing. New teams rise and fall from the seats of power. Not the Colts; they are the model of consistency having won 12 or more games for 6 straight years and have won more games than any team this decade. It is true that the Colts have deviated from their normal mode of success this off-season with the departure of longtime coach Tony Dungy and receiver Marvin Harrison, but the strength of this team lies in the brilliance of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning. Manning has perfected the art of game management, stretching out long extended drives to wear out the opposing defenses while keeping his fresh, which puts his team in a position to win every Sunday. It helps that this team is stocked with talent with players like Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, and others. 

Look for the Colts unprecedented streak of 12+ winning seasons come to an end, but don’t expect this team to miss the postseason, as it is still very good.

 

9-7                   Tennessee Titans- Coming off a dominating 13-3 regular season last year, the Titans were a force to be reckoned with. However, status quo in the NFL is never a given unless your Indianapolis or New England, and I suspect it will be the Titans that take the plunge this year. 

The team has an anemic passing attack piloted by aging Kerry Collins and a moribund group of wide outs. It does have a superb offensive line and an explosive running game which was obviously a central part of their success last year. However, with the defense losing its cog in Albert Haynesworth, it will be hard pressed to dominate in the same way that it did last year, making it harder to follow the-take-the-lead-and-run-out-the-clock formula it followed.

This is still a good football team, but I suspect that it will take a step back this year.

 

4-12                 Jacksonville Jaguars- This is another bad team. Their receiving corps is thinner than a bulimic model after parting ways with almost every single receiving vet from a year ago.        Their defense was bad last year, and they did next to nothing to address that. This team should be another bottom feeder this year.

 

 

 

Lol…I should just start a dang sports blog…

 

Gonna go buy the new Madden now

[Sim shady 12]

(Continued)

10-6                 Indianapolis Colts- Peyton is Peyton. Reggie is Reggie. Sanders is Sanders. As the years pass, the league keeps changing. New teams rise and fall from the seats of power. Not the Colts; they are the model of consistency having won 12 or more games for 6 straight years and have won more games than any team this decade. It is true that the Colts have deviated from their normal mode of success this off-season with the departure of longtime coach Tony Dungy and receiver Marvin Harrison, but the strength of this team lies in the brilliance of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, Peyton Manning. Manning has perfected the art of game management, stretching out long extended drives to wear out the opposing defenses while keeping his fresh, which puts his team in a position to win every Sunday. It helps that this team is stocked with talent with players like Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, and others. 

Look for the Colts unprecedented streak of 12+ winning seasons come to an end, but don’t expect this team to miss the postseason, as it is still very good.

 

9-7                   Tennessee Titans- Coming off a dominating 13-3 regular season last year, the Titans were a force to be reckoned with. However, status quo in the NFL is never a given unless your Indianapolis or New England, and I suspect it will be the Titans that take the plunge this year. 

The team has an anemic passing attack piloted by aging Kerry Collins and a moribund group of wide outs. It does have a superb offensive line and an explosive running game which was obviously a central part of their success last year. However, with the defense losing its cog in Albert Haynesworth, it will be hard pressed to dominate in the same way that it did last year, making it harder to follow the-take-the-lead-and-run-out-the-clock formula it followed.

This is still a good football team, but I suspect that it will take a step back this year.

 

4-12                 Jacksonville Jaguars- This is another bad team. Their receiving corps is thinner than a bulimic model after parting ways with almost every single receiving vet from a year ago.        Their defense was bad last year, and they did next to nothing to address that. This team should be another bottom feeder this year.

 

 

 Playoff Qualifiers: 

NFC:  Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Saints, Cardinals, Bears

AFC: Patriots, Texans, Colts, Chargers, Steelers, Bills

Lol…I should just start a dang sports blog…

 

Gonna go buy the new Madden now

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

 

Gonna go buy the new Madden now

quote>

You mean the new Madden '05/'06/'07/08/09/10?

Somebody bring back GameDay!

At least you give the Bears some playoff odds.

[Kryptowhite 9]

My predictions. Not as long as sim shady's, but hey, not very many people are capable of putting that together haha. At first I thought you were going to write as much as you did for the Cowboys for every team.

Kryptowhites Preseason Predictions!

