NFL Picks Week 4

God Awful week 3. I completely blame the replacement refs and Roger Goodell. I went 5-9 outright picks (I'm not counting the Monday Night game because that was a joke). I'm 23-21 overall and only 5-5 for spread picks. At least I'm not as bad as the guy who writes for the Hartford Courant. He is 20-28 so far. Give me that job.

Before the picks I just want to say how thankful I am that the real refs are back. The replacement refs were totally clueless and it was embarrassing that Roger Goodell and the owners even put them on the field. For a league that cares so much about protecting the shield and player safety they really made a mockery of the league for the first three weeks.

Falcons 31, Panthers 21 --- Atlanta has looked great the first three weeks and Matty Ice has always been great in the Georgia Dome. Meanwhile it looks like Cam Newton is having a bit of a sophomore slump to start the year. They have had a long week of rest after losing to the Giants last Thursday but it's going to be tough for the Panthers to win today.

Patriots 28, Bills 24 --- Belichick hasn't lost 3 straight games since 2002. I do think the Bills are a lot better than most people think. They did beat the Pats at home last season in week three but I just can't see the Patriots starting the season 1-3 (I would love it, but it won't happen).

Lions 35, Vikings 21 --- DET -4 I think this game will tell us a lot about both teams. The Vikings shocked the league by beating the mighty 49ers last week, while the Lions lost to the 0-2 Titans. I'm picking the Lions because I think they should be desperate at home, I also think the Vikings may have a letdown after the big win.

Chiefs 30, Chargers 28 --- Another game where I'm not sure who either team is just yet. I've never known about the Chargers for the past five years. Meanwhile I thought the Chiefs were going to be good this year. They finally had a big day on offense last week thanks to Jamaal Charles and the horrible Saints defense. It's never easy to win in Arrowhead especially playing against a division rival.

Seahawks 17, Rams 9 --- SEA -3 The Rams finally played against a solid defense last week and they managed only 6 points against the Bears. The Seahawks defense was able to shutdown Aaron Rodgers for only 12 points. The only thing that worries me is that the Seahawks might have a letdown after their bogus emotional Monday night win.

49ers 20, Jets 17 --- The 49ers lost three games last year. After those three losses they didn't let their opponents score a touchdown the following week. The Jets lost Darrelle Revis for the season and Nacho Sanchez is...well...still Nacho. However I think the Jets hang tough and make it close because a west coast team playing at 1 pm on the east coast historically aren't great (26-68).

Texans 34, Titans 20 --- HOU -12 Right now the Texans are the most complete team in the AFC. They should be able to score against the Titans defense, considering they have let up a league leading 113 points in only three games. On the other hand the Texans defense ranks third allowing only 14 points per game.

Broncos 27, Raiders 17 --- Seeing Peyton Manning lose three in a row would be as rare as seeing the Patriots do it. I think the Broncos are a good team, who are only 1-2 due to a tough schedule. They should be able to score against DAY RAYYYDAAAAS, who are coming off their first win of the season against the Steelers. I really don't know what they Radiers are yet but I'm fairly certain they will be a 1-3 team after today.

Cardinals 14, Dolphins 7 --- Not many people are taking the Cardinals seriously even though they are 3-0. What most people don't know is that they are 10-2 in their past 12 games going back to last season. Their defense is one of the best in the league and should be able to force Ryan Tannehill into a few mistakes. The only issue I have with the Cardinals is their offense and their ability to score enough points. But they should be fine today against the 'phins.

Bengals 30, Jaguars 26 --- The Bengals defense has let up 34 points per game against teams that aren't exactly the most premier offensive teams (Ravens, Browns, and Redskins). The thing they do have going for them is the fact that they can score a ton of points. They should be able to improve to 3-1 today in Jacksonville.

Packers 40, Saints 30 --- It will be interesting to see how the Packers rebound from the debacle that happened on Monday. Luckily for their offense they get to play the Saints defense, which is very bad. Drew BREEEEEESSSS will keep the Saints in the ballgame for awhile but the Packers are the better team.

