Picks For Kicks - Preseason Week 4

With the conclusion of Week 3 of my preseason picks, it seems as though I’m still balanced right at .500. This week I finish 8-8, which brings me to 24 of 48 or 24-24 (.500). Entering into the final week of the preseason, I find that picks are difficult to come by. No one wants to get injured one game away for the regular season. So some starters will continue to sit out and other will play, but cautiously. Regardless, this week picks are on the board. We’ll have to see if I can finish over .500.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, Aug. 30^rd

Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions (7:00 PM)

The Lions have actually had a good preseason this year, but I still don’t think they will make 10+ games during the regular season as Jon Kitna predicted. Not unless we include their preseason wins. I give them 3-1 to finish.

Lions complete preseason on a high note

New York Giants at New England Patriots (7:30 PM)

The Giants have had their highlighted moments during this preseason, but as long as Tom Coughlin remains their coach I see many issues revolving around this team. This game won’t ease any of their pain either.

Patriots get a head start on a winning season

New York Jets at Philadelphia Eagles (7:30 PM)

Final game of the preseason makes it hard to make a sure fire pick on any game. Who wants to risk injury at this point? I think the Jets will have a good season this year, but so will the Eagles. So who do I pick here? I’ve been favoring the Jets a lot lately, but to win in Philly? Call me crazy, but…

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets

Washington Redskins at Jacksonville Jaguars (7:30 PM)

At a glance I would have to say Jaguars have the advantage, and I based that solely on their defense because their offense doesn’t impress me. Then to having home field is an even greater advantage, but did Washington beat Baltimore last week, Baltimore’s defense to be more precise? Mark that one up to another case of preseason paradox? I don’t see two in a row for Washington.

Jaguars finish with a win

Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears (8:00 PM)

So will the Bears go 4-0 in the preseason? Hold on, let me shake up my eight-ball for the answer…eight-ball says…answer is unclear. Oh well, guess I will have to go with my own predictions.

Bears complete preseason 4-0

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings (8:00 PM)

As it was pointed out to me last week, Dallas and Houston have a habit of trading off wins in the preseason. And I think I was told it was Houston’s turn to win. So what can I say, those teams gotta keep the residents of the Lone Star State happy. This week is a different story however; Cowboys will finish the preseason 3-1.

Cowboys finish strong on the road

Green Bay Packers at Tennessee Titans (8:00 PM)

Looks like Vince Young is getting all warmed up as he offered up a nice little display of talent last week against Buffalo. This young quarterback has a nice career ahead of him in the NFL. I just wonder if a certain photo on a popular software program might become a slight haunt for him once the season gets underway.

Titans tackle the Packers

Houston Texans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:00 PM)

After Houston marked up their nice little win against Dallas last week, I can’t say I’m favoring either of these teams very heavily right now. However, I have to believe that in a regular season match up I would be in favor of the Bucs. So I’ll take the Buccaneers with the home field advantage.

Buccaneers beat Texans

Kansas City Chiefs at St. Louis Rams (8:00 PM)

Things are not looking too good for the Chiefs. After dropping their first two preseason games, they still don’t seem to have a definite answer at their quarterback position. With Damon Huard nursing a sore calf, Brodie Croyle botched his chance to take the spotlight in last week’s game, giving the Chiefs an 0-3 record. Without ever having to take a snap in the third game, Huard got named the Chiefs starter two days later. Now they must finish the preseason on the road.

Rams win at home, Chiefs finish 0-4

Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints (8:00 PM)

I picked the Saints to beat Buffalo and they lost. I pick the Saints to lose against Cincinnati and they win. So last week I ignored the Saints and picked Kansas City to lose…they did, hence the Saints won. Last year I couldn’t seem to pick a Green Bay game to save my life. Are the Saints going to be my problem child this year?

Miami breaks even at 2-2 after LOSS in this game

Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers (8:00 PM)

Ben Roethlisberger may not have been happy with his performance last week, but I think he was starting to find his focus. After a good start in the HOF game, Big Ben has been looking a little rusty. He may not have been able to top off a drive with a passing TD, but he was able to spread the ball out and pull in some yards. I expect him to find the endzone this weekend.

