Reinspire :: Are You Ready for Some Football?

Are You Ready for Some Football?

September 4, 2006, 9:00 PM | 11 Comments

Reinspire :: Poll

Early prediction time: Who will win the Super Bowl this year?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

Indianapolis Colts

Chicago Bears

Denver Broncos

New York Giants

Cincinnati Bengals

16%

Carolina Panthers

New England Patriots

16%

Other

36%

Total Votes: 25

Note: Predictions for week 1 of the 2008 NFL season can be found here: Are you ready for some football?.

NFL logo Finally, the 2006-2007 NFL season is upon us. It has definitely been a long off-season and with the pre-season completed and final roster cuts submitted, it’s time for kickoff!

Thursday night (September 7^th) is the official beginning of the regular season with a big match up on NBC. The re-built Dolphins are going to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Sunday contains a full slate of games concluding with “The Manning Bowl” on Sunday Night Football on NBC. Monday night features a double pack Monday Night Football double header on ESPN, all of which should make for an exciting kickoff weekend.

If you’ve been a regular reader of my site since last year, you’ll remember my weekly NFL predictions. If not, welcome! Last year I posted my picks each and every week, and didn’t do too badly, finishing off with a 170-97 record. What’s better though is that I correctly predicted both the Super Bowl winner and the Super Bowl MVP.

This year’s format will be slightly different and hopefully a little easier to read. I’ll still be summarizing each game, but I probably won’t go into as much detail for every game as I did last year. I will again be measuring my success against the ‘expert’ picks over at ESPN, and hopefully this year I’ll do better than last.

As I mentioned in my season kickoff post last year, I am a HUGE Packers fan, so you can expect that my picks for their games will be fairly biased, but unlike last year I promise I will be a little more honest with myself about the Packers chances… starting with week 2. (I want to see how they fare against the Bears this week before I make any assumptions about this season). Again, I will make no apologies for my Packers bias… so you’ll just have to deal with it.

Expect my picks to be out every Tuesday evening. Some weeks it may have to wait until Wednesday depending on how busy the week is, but Tuesday should be a fairly attainable goal for me. Also, every few weeks I’ll have a poll about NFL related things, starting with this week’s “Early Prediction” poll. Place your votes on who you think will be the Super Bowl XLI Champion!

Anyways, without further ado, let’s get to my picks for week one:

Away	Home	Comments
Dolphins (0-1)	Steelers (1-0)	The Dolphins have a real shot this year at winning their division, the only question is, did they get the Daunte Culpepper of 2004, or the sans Randy Moss version of Dante Culpepper from last year? How will the Steelers do without the Bus and Antwaan Randle El?
Falcons (1-0)	Panthers (0-1)	Many are predicting another Super Bowl birth for the Panthers, and while I think Atlanta is a tough team, I don’t see them beating the Panthers at home.
Saints (1-0)	Browns (0-1)	With the addition of Drew Brees at quarterback and Reggie Bush, look for the Saints to do well this year.
Seahawks (1-0)	Lions (0-1)	The Seahawks have a great chance at going back to the Super Bowl this year. The Lions… they may struggle a bit.
Eagles (1-0)	Texans (0-1)	Now that Dominick Davis is on I.R., not taking Reggie Bush with their #1 pick is looking like a huge mistake for the Texans.
Bengals (1-0)	Chiefs (0-1)	If Carson Palmer can stay healthy, look for the Bengals to repeat as division champs this year.
Bills (0-1)	Patriots (1-0)	The Bills are still a mess, and J.P. Losman doesn’t deserve the starting QB spot that they’ve given him. The Patriots, once again, are the team to beat in the AFC East.
Broncos (0-1)	Rams (1-0)	The Broncos picked up Javon Walker, who will add a major deep threat to their offense and look to be the team to beat in the AFC West this year.
Ravens (1-0)	Buccaneers (0-1)	The Ravens getting Steve McNair will be a huge help to their offense, but I don’t see him as the only missing piece.
Jets (1-0)	Titans (0-1)	The Titans need Vince Young to play the way he played for Texas if they are going to be successful this year. Is this the year that Chad Pennington finally becomes what the Jets expected?
49ers (0-1)	Cardinals (1-0)	With the addition of Edgerrin James to their already explosive offense, the Cardinals could make a serious push for the NFC West division title… if they can protect their quarterback.
Bears (1-0)	Packers (0-1)	Green Bay looks like they’re poised to have another losing season, but if this young team is as talented as Brett Favre says they are and they can come together, they could surprise a lot of people. The big question for the Bears this year is whether or not their offense can compliment their strong defense.
Cowboys (0-1)	Jaguars (1-0)	Terrell Owens’ antics aside, the Cowboys look like they’ve got all the pieces this year to be a force in the NFC.
Colts (1-0)	Giants (0-1)	Manning vs. Manning. Sunday Night Football. This should be one exciting game.
Vikings (1-0)	Redskins (0-1)	The Vikings could have a good year, but I think it’ll take them a couple of weeks to hit their stride.
Chargers (1-0)	Raiders (0-1)	The Raiders just aren’t very good. They could be competing for the # 1 pick in next year’s draft. Philip Rivers has looked good in pre-season for the Chargers, and LT and Antonio Gates are always good bets to have big years.

