Playoff Predictions 09.5.2007 7:00PM So here we go. I'm looking to make it back to back years predicting the Super Bowl winner. NFC Division Winners Saints, Eagles, Bears, Seahawks Wildcards Panthers, Cowboys AFC Chargers, Colts, Ravens, Patriots Wildcards Steelers, Broncos Wildcard Weekend Panthers over Seahawks Cowboys over Bears Patriots over Steelers Ravens over Broncos Divisional Weekend Saints over Cowboys Eagles over Panthers Chargers over Patriots Colts over Ravens Conference Championship Saints over Eagles Chargers over Colts Super Bowl Chargers over Saints (For the 2nd straight year SI and I have the same Super Bowl. It worked out last year, so I guess its not a bad thing.) Check back to The Huddle tomorrow for "Hail Mary: Week 1". Yes, the season is finally here! Preseason Rankings: The Logic 09.4.2007 7:00PM The first rankings of the season are in the right column. Here are a few thoughts on the rankings. As in years past the defending Super Bowl champs, this year the Colts, start the new season at #1. It is my belief that the Colts must either get beaten out of the top spot or play their way out of the top spot. Until that time comes, they are the leagues best team. The rest of the teams find their respective ranks based on quite a few factors, none too specific: play from last season, potential for this season, realistic/unrealistic expectations, draft/off season moves, etc. So with that in mind the rankings start to make since, and yet it can all come full circle by the end of Week 3 if things shake out like that. I wholeheartedly expect at least 9 of the top 10 preseason teams, to make the playoffs. As in years past things get muddy around 20, except for the bottom few teams. It will remain this way for the entire season. Team that will look way over ranked when the season comes to an end: Giants Team that will look way under ranked when the season comes to an end: Titans But everything is flexible and will work themselves out as the season progresses. Check back every week to see where your team ends up at the conclusion of every week! AFC West Preview 09.3.2007 7:00PM This is it for the division previews. Check back Tuesday for my preseason rankings and again Wednesday for my playoff predictions. Thursday will kick off the regular installments of "Hail Mary" and the rest of the The Huddle rotation. Home to the most competitive teams in all of football and of course the team that is the Oakland Raiders. Rebuilding is the name of the game for two teams while the rest have serious post season aspirations. Denver Broncos Last Season: 9-7, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) This is Jay Cutler's team. Jake Plummer is gone and Cutler will have to prove his high draft selection. Last year was rocky, but with the ability for anybody, and I do mean anybody, to run behind the Broncos offensive line, the Broncos offense should have some pop. Champ Bailey, the best coverage man in the sport, anchors the defensive squad. Range of Wins: 9-11 games Kansas City Chiefs Last Season: 9-7, 4-2 in division (lost in playoffs) Brady Croyle was brought in to make competition at quarterback, but he fell flat on his face, and Damon Huard will be the Chiefs guy this season. Larry Johnson is along for the ride with the most lucrative contract in the league, and will need to produce big time for the Chiefs to make some noise. The Chiefs are like the Buccaneers of the AFC, they're not getting any younger or quicker. Range of Wins: 5-7 games Oakland Raiders Last Season: 2-14, 0-6 in division (missed playoffs) JeMarcus Russell wasn't going to start Week 1, but it'd be nice to get the #1 pick signed. But at this time there is no point in rushing into a bad contract. So that leaves Daunte Culpepper to run the offense. If the offensive line isn't much improved then it doesn't matter who is under center. However the pieces are there in the years to come. The defense will continue where they left off last season. Watch out for the Raiders in 2 years. Range of Wins: 4-6 games San Diego Chargers Last Season: 14-2, 5-1 in division (lost in playoffs) There are no excuses this time. With the best talent in the league (such as recent Super Bowl winners Patriots and Colts) the Chargers must at least make the Super Bowl this year. The offense is loaded: LT, Gates, and Rivers. The defense is load: see linebacking corp. This is the last chance for Norv Turner as a coach and with all the pieces failure is not an option. Range of Wins: 13-15. Predicted Order of Finish 1. San Diego Chargers (13-3) 2. Denver Broncos (10-6) 3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) 4. Oakland Raiders (4-12) NFC West Preview 09.2.2007 7:00PM This one could be a log jam. Seattle has long held a tight grip on this division but the gap may be narrowing in this mediocre division. The three teams behind the Seahawks should be improved so the battle should be interesting this season. Arizona Cardinals Last Season: 5-11, 4-2 in division (missed playoffs) The Cardinals may have made the best coaching move in hiring Ken Whisenhunt as head coach. In addition he brought along Russ Grimm and their addition will make the Cardinals better