NFL 2008-09 Season
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Here's a look at sportsline.com's first power rankings. IMO, a few surprises, such as the Saints being ranked #3.
1 Colts · Trends-Yes, the injury concerns are real. But this is a deep, talented team that can handle all of
them, except, of course, the loss of Manning.
2 Patriots · Trends-They were great last season -- until the Super choke. They'll be close to that goal again this time. They won't go undefeated, but they'll win at least 13.
3 Saints · Trends-They will score a ton of points. I love their offense. The defense has added some nice pieces and only needs to go a little higher in the rankings to make this team special. Keep an eye on the impact of Hurricane Gustav.
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4 Chargers · Trends-If Shawne Merriman can play as the Merriman we know, this is a team that will push for the AFC title. They do have to pass the ball better. Maybe that AFC title game loss will help Philip Rivers' growth.
5 Cowboys · Trends-This is a star-filled team, but at some point that has to translate to playoff success. The coaching situation, with Jason Garrett looking over Wade Phillips' shoulder, is a concern.
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6 Giants · Trends-Don't go to sleep on the Giants. They were not a fluke team last season. The development of Eli Manning makes them even better. The loss of Osi Umenyiora will be felt, however.
7Jaguars · Trends-They need to do two things better: Throw it down the field more and rush the passer better. If they can do both, they will push Indy, San Diego and New England in the AFC.
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8Steelers · Trends-Let's not forget they won the division last season, not the Browns. The big key here is how well the offensive line plays. I think it shows improvement, which will help keep Ben Roethlisberger much more upright this season
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9Packers · Trends-Where's Brett? How can they survive now? Here's how: Easily. Aaron Rodgers will surprise a lot of people, and there is a lot of talent around him. They aren't going from division winner to non-playoff team.
10Eagles · Trends-Andy Reid will have the Eagles back to competing for a division title. Donovan McNabb will love rookie DeSean Jackson. Their division will make for wars every week
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11Seahawks · Trends-All they do is win division titles and games. The key here is keeping Matt Hasselbeck on the field since he has back issues. The receiving situation isn't good.
12Titans · Trends-It's all on how well Vince Young progresses as a passer. If he does throw it better, the Titans will be a playoff team. If not, it won't happen. They will be a physical team again
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13Vikings · Trends-Coach Brad Childress has put his future into the hands of Tarvaris Jackson. That's risky. At least he's standing by his conviction about the kid. With Adrian Peterson, it will be easier to handle.
14Browns · Trends-The preseason was a disaster, but that matters none. What does matter is the quarterback play. Derek Anderson has to continue to develop -- or it will be Brady Quinn time
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15Cardinals · Trends-This will be a team that gets better as the season moves along as its young players improve. Kurt Warner is more than capable as the starting quarterback. Just look at his history.
16Panthers · Trends-They're going back to their power-running roots. Oh boy. Can't wait. Things have changed a lot since that worked a few years ago, guys. They need to throw it better. Period.
17Bills · Trends-Keep an eye on the Bills. If Trent Edwards can show he's made improvement, they just might be a playoff team. The defense will be fierce if the players stay healthy.
18Rams · Trends-It's all about the defense growing and the offensive line improving for the Rams. They have to get the defense into the low teens in the rankings and the line can't play another season of waving at their opponents again.
19Buccaneers · Trends-The big question all season will be whether Jeff Garcia can recapture the magic from 2007. If not, the fans will be killing the Bucs for not getting Brett Favre.
20Jets · Trends-So Favre makes this a playoff team? Not quite. That's what most would think, but I see 8-8. They will regret the Favre trade in a year. You watch.
21Broncos · Trends-Is the heat on Mike Shanahan? If he doesn't get them to the playoffs, it just might be. Jay Cutler is coming off a good preseason, which is a good sign.
22Texans · Trends-They will be better than the team that went 8-8 in 2007, but the record might not be as good. One more offseason of work and the Texans will push for a playoff spot. Just not this season.