So, there you have it! Check back after the games for updates. Also, here’s this week’s ESPN Expert Picks.

Now it’s time for me to go on record. My pick for Super Bowl Champion this year: Indianapolis Colts. My reasons for picking the Colts are that they quite simply are running out of time in my opinion. Marvin Harrison and the rest of the Colts offense aren’t getting any younger and in this salary cap/free agency era of the NFL, it’s really difficult to keep great teams together for long periods of time. All you need to do is look at the Patriots team from last year for a great example.

Peyton Manning has yet to make the big show, and I think that this year may be his last chance to get there (at least with the Colts) for quite some time. In my opinion, Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in the NFL, but there’s only so much he can do on his own. The Colts lost Edgerrin James but also made a huge off-season acquisition in getting place kicker Adam Vinatieri from the Patriots. He’s injured now, but should be fine by week 3 or 4 and there’s no telling what kind of addition he’ll be to the Colts offense. (What’s interesting to note is that Mike Vanderjagt, the Colts kicker from last season who missed wide right in the playoffs against the Steelers also missed 2 easy 30-some yard kicks in overtime that would’ve won the game for Dallas in last week’s preseason game). Anyways, I just believe that it’s more or less a now or never year for Manning and the Colts.

In the NFC, I think it’s kind of a toss up as to who will be a Super Bowl contender this year. The Seahawks are capable of making another appearance, but it will be interesting to see what happens after their Super Bowl loss from last year. In recent history the teams that have lost in the Super Bowl have typically not done too well the following season. The Carolina Panthers may have one of the best teams in the NFC, and if the Chicago Bears can play up to their potential, they’ll be a major threat down the stretch as well.

Update: In the spirit of predictions and the start of another NFL season, Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN.com offers up 100 things to expect this season. My personal favourite is number 23: ‘My John “The Million-Dollar Man” Anthony Week 1 upset special is… Green Bay over Chicago.’

Update 2: Well, 9-7 for week one isn’t too bad, but it’s definitely not what I was aiming for. For me there were a lot of surprises in this week including big wins by Baltimore, the New York Jets, and St. Louis and 3 shutout wins (Chicago, Baltimore and San Diego). All in all though, it was an exciting opening weekend for the new NFL season. Check back soon for next week’s predictions.

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Comments

1. web - September 5, 2006, 10:09 AM

Pre-post Biased: Patriots.

Not only is it hard to keep great teams together – its hard to keep great players healthy. See Patriots from last year.

Sorry about the Packers going 4 and 12 this year – hopefully they let go of grandpa Farve and play Rodgers. He is the future – hes gotta get his playing time. Farve IMO is one of the best QB’s ever – but its time to hang em up buddy.

The Colts do look good. Adam I’m sure will secure up the kicking game – but losing Edge is huge – Dominic Rhodes? Your kidding right? He’s a good back don’t get me wrong – but the Colts will be very 1 dimensional this year.

D-Rhodes gotta learn to hold onto the ball – had a lot of key drops last year.

I think this year’s sleeper picks may be the Cowboys and Dolphins – and I can’t wait to see the two headed monster of Dillon/Maroney eating up defenses and Brady getting some open receivers.