NFC East

1st: Dallas

2cd: Philidelphia

3rd: New York

4th: Washington

-This is probably the toughest division to pick, because every team has question marks. I like what I see in Dallas though, they've had the talent for years and this year they seem to have a very business like approach, after 3 years of dissapointment, they finally may have their act together. I'd say a question mark is the linebackers though...can anyone even name a Dallas linebacker? [besides shady and easy bakes?]. Philly and the Giants was a toss up, but I chose Philly because they have a much higher potential, with so many new additions like Maclin, Peters, [Vick?], Hobbs. Like always the defense should be superb, although like many people, I think McNabb is good, but not great, and I don't think he is a super bowl quarterback. New York at third because while New York has much of its super bowl team in tact, the offense is pretty weak because there are really no pass catching options, and the Burress/Pierce legal drama won't help. Washington is last because of Jason Campbell, but they could easily finish 3rd in front of new york.

NFC South

1st: Atlanta

2cd: Carolina

3rd: New Orleans

4th: Tampa

Suprisingly easy to pick. I expect Atlanta to finish with at least 12 wins, Matt Ryan is superb and Tony Gonzolaz opens up a ton of options on offense. Carolina I like because they have a great defense, experienced talented quarterback and recievers, and dynamic runningbacks. New Orleans has some exciting options on offense with Brees and Colston, but no defense and no depth. Tampa is a mess...

NFC North

1st: Green Bay

2cd: Chicago

3rd: Minnesota

4th: Detroit

The top three teams all have potential [the lions don't haha], but minnesota is the odd man out because who would you rather have? Cutler/Rodgers or Tavaris Jackson?. Chicago and Green Bay are pretty similar teams at least to me, both have good backs in Forte and Grant, great QB's in Rodgers and Cutler, and then pretty solid defenses. I chose Green Bay simply because this is Cutlers first year in Chicago so things may not click right away. Minnesota has literally no pass game. Until they get a pass game they won't go anywhere, no matter how got Adrian Peterson is.

NFC West

1st: Cardinals

2cd: Seattle

3rd: 49ers

4th: Rams

Easily the worst division in football. Cardinals are clearly the best team, but one has to wonder if they will suffer from a hangover, and Kurt Warner ain't exactly young...

Seattle should be somewhat of a suprise, i think 8-8 might be a good place to expect them. Sure, they were horrible last year, but keep in mind all the injuries they had. As for the 49er's, I don't like Shaun Hill OR Alex Smith, and Michael Crabtree might not even sign with them...So all they have left is Patrick Willis. Rams are a mess, going nowhere in the near future.

NFC Playoff Teams [seeded]

1. Atlanta

2. Dallas

3. Green Bay

4. Arizona

5. Carolina*

6. Chicago*

* is wildcard. Chicago/Philly was a tough call but Philly has 4 good teams in its division while Chicago gets to play detroit twice...

NFC Championship: Atlanta vs. Carolina

NFC Champions: Atlanta

South is going to be powerful this year!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFC

AFC East

1. New England

2. Miami

3. Buffalo

4. Jets

As usual easy to pick. The only difference is that the Jets and Bills have swapped places, the Jets are now the hopeless team. Patriots should recapture the division title, when they have Tom Brady, they are on another level above the rest of the league. Skys the limit for this years team, the only thing that can hold them back are the pins that hold Tom's knee together lol. Miami was a good story but im starting to get tired of them so i may not give them the wildcard just to smite them, even though they have a good team. Buffalo is interesting but you never know what your going to get with them. T.O. might implode but there isn't exactly a lot of material to feed him in Buffalo.

AFC South

1. Houston

2. Indianapolis

3. Tennesee

4. Jacksonville

Perfect storm scenario. The Colts are on a massive decline while Houston is looking pretty sexy down in Texas. Besides the Colts aren't even south of the mason dixon line, so its about time a true south team takes the AFC south. Tennesee was a one hit wonder, Vince Young, regardless of what he says, will not make the Hall of Fame, i doubt he will even be starting within 3 years. Jacksonville Jaguars are almost as bad as the city of Jacksonville. Anyway, Houston FTW!

AFC North

1. Pittsburg

2. Baltimore

3. Cincinatti

4. Cleveland

This division is somewhat exciting in the boring brand of football kind of way. Pittsburg and Baltimore like usual are 1-2, and it wouldn't suprise me if Baltimore gave Pittsburg a run for their money. Pittsburg has its whole team intact though, so while they won't win the Super Bowl [more on that later] they will at least reach the divisional playoffs.