23Bengals · Trends-Now that Chad Johnson is now Chad Ocho Cinco, maybe things will get really weird and the Bengals will actually be good on defense. If not, it's another playoff-less season.
24Bears · Trends-The good news for Bears fans: Rex Grossman is not the starting quarterback. The bad news: Kyle Orton is.
25Redskins · Trends-The Redskins are clearly the fourth team in a four-team division. Something just doesn't seem right about this team. New coach Jim Zorn has his work cut out for him.
26 Ravens · Trends-It must be tough for all those older Baltimore football fans who saw Unitas play to stomach the quarterbacking they've seen from the Ravens in their history. It will be the undoing again.
27Raiders · Trends-Al Davis spent a ton of money in the offseason to improve his team. Has he? Not enough. But they will be better.
28 Lions · Trends-Want to hear something scary: The Lions have the most experienced quarterback and Jon Kitna might be the best in the division. The defense needs to play better
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29 49ers · Trends-Joe Montana ... Steve Young ... J.T. O'Sullivan. Something doesn't seem right. It won't look right, either.
30 Dolphins · Trends-They will not be an easy out for any team on any Sunday. They will be a feisty bunch. I still think Chad Henne should be the starter, but Chad Pennington will be serviceable.
31 Falcons · Trends-It's a three-year turnaround, so this team will take its lumps this season. They are doing the right thing playing Matt Ryan. Getting over the 2007 debacle is the important thing now
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32 Chiefs · Trends-Rebuild, rebuild, rebuild. They won't say it, so I will. It's going to be a long season, even in a bad AFC West
them, except, of course, the loss of Manning.
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I have no idea how the Browns are #14 in the power rankings. Apparently CBS Sportsline is persuaded by preseason. I thought ESPN did a power rankings before preseason and the Browns were #2 or #3.
Last time the Redskins played the Giants, Eli had a ridiculously high number of incomplete passes- albeit the game was REALLY WINDY.
Do you see a repeat on Thursday?
Do you see a repeat on Thursday?
Here's ESPN's Power Poll. Interesting that both ESPN and CBS polls seem to agree on the worst teams. 
ESPN - NFL Power Rankings - National Football League
1 Patriots - The Patriots had better hope Tom Brady stays healthy. They've looked lost without him. Injuries on the offensive line and question marks in the secondary will make their games more competitive this year. (TG)
2 Chargers - The Chargers are tired of knocking on the door. This team is ready to make a Super Bowl push, and it could be a successful push if they stay healthy. (BW)
3 Cowboys - The Cowboys' delegation already has set up a branch office in Tampa. The only thing standing in the Cowboys' way is winning their first playoff game since 1996. (MM)
4 Colts - All those early injury concerns got solved, and now they're going to have to figure out life without key cog C Jeff Saturday. With all that missed practice, can the stars keep up superb Sept. play? (PK)
5 Jaguars - A lot to like, but OL play is a concern, particularly with LT Khalif Barnes underachieving. Those backs need holes and David Garrard needs time. Derrick Harvey's initial contribution won't be big. (PK)
6 Steelers - Nearly all of the pieces are in place for the Steelers to make a run. The one exception is a shaky OL, which could be the difference in being a good team or an elite team. (JW)
7 Saints - Offense is loaded at the skill positions. Defensive overhaul must take hold for this team to contend. (PY)
8 Giants - I had to do it. You drop at least four spots when you lose the best defensive player on the team. (MM)
9 Seahawks - The Seahawks might have more depth than they've had at any time during the salary-cap era. Even backup QB Seneca Wallace looks like he could win games if needed. (MS)
10 Packers - Aaron Rodgers had a solid preseason, but the backup QB situation is a bit worrisome. (KS)
11 Vikings - QB Tarvaris Jackson looked sharp in the preseason -- when he was on the field. (KS)
12 Eagles - If Donovan McNabb stays healthy and the Eagles knock off the Cowboys early, this team could challenge for a division title. (MM)
13 Browns - Are the Browns good enough to turn it on after a sluggish preseason? We will find out with two tough games against Dallas and Pittsburgh to start the season. (JW)
14 Titans - Behind Jags now, but I have a feeling they'll wind up at least even in the long run. When they open the playbook, you'll see a pass offense that's better than it seemed in the preseason. Even with a struggling VY, the run game and defense can win. (PK)
