NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 4

Before every baseball season, you can always count on the Red Sox, Yankees, Angels, Mets, Cardinals, and any National League West team vying for the post-season. The NBA has sixteen playoff spots so unless your team has a very frugal owner and/or players that are more concerned about how many tatoos and videos they can produce, then you're in.

One of the greatest characteristics of the National Football League is its parity. That unpredictable and shifty element is what adds to the thrilling and unbridled nature of this hallowed game. All it takes is an injury, attitude, or uncanny timing on or off the field to alter the landscape of the NFL from week to week.

From prognosticators to fantasy football owners, decisions and forecasts during every off-season are governed by hype and what is perceived to be common sense until this mercurial factor slithers in unrecognized and then strikes when you aren't looking.

Yes, it's frustrating and tempts you to rear back like Roger Clemens and fire your beer bottle through your TV set, but that is exactly what makes this game very unique and irresistible.

While New England, Indianapolis, Denver, Buffalo, Atlanta, and Cleveland (Oh, don't bring up the 51-point fiasco!) are strolling down the path many thought they were, there are others on the other side of the ridge that are sliding towards the cliff's edge. New Orleans and St. Louis at 0-3? Chicago and San Diego at 1-2? The jury is still out on the 1-2 Eagles as they might have blasted their way back to prominence after last week's clubbing of a very good Detroit team.

Every week in any NFL season, anything can happen.

What will happen this week?

• Green Bay Packers (3-0) at Minnesota Vikings (1-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Pandamonium is sweeping across Cheeseland as The Pack are undefeated, and their immortal field general Brett Favre is having a historic season and playing like he's 25. One more TD pass, which should come vs. this Vikings bleak secondary, and he'll break Dan Marino's all-time record. Too bad it couldn't be in Lambeau. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Chicago Bears (1-2) at Detroit Lions (2-1): FOX, 1pm EST - A potent offense in Motor City? As hard as it is to believe this unit is ranked #3 in the league in total offense and appears to be getting sharper with each game, but they face a Bears defense that is historically smothering. Oh wait, that is exactly what was said last week before the Dallas game. EDDIE'S PICK - DETROIT
• St. Louis Rams (0-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0): FOX, 1pm EST - This maimed Rams squad limps into Texas Stadium to see if they can catch the Cowboys sleeping. This is the same Dallas team that bludgeoned some Bears over the weekend. What do you think they'll do to a flock of wounded sheep? EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-2): CBS, 1pm EST - The old Browns visit the new Browns as RB Jamal Lewis welcomes his former team to his new home turf as a denizen of the city of Cleveland. It's going to be very difficult for the Browns to run against the top-ranked run defense in the league so they will probably try to air it out like they did against Cincy. Not a good idea either. EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• Oakland Raiders (1-2) at Miami Dolphins (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Now, this is just plain mean. QB Daunte Culpepper is rumored to be starting his first NFL game for the Raiders vs. the team that dumped him last season and allowed him to sign with Oakland. Dolphins QB Trent Green is 10-2 against the Raiders from all those years with KC in the AFC West. Both teams have sputtering offenses and average defenses while Miami has won the last six meetins. EDDIE'S PICK - MIAMI
• NY Jets (1-2) at Buffalo Bills (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - If Buffalo loses anymore players to injury (and I'm not including Kevin Everett), there will be no one left on the sidelines but the coaches. EDDIE'S PICK - NY JETS
• Houston Texans (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - A very risky decision occurred earlier this year when the Falcons traded back-up QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. Had they been able to look in a crystal ball and see Bad Newz Kennels, they wouldn't have made the deal. Instead, Schaub is leading a revitalized Texans team and faces his former teammates who are blessed to have Joey Harrington. EDDIE'S PICK - HOUSTON
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) at Carolina Panthers (2-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - These two NFC South squads are having very similar seasons in the early going. Both offenses have been effective relying on the run while each defense has held its own despite some serious holes. Carolina's defense needs to plug the leak where points are streaming in at a 22.3 points/game pace, and Tampa has had some difficulty stopping the run. Carolina has won seven of the last eight. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - The game plan is simple for the Niners as they welcome their division rival who they swept last season: Give the ball to Frank Gore. Seattle's run defense isn't great and QB Alex Smith is digressing. But, Seattle has the more balanced team and will hope that Shaun Alexander's broken wrist won't come into play. The Niners offense is just pitiful. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Barring any type of serious injury to a key player or a complete meltdown, Pittsburgh should dominate this battle in the desert. Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt grew as a coach under Bill Cowher but was spurned when Mike Tomlin was hired to run the Steelers. QB Ben Roethlisberger is 11-1 vs. the NFC in his career. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Denver Broncos (2-1) at Indianapolis Colts (3-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Denver is the luckiest and maybe the worst 2-1 team in the league right now. You have to stop the run (or have one dynamic offense like Indy's) to win in this league. They are giving up 166 yards rushing/game, and the last I heard there was a guy by the name of Joseph Addai who is finding the end zone this year and has a horseshoe on his helmet. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) at San Diego Chargers (1-2): CBS, 4:15pm EST - After three games last season, the Chargers had given up 23 points. So far this year, they've allowed 72. The cure to this drainage just might lie playing at home vs. an inept KC offense. San Diego's squad isn't exactly dazzling either, and they'll find it difficult to change out of their Clark Kent costumes and get those capes flying vs. the league's #4 ranked defense. The Chargers are also missing their blue-collar instinct but time will tell if it's just lost or gone forever. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) at NY Giants (1-2): NBC, 8:15pm EST - The G-men are on life support already playing with banged-up receivers and unproven RB's led by a lukewarm QB. Their defense is riddled with holes, and the team is being coached by a man on the hottest seat in sports. Not to mention, they get to play their hated rival who are red-hot coming off their offensive explosion last week. This could get real ugly. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILLY
• New England Patriots (3-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - For Cincy to prove to their fans and America that they are to be taken seriously as one of the AFC's elite teams, they must take care of business against the smoking hot Patriots. I was laughing just typing that. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND

BYE: TENNESSEE, WASHINGTON, NEW ORLEANS, JACKSONVILLE

STANDINGS:
Cris Collinsworth: 11-5, 35-13
Cris Carter: 11-5, 33-15
Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 33-15
Bob Costas: 10-6, 31-17
Dan Marino: 10-6, 31-17
*Sean Salisbury: 7-9, 28-20
Chris Mortensen: 9-7, 27-21

*Joe Thiesmann has been removed from the ESPN expert picks list for some reason. I am not complaining a bit and will replace him with Sean Salisbury in the standings. Salisbury is an ex-NFL QB who is cocky and thinks he's an actor.

Week 3 Reflections

Losing is a disease.

Naturally, a team shouldn't be giving up hope in only Week 3 if they are 0-3, but it is a big enough hole to start wondering if you have the right tools to get out of it. Some teams do and might even make the playoffs, but most end up facing reality that it is going to be dark and cold the rest of the year.

Terrell Davis said on NFL Network, after losing their first four games on the 1999 season on the heels of winning the Super Bowl, "We had the same players on the team, but everyone could just feel it, we didn't know where it came from, and didn't know what to do about it." Denver ended the season 6-10.

In 2007, the expectations were very high for the New Orleans Saints after a Cinderella season in which they reached the NFC Championship Game only to lose to Chicago. This year, they have not found the win column.

And, then there are those were destined to be home in January before the year began. Buffalo, Miami, St. Louis, and Atlanta are also 0-3 and sinking. Others like San Diego, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Chicago were not planning on being at 1-2 at this point of the season, but they have the experience and talent to turn things around.

