NFL/NCAAF Thread

[foxyman1167]

If there's such parity in the league, tell me who has a truly legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl right now since that's the goal of all teams in the league that aren't rebuilding. There aren't many: Packers, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Saints, 49ers maybe, and maybe the Giants. That's it. The Texans and Bears lost their QB's. Sorry they're done.

I beg to differ, I don't see the Giants in the play offs. I'd say either the Bengals, Jets, or Cowboys, but I'm biased towards the Jets

[kaiser soze]

If there's such parity in the league, tell me who has a truly legitimate shot at winning the Super Bowl right now since that's the goal of all teams in the league that aren't rebuilding. There aren't many: Packers, Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Saints, 49ers maybe, and maybe the Giants. That's it. The Texans and Bears lost their QB's. Sorry they're done.

In the last 11 NFL seasons, there have been 5 wildcard teams in the superbowl: the '99 Titans (lost in the final seconds to the Rams), '00 Ravens (beat the Giants), '05 Steelers (beat the Seahawks; they were also the first 6th seed to win the SB), '07 Giants (beat the Patriots), and last year's Packers, who were a 6th seed. In fact, this time last year it looked like the Pack would miss the playoffs as Rodgers got a concussion in their loss to the Lions. They were far from anyone's SB favorites at that moment.

And if "better location" is such a major factor, then why is Green Bay, Wisconsin home to the only undefeated team? Why have the Patriots and Colts been the top two of the top teams of the 00s? "More money" is moot; every team has a salary cap and is free to manage it as they see fit.

[Vern]

I beg to differ, I don't see the Giants in the play offs. I'd say either the Bengals, Jets, or Cowboys, but I'm biased towards the Jets

idk. It differs from person to person I suppose.

In the last 11 NFL seasons, there have been 5 wildcard teams in the superbowl: the '99 Titans (lost in the final seconds to the Rams), '00 Ravens (beat the Giants), '05 Steelers (beat the Seahawks; they were also the first 6th seed to win the SB), '07 Giants (beat the Patriots), and last year's Packers, who were a 6th seed. In fact, this time last year it looked like the Pack would miss the playoffs as Rodgers got a concussion in their loss to the Lions. They were far from anyone's SB favorites at that moment.

I didn't say that Super Bowl favorites always won the Super Bowl. The examples you listed show how wonderful the Wild Card truly is since if a team gets really hot (Packers) they can go and win the Super Bowl by just sneaking in. Really now, let's note that the likes of the Chargers, Eagles, and Jets were among the favorites this year guys.

And if "better location" is such a major factor, then why is Green Bay, Wisconsin home to the only undefeated team? Why have the Patriots and Colts been the top two of the top teams of the 00s? "More money" is moot; every team has a salary cap and is free to manage it as they see fit.

Better location is a factor since in cities like New York and Dallas go and support there team. Green Bay has always supported there team and it just shows how popular the NFL is. Green Bay isn't Jacksonville which is terrible. To answer your question, Green Bay is the only city to have an undefeated team is because they have Rodgers.

[sceptile33]

The Broncos aren't a top 10 team. Please stop joking.

They could be. Right now the Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, Packers, Saints and 49ers are the only teams with a better record. A case could be made that the 7-5 Broncos could also be up there, since the other teams with the same record aren't clearly better. Even if they're not, they're certainly close, I don't see why you think he was joking.

The Texans and Bears lost their QB's. Sorry they're done.

Bears are pretty much done, especially because Forte got injured as well, but Houston has been doing great. I don't know exactly when Schaub was injured, but they're winning without him, aren't they?

[kaiser soze]

Now you're pretty much contradicting yourself. All you have done is state that there is no parity in the NFL, but you have yet to provide solid evidence while those opposite of you have repeatedly brought evidence to support their arguments.

And while the Packers are without a doubt better than the Jags, Jacksonville is superior to Green Bay for pretty much everything else (unless you're a cheese-maker). Florida winter >>>>>>>>Wisconsin winter. Also, Florida has no state income tax, which is a big deal when you make millions (case in point: a factor in LeBron's decision to go to Miami instead of New York). On paper, Jacksonville would have a significant leg up over Green Bay in the Free Agency game.

