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WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #1 | You know how unpredictable the NFL is, and if you don't, you've never really been paying attention. No one really knows how this season is going to go, because if someone say Arizona going to the Super Bowl and Miami and Atlanta recovering as much as they did, then they're living it up in Hawaii right now. Anyways, I'm going to do my best to predict how the teams will end up as the season goes on, as well as having rankings based on how I think they'll finish. Early on, the teams will bounce around a lot, as the season gets closer to the end, hopefully they won't do it as much. The less they shuffle, the better I feel, because my picks were more correct earlier, but I'm also looking forward to getting my mind blown again by some Cinderella story (Cincinnati or Tampa Bay maybe?). Eventually we'll end with the 2009 Draft Order based on the Regular Season at the end of the season, and then I'll have my playoff picks by then. Feel free to join the fun or criticize... I hope to actually keep this up... |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #2 | Week 1 (post Titans vs. Steelers game) This'll change during the season as we figure out what this season will become.
Rankings 1. Minnesota Vikings (12-4, Last Season: 10-6) I think they can beat up the teams in their division and Brett Favre will give them an extra kick. I'm predicting that they'll finish with the best regular season record, and then the playoffs show up, but these rankings are about the regular season. They went 10-6 with this team, and I think they're now 2 games better. 2. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5, Last Season: 12-4) Pretty funny when 11 wins is a downgrade, but these guys are the best in the league last year, and they just may get a Magnificent Seventh this year. It always seems like when one guy goes down, someone else steps up (see their running game last year) and Big Ben is only getting better. 3. New England Patriots (11-5, Last Season: 11-5) Same record as last season, but Brady's back, so this could get interesting. They've lost a few pieces over the years, but as they say about great teams, they don't rebuild, they reload and Bellichick is the best in the business. 4. San Diego Chargers (11-5, Last Season: 8-8) The team that can supposedly only beat itself and LT isn't getting any younger. Oakland is a laughter, Kansas City is a laugher, Denver is has the warm up comic on stage, and all three have new coaches and no impressive upgrades. In fact, they've gone down. 5. Philadelpia Eagles (11-5, Last Season: 9-6-1) They're always so close to touching the top of the mountain, much like San Diego, but something always happens. McNabb isn't getting any younger, but he has gotten some new toys, like Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, as well as Jason Peters from Buffalo for protection. They're locked and loaded, but is this their year? 6. Indianapolis Colts (11-5, Last Season: 12-4) Not much changes. Sure Tony Dungy is moving on, but they still have Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dwight Freeney. They will miss Bob Sanders though, but if they can hold up until he gets back, they'll be in good shape. 7. Tennessee Titans (10-6, Last Season: 13-3) No more Albert Haynesworth? No problem, they still hung with the Pittsburgh Steelers before losing, but I still like them in the upper class. They won't catch anyone sleeping, but they're still good. 8. Baltimore Ravens (10-6, Last Season: 11-5) Bart Scott is gone, but Ed Reed and Reverend Ray are still looking to baptize their opponents with the turf of the gridiron. Joe Flacco and company aren't going to win any beauty contests, but they are going to make life miserable for the opposition by just keeping things on schedule. Amazing how they're the #6 team in the AFC according to this list. 9. Arizona Cardinals (10-6, Last Season: 9-7) Proof that anything can happen in the playoffs. Kurt Warner and the Flying Circus almost took down the big uglies of Pittsburgh, and they only got better by adding Beanie Wells to help out Tim Hightower. They showed that they could run and play defense. Can they do that in the regular season, because Seattle might just catch up. 10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6, Last Season: 9-7) Wishful thinkings or a bold prediction? We'll see when the toe hits the leather. Maybe they benefitted from taking on the weaker conferences last year, but is Byron Leftwich that much worse than Garcia? Have you seen the runningback depth? No more paying that Warrick Dunn can carry a team. Tight End? Upgrade. The experts talk about our "young offensive line" as a reason, what's new? No one there. The defense is checkered, but if they gel, it's going to be a good year.
11. Atlanta Falcons (10-6, Last Season: 11-5) Tony Gonzalez is an upgrade and Matty Ice is one year older. In the competitive and unpredictable NFC South, I think they're going to be contenders for the division.
12. New York Giants (9-7, Last Season: 12-4) They have defense, running, and no receivers. It's that last point that makes me think that they'll take a step back and be in a dogfight for that last playoff spot.
13. Carolina Panthers (9-7, Last Season: 12-4) In the NFC South, there are no repeat champions, and often the team that wins the division gets dropped to 3rd or 4th in the division. According to my current rankings, they're in a fight with the Giants, Bears, and Seahawks for the final spot in the second season.
14. Chicago Bears (9-7, Last Season: 9-7) If they had serious receiving threats then maybe they'd be higher on this list. Jay Cutler is nice, so is their defense, so that put them in a fight for possibily making it to the second season.
15. Seattle Seahawks (9-7, Last Season: 4-12) Seattle is just like San Diego, just not as talented. After getting their own hospital wing last year, if they can get clicking, then they should be in contention for the playoffs at the end of the year. 16. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8, Last Season: 4-11-1) They actually went 3-0 to end the season last year and tied the Eagles midseason. They did it against middle-to-lower class talent, but they did it. A good draft, good offseason, and a healthy Carson Palmer, along with some good sounding vibes give me a good feeling about these guys. The last time I felt good about these guys before that season, they showed up. 17. Dallas Cowboys (8-8, Last Season: 9-7) They were middle of the road last year with a field goal against as their point differential, and got rid of T.O. (say what you will). Tell me, how are they better? They likely are not, so they're going to hang in the middle of the road. 18. New Orleans Saints (8-8, Last Season: 8-8) They can play offense alright, but these high flyers can't do defense against good teams, and they lost most of their close games from last year. The Saints are a finesse team with a great offense in a division of teams that will grind them and that'll hold them back again. Pierre Thomas is good, but if he goes down, it's going to get very interesting for the Saints. 19. Miami Dolphins (8-8, Last Season: 11-5) I just checked, and the schedule last year was very friendly to the Miami Dolphins. Not to mention that they were trend setters with the Wildcat Offense. They might still be the best, but the secret's out, and the schedule isn't easier. The second best team in the division, but not headed for the playoffs this year, I don't think. 20. Green Bay (7-9, Last Season: 6-10) For Tampa Bay fans, Brian Brohm is in competition for the worst 2nd rounder from last year with Dexter Jackson the receiver. Atleast Jackson saw the field last year. Other news from last year is that they were talented, but only 6-10, and not much has changed, so they may be bound to stay just under .500 this year.