Buccaneers 28, Redskins 24 --- This is once again another game where these teams are a bit of a mystery. The Redskins obviously have been he team getting more love because of Bob Griffin III. However their defense is not too good now that All-Pro linebacker Brian Orakpo (Geico Caveman) is out for the season. I do think the Bucs are a decent team however. They have lost the past two games in New York and in Dallas, so it should be nice to return home to face their third straight team from the NFC East.

Giants 35, Eagles 20 --- NYG +2.5 I'm starting to get the feeling that these Giants are just like the 2008 version of the then defending champions Giants, when they went 12-4 in the regular season. They killed the Panthers and have a had a long rest. The Eagles have not been great and Mike Vick has become a turnover machine. It wouldn't surprise me if the Giants force a few more because for some reason Andy Reid refuses to give Shady McCoy the ball ever. Giants might roll in this one.

Cowboys 21, Bears 17 --- I think the Cowboys get the win because the game is in Dallas. I also just want to see the fake Jay Cutler have an awful game because he's a prick and it's more fun to see him throw 4 int's and yell at his offensive line than it is to see him play well.

NFL Picks Week 3

Week 2 went much better than the first week. Let's hope I stay hot after my 10-5 outright and 3-1 spread week 2. Plus the Steelers beat the Jets up last Sunday, so it would be nice if things remained like that for Week 3. Let's go...
Overall (18-12) Spread (4-2)

Bears 27, Rams 17 --- CHI -7 The Rams have covered in their first two games and are only a Matt Stafford game winning drive in week one from being 2-0. However the Bears have had a long week and a half break after looking bad against the Packers. I think da BEARS return to how they looked against the Colts week 1 and beat the Rams semi-easily.

Browns 24, Bills 20 --- CLE +3 I just have no faith in the Bills on the road. They are now 3-14 under Chan Gailey away from Ralph Wilson Stadium. Meanwhile the Brownies looked decent offensively against the Bengals last week as Trent Richardson, running for 109 yards and scoring two touchdowns.  I think I've gone crazy saying the Browns cover the +3. They are going to screw me and I already know it.

Cowboys 31, Bucs 24 --- The Cowboys looked pretty awful last week in Seattle, while the Bucs nearly upset the Giants in New York. So clearly the Cowboys will bounce back and have a big game behind Tony Romo. However I'm not too confident they cover the 8 point spread.

Lions 34, Titans 17 --- DET -3.5 The Titans have been outscored 72-23 this season. Which means at least they have more points scored than Chris Johnson rushing yards (21). The Lions are 1-1 after losing in San Francisco, so they sort of need to win this game to make sure the Packers and Bears don't get an early lead in the division.

Colts 23, Jaguars 13 --- IND -3 I personally believe the Jaguars are the worst team in the league right now. Also I'd take Andrew Luck over Blaine Gabbert even though Luck is making only his third career start. The Colts won at home last week and are going to be competitive all year.

Dolphins 17, Jets 16 --- The Dolphins are 2nd in the league in rushing, averaging 171 yards per game and the are ranked 4th in stopping the run on defense. I know it's only the third game of the year but considering that the Jets might be forced to throw the ball is a scary thought after seeing the last three quarters of Jets offense against the Steelers.

49ers 27, Vikings 9 --- I don't think this game will be very close. The 49ers defense will be able to contain Adrian Peterson and most likely force Christian Ponder to make a few mistakes. As long as Frank Gore can run a little bit and Alex Smith manages the game the 49ers will move to 3-0.

Saints 35, Chiefs 24 --- I had both of these teams making the playoffs in the preseason. That doesn't look too good right now. I just can't see the Chiefs being able to stop the Saints in the Superdome just a week after Buffalo put up 35 points against them.

Redskins 30, Bengals 24 --- After a rough loss to the Rams in week two, the Redskins finally play their home opener. I imagine the fans in Washington are going to be pretty pumped up to finally see Bob Griffin III on the field. I also am not too confident in the Bengals defense, who were shredded by Joe Flaccoooooo in week 1 and didn't look great against the Brownies in week 2.

Cardinals 23, Eagles 21 --- Turnovers are going to be the difference in this game. The Eagles have already turned the ball over nine times. The Cardinals return home after a huge upset win over the Patriots, so it will be interesting to see if they come out pumped and excited to possibly 3-0 or they could start a little slow.