Steelers slip away with a win

Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (9:00 PM)

My Broncos have been rather depressing this preseason. After only one series from Jay Cutler in a win against San Francisco, they have lost the last two match ups. Add in the injuries and I would think Denver is ready to close out and put this preseason behind them. That said, Arizona is 0-3. Could they get their first win here? Naw, don’t think so.

Broncos win, Arizona finishes 0-4

Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks (10:00 PM)

The Raiders finally chalked up a win last week. Forget that it was against another struggling team traveling from Arizona for this match up. At this point, the Raiders need to take any win they can, even an exhibition one. So let them celebrate in Oakland, because 1 is the length of this win streak.

Seahawks cap off the preseason with a victory

San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers (10:00 PM)

The 49ers are one of my teams to watch this year as I believe they are an up and coming team. Look for them to surprise a few teams and finish over .500 this year. However, even in the preseason, I’m not so sure they can walk into Qualcomm Stadium and defeat the Chargers.

Chargers win another as they gear up for the regular season

Friday, Aug. 31^th

Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (7:30 PM)

Michael Vick may be done in Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still entertain. Enter Noriaki Kinoshita; the first Japanese player to ever take the field in an NFL game. Kinoshita was able to complet the one reception thrown his way for 12 yards and fielded two kickoff returns averaging 20 yards. All that said, they still lose to Baltimore this week.

Ravens rebound from last weeks lose

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (7:30 PM)

Chad Johnson, Mr. Ocho Cinco, was back in true form last week. Forget about the five receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. Mr. Cinco decided to take it upon himself to clean up the yellow flags left on the field, insure that the down marker was on the right down, clean the lint from Carson Palmer’s ear during an interview, and help collect up some cable left on the side line. Is anyone familiar with OCD? We’ll have to see if he can stay focused on the game enough to keep up with Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison’s stats this week.

Colts clean up with a win in final preseason game.

And that wraps up the final week of the preseason. Next week we can look forward to picks made with all the starters in mind. Teams will be playing for a record worthy of the playoffs and hopes of a Super Bowl appearance. Next week starts the regular season! Next week starts the battle for #1. Will your team be there?

Picks For Kicks - Preseason Week 3

Last week didn’t work out to well as my picks came in under .500 at 7-9. That’s OK. An under .500 week was bound to happen at least once, and what better time than during the preseason. So with the combination of week 1 in the preseason I am currently 16 of 32 or 16-16 (.500). I will definitely be looking to improve this week as we draw closer to the regular season. Although some starters won’t be taking the field until the opening day of the regular season, we can start to expect to see others staying on the field for longer durations of time.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, Aug. 23^rd

Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers (8:00 PM)

Byron Leftwich may have finally started to find some chemistry with his offense in the second quarter of their match up last week with Tampa, but it was all against the Tampa backups. This could prove to be a problem once the regular season starts. As for Green Bay, Brett Favre seems to be connecting with his new rookies James Jones and Brandon Jackson. After serving up a beating to Seattle last week, I’m going to show a little bit of faith in the home team this week.

Green Bay takes the home game over Jacksonville

New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (8:30 PM)

I have no doubt the Saints will be a competitive team this year. They just don’t want to cooperate with my picks during the preseason. Their 1-1 record has me 0-2 making my picks (HOF game not included). Kansas City on the other hand has continued to find ways to lose the games as I have expected. So I’m going to contain this pick to the outcome for Kansas City.

Chiefs LOSE another preseason game

Friday, Aug. 24^th

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (7:00 PM)

Vince Young got his fair share of hard licks in the backfield last week as New England’s defense batted him around a bit. However, the Titans still managed to pull off the win by outscoring New England 20-7 in the second half. It was Buffalo who couldn’t close the deal, losing to a Vickless Atlanta team.

Titans take a “W” from the Bills

New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers (8:00 PM)

Not that these games matter, but New England has been rather unimpressive this preseason as they find themselves 0-2 going into Week 3. Tom Brady took a couple of hard knocks in the Tennessee games that resulted in two interceptions. As for Carolina, Jake Delhomme has looked a bit up and down as he struggled to get things going for his team last week.

Panthers rebound for another win

St. Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders (10:00 PM)

The Raiders may have pulled off a victory against Arizona in Week 1, but they couldn’t finish last week against the 49ers. Inability to finish seems to be a growing trend in Oakland as JaMarcus Russell is still alluding signing any contract with the team. The Rams, on the other hand, had their own problems against San Diego last week. However, lets not confuse a San Diego team with an Oakland team. Rams should have no problems this week.