Here are some observations from Week 3 looking ahead to Week 4:

• Chicago QB Rex Grossman was pitiful against Dallas and will have at least a week (maybe more) to get his head straight if that's possible. Brian Griese will start this week in Detroit.
• Donovan McNabb had a career game vs. Detroit completing 81% of his passes and throwing for 381 yards and 4 TD's. Maybe he should be on HBO more often.
• There were four kickoff returns for TD's in Week 3. It was the first time this has happened since Week 15 in 1998.
• One more TD pass and Brett Favre will have the all-time NFL record for TD passes.
• NY's win in Washington was impressive, but it won't slow Tom Coughlin's walk on The Green Mile.
• Tom Brady doesn't need Randy Moss. Randy Moss needs Tom Brady.
• In Week 2, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan called time out milliseconds before Oakland's game-winning field goal. The ensuing FG missed and eventually Denver won. Last Sunday, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin did the same thing to Cleveland and won the game in the same manner. It was such a Skywalker-Obi Won moment.
• Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Green Bay have my attention.
• It was good to see Kurt Warner out there heaving the pigskin around like he was 30 years old...and not getting hurt.
• Kansas City is 21-4 since 1995 vs. NFC opponents at Arrowhead.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 4
Seattle at San Francisco, Tampa Bay at Carolina, Denver at Indianapolis, Green Bay at Minnesota

Week 2 Reflections

I don't put a lot of stock or give much attention to Week Two results like a lot of naive sports fans and media "experts" do, but I do enjoy seeing who is getting a strong start and who is struggling out of the gate.

This season hasn't been too kind so far to the likes of New Orleans and St. Louis, but it's too early to write them off. Strong starts by Detroit, Houston, Green Bay, and San Francisco could be the beginning of this year's Cinderella stories or a false mirage.

Here are some observations from Week 2:

• The state of New York is 0-6.
• Cleveland gave birth to a running attack, protected their QB (who threw 5 TD's), AND beat Cincy! And you thought Appalachian State's win in Michigan was a shock.
• Ex-Texans and current Carolina back-up QB David Carr told a reporter during the week that he was so glad to get out of Houston. If Matt Schaub's first two weeks are any indication of what the city of Houston can expect from him, I'm guessing that in ten years, Texans fans will be saying, "David Carr....David Carr....damn, that name rings a bell."
• My thoughts on Signalgate don't belong here, but I will say that videotaping signals is not the sole reason that Tom Brady is an unrivalled quarterback.
• Lions QB Jon Kitna suffered the worse concussion of his life in the second quarter, but was able to come back in the fourth to lead Detroit past Minnesota 20-17 in OT due to a miracle. "I just definitely feel the hand of God. That's all it was. You can't explain it." And, that includes a Matt Millen team starting the season 2-0.
• Tennessee just announced that coach Jeff Fisher signed a four-year extension through the 2011 season. Brilliant move by the Titans!
• How confident is Atlanta feeling about Joey Harrington ability to filling Vick's shoes (whatever that means)? After Joey's performance vs. Jacksonville, team officials are saying that Atlanta is seriously talking about signing former Jaguars QB Byron Leftwich to bring serious depth at the quarterback position and ultimately compete for the #1 spot. Boy, can't you just feel the enthusiasm from the city of Atlanta pulsating?
• The greatest play of the week comes from Mike Shanahan. You hear a lot about the real battle being between coaches, and Denver's head coach displayed a perfect example of that. The legendary coach called a timeout a millisecond before Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 52-yard field goal in OT to win the game, probably talked about who would win an Emmy for Best Actor in a comedy, and then sent his special teams back out there. Janikowski's kick hit the left post and bounced away. On the next possession, Broncos K Jason Elam won it from 23 yards away. Raiders rookie head coach Lane Kiffin got schooled by a master.
• Before last week, I would have tabbed Bucs coach Jon Gruden or the Browns' Romeo Crennel as being on the hottest seat among employed head coaches. Now, I think that distinction goes to Tom Coughlin.
• Brett Favre is the most distinguished and humble athlete in the league. The NFL will not be the same without him whenever he walks away.
• Roger Goodell's penalty imposed on Bill Belichick (I can't stand even typing his name) and the team was fair and just.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 3
San Diego at Green Bay, Indianapolis at Houston, St. Louis at Tampa Bay, Dallas at Chicago

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 3

The season is still very early to begin adjusting your Super Bowl picks, and you still can't make too many rash judgements on a team's success or lack thereof.

But, there are some teams that had were tagged with very low expectations going into the season and suddenly they are raising some eyebrows. Green Bay, Houston, Detroit, San Francisco, and Washington are off to 2-0 starts, but several of them face a foe this week that has the firepower to bring them down to earth.

Dallas, New England, Denver, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis are also undefeated and all but maybe Pittsburgh were expected to be here. There's some other surprises that have fans buzzing and reporters puzzled. New Orleans is creeping out of the gate having given up 72 points and scoring 24. Philadelphia is probably the most surprising with their very sloppy offense led by Donovan McNabb who seems more concerned about his sensitive side than winning. The Rams have a potent offense and improving defense that was figured to produce at least one win by now, but they find themselves in a hole as well.

Who will continue on to the 3-0 plain? Is there a 1-1 team or one of these winless squads that will have a breakout performance and keep prognosticators and fans from checking them off their list? The foundations is laid for another provocative and wild week in the NFL!