21. San Francisco (7-9, Last Season: 7-9) They beat up on the teams they should have, so maybe Mike Singletary will have to be like McGyver with this team that seems to be made from duct tape and paper clips to make this record happen, especially with the schedule they have this year. At this time, I'm willing to say that they could win some games, but I'm willing to be wrong. 22. Washington Redskins (7-9, Last Season: 8-8) They play the AFC West this year, so that might get them another win or two, but if you know anything about the Redskins is that they're consistent. Consistently between 7 and 9 wins, and so it is again this year. 23. Houston Texans (7-9, Last Season: 8-8) Call me crazy, but people are calling these guys sleepers, but I'm not seeing it. Some say that they'll be fighting for the division, and I think they'll be fighting Jacksonville to stay out of 4th in the division. 24. Buffalo Bills (6-10, Last Season: 7-9) Say one thing about these guys, they're consistent under Dick Jauron with three straight 7-9 seasons under him. Can T.O. and Aaron Maybin make the difference? Maybe a little more than I'm predicting here, but not enough to push them to the playoffs, I don't think. 25. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-10, Last Season: 5-11) Jacksonville has talent and they could make it back to their former glory, but they're in the same division as Indianapolis, Tennessee, and everyone's trendy pick, Houston. These guys will fight, but will it be enough? 26. New York Jets (6-10, Last Season: 9-7) I like Mark Sanchez to lead this team that came out of the chute and then bombed. This could be an underestimation, because I think that Rex Ryan will light a fire under his team. They're not an awful team that teams can sleep on, they're not a walkover, but I don't think this is their year. 27. Denver Broncos (6-10, Last Season: 8-8) Last year the Broncos were boom or bust, because they did not lose close. They suffered a lot of injuries, especially at Runningback, but I'm pretty sure that losing Jay Cutler and having Brandon Marshall around cannot amount to much good right now. 28. Detroit Lions (5-11, Last Season: 0-16) Look Ma! Fifth from last place! Five wins! Five wins? I think Detroit would have been better (well, atleast won) if Jon Kitna hadn't gone down or Daunte Culpepper would have had the offseason to work. What do I like? Calvin Johnson, Bryant Johnson, Kevin Smith, and Matthew Stafford to start, and on defense, Larry Foote, Louis Delmas, Phillip Buchanon, and Anthony Henry. Not to mention, Matt Millen is gone, and Jim Schwartz comes over from the Titans. They won't get out of their division cellar, and they're still in contention for a Top 5 draft pick, but they have talent to win some games and maybe pull a few upsets. They also have Daunte Culpepper in the queue if Stafford goes down. 29. St. Louis Rams (4-12, Last Season: 2-14) How they beat Washington and Dallas, who knows. They came close in the last three games against Seattle, San Francisco, and Atlanta as well, coming within four points in each game. They added "Son of the Animal" James Laurinaitis, but other than that, it's been a long fall from "The Greatest Show on Turf," and I'm not sure if they're going to get off the turf for more than a few games more than they did last year. 30. Oakland Raiders (4-12, Last Season: 5-11) They might actually exceed this expectation by taking down a few suckers on their weak schedule this year, but who are we kidding? A team that has some talent and Al Davis as an owner, not to mention Tom Cable, who would be better served by having his team punch other teams in the mouth instead of one of this own coaching staff. 31. Cleveland Browns (3-13, Last Season: 4-12) Could they do better? Sure they can do better, but when Eric Mangini is so desperate to gain a "competitive advantage" by refusing to name a starting quarterback, despite both being similar players, then your team has issues. They have some good players, but this team is still the Browns, and I think that Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Cincinnati are going to tear them apart, but they do have a few teams that they could take down, but that's where 3 wins comes from. Injuries to their quarterbacks hurt them, but if they get more than 6 wins, call me surprised. 32. Kansas City Chiefs (3-13, Last Season: 2-14) They play the AFC North and NFC East... that's not good. Matt Cassel doesn't impress me, Dwayne Bowe has dropped out of the top two receivers and reliable Bobby Engram isn't up, and Larry Johnson has been fragile as of late. What happened to Tyler Thigpen? He was one of the lone bright spots last year, and Tony Gonzalez is gone. Last year they beat Oakland once and showed up once against the Broncos. Other than that it was a long year. This will be another long year, as I don't know about Todd Haley at the skill positions, and I don't know if his team will be any better this year even with those decisions going the other way.
Standings NFC South 1. Tampa Bay 10-6 2. Atlanta (10-6) 3. Carolina (9-7) 4. New Orleans (8-8) NFC East 1. Philadelphia (11-5) 2. New York Giants (9-7) 3. Dallas (8-8) 4. Washington (7-9) NFC North 1. Minnesota (12-4) 2. Chicago (9-7) 3. Green Bay (7-9) 4. Detroit (5-11) NFC West 1. Arizona (10-6) 2. Seattle (9-7) 3. San Francisco (7-9) 4. St. Louis (4-12) AFC South 1. Indianapolis (11-5) 2. Tennessee (10-6) 3. Houston (7-9) 4. Jacksonville (6-10) AFC East 1. New England (11-5) 2. Miami (8-8) 3. Buffalo (6-10) 4. New York Jets (6-10) AFC North 1. Pittsburgh (11-5) 2. Baltimore (10-6) 3. Cincinnati (8-8) 4. Cleveland (3-13) AFC West 1. San Diego (11-5) 2. Denver (6-10) 3. Oakland (4-12) 4. Kansas City (3-13) Playoffs NFC 1. Minnesota (12-4) 2. Philadelphia (11-5) 3. Tampa Bay (10-6) 4. Arizona (10-6) 5. Atlanta (10-6) 6. Carolina (9-7) AFC 1. Pittsburgh (11-5) 2. San Diego (11-5) 3. New England (11-5) 4. Indianapolis (11-5) 5. Tennessee (10-6) 6. Baltimore (10-6) Wildcard Carolina at Tampa Bay Atlanta at Arizona Baltimore at New England Tennessee at Indianapolis
Divisional Tampa Bay at Minnesota Arizona at Philadelphia Baltimore at Pittsburgh Tennessee at San Diego Conference Philadelphia at Minnesota San Diego at Pittsburgh Super Bowl Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh Winner: Pittsburgh |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #3 | Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (1-0, 12-4) Vikings defeated Cleveland 34-20. Adrian Peterson was a man on a mission, while the defense and Brett Favre did their jobs. Previous: 1
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0. 11-5) The Titans made it tight and Big Ben had to throw for 363 yards and was made accurate at that. They only won 13-10, but no worries, Tennessee is a great team. Previous: 2 3. Philadelpia Eagles (1-0, 11-5) A combination of a good Eagles team, and a sorry showing by Jake Delhomme with a total of 4 picks, 5 total turnovers. Eagles win 38-10, but the injury to McNabb should give some pause as to if the Eagles might have a little trouble coming up. Previous: 5