Rams find light in the Black Hole

Saturday, Aug. 25^th

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts (7:00 PM)

Let’s face it. The Lions have actually looked good during this preseason going 2-0 up to this point. The Colts on the other hand are sitting at 0-2. If this were the starters records and this were the regular season, I’d be tempted to pick Detroit for this win, but we aren’t talking about the starters here, and it is still only preseason. With that in mind, I’ll give this one to our defending Super Bowl champs.

Colts pick up their first preseason victory

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins (7:30 PM)

For two weeks in a row, the Dolphins hopefuls have pulled together a fourth quarter victory before time ran out. Question is, can they continue to pull out the win in another interstate match up as they welcome the Buccaneers into their home field? After slipping way with a win against a mostly none attentive Patriots team, they found defeat to Jacksonville who decided to keep their starters in just a little bit longer. Tough call, let’s give this one to the home team.

Miami continues to bring the sunshine over South Florida

Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins (8:00 PM)

I guess you could say that I was a little shocked to see Baltimore fall this week to New York, but only a little. This week they will travel to FedEx Field to match up with the Redskins. I wouldn’t count on two losses in a row. Even by the 2^nd and 3^rd teams.

Baltimore holds Redskins away from victory

Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (8:00 PM)

It’s the battle of the Lone Star State as Dallas will travel to Houston this weekend. Dallas is coming off a solid win against Denver last week in Texas Stadium, while Houston can say their only victory has come at the expense of Arizona. Preseason or not, this game should be a no brainer.

Dallas remains the Lone Star in Texas

New York Jets at New York Giants (8:00 PM)

The Giants found themselves victorious over Baltimore last week, but they say that every dog has its day. I expected big things from the Giants last year and was disappointed. This year I don’t expect much at all. Will they surprise me? I’m thinking not.

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets

San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears (8:00 PM)

And the Bears win the Super Bowl…or the rematch…or just a worthless preseason game. Ok, whatever, but I do expect to continue to see some ferocious play from the Bears defense this year. Their offense? Well, that I have yet to find confidence in, but I’ll take them at home this week.

Bears make 3-0 in the preseason

Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos (9:00 PM)

The Broncos suffered at the hands of Dallas last week in more ways than one. Not only did they lose the game, but they have recorded injuries to Travis Henry, Mike Bell, defensive end Ebenezer Ekuban, and backup safety Curome Cox. Not a good night for a playoff hopeful team. However, Cleveland has remained unimpressive. Brady Quinn’s fourth-quarter performance not only didn’t win the game, but has now increased the uncertainties over who will start at quarterback.

Broncos defend Mile High

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (9:00 PM)

If the Vikings defense can continue to make points off turnovers, then I may have underestimated the number of wins they might manage to rack up. With both Darren Sharper and Chad Greenway returning interceptions off Chad Pennington for six points, and the rookie defensive end Brian Robison taking his fumble recovery to the house, Minnesota may be able to pull a few upsets this year. As for Seattle, the devastating defeat handed to them by Green Bay shows some possible problems for them in the upcoming season.

Seattle rebounds off last weeks lose

San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals (10:00 PM)

The Chargers travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. Do we even need a prediction for this game? Forget about LaDainian Tomlinson playing at all. Even without him I’ll take the Chargers hands down in this one.

Chargers practice on their winning season

Sunday, Aug. 26^th

Philadelphia Eagles at Pittsburgh Steelers (8:00 PM)

This would appear to be another great match up if we had already stepped into the regular season. Instead, we’ll see if the Philadelphia backups can defeat the Steelers backups, because that is were this game is going to be decided. I expect to see a good start from both Donovan McNabb and Ben Roethlisberger. When in doubt, take the home team.

Steelers steal away with the win in the fourth

Monday, Aug. 27^th

Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons (8:00 PM)

It’s official. Michael Vick has plead guilty to conspiracy and the Falcons will spend the rest of the season grasping at straws to restructure their offense around another quarterback, who at the time looks to be Joey Harrington. I almost think that if a judge really wanted to punish Vick, he’d throw him to the angry Atlanta fans that may have just lost their season. However, miracles have happened, I’m just not picking one here.

