Email Chain

Borrowing a page from PK MMQB:

10 Things I think I like:

1. Julio Jones (makes the leap)

2. Brandon Marshall

3. Ryan Williams (AZ RB) once beenie goes down for the 3rd straight year

4. Andrew Luck easily wins rookie of the year and colts become the nfl's most improved team

5. Jets do better than most ppl expect, and maybe even get that 2nd wild card spot due to their weak schedule.

6.  D. Thomas with the broncos has a big year

7. bounce back year for the cheifs with at least 4 big time players coming back from injury.

8. aaron hernandez becomes a much bigger part of the pats offsense this year and might even put up better #'s than gronk.

9. chris johnson has a big year.  don't see a 26 year old whos never had a serious injury just losing it over night.

10. ravens o puts up big numbers running the no huddle and having ray rice as the perfect back for that system.  this year its their d that will fail them with the lack of pass rush and age.

10 Thing's I think i don't like:

1. Cam Newton has a good year but doesn't have the type of year you expect (top 5 fantasy pick #'s is what I mean)

2. RG3 struggles

3. Dolphins have the worst team in the nfl but don't end up with the worst record in NFL due to their schedule and avoid having to decide on tannehill or matt barkely next year.  worst record goes to the vikings

4.  Saints miss playoffs due to not having a coach follwed by 1,000 ESPN/NFL Network anaylsis claiming all along they knew this was going to be an issue.

5. 49ers struggle as I've explained multiple times

6.  Steelers and ravens both make playoffs but have a much harder time doing it since they are no longer playing vs the AFC South and the NFC West cupcake divisions.  Both go 2-2 at best vs nfc east.

7. chargers miss ther playoffs again and finally realized they should have fired norv turner 3 years ago

8. raiders really are going to regret giving a 1st and a 2nd round pick for carson palmer and this becomes his last year with the team

9. bengals take a big step back.  6-10

10. if eagles don't win at least 1 playoff game theres a 80% chance andy reid gets fired

 

i like ur top 10 list but i highly doubt were gonna have 7 out of 8 teams repeat as division champs from last year

AFC East

 

Buffalo Bills (8-8)

 

Bills were the offseason winner of the Mario Williams sweepstakes. Im not sure exactly how they were able to convince him to stay in Buffalo NY on his first stop of his free agency tour, but Im guessing it was similar to the welcome Jesus Shuttlesworth received in He Got Game. He improves their defense, Fred Jacksons return improves the offense, but not enough. Ryan Fitzpatrick has plenty of time to do his homework while the Bills are home in January.

 

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

 

Call me crazy, I’ve been called worse. I don’t think the Phins, even with a receiving corps worse than a low budget porno are gonna have a top-5 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Their defense is much better than people realize with Cameron Wake and Sean Smith, their Oline alone will present the opportunity for the offense to score points. I think Reggie Bush has a big year and may even be their best rusher and receiver. Scratch that, will be their best rusher and receiver. 6 wins isn’t a lot for a Steelers fan, but Im sure a Dolphins fan would welcome that with open arms. And if not, Ryan has Laurens sweet sweet sweater puppies to cry into at night. Win-Win.

 

New England Patriots (11-5)

 

Pats should be on an episode of that show Hoarders. I mean seriously how many offense weapons can you really stack up? Especially weapons that are almost identical in everything but skin color. Gronk/Hernandez and Lloyd/Welker are almost the exact same players. Sure its impossible to cover all 4 when theyre on the field but the Pats are gonna be so one-dimensional this year that I think teams may just figure out a way to stop them a few times. And if so, Tom has Gizelles sweet sweet sweater puppies to cry into at night. Win-Win.

 

New York Jets (7-9)

 

If the Pats are an episode of Hoarders, the Jets are an episode of Snooki and Jwoww. Although Ive never seen an episode I can only image its filled with drama, meatheads with no shirts on, comments that make themselves look like idiots, and since Snooks is pregnant and Jwoww commited to Rodger, a total inability to score. Tebow starts by week 8, pulls the Jets from 3-5 to 7-9 and Rex Ryan talks his way off the hot-seat… again.

 

 

NFC East

 

Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

 

Americas team or Americas bitch? The cowboys (see Jerry Jones) swear every year the time is now. The reality is hes got himself a great fantasy football team and a nice big TV but his QB is a choke artist and his #1 WR still needs to be babysat. Seriously, my parents left me home alone when I was 10.