Also, don't forget that 22 NFL teams (2/3 of the league) had a fair shot at picking Rogers before Green Bay did. And Tom Brady was a 6th round pick. They very well could have played for some other franchise and have made them great, but they passed on them.

[Vern]

They could be. Right now the Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, Packers, Saints and 49ers are the only teams with a better record. A case could be made that the 7-5 Broncos could also be up there, since the other teams with the same record aren't clearly better. Even if they're not, they're certainly close, I don't see why you think he was joking.

Because they haven't shown themselves to be. They've been mediocre competition and started out 1-5. Their defense has certainty stepped up in the last few weeks but they aren't in the top 10. Over their six game win streak, they've beaten mediocre teams and were beaten badly by the Lions. Many of those games were won in the last minute as well. Tebow is comparable to the Wild Cat from a few years ago right now. Packers, Steelers, Saints, Texans, Patriots, Cowboys, Giants, Ravens, Falcons, Bengals, 49ers, and Titans. At least 10 of those are better than them. You can argue whether or not the Bengals and Titans are though.

Bears are pretty much done, especially because Forte got injured as well, but Houston has been doing great. I don't know exactly when Schaub was injured, but they're winning without him, aren't they?

Yeah but without Schaub I'm hard pressed to see them winning the Super Bowl.

Now you're pretty much contradicting yourself.

Show me where instead of just stating it?

All you have done is state that there is no parity in the NFL, but you have yet to provide solid evidence while those opposite of you have repeatedly brought evidence to support their arguments.

This is why I'm pretty much contradicting myself? As I already stated, parity can't exist in a passing league where Quarterbacks aren't on relatively similar grounds. Most teams don't have reliable QB and they lack anything like the 49ers to support their average QB. This is a fact. That's why people put so much emphasis on the QB position because if you don't have a reliable one you can't win long term. Look at the past Super Bowl champions and what do they have in common? All had pretty damn good Quarterbacks.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/39020280/ns/sports-nfl/

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...ty-cover_N.htm

http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com...finally!).html

A year or two old but there aren't articles on NFL parity every week sadly.

And while the Packers are without a doubt better than the Jags, Jacksonville is superior to Green Bay for pretty much everything else (unless you're a cheese-maker). Florida winter >>>>>>>>Wisconsin winter.

If the fans don't support the team then it doesn't matter whose winter is better since the team will just move out of there just like the Jaguars are going to because Jacksonville doesn't support them at all. Location has to do more than whether or not a city is in the North or South. Really now. There's a reason why no one is lining up to go to Jacksonville.

Also, Florida has no state income tax, which is a big deal when you make millions (case in point: a factor in LeBron's decision to go to Miami instead of New York). On paper, Jacksonville would have a significant leg up over Green Bay in the Free Agency game.

Except the Jaguars are proving otherwise. Last I checked, Green Bay was never in danger of having their team leave because of lack of fan support. Also, the biggest factor to Lebron's decision was that Wade was staying in Miami and that Bosh was going. It's hilarious how people are trying to bring up Jacksonville as a reason why location isn't important especially when they disregard the fact that I also mentioned that management was important. Sure Jacksonville is pretty but its fans suck and that's why the Jags are probably going to move.

Also, don't forget that 22 NFL teams (2/3 of the league) had a fair shot at picking Rogers before Green Bay did. And Tom Brady was a 6th round pick. They very well could have played for some other franchise and have made them great, but they passed on them.

Management's fault? There's a chance that we'd probably be talking about how bad the Patriots and Packers are without them. Remember now, the Patriots coach was nothing before he had Brady. I don't know what else you want me to say to this. I've already stated that Quarterbacks are the most important position in the league and that they can make or break teams.

[sceptile33]

Because they haven't shown themselves to be. They've been mediocre competition and started out 1-5. Their defense has certainty stepped up in the last few weeks but they aren't in the top 10. Over their six game win streak, they've beaten mediocre teams and were beaten badly by the Lions. Many of those games were won in the last minute as well. Tebow is comparable to the Wild Cat from a few years ago right now. Packers, Steelers, Saints, Texans, Patriots, Cowboys, Giants, Ravens, Falcons, Bengals, 49ers, and Titans. At least 10 of those are better than them. You can argue whether or not the Bengals and Titans are though.