Chargers 31, Falcons 27 --- I'm still not sure if I trust the Chargers or not yet. I'll pick them in this game more because of the fact that the Falcons are playing on a short week of rest and traveling across the country. Plus Michael Turner could still be drunk after his DUI on Monday night, so that can't really help the birds chances.

Texans 27, Broncos 21 --- Right now I think the Texans are the best team in the AFC. Sure their first two wins are against the Dolphins and Jaguars but they did blow them out like they should. This will be their first real test in Denver. I don't know Peyton Manning is going to be there. The one who looked great against the Steelers on opening night or the one on Monday who was throwing ducks all over the place, costing me 10 dollars to Sir Tom Raynor. I think if the Texans can get to Manning a few time they might be able to get the win.

Steelers 24, Raiders 13 --- For the third week in a row I'm nervous about the Steelers game. Why you ask since the Raiders have looked awful? Well the Raiders are 2-1 against the Steelers since 2006. They always play them tough because it's an old school rivalry. James Harrison and Troy Polamalu are still hurt. The reason why I feel a little bit better about this game...Carson Palmer plays for the Raiders and Big Ben still throws the ball for the Steelers. I'll take the better QB.

Ravens 27, Patriots 24 --- The two teams I hate most playing on Sunday night isn't that just wonderful. I'll pick the Ravens in this game for two reasons. One, I think the Patriots are going to need some time to adjust to life without Aaron Hernandez, who plays a much bigger role in their offense than he gets credit for. Two, if I know Ray Lewis like I think I know Ray Lewis, I bet he mentions the fact that the Patriots beat the Ravens in the AFC Championship when Billy Cundiff did this. So I think the Ravens should be pretty jacked up tonight.

Packers 24, Seahawks 20 --- I think this game will be a close one due to that fact that it's on Monday night in Seattle, which in my opinion is the hardest stadium to play in as a visiting team. However the Packers are an experienced team coming off a long rest, so they should be able to get the win in a tough environment.

NFL Week 2 Picks

Week 1 didn't go so well for my picks or for my Steelers. 8-7 on outright picks and 1-2 for the spreads I gave out. Hopefully things go differently in week two. As the Jersey Sports fan would say, "Steel Towns going down. Steel Towns going down." Lets hope not.

Bills 27, Chiefs 21 --- Before the season I picked both of these teams to make the playoffs. I don't look too smart right now considering they are both 0-1 and Buffalo got destroyed by the Jets and lost Fred Jackson for a month. However I think they bounce back in the home opener and knock the Chiefs to 0-2.

Bungals 17, Brownies 6 --- The Bungals looked awful week one. The only problem is the Browns offense looked worse. The Bungals should get the win, but the real question in this game is will Brandon Weeden throw under or over 3 interceptions this week.

Vikings 24, Colts 20 --- Christian Ponder looked very good last week, sure it was against the Jaguars but the Colts defense isn't much better. Also Adrian Peterson looked great scoring two touchdowns. It is Andrew Luck's home debut so he might play a great game but I think the Vikings are the better team at this moment.

Raiders 31, Dolphins 20 --- OAK -2 The Dolphins aren't very good and that's being polite. If Ryan Tannehill continues to throw three picks a game the Dolphins could looking at a 1-15 year. I think the Raiders will bounce back after losing Monday night as long as they figured out their long snapper situation.

Patriots 35, Cardinals 14 --- Blowout. The Cardinals don't travel east all that well and they have Kevin Kolb playing QB today. That's a recipe for disaster. Patriots win and win big again.

Giants 27, Bucs 21 --- TB +7 It will be interesting to see how the Giants play after having a week and half off after their loss to the Cowboys. I think the Bucs are better than most people think and will be able to keep the game close. I just don't think they will be able to pull off the upset and send the Giants to 0-2.

Ravens 20, Eagles 13 --- BAL +2.5 I'm not to sure why the Eagles are the favorite in this game other than the reason that they are home. Mike Vick didn't look good at all. They were just lucky they got to play the Brownies and Weeden were worse. Meanwhile the Ravens dismantled the Bungals and Joe Flaccooooooo threw a few great deep balls. I'm pretty much ready to crown the Ravens AFC North champs so the Ravens should beat the Eagles.

