The 2007-08 NFL Thread

[CrespoBlows]

Yeah, this coincides with the Buccaneers knocking off the Patriots, but regardless, the 2007 NFL season is underway. Despite the strong showing of the Bucs, this will be the high point of their season. Sometime in January, the hopes of Buccaneers fans will rise slightly, when Jon Gruden is fired, or at the least, loses his input in personnel moves.

 

Anyway, I have the Patriots winning the Super Bowl. The Bears will represent the NFC. The division winners will be the Patriots, Chargers, Colts, and Bengals. The Ravens and Chiefs will win the Wild Card spots.

 

In the NFC, I have the Eagles, Bears, Saints, and Seahawks. The two Wild Cards will be Cowboys, and the Rams.

 

Thoughts? Predictions? Gruden bashing?

[See Red]

We're pretty much the same for Division winners...

 

Eagles, Bears, Saints, and 49ers in the NFC. Seahawks and Cowboys.

 

Chargers, Patriots, Colts, and Bengals in the AFC. Broncos and Ravens for the Wildcards.

 

The Broncos fate depends on Jay Cutler. Shanahan's put him in a position where he just has to minimize his mistakes for this to be a very good football team -- like Phillip Rivers last year. The kid's going to be a great QB but he's not there yet. Travis Henry will shine in Denver -- Denver's system is tailor made for a RB like Henry. Dre Bly opposite of Champ Bailey should scare some QB's... and now Denver has an actual D-Coordinator! The AFC West will be more of a tossup between them and the Chargers than people expect, I think.

 

I think Randy Moss will be good but will be something of a disappointment in New England. I still stand by the fact that he's not the player he used to be. The Patriots will be the class of the league during the regular season, but I think they get knocked off by San Diego or Indy come playoff time (Manning does own you guys these days).

 

Chargers are my Super Bowl Champs.

 

Oh... and Gruden sucks with personnel decisions.

 

Also... I'm adopting the Jaguars as my local team to cheer for, but they still are well behind the Broncos and 49ers on my priorities list... I just hate not having a local team that I like.

[ORS]

I think the Broncos win the AFC West. Trust me, as a 'Skins fan, Norv Turner will lose the Chargers at least 3 games on his own.

[See Red]

I think the Broncos win the AFC West. Trust me' date=' as a 'Skins fan, Norv Turner will lose the Chargers at least 3 games on his own.[/quote']

 

Yeah, that's true. I forgot about that, to be honest... I'd like to change my Super Bowl pick...

[KeepTheFaith1229]

I think the Eagles have a very good shot at winning the NFC and losing the SB to the Pats this year.

[yankees228]

NFC East: Eagles

NFC Central: Bears

NFC South: Saints

NFC West: Seahawks

WC 1: Cowboys

WC 2: 49ers

 

AFC East: Patriots

AFC North: Ravens

AFC South: Colts

AFC West: Chargers

WC 1: Bengals

WC 2: Broncos

 

NFC Champion: Seahawks

AFC Champion: Patriots

 

Super Bowl Champion: Patriots

 

As for my team, I'm a Giants fan. Everyone obviously expects the Giants to take a major step back this year, because of the fact that they are losing one of the most productive offensive players in franchise history, and they might lose one of the most productive defensive players in franchise history. Unfortunately, I agree with them, and that is why I have them out of the playoffs, even in the weak NFC.

 

However, I'm cautiously optimistic that they will at least compete for a wild card. The entire offense depends on Eli, and I think, with the weaker schedule, that this could be his breakout year. By the time the season starts Burress, Toomer, and Shockey should be all be healthy, and if they stay healthy throughout the season they'll provide a very nice recieving trio. Sinorice Moss and Steve Smith should also provide contributions this year from the reciever spot. The backs bother me, simply because I see them both as the same type of runner. There is no "lightning" between Jacobs and Droughns. The offensive line is also a bit of a concern, especially considering they're moving one of their guards to left tackle.

 

In terms of the defense, I'm going to assume that they don't have Strahan (if they end up having him it'll be a huge bonus). Without Strahan one of the end spots is still a big question mark, because Justin Tuck is rehabbing from lisfranc surgery. Other than that I like the way the defensive line looks with a healthy Umenyiora and Fred Robbins up the middle. The linebackers, although most people consider them to be a huge weakness, I see as a possible strength. I like the chances of Antonio Pierce rebounding with a strong season after his less-than-stellar performance last year, and I've always been a fan of Kawika Mitchell. I'm also excited to see how well Mathias Kiwanuka developes at linebacker, because he showed a lot of potential last year (despite his bonehead play). The secondary is the biggest concern, in my opinion. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are both question marks at corner. It appears that the safeties are going to consist of Gibril Wilson and James Butler, with Will Demps on the bench. This doesn't seem to make too much sense, seeing as Demps played well down the stretch last year, after he had fully recovered from his injuries.