AFC West

1. San Diego

2. Does it matter?

3. Does it matter?

4. Does it matter?

This division is horrible. Absolutely horrible. San Diego is the only quality team here, and they could go 5-11 and still win the division. i like what San Diego has to offer though, they have an electrifying team when its running on all clyinders. LaDanian Tomlinson is completely OP in the new Madden 10. I scored 70, 77, and 83 yard touchdowns on his first 3 carries when i played online with the chargers. Thats the definition of OP 

AFC Playoffs [seeded]

1. New England

2. Pittsburg

3. San Diego

4. Houston

5. Indianapolis*

6. Baltimore*

AFC Championship: New England vs Pittsburg

AFC Champion: New England

Already, this season has somewhat of a hidden storyline. Early on the Patriots were the clear "team of the decade". But now the Steelers have 2 championships. If they win this year, where do they rank? Ahead or behind the patriots? My pick says what should be obvious. Behind. Whats unique about the Steelers Super Bowl wins? Both years came against mediocre competition and they didn't have to face the patriots in the playoffs because the patriots sucked those years. in 2006 the patriots had their second worst team of the decade, and last year they didn't make the playoffs because of a crappy system that allows 8-8 teams to make it and sends 11-5 teams home packing. So in both years, the Steelers never had to face Bill Belichick and the pats. Last year, all the AFC playoff teams other than the steelers were mediocre. Then they got to play the Cardinals in the Super Bowl, a team that was incredibly overrated to begin with. In 2006, they faced the Seahawks, who somehow made the Super Bowl despite being horrible. They did face a somewhat formidible Colts team in the divisional playoffs but the only reason they won was because of a botched play by the colts late in the game! other than that, Ben Rothlisberger is proof of the "you don't need a good qb to win the super bowl theory" and the rest of the offense is equally overrated. The Defense is amazing, but the patriots can put up at least 21 on them, can the steelers offense put up at least 21 on the patriots?

Either way, its intriguing, the steelers defense intimidates me just thinking about it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Super Bowl: Atlanta and New England

Well, I ended up picking my two favorite teams haha. As much as I love Matt Ryan, this Patriots team is the complete package and Tom Brady knows how fragile he is now, so he will do everything to cement his legacy. A Patriots-Celtics-Red Sox-Bruins Quadruple Crown would be a nice way to close out an incredible decade too

Winner: Patriots!

[Easy Bakes 253]

Im holding on for predictions.

[Sim shady 12]

I can't disagree with any of your picks Kryptowhite, although I could make a case for why the Falcons will not repeat as division champs because of their tough schedule, but they are a good team only getting better.

So I am blown away by Madden 2010. The new tackling system has led this iteration of the franchise to be the most realistic representation of football I have ever played. Tackling just feels smooth and natural, and recievers actually make over the shoulder catches. Everything about the gameplay has me ecastic.

I would still make the franchise mode so much better than what it is if I were EA though. It is essential a port of last years versions, which was basically a port of 08s version. I feel the most important aspect of Madden is its franchise mode, but it leaves alot to be desired since hitting the new generation of consoles.

By the way, how do you impact block in this Madden Kryptowhite? I have the xbox360 version, and I don't see anything in the handbook on how to impact block, and last years controls dont do it.

[Kryptowhite 9]

you mean lead block? I tried to do lead block but couldn't get it. regardless im just as blown away. amazing gameplay, amazing look. Pro-tak is god. Makes routine plays fun.

[Sim shady 12]

Whoops, yea meant lead blocking. I'll investigate further. Surely they wouldn't have gotten rid of it. Outside runs just don't work very well when your A.I, controled tackles and tight ends completely whiff on blocks.

And no kidding on the routine plays thing. I just can't get over shoestring tackles and such stuff. Protak is so amazing

[djrules5454 5]

I have to disagree with some of the NFC North predictions here, because it appears that this is assuming Tarvaris (that's how you spell his name, folks) Jackson is going to win the starting job. I think that Sage Rosenfels will win it, because he's picking up the offense quite quickly and because if Chilly wants to keep his job, he will notice that Sage is the better choice, being a career-long backup (Gus Frerotte was a career backup, and look where he got the team - in both '04 and '08). And the team has plenty of capable receivers - only reason they aren't noticed more is because Chilly has no confidence in his team's passing game and doesn't like to pass as much (he's far too conservative), even with a receiver like Berrian and several capable tight ends at his disposal.

These picks are also assuming that Cutler is going to be comfortable in Chicago and that Orton was the primary reason the offense wasn't so great (his numbers while at Purdue make me think there's a deeper problem). Plus, I've noticed that Chicago has played better with Orton under center than with other quarterbacks in recent years (Griese and Grossman are two that come to mind), though moreso in the wins column than in statistics (probably because he's a more conservative quarterback than most recent Chicago QB's).