instantly. It will be year two for Matt Leinart and between fatherly duties he has plenty of targets to hit down field. And with an improved offensive line, maybe Edgerrin James just make an impact. Expect things to be on the up and up, but its not their time yet. Range of Wins: 6-8 games San Francisco 49ers Last Season: 7-9, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) It'll be nice watching Mike Nolan on the sidelines in a suit coaching a winner. The pieces are in place for this team. An offensive core in Alex Smith, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis should lead the team to plenty of points. The defense isn't too shabby either. Range of Wins: 8-10 games Seattle Seahawks Last Season: 9-7, 3-3 in division (lost in playoffs) Things haven't been the same since their Super Bowl appearance. The run game suffered last season with the loss of Steven Hutchinson and Shaun Alexander will need to reach his old form to help an inconsistent offense. The Seahawks defense is also quite prone to allowing a lot of points. They're sitll the class of the West, but just barely. Range of Wins: 8-10 games St. Louis Rams Last Season: 8-8, 2-4 in division (missed playoffs) With Marc Bulger and Stephen Jackson as the mainstay on the Rams offense, their is always great potential. Its the lack of defense that always domms the Rams. In the NFL it is very hard to win a shoot out week in and week out and thats what the Rams will face all season. They'll probably be exciting to watch like every year. Range of Wins: 7-9. Predicted Order of Finish 1. Seattle Seahawks (9-7) 2. San Franciso 49ers (8-8) 3. St. Louis Rams (8-8) 4. Arizona Cardinals (6-10) AFC East Preview 09.1.2007 7:00PM The AFC East. My least favorite division in the AFC. The East should play out as it has since the new millenium with the Patriots owning everybody else and the Jets masquerading as a playoff team from week to week. And then theres the Bills and Dolphins who continue to hold serve in the bottom half over the division. Buffalo Bills Last Season: 7-9, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) It will be JP Losman full steam ahead in Buffalo this year. While Losman has made strides and appears to be an adequate NFL quarterback, he still must turn it up a notch for the Bills to have a chance. With a stable of receivers and Marshawn Lynch in the backfield the offense has some things working for it. Range of Wins: 6-8 games Miami Dolphins Last Season: 6-10, 1-5 in division (missed playoffs) Bring in Cam Cameron. Bring in Trent Green. But I don't think the Dolphins are bring in any more wins. The Dolphins have the defense to be in most their games this season, but I think Green is washed up at best. Its going to be a long first year for Cam Cameron. Range of Wins: 4-6 games New England Patriots Last Season: 12-4, 4-2 in division (lost in playoffs) Everyone will tell you the Patriots had the best offseason acquisitions, and while I can't disagree I don't know if that makes them the prohibitive AFC favorite. Come talk to me in Week 4 when Randy Moss is complaining about his lack of involvement on offense. And now Rodney Harrison is out for the first 4 games, so lets not go crowning their ass yet. Range of Wins: 10-12 games New York Jets Last Season: 10-6, 4-2 in division (lost in playoffs) J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets! Man that never gets old. I think this year is shape or ship out for Chad Pennington. Between injuries and inconsistent play, Pennington must prove he is the every day quarterback. Thomas Jones is a welcome addition and will definitely take some pressure off Pennington. Range of Wins: 8-10. Predicted Order of Finish 1. New England Patriots (10-6) 2. New York Jets (9-7) 3. Buffalo Bills (7-9) 4. Miami Dolphins (4-12) NFC East Preview 08.31.2007 9:36PM Ah the NFC East. My favorite division from the National Football Conference. I'm not going to lie, I like the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys and Eagles should battle it out for the division title, with the Giants and Redskins a few steps behind. It should be exciting in this division. Dallas Cowboys Last Season: 9-7, 2-4 in division (lost in playoffs) We all remember the infamous end to last season and Tony Romo and company will look to erase that memory with a great season. Wade Phillips is the new sheriff in town and brings years of experience. It may seem like an odd hire, but most likely what the Cowboys needed. The Cowboys bring both a balanced offense and balanced defense to the table. Range of Wins: 9-11 games New York Giants Last Season: 8-8, 4-2 in division (lost in playoffs) The Eli Manning experience continues. This time without trusted running back Tiki Barber. Things have to improve this season as the Giants brought in quarterback coach Chris Palmer. Manning has to work, because the backup situation is bleak. The way the players respond to Tom Coughlin (who's definitely on the hot seat) will go along way to the success of this season. Range of Wins: 6-8 games Philadelphia Eagles Last Season: 10-6, 5-1 in division (lost in playoffs) Guess who's back? It's Donovan McNabb. But for how long he's back under center is still to be determined. He's has a knack for midseason season ending injuries. Will this season be any different? McNabb's success is key to a successful season for the Eagles Range of Wins: 9-11 games Washington Redskins Last Season: 5-11, 1-5 in division (missed playoffs) Are things ever going to turn around in Washington? Maybe, but not this year. Jason Campbell will be the starter from day one and he's yet to prove he has what it takes to be an everyday NFL quarterback. Clinton Portis is the regular bright spot on offense, but the defense needs to be stingy since I don't see the Redskins putting up many points very consistently. Range of Wins: 5-7. Predicted Order of Finish 1. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) 2. Dallas Cowboys (10-6) 3. New York Giants (7-9) 4. Washington Redskins (5-11) AFC South Preview 08.30.2007 7:00PM Home to the defending Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts who have their eyes set on a return trip. Like years past not much stands in their way in the division (yes Jacksonville is always a pain). The rest are still of less talent that the Colts, with the Texans and Titans even further away. Houston Texans Last Season: 6-10, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) The leagues best backup quarterback, Matt Schaub is now numero uno on the depth charter following his trade from Atlanta. But quite honestly David Carr never had a real chance to succeed with the sorry excuse the Texans lineup for an offensive line. Though maybe Schaub can make better decisions than Carr. Oh yeah, lets all hope Mario Williams has a great season. Range of Wins: 7-9 games Indianapolis Colts Last Season: 12-4, 3-3 in division (won Super Bowl) The Colts have lost some well known veterans from defense, and yet the defense will be better. And the offense still has Manning and Harrison along with Joseph Addai and rookie Anthony Gonzalez. The Colts are fine. Range of Wins: 12-14 games Jacksonville Jaguars Last Season: 8-8, 2-4 in division (missed playoffs) The two division wins came against the Colts. Go figure. Well actually its been a common trend for years that the Jaguars more often than not lose to teams of lesser talent. That has to change this year and it may be under the direction of David Garrard and not Byron Leftwich. They can run against any team and stop every team's run. Range of Wins: 9-11 games Tennessee Titans Last Season: 8-8, 4-2 in division (missed playoffs) Let me remind you the Titans, under Vince Young, finished the 2006 season with 6 consecutive wins. Let me remind you last year doesn't mean shit in the NFL. Ask the Dolphins of 2 years ago. Young will struggle this year, though maybe not as much as the media is leaving you to believe. Range of Wins: 5-7. Predicted Order of Finish 1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3) 2. Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6) 3. Houston Texans (8-8) 4. Tennessee Titans (5-11) NFC South Preview 08.29.2007 7:00PM Last year this division has the story of the league with the Saints. They'll have the story of the year again this time around with Michael Vick. Which is unfortunate because the Saints are going to be better than last year and maybe the Panthers, who seems to be off the radar this year, can make a return to the playoffs. Atlanta Falcons Last Season: 7-9, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) I was never a fan of Mike Vick and by the end of Week 2 will be tired of hearing his story. So that leaves first year coach Bobby Petrino with Joey Harrington to run the offense. Which actually may be a quarterback more in tune with the type of offense Petrino is known for. The Falcons add Joe Horn but it won't matter. Range of Wins: 5-7 games Carolina Panthers Last Season: 8-8, 5-1 in division (missed playoffs) After multiple years of being a preseason pick to reach the Super Bowl, the Panthers may relish this oppurtunity to surprise teams. But its really the same team of years past. While Steve Smith is the man, the Panthers always have depth at WR causing problems for most defenses. Oh yeah, Julius Peppers still owns his position. Range of Wins: 9-11 games New Orleans Saints Last Season: 10-6, 4-2 in division (lost in playoffs) Its quite obvious Drew Brees is the 3rd best quarterback (behind Manning and Brady) in the NFL. Combine that with their depth at running back, including Reggie Bush, and the offense will light everybody up. The Saints will be better than last years team and with the experience from last year, just might make the Super Bowl this year. Range of Wins: 10-12 games Tampa Bay Buccaneers Last Season: 4-12, 0-6 in division (missed playoffs) The big question for the Bucs is undoubtedly at quarterback. Jeff Garcia will take over after a very productive 1/3 of a year finishing up in Philadelphia. Its anybody's guess what's left in his tank. And as the story has been for years, the defense continues to grow older and slower. Range of Wins: 5-7. Predicted Order of Finish 1. New Orleans Saints (12-4) 2. Carolina Panthers (10-6) 3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11) 4. Atlanta Falcons (5-11) AFC North Preview 08.28.2007 