I find Dallas the most overrated team in football, to be honest. Denver might be facing subpar teams, but at least they beat them. Dallas' loss to Arizona really sticks out, and they barely beat Miami and Wahington. I don't see how they're better than Denver. I think they're about the same.

Yeah but without Schaub I'm hard pressed to see them winning the Super Bowl.

Sure, but that could be said for any team, really, maybe even Green Bay. Houston is nowhere near "done" yet.

[TheBluePorygon]

I find Dallas the most overrated team in football, to be honest. Denver might be facing subpar teams, but at least they beat them. Dallas' loss to Arizona really sticks out, and they barely beat Miami and Wahington. I don't see how they're better than Denver. I think they're about the same.



Sure, but that could be said for any team, really, maybe even Green Bay. Houston is nowhere near "done" yet.

I really don't see Denver going far. I want to see how they fare versus the Patriots before jumping to conclusions though.

[Totodile is BEAST]

I don't know what's into you, but what I tell you is that there was Tebow Hour on ESPN today.@thewatersgreat guardian.

[Vern]

I find Dallas the most overrated team in football, to be honest. Denver might be facing subpar teams, but at least they beat them. Dallas' loss to Arizona really sticks out, and they barely beat Miami and Wahington. I don't see how they're better than Denver. I think they're about the same.

All of the power to you if you do find them overrated. Denver is still a far cry from actually being able to do something in the playoffs and I still believe that Dallas is better.

Sure, but that could be said for any team, really, maybe even Green Bay. Houston is nowhere near "done" yet.

Because it's true for just about and and every team including Green Bay. Unless the back-up Quarterback of a team is somehow just as good as their starter, they probably won't be getting too far. Especially in the case of the Texans where they lost their Running back and their primary receiver are injured. Well, the receiver got re-injured but he's day-to-day.

[sceptile33]

All of the power to you if you do find them overrated. Denver is still a far cry from actually being able to do something in the playoffs and I still believe that Dallas is better.

I don't see what Dallas has that Denver doesn't, really.

Because it's true for just about and and every team including Green Bay. Unless the back-up Quarterback of a team is somehow just as good as their starter, they probably won't be getting too far. Especially in the case of the Texans where they lost their Running back and their primary receiver are injured. Well, the receiver got re-injured but he's day-to-day.

I still believe Houston can go far without their quarterback. They've been winning games, and that's all that matters. Teams can win a Superbowl without a decent quarterback. Sure, he might be the most critical player for most teams, but if teams can win without one, then they don't have to worry about him being injured. If a team has a great running/defense combination, they don't need a good quarterback.

[Kansas_Rocks!]

I am so excited. K-State is in a BCS Bowl game! First time in it seems like forever. (Oh, and I wouldn't be so excited if the Chiefs weren't so riddled with injuries that they are looking at like 3rd or 4th string people, sometimes even the practice squad.)

[TheWatersGreatGuardian]

I don't know what's into you, but what I tell you is that there was Tebow Hour on ESPN today.@thewatersgreat guardian.

Yeah thats a little much.
i still think you overreacted though.

[Kazekage]

    Spoiler:- Last times:

Show Spoiler

 

After today the NFL is the Packers and everyone else, but Rothlesberger is having a career year. I hate how people show him no love as a QB he's better than Rivers and E. Manning both from his class, top 5 QB no doubt.

EDIT: So yeah, its not to early to call Tebow a bust at this point, and he is a bust at QB. The kid's got all the heart in the world, but he's better suited for HB.

And at the 8 game mark I'll take another stab at predictions. Lets see how they've changed since last time.

Last time-

NFC North.

Packers 14-2-They might slip up and lose 1 to Detroit, and 1 to Chicago. Way they're playing though I don't see who can stop them offensively.

Lions 10-6- Beating the Chiefs, and the Vikings isn't a big deal. Tampa and Dallas are both good teams though. They still have the Saints on their schedule, and have to face the Packers twice. Its one thing to let the Vikes, and Cowboys score 20 points in the first half and storm back for the win, but New Orleans and Green-bay will turn that 20 into 70, you cannot come back against those teams. Even Chicago has that capability.