• Arizona Cardinals (1-1) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Each of these teams have scored 40 and given up 40 points. Both have a running back that has the potential of having a breakout game although Edgerrin James leads the NFC in rushing. They each have a top-10 defense who must set the dominating tone and allow the offenses to be effective. If the Cardinals are going to make a statement that they are to be taken seriously, then QB Matt Leinart must avoid mistakes and move the chains against this stingy defense. EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• Minnesota Vikings (1-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-2): FOX, 1pm EST - There are some situations in sports that must be avoided due to the certainty of immanent defeat: Ahead of Tiger by three on the 12th hole at Augusta, facing A-Rod with bases loaded, playing Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and battling the Chiefs in Arrowhead. KC is 102-34 at home since 1990 and 20-4 vs. the NFC since 1995. The Vikes will be without QB Tavaris Jackson which is supposed to be a bad thing but it won't matter this Sunday. EDDIE'S PICK - KANSAS CITY
• Detroit Lions (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Virtually every other NFL season and the records shown to the left would be a misprint for each team. This year it's real. Detroit is not messing around as they truly believe in themselves and have a car factory-load of enthusiasm and confidence right now. Philly has been very sloppy this year and that includes the insipid performance of Donovan McNabb who lately seems more interested in his sensitive side and the color of his skin than winning football games. It's been 21 years since Detroit has beaten Philly, and unless Detroit is for real, I don't see Philly going 0-3. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• San Francisco 49ers (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0): FOX, 1pm EST - Despite the talk about San Fran getting a strong and surprising start, this really is no contest. Pittsburgh has the elements to be a dark horse team this year, and they have a ton of momentum right now. That new offensive scheme is playing to Big Ben's strength's and the defense is living up to its reputation. RB Frank Gore is going to have a hard time chewing up any serious yardage which leaves it in the hands of QB Alex Smith and that 31st-ranked passing offense. The Niners haven't lost in Pittsburgh since 1987. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• St. Louis Rams (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - This should be a more enjoyable game to watch than what's on paper or what the records show. Rams RB Steven Jackson vs. this Tampa defense, which can crank out a dominant run-stopping effort at any time, will be interesting to watch. The Rams must avoid turnovers on the road and move the ball to wear down this Buc D while Tampa's O-line needs to keep Garcia upright and open holes for the running game to keep St. Louis on its heels. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• San Diego Chargers (1-1) at Green Bay Packers (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Will the Lambeau mystique ever return? A 2-0 start facing a struggling Chargers squad during a historic year for Brett Favre just might be what the doctor ordered. The Pack is pulling at the country's heartstrings with their unexpected start while Favre goes for the all-time TD mark for a QB after already wrapping up the NFL record for most wins. Green Bay's defense is the real story showing remarkeable resilience and fortitude. They face a Chargers offense that either has a longer lit fuse than originally planned or it's wet. The San Diego defense better be on guard too or it's going to be a long day for L.T. and Co. This is a statement game for both clubs. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Indianapolis Colts (2-0) at Houston Texans (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Another team that has the headlines and radio waves red-hot is the Houston Texans. The signing of QB Matt Schaub was a stroke of genius by Houston management and a pin-headed decision by the Atlanta hierarchy. The Texans defense is also playing better ranked ninth in the league and will be pitted against that steam engine offense conducted by Peyton Manning. The Colts are 9-1 vs. Houston in the last ten games as these squads battle for first place in the AFC South...that has an odd ring to it. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Buffalo Bills (0-2) at New England Patriots (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - If Bill Belichick walked over and handed Buffalo his playbook, it wouldn't matter. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Miami Dolphins (0-2) at NY Jets (0-2): CBS, 1pm EST - These two teams are really hurting in more ways than one. NY will more than likely be without Chad Pennington paving the way for Kellen Clemens to show what he's made of and that may be easier than he originally thought with the news that LB Zach Thomas will be out with a mild concussion. Both teams also have bruised egos as they possess very poor running attacks, run defenses, and a stagnant offense. The Jets have won five of the last six vs. Miami and a win for either squad would put them in at least a tie for second place in the AFC East. EDDIE'S PICK - NY JETS
• Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) at Denver Broncos (2-0): CBS, 4:05pm EST - The Broncos are the only team in the NFL this season to have a 100-yard rusher and receiver in each of the first two games. Travis Henry and Javon Walker lead the league's #1 offense vs. a daunting Jags defense that had a very strong showing vs. the pathetic Falcons. J-town's running tandem of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor must be effective for David Garrard to have a prayer vs. the top-ranked and lethal secondary of the Broncos. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Cleveland Browns (1-1) at Oakland Raiders (0-2): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Last week's ridiculous 51-point outburst by Cleveland's offense was a nice display of the Browns' talent level on offense. It would have been more impressive vs. a defense like New England or Pittsburgh, but nonetheless it was healthy for Cleveland to get it all out of their system after many dormant games. Now, they travel to Oakland who is habitually unstable at QB, ineffective running, and just simply not intimidating. But, the fans will be, and the young Derek Anderson will have a hard time repeating last week's numbers. Oakland has won 6 of the last 7 vs. Cleveland. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Despite taking the loss, the Bengals showed a ton of firepower vs. Cleveland last week in the most explosive shoot-out since the O.K. Corral. This potency should continue its growth vs. Seattle's 23-ranked defense. It's hard to win in Seattle so QB Carson Palmer must avoid costly turnovers and win the time-of-possession battle due to Seattle's own offensive capabilities. If Matt Hasselbeck can stay protected and RB Shaun Alexander returns to his dominating self, which has been absent lately, then Cincy will return to Ohio limping even more. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Carolina Panthers (1-1) at Atlanta Falcons (0-2): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Not that filling "Bad Newz" Vick's shoes were enough pressure, but QB Joey Harrington must now feel the hot steam from newly-signed Byron Leftwich breathing down his neck. He faces a Panthers team led by QB Jake Delhomme who is 4-0 and a passer rating of 103.5 in his last four divisional match-ups. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• NY Giants (0-2) at Washington Redskins (2-0): FOX, 4:15pm EST - I've harped on teams like Buffalo, Oakland, Atlanta, and Philly but there may not be a more disheveled and discordant team out there than the Giants. Heading to FedEx Field and becoming enveloped by the frenzied Skins fans does not appear to be the path of redemption. Coach Gibbs has this team believing in itself and their young QB Jason Campbell. This has all the signs of a slaughter and coach Tom Coughlin inching his way towards the edge of a rocky cliff. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Chicago Bears (1-1): NBC, 8:15pm EST - This is not do-or-die time for the Dallas Cowboys, but it is an excellent litmus test for QB Tony Romo who is living up to the hype and performing brilliantly this season. This Chicago defense and the utter explosiveness of Devin Hester is enough to make any offense and special teams units involuntarily empty their bladder on the spot. It's the Chicago offense led by "Train Rex" Grossman that is unnerving to Bears fans. How will they fare vs. this Dallas defense who seemed to improve last week despite all the key injuries? Chicago has won the last three contests vs. Dallas at Soldier Field and 15 of 18 at home including the playoffs. Dallas still poses a threat to win the NFC but a win in Chicago will put a stake in the ground. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Tennessee Titans (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST - There may not be a more pissed off team right now than the New Orleans Saints. Expectations were set very high for this squad who reached the NFC Championship Game last year when many didn't expect them to win five games. Now, the bar is set high and they don't want to show their fans that they were just a one-year wonder. Tennessee has the league's highest-ranked running offense and this is not good news for the porous front-seven of the Saints. Despite the crawling start, the Superdome crowd is going to be loud as they welcome their beloved Saints home for the first time this season. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE

STANDINGS
Cris Collinsworth: 10-6, 24-8
Joe Theismann: 12-4, 23-9
Cris Carter: 11-5, 22-10
Bob Costas: 8-8, 21-11
Dan Marino: 9-7, 21-11
Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 20-14
Chris Mortensen: 8-8, 18-14

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 2

A wild and tragic Week 1 gives way to another slate of NFL battles this weekend. One can assume that there won't be any signal-pirating going on from the sidelines after the Patriots and Bill Belichick received Roger Goodell's wrath a few days ago.

Expect some teams who dominated last week to get an ugly reminder that it's too early to call themselves this year's Cinderella Team or think 16-0. Strap yourselves in, football fans!

