Playoff Predictions

[Listener]

Every year, shortly after the cover for Madden is announced, I make my playoff selections -- y'know, Madden Curse and all.  Corollary to that Urbandictionary entry, the Madden Curse wears off after about eight months, or one off-season, one pre-season, and four or so regular season games.  And it only seems to affect offensive players; the Ravens didn't do any worse than usual when Ray Lewis made the cover last year.

This year's cover boy is Donovan McNabb.  Eagles fans had better find some other team to cheer for.

AFC

Top seed: Patriots
Second seed: Steelers
Third seed: Chargers
Fourth seed: Jaguars
Fifth seed: Colts
Sixth seed: Bills

The AFC is going to be a very tough conference once again. But I think the real drama will be in the 4th, 5th, and 6th seeds. The Bills will definitely be a wild-card team, but the Jags and Colts will be battling it out for the AFC South. The wild-card teams in the AFC will definitely have at least nine wins, and just missing will be the Jets, the Raiders, and the Bengals. Maybe even the Chiefs.

Round 1: Buffalo defeats San Diego in a defensive struggle. Buffalo will score at least one defensive TD, and get a lot of FGs thanks to great PR/KR field position. In the other game, the home team will win. Let's say it'll be the Jaguars for now. After having played twice already, I don't foresee these teams not giving us a good game.

Round 2: New England will dispatch the Jaguars by six – two field goals in the last five minutes. Pittsburgh will probably beat Buffalo as well.

Round 3: New England will again defeat Pittsburgh, but this year it will be much more down-to-the wire. Unless Corey Dillon is out. If he's out, Pittsburgh will win. But let's just call it New England – again (sigh) – for now.

NFC

Top seed: Minnesota
Second seed: Atlanta
Third seed: New York
Fourth seed: Arizona
Fifth seed: Green Bay
Sixth seed: Carolina

This list is pretty deceiving. Minnesota is on top, but they'll probably go 12-4, with Green Bay chasing them at 10-6 (I doubt that Brett Favre will let what is possibly his final year playing go by without a great show). The same with the South – Atlanta will go 11-5, but Carolina (or possibly Tampa, but probably Carolina) will either be 11-5 as well and be the wild-card on tiebreakers, or they'll be 10-6. With McNabb on the cover of Madden 2006, the Giants have the best shot at the East, and Arizona is poised to clean up in the West. Just missing the playoffs will be the Cowboys (Drew Bledsoe? Really?), Chicago (9-7 or 8-8), Tampa and New Orleans at 8-8 apiece, and maybe the Rams at 9-7. The top teams in the NFC are pretty well-cemented in there, and the only major difference might be if the Madden Curse skips McNabb, in which case the Eagles would supplant the Giants (I give them 9-7 at most) and everyone else slips down a spot.

Round 1: Carolina will easily dispatch the Giants, although both teams will score at least 21 points. Green Bay will definitely put the hurt on Arizona, who will be too young a team to know what to do with themselves when they're in this situation. Next year will be their year to advance farther, but this year, they should be happy just to get a home playoff game.

Round 2: Green Bay and Minnesota will be a battle to the bitter end, but Minnesota is the more explosive team, and by then, the Packers will be tired. Vikings will win it by 10, but honor Brett Favre in his final game after the game ends. Carolina and Atlanta will be the same way, but this year, Carolina will not be denied. If everyone is healthy, they'll easily take out the Falcons. They very nearly did it with backups last year.

Round 3: It's Minnesota's turn. They will defeat the Panthers, but not easily. 31-28 or 34-31.

Superbowl

New England against Minnesota. The entire country will be rooting for the Vikings – everyone is tired of the Patriots winning and winning and winning and winning. The Vikings will have to take a lot of shots and play their game. Trying to play the Patriots at their speed never works, and trying to gameplan for them is ridiculous. If the Vikings play the game that got them there in the first place, they'll win. Probably 40-33. The Patriots dynasty will not end, but it'll be nice to see someone else on top for a change.

Top-ten raw draft order for 2006 (before trades)
Cleveland
San Francisco
Washington
Tennessee
Miami
Seattle
Denver
Chicago
Detroit
St. Louis

[Gamplayerx]

Wow.