Bears 8-8- Really letting their fans down, to be fair the schedule has been anything but easy New Orleans, Green-Bay, and Atlanta? Its amazing that their .500, a win over detroit could show the League that they're not playing for a wild card spot.

Vikings 6-10- Rebuiliding year its expected, lets see if this ponder kid is up for the task of leading an NFL team, and then decide whether or not to spend the teams high draft choice on a QB.

NFC South

New Orleans 12-4- A loss to the Packers is nothing to be ashamed of, they should win the division with Atlanta having a down year.

Atlanta 11-5- A win over the Packers in Georgia (god forbid) will send the league a huge message, but its probably not happening, if Atlanta can stay competitive next week they won't have too much to worry about.

Tampa Bay 6-10- Wow this was an over hyped team.

Carolina 5-11- Yeah Newton's great they still need to win though.

NFC East

Giants 10-6- Not looking to be the competitive division people thought it was, shouldn't be too hard to win for New York.

Dallas 7-9- Not an easy schedule ahead of them

Redskins 6-10

Eagles 5-11- Really the 49ers?

NFC West

49ers 8-8- Alex Smith looks like he is adequate now that he has a good coach, most complete team in the division.

Arizona 7-9- Kevin Kolb still hasn't lead this team to a win since they beat the Panthers.

Rams 5-11- Injuries, and a tough schedule aren't a good combo.

Seahawks 4-12 really think they're just waiting to draft luck, the team went out and got everything this offseason except a QB.

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Packers 14-2

2. Saints 12-4

3. Giants 10-6

4. 49ers 8-8

5. Falcons 11-5

6. Lions 10-6

Wild-Card weekend.

Giants over Lions (the Lions haven't played football in January since the 90s, and they certainly haven't played it in Jersey.)

Falcons over 49ers (obvious, although I think the 9ers might put up a fight)

Divisional.

Packers over Falcons (Matty Ice? How about the frozen tundra, in january, Green-bay eat sleeps and breathes football, first home playoff game since 07 for this town will not result in a loss)

Saints over Giants (Drew Brees is having another MVP caliber year, might be too much for the injury riddled Giants)

Championship

Packers over Saints The game is played in Lambeau, if it were in New Orleans my vote would change in a heartbeat.

AFC North (I shouldn't have to justify myself for this division)

1. Ravens 13-3

2. Steelers 7-9

3. Browns 7-9

4. Bengals 6-10

AFC South

1. Texans 10-6- This is the year Houston, if its not now then your team is cursed.

2. Titans 10-6- Playing really well could even steal it from Houston. Beating the Ravens put em on the map.

3. Jaguars 6-10- Run game is too good for them to get last.

4. Indianapolis 5-11- I really hope they don't draft luck, it wouldn't be fair.

AFC East

New England-12-4- if it takes Brady throwing 4 picks for them to lose a game by 2 points I like their chances.

Buffalo 9-7- Could cause some trouble, if they didn't have to go against the Jets D twice they'd have the wildcard

Jets 8-8- Defense wins championships, but only if the offense scores some points, which they can't seem to do. Luckily Buffalo and New England have really weak defenses, chances are they could still compete, as of now it looks bad.

Miami 4-12- If they draft luck they'll be instant competitors, its looking to go that way.

AFC west

Chargers 11-5- the infamous 10 game win streak may not be needed, they're already 3-1. Schedule only gets easier from here.

Raiders 7-9

Chiefs- 6-10- they might get better but they have no run game

Broncos 3-9- Andrew Luck, playing for John Elway? Who else has an erection?

AFC Playoff picture

1. Baltimore

2. New England.

3. San Diego

4. Houston

5. Tennessee

6. Buffalo

Wildcard weekend.

San Diego Over Buffalo- Buffalo is a really young team, and Rivers is starving for some postseason success.

Tennessee over Houston- Hasselback seems to have forgotten that its not 2004 anymore, Brett Favres immortality clearly has rubbed off on his former backup, I'm going upset.

Baltimore over Tennessee Immortality won't save from the Baltimore D

San Diego over New England- Its really close, but Rivers should be hot around this time.

San Diego over Baltimore- Two great defenses, 1 of them is the better offense.

Superbown XLVI Packers v.s Chargers.