Cut that Meat! Cut that Meat!

I am ready!

2. Jonathan Eckmier - September 5, 2006, 11:37 AM

web: Hopefully for the Patriots they can either get Deion Branch back or find someone good enough to fill his spot.

I agree with the sleeper pick of Miami, but I think because everyone is expecting Dallas to do well this year, it’s really hard to call them a “sleeper” team.

Rhodes I think will come around this year, but if he doesn’t, you’re right, the Colts will be very one-dimensional. I think that the Colts would go out and find someone though if Rhodes really struggles.

Cut that Meat! Cut that Meat!

Priceless. Peyton Manning does some awesome commercials. Have you seen the one for Sprint/Nextel yet?

As far as the Favre thing goes, I’m actually really glad he came back. Right now, I think Favre gives the Packers the best chance to win. Rodgers is the future, and he’s getting a lot of practice time, so I think when he’s called upon he’ll be ready. He did look pretty good in pre-season this year. I also think that if the Packers are out of it early, we’ll see more of Aaron Rodgers down the stretch, but I don’t think it was a bad thing that Favre came back this year.

3. web - September 7, 2006, 11:10 AM

We don’t need Branch – EF’ HIM!– the Patriots don’t rely on just ONE MAN (other than Brady *genuflects*) to get the job done.

Branch was a product of a good system which spread the ball out and now is starting to whine like a little girl. He should buck it up – finish his contract and hit free agency then like a big boy.

Look for Watson(TE) and a slew of “no name” recievers to do all the catching and then they will just control the ball all season with the running game.

I’m guessing 13-3 because of the “easier” schedule this year.

RE: Rhodes:
Rhode’s better come around – hes my fantasy RB pickup after Dom Davis bit it.

RE: Manning:
I love that Peyton commercial with the fake mustache. Fake mustaches rule.

RE: Packers:
Favre does give them a better chance – but he is trying too hard to be “the man” (which he used to be) and throws way too many picks – where a rookie may be more cautious.

It’s unfortunate that I think I saw Favre say at one point or another that he is not interested in having Rodgers as his protoge’ which I was surprised to hear.

Cheers.

4. Jonathan Eckmier - September 7, 2006, 11:43 AM

I think possibly that Deion Branch got a little bit of “big head syndrome” after being named the Super Bowl MVP in ‘05, but he is a talented receiver and I think that the Patriots will miss him (even if it is just a little bit).

I’m not a big fan of whining athletes (in Green Bay there was the Javon Walker situation which, sadly, turned sour), so I understand your gripes with Branch. Yes, he was a product of the good system in New England, but you can argue that about most players.

I’ll give the Pats an 11-5 record, maybe 12-4, but I think 13-3 would be a stretch for that team. Over the past several years, a lot of their games have been won on late field goals and with the loss of Vinatieri, their kicking game is a little shaky. I’m also not convinced that their defense is up to Patriot standards this year.

I think the Colts are hoping that Dominic Rhodes and rookie Joseph Addai will be a “2-headed-monster” of sorts and work together to fill the gap left by Edge.

And finally, Favre made a lot of mistakes last year, but a lot of those 29 interceptions were not necessarily his fault. Lots were, but certainly not all 29. I think that in some cases he was frustrated and threw some deep balls to see if it would light a fire. More often than not though, the pass would fall incomplete or get picked. I also think that some of the other receivers (with the exception of Donald Driver, who may be one of the most under-rated receivers in the game) didn’t step it up when Javon Walker went down with his torn ACL/MCL/PCL.

Favre’s comments about Rodgers were taken way out of context. Even Rodgers has said that Favre is great and is teaching him a lot. I think Favre’s comments were more about what his main priority was last year, and that was trying his hardest to give the Packers a chance to win, not tutoring Rodgers.

Last year the Packers were absolutely decimated by injuries (Javon Walker, Ahman Green, Najeh Davenport, etc.) and lost a lot of their games by 7 points or less. If they can stay healthy this year, I think they’ll do far better than the 4-12 of last season. Will they make the playoffs? I don’t know, it’s not likely really, but with a little luck it sure would be possible.