Panthers 31, Saints 28 --- Another game where I picked both teams to make the playoffs and they both started the season with a loss. The Saints was much more surprising to the Redskins and now they go on the road to face Cam Newton. I think Cam will be able to do similar things Bob Griffin III did last week to the Saints defense.

Texans 34, Jaguars 20 --- The Texans are good. The Jaguars are not. Pretty simple.

Rams 24, Redskins 21 --- STL +3.5 I just feel like this a classic everyone loves one team because they looked so great week one type game. Obviously Bob Griffin III looked fantastic against the Saints however I could see them slip a little against a Rams team that was almost able to beat the Lions in Detroit last week.

Seahawks 21, Cowboys 20 --- Similar to my feelings about the Redskins. The Cowboys looked pretty good beating the Giants on opening night and the Seahawks couldn't even beat the Cardinals. Seattle is not an easy stadium to play in and if Tony Romo makes a mistake or two the Seahawks will be able to hang around in this one.

Chargers 24, Titans 14 --- Chris Johnson is need to run for more than FOUR yards if the Titans want to have a chance. FOUR yards is all he got last week against the Patriots, who aren't exactly the Steel Curtain. Also Phil Rivers should be able to put up some points at home.

Steelers 17, Jets 13 --- No Polamalu, Harrison, Revis, or Keller. So the injury situation is sort of a push. The Steelers got beat by Peyton Manning last week and Nacho looked very good against the Bills. It will be interesting which Nacho comes to play today in Pittsburgh. I think the Steelers should win however I'm getting a little nervous that they get beat again and fall to 0-2 which would be awful because every Jet fan I know will let me hear about losing to the damn Jets. So, Just Win Baby.
Jersey Sports Fan (watch it)

49ers 24, Lions 21 --- The 49ers looked great beating the Packers in Green Bay while the Lions escaped a near upset from the Rams. So why do I think the Lions stay close and possibly cover? Not to sure, just a gut feeling. The 49ers defense is awesome though and Aldon Smith already recorded one sack last week. Only 21.5 more go to.

Falcons 28, Colts 27 --- A tough game to pick because both teams looked very impressive week one. I'll pick the Falcons because they are at home and Matty Ice has only lost four regular season home games in his career. I will say though Peyton impressed me a lot last Sunday so it will be fun to watch him play on the road for the first time.

NFL Week 1 Picks

What a glorious day it is. The start of another NFL season. I plan on making picks for every week this year, other than the Thursday games. However I'll pick straight up winners for all the games along with three spreads that I like. Read it, Don't read it but get used to me posting this on Facebook and Twitter every Sunday.

Bears 31, Colts 17 --- I'd like the Colts chances a bit more if they were home but going to Chicago for Andrew Luck's debut is not the easiest task. I think the Bears are a playoff team this year and they should be able to start with a win.

Eagles 24, Browns 13 --- Maybe it's a good thing for the Brownies that former Brown/Ravens owner Art Modell passed away this week. It's not the Browns still stink and they will start the season 0-1. They haven't won a season opener since 2004. Let's keep the streak going Eagles.

Lions 30, Rams 24 --- The Lions finished the season just 5-6 after a 5-0 start. I think the Rams are going to better than people think. Jeff Fisher is a good coach and with a healthy Sam Bradford they will hang with the Lions but they don't have enough talent to pull this one out.

Patriots 38, Titans 14 --- NE -5 This game has blowout written all over it. Jake Locker is making his first career start and Belichick is 3-0 in those situations. As long as TFB has time to throw the Pats win and win big.

Chiefs 21, Falcons 20 --- Playing in Arrowhead has never been easy. I can't imagine it being a ton of fun as a visiting team on opening day. The Chiefs are healthy and just a year removed from making the playoffs. I think Jamaal Charles has a big day in his return to give his team a win.

Vikings 16, Jaguars 10 --- The game of the weak. Whoever loses this game could be on the fast track to breaking the first pick in next years draft. Both of these teams could be looking at long seasons. For Jacksonville not having Mo-Jo Drew at full speed is going to hard to overcome plus the Vikings are at home.