15 Buccaneers - Defense looked strong in the preseason. But QB Jeff Garcia and WR Joey Galloway missed lots of practice time with injuries and might not be sharp right away. (PY)
16 Jets - The O-line appears fantastic, and their defensive additions have made a noticeable difference. If Brett Favre can cope with the big change, look out. (TG)
17 Panthers - QB Jake Delhomme's arm seemed fine in the preseason and DE Julius Peppers appears motivated for a big year. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart will give the team the power running game it has lacked. (PY)
18 Bills - Brett Favre's arrival in AFC East and Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters' holdout will make it more difficult for the Bills to make the playoffs. Defense should be markedly improved with DT Marcus Stroud. (TG)
19 Redskins - I want to believe in the Age of Zorn, but the last couple of performances scare me. At some point, this team probably needs one of its second-round receivers to show up. (MM)
20 Texans - I see progress, but how will they climb up a rung in this division? The defensive stars need others to play better around them. The run game and secondary still rank as legitimate concerns and that first five-game stretch is a crucible. (PK)
21 Cardinals - The Cardinals have better depth in their defensive front seven and enough weapons at receiver to produce without WR Bryant Johnson. Lack of depth on the offensive line could hold them back. (MS)
22 Broncos - The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 Bengals - The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 Ravens - Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 Bears - On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 Lions - The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 Raiders - The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 Rams - The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 49ers - The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 Dolphins - QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 Chiefs - This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 Falcons - The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)
ESPN - NFL Power Rankings - National Football League
1 Patriots - The Patriots had better hope Tom Brady stays healthy. They've looked lost without him. Injuries on the offensive line and question marks in the secondary will make their games more competitive this year. (TG)
2 Chargers - The Chargers are tired of knocking on the door. This team is ready to make a Super Bowl push, and it could be a successful push if they stay healthy. (BW)
3 Cowboys - The Cowboys' delegation already has set up a branch office in Tampa. The only thing standing in the Cowboys' way is winning their first playoff game since 1996. (MM)
4 Colts - All those early injury concerns got solved, and now they're going to have to figure out life without key cog C Jeff Saturday. With all that missed practice, can the stars keep up superb Sept. play? (PK)
5 Jaguars - A lot to like, but OL play is a concern, particularly with LT Khalif Barnes underachieving. Those backs need holes and David Garrard needs time. Derrick Harvey's initial contribution won't be big. (PK)
6 Steelers - Nearly all of the pieces are in place for the Steelers to make a run. The one exception is a shaky OL, which could be the difference in being a good team or an elite team. (JW)
7 Saints - Offense is loaded at the skill positions. Defensive overhaul must take hold for this team to contend. (PY)
8 Giants - I had to do it. You drop at least four spots when you lose the best defensive player on the team. (MM)
9 Seahawks - The Seahawks might have more depth than they've had at any time during the salary-cap era. Even backup QB Seneca Wallace looks like he could win games if needed. (MS)
10 Packers - Aaron Rodgers had a solid preseason, but the backup QB situation is a bit worrisome. (KS)
11 Vikings - QB Tarvaris Jackson looked sharp in the preseason -- when he was on the field. (KS)
12 Eagles - If Donovan McNabb stays healthy and the Eagles knock off the Cowboys early, this team could challenge for a division title. (MM)
13 Browns - Are the Browns good enough to turn it on after a sluggish preseason? We will find out with two tough games against Dallas and Pittsburgh to start the season. (JW)
14 Titans - Behind Jags now, but I have a feeling they'll wind up at least even in the long run. When they open the playbook, you'll see a pass offense that's better than it seemed in the preseason. Even with a struggling VY, the run game and defense can win. (PK)