[Listener]

Wow.

Yeah, I'm a football geek.

[Mr. Ubiquity]

I predict...


no one will give a shit??




Whats that??  I WON?    WOOHOO

[Beefy]

I think I'll pay more attention to football this season.  I have plans on upping my TV viewing anyway.

[dazie]

I just hope the Raiders don't make absolute fools out of themselves AGAIN.



Other than that, I don't know if I care.  I suppose now that I'm here I should start rooting for the KC Chiefs.  *shudder*  I don't know that I'm up for that challenge.

We need to make sure this thread doesn't disappear.

[Beefy]

I want The Patriots to win again, just so I can watch vikingjuice turn beet red.

[Listener]

I want The Patriots to win again, just so I can watch vikingjuice turn beet red.

Yeah, I'll join vikingjuice in turning beet-red.

I am SO sick of the Patriots winning everything.

[eo000]

I predict the superbowl will run through detroit this year.

[Listener]

I predict the superbowl will run through detroit this year.

Yes.  Yes it will.  But neither team will be wearing the Silver and Blue.

[Jessie]

I predict that I won't watch it.

[cnamon]

I will only care if the Steelers or the Redskins are in it.  Everyone else can suck it.

[Alice]

Football died along with Red Grange.

[ursus]

Football died along with Red Grange.

Super Hardcore!
+

[VikingJuice]

I want The Patriots to win again, just so I can watch vikingjuice turn beet red.

The Patriots can eat my a$$!!

[VikingJuice]

Reply to Listerner's posting:

NFC                                                AFC
1)PHI                                              1)IND
2)MIN                                             2)NE
3)ATL                                             3)SD
4)AZ                                               4)BAL
5)DAL                                             5)KC
6)DET                                             6)PIT

CP could sneak in for the NFC as could JAK or NYJ in the AFC

No Giants because they're too young at the QB spot and too inconsistent in the secondary.
No Packers because they don't have the personnel to run a bump and run cover scheme and have no pass rush=lots of points given up

Steelers could miss out on the playoffs because Staley hasn't been healthy for a full season in years, Bettis is another year older, Big Ben won't be as good record wise, and the secondary is very porous.

Jags are iffy.  Potentially stellar offense but O-Line questions, and then Linebacker and secondary issues will hurt the defense.
No Bills because Losman will have lots, I mean LOTS of growing pains.  Plus, the O-Line is shaky and the run defense will be weakened because of the loss of Pat Williams to the Vikings.

PS.  Miami will finish near 8-8, with a few bounces, 9-7 just missing the playoffs.

The Colts will face and beat either Minnesota or Philadelphia in the SB. 

The problem with predictions this year, maybe more so than in any year past, is that of the top contending teams, all are potentially strong but each has at least one GAPING hole in their squad.

[ursus]

The problem with all these predictions is the fact that over the last several years, the hated Pats have been and are the best team. Not with the best individuals, team. It's real tough to beat a bunch of guys with a "me" guy like T.O. To be honest here, if someone like that was on a team with me I'd do my best to run him off. The networks dig having a face to use as shorthand for a team, but that one guy can't beat the other team by himself. The Steelers knew it, Joe Montana knew it, etc.

As far as my picks based on what I saw last year-

NE still has the depth, and the trophy. (Been there...)
Carolina is really hungry, but are they deep enough?
Philly is a soap opera waiting to explode, I doubt they can keep it together.
Pittsburgh could get it together, they're kind of a scary team.
Indy could do it, but they finish poorly. Not a killer bunch.
The Vikes have "issues" (ha, understatement) but tend to be a strong unit.


Picksburgh and Carolina in the game, 21-17 Steelers.

[Listener]

Reply to Listerner's posting:

NFC                                                AFC
1)PHI                                              1)IND
2)MIN                                             2)NE
3)ATL                                             3)SD
4)AZ                                               4)BAL
5)DAL                                             5)KC
6)DET                                             6)PIT

The only reason I picked the Giants for the NFC East is because McNabb is on the cover of Madden 2006, and the Madden Curse may destroy him.