4. Indianapolis Colts (1-0, 10-6) A flat 14-12 win over Jacksonville? How Peyton Manning was 28 for 38 with 301 yards, one TD, one INT, and not smoke the Jaguars is beyond me. The Colts only managed 71 or so yards on the ground, but 300 yards and only 14 points, wow. Previous: 6
5. New England Patriots (1-0, 10-6) Did New England win this, or did Buffalo choke, and did I just write that? Tom Brady airs it out for 378 yards and the Patriots escape, barely, with a 25-24 win. Previous: 3 6. San Diego Chargers (1-0. 10-6) A 24-20 win over the spirited Oakland Raiders means that it could be a more interesting division than anyone expected. Is L.T. okay? We did see that Philip Rivers was, as he completed 24 of his 36 pass attempts for 252 yards, a TD, and a pick, but more importantly, he was spreading the ball around. Previous: 4 7. Baltimore Ravens (1-0, 10-6) Ray Rice runs for over 100 yards, Joe Flacco throws for over 300 yards and 3 TDs, and the Ravens shut down the run game for the Chiefs and win 38-24. It's a good day for the Ravens. Previous: 8
8. Atlanta Falcons (1-0. 10-6) Three turnovers help the Dirty Birds flip the 'Fins 19-7, as Michael Turner had an ordinary 65 yards on 22 carries. Matty Ice was efficient. Previous: 11 9. New York Giants (1-0, 10-6) It was close, but effective, as the Giants beat the 'Skins 23-17. They gave up a touchdown to a Punter, but Osi is back for the G-Men. Previous: 12 10. Seattle Seahawks (1-0, 10-6) Julius Jones ran for 117 yards and a touchdown over 19 carries, and Hasselbeck had a good day, and Seattle blanked the Rams (who only touched the endzone playing 12-on-11 on a punt) 28-0. Is this because it's against St. Louis, or because they're actually good? Previous: 15
11. Tennessee Titans (0-1, 10-6) 86 rushing yards on the ground isn't good, but Kerry Collins looked good, and so did the defense. One Rob Bironas field goal away from beating Pittsburgh. Imagine what'll happen when that running game gets going. Steelers beat the Titans 13-10. Previous: 7 12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1. 9-7) The Offense rolled up and down the field, but the Defense got burned for four big plays, and that made up all the difference in a 34-21 loss. Previous: 10
13. Dallas Cowboys (1-0, 9-7) A 34-21 win that came mostly as a result of 4 big plays, but that tells you that Tony Romo can recognize when a defense totally screws up. Previous: 17 14. New Orleans Saints (1-0, 9-7) Drew Brees threw for 358 yards, 6 touchdowns, 1 pick, Mike Bell had 143 yards on 28 carries, and Devery Henderson had 103 yards and 1 touchdown over 5 catches. Saints win 45-27 over the Detroit Lions. Looks like the Saints are going to the "Outscore Them" Defense. Previous: 18 15. Green Bay (1-0, 9-7) I'm not willing to hand the Packers more than they deserve, because despite racking up 4 interceptions, they only beat the Bears by 6 off a late touchdown. Previous: 20 16. Arizona Cardinals (0-1. 9-7) Kurt Warner's numbers look good, but the running game only managed 40 yards on 17 totes. Tim Hightower had 12 catches for 121 yards and Larry Fitzgerald has 6 catches for 71 yards and a score, while Anquan Boldin manages only 2 catches for 19 yards. No wonder San Francisco won 20-16. Previous: 9
17. San Francisco (1-0, 8-8) With a lethargic running game (Frank Gore had 30 yards on 22 carries) and an okay passing game, I have to think that Kurt Warner's two picks had something to do with this 20-16 win. Previous: 21 18. New York Jets (1-0, 8-8) Thomas Jones had 2 touchdowns and 107 yards on 20 totes, while Leon Washington had 84 yards over 19 total touches, and the Jets just had a nice, efficient 24-7 win over the Texans. Previous: 26 19. Chicago Bears (0-1, 8-8) The running game was pedestrian and Jay Cutler threw four picks. That's not a good way to start your run in Chicago, especially since it took a 50 yard long last minute bomb from Aaron Rodgers to help the Packers win 21-15. Previous: 14
20. Miami Dolphins (0-1, 8-8) Lost 19-7 to the Falcons, and ball security and a better running effort will help the 'Fins moving forward. Previous: 19 21. Washington Redskins (0-1, 8-8) Jason Campbell was efficient, Clinton Portis was ordinary, and the Giants were just a better team in this 23-17 loss. Previous: 22
22. Carolina Panthers (0-1, 7-9) Eagles won 38-10, but a lot of that is thanks to Jake Delhomme getting picked off four times and fumbling once, yikes. This could be a long year for the Panthers. Previous: 13 23. Buffalo Bills (0-1, 7-9) The offense was good, but not great. They did have a running game, and Trent Edwards didn't turn the ball over, but they fell short thanks to a fumble on a special teams kick return blunder losing to the New England Patriots 25-24. Previous: 24
24. Oakland Raiders (0-1, 7-9) 148 yards on the ground, and a staunch defense just might have covered for the fact that JaMarcus Russell only completed 40% of his passes. They lost in the final minutes to the San Diego Chargers 24-20, and it looks like they might be better than originally advertised. Previous: 30 25. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1, 6-10) Lose by a miracle 12-7. Chad got 5 catches for 89 yards, but Palmer threw 2 too many interceptions and Denver got one too many bounces. Based on the score and the nature of the teams, this one had to be ugly. Previous: 16 26. Houston Texans (0-1, 6-10) What happened? These pundit darlings got rocked 24-7 by the New York Jets. The running game? 12 carries, 38 yards. The passing wasn't much better. Previous: 23 27. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1, 6-10) Reggie Wayne had 40 more yards receiving than David Garrard had passing... ouch. Maurice Jones-Drew ran well though, but the Jags fell short 14-12. Previous: 25
28. Denver Broncos (0-1, 5-11) This game was pedestrian all the way around, and an 87 yard "Immaculate Deflection" to Brandon Stokley saved the game for the Broncos 12-7. Previous: 27 29. Detroit Lions (0-1, 5-11) 32 or so yards on 20 carries, but there's not much chance to run, when you're playing catch up. Matthew Stafford threw three picks, and was 16 for 37 with 205 yards, ran for a one yard touchdown. Detroit lost 45-27, and Louis Delmas helped make it close than it was with a fumble recovery touchdown. Previous: 28 30. Cleveland Browns (0-1, 3-13) 34-20 isn't a bad loss to the Vikings. They just got trucked by Adrian Peterson for 180 yards over 25 carries for 3 touchdowns. Brady Quinn did okay, the running game was okay, and you can't play okay on offense when your defense gets runover and pushed aside by a beast. Previous: 31 31. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1, 3-13) 29 yards rushing over 17 carries total and the defense was porous, leading to a 38-24 beating. Previous: 32 32. St. Louis Rams (0-1, 2-14) Laurent Robinson had 5 catches for 87 yards, while Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson were pedestrian at best as the Rams got blanked 28-0. Previous: 29