 

New York Giants (10-6)

 

The NY football Giants. Super Bowl XLVI champions and proud owner of a 9-7 2011 regular season record. Giants sure know how to turn it on when they need to. Problem is they don’t need to until they fall to 6-5 and are staring up the rest of the division. Oh they’ll make the playoffs, but at some point Josh is gonna be old enough to get heartburn from watching this team roller coaster thru the regular season.

 

Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)

 

The Eagles are the hardest team to put a record to. If vick stays healthy they could go 13-3. If vick goes down Nick (great name) Foles could have them anywhere from 6-10 to 9-7. I hate trying to predict injuries (see my Nicks-Mega-Bush) so Im gonna say Vick misses only a couple. And if hes heading into the playoffs healthy, WATCH OUT.

 

Washington Redskins (8-8)

 

You know its funny. Ive always joked about how Redskins fans beat their chest everytime they sign a big name free agent. Talking about “this is our year” and my favorite “Super Bowl!” But I havent gotten a lot of that this year. And you know what, I think this is the year they begin to take a leap forward. I believe in Bob Griffin and I like what they did with the receiving corps. Orakpo and Kerrigan are beasts, their secondary will hold them back, otherwise I can certainly see the Skins going .500 or better.

 

 

AFC North

 

Baltimore Ravens (9-7)

 

**** the ratbirds.

 

Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

 

There are teams that scare me and then there are the Bengals. Sure they made the playoffs on the arm of a rookie QB and WR. Ill even go as far as to say their top-5 defense wasn’t a fluke. But you’ve gotta do it more than once to be great. I think the Bengals fall back to the Bungles this season. Plus, I think the replacement officials are so bad they will kill Dalton with the ‘removing the helmet penalty,’ even when hes still wearing one.

 

Cleveland Browns (4-12)

 

4-12 is generous and Im only going that high because their new owner is a “1000% Steelers fan.”

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

 

Call me homer, Ive been called worse. Steelers are too old on defense. Steelers lost veteran leadership. Steelers Oline is worse than 5 orange traffic cones. Big Ben is banged up and the season hasn’t even started yet. Injuries have decimated them already.

 

OK now that I got that outta the way lets break it down for real.

 

Steelers are too old on defense: Gimme a second to correct that… Steelers starters are too old on defense. I said this last season before they put up the #1 defense and Ill say it again. The Steelers arent gonna replace starters just because the backup is younger. As long as youre playing at a high level you will be on the field. But that doesn’t mean the young guys aren’t ready. Keisel slows down; last years first round pick Cam Heyward is chomping at the bit. James Harrison is injured; Cris Carter puts up 4 sacks in the preseason while Harrions replacement Jason Worilds recovers from wrist surgery. There is no replacing Polamalu, but take any teams best player off their defense regardless of age and they’re not going to be replaced with the same level of talent. And oh yea, hes healthy.

 

I’ll tell you where the Steelers will improve this season: Cornerback. I was not a fan of Willie Gay and the only reason he started last season is because the backups had one year in the system at most. Keenan Lewis and Cortez Allen are soon to become household names. But you might be thinking “Nick, they had the #1 defense in the league last season, how could the possibly be any better?” That answer is simple: turnovers. Steelers were near the bottom of the league last year in turnovers and once that changes this season, they are even harder to score on.

 

As for the Oline. Losting Decastro sucks but what people don’t realize is we got Willie Colon back after missing 2 seasons due to injury. He takes over for Chris Kemoatu and provides a 100% increase in production.

 

I don’t really feel the need to touch on an offense that sent 2 starters from the same position to the pro bowl. AB has become my second favorite Steeler and he will have a monster year. Don’t worry about the RBs, in fact heres a name to keep in mind- Chris Rainey.

 

As for injuries, we lost 2 rookies and a fullback who was on the bubble. Ravens lost Terrell Suggs. You tell me who had a worse offseason.

 

But Ben is injured? When isnt Ben injured? What a drama queen, err ah King.

 

This will be the last time I explain why the Steelers will be 11-5 and the 2 seed in the AFC, so make sure you read that carefully.

 

 

NFC North

 

Chicago Bears (11-5)

 

LOVE da Bears this year. My 2012 NFC team right here. Jay Cutler to B Marsh for 1300 and 13. D is always good and they get Cutler and Forte back while adding Alshon Jeffery. Da Bears weak point is now a strong point. Go Bears!