I would love to see the Panthers make it back to the Superbowl.  I don't doubt their depth... even if Foster, Davis, and Smart all go down, I ripped much ass in my fantasy league last year with Nick Goings... who still plays for them.  In fact, I even tried to get a Goings jersey, but NFL.com wouldn't personalize a Panthers jersey for me.  *shrug*  And I see Minnesota beating Indy in the Superbowl because Minnesota's defense is for real this year.  They'll be good enough.

[VikingJuice]

Reply to Listerner's posting:

NFC                                                AFC
1)PHI                                              1)IND
2)MIN                                             2)NE
3)ATL                                             3)SD
4)AZ                                               4)BAL
5)DAL                                             5)KC
6)DET                                             6)PIT

The only reason I picked the Giants for the NFC East is because McNabb is on the cover of Madden 2006, and the Madden Curse may destroy him.

I would love to see the Panthers make it back to the Superbowl.  I don't doubt their depth... even if Foster, Davis, and Smart all go down, I ripped much ass in my fantasy league last year with Nick Goings... who still plays for them.  In fact, I even tried to get a Goings jersey, but NFL.com wouldn't personalize a Panthers jersey for me.  *shrug*  And I see Minnesota beating Indy in the Superbowl because Minnesota's defense is for real this year.  They'll be good enough.

Keep your eyes open for an Eric Shelton jersey soon.  He's the rookie out of Louisville who will likely start in the event that Foster goes down with his yearly injury.  Smart can't carry the rock worth a shit and Davis is going through a difficult recovery from Micro-fracture surgery(which didn't work for Terrell Davis and ended his career).  I DO like Goings but he reminds me of Anthony Johnson many years back with CP(I think that was his name).  He moves the pile well, picks up the short yardage and all, but doesn't have much if any break away speed.  I once heard a phrase that fits him well: "If you need three yards, he'll get you three, if you need 10 yards..........he'll get you three!"

Minnesota is possibly going to struggle for at least part of the year offensively because the coverages will roll toward Nate Burleson.  He isn't a legit #1 WR and will struggle to find open ground.  Troy Williamson will stretch the defenses but he has apparently struggled a lot in camp from what I've read and they're not sure he'll be ready to start just yet.  His route running is quite suspect, which was the ONLY knock on him in the Pre-Draft scouting reports.  When he does figure it out, WOW and WOW!!  He regularly runs 4.3s and has been clocked as low as 4.21 once.  I don't see Minnesota doing it this year.  But I DO see them making several serious runs in the next 3 seasons at least.

Also, their linebacking core sucks ass.  D-Line and Secondary will carry the defensive efforts all year.

I wish the Colts were better on defense because it would be an AWFUL shame to waste that exceptional offense on a D that gives up 30+ a game.  As much as it pains me to say it, NE is still the most complete team in the league.  I just freakin' hate them though.

[ursus]

Reply to Listerner's posting:

NFC                                                AFC
1)PHI                                              1)IND
2)MIN                                             2)NE
3)ATL                                             3)SD
4)AZ                                               4)BAL
5)DAL                                             5)KC
6)DET                                             6)PIT

The only reason I picked the Giants for the NFC East is because McNabb is on the cover of Madden 2006, and the Madden Curse may destroy him.

I would love to see the Panthers make it back to the Superbowl.  I don't doubt their depth... even if Foster, Davis, and Smart all go down, I ripped much ass in my fantasy league last year with Nick Goings... who still plays for them.  In fact, I even tried to get a Goings jersey, but NFL.com wouldn't personalize a Panthers jersey for me.  *shrug*  And I see Minnesota beating Indy in the Superbowl because Minnesota's defense is for real this year.  They'll be good enough.

Keep your eyes open for an Eric Shelton jersey soon. He's the rookie out of Louisville who will likely start in the event that Foster goes down with his yearly injury. Smart can't carry the rock worth a shit and Davis is going through a difficult recovery from Micro-fracture surgery(which didn't work for Terrell Davis and ended his career). I DO like Goings but he reminds me of Anthony Johnson many years back with CP(I think that was his name). He moves the pile well, picks up the short yardage and all, but doesn't have much if any break away speed. I once heard a phrase that fits him well: "If you need three yards, he'll get you three, if you need 10 yards..........he'll get you three!"