Bengals take their first preseason win

And that concludes the third week of the preseason. Only one more week of “practice” games to go before we dive head first into the 2007-08 NFL Season. Let’s bring on some Football!!!!

Picks For Kicks - Preseason Week 2

Football season if officially underway and the first week of preseason has been completed. So with the completion of the first week, comes the tally of my first week record and I can’t say that it was an impressive one at 9-7 (.563). I can only be thankful that we are still in the preseason. So we now advance on to Week 2 and the games that await us. Here is this weeks breakdown and hopefully we can look forward to a few better outcomes.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Thursday, Aug. 16^th

Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs (8:00 PM)

This week Trent Green and the Dolphins will travel to Kansas City for Greens first snaps against his former team. Miami managed to walk away with the win last week in spite of Green lackluster performance, where Kansas City lost as Damon Huard didn’t seem interested in the starting spot for Kansas City. This week?

Miami sneaks a win from the Chiefs

Friday, Aug. 17^th

Atlanta Falcons at Buffalo Bills (7:00 PM)

No Michael Vick equals Joey Harrington as the Falcons starter. Harrington couldn’t get it done in Detroit, failed in Miami, and has now been handed a gift wrapped starter position in Atlanta. Until they show different, it should be expected to see Atlanta struggle through this season.

Bills go 2-0 in their preseason

Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles (7:00 PM)

While Donovan McNabb didn’t even dress last week, it is unsure whether we will see him risk his surgically-repaired knee again this week. It’s the Panthers that were looking positive under their new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. Expect to see a continuation of offensive prowess from the Panthers.
Panthers win again in Philadelphia

Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets ( 8:00 PM)

The Jets wasted no time getting Thomas Jones into mix, not even letting Chad Pennington attempt a pass at the start of the game. However, it was Kellen Clemens that was most impressive, going 16-of-22 for 174 yards and three touchdowns. Even if Minnesota’s Dontarrious Thomas could repeat his interception return for a 82 yard touchdown it’s unlikely the Vikings can match the Jets.

J.E.T.S., Jets, Jets, Jets, do it again

Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots (8:00 PM)

No one knows if Vince Young has improved from last year. After breaking the team curfew, Jeff Fisher chose to bench the Titan starter. But then New England never saw Randy Moss, Laurence Maroney, or Dante Stallworth take the field last week. Chances are Young will take a few snaps this week. Will all the starting Patriots participate in at least a play or two? It is their first home game.

Patriots entertain their home crowd

Saturday, Aug. 18^th

Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals (4:00 PM)

Don’t expect a big season from either of these teams this year. Houston may have almost pulled off a win against the defending NFC Champion Chicago Bears, but we are still talking about pre-season here.

Houston defeats the Cardinals

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns (7:00 PM)

Jon Kitna was talking the big talk this off season, but back-ups J.T. O’Sullivan and Dan Orlovsky walked the big walk as they combined for a whopping 445 passing yards and three touchdowns to defeat Cincinnati last week. Can those numbers be repeated this week against Cleveland?

Detroit chalks up number two in their win column

New Orleans Saints at Cincinnati Bengals (7:30 PM)

The Saints went 0-4 in their pre-season last year before shocking the league with an impressive 10-6 regular season record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Now they look to be repeating that pre-season record. Can they continue that streak against a Cincinnati team that got schooled by Detroit’s back-up quarterbacks? Tough call.

Bengals bounce back with a win

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Jacksonville Jaguars (7:30 PM)

Tampa came out on top last week as they faced New England regardless of Jeff Garcia’s two 3-and-out series, while Jacksonville fell short in their match up with Miami. Byron Leftwich did well going 7-for-11 for 78 yards and a touchdown when he wasn’t pulling himself off the ground. Even without Miami’s Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, and Keith Traylor Jacksonvilles offensive line showed they had some holes.

Buccaneers slip away with another close win

Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys (8:00 PM)

Denver’s Jay Cutler made a quick in and out, driving his offense down the field for a Travis Henry touchdown on their opening drive. It was an impressive drive that showed promise for Denver’s young starter. However, the Cowboys showed their skills by defeating the defending Super Bowl Champions in their pre-season opener. Both teams will prove to be contenders this season, but only one will scratch in a win in this match up.