• Houston Texans (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Two straight wins to open the season has never occurred in Texans history, and Carolina is looking to bring success back to their home turf where they haven't won a home opener since 2003 and were 4-4 last year. Panthers back-up QB David Carr was unceremoniously released by Houston during the off-season and probably won't see any action. But, if he does... EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1): CBS, 1pm EST - A dilapidated QB foundation, weak running attack, and porous defense are the only things wrong with Cleveland. The Bengals showed their prowess and fortitude in handling Baltimore at home last week. Nothing else to say. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Indianapolis Colts (1-0) at Tennessee Titans (1-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Everyone talks about the invincibility of Indy...except Tennessee. The Titans have won four straight games vs. the Colts who swept New Orleans under the rug last week at home. Indy's defense must control the Titans ground game and defuse Vince Young who must keep the chains moving to keep Manning and Co. off the field. Emotions will be high at Adelphia Stadium where they can make a powerful statement by beating the world champions. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Buffalo Bills (0-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0): CBS, 1pm EST - It's been a turbulent week for Buffalo as they cope with TE Kevin Everett's tragic injury vs. Denver last week. Typically, you might be able to look at this type of incident to fuel a team's devotion to winning their next game, but Buffalo's defense was decimated with more serious injuries last Sunday and they already lost some serious talent in the off-season. Facing this Pitt offense that exploded vs. Cleveland last week is not a good time to recoup. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• New Orleans Saints (0-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Last week's loss showed the rustiness of the Saints so you can believe that coach Sean Payton has gone through many cans of WD-40 in the last ten days. QB Drew Brees has never lost to Tampa who is going to struggle running the ball which puts the pressure on Jeff Garcia to air it out. Bucs coach Jon Gruden's hot seat could get much warmer. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• San Francisco 49ers (1-0) at St. Louis Rams (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Both offenses got off to very slow starts last week as the Niners luckily escaped with a win and the Rams took it on the shin vs. Carolina at home. RB's Frank Gore and Steven Jackson will be facing defenses that struggles against the run last week so they should shake off last week's sluggish performances. The Niners have won 3 out of the last 4 meetings, and both teams are very hungry to get some momentum going in pursuing their high expectations this season. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Green Bay Packers (1-0) at NY Giants (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - QB Brett Favre expects to score every time his offense gets the ball so you can imagine his frustrations during last week's win vs. Philly. Facing a Giants defense that gave up 45 points and almost 500 yards in total offense vs. Dallas last Sunday night just might be what the doctor ordered. The Pack have won three of the last four contests against NY who might have to go without Eli Manning. A win gives Favre the most wins by an NFL QB ever. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• Atlanta Falcons (0-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Expect a heavy dose of Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood vs. a porous run defense in J-town after they gave up 282 yards vs. Tennessee. If this attack falters and QB Joey Harrington has to move the ball in the air vs. this top-ranked passing defense, Jacksonville will get their first win of the year at home. The Jags have won 2 of the last 3 meetings. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Seattle Seahawks (1-0) at Arizona Cardinals (0-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Seattle's defense looked extremely well last week by only giving up six points and allowing 90 yards. They also allowed 190 yards passing with no TD's and racked up five sacks. They were also playing lowly Tampa. Arizona lost a squeaker in San Francisco last Monday night as their defense played very well while their offense was a bit shaky. Expect QB Matt Leinart to ride the crowd's emotions and knock Seattle off balance. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Dallas Cowboys (1-0) at Miami Dolphins (0-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Both teams on both sides of the ball possess superior talent and ability, but look for the real battle to occur between opposing headsets. Miami head coach Cam Cameron and Dallas' Wade Phillips were San Diego's OC and DC respectively last year, and Dallas OC Jason Garrett was the Dolphins QB coach last year. Speaking of trying to steal signals. The southern Florida heat and humidity plus Miami's defense could be a huge factor, but Dallas has the momentum. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Detroit Lions (1-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - While Atlanta has the ability to make any team look like a Super Bowl contender, you can't take away Minnesota's defensive showing last week in addition to the budding superstar in rookie RB Adrian Peterson. Meanwhile, Detroit lit up the skies with QB Jon Kitna making use of all his weapons in exploiting the Oakland secondary. The Vikings D will possess a bigger problem for Detroit not to mention Minnesota's recent domination winning 14 of the last 15 games. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Oakland Raiders (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Mile High fans lick their fingers in anticipation of Oakland's visit every year as they honestly can't stand them. This is a memorable divisional war that is always entertaining but this year could be a yawn-fest. The Raiders are still very shaky at QB as they will probably go with Daunte Culpepper vs. a Denver team that has won seven straight home openers and is 19-5 vs. Oakland with Mike Shanahan as coach. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Chicago Bears (0-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Last week, Chicago proved that a suffocating run defense usually always dominates a powerful running game after shutting out LaDainian Tomlinson for only 25 yards. Despite L.T.'s invincibility, Da Bears still lost but this week they welcome RB Larry Johnson who is still looking for a breakout game to announce that he has arrived in 2007. That has zero potential of happening on Soldier Field in Chicago's home opener as Kansas City's offense is already hearing TAPS. EDDIE'S PICK - CHICAGO
• NY Jets (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - I know this is going to shock all of you, but in case you didn't hear, Steve McNair and Chad Pennington got hurt last week. Neither one is expected to start which means that this battle very well could feature Kellen Clemens for NY vs. Baltimore's Kyle Boller. This favors Baltimore in a big way as the Jets will have to rely on the run vs. the Ravens solid run defense, and Boller should find success vs. the Jets questionable secondary. Baltimore has won four straight vs. NY. EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• San Diego Chargers (1-0) at New England Patriots (1-0): NBC, 8:15pm EST - On January 14th in San Diego, the Patriots overcame an 8-point deficit in the fourth quarter to send the 14-2 Chargers home in the first round of the playoffs. After the game, many of the Patriots danced on the Chargers logo and LaDainian Tomlinson went ballistic. It was an act of disrespect, and L.T. attributed it to their coach Bill Belichick. How ironic that San Diego travels to New England on the heels of the Patriots disrespecting the NFL logo by using advanced methods to cheat which was ordered by Bill Belichick. But, Patriots fans don't care about Signalgate. They just want to see a sixth straight home opener victory which would snap the Chargers' streak of 11 straight regular season wins dating back to Week 8 of 2006. It's going to be a war between these two very well-balanced battalions. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Washington Redskins (1-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (0-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST - There's nothing like a classic NFL East rivalry matchup on national TV and this one leans towards being a slaughter. Eagles coach Andy Reid is 11-5 vs. Washington, and McNabb and Co. are not too happy with losing last week in Green Bay. Expect the taste of losing to still be rancid in Philly's mouth as they welcome the denizens of our nation's capitol. Washington, meanwhile, looked pretty sloppy vs. Miami last week but they did get their first win as QB Jason Campbell showed flashes of being the team's future, but is still in that learning phase. This Eagles defense and the malicious Philly crowd will be a great experience for him. EDDIE'S PICK- PHILADELPHIA

MY STANDINGS VS. OTHER NOTABLE NFL PERSONALITIES

Cris Collinsworth: 14-2
Bob Costas: 13-3
Dan Marino: 12-4
Cris Carter: 11-5
Joe Theismann: 11-5
Chris Mortenson: 10-6
Eddie Chinn: 10-6

Week 1 Reflections

Plenty of eyebrows were raised after Week One's action. There were defenses that showed up unexpectedly, offenses that thought it was still pre-season, rookies that looked like they had done this before, and a pleothera of injuries of different extremes that reminded us of the jeopardous nature of this game.

Here are some notes from Week 1:

• Kevin Everett's life changed in a split second. The Buffalo Bills TE ducked his head trying to tackle the Broncos Domenik Hixon and suffered a spinal cord injury leaving him motionless on field. Initially, it was believed that he would never walk again if he survived at all. Now, it appears that he will pull out and might even walk again after performing voluntary movement of his arms and legs! The human body and spirit is stupefying.
• A New England Patriots video assistant, Matt Estrella, had his video camera confiscated by NFL officials after they suspected that he was stealing signals from the NY Jets defensive coaches. The league is also looking at the number of radio frequencies that the Pats used during Sunday's game. This is not the first time that this team has been a suspect of conducting these kind of illegal activities. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is not a bit happy and has called coach Bill Belichick into his office this week for what is rumored to be more than a scolding and getting his wrist slapped with a ruler. I expect there to be suspensions, fines, and draft picks lost...or a combination of all three. If this proves to be accurate and true, imagine the fall out.
• I think the identities of the Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Houston defensive players need to be investigated too. Whenever you stop cold the offenses of Philly, New Orleans, and Kansas City's Larry Johnson, then there is going to be suspicions. Very impressive.
• Miami and Washington's offense weren't expected to come out of the gates blazing hot, but last Sunday's sloppy performances is enough to give the fans of these cities some intense intestinal pain.
• Wouldn't you think that if Cleveland started Charlie Frye the last two pre-season games and then named him the starter for opening day, that they had pretty much decided to let this be Frye's team until Brady Quinn was NFL-ready? Frye was 4 of 10 for 34 yards, one INT, and sacked five times by the second quarter so coach Romeo Crennel yanked him and put in Derek Anderson. What kind of message does that send to the other players who are craving some kind of chemistry and consistency for a change? Oh, and Frye was traded to Seattle today.
• And, just when you thought Cleveland might possess the dumbest upper management in the NFL, there is a new candidate. Number one draft pick JaMarcus Russell held out of training camp, pre-season, and the first game of the season because he, his agent, and the Raiders couldn't come to an agreement on a contract. In four and a half months, an athlete (who has never even sniffed NFL action and is very unproven) and a professional organization (who has been around long before Russell was even conceived) took this long to come to terms. And, what terms am I referring to? How does 6 years for 61 million dollars (29 million GUARANTEED) sound?
• Speaking of rookies...Adrian Peterson of Minnesota is the real thing, football fans.
• Ravens QB Steve McNair needs to retire. The man just doesn't seem to have it anymore. He has proven season after season that he is one of the toughest players in the league....I mean Brett Favre-tough. In watching him last night vs. Cincy, it looked like that he didn't have the fire in his eyes and his body was begging him to pack his bags.
• The Detroit Lions demonstrated that they just might have the tools and attitude to be the Cinderella team of 2007, but they still have the Matt Millen curse and that makes me leery to start showering them with accolades.
• Atlanta appears to be in real trouble. I get the impression that they collectively have a "deer-in-the-headlights" look and being led by Joey Harrington doesn't help.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 2
San Diego at New England, Minnesota at Detroit, San Francisco at St. Louis, Indianapolis at Tennessee

Opening Night all Indy!