How does this look in the Standings and how does it effect my picks? Well see later this week... |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #4 | After Week 2 Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (2-0, 13-3) Vikings defeated Detroit 27-13. Just another week in the neighborhood, and another week on top. They get San Francisco at home, which doesn't sound as easy as it did a couple week ago, but still doable. The week after? They the Green Bay Packers come to town, and they look like they could use Brett Favre... oops. Previous: 1
2. Indianapolis Colts (2-0, 11-5) Two wins, plus six in the points department, and under one quarter's worth of time to beat the Dolphins. Yep, they have the offense to smush teams, but a double dip against a stronger than expected NFC West (or so it seems) starting with a trip to Arizona before moving on to face Seattle at home will really test their muster on both sides of the ball. Previous: 4
3. Baltimore Ravens (2-0, 11-5) It's one thing to beat up on the Kansas City Chiefs. It's another thing to stalling the San Diego Chargers just short and cutting up their defense just enough to win the game. Anyways, they should cruise over the Cleveland Browns to tune up for a big battle in New England the week after. Previous: 7
4. Philadelpia Eagles (1-1, 11-5) I'm willing to take the New Orleans beating as just one of those anamolies taht just happens, which is why the Eagles only dropped one slot. If the Kansas City Chiefs keep it close, then I might have to think otherwise. Unlike Atlanta, these birds could use the break to get McNabb close to back on track. Previous: 3 5. Atlanta Falcons (2-0. 10-6) The Birds took out the Carolina Panthers well enough, now they get a shot at the big boys of New England before taking their "Bye" week a bit early. Previous: 8 6. New York Giants (2-0, 10-6) The Giants have a flair for the dramatic after beating the Dallas Cowboys in a close one, but the G-Men now know that they have a ridiculous pair of receivers and that's not good for their upcoming opponents. Previous: 9 7. New Orleans Saints (2-0, 10-6) It's nifty to blast the Detroit Lions 45-27, as any capable offense can do that, but it will get you some respect in the rankings. Blasting Philadelphia into oblivion 48-22 is a whole 'nother thing. Donovan McNabb would have made a difference, but Philly is one of the best in the league, and the Saints took it to them. Where the Steelers dropped this week, the Saints have been a surprise that has soared in my view, going up 7 spots this week and 11 over two weeks with not much ceiling left. This week is going to be interesting with New Orleans headed to Buffalo to see if New Orleans gets to stay in the upper reaches. Previous: 14 8. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1. 10-6) The Steelers have the biggest true freefall of 6 spots from 2nd to 8th place (Tampa Bay dropped 7 spots) after getting upset by the Chicago Bears 17-14, as the usually reliable Jeff Reed went Shankapotamus on Pittsburgh and the Steelers running game is stuck on a treadmill. They'll need to get it together against Cincinnati or get ready for a fight in the division. Previous: 2
9. New England Patriots (1-1, 10-6) New England is so close to being 0-2, if Leodis McKelvin takes a knee, then it's an 0-2 start and the Patroits are on the ropes (this based on the history of teams that go 0-3 to start a season) after the Jets club them 16-9. Tom Brady was gone all of last year, Wes Welker missed last week, which one has hurt them worse will be decided next week when they get Atlanta at Foxborough. Previous: 5
10. San Diego Chargers (1-1. 10-6) Baltimore dropped the Chargers 31-26 and dropped them from 6th to 10th in the standings. If the Chargers can bounce Miami, they just might bounce back up a few notches. Miami might want to score a few more points grinding the clock down, because San Diego, like Indianapolis, can move down the field in mighty good size chunks at a time. Previous: 6 11. Tennessee Titans (0-2, 10-6) They narrowly lost to the Texans 34-31, and the Texans moved up to be in the mix, but the Titans hold tight at 11th with one last chance to prove themselves before they drop much further, after suffering in the rankings after a close loss to Pittsburgh. Should they lose to the Jets, history does not bode well for them at all. Previous: 11 12. New York Jets (2-0, 9-7) J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! Whether it was the fans or the defense, the New England Patroits were kept out of the endzone and the Jets methodically took down the big gorillas in the division. Even though they're on the rise, it's still early. However, staying home and throwing some dirt on the Tennessee Titans will only go towards helping their cause. Previous: 18 13. Seattle Seahawks (1-1, 9-7) While they're still ahead of San Francisco on my board, who is also behind Arizona, who the 49ers also beat, they won't be ahead of either for long if they get runover like they did against Frank Gore. So who are they when they go from pulverizing the Rams to getting pulverized by Frank Gore? If they got dropped by Chicago at Qwest, I'm willing to take the latter version for now. Previous: 10 14. Arizona Cardinals (1-1. 9-7) Arizona got knocked back by San Francisco, but Kurt Warner was impeccable against Jacksonville. Which one will show up in what looks like it could have the makings of the O.K. Corral football style when it's Cards vs. Colts. Previous: 16 15. San Francisco 49ers (2-0, 8-8) They went from lethargic running against Arizona, to breaking a couple big runs against Seattle. Which 49ers team is it? They are 2-0, but they're also going on the road to face a big time run stuffing defense with a runner that could make it a long day for them. They're slowly on the rise, but if one of their division mates falters and they manage to pull off the upset, their stock will be on the way up in a big way. Previous: 17
16. Dallas Cowboys (1-1, 8-8) I wrote last week that Tony Romo can recognize when a defense totally screws up. Well, the New York Giants defense can recognize when Tony Romo totally screws up and felt the need to apologize for a 33-31 loss to them. They get Carolina at home, which if they lose puts them even further behind the eight ball. Especially if New York, Washington, and Philly take care of business. Previous: 13 17. Green Bay (1-1, 8-8) Got whacked by a Cincinnati team that looks like they're on the way up after just getting by a Bears team that gave them four reasons to win. Thus they fall back to just ahead of Chicago and get a trip to St. Louis to see if they're good, or if they're headed south in a hurry when they hit Minnesota. Previous: 15 18. Chicago Bears (1-1, 8-8) Are they schizophrenic or are they actually good? A trip to Seattle should help answer that question. They knocked off Pittsburgh 17-14, when Jay Cutler decided to keep the football out of the bad guys hands. It's going to take a couple games for me to see which way he may go. Previous: 19