Denver marks up another win

Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins (8:00 PM)

Although Ben Roethlisberger came out strong against New Orleans in the HOF game, he was flat against Green Bay. That’s one game new head coach Mike Tomlin should be thankful was only preseason. In Washington, Clinton Portis seems to be healing well, but will continue to sit out and Jason Campbell was unimpressive.

Steelers steal away Skins hopes of a win

San Diego Chargers at St. Louis Rams (8:00 PM)

Don’t expect to see LaDainian Tomlinson on the field again this week. The Chargers don’t want any risk of injury to their star player during preseason. On the other side of the ball, Steven Jackson may not take the field either. With neither team running their starting running back and game makers, this game should probably go to the home team.

Rams take their second win

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers (8:00 PM)

Shaun Alexander should touch the ball once or twice again in this game and whether or not it’s to Deion Branch, Matt Hasselbeck should lead a scoring opening drive again this week. Question here is, can Seattle’s back up defense stop Aaron Rodgers once the first teams have left the field? This could be another win for the home team.

Packers pack in another win

Oakland Raiders at San Francisco 49ers (10:00 PM)

It didn’t seem as if the Raiders could do anything right last year. Fast forward to the new season, and they still can’t get it right as they have continued to fail signing #1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell. They will their win against Arizona last week, any win is a good win for Oakland right now. This week will have a different outcome thought.

49ers win the battle of the bay

Sunday, Aug. 19^th

New York Giants at Baltimore Ravens (8:00 PM)

The problem for the Giants still lie in the fact that Tom Coughlin no longer has the respect of his players. Without that respect, he no longer has control. All the talent on this team will be wasted this season unless something changes this problem. Now they go to face a brutal Ravens team that just finished man handling Philadelphia last week.

Ravens grab hold of another preseason victory

Monday, Aug. 20^th

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (8:00 PM)

What a game this SHOULD be. A rematch of the Super Bowl! But it is still only preseason, so a lot of the hype will be lost as we can expect a less than monumental game. Colts won in the big game, but I think the Bears will win in the depths of the depth charts.

Bears win preseason rematch

And that concludes the Week 2 preseason picks. I will be looking to improve my numbers as we close in on the regular season, because once we’re there…all picks count!!! Let’s get ready for some football!!!

Picks For Kicks - Preseason Week 1

Football season is upon us again and it’s time to start thinking of who’s better than whom. Although pre-season games don’t count toward anyone’s records and the starters will only play a fraction of the plays, I thought it would be fun to get a jump start on the season with some “Just of Kicks Picks!” Call it a test drive on the season if you will, but I just simply could not wait any longer for football to get under way. So, in the name of a good time, enjoy a few pre-season picks.

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN TIME

Thursday, Aug. 9^th

Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions (7:30 PM)

I can’t seem to get over Jon Kitna promising 10+ wins on the season this year. It seems like a long shot bet for even the most risky gamblers. However, if he were counting pre-season wins…why not?

Kitna and the Lions get one win closer to ten over the Bengals

Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys (8:00 PM)

Peyton Manning and the Colts still have a game plan, most of their starters and the same coach. Dallas on the other hand will be taking the field for the first time under Wade Phillips. Phillips will try some new schemes, test out his new players, and probably make several mistakes in the process.

Colts take the win in Texas Stadium

Friday, Aug. 10^th

Atlanta Falcons at N.Y. Jets (7:00 PM)

Poor Bobby Petrino, without Michael Vick behind center, Petrino is going to need to reconstruct his entire offense. The Jets on the other hand will be looking to improve on last year.

J. E. T. S., Jets, Jets, Jets!!! (I’m not a Jet fan, but I just love doing that)

New England Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7:30 PM)

I don’t think we’ll see much of Tom Brady after the first quarter. I also expect to see improvement in the Buccaneers this year. So, even though I wouldn’t pick them to win this game in the regular season…why not here.

Buccaneers squeak off a win at home

Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints (8:00 PM)

I’m looking forward to another tremendous season from Drew Brees and the Saints. I think we’ll see bigger and better things from Reggie Bush and another notable year from Marques Colston. So I’m giving the victory in the Superdome to the home team.