7:00PM The AFC North appears on paper to be one of the most competitive divisions in football. The Ravens are coming off a great 13-3 season while the Bengals and Steelers look to rebound from less then spectacular seasons. Mike Tomlin looks to bring his style tto the Steelers and maybe the Bengals can stay out of jail. Baltimore Ravens Last Season: 13-3, 5-1 in division (lost in playoffs) It wasn't long ago that Brian Billick was on the hot seat, but now he looks to direct the Ravens back to the playoffs. The addition of Willis McGahee will help open of the offense that relies heavily on Steve McNair. The defense will once again be a top 5 defense in the league by not only creating turnovers but creating points off turnovers. Range of Wins: 10-12 games Cincinnati Bengals Last Season: 8-8, 4-2 in division (missed playoffs) The Bengals have the offense to compete with any team: Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and Rudi Johnson. Its the defense and behavior that is this team's Achilles heel. The defense can hold teams to no more than 20 points, the Bengals have a shot. Range of Wins: 8-10 games Cleveland Browns Last Season: 4-12, 0-6 in division (missed playoffs) When's the Brady Quinn show start? That'll be the week to week question as the Browns continue to rebuild. It's probably now or never for Romeo Crennel. Even in Quinn is the next best thing, he has very little work with. I hope the Browns fans can wait even longer Range of Wins: 2-4 Pittsburgh Steelers Last Season: 8-8, 3-3 in division (missed playoffs) Cowher is out, Tomlin is in. And for Steeler's sake hopefully Big Ben is back too. With Hines Ward and Willie Parker anchoring the offense, Big Ben just needs to be his old self. Tomlin is the defensive minded coach, so the Steelers defense should remain top notch considering Dick Lebeau is still the defensive coordinator. Range of Wins: 10-12. Predicted Order of Finish 1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) 2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) 3. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) 4. Cleveland Browns (4-12) NFC North Preview 08.27.2007 7:00PM Without a doubt the NFC North is once again the Bears to lose. By my calculations 9 wins should take the division. The division has been weak for a few seasons now, and outside of the Bears, it seems the Lions, Packers, and Vikings are still rebuilding. So what are each team's chances this time? Chicago Bears Last Season: 13-3, 5-1 in division (lost in Super Bowl) Rex Grossman is "their" quarterback. Again, for better or for worse. The season will once again be in the hands of Good Rex/Bad Rex. If the preseason is any indication, it seems as though there are still some growing pains to come. But as its been for years now, the defense will carry this team. But in this day and age having only a stellar defense isn't enough to win the Super Bowl. Range of Wins: 10-12 games Detroit Lions Last Season: 3-13, 0-6 in division (missed playoffs) Jon Kitna has guaranteed 10 wins. I'll go ahead and guarantee the Lions won't win 10 games. However they have added a play maker in rookie receiver Calvin Johnson. Wide receiver is the one rookie position that can totally change a team. But it won't be enough this year. Range of Wins: 6-8 games Green Bay Packers Last Season: 8-8, 5-1 in division (missed playoffs) Yes, Brett Favre is still the quarterback. So that means we'll have to watch another painful go round of the once highly talented and sucessful quarterback. The Packers have very few impact veterans and it will show. Range of Wins: 5-7 Minnesota Vikings Last Season: 6-10, 2-4 in division (missed playoffs) The Vikings will fall hard this year. The schedule is very difficult and who knows what type of player Tarvaris Jackson really is. Brad Childress enters his second season as head coach and honestly I think he is on the hot seat. Especially with the egg I believe the Vikings are doing to drop this season. Range of Wins: 2-4. Predicted Order of Finish 1. Chicago Bears (11-5) 2. Detroit Lions (7-9) 3. Green Bay Packers (6-10) 4. Minnesota Vikings (3-13) NFL Style 08.22.2007 10:11PM When it comes to NFL uniforms simple is better. And with that in mind, The Huddle presents "NFL Uniforms 1 to 32: A Ranking (Home Uniforms)". My comments and thoughts on the rankings follow the thumbnail. Click the thumbnail for a full size view of the rankings. This is only my opinion and I hope this sparks debate on which franchise has the best current look. There was really no formula, just what I like. As I said, simple is better. The Raiders take the top spot with a simply classic look. There are no frills just the unmistakable Silver and Black. The Giants are almost the Raiders of the NFC, adding an additional stripe to the striping on the gray pants. The Saints follow the same style adding just a little more adornment with the Fleur De Lies on the sleeves and striping. The Colts and Cowboys follow with their own take on blue. The white helmet of the Colts sets them a part from the other top teams. I felt almost blasphemous not having the Steelers higher, but their unique one sided logo helmet was not enough to ignore the