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2, 8-8) A second consecutive 13 point loss, after falling behind 17-0 (and losing 33-20) to Buffalo on the road, and my optimism is waning. I optimistically had the Bucs ranked #10 before the Dallas game dropped them down a couple spots and pull back a win on the final record. Now I'm not sure if they'll have a winning record or should still be in the Top 20, but if they can stand up and even make it close against the Giants, they just might be good. Previous: 12
20. Miami Dolphins (0-2, 8-8) They lost 27-23 to the Colts and took them to the brink. They did great controlling the clock for a total amounting to just over 45 minutes, but the precise Colts cut them up at the worst time. Can they shut down the Chargers? If so, they could be on the way up, but a close on to the Colts keeps them on hold. Previous: 20 21. Carolina Panthers (0-2, 8-8) They lost to the Atlanta Falcons 28-20, and showed some signs of life. Enough signs of life to move up one slot. A trip to Dallas will go a good way to see what they're made of. Previous: 22 22. Houston Texans (1-1, 7-9) They bounced back in a big way, knocking off the Tennessee Titans with a 34-31 win. If they cream Jacksonville, then they might move up on my list. If they get beat, then it's going to be hard to move them up much further. Previous: 26
23. Buffalo Bills (1-1, 7-9) They led the Bucs 17-0 on mistakes made by the Bucs, then Tampa Bay eventually trailed 20-14, before Buffalo put the Bucs far in the rearview for the 33-20 win. They get the Saints this weekend at home. Previous: 23
24. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1, 7-9) Won 31-24 with an great win over the Packers. If Antwan Odom can eat Ben Roethlisberger for lunch, and Cincy can knock off the Steelers, that'll help Cincy bounce back into the middle-of-the-pack and a team on the move. Previous: 25
25. Washington Redskins (1-1, 7-9) They didn't lose, but they only beat the St. Louis Rams to a 9-7 score. When that happens, my expectations for you drop and so does your ranking. They either bomb the Lions, or they're headed down the stairs. Previous: 21
26. Oakland Raiders (1-1, 6-10) Your quarterback can't be this incompetent and show Kansas City any chance of winning. They won, but it was 13-10 over the Chiefs. It's a win, but it also knocks Oakland back a little. They face off against Denver at home. Previous: 24
27. Denver Broncos (1-1, 6-10) Sure they slammed the Cleveland Browns, read that again. They slammed the Cleveland Browns, like you're supposed to. They go on the road to face Oakland, but for both teams, I won't be able to have a good baring on which one, if either, is any good until both take on their respective Texas teams after this week (Denver gets Dallas at home, Oakland heads to Houston). Previous: 28 28. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2, 6-10) When Kurt Warner throws only two incompletions and two touchdowns all day, it's just not fair. They lost 31-17 to Arizona, which isn't bad, but it isn't good either. Reprieve or a disaster could be coming at Houston. Previous: 27
29. Detroit Lions (0-1, 4-12) Lost to Minnesota 27-13, and didn't gain any ground on anybody. They get Washington at home and they couldn't have caught them at a better time, as incompetent as the 'Skins were against the Rams. Previous: 29 30. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2, 3-13) They lost 13-10 to Oakland, and they showed that they have some life to them. Since winless, but not completely too far gone. Two weeks, two spots up in the standings, unfortunately they were last on my list. They head to Philadelphia, and that's not a good thing. Previous: 31
31. Cleveland Browns (0-2, 2-14) Lost 27-6 to the Denver Broncos. When you get beaten that bad by a bad team, you're not that good. So Cleveland drops down one spot down to their original spot, and a trip to Baltimore could shove Cleveland to the basement. Previous: 30 32. St. Louis Rams (0-2, 2-14) They showed some signs of life in a 9-7 loss to Washington, but it still isn't enough to get out of the basement this week. They take on a Green Bay team that might be inept enough to pull the Rams off the canvass. Previous: 32
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| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #5 | After Week 2 Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (3-0, 13-3) After a narrow escape from the 49ers within the last two seconds, the Vikings host the Packers on Monday night and then head to St. Louis before tests with Baltimore at home and Pittsburgh on the road. After three weeks, still on top. Previous: 1
2. Indianapolis Colts (3-0, 11-5) They made Arizona's life miserable, and this week they get the Seahawks at Lucas Oil, and then head to Nashville to take on a Titans team that's in enough trouble as it is. Previous: 2
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-0, 11-5) After bouncing Cleveland and slamming them like LeBron, they head to New England, host Cincy, and then head to Minnesota before the Bye. That's going to be a challenge. Previous: 3 4. Philadelpia Eagles (2-1, 11-5) After breaking Kansas City over their knee like Bruce Lee could break boards, Philly gets a break before hosting Tampa Bay and then heading to Oakland and Washington. After that, they should be ready for the fight against the Giants. Previous: 4
5. New York Giants (3-0, 10-6) After slamming the Bucs, they go to Kansas City and then get Oakland at home before heading to the Superdome to take on the Saints. Life just isn't fair, and the Giants should be 5-0 before heading for New Orleans. Previous: 6
6. New Orleans Saints (3-0, 10-6) Even if they beat the Jets this week, they won't win the week after. Then again, that's the nature of taking the week off. These guys showed us that they can win in more ways than one, and it's going to be a fight at the Superdome this week. Previous: 7
7. New York Jets (3-0, 10-6) If they stop the Saints this week, not only are they likely headed upwards, they just might be 8-0 going into their break, halfway through the season. Who knew? These guys are my biggest surprise, just like with most other people out there. Previous: 12 8. New England Patriots (2-1, 10-6) Creeping up after taking out Atlanta, but they may have run into a buzzsaw at home when Baltimore comes to visit. A win at the Razor keeps them in the battle, a loss puts them more in a fight for the Wild Card than the division (and if the Jets win, it's not going to help very much). Previous: 9 9. San Diego Chargers (2-1. 10-6) The Best of the West bounced Miami and now get a trip to the Big Ketchup Bottle in Pittsburgh before getting a well deserved break, if they can go 3-1. Previous: 10 10. Atlanta Falcons (2-1. 10-6) The Falcons got flopped by the Patriots and with the Saints on the rise, the Birds got flipped down from hanging in the Top 5 to just hanging on in the Top 10. After the "Bye Week" they head to San Francisco to see which team is for real this year. Previous: 5