Saints 34, Redskins 21 --- Drew BREEESSSSS (had to do it for week 1). Anyways, another tough spot to start your career on the road for a rookie QB. RGIII has to do it in the Superdome against a Saints team that will want to make people forget about the whole bounty thing.

Jets 18, Bills 17 --- Chan Gailey is only 3-13 on the road as the Bills coach. On the other hand the Jets can't score a touchdown (I have them at 18 points for 6 FG's). I feel like Sexy Rexy will have his defense pumped up and ready to go against a division rival who is receiving more love.

Texans 27, Dolphins 10 --- It's going to be a long year for first year head coach Joe Philbin and his Dolphins. It sure won't start off to easy heading to an AFC favorite for week one. The Texans should be able to win this one with ease.

Packers 31, 49ers 28  --- A possible preview of the NFC Championship. These are two of the best teams in the NFC. I think the 49ers will be able to score with the Packers like they were able to do against the Saints in the playoffs last year. However I think the Packers get the win at home.

Seahawks 28, Cardinals 20 --- Russell Wilson will be the only rookie QB to get a win in his debut. Everyone thinks he's going to be very good this year. Why haven't I picked this guy up in fantasy football yet?

Panthers 27, Bucs 17 --- The MVP season for Cam Newton starts today. The Panthers defense has improved over the offseason and they get division rival Tampa with a coach making his NFL debut. Panthers get the win.

Steelers 24, Broncos 14 --- PIT +1.5 I refuse to believe the Steelers don't feel like they need to get some revenge in Denver after the way last year ended. Sure the Broncos now have a Hall of Famer playing QB but Peyton has never been great against the Steelers defense. Isaac Redman should be able to run for over 100 yards like he did in the playoffs last year.

Ravens 21, Bengals 17 --- CIN +7 Last year the Bengals went 0-7 against teams with winning records including two losses to the Ravens (31-24 and 24-16). I think the Bengals stay within a touchdown but come up a bit short in Baltimore.

Raiders 27, Chargers 21 --- The Chargers never start the season off well and DAYYY RAYYYYDAAAAS have a lot of optimism this year. However that is banking on Carson Palmer being 2005 Carson Palmer but that ship has sailed for me. Either way I think they get the win on Monday night at home against the hated Chargers.

Thanks for reading. It feels a bit like Christmas today.

2012 NFL Predictions

AFC East

New England Patriots 13-3* : Their schedule is so easy. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if TFB and the gang went 15-1 but I dislike them so I gave them three losses. All the AFC teams better be ready to go to New England in January because they will be the one seed.

Buffalo Bills 9-7* : People forget that the Bills started the season 5-2 last year. They made a big improvement to their defensive line by adding Mario Williams and Ryan Fitzpatrick can put up some points. I think the Bills circle the wagons and get into the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

New York Jets 7-9 : Their defense will keep them in games and win them a few by themselves because the offense might not score. Nacho Sanchez has a tremendous amount of pressure on him to succeed now since Tim Tebow is waiting on the bench. The idea to go back to ground and pound makes sense but it hasn't worked out too well in the preseason.

Miami Dolphins 4-12 : It could be a long season in Miami. Ryan Tannehill already has a weak set of receivers but that doesn't even worry me. The main problem is that he thinks the Kansas City Chiefs play in the NFC East. It's mind boggling that he doesn't know the divisions.

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers 11-5* : Their O-line is shaky at best and only Todd Haley knows what the offense is going to look like but they will benefit from an easy schedule. If they get to the playoffs I hope it goes better than their last two appearances. Tebow's miracle last year and Super Bowl XLV didn't go so well.

Baltimore Ravens 10-6* : Losing Terrell Suggs for the season will definitely hurt their ability to get to the QB. That could lead to Ravens relying more on the offense and Joe Flacco. Last year Flacco's completion percentage was the worst of his career and he tied his career high in interceptions. If the Ravens rely on Ray Rice they will be fine.