Saints march it in at home

St. Louis Rams at Minnesota Vikings (8:00 PM)

My expectations would give the Rams this game during the regular season. However, given that the game is in the Metrodome and we’ll probably see the 2^nd, 3^rd, and practice team on the field…

Vikings defend their home turf

Saturday, Aug. 11^th

Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers (7:30 PM)

After the Steelers put away the Saints in the Hall of Fame Game, why wouldn’t they put away Brett Favre and the Packers? Favre has spent a lot of time in training this off season with a personal trainer. Expect him to be fit and ready for the season, but sidelined in this game to give his backup some play time.

Steelers win at home

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins (7:30 PM)

North Florida or South Florida? A match up from the sunshine state, but the sun can only shine on one team in this game. I believe that Cam Cameron just might be the coach that Miami has been looking for, but we are talking about his very first game as coach, and pre-season at that.

Jaguars steal the sunshine from South Florida

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns (7:30 PM)

I don’t believe the Browns have what it takes to be a competitor this year, but I’ve never been a fan of the Chiefs. Since this is the pre-season, I’ll take this opportunity to pick against them when the Browns have their best chance.

Browns defeat the Chiefs

Carolina Panthers at N.Y. Giants (8:00 PM)

The Giants have talent, the players are there. But after watching Tom Coughlins inability to control and run his team last year, we’ll probably be seeing another shaky year of ups and downs.

Panthers pounce the Giants

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans (8:00 PM)

Even in the pre-season I don’t see the Texans being able to defeat the Bears.

Bears devour the Texans

Washington Redskins at Tennessee Titans (8:00 PM)

Joe Gibbs just hasn’t been able to get the Redskins together as he did in the past. Count injuries to Santana Moss and Clinton Portis and the ‘skins already seem off to a questionable start.

Titans prevail over their home field

Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders (10:00 PM)

The Cardinals have been a cursed franchise and the Raiders have just been down right awful. Arizona should be able to win this game, but you can flip a coin.

Arizona takes the win

Sunday, Aug 12^th

Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers (8:00 PM)

It’s a shame we won’t be seeing this game during the regular season. Shaun Alexander against LaDainian Tomlinson could have proven to be a great match between running backs. Instead we’ll have to settle for each back taking a couple of carries before spending the rest of the evening smiling and laughing on the sideline.

Seahawks win in a close game

Monday, Aug. 13^th

Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens (7:00 PM)

Another match up that should have been scheduled for the regular season. A healthy Donovan McNabb against the strong Ravens defense can make for a hard fought game.

Ravens defend their win

Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers (8:00 PM)

This may be the first preseason game for the Broncos this year, but I have a feeling there may be a greater will to win in Denver after the 49ers closed the door on their playoff hopes last year. First team, second team, third team doesn’t matter, they all want the “W.”

Broncos win this one on the road

And that concludes the picks for Pre-Week 1. The Hall of Fame Game has been played and week 1 of the pre-season will be underway this Thursday. The 07-08 football season has officially begun. So let’s get ready for some Football!!!

AFC 2007-2008 Division Predictions

The roar of the crowd, cold cracks of the beer, fans represent loud cause football is here! Or at least it will be within a few days! So before everyone leaves indentations in their recliners and become fixated to their television screens all Sunday afternoon, the arguable debate of division leaders must not be denied. Who do you have going into the playoffs this year?

AFC WEST

The Raiders continue to struggle on the offensive side of the ball as JaMarcus Russell continues to hold out and the questionable Daunte Culpepper is brought in as plan B. Either way, the Raiders don’t stand a chance of rising to the top of the Western Division this year. The true battle for this top slot is going to be fought between Broncos and Bolts as Denver looks to get back on top over the Chargers. This shouldn’t be an easy task, but after the loss of Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers will lose their coaching edge. Norv Turner is going to lose in a match up of wits with Mike Shanahan.

1) Denver Broncos

2) San Diego Chargers

3) Kansas City Chiefs

4) Oakland Raiders

AFC EAST

For all the Patriot haters around the NFL, this probably won’t be the year you get to watch them decline into nothing. With several strong off-season moves, they should continue to be a dominating force in the AFC, much less the AFC East. The Jets will continue to win games as they struggle to overthrow the Patriots rein over the East. The team to improve this year will be Miami, as Cam Cameron proves he is capable of running with the big boys.