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2. 10-6) I had these guys #2 two week ago, and after a loss to the Bengals, they've fallen from fighting for the Conference to fighting for a Wild Card spot on my list. After dropping out of the Top 10, they get a game against the Chargers for their trouble (atleast it's at Heinz), but they get a break with Detroit and Cleveland coming up afterwards). The best of 9 one-win teams on the rankings. Previous: 8
12. San Francisco 49ers (2-1, 9-7) They played so well that despite losing to the Vikings, I gave them another win in the final record prediction, and that moved them up three spots. It also helped that all of their division rivals went down today. Next week, they get St. Louis at home, which should be a nice tune up for a visit from Atlanta the following week. Previous: 15 13. Chicago Bears (2-1, 9-7) They escaped Seattle and they might have some fun when the Lions head to Soldier Field. Jay Cutler may have found his legs after a bad first game, but we'll see how he does against the Lions before the break. Previous: 18
14. Arizona Cardinals (1-2. 9-7) I think Arizona can win the division, but they can't get pasted by teams like they did against the Colts. They get the week off to figure out how to take their frustrations out on the Houston Texans. Previous: 14 15. Tennessee Titans (0-3, 9-7) They skydivers of these rankings, because I expected so much out of them, and a Jacksonville team looking to rise up just might thrown them further down the stairs. These guys are too good to be this bad, but 0-for-the-season until the bye week is possible. They are the highest ranked team of the seven that has lost all three of their games. Previous: 11
16. Dallas Cowboys (1-1, 8-8) Dallas didn't destroy the Panthers until late, but a trip to the Mountains to face Denver could help their cause. They're stalled at 16, as the teams that were supposed to win won. Not enough to help the Cowpokes. Previous: 16
17. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1, 8-8) The Bengals knocked off Pittsburgh, and the Battle of Ohio: Round 1 might get the Bengals put away for assault and battery after the beating I'm expecting them to put on the Browns at the Dawg Pound. Then we get to see who they really are when they go to Baltimore. Previous: 24
18. Green Bay (2-1, 8-8) How do you beat the St. Louis Rams like a drum 36-17, but drop a level? Well you lose to Cincinnati the week before, and I like to reward the head-to-head whenever possible. They get to go to Minnesota next week, so I think they'll be taking the escalator down next week before a break and a pair of winnable games. Previous: 17
19. Seattle Seahawks (1-2, 8-8) Matt Hasselbeck is down, they get dropped by the Bears and Jim Mora is not happy. Blend it all together with the success of San Francisco and the fact that the Cardinals are still good, and this might only be a .500 team. A trip to Indianapolis isn't likely to help with this fall. Previous: 13
20. Denver Broncos (3-0, 7-9) As I wrote last week, I'll really know if they're good if they can take down the Cowboys, but they are very much on the rise on this list (but like with Jacksonville, that's because 7 teams who were ahead of them: Carolina, Tampa Bay, Miami, Buffalo, Houston, Washington, and Oakland, all got beat, had a loss taken off their overall prediction, and fell down the list). A fight against the Cowpokes could vault them in to contention. A loss could expose if they're contenders or pretenders. They are the worst ranked 3-0 team on the list. Previous: 27 21. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2, 7-9) They tagged a Houston team that's fallen on its face, and their schedule looks favorable the rest of the way, starting with some homecooking against a Tennessee Titans team running on a treadmill. The other of my favorites might be the pony to ride, and it's not so good, but it's okay. Previous: 28 22. Carolina Panthers (0-3, 7-9) Carolina stood up to Dallas before they got knocked down and out in the fourth quarter in a 21-7 loss. One of my second loves is getting beaten around the block, and they are now 7-for-7 in all games this year (including preseason). They are on a Bye Week before facing the Washington Redskins who are likely to get plowed when they get to Carolina, if the Panthers still have a pulse. Previous: 21
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3 7-9) They've fallen the most of anyone in my rankings, so it can be said that I was amazingly optimistic, but you can't fault me for dropping off a win on the expectation every week, and I'll even admit that I've given them a notch ahead of where I really think they are. A potential reprieve at Washington comes this week. Previous: 19
24. Miami Dolphins (0-3, 7-9) They are beaten decisively on the road by the Chargers and lose Chad Pennington. They get some homecooking and a game against the Buffalo Bills where I think they'll get their first win, but won't be surprised if they really start to tumble. Previous: 20 25. Buffalo Bills (1-2, 6-10) There's a reason why I didn't let the Bills win send them soaring, because they're just about back where they started after getting bludgened by the Saints 27-7. They now go on the road to face a reeling Miami team that could help the Bills out. They have a pretty light schedule overall. Previous: 23
26. Houston Texans (1-2, 6-10) They go from hauling down Tennessee to getting the boom dropped on them by Maurice Jones-Drew and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They should dispatch the visiting Raiders, but it's the week after against the Cardinals on the road that you have to worry about. Previous: 22
27. Washington Redskins (1-2, 7-9) After a lethargic showing against the Rams, they drop one to the Lions. They couldn't convert third down or run the ball and it cost them. Next week is a home game against Tampa Bay in a battle for both to stay atleast reasonably relevant this year. Previous: 25
28. Oakland Raiders (1-2, 6-10) After a 23-3 beating by the Denver Broncos, I now am pretty confident that they really suck. Not as bad as Kansas City, but that team that faced off against the San Diego Chargers to start the season may not exist anymore. Maybe they can redeem themselves against Houston... maybe. Previous: 26