Here's how it's changed.

NFC North
Green bay 15-1 : Might drop 1 to chicago, or detroit but shouldn't lose more than that.
Chicago 10-6 : They're getting better at keeping Cutler upright, and Forte is having an amazing year
Detroit 10-6 : Not unbeatable but they're still really good
Vikings 7-9 : Ponder is turning out to be a great pick

NFC south
New Orleans 11-5 : Inconsistency will kill them, but I really do think people underestimated the Rams going into this game.
Falcons 9-7 : They need to stay consistent, if so they're a great team
Bucs 8-8 : Still not buying it.
Panthers 6-10 : Future looks bright

NFC West
49ers 12-4- Surprised everyone, easy schedule is going to get them into the playoffs
Rams 7-9- Healthy Bradford and Jackson will give them wins but not many of them
Cardinals 4-12- Can't see them winning very much this year
Seahawks 3-13- Building a great team here, high draft pick should be spent on QB.

NFC East
Giants 10-6 : A little consistency will do wonders for this team
Eagles 8-8 : Horrible start set them back too far
Cowboys 6-10 : Theres no reason they aren't playing at the next level.
Redskins 5-11 : They aren't good?

NFC playoff picture
1. Green bay 15-1
2. San Francisco 12-4
3. New Orleans 11-5
4. New York 10-6
5. Chicago 10-6
6. Detroit 10-6

Wild card

Detroit over New Orleans
If the saints stay consistent I see this going the other way, but as it is I doubt they'll be able to do so in the big game.

New York over Chicago
Should be a nice game, but Chicago's receiving core isn't great enough to win.

Divisional

Green-Bay over Detroit
They have 2 games to figure this team out, I don't see any reason GB should lose.

San Francisco over New York
San Francisco is a great football town, and people will be happy to see this team return to the glory days. They'll be hard to beat at home.

Conference
Green bay over San Francisco
Hard to beat green bay, harder to beat em in January at Lambeau.

AFC North
Steelers 13-3 People jumped the gun in decrying this team, they're playing great football Big Ben is and MVP candidate.
Ravens 11-5 As with many others, they need to stay consistent
Bengals 9-7 I see them losing all the rest of their divisional games, and maybe even another outside of that. Still a great year for a rebuilding team.
Browns 6-10 Madden curse.

AFC south
Houston 10-6 easy division this year
Tennessee 7-9 Hasselbeck is old after all
Jaguars 5-11 Rebuilding year, should be expected
Colts 2-14 really hope they don't draft Luck, wouldn't be fair.

AFC west.
Chargers 11-5- still counting on a late season streak
Chiefs 10-6 Rebounding strong
Raiders 8-8 QB injury was devastating, maybe Palmer can learn the offense
Broncos 2-14 Tebow isn't the answer, maybe Luck is.

AFC East
Patriots 12-4 Defense will cause them problems down the road
Buffalo 11-5 Defense will cause them problems down the road
Jets 6-10 Offense will cause them problems down the road.
Dolphins 1-15 Playing games will cause them problems down the road.

AFC playoff picture
Steelers 13-3
Patriots 12-4
Chargers 11-5
Houston 10-6
Ravens 11-5
Buffalo 11-5

Wild card.

Buffalo over Chargers
They're famous for choking.

Ravens Over Houston
Remember the last time a plucky team that hasnt been in the playoffs in years went against the Ravens D?

Divisional

Steelers over Buffalo
They should be firing on all cylinders

Patriots over Ravens
Bellicheck will have whipped them into shape by them

Conference.

Patriots over Steelers
Tom Brady won't let anything stop him

Superbowl XLVI Packers v.s Patriots YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST FOLKS...jk you probably heard it everywhere else 2 months ago.

 

So I predicted every game using ESPN, and heres what I got.