Cincinnati Bengals 7-9 : Last year the Bengals went 9-7, however they went 0-7 against teams with a winning record. Their schedule features 6 games against last years playoff teams. Meanwhile the previous two times the Bengals made the playoffs they followed up with an 8-8 season and a 4-12 season. Failing to meet expectations is one of Marvin Lewis' strongest features.

Cleveland Browns 4-12 : Oh Brownies. Another rookie QB. Tim Couch, Brady Quinn, Colt McCoy, and now Brandon Weeden. The first three names didn't work out very well. Everyone loves Trent Richardson, but a rookie running back isn't going to take a team very far. Their defense is decent a could keep them close in some games but they will find ways to lose it because they are the Brownies.

AFC South

Houston Texans 11-5* : You can give them the AFC South title right now. The Texans are the best of this weak division and will be a tough team to eliminate from the playoffs if Matt Schaub can remain healthy for the entire season.

Tennessee Titans 8-8 : Their first six games of the season are brutal (New England, at San Diego, Detroit, at Houston, at Minnesota, Pittsburgh). Add in the fact that they are starting basically a rookie in Jake Locker and you have the makings of a 1-5 start. However if Chris Johnson can run like the old Chris Johnson then they will be in most games and could have a chance to surprise a few teams.

Indianapolis Colts 7-9 : Last year the Colts were terrible with Curtis Painter and former UConn great Dan Orlovsky (who won their only two games) but this year they have Andrew Luck. I think he's going to be very good right away. Colts fans won't miss Peyton too much after they see Luck win a few games for them this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13 : They have the worst quarterback in the league in Blaine Gabbert. Maurice Jones-Drew just got back to the team after skipping training camp so he likely won't be at his best for a few weeks. Their defense isn't awful but they will need to be great to even avoid not losing 10 games.

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs 9-7* : Everyone forgets that the Chiefs won the division two years ago. Last year they were devastated by injuries, Eric Berry, Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki, and Matt Cassel all went down. This year they are all back with a head coach they like and respect in Romeo Crennel. The division contains four good but not great teams, so I'll take the Chiefs in the west.

San Diego Chargers 8-8 : The Chargers never seem to be able to put it all together. I think it starts with the coach Norv Turner, who somehow still has a job. Philip Rivers is one of my favorite quarterbacks but he did throw 20 interceptions and fumbled 7 times last season. If the Chargers want to win the west, those numbers need to go way down.

Denver Broncos 8-8 : I know Peyton Manning is so great, he always wins 10 games, yada yada yada. He didn't play last year. He's on a new team that barely threw the ball last season (except against the Steelers in the damn playoffs). He has to play outdoors in Denver. And his weapons are nothing compared to the arsenal he had for his entire career in Indianapolis. I think they will be in the playoff hunt but I don't think they get there.

Oakland Raiders 7-9 : The Raiders have gone 8-8 the past two seasons and expectations should be pretty high since they think they have a quarterback now. The only problem is Carson Palmer is nothing special and he will throw away at least two or three games this year due to interceptions and a few pick six's.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles 10-6* : Mike Vick will get hurt and miss a few games like he did last year when Vince Young came in and went 0-3. If they can rely on Shady McCoy in those games without and win some of them, the Eagles might actually be the dream team this year...well not championship dream team but playoffs at least.

New York Giants 9-7 : I'm not picking the defending Super Bowl Champs to make the playoffs. I just think that since Tom Coughlin won't be on the hot seat for at least a few weeks the Giants might not have the urgency right away. Plus last year their record was only 9-7 so they could just miss the last wild card spot.

Dallas Cowboys 7-9 : The Cowboys have enough talent to make the playoffs but they have to remain healthy which they couldn't do last season. If DeMarco Murray can come back to help the offense score they could be tough to beat because there defense will be very solid.

Washington Redskins 5-11 : It's Robert Griffin III and not much else. There is a lot of excitement in Washington about RGIII but I think they still have the wrong owner and coach to be successful. Dan Synder has never done anything good for the Skins and Mike Shanahan hasn't done anything since he had Elway.

NFC North

Green Bay Packers 13-3* : They are the most complete team in the NFC if not the entire league. Aaron Rodgers will want to come back even better to avenge their playoff loss to the Giants. The Packers shouldn't have too much trouble winning the north even though it's a tough division.