Boy, did I have this pegged wrong! The two areas that I thought would be Indy’s weakness and lead to a Saints upset to begin the 2007 season were the left side of the offensive line and their defense. Rookie LT Tony Ugoh protected Manning’s blind side with perfection and was a bull out there. I don’t see Tarik Glenn’s retirement being a concern anymore after that performance last night vs. an athletic Saints D-line.

Where the hell did that defense come from? CB Marlin Jackson said it best after the game, “I thought we played at warp speed. It was like a race to see who could get to the football first.” If this Indy defense maintains that attitude and motivation the rest of the season, you better believe that this team is going to be in Arizona in February.

Indianapolis did start out rusty in the first half but so did New Orleans. This is typical during the first game of the season. But, that explosion in the second half and the surprisingly superb play of the defense and O-line not only is a tribute to the players, but also to coach Tony Dungy. This man can flat out coach, lead, and knows how to bring a team together. He certainly exemplifies quiet strength.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 1

I feel like a life-long alcoholic sitting at his desk as the clock is slowly ticking towards 5:00pm on a Friday. My palms are sweaty. I glance at the time --- 4:30pm. Suddenly, I catch a faint whiff of fermented barley as my heart rate accelerates. The glob of saliva that forms at the back of my mouth is choking me as my face gets flushed.

4:43...4:48...

The phone rings. I answer it and finish the conversation in just under 5 seconds...4:52. There has to be something wrong with this clock!

I can almost literally feel the eye-watering, piercing cold sting of a beer as it pierces and plunges down my shriveled throat while the ice off the bottle streams down my arm...4:56...it's almost time!

Can you taste it? Can you feel it?

31 hours and counting....Are you ready for some football?

• New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts - NBC, 8:30pm EST, Thursday Night Football: You better believe that the RCA Dome is going to be rocking as they welcome their beloved Colts who are Super Bowl champions, but this is going to be one hungry Saints team who missed going to Miami by one win. They have the weapons to rattle a sub-par Indy defense while their own defense will know where they stand in this inaugural game facing Peyton and Co. Expect this one to be a shoot-out. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• Denver Broncos at Buffalo Bills - CBS, 1pm EST: If the Bills maintain their stagnant running game as they displayed in the pre-season, this is going to be a long game. Putting the weight on J.P. Losman vs. this excellent Denver secondary is a scary scenario. The Broncos offense should find no trouble moving the ball down the field vs. this very suspect Bills defense. It doesn't get much easier for Buffalo as they face Pittsburgh and New England next on the road. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - CBS, 1pm EST: You couldn't ask for a better team to start against for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger to boost his confidence. Pitt's offense should view this game as an opportunity to hone itself while the defense will be like a poodle trying to get by a bull mastiff . I expect Cleveland will be chanting Brady Quinn's name by the third quarter. EDDIE'S PICK - PITT
• Kansas City Chiefs at Houston Texans - CBS, 1pm EST: Where do you start for KC? The QB position is in flux although Damon Huard will start. RB threat Larry Johnson needs time to oil his rust and probably won't see many snaps. Their defense needs Jesus. Houston appears to be a team that has a very solid foundation to build on, and this is a great opportunity to pump some enthusiasm into the fans to give them hope for the future. EDDIE'S PICK - HOUSTON
• Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars - CBS, 1pm EST: Another city thirsty for some success and a championship is Nashville, TN. That attempt begins in Jag-town where Byron Leftwich is gone and the mantle of leadership is on David Garrard. Tennessee's future is Vince Young but after that it's a little hairy. They don't appear to have the firepower to puncture the Jags stifling defense, and the defense will have it's hands full with Jacksonville's running attack. Garrard has a great chance here at home to prove Jack Del Rio made the right call cutting Leftwich. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• New England Patriots at NY Jets - CBS, 1pm EST: These two teams don't like each other so emotions should be high. The Patriots are stacked with talent which dwarfs that of the Jets. Last season's loss in the AFC Championship game is enough motivation for New England as QB Tom Brady should be able to pick apart the Jets secondary. The key for NY is to stop RB Laurence Maroney and have success on first down. The Pats have won six straight in the Meadowlands. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Miami Dolphins at Washington Redsksins - CBS, 1pm EST: Both teams have too many questions on both sides of the ball to be answered in a week so they must do their best to simply avoid mental mistakes. Dolphins QB Trent Green brings the kind of leadership that Miami has been needing at that position, and he must stay vertical vs. a Skins defense that upgraded in the off-season. Washington officially ushers in the Jason Campbell era vs. a very tough Miami defense who will be zeroed in on RB Clinton Portis. The home crowd will be the difference. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Philadelphia Eagles at Green Bay Packers - FOX, 1pm EST: Points aren't the problem. When you have a QB like Donovan McNabb and a running attack led by Brian Westbrook combined with reliable receivers, you can count on fireworks. It's their defense that must rediscover it's gritty edge, and that very well may happen vs. a Favre-led Packers offense that is precarious. Philly's O-line must keep McNabb vertical in the pocket as insurance for his surgically-repaired knee, but the Green Bay defense will still feel overwhelmed in front of their Cheesehead fans. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings - FOX, 1pm EST: There was a time when this game would have been THE game to watch with Michael Vick and Daunte Culpepper leading the charges. Times have changed as Vick is out of the league and Culpepper is #2 in lowly Oakland. Joey Harrington...let me say that again --- Joey Harrington --- is now the field general for the Falcons. Minnesota has its own QB questions, but I don't think it will be much of a factor at home vs. a mentally-challenged Atlanta outfit. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Carolina Panthers at St. Louis Rams - FOX, 1pm EST: Both teams finished 8-8 in 2006 and sport offenses that are lethal but haven't found their rhythm. Carolina's defense is stout and aging while the Rams D is growing stronger and younger. RB Steven Jackson is poised for a breakout season and facing this Panthers defense will be a very tough test. Carolina must force turnovers, which was a rare occurrence last season, if it wants to take the Rams out of the game in front of their frenzied fans. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Detroit Lions at Oakland Raiders - FOX, 4:15pm EST: Interesting match-up. The Raiders had the #1 passing defense last season and begin the 2007 season vs. a Detroit offense that has a potent trio of receivers. Oakland has named Josh McCown as the starting QB and he'll have a career day if Detroit's defense can't get to him before he picks apart a suspect secondary. The Lions' running attack will roll if the Raiders run defense stays as soft as it did last year. Mental toughness has been missing from Detroit and this road game in Raider Nation won't help. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Chicago Bears at San Diego Chargers - FOX, 4:15pm EST: Based on their accomplishments last season and looking at their impressive combined 2006 records of 27-5, one could surmise that this will be a 5-star contest. More like a three. I don't see Chicago's offense finding much success vs. the very fast, head-pounding defense of San Diego. This may be instrumental in setting up this high-powered Chargers offense which will have it's hands full in getting by Chicago's defense no matter where they are on the field. Does defense still win games? We'll find out. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks - FOX, 4:15pm EST: The expectations aren't very high for the Bucs so this is a great opportunity to prove all the nay-sayers wrong and go into Seattle and come out with a victory. That will be much easier said than done since it's so hard to win at Qwest Field, but it will be closer to reality of Tampa's revamped defense can stifle Matt Hasselbeck and ground RB Shaun Alexander. Seattle's defense is still small but fast and shouldn't have trouble corralling RB Cadillac Williams and QB Jeff Garcia. This one just might be over by halftime. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• NY Giants at Dallas Cowboys - NBC, 8:15pm EST: If there is a team that is on the verge of self-destructing, it's the boys from the Big Apple. After all the off-season bickering towards one another and coach Tom Coughlin combined with Michael Strahan's absence (until a few days ago), I can't think of a worse place to start the season than Texas Stadium. They have a new coach, scheme, and sense of purpose which will precipitate into a raucous atmosphere on national TV. There is a concern for Dallas on defense where they have some key players injured, but I really don't see it making a difference. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals - ESPN, 7pm EST, MNF: There are concerns in Baltimore as they travel to Cincy and it's not the excessive police force on hand in case some of the Bengals players get unruly. Their offensive line has some age and unproven depth to help it create holes for RB Willis McGahee. If that proves to be an Achilles Heel for Baltimore, then they will have a hard time moving the ball consistently which keeps Cincy's offense on the field. If they can pound the ball early and start to wear down the Ravens suffocating defense, then they control the clock and the outcome of the game. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers - ESPN, 10:15pm EST, MNF: This is the one big problem that I have with the NFL. In a move that is purely money-driven, there will now be two MNF games. If this time slot has a game go to overtime, then the East coast denizens can go get ready for work when it's over. In regards to the match-up, these are two teams that are rising to prominence slowly but surely. The air attack by Matt Leinart vs. a much-improved Niners secondary will be fun to watch, but I believe this will be decided by who has the least amount of turnovers. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA

2007 NFL Preview

The Shield

"You get taller, shorter, fatter, skinnier, clothing comes and goes, but you have your one constant, the shield. That’s the thing that stays with you...It’s the symbol not only of authority, but of ethics."

- Thomas Nerney, retired New York detective

Wyatt Earp. Robert E. Lee. Elliot Ness. George Patton. Frank Serpico. Joe Arpaio.

These men represent countless others throughout history who wore a piece of nickel alloy, hand-sewn insignia, or both. Their shield or badge stood for honor and integrity and it deserved respect. When it was defiled or shamed, there were repercussions and consequences that flowed like an angry mountain river after a thunderstorm.

I have another name to add to this list and he offices on the sixteenth floor at 280 Park Avenue in New York City.

Roger Goodell arrived a year ago as NFL commissioner replacing the laid back ex-attorney Paul Tagliabue. He has witnessed the arrests of over 50 players and coaches since the start of the 2006 season. Instead of letting these issues dangle unresolved until the court system took care of them and fretting over due process like his predecessor, Goodell quickly established a can-do punishment policy as an arm of the NFL Player Conduct Policy.

This enactment represents the fiery and intense passion that Goodell feels for the NFL logo as he stated when he suspended Adam "Pac Man" Jones for the 2007 season and Chris Henry for 8 games. "We must protect the integrity of the NFL. The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right."

As we embrace the 2007 NFL season, it should not go unnoticed that this off season has been historical. Besides the fact that many teams took on new identities through free agency, trades, the draft, and upper management overhauls, we witnessed a commissioner that chews bullets for breakfast.

He doesn't care about notoriety or jersey sales. Just ask Michael Vick. When it's all said and done, if you are a member of this league and decide to build sand castles in criminal surroundings, then you will not have the right to wear the shield.

Below are my forecasts for each team in the order that I see them finishing as they prepare to wage war for the privilege to become champions in Glendale, AZ in Super Bowl XLII.

AFC EAST

• New England Patriots - A 38-34 loss in an AFC Championship Game for a team that has won three of the last six Super Bowls isn't acceptable. GM Scott Pioli spent the off season addressing their biggest needs by signing WR's Randy Moss, Wes Walker, and Donte' Stallworth along with TE Kyle Brady and monster LB Adelius Thomas. Bedsides Walker, these receivers are injury-prone and they must develop chemistry with QB maestro Tom Brady. The addition of Thomas is massive for a defense that is already pretty solid and will be without their leader, Rodney Harrison, for four games for violating the NFL drug policy. This team is going to make a lot of noise.


• Miami Dolphins - There has been a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the city of Miami like one of their daily thunderheads for some time now and the root of this darkness is on offense. After Nick Saban jettisoned to 'Bama, the 'Fins hierarchy brought in offensive guru Cam Cameron from San Diego to be head coach. Coach Cam worked with QB Trent Green in Washington and he has the tools to raise the team's scoring average which has been repulsive for many seasons. Miami's defense is going to continue to be very dominating so expect sunny skies this season despite what forecasters are saying.


• New York Jets - Coach Eric Mangini was very blessed last year as a rookie head coach to have such a Fisher Price schedule, but this year teams will be ready for the Jets. QB Chad Pennington, coming off double surgery on his throwing shoulder, started all sixteen games and was pretty efficient despite 16 interceptions. He will be surrounded with offensive weapons including ex-Bear Thomas Jones, but the biggest concern is one defense where this unit did not change in personnel to fit Mangini's 3-4 scheme so I don't see them improving their 24th ranking in run defense. This is not a good thing.


• Buffalo Bills - All the elements seem to be in place for the Bills to return to prominence in the next few years, but the road ahead is long. They have a very young team on both sides of the ball which was depleted of some serious talent in the off season. Typically, this results in issues in on-field leadership and developing team chemistry, but it's just going to take time and patience. QB J.P. Losman is a work in progress. He appears to have the skills and athleticism to be a very good field general and WR Lee Evans is a potent threat. This will be a key building year for Buffalo and the playoffs are a pipe dream.

AFC NORTH

• Baltimore Ravens - When you think of a prototypical NFL defense it's very hard to not think of the suffocating scheme in Baltimore. They were ranked #1 last year and second vs. the run while compiling 60 sacks and 27 of them came from lineman. Offensively, they upgraded at running back by trading for RB Willis McGahee who replaces Jamal Lewis. QB Steve McNair must stay healthy all year like he did last season, and that's asking a lot from a guy who goes through a tube of Ben-Gay per game. The Ravens don't get a lot of credit, but they have everything in place to make a deep run into the playoffs.


• Cincinnati Bengals - Nine arrests in nine months. At that rate, the whole Bengals team will be on probation in three and a half years. It's not yet known what kind of effects these law-breaking ventures will have on the team as they are probably impervious to them. Team chemistry and discipline on both sides of the ball will be vital to this season's success. QB Carson Palmer remains a top-tiered passer, and he leads an offense that has high-voltage potential but sometimes the breakers are thrown resulting in turnovers. The offensive line must also get healthy and work together as a unit. There are major questions on defense mostly dealing with their aggressiveness on the line and pass defense in addition to there simply not being any play makers on this squad. Don't be surprised if they falter and slip to third.


• Pittsburgh Steelers - The steel squared jaw and unhinged scowl of Bill Cowher is no longer patrolling the sidelines as the reins have been passed on to the defensive mind of Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff. This year it's all up to Ben Roethlisberger as this team will go as far as Big Ben takes them, and that may not be good news. His career has fallen hard figuratively and literally. If he can bounce back to being his 2005 self, then the Steelers will be a force. but it's going to take time to adjust to the philosophies and schemes of the new coaching staff. I wouldn't rule out a second place finish, but I think the difference will be at quarterback.