15 Buccaneers - Defense looked strong in the preseason. But QB Jeff Garcia and WR Joey Galloway missed lots of practice time with injuries and might not be sharp right away. (PY)
16 Jets - The O-line appears fantastic, and their defensive additions have made a noticeable difference. If Brett Favre can cope with the big change, look out. (TG)
17 Panthers - QB Jake Delhomme's arm seemed fine in the preseason and DE Julius Peppers appears motivated for a big year. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart will give the team the power running game it has lacked. (PY)
18 Bills - Brett Favre's arrival in AFC East and Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters' holdout will make it more difficult for the Bills to make the playoffs. Defense should be markedly improved with DT Marcus Stroud. (TG)
19 Redskins - I want to believe in the Age of Zorn, but the last couple of performances scare me. At some point, this team probably needs one of its second-round receivers to show up. (MM)
20 Texans - I see progress, but how will they climb up a rung in this division? The defensive stars need others to play better around them. The run game and secondary still rank as legitimate concerns and that first five-game stretch is a crucible. (PK)
21 Cardinals - The Cardinals have better depth in their defensive front seven and enough weapons at receiver to produce without WR Bryant Johnson. Lack of depth on the offensive line could hold them back. (MS)
22 Broncos - The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 Bengals - The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 Ravens - Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 Bears - On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 Lions - The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 Raiders - The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 Rams - The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 49ers - The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 Dolphins - QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 Chiefs - This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 Falcons - The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)
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Here's ESPN's Power Poll. Interesting that both ESPN and CBS polls seem to agree on the worst teams.
ESPN - NFL Power Rankings - National Football League
22 Broncos - The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 Bengals - The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 Ravens - Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 Bears - On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 Lions - The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 Raiders - The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 Rams - The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 49ers - The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 Dolphins - QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 Chiefs - This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 Falcons - The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)
I think with the exception of the Lions....I think the Raiders are better than the Bear, Ravens, Broncos and Bengals....and both teams should be ranked higher. Around where the Broncos and Bengals are ranked.
HD MM's 2008 NFL Predictions
Division Rankings:
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
AFC West
San Diego Chargers
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
AFC East
New England Patriots
Buffalo Bills
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals
St. Louis Rams
San Francisco 49ers
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
NY Giants
Washington Redskins
AFC Wild Cards:
Colts and Bills
NFC Wild Cards:
Eagles and Packers
Team Awards (fictitious):
AFC Sleeper: Buffalo Bills (Make final AFC Wild Card)
NFC Sleeper: New Orleans Saints (Always seem to thrive following hurricanes)
AFC Flop: NE Pats (Just barely beat out the Bills for the AFC East on a tiebreaker. More is expected from a team who didn't lose a game during the regular season last year and plays in the AFC East.)
NFC Flop: Giants demise is expected, but the Chiefs not winning a single game will be historic!
Individual Awards:
Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Tuck (NYG)
Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson (Minn)
Comeback Player of the Year: Ricky Williams
Rookie of the Year: Run DMC! (AP + Reggie Bush = Darren McFadden. Dude has sick talent.)
MVP: LT (Chargers finally win a Super Bowl)
Super Bowl Prediction:
Chargers over Cowgirls (TO has a meltdown when Romo botches another end of the game play!)