 

Detroit Lions (9-7)

 

Lions will score a ton of points this year but I just see them taking a step back. Call it over achieving last year not underachieving this year. Their secondary is a mess and to quote one of my favorite insurance commercials of all time “if you put lipstick on a pig, its still a pig!” Still not sure what that means but I feel like it applies here.

 

Green Bay Packers (10-6)

 

This record is based solely on schedule. The Packs schedule is absolutely brutal this year. They open up with the 9ers then get the Bears, Hawks, Saints and Texans all by week 6. No way they can sustain an undefeated record thru that. It opens up until their bye but then they get the Lions twice, Bears, Titans, and Giants. Also, I think the Giants handed 31 other teams the blueprint for slowing down the Packs offense. They will be great, just not 15-1 great.

 

Minnesota Vikings (2-14)

 

I really question why AP is pushing so hard to come back so quickly. Let it rest, bro. Even if he does get back on the field theres no way hes the same player until at least after their bye week. So in the meantime, go, uhh Toby Gerhart and Percy Harvihahaha almost got thru that.

 

 

AFC South

 

Houston Texans (13-3)

 

Playoff darlings last year with TY “open the flood” Yates at QB. Foster banged up for the first 6 and Andre Johnson for the last 10. JJ Watt is a monster, Jo Jo at CB, Cush clouds at LB. And lets not forget fast Owen Daniels torching Fish for 300 and 3… Oh wait that was in Madden. Anyways, this team is LOADED. Ladies and gentleman, your AFC 1 seed in 2012.

 

Indianapolis Colts (6-10)

 

I firmly believe the Colts made the right decision with Peyton Manning, especially after the Steelers bring the hammer down on his neck held together with bubble gum and paper clips. Donald Brown will relieve some stress, Reggie Wayne has a bigger year than people imagine, and their 2 TE sets will look similar to the Pats. They wont be good this year, but this will be one of the quickest rebuilds in a long time. Plus, how can you not love Jim Irsay…. His **** it HOT.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

 

Blaine Gabbart is your 2012 MIP. Most Improved Player. After a 2011 where he was in over his head like Kearns at a strip club, he has a respectable year. Cant be hard to improve on last year but he will. They still are weak on weapons and Id be surprised if MJD can avoid the injury bug. Blackmon looks like the real deal but its still not enough.

 

Josh- quick name 5 starters on the Jags defense without looking it up.

 

Tennessee Titans (10-6)

 

Actually like the Titans a lot this year. Locker will end up being the second best QB out of last years draft (unless Gabbart performs to his potential of course). They have more weapons than people realize. CJ2k returns to form, Britt only misses one game for suspension and Kendall Wright is nice. Titans sneak into the playoffs.

 

 

NFC South

 

Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

 

High Powered offense: Check. Playmakers on defense: Check. Chances of winning more than 2 playoff games: 0.

 

Carolina Panthers (9-7)

 

Newton actually had a pretty bad second half of the season thru the air last year but no one cares because he is a super beast on the ground. He’ll take it to the next level this season and the Panthers reap the benefits. Bradon LaFell is a sleeper for a big year and your RDPOY: Luke Kuechley.

 

New Orleans Saints (9-7)

 

Sean Peytons absence hurts more than people think. Sure Brees has a complete grasp of the offense but I think this offseason is just too much to overcome so quickly. Theyre back to form next year, but suffer in 2012.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

 

Boring. Next!

 

 

AFC West

 

Denver Broncos (9-7)

 

Drinking game if you want to get completely ****faced Sunday night: Drink everytime Peyton is mentioned.

 

Drinking game if you want to stay stone sober: Drink everytime they mention ANY Steelers player.

 

It’s a good thing I watch Steelers games at the bar because I would have to watch this one on mute. Its gonna be all about Peytons return. ALL. ABOUT. IT.

 

Im not worried about Manning being mentally prepared. But hes never been in the best physical shape and anytime a 35 year old takes a season off, has 4 neck surgeries, then returns to a new team there should be cause for concern not optimism. I think by the time Manning gets on the same page with the rest of his team there will be some neck issues. Don’t love the Donkeys this year.