Chicago Bears 10-6* : The addition of Brandon Marshall should be a huge benefit to Jay Cutler and the offense. They should be able to put up points but if Brian Urlacher isn't fully healthy or gets injured again the Bears might finish below the Lions again.

Detroit Lions 9-7 : Madden Curse. No seriously that's why I'm picking the Lions to just miss the playoffs. Well that and half the team will probably get arrested during the season to go along with the countless personal fouls they receive.

Minnesota Vikings 3-13 : Sort of the same as Jacksonville. A lot of questions remain about Christian Ponder, who threw as many TD's as he did INT's in his rookie season. If Adrian Peterson is not ready to go for the Vikings the offense could be in some serious trouble early in the year.

NFC South

Carolina Panthers 10-6* : No team has ever repeated in the NFC South. Last year the Saints won the division and had the bounty problems this summer. So I think the Panthers have an opening to win this division, especially since they have Cam Newton playing QB. I love Cam. Also they have improved their defense by getting Jon Beason back and drafting Luke Kuechly.

New Orleans Saints 10-6* : It's hard to say the Saints won't make the playoffs since they have Drew BREEEEEESSSSS as their quarterback. But it won't be too easy with Sean Payton on the sidelines for the year. Its could take a little time to adjust to the interm interm head coach.

Atlanta Falcons 9-7 : I'm not to sure why I don't think the Falcons are going to make the playoffs. Maybe it's how they got crushed 24-2 by the Giants in the Wild Card round last year. I'm not sure but I don't see it happening for Matty Ice this year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-9 : The Bucs will improve from their 4 win season last year. In 2010 they went 10-6 and Josh Freeman was about to be the next big thing. I think the coaching change will help but they still play in an extremely tough division so it's hard to see them being better than 500.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers 11-5* : Even if Alex Smith doesn't have the year he did last year their defense will win them a bunch of games. Aldon Smith is going to get at least 20 sacks. I honestly think he may break Michael Strahan's record of 22.5 sacks.

Seattle Seahawks 8-8 : There is a lot of hype about Russell Wilson being the starting QB but it's hard for me to pick them to win more than 8 games after looking at their first 8. Games against the Cowboys, Packers, Panthers, Patriots, 49ers, and Lions could have them at 2-6 or 3-5 start which wouldn't be the easiest thing to recover from.

Arizona Cardinals 7-9 : How far can they honestly go with John Skelton as their starting QB? I think their defense is going to be very good but it's going to be tough to get into the playoffs without a franchise QB.

St. Louis Rams 6-10 : In 2010 the Rams when 7-9 and just missed winning the west when they had a healthy Sam Bradford. With new head coach Jeff Fisher they might be very competitive if they keep Bradford on the field. They won't make the playoffs or anything but they won;t be as terrible as last year, winning only two games.

Offensive Rookie of the Year : Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive Rookie of the Year : Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers

NFL MVP : Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Defensive Player of the Year : Aldon Smith, DE, San Francisco 49ers

Coach of the Year : Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs



Playoffs


AFC Wild Card Round
Pittsburgh Steelers over Buffalo Bills
Kansas City Chiefs over Baltimore Ravens

NFC Wild Card Round
Philadelphia Eagles over New Orleans Saints
Chicago Bears over Carolina Panthers

AFC Divisional Round
Houston Texans over Kansas City Chiefs
New England Patriots over Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC Divisional Round
Green Bay Packers over Chicago Bears
San Francisco 49ers over Philadelphia Eagles

AFC Championship : New England Patriots over Houston Texans

NFC Championship : Green Bay Packers over San Francisco 49ers


SUPER BOWL XLVII : Green Bay Packers over New England Patriots
This was my Super Bowl pick last year and I'm going with it again. Only three teams have won the AFC Championship since Super Bowl XXXVIII (Patriots, Steelers, and Colts) so I think the Pats will be able to keep that streak going by returning to the Super Bowl. I think the Packers have been the best team in the league since they won the Super Bowl two years ago. They only lost two games last season and they could do that again this year. Aaron Rodgers will add to his resume another Super Bowl MVP as he hands TFB his third loss in the Super Bowl.