• Cleveland Browns - Where do you begin? When you look at pure talent on this team at each key position, it's pretty high. Quarterback is a real mystery and has been for years, but the drafting of Brady Quinn looks to be genius if his talents materialize and mature in this NFL environment. They have very dependable weapons at RB with Jamal Lewis, and the receiving corps is above average. The defense has promise but they just haven't been able to gel as a unit due to injuries, inconsistency, and shallow depth. If there isn't any sign, not even a smoke signal, that this team is building towards a playoff run in 2008, coach Romeo Crennel will be flipping burgers. It's ironic that the team identity is with the Dawg Pound.

AFC SOUTH

• Indianapolis Colts - Now, let's visit the other end of the spectrum. Peyton Manning is the smartest and most indispensable player in the league, and will be very hungry for another ring. The Colts lost several instrumental personnel in the off season one both sides of the ball and those losses will be felt, but to what degree is not yet known. The offense will be as potent if not more than last season, but the real question is on defense. Injuries and free agency have left this squad limping and the real onus will be at cornerback where experience is now low. Despite all that, there's still one thing you can do: Trust in Manning and be glad that you're in the AFC South.

• Jacksonville Jaguars - The roller coaster era of QB Byron Leftwich is over. He simply was not able to take them to the next level, fought injuries, and feuded with coaches so the mantle has been placed on the shoulders of David Garrard. The Jags offense has the ingredients to be potent, and the defense has always been stout and dominating. But, inconsistency and unpredictability have been this team's crux for awhile now with their inability to win close games and the ones against sub-.500 teams. If that trend doesn't change this year, J-town will need a schizophrenia clinic to endorse for their fans, and coach Del Rio will be gone.

• Tennessee Titans - 2006 began tumultuous for these Titans going 0-5 behind an inert Kerry Collins, a head-stomping incident, and the impact of the Pacman Chronicles. Just as the season seemed to be spiraling out of control, a bird...no, a plane...no, Vince Young came to the rescue! Tennessee won 8 of their last 11 including their final six in a row only to miss the playoffs by one win. Young's potential is high on the Richter Scale, but he is far from being a finished product. The onus is on him this year to carry this team due to many of his weapons from last year leaving and an unproven running game. The defense has a ton of promise and will miss Pacman's impact, but with this "video game" now unplugged, fans are hoping that the team can come together and satisfy their intense hunger for a championship.

• Houston Texans - It's out with the old and in with the new...and old again. Coach Gary Kubiak decided that the original Texan duo of David Carr and Domanick Davis had to go. QB Matt Schaub has started two games in the NFL and has now been crowned the second coming in Houston. He has a RB in Ahman Green who is 30 going on 45 and is just simply too worn down to be as effective as he once was. The Texans have several needs on defense including an effective pass rush, stopping the run, and a suffocating secondary. The pieces appear to be in place for Houston to put together an eventual contender, but I think they're still a few years away at best.

AFC WEST

• San Diego Chargers - In a very Dallas Mavericks-type fashion, the Chargers plowed through the regular season with much flair and ease only to get body-slammed to the ground in their first playoff appearance. The Bolts responded by firing their head coach and letting their OC and DC leave for other teams. Norv Turner takes over a squad overflowing with talent at every single position and on the bench. The offense, anchored by RB phenom LaDainian Tomlinson, is the one that Turner orchestrated when L.T. was a rookie, and he should also do wonders in the maturation of QB Philip Rivers. Defensively, this unit is top-notch and deadly. Turner isn't known for playoff success either so this signing was a huge gamble, but so was Barry Switzer's arrival in Dallas in 1995 which led to a Super Bowl win his first season.

• Denver Broncos - Coach Mike Shanahan is an impatient man. Any time he doesn't make the playoffs or meets his expectations of the season, there is change on the horizon. For most teams, that would breed inconsistency and hinder their growth, but with Shanahan his schemes and philosophies are king despite the steady stream of different faces. This is now QB Jay Cutler's team, and RB Travis Henry certainly has the skills to rack up 1500 yards. The other targets for Cutler are somewhat shaky, but have a ton of promise and potential. There are some questions at linebacker, but the line and secondary are solid and should do their part to keep the offense in the game and bring the playoffs back to Mile High.

• Oakland Raiders - Since reaching the Super Bowl in 2002, the Raiders are 15-49. If you know anything about owner Al Davis, it's not surprising that he is pretty bitter about the whole thing. He has vast experience in overhauling his team trying to find the right recipe for success to build on, but hasn't found one to keep around a very long time. Lane Kiffin is now head coach and has a head for offense. While the starting quarterback may not be announced until right before the season opener, it won't matter. Daunte Culpepper or Josh McCown should be decent field generals, and the rest of the offense have promising impact under Kiffin's system. The defense has come together over the years and should be among the best in the AFC. This will be an improved year from last year's 3-13 which is a start.

• Kansas City Chiefs - Not too long ago, KC's offense was among the league's best and its Achilles Heel was the defense. Oh, how times have changed. There are serious questions on offense going into the 2007 season at quarterback with Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard vying to take the reins after Trent Green's departure to Miami. RB Larry Johnson missed all of training camp and a lot of the pre-season due to a contract squabble, but should return to his lethal self very soon. The receiving corps, besides TE Tony Gonzalez, is almost non-existent and the offensive line is very shaky. The Chiefs defense is revamped and much faster and will have the burden to carry this team. I think it's going to be a long year.

NFC EAST

• Dallas Cowboys - If Bill Parcells did one thing while in Dallas, he laid a great foundation of talent to build on. The new general contractor, Wade Phillips (well...and owner Jerry Jones), brings with them a coaching staff that appears to be a perfect fit for the personnel on the field. QB Tony Romo must prove that he is, in fact, the future of this team and he hasn't shown any signs so far that he isn't. His arsenal is full and efficient, and I expect WR Terrell Owens to have a monster year. Phillips' impact on defense will be very noticeable as it becomes fast and furious which has been extinct for a long time. This combination of a dangerous offense and juggernaut defense just might be enough for Dallas to stampede deep into the playoffs.
  
  
• Philadelphia Eagles - This off season for Philly has been one of uncertainty and sadness. Coach Andy Reid had to take time off and deal with family issues after both of his sons got in serious hot water over drug charges. Donovan McNabb is coming off of a terrible knee injury and his return to greatness is not known although he has an excellent track record of bouncing back from injuries. RB Brian Westbrook will continue to be the focus of opposing defenses as he uses his versatility to chew up yards. McNabb's receivers are sufficient and will be dependable to move the ball down field. Defensively, Philly is poised to be very dominant, and I expect that this division race with Dallas will be very exciting.

• Washington Redskins - If certain key players play to their potential and stay healthy, then this Skins team could make some noise in the second half of the season. Coach Joe Gibbs took the blame for the collapse in 2006, but this year's hopes fall squarely on the shoulders of QB Jason Campbell. He is showing signs of poise in the pocket and that will increase if the offensive line and RB Clinton Portis stays healthy. There were several holes on defense last year and those were filled with excellent talent and heart. I think the only thing keeping Washington from being serious contenders is owner Daniel Snyder who seems to have a phobia to rebuilding and wants to win with old veterans.
  
  
• New York Giants - Mystery and distractions are flooding this team. The Giants just can't seem to avoid noxious energies that snake through the squad. Tiki Barber retired and then blasted QB Eli Manning's ability and leadership. Manning did the immature thing and returned fire. DE Michael Strahan became a holdout during training camp and just recently decided that he wanted to play. That should bode well with teammates. The team as a whole seems to thrive on shutting out chemistry. If you combine that with Manning's inconsistency (I think Barber was right) and huge questions at running back and on defense, there's no reason to think that this team will be in disarray by season's end.
  