 

Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

 

They say theres about a 50% turnover rate in the NFL playoffs, well welcome one of the newcomers. Love their defense and now its healthy. Charles and Hillis run the ball over the field.

 

Oakland Raiders (5-11)

 

Don’t love much about the Raiders this season. I wonder how the new owner is liking that Carson Palmer trade last year?

 

San Diego Chargers (7-9)

 

Probably my second least favorite AFC team. Every year people pick them to go to the ship, and every year they fall very short. THEYRE JUST NOT THAT GOOD. I don’t even hate Norv like I hate Rivers and the rest of their overrated playmakers but hes gone. Seriously if I had time to find my last years primer I remember writing the exact same second sentence.

 

 

NFC West

 

Arizona Cardinals (6-10)

 

LMAO at that QB battle.

 

San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

 

Whether you want to admit it or not, 9ers are going forward, not backwards.

 

Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

 

I might be a year early with this but the Hawks are young and on the rise.

 

Trivia: Pete Carrol is the second oldest coach in the NFL. Who is the first?

 

St. Louis Rams (6-10)

 

Ehhhhh. My fingers hurt Im getting tired of typing and the Rams don’t have much to write about. I do like their coach and draft and think theyre on the up and up. But its still too soon.

 

 

AFC

 

1.      Texans (13-3)

 

2.      Steelers (11-5)

 

3.      Pats (11-5)

 

4.      Chiefs (10-6)

 

5.      Titans (10-6)

 

6.      Ravens (9-7)

 

 

 

NFC

 

1.      9ers (13-3)

 

2.      Bears (11-5)

 

3.      Eagles (11-5)

 

4.      Falcons (11-5)

 

5.      Giants (10-6)

 

6.      Packers (10-6)

 

 

Wildcard

 

Pats over Ravens

 

Chiefs over Titans

 

Eagles over Pack

 

Giants over Falcons

 

 

Divisional

 

Texans over Chiefs

 

Steelers over Pats

 

9ers over Giants (payback)

 

Bears over Iggles

 

 

Championship

 

Steelers over Texans

 

Bears over 9ers

 

 

Super Bowl

 

Steelers over Bears 29-17

 

 

MVP: Tom Brady

OPOY: Calvin Johnson

DPOY: JJ Watt

RDPOY: Kuechley

ROPOY: Luck

- lions

Tom Coughlin is the oldest NFL coach

very impressive, a full 32 team breakdown filled with jokes!  even tho im sure the records don't add up 1 bit it was a solid post.  can't disagree with u more about the 49ers, theres no way in hell they go 13-3.  i also dont think the pats go 11-5 with that schedule unless brady gets hurt, and i think 10-6 is a little low for the packers as well.  other than that i think we agree on most things, i like the chiefs pick and i even think the titans r gonna be much improved.

josh- why the hell do u know 5 defensive starters for the jags?

I can probably name you at minimum 15-16 players from each team no question

Jpoo wrote:

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I can probably name you at minimum 15-16 players from each team no question

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 NO LOOKING UP, HONOR CODE!

just 5 players:

- raiders d

- chargers d

NEXT CHALLENGE!

Bears:

Roberto Garza, Chris Williams, Jamarcus Webb, Gabe Carimi

Seatlle:

Max Unger, John Moffit, Russell Okung

Lions:

Jeff Backus, Godser Cherilius

if u really are doing this for real thats impressive.  if u are googling the answers then u got issues haha

I got nothing to prove.. my word is my bond.

I attribute it to a lot of hours playing madden/fantasy drafting/offering trades


O-Lines are easy for me for the last 2-3 years in Madden the first thing I try to do is fix the giants O-Line, so I know alot of the guys.

I also attribute it to being boderline fanatical about the NFL draft

Not to mention also, Godser was a 1st round pick.

eagles:

alex henery, and the punters last name is also henry

Steelers:

Shaun Suisham and Daniel Sepulveda

DAMN! Missed out on the steelers punter

MFisH wrote:

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Division Winners

NFC:

East: Eagles

North: Packers

South: Falcons

West: Seattle

Wild Cards: Giants, Bears

AFC:

East: Pats

North: Steelers

South: Texans

West: Broncos

Wild Cards: Ravens, Cheifs

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 so after 6 weeks the only truley bad pick i made was the cheifs and i could still see nailing 11 out of 12 of these.  still dont think the 49ers r a lock! (although im not as confident as i was in july, alot of football left!)