Oh, and Green Bay will probably have some rough stretches because of the defensive shift, so they won't be as good as Kryptowhite thinks.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition

I have to disagree with some of the NFC North predictions here, because it appears that this is assuming Tarvaris (that's how you spell his name, folks) Jackson is going to win the starting job. I think that Sage Rosenfels will win it, because he's picking up the offense quite quickly and because if Chilly wants to keep his job, he will notice that Sage is the better choice, being a career-long backup (Gus Frerotte was a career backup, and look where he got the team - in both '04 and '08). And the team has plenty of capable receivers - only reason they aren't noticed more is because Chilly has no confidence in his team's passing game and doesn't like to pass as much (he's far too conservative), even with a receiver like Berrian and several capable tight ends at his disposal.

These picks are also assuming that Cutler is going to be comfortable in Chicago and that Orton was the primary reason the offense wasn't so great (his numbers while at Purdue make me think there's a deeper problem). Plus, I've noticed that Chicago has played better with Orton under center than with other quarterbacks in recent years (Griese and Grossman are two that come to mind), though moreso in the wins column than in statistics (probably because he's a more conservative quarterback than most recent Chicago QB's).

Oh, and Green Bay will probably have some rough stretches because of the defensive shift, so they won't be as good as Kryptowhite thinks.quote>

After tonight's performance by the Packer defense, I don't see them struggling on defense all that much.  Looks like they have their 3-4 defensive scheme down pat and the Norris Division better watch out, especially the Bears and of course the Vikings.

[djrules5454 5]

Originally posted by: blade2k5

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition Oh, and Green Bay will probably have some rough stretches because of the defensive shift, so they won't be as good as Kryptowhite thinks.quote>

After tonight's performance by the Packer defense, I don't see them struggling on defense all that much.  Looks like they have their 3-4 defensive scheme down pat and the Norris Division better watch out, especially the Bears and of course the Vikings.quote>

They played the Browns... not exactly a good offense (last year's offensive output per game in yardage was 249.1, good for 31st in the league).

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition

They played the Browns... not exactly a good offense (last year's offensive output per game in yardage was 249.1, good for 31st in the league).quote>

The Vikings don't have a good offense either, so what's your point?

[djrules5454 5]

Originally posted by: blade2k5

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition

They played the Browns... not exactly a good offense (last year's offensive output per game in yardage was 249.1, good for 31st in the league).quote>

The Vikings don't have a good offense either, so what's your point?quote>

That the Browns are a far worse measuring stick than the Vikings (with both combined, they were offensively middle of the pack). Though a shutout is fairly impressive even against a terrible team.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Cowboys play 1st game at New stadium friday night.

[LarksTonguesInAspic 28]

Local reviews on Cutler are giving him benefit of the doubt, don't forget in '85 the Bears lost 3 of 4 preseason games. The injury issue should clear up in a week or 2, having Tillman and Forte back will improve the Bears record (my prediction). Tommie Harris should also be back soon. It's a "rebuilding year" to some extent, so expectations are lowered for many of us. Not for the press, however.

I heard Grossman is out for at least a month, and Orton (whom I thought showed great promise) is struggling as a 3rd stringer. Looks like the Bears made a good call. Time will tell.

[Sim shady 12]

Gag I thought we had heard the last of the over the hill egocentric former Packers quarterback. I was wrong. Brett Favre is coming out of retirement to play for the Vikings. I have lost all respect for him.

BTW, my madden game keeps crashing, which makes me think I might return it. I am wrecking on Halo in the meantime though

[Kryptowhite 9]

im 2-1 online with madden...haven't found the time to play much yet, although i'll probably play a bit tonight after football.

Wasn't that impressed with the in game model of the new texas stadium though, i don't see whats so special about it. The glass looks horrible, less like glass and more like reflective whale skin.

edit: anyways, I was looking over the schedule for this year and its not that bad, probably the easiest the pats have had in years!

They play buffalo, the jets, falcons, ravens, broncos, titans, bucs, dolhpins, colts, jets, saints, dolphins, panthers, bills, jags, texans.

The two toughest games IMO are the Falcons and Ravens, and both those games are at home. The only other games that will be really tough are at the colts, both games against miami, and a home date with the panthers. So thats only 6 out of 16 games that are going to be really difficult, and only two of them are on the road. So assuming they get 2-3 loses from that batch, and then the inevitable lose to a bad team at a random point in the season...I wouldn't be suprised if they go 12-4 13-3.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition

Originally posted by: blade2k5

Originally posted by: djrules5454_simtropolisedition

They played the Browns... not exactly a good offense (last year's offensive output per game in yardage was 249.1, good for 31st in the league).quote>

The Vikings don't have a good offense either, so what's your point?quote>

That the Browns are a far worse measuring stick than the Vikings (with both combined, they were offensively middle of the pack). Though a shutout is fairly impressive even against a terrible team.

quote>

By the way my SimTrop friend, that was meant as a joke, but the tongue smiley [] didn't register when I thought I added it in.  Sorry if that was taken out of context.  If the Vikings had some marquee recievers, then I would say that their offense would be above the middle of the pack as you put it.  Oh, and congrats on your 13-3 win over Peyton's Colts.