1) New England Patriots

2) New York Jets

3) Miami Dolphins

4) Buffalo Bills

AFC NORTH

The big battle in the North is going to be for the second place and a wild card slot come the end of the season. The Ravens stifling defense should continue to rank Baltimore on top of this division. That leaves the Steelers and Bengals to slug out for the number two slot. Given that Ben Roethlisberger can keep himself healthy this season, the edge should fall to the Steelers.

1) Baltimore Ravens

2) Pittsburgh Steelers

3) Cincinnati Bengals

4) Cleveland Browns

AFC SOUTH

The question in the South is: can the defending Super Bowl Champs remain on top? Several predictions are going to show the Colts at number one this year, and several others with show them fall. The guess is whether or not anyone thinks they can put a repeat for back-to-back Super Bowls. Vince Young and the Titans should be set to keep themselves in the running as they wash their hands of “Pacman” Jones. The Jaguars look as if they will continue to hold a strong defense. So once again, the Texans are left to scrape the bottom of the barrel.

1) Indianapolis Colts

2) Tennessee Titans

3) Jacksonville Jaguars

4) Houston Texans

That concludes this year’s 2007-2008 AFC predictions. The season is around the bend, and as the clock continues to count down, all NFL fans must ask themselves…”Are you ready for some Football?”

NFC 2007-2008 Division Predictions

With preseason only days away and countdowns ticking away the hours every where you look, it’s only natural that predictions begin to surface everywhere. Who will be this year’s team to beat? Who will be the team for everyone to beat? And, of course, who will be this years division leaders going into the playoffs?

NFC EAST

Last years Washington Redskins came in last in the division with an awful 5-11 record that was just a display of their trials and tribulations throughout the year. This year may not prove to be any better, as the team is already experiencing some notable injuries including Santana Moss and Clinton Portis. The New York Giants bested Washington with an 8-8 record to place 3^rd, but their loss of Tiki Barber and continuing woes revolving around Tom Coughlin will probably keep these two teams in a battle to stay out of last place. This leaves the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles to battle for the number one slot in the NFC East. Given the loss of Bill Parcells in Dallas, the NFC East ranks as follows:

1) Philadelphia Eagles

2) Dallas Cowboys

3) New York Giants

4) Washington Redskins

NFC NORTH

This is probably the easiest division for picking a winner in the entire NFL this year. There is no contest, hands down that the Chicago Bears will continue to own this division this year. The only question to be asked is in what order does the other three get ranked in? Jon Kitna, of the Detroit Lions, has actually gone on record guaranteeing a 10+ win season for the Lions this year. As laughable as that may be, an improvement should be a very likely prediction for a team that finished 3-13 last year. However, much improvement isn’t seen in Green Bay after an 8-8 season that ranked them 2^nd in their division last year. With an ageing QB in Brett Favre and no foreseeable hope for a championship, this team is set to struggle through another year. All in all, ranking for the NFC North will be:

1) Chicago Bears

2) Minnesota Vikings

3) Green Bay Packers

4) Detroit Lions

NFC SOUTH

With the impressive season displayed by the Saints last year, there seems to be no indication that they will be unable to repeat this process. With the return of Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, and Marques Colston, there high powered offense should be set to run up a few scoreboards. The noticeable changes to this division this year will come at the hands of the Buccaneers and Falcons. Expect Tampa to rebound from last year to give Carolina a run for their money. The Falcons are going to have their down and out year this season as Michael Vick brings turmoil to the Atlanta club and Bobby Petrino wishes he had held on to Matt Schaub. It looks as if Joey Harrington is left to take up the starting quarterback job.

1) New Orleans Saints

2) Carolina Panthers

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4) Atlanta Falcons

NFC WEST

Despite all the talent in Arizona, that franchise has got a curse hanging over it’s head and can’t be considered a contender until they break it. That doesn’t mean they can’t win a few games and create an upset. The NFC West is simply going to be a tough division to win this year. The Seahawks pulled off the number one slot last years through numerous injuries, but will be starting off this season with starters Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander off the injury reports. The Rams broke even last year, but will be looking to improve upon that record. However, the team to be watching in this division this year will be the 49ers. There’s improvement in this club and they are looking to rise up in the rankings.

1) Seattle Seahawks

2) San Francisco 49ers

3) St. Louis Rams

4) Arizona Cardinals

That wraps the NFC 2007-2008 predictions. With the season staring it’s fans the face, they can only wait and see who truly will be this years division leaders.