 

Jeff Feagles remains a solid punter, and Lawrence Tynes will hopefully turn into a solid kicker. Anything they get out of the return game will be an improvement from last year.

 

I'm going to go with another 8-8 season for the Giants, but 9-7 and 7-9 are definitely possible.

[See Red]

At least the Giants have Brandon Jacobs to step in for Tiki. That guy's going to be a hell of a RB since it takes about four guys to bring him down.

 

edit: Speaking of RB's... Travis Henry has been impressive at Dove Valley...

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7104200

 

According to Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu, he'll rush for over 1,600 yards!

[TheKilo]

PACKERS

[See Red]

I can't possibly have just heard Ron Jaworski right on Monday Night Football... only 4 receptions against Champ Bailey last year? That can't be right.

[Sox Fan on Cape]

I can't possibly have just heard Ron Jaworski right on Monday Night Football... only 4 receptions against Champ Bailey last year? That can't be right.

 

That can't be right. Maybe, 4 TD receptions, and that would be a reach.

[See Red]

That can't be right. Maybe' date=' 4 TD receptions, and that would be a reach.[/quote']

 

That might've been it. 4 TD receptions is reasonable. The Broncos gave up one TD in their first, like, four or five games if I remember correctly. I heard that and I thought no way... but I wasn't sure of how they would come to a stat like that.

 

Actually, I just checked and according to wikipedia, Champ didn't give up a TD last season.

[yankees228]

That might've been it. 4 TD receptions is reasonable. The Broncos gave up one TD in their first, like, four or five games if I remember correctly. I heard that and I thought no way... but I wasn't sure of how they would come to a stat like that.

 

Actually, I just checked and according to wikipedia, Champ didn't give up a TD last season.

 

He's incredible, easily the best corner in the league, but I too find it hard to believe that he only gave up four receptions. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't give up a TD reception last year.

[See Red]

He's incredible' date=' easily the best corner in the league, but I too find it hard to believe that he only gave up four receptions. However, I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't give up a TD reception last year.[/quote']

 

I definetely do too. That's just what I thought Jaworski said. I've seen QB's (Tom Brady )* scared to death of him and go entire games without throwing to his side of the field but I didn't think what I'd heard Jaws say was the case.

 

*And yes, the Tom Brady shot was completely necessary because I have nothing else on him.

 

edit: Merriman says there will be no more lights out dance!!!! HURRAH!

[schillingouttheks]

Merriman doesn't like being mocked after playoff games.

 

AFC West: Chargers

AFC North: Steelers

AFC South: Titans (yeah, bitch)

AFC East: Patriots

AFC WC1: Ravens

AFC WC2: Colts

 

NFC West: Seahawks

NFC North: Bears

NFC South: Saints

NFC East: Cowboys

NFC WC1: Eagles

NFC WC2: 49ers

 

Team to watch - Detroit Lions. I think they'll be a lot better than people think this year. Calvin Johnson was the right pick and I think Kitna will have a pretty good year.

[See Red]

I'm disappointed in you, Zach... no Broncos? Tsk tsk tsk...

 

They'll get there on the back of the leagues leading rusher, Travis Henry!

[schillingouttheks]

I'm disappointed in you, Zach... no Broncos? Tsk tsk tsk...

 

They'll get there on the back of the leagues leading rusher, Travis Henry!

 

I had them as the 2nd Wild Card team, and then I realized I left the Ravens out of the playoffs.

 

I don't think Cutler's going to carry them that well this year. Give him this year to mature and you'll be AFC West champions in two years.

[See Red]

I had them as the 2nd Wild Card team, and then I realized I left the Ravens out of the playoffs.

 

I don't think Cutler's going to carry them that well this year. Give him this year to mature and you'll be AFC West champions in two years.

 

Fair enough. I look at it like this... if Cutler struggles, the Broncos will miss the playoffs by one or two games. Maybe three. If Cutler just limits his mistakes, they should slip in. If he can actually become something of a playmaker for them they can play with anyone. There's a lot of talent around him. I think it comes down to week 17 for them as to whether or not they make the playoffs.

[schillingouttheks]

Oh! The playoffs! Here:

 

AFC Wild Card Round:

1. Patriots (14-2): Bye

2. Chargers (14-2): Bye

3. Steelers (12-4) vs 6. Colts (11-5) - Colts win.

4. Titans (11-5) vs 5. Ravens (12-4) - Titans win.

 

NFC Wild Card Round:

1. Saints (13-3): Bye

2. Bears (12-4): Bye

3. Cowboys (11-5) vs 6. 49ers (8-8) - 49ers win.

4. Seahawks (9-7) vs 5. Eagles (10-6) - Eagles win.

 

AFC Divisional Round:

1. Patriots vs 6. Colts - Patriots win.

2. Chargers vs 4. Titans - Titans win.

 

NFC Divisional Round:

1. Saints vs 6. Eagles - Saints win.

2. Bears vs 5. Eagles - Eagles win.

 

AFC Conference Championship:

1. Patriots vs 4. Titans - Patriots win.

 

NFC Conference Championship:

1. Saints vs 5. Eagles - Saints win.

 

Superbowl:

Patriots defeat Saints

 

I don't think many people will argue against choosing the Patriots as SB champs. As far as the final records and playoff teams go, I went on a limb, but I wouldn't be surprised if this actually happened.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Meh, I don't think the Cowboys have a super bowl team.