Originally posted by: Sim shady

Gag I thought we had heard the last of the over the hill egocentric former Packers quarterback. I was wrong. Brett Favre is coming out of retirement to play for the Vikings. I have lost all respect for him.quote>

Favre has become the biggest joke in football and if the Vikings are dumb enough to sign him, then they'll end up getting what they deserved when he collapses and shows why he's the interception king of the NFL.  He just wants to pad his interception record so no-one else can ever break it.

[djrules5454 5]

I'm annoyed that he signed on... though he does have a better offensive line protecting him this year as opposed to last. I was hoping he was gone for good. Oh, well. Just as long as they don't do the stupid thing and cut John David Booty... he's actually semi-competent.

[JakeMD 107]

Who knows, maybe he's changed

If t-jack is going to quit, then we will have no hope when favre throws too many interceptions.

[Easy Bakes 253]

Originally posted by: Sim shady

Gag I thought we had heard the last of the over the hill egocentric former Packers quarterback. I was wrong. Brett Favre is coming out of retirement to play for the Vikings. I have lost all respect for him.

BTW, my madden game keeps crashing, which makes me think I might return it. I am wrecking on Halo in the meantime though quote>

Serves EA right, they were to cheap to even make a new comercial.

Favre is Back, Monday Night At GB should be good.

[blade2k5 1,523]

Originally posted by: SWAT-MEDIC

Who knows, maybe he's changed

If t-jack is going to quit, then we will have no hope when favre throws too many interceptions.quote>

If Favre has a lot of in-your-face pressure, he will most assuredly throw interceptions all over the place. 

[Sim shady 12]

I would actually argue that Favre had phenomenal protection last year in New York. The offensive line is loaded with high quality players that did an excellent job last year, allowing only 30 sacks and paving the way for the team to average 4.7 yards per carry.

Just looking at the line on an individual player basis, reveals that it one of the most talented in the league. Lottery pick D'Brickashaw Ferguson has not blown any one away, but he certainly has not been a bust and is one of the better left tackles in the league. Alan Faneca is one of the best left guards in the NFL, and is paid like one. Nick Mangold is one of the top centers in the NFL and is only getting better. The right side of the line is also very solid, though not spectacular with right guard Brandon Moore and tackle Damien Woody. Additionally, they had Tony Richardson, who is regarded as one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league.

The bottom line is most quarterbacks would like that kind of protection, and Favre got it last year. In fact, I would be willing to argue that Favre will be going to worse protection this year; the Vikings line gave up 43 sacks last year, and lost its probowl center Matt Birk. The left side of the Vikings line is awesome with Braynt McKinnie and Steve Hutchingson, but the rest of the line is really quite average, and their center John Sullivan a new and unproven low draft pick last year.

Brett Favre 2009 stats: 19 td, 23 int. Its gonna happen!

[Kryptowhite 9]

Farves problem last year wasn't his tedency to throw interceptions, he's been doing that his whole career and i don't think Packers fans are complaining about it. The problem is simply that hes not in good football shape anymore, his arm got messed up down the stretch last year which made him basically useless since he's such a gunslinger.

[JakeMD 107]

Favre caught his first throw on the Vikings! It was a 7 yard loss after the ball got tipped after he threw it. Almost an interception!

[Easy Bakes 253]

Wonderfull schedualing for that Cowboy Staduim.

Rangers at  Home tonight , same night as Paul McCartney( A beatle ) at the staduim.

Same for Friday night, Rangeres and Cowboys Preseason ( it will be full)

edit My bad rangers are out of town friday night, i miss counted the 4 games with the twins.

[Sim shady 12]

I can't imagine the chaos that will ensue if there is a rangers game and cowboys game on the same day, at close times. It took me a while to get out of Arlington after the Rangers game on Monday and that was without any Cowboys game, and the Ballpark was no where near full capacity.

Why is Arlington so stupid as to not have any kind of mass transit? They have Six Flags, the water park, UTA, the Ball Park, and Cowboys Stadium all in the same small area.

[Easy Bakes 253]

The voters are Idiots ^^^

Wait I live in Arlington........