29. Detroit Lions (1-2, 5-11) Hey, guess what? Detroit beat the Redskins 19-14 after losing 19 straight games. They also didn't impress me enough to pull them out of the ditch of being the 29th best team, but they did gain back the win that I had taken off their original prediction. Maybe if they beat Chicago or one of the teams just ahead of them gets trashed and they don't, maybe they'll move up. Not today though. Previous: 29 30. Kansas City Chiefs (0-3, 3-13) It doesn't matter if you complete 78% of your 18 passes when you only get 90 yards for your trouble, especially when the other guy completes over 70% of his 34 and racks up 327 yards. Philadelphia pounded the Chiefs 34-14. If you thought the Giants beating the Bucs to a pulp was ugly, you're going to love this next week. Previous: 30
31. Cleveland Browns (0-3, 2-14) Pulverized so bad that they tried their backup Quarterback early and promptly threw three picks. I thought Brady Quinn had talent and Derek Anderson had won 10 games a few years ago. Baltimore pounded them 34-3, and Cincinnati will provide no relief. Previous: 31 32. St. Louis Rams (0-3, 2-14) Steven Jackson showed up, Marc Bulger got knocked out, and it all added up to a 36-17 pasting at the hands of the Packers. Next week will not be a treat in San Francisco either. Previous: 32 Heading into the Bye Weeks, here are my updated standings and my former guesses in italics (unless there is no change): Probably wrong in the playoffs, but what the heck? Standings NFC South 1. New Orleans (10-6) Tampa Bay (10-6) 2. Atlanta (10-6) 3. Carolina (7-9) (9-7) 4. Tampa Bay (7-9) New Orleans (8-8) NFC East 1. Philadelphia (11-5) 2. New York Giants (10-6) (9-7) 3. Dallas (8-8) 4. Washington (6-10) (7-9) NFC North 1. Minnesota (13-3) (12-4) 2. Chicago (9-7) 3. Green Bay (8-8) (7-9) 4. Detroit (5-11) NFC West 1. San Francisco (9-7) Arizona (10-6) 2. Arizona (9-7) Seattle (9-7) 3. Seattle (8-8) San Francisco (7-9) 4. St. Louis (2-14) (4-12) AFC South 1. Indianapolis (12-4) (11-5) 2. Tennessee (9-7) (10-6) 3. Jacksonville (7-9) Jacksonville (7-9) 4. Houston (6-10) Houston (6-10) AFC East 1. New York Jets (10-6) New England (11-5) 2. New England (10-6) Miami (8-8) 3. Miami (7-9) Buffalo (6-10) 4. Buffalo (6-10) New York Jets (6-10) AFC North 1. Baltimore (12-4) Pittsburgh (11-5) 2. Pittsburgh (10-6) Baltimore (10-6) 3. Cincinnati (8-8) 4. Cleveland (2-14) (3-13) AFC West 1. San Diego (10-6) (11-5) 2. Denver (7-9) (6-10) 3. Oakland (5-11) (4-12) 4. Kansas City (3-13) Playoffs NFC 1. Minnesota (13-3) (12-4) 2. Philadelphia (11-5) 3. New Orleans (10-6) Tampa Bay (10-6) 4. San Francisco (9-7) Arizona (10-6) 5. New York Giants (10-6) Atlanta (10-6) 6. Atlanta (10-6) Carolina (9-7) Additions: New Orleans, San Francisco, New York Giants, Dropped Out: Tampa Bay, Arizona, Carolina, AFC 1. Indianapolis (12-4) Pittsburgh (11-5) 2. Baltimore (12-4) San Diego (11-5) 3. New York Jets (10-6) New England (11-5) 4. San Diego (10-6) Indianapolis (11-5) 5. New England (10-6) Tennessee (10-6) 6. Pittsburgh (10-6) Baltimore (10-6)
Additions: New York Jets, Dropped Out: Tennessee,
Wildcard Atlanta at New Orleans Carolina at Tampa Bay New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers Atlanta at Arizona Pittsburgh at New York Jets Baltimore at New England New England at San Diego Tennessee at Indianapolis
Divisional New Orleans at Philadelphia Tampa Bay at Minnesota New York Giants at Minnesota Arizona at Philadelphia New York Jets at Indianapolis Baltimore at Pittsburgh San Diego at Baltimore Tennessee at San Diego Conference Philadelphia New Orleans at Minnesota San Diego at Pittsburgh San Diego at Indianapolis Super Bowl Minnesota vs. Indianapolis Winner: Minnesota |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #6 | After Week 4 Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (4-0, 13-3) The Minnesota Favres (and Petersons) had a "better than the score indicated" game against Favre's old team and a great escape against the 49ers, the Vikings get a break with a trip to St. Louis before a tough stretch with Baltimore at home, Pittsburgh on the road, and Favre Bowl II: The Lambeau Edition. Previous: 1
2. Indianapolis Colts (4-0, 12-4) At Tennessee, bye week, at St. Louis, to get ready to host San Francisco. As bad as Tennessee is doing, I don't know if this schedule is exactly fair. Previous: 2
3. New York Giants (4-0, 11-5) Their home game with Oakland should be a tune up before the big game in New Orleans. Not the Super Bowl, but maybe a preview of a future playoff game, and definitely a battle for the top of the NFC. Previous: 5
4. Philadelpia Eagles (2-1, 11-5) Coming off their break, they get Tampa Bay at home, at Oakland, at Washington, it looks easy on paper, but games aren't won on paper. Previous: 4
5. New Orleans Saints (4-0, 11-5) They dismantled the Jets in short order through their defense, and the surprise isn't that they're good, it's that they look like they can beat anyone everyday and twice on Sunday every possible way. You'd love to keep the momentum going after four games of blasting the competition, but when you're facing the Giants off the bye, a little time to prepare might be a good thing. If they drop the Giants, they could be 11-0 before hosting New England, and could be on top of the NFC by then. Previous: 6
6. New England Patriots (3-1, 11-5) Humble pie was on the menu a few years back when the Patroits could do no wrong, and now they've served a helping to the Baltimore Ravens and will look to do the same to the Denver Broncos in the mountains before the Titans at home and the Buccaneers in London before the break. The latter two are now 0-4. Previous: 8 7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1, 11-5) Good morning Baltimore! Every day is an open door! Oh gosh, I've gone Hairspray! Speaking of such, I'm sure Tracy Turnblad was not happy when the Patroits beat the Ravens after Mark Clayton dropped an on-target pass. Unfortunately the Bengals just might be the Coolest Kids In Town this week, but they'll want to slow down the Bengals in this important division battle as Cincy would then be 3-0 the first time through the division. A trip to the Metrodome next week won't help matters before a much needed rest. Whachugot Flacco? Whachugot? Previous: 3
8. New York Jets (3-1, 10-6) The song "My Hero" by the Foo Fighters might just fit Mark Sanchez after New Orleans shut him down. "There goes my hero, watch him as he goes. There goes my hero, he's ordinary." A trip to Miami could help him and the Jets get their equilibrium back. Including Miami twice in the next four weeks, their next three opponents are all 1-3 (the others are Buffalo at home and Oakland on the road). Previous: 7 9. San Francisco 49ers (3-1, 10-6) Atlanta was on a bye, while San Francisco had St. Louis on a bye bye week last week. No, St. Louis isn't the first team to get a double bye, just two shut outs this season, as San Franscisco enjoyed their games against the Junior Varsity with a 35-0 beat down. Atlanta is the Varsity, but thankfully for the 49ers, they're heading for the Bay Area. Previous: 12 10. Atlanta Falcons (2-1, 10-6) Just what the Falcons wanted, a trip to San Francisco to take on the 49ers off their break. With this one and put down Chicago next week at home, and Atlanta could be back on the way up. Lose and they're on the way to the fringes. Previous: 10