Minnesota is possibly going to struggle for at least part of the year offensively because the coverages will roll toward Nate Burleson. He isn't a legit #1 WR and will struggle to find open ground. Troy Williamson will stretch the defenses but he has apparently struggled a lot in camp from what I've read and they're not sure he'll be ready to start just yet. His route running is quite suspect, which was the ONLY knock on him in the Pre-Draft scouting reports. When he does figure it out, WOW and WOW!! He regularly runs 4.3s and has been clocked as low as 4.21 once. I don't see Minnesota doing it this year. But I DO see them making several serious runs in the next 3 seasons at least.

Also, their linebacking core sucks ass. D-Line and Secondary will carry the defensive efforts all year.

I wish the Colts were better on defense because it would be an AWFUL shame to waste that exceptional offense on a D that gives up 30+ a game. As much as it pains me to say it, NE is still the most complete team in the league. I just freakin' hate them though.

Did you actaually use the phrase "carry the rock"?  Are you going to go third person on us? Ursus don't roll like that...
Ahahahahaha...

[VikingJuice]

Reply to Listerner's posting:

NFC                                                AFC
1)PHI                                              1)IND
2)MIN                                             2)NE
3)ATL                                             3)SD
4)AZ                                               4)BAL
5)DAL                                             5)KC
6)DET                                             6)PIT

The only reason I picked the Giants for the NFC East is because McNabb is on the cover of Madden 2006, and the Madden Curse may destroy him.

I would love to see the Panthers make it back to the Superbowl.  I don't doubt their depth... even if Foster, Davis, and Smart all go down, I ripped much ass in my fantasy league last year with Nick Goings... who still plays for them.  In fact, I even tried to get a Goings jersey, but NFL.com wouldn't personalize a Panthers jersey for me.  *shrug*  And I see Minnesota beating Indy in the Superbowl because Minnesota's defense is for real this year.  They'll be good enough.

Keep your eyes open for an Eric Shelton jersey soon. He's the rookie out of Louisville who will likely start in the event that Foster goes down with his yearly injury. Smart can't carry the rock worth a shit and Davis is going through a difficult recovery from Micro-fracture surgery(which didn't work for Terrell Davis and ended his career). I DO like Goings but he reminds me of Anthony Johnson many years back with CP(I think that was his name). He moves the pile well, picks up the short yardage and all, but doesn't have much if any break away speed. I once heard a phrase that fits him well: "If you need three yards, he'll get you three, if you need 10 yards..........he'll get you three!"

Minnesota is possibly going to struggle for at least part of the year offensively because the coverages will roll toward Nate Burleson. He isn't a legit #1 WR and will struggle to find open ground. Troy Williamson will stretch the defenses but he has apparently struggled a lot in camp from what I've read and they're not sure he'll be ready to start just yet. His route running is quite suspect, which was the ONLY knock on him in the Pre-Draft scouting reports. When he does figure it out, WOW and WOW!! He regularly runs 4.3s and has been clocked as low as 4.21 once. I don't see Minnesota doing it this year. But I DO see them making several serious runs in the next 3 seasons at least.

Also, their linebacking core sucks ass. D-Line and Secondary will carry the defensive efforts all year.

I wish the Colts were better on defense because it would be an AWFUL shame to waste that exceptional offense on a D that gives up 30+ a game. As much as it pains me to say it, NE is still the most complete team in the league. I just freakin' hate them though.

Did you actaually use the phrase "carry the rock"?  Are you going to go third person on us? Ursus don't roll like that...
Ahahahahaha...

Is that phrase a little too 1990's for you or something?  I used it all the time when I coached football.

[Jessie]

I keep coming back here, waiting for the threadjack...

[VikingJuice]

I keep coming back here, waiting for the threadjack...

The HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE was neither Holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire.  Discuss.

[Alice]

I used it all the time when I coached football.

Did you spank men on the butt?

[Beefy]

I keep coming back here, waiting for the threadjack...

You just jacked it.