Division Rankings:
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars
Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans
Tennessee Titans
AFC West
San Diego Chargers
Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs
AFC East
New England Patriots
Buffalo Bills
New York Jets
Miami Dolphins
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions
Chicago Bears
NFC South
New Orleans Saints
Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals
St. Louis Rams
San Francisco 49ers
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles
NY Giants
Washington Redskins
AFC Wild Cards:
Colts and Bills
NFC Wild Cards:
Eagles and Packers
Team Awards (fictitious):
AFC Sleeper: Buffalo Bills (Make final AFC Wild Card)
NFC Sleeper: New Orleans Saints (Always seem to thrive following hurricanes)
AFC Flop: NE Pats (Just barely beat out the Bills for the AFC East on a tiebreaker. More is expected from a team who didn't lose a game during the regular season last year and plays in the AFC East.)
NFC Flop: Giants demise is expected, but the Chiefs not winning a single game will be historic!
Individual Awards:
Defensive Player of the Year: Justin Tuck (NYG)
Offensive Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson (Minn)
Comeback Player of the Year: Ricky Williams
Rookie of the Year: Run DMC! (AP + Reggie Bush = Darren McFadden. Dude has sick talent.)
MVP: LT (Chargers finally win a Super Bowl)
Super Bowl Prediction:
Chargers over Cowgirls (TO has a meltdown when Romo botches another end of the game play!)
Ummm, yeah okay.
HDMM, a word of advice, worry about your own flop, errr team before throwing stones.
Ummm, yeah okay.
HDMM, a word of advice, worry about your own flop, errr team before throwing stones.
No offense Bill. This shouldn't be a big surprise either. NE won every game in the regular season last year. IMO, anything short of another Super Bowl would be a flop. I just don't see this team repeating again.
In addition, word on the streets is that Brady has been battling a broken bone in his foot and the injury is worse than what is being revealed. Brady is the most important piece to that team. If he misses any games, the Pats will suffer greatly.
I don't buy the broken foot thing AT ALL. I hate to say it, but I don't trust Belichick. His way of doing things is getting old as far as I'm concerned. I'll always appreciate that he brought this franchise to heights not previously dreamed of, but the "us against the world" mentality is getting tired (I'm not the only Patriots fan to feel this way either). I think the Brady "injury" is just another Belichick scheme (I HOPE I'm right).
BTW, IF the Brady injury is serious enough that he misses substantial time, the Patriots will finish third. Their backup QB situation is as bad as it gets!
I'm giving out my own fictious team awards in honor of HD MM's:
BTW, HD, one mistake: You listed the Chiefs as an NFC flop- wrong conference.
Team Awards (fictitious):
AFC Sleeper: Jacksonville. They'll have the top record in the AFC and home-field advantage.
NFC Sleeper: Arizona. The pieces are in place.
AFC Flop: Tennessee. I don't trust their recieving corps.
NFC Flop: Philadelphia. They'll regret not going after Larry Fitzgerald/Randy Moss when they were available.
BTW, HD, one mistake: You listed the Chiefs as an NFC flop- wrong conference.
Team Awards (fictitious):
AFC Sleeper: Jacksonville. They'll have the top record in the AFC and home-field advantage.
NFC Sleeper: Arizona. The pieces are in place.
AFC Flop: Tennessee. I don't trust their recieving corps.
NFC Flop: Philadelphia. They'll regret not going after Larry Fitzgerald/Randy Moss when they were available.
I agree with both of your AFC selections: Jacksonville=DANGEROUS!!!!!
Tennessee=7-9/8-8/9-7 written all over it...........YAWN!!!
However, I disagree with your two NFC teams: Arizona- like I stated before, I'm tired of picking them as a darkhorse EVERY freakin' year.
Philadelphia- The Eagles are my NFC darkhorse to make it to Tampa. I have a funny feeling McNabb is going to have a MONSTER year!
Woops, how'd that happen? Anyways, I give the NFC flop award to the TB Bucs. They're the closest I can think of to being a flop this year in the NFC. By flop, I mean that they will be regressing from last years playoff appearence and division win. This year, the Saints and Panthers will finish ahead of them.
+1 on that one. These guys have been threatening to be good for what seems like a lifetime, yet it never materializes. Reminds of another team.....