NFC

1. Packers 16-0 (No losses, really believe they're capable of being all time greats)

2. 49ers 13-3 (1 loss to the Steelers)

3. Saints 13-3 (No more losses, getting hot at the right time)

4. New York (4 game win streak and sweeps Dallas)

5. Atlanta 10-6 (1 loss to the Saints)

6. Lions 10-6 (1 loss to the Packers)

AFC

1. Steelers 13-3 (They win out, even after getting swept by Baltimore)

2. Patriots 12-4 (1 loss to... The Broncos. Hear me out, Tebow can get into a shoot out. He did it with a better defense in Minnesota, and the Denver defense has been great)

3. Houston 12-4 (1 loss to the Bengals)

4. Denver 11-5 (Win out)

5. Baltimore 12-4 (1 loss to the Bengals)

6. Bengals (win out)

Playoffs

Wild Card

Bengals over Houston- Losing Schaub AND Johnson will be too much.

Baltimore over Denver- Miracle has to end. Tebow will cry after a game with 2 rushing TDs and 5 picks.

New Orleans over Detroit- Already happened this year, can't see it happening any differently

New York over Atlanta- Playing in New York is tough. Even for the Packers.

Divisional

Steelers over Bengals- Sorry Dalton, time for the big boys to take over. Rothelisberger throws 5 TDs in an unremarkably 1 sided match.

Ravens over Patriots- Sorry that Defense needs some fixing.

Green-bay over New York- If they can't beat them at Metlife, they sure as hell won't beat em in Lambeau.

New Orleans over San Francisco- Like last years Falcons, they're 1 and done.

Championship

Ravens over Steelers- Steelers cant seem to beat Baltimore this year.

Green Bay over New Orleans- May be the offensive match of the century. Both teams playing for their second superbowl in 3 years. Predict a high score as both teams are capable of running the ball and throwing. 52-49 packers. Unbelievable game despite the weather.

Superbowl

Packers over Ravens- Finally those Miami Dolphins can shut the hell up. Ravens Defense doesn't let Rodgers have an amazing game. 4 TDs 3 INTS. Flacco gets picked off on the last meaningful play of the game by Charles Woodson who picks up the superbowl MVP award.

[TheWatersGreatGuardian]

agree with everything except tebow crying. I think he has matured a bit from college. I do think that if denver makes it, they get knocked out in the first round though. What Tebow is doing there is great, I am just not sure if he can do it against a defense like the ravens yet. I do disagree with 5 picks, if there is one thing I have seen this year, when tebow has been allowed to throw, he does not make the stupid pass you expect from a guy who hasn't played a full season

[Vern]

I don't see what Dallas has that Denver doesn't, really.

A better Quarterback, better receivers?

I still believe Houston can go far without their quarterback. They've been winning games, and that's all that matters. Teams can win a Superbowl without a decent quarterback. Sure, he might be the most critical player for most teams, but if teams can win without one, then they don't have to worry about him being injured. If a team has a great running/defense combination, they don't need a good quarterback.

I made a mistkae in my last post. Their RB isn't injured. I remembered incorrectly there. :3 I agree with the last sentence. I disagree that they don't need to worry that their most critical player is injured. He's the most critical player on the Texans and his loss will impact them.

[TheWatersGreatGuardian]

A better Quarterback, better receivers?



I made a mistkae in my last post. Their RB isn't injured. I remembered incorrectly there. :3 I agree with the last sentence. I disagree that they don't need to worry that their most critical player is injured. He's the most critical player on the Texans and his loss will impact them.

I would agree with this. Tebow is still developing and he hardly has any weapons on that team other than decker.

[Totodile is BEAST]

^ Dumping off screens to Moreno and Mcgeehee?

[TheBluePorygon]

I am so excited. K-State is in a BCS Bowl game! First time in it seems like forever. (Oh, and I wouldn't be so excited if the Chiefs weren't so riddled with injuries that they are looking at like 3rd or 4th string people, sometimes even the practice squad.)

Lol @ The Chiefs

^ Dumping off screens to Moreno and Mcgeehee?

haha he really doesn't have weapons, Thomas is decent but still, he's a good leader but not an amazing QB or anything people think he is, because I'm not buying him until he beats a good team, aka The Patriots as Kazekage said.

[Quackjack29]

OOOOOOOOOH YEEEEEEAH! I'm back bois!

Browns @ Steelers tonight!

I would be *mildly* scared if this game was in Ohio, but the Browns will probably get MASSACRED in Pittsburgh. We've proven capable over *barely* avoiding trap games.

10 Browns-Steelers 35

LET'S GO STEELERS!!!