[schillingouttheks]

I was looking over it, and I'm changing my superbowl lol.

 

EDIT: Changed it. Also changed how the NFC playoffs will play out.

[KeepTheFaith1229]

Nice, Eagles get to go farther. haha

[See Red]

Out of curiosity, Zach, why are you so high on the Titans? I take it you're like me and you don't believe in the Madden Curse?

[schillingouttheks]

Let's put it this way...if Vince Young had started the games that Kerry Collins did and played the way that he had during the whole year, then I think the Titans could have won 2more games (possibly against the Jets, and definitely against the Dolphins). I think they could have been a playoff team. Mawae is the anchor of a pretty solid O-line and I just have a feeling that Young is going to explode this year. The Madden Curse is interesting, but I think Young will be just fine. I just have a gut feeling that the Titans will, at the very least, win the AFC South this year. Especially with the Colts losing some huge key pieces (MacFarland, Glenn, etc).

[See Red]

Yeah... but they lost their leading rusher, leading reciever, Pacman, and they didn't make any big pickups on either side of the ball. I have them in the bottom third of the League, to be honest. Plus, for all the hype, Vince Young was still very Michael Vick-like, numbers wise. Teams will figure him out, I think.

[schillingouttheks]

Eh, I guess you're right. Whatev though. I'm sticking with it because I just have a gut feeling that they're going to overachieve and suck for awhile...again.

[Cocos Disciples]

Here we go:

 

AFC East:

 

1. New England Patriots 13-3

2. New York Jets 9-7

3. Buffalo Bills 6-10

4. Miami Dolphins 6-10

 

AFC North:

1. Baltimore Ravens 11-5

2. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7*

3. Cincinnati Bengals 9-7

4. Cleveland Browns 7-9

 

AFC South:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5

2. Indianapolis Colts 10-6*

3. Tennessee Titans 7-9

4. Houston Texans 6-10

 

AFC West:

1. San Diego Chargers 11-5

2. Denver Broncos 9-7

3. Oakland Raiders 7-9

4. Kansas City Chiefs 5-11

 

NFC East:

1. Philadelphia Eagles 12-4

2. Washington Redskins 8-8

3. New York Giants 7-9

4. Dallas Cowboys 7-9

 

NFC North:

1. Chicago Bears 10-6

2. Green Bay Packers 10-6*

3. Minnesota Vikings 8-8

4. Detroit Lions 6-10

 

NFC South:

1. Carolina Panthers 9-7

2. New Orleans Saints 9-7*

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9

4. Atlanta Falcons 6-10

 

NFC West:

1. San Francisco 49ers 9-7

2. Seattle Seahawks 8-8

3. Arizona Cardinals 6-10

4. St. Louis Rams 4-12

 

*=WC

 

Playoffs:

 

AFC Wild Card:

 

(3) Chargers over (6) Steelers

(5) Colts over (4) Ravens

 

NFC Wild Card:

(6) Saints over (3) 49ers

(5) Packers over (4) Panthers

 

AFC Divisional:

(1) Patriots over (5) Colts

(2) Jaguars over (3) Chargers

 

NFC Divisional:

(1) Eagles over (6) Saints

(5) Packers over (2) Bears

 

AFC Championship:

(1) Patriots over (2) Jaguars

 

NFC Championship:

(1) Eagles over (5) Packers

 

Super Bowl:

 

Patriots over Eagles

[yankees228]

SOTK, I'm surprised you don't like the Eagles to win the division. Just curious, but what's the reason behind that?

[redsoxrules]

just 2 weeks away from week 1

 

 

 

here's my prediction

 

I have the Colts repeating as champs .

 

For the AFC , I have the Patriots, Chargers, Colts, and Bengals. The Ravens and Chiefs will win the Wild Card spots.

 

In the NFC, I have the Eagles, Bears, Saints, and 49ERS . The two Wild Cards will be Cowboys, and the seahawks

 

I have the eagles winning the NFC and loosing in the SB again

[TheKilo]

Driver said to be able to play in the season opener. Good.

 

 

For the hell of it...my predictions.

 

NFC:

 

East: Eagles

South: Saints

North: Bears

West: 49ers

WC: Packers

WC: Cowboys

 

 

AFC:

 

East: Patriots (Begrudgingly, I might add)

South: Colts

North: Bengals

West: Chargers

WC: Broncos

WC: Jets

 

 

Super Bowl - Packers over Patriots :harhar:

 

Seriously, I like the Chargers to win over the Eagles.

[yankees228]

The Broncos and the Jets over the Ravens?