5. web - September 9, 2006, 2:08 AM

Spoken like a true fan.

I think possibly that Deion Branch got a little bit of “big head syndrome�? after being named the Super Bowl MVP in ‘05, but he is a talented receiver and I think that the Patriots will miss him (even if it is just a little bit).

He will be missed more than a little bit. But I think the patriots do what they have done for 4 years. Make big name players out of nobody through smart recruiting and scouting. Watch Ben Watson be the #3 TE this tear. Better than Gates or Gonzales (pick one). Watch.

I’m not a big fan of whining athletes (in Green Bay there was the Javon Walker situation which, sadly, turned sour), so I understand your gripes with Branch. Yes, he was a product of the good system in
New England, but you can argue that about most players.

Exactly. Thats why they will continue to be a force after twll known
players depart. WAR David Patten WAR Ty Law WAR Terry Glen

These guys are all the product of a good system – and left the Pats –
but the train keeps rolling

I’ll give the Pats an 11-5 record, maybe 12-4, but I think
13-3 would be a stretch for that team. Over the past several years, a
lot of their games have been won on late field goals and with the loss
of Vinatieri, their kicking game is a little shaky. I’m also not convinced
that their defense is up to Patriot standards this year.

What are you kidding me> Defensive highlights: Vrabel. Bruschi, Harrison, semour,
Seau .. which of those names do you not recgonize?

Favre’s comments about Rodgers were taken way out of context. Even
Rodgers has said that Favre is great and is teaching him a lot. I think Favre’s
comments were more about what his main priority was last year, and that was trying
his hardest to give the Packers a chance to win, not tutoring Rodgers.

Glad to hear – I know ESPN sucks for thier pandering of conflict and drama. I thought
Bret was better than that.

Will they make the playoffs? I don’t know, it’s not likely really, but with a
little luck it sure would be possible.

And there my man is the reason why we will both be on our couches every sunday. Watching,
Waiting .. Wishing – for that 4th ring in 6 years… oh wait. NM ;)

6. web - September 9, 2006, 2:09 AM

And BTW: Don’t Drink and Drive kids – Drink responsibly.

7. Jonathan Eckmier - September 9, 2006, 11:04 AM

I did say that I’m not convinced about New England’s defense yet, that doesn’t mean my opinion can’t be changed ;)

What are you kidding me> defensive highlights: Vrabel. Bruschi, Harrison, semour, Seau .. which of those names do you not recgonize?

None of them, they are all big name guys who, if they stay healthy all year, will probably prove to be a force down the stretch.

It will probably take me until after week 3’s Sunday Night match up against Denver to make up my mind about the Patriots defense. Let’s face it, Buffalo and the New York Jets don’t exactly possess what you’d call “potent” offenses. New England’s first big challenge will come against the Broncos and I would expect the Pats to be 2-0 at that point.

And there my man is the reason why we will both be on our couches every sunday. Watching, Waiting .. Wishing…

Exactly! At this point in the year everyone is undefeated (well, except for the Dolphins who imploded on Thursday night) and everyone has as good a chance as any other team. That’s what makes the NFL so exciting.

8. web - September 9, 2006, 12:16 PM

Well I am convinced of the D.

But you hit the nail on the head – staying healthy is key for any team.

I can’t wait for tomorrow – it’s like Christmas – but without all that shitty fruitcake.

9. Jonathan Eckmier - September 9, 2006, 1:30 PM

Yep, tomorrow should be an exciting day of football. Thursday was just whet the appetite I think, but tomorrow is going to be good. The games I’m most looking forward to are: the Bears at Packers (obviously) and the “Manning Bowl” on Sunday Night Football.

10. web - September 11, 2006, 3:46 PM

Yeah – Sorry about that game yesterday.

Look on the bright side, you know next week’s gotta be better.

The Patriots are less of a team today after the announcement of the trade of Branch.

11. Jonathan Eckmier - September 11, 2006, 4:47 PM

Thanks for your sympathies man! ;) That was just about the worst way the Pack could open their season, but you’re right, things can only get better.

Suddenly, Seattle just got better than they were yesterday. Branch is going to do really well in Seattle I think and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Seahawks, whose offense looked pretty dead yesterday.