NFC NORTH

• Chicago Bears - I don't think it's any secret that Chicago is poised to win its third straight division title, but is a return to the Super Bowl that certain? QB Rex Grossman is coming off an up-and-down year, but the jury is still out on how improved he'll be after having time to fix his game and become more comfortable with this offense. The running game and passing targets are more than solid to allow this team to move the ball up and down the field effectively. On the other side of the ball, it doesn't get much better than Chicago. They are impenetrable, love to inflict unconsciousness, and are gifted in turnovers. Grossman's play and RB Cedric Benson's ability to handlel the pounding he'll get are key if Chicago plans on booking a flight to Arizona.
  
  
• Detroit Lions - There is a very good chance that I will need some counselling by forecasting a Matt Millen team to finish second, but hear me out. There are some serious questions on defense that may, in fact, be their demise as it has every year. But, there appears to be a swelling excitement and pride that the Lions players are feeling and that has been nonexistent for a very long time. QB Jon Kitna has a huge arm and will be surrounded by a poisonous trio of receivers including rookie Calvin Johnson and a deep running attack. This squad will have to score a ton of points under OC Mike Martz, but it should be enough to give Millen and the Detroit fans something to finally cheer about.
  
  
• Green Bay Packers - No one knows for sure if this is Brett Favre's last season, but you can bet that he is filled with urgency and will not tolerate mistakes or sloppy attitudes from a much younger offense in 2007. The defense is gelling and will have to stay healthy and stop the run to keep Green Bay in games. The questions on offense are rooted in an unproven running game and receiving attack besides Donald Driver, but I expect that Favre will find a way to squeeze out enough points to begin bringing The Pack back to respectability.
  
  
• Minnesota Vikings - Patience is being preached by the Minnesota hierarchy as they look to build for the future with the draft and low-end free agents. They slugged a grand slam by drafting RB Adrian Peterson who will team up with Chester Taylor and provide an exciting running game behind a very good line. The problem is that opposing defenses will zero in on the running attack because there will be no passing game to open up. QB Tarvaris Jackson is still green and a mystery while the depth behind him and his receiving targets reek. The Vikings defense will have the pressure on them to give Jackson as many short fields as possible. It's going to be a long year.
  

NFC SOUTH

• New Orleans Saints - During the aftermath of Katrina two years ago, no one on this planet would have guessed or bet money that the Saints were this good and considered a Super Bowl contender. Their offense was ranked #1 last year led by QB Drew Brees and there's no reason to believe that it won't be more explosive this year. On defense, they were ranked #11 but played better than that although they need to improve in causing turnovers. Another vital piece to this team is their humility and discipline. Their focus is directed by Sean Payton who is proving that he will be the one to bring a championship to a city that deserves one.
  
  
• Carolina Panthers - The only threat to unseat the Saints from their divisional peak are the Panthers. They have a talented football team on both sides of the ball and grabbing David Carr to back up Jake Delhomme was a smart move. J.D. did not make smart decisions last year and, at times, played downright awful. They also must find consistency in their running game. If DeAngelo Williams and DeShaun Foster stay healthy, then this offense along with WR stud Steve Smith will be able to rack up enough points to win. Which brings us to defense. This unit possesses the best front four in the NFL, but the rest of the unit is aveage at best. If they can keep opposing quarterbacks off balance and disrupt the flow, then this squad will do just fine in keeping the Panthers in games and have their eyes on the playoffs.
  
  
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers - When I think of the Bucs these days, the first word to come to mind is - old. Coach Jon Gruden appears to relish in relying on grizzled veterans to carry a team which is why he brought in Jeff Garcia who is coming off a Cinderella season in Philly. But, can he repeat that in Jon Gruden's offensive scheme which has produced a #22, 23, and 29th-ranked unit the past three years? The defense is still solid but is showing its age. Gruden still lets older stars of yesterday start and fight injuries instead of turning over the load to younger talent and letting them develop. This concept of looking to the now instead of the future just might cost Gruden his job.

• Atlanta Falcons - It's been awhile since this team finished last in their division, but all signs point to a dog house finish (I couldn't resist.) QB Michael Vick is not coming back so the weight of the team falls on Joey Harrington who found pink slips in Detroit and Miami for certain reasons. Their running attack along with TE sensation Alge Crumpler will have to produce and put up ridiculous numbers to give Atlanta any chance of recovering. This team has chemistry issues and has struggled for years to play as a team since Vick was virtually a one-man show. Now that he's gone, maybe it will help, but it's going to take rookie head coach Bobby Petrino awhile to give this team a new identity.

NFC WEST

• San Francisco 49ers - Coach Mike Nolan inherited this Niners team two years ago after they posted a 2-14 record in 2004. In 2005, they doubled their wins to four, and last year they finished at 7-9. The timing, then, seemed right this past off season to pull out some stops. They signed a shutdown corner in Nate Clements and traded for WR Darrell Jackson from Seattle to give QB Alex Smith a big-play target. They also signed some very gifted players from defense schools New England, Baltimore, and Philly. And, I haven't even mentioned RB Frank Gore who rushed for the third highest total with 1,695. Gore should continue to dominate and be a major threat on offense for this Niners team that appears destined to be a serious contender that this city hasn't seen since the days of the late Bill Walsh.
  
  
• Seattle Seahawks - Injuries and sub-par performances were the guillotine that ended the Seahawks season last year, and that has to change. QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander missed significant time and their absence was felt as they slid to a 9-7 record but still managed to win the division. The offensive unit must find the magic that helped propel them to a Super Bowl berth two years ago, but that also falls on the defense. This squad is small but fast and failed to generate much of a pass rush while having trouble getting burned by big plays. Through some free agent signings and a renewed vision and attitude, Seattle could make some noise again this year.
  
  
• St. Louis Rams - If Seattle doesn't regain its luster, then there's a team located under the Gateway to the West that is poised to turn heads. On offense, QB Marc Bulger is fresh off of a huge contract extension and is surrounded by one of the most potent group of weapons in the league. RB Steven Jackson is going to be a destructive force to opposing defenses and all that will do is open up the passing game which is historically quite lethal itself. The real question this year for the Rams is on defense. They have some fantastic young athletes on the line and the linebackers and secondary are gaining a reputation to make big plays. St. Louis might sneak into the #2 spot, but will definitely be looking to go deep into the playoffs in 2008.
  
  
• Arizona Cardinals - From top to bottom, this is definitely the most talented division in the NFC. Any type of combination of injuries, lackluster play, and just bad timing can create a path to the top of this division. In reality, this Cards team needs time to mature and gain chemsitry and, in time, will be contenders. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt comes over from Pittsburgh where he was exceptional in developing Roethlisberger. He now has Matt Leinart to mentor and brought with him Russ Grimm to coach the O-line and keep Leinart vertical. RB Edgerrin James and an extremely potent receiving duo of Boldin and Fitzgerald are essential building blocks to the success of this franchise. The defense needs some serious work before you can start talking playoffs coming to the desert.

AFC PLAYOFF TEAMS

NEW ENGLAND, BALTIMORE, INDIANAPOLIS, SAN DIEGO, DENVER, CINCINNATI, PITTSBURGH

NFC PLAYOFF TEAMS

DALLAS, CHICAGO, NEW ORLEANS, SAN FRANCISCO, PHILADELPHIA, SEATTLE, ST. LOUIS

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

SAN DIEGO OVER BALTIMORE

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

NEW ORLEANS OVER ST. LOUIS

SUPER BOWL XLII

NEW ORLEANS OVER SAN DIEGO