busy sleeves. The traditional teams of 49ers, Bears, Chiefs, and Packers round out the top ten. The Broncos get a lot of crap about their uniforms, but they are my favorite of the new "stylings" that started over a decade ago now. The Chargers introduced new uniforms this year and sit at a place where they can either rise or fall. From what I've seen, the new unis aren't as "classic" as the old ones, but I will give them props for the white helmet. The Seahawks should really be penalized more for their solid color combination, but after the top twenty, things really go downhill, so they are 21st by default. The lower third of the rankings is soiled with teams with non traditional colors. The Jaguars in aqua, Cardinals and Falcons in bright variations of red, the Browns in brown of course, the Dolphins in sea foam green, and then an automatic condemnation to the bottom of the ranks for wearing purple, the Ravens and Vikings. So too is the bottom riddled with all kinds of frills. The Panthers have huge striping wrapping around the shoulder. And then what the hell is going on with the tri-colored Falcons sleeves? And then the only franchise that literally dresses as their namesake, the Bengals with their tiger stripes. Why don't the Bills just add another color? The Browns wouldn't bother me so much if they didn't have the sleeve striping. A "Raideresque" Browns uniform would look stylish. Remove the orange and have just brown and white. Props to the Colts, Bears, and Chiefs for the striped socks. Well there you have it. A little information that might help explain at least the general placement of the teams. For most teams I'd be willing to bump them up or down a couple places. What do you think? Special thanks to Chris Creamer's Sports Logo Page and The Society for Sports Uniforms Research Infinite, No More 08.08.2007 12:02AM I'll get to all the rule changes for 2007 (not many or major) between now and when I start my league-wide preview later this month, but this could not wait. If there's one thing that I will remember John Madden for (and trust me there's more than one thing) its his explanation of the goal line and resulting TDs. Or I should say how he used to explain it. That's because no longer can a player be out of bounds with the ball and have it result in a touchdown, despite crossing the goal line. It used to be, as Madden would explain, "the goal line stretches on infinitely, all the way around the world", but not anymore. Starting in 2007, no matter where the player's body is, some part of ball must cross the goal line on the field of play. Sorry Madden, no more infinite goal line. But it only makes sense, as a catch doesn't count if its hauled in outside the confines of the playing field. Now if they could only fix that whole roughing the passer nonsense. The Huddle 2007 Schedule 07.26.2007 7:02PM Check out the changes for 2007 right after The Huddle preseason schedule which follows immediately. The schedule will lead right up to opening night on Thursday, September 6th when the Saints head to Indianapolis to play the defending Super Bowl Champion Colts. Monday, August 27- NFC North Preview Tuesday, August 28- AFC North Preview Wednesday, August 29- NFC South Preview Thursday, August 30- AFC South Preview Friday, August 31- NFC East Preview Saturday, September 1- AFC East Preview Sunday, September 2- NFC West Preview Monday, September 3- AFC West Preview Tuesday, September 4- Preseason Rankings Wednesday, September 5- Playoff Predictions The Huddle 2007 Edition 06.23.2007 3:30PM Just a few changes for this upcoming season at The Huddle. Each NFL Week will be archived to make it easier to find past information. And like always the NFL Week starts on Thursday at The Huddle. Here's the weekly schedule: Thursday- "Hail Mary": I preview the NFL week at hand by breaking down matchups and checking out other interesting information from the current week. I also present my "Game of the Week Podcast". Friday- "I Pick 'Em Challenge": I'll make my picks for the weekend matchups, and welcome all challengers to pick more correct selections over the course of the season. Monday- "Inside Out": Moved up a day, I'll look back on the NFL Week that was. I'll give my take and opinions on what went down on Sunday. Also, highlight impressive play from the weekend. Tuesday- "Rankings": With all the games complete, I'll rank the teams from 1 to 32 with a quick blurb as to the reasoning for the position. And then come Wednesday the week will be archived to make way for the new week at hand. So if you want up to the minute information check back on those four days, and for those of you with less time make sure you stop in on Friday and Tuesday.

Preseason Rankings 1. Colts 2. Chargers 3. Patriots 4. Saints 5. Bears 6. Ravens 7. Eagles 8. Cowboys 9. Broncos 10. Jaguars 11. Steelers 12. Panthers 13. Bengals 14. Seahawks 15. Jets 16. Rams 17. 49ers 18. Bills 19. Giants 20. Chiefs 21. Lions 22. Texans 23. Cardinals 24. Titans 25. Packers 26. Redskins 27. Buccaneers 28. Dolphins 29. Vikings 30. Falcons 31. Browns 32. Raiders Links NFL.com Features The 14 Days of Super Bowl

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