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2. 10-6) They had San Diego on the ropes, and did just enough to put them out before they came all the way back. Good enough to drop San Diego and hang onto their spot. They get a break with a trip to Detroit and a home game against Cleveland before facing the Minnesota Favres at Heinz before their break. Previous: 11
12. San Diego Chargers (2-2. 10-6) They fell behind Pittsburgh early, but charged back and almost came all the way back. Well, they lost, and if Denver gives New England a hard time, San Diego's patterns of winning the games they should and losing games to great teams could come up and San Diego could be in trouble. Previous: 9 13. Chicago Bears (3-1, 9-7) The freakin' Bears doubled up the Detroit Lions, but after their break they get back to back road games against Atlanta and Cincinnati... enjoy that rest Jay, you'll need it. Previous: 13
14. Arizona Cardinals (1-2. 9-7) After a week off, Arizona gets Houston at home, and should blow them up before a trip to Seattle... we'll know what their chances are for success the rest of the way before they go into the Giants house two weeks from now. Previous: 14 15. Denver Broncos (4-0, 8-8) Even after being an up-and-down Dallas team, I'm not yet convinced. They got lucky with Cincinnati and then beat Cleveland, Oakland, and Dallas, and they're ranked ahead of all of them. This week and next week will really be truth serum when they get New England at home before heading to San Diego before their bye week. Previous: 20 16. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1, 8-8) Who are the Bengals? Back to being a contender, or stuck in the middle? We'll find that out when they head to Baltimore this week to face the Ravens. Previous: 17
17. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2, 8-8) After blasting Tennessee, the Jaguars next four are 1-15. Beat out Seattle on the road, host St. Louis, and the Jaguars might be a 4-2 surprise. Previous: 21 18. Green Bay (2-2, 8-8) After Favre Bowl I, the Packers get a break before a made-to-order 4-2 record comes thanks to a home game with Detroit and a trip to Cleveland before Favre Bowl II. Nice. Previous: 18 19. Dallas Cowboys (2-2, 8-8) They beat the bad teams, they bow to the good teams. They get a trip to Kansas City so they should win. Previous: 16
20. Tennessee Titans (0-4, 8-8) They host Indianapolis and then go to New England before their bye week. Anyone want to guess that if they don't win Vince Young might play against Jacksonville? Previous: 15
21. Seattle Seahawks (1-3, 7-9) They started with a blow out of St. Louis, then they lost Hasselbeck, and the teams is circling the drain. A road swing to Jacksonville followed by Arizona next week won't help matters much. Previous: 19
22. Carolina Panthers (0-3, 7-9) Coming off the bye week, either Carolina stops the bleeding while hosting Washington, or be ready for disappointment. Their next four are 4-12 combined. Previous: 22
23. Miami Dolphins (1-3, 7-9) They're 0-3 with Chad Pennington, 1-0 with Chad Henne, and managed to run over Buffalo last week. Their reward is a home game against the Jets in prime time before the bye. Including the Jets twice, the Dolphins next three opponents in the next four weeks are a combined 10-2 so far (New Orleans and New England). Previous: 24 24. Houston Texans (2-2, 6-10) They head for Arizona to face a struggling Cardinals team. Then the only "easy" game is at Buffalo over their next four before their late "bye" week... oh boy. Previous: 26
25. Washington Redskins (2-2, 6-10) They head to Carolina this week before hosting Kansas City, and then they have only one more easy game (Oakland) the rest of the way... yikes! Previous: 27
26. Buffalo Bills (1-3, 6-10) Soundly beaten by Miami, if they aren't 4-4 by their bye week, it's going to be a much longer year than they thought it'd be. The Jets, Panthers, and Houston follow after drawing a home game against Cleveland this week. Previous: 25
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4, 6-10) Everyone predicted this... except for me until this week. Now I'm on board with a not so good year that I hope gets better. Go beat the Eagles! Previous: 23 28. Oakland Raiders (1-3, 4-12) Hammered 29-6 at Houston, they head to New York to face the Giants, this week, followed by Philly at home, the Jets at home, and a trip to San Diego before the bye week... Have Fun Storming the Castle! Previous: 28
29. Detroit Lions (1-3, 4-12) Chicago whacked them, and now the Detroit Moles will have to deal with a player called the Pittsburgh Steelers... step right up and see what happens in this edition of "Whack-The-Moles," as they got one game before getting beat down again. Previous: 29 30. Kansas City Chiefs (0-4, 3-13) The Giants didn't destroy them, but Dallas should provide a challenge before they Chiefs get to go to Washington. Previous: 30
31. Cleveland Browns (0-4, 2-14) They played Cincinnati tough, but that happens. They draw Buffalo this week, which is a game that will show if they're on the rise, or stuck in the cellar this season. Previous: 31 32. St. Louis Rams (0-4, 2-14) They went to San Francisco and got shut out, and now they get Minnesota at home, who should also beat them senseless. Previous: 32
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| | WesleyWildcat84
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Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #7 |
After Week 5 Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0, 13-3) They host the Baltimore Ravens this upcoming week after taking out St. Louis on the road. Are they truly worthy of top billing, or is this going to go up in smoke? Baltimore takes down the Vikings, and it looks like either Philly or New York has a shot at taking over on top. Previous: 1
2. Indianapolis Colts (5-0, 12-4) Indianapolis lies dormant before a trip to St. Louis to tear them apart on their carpet. #2 on this list is not a bad place to rest, but it's not like they've had a tough road and it wouldn't be nice to ride their momentum. Oh well, every team get a Bye, and Indy won't win this week. Previous: 2
3. New York Giants (5-0, 12-4) They destroyed the Oakland Raiders at their house, and they won't do that against the Saints in their house, but it should be a good game to watch. Previous: 3
4. Philadelpia Eagles (3-1, 11-5) This week they get their turn to lay the wood on the Oakland Raiders. Tom Cable also punches out Bruce Gradkowski on the sideline after JaMarcus Russell throws a pair of interceptions. Easy game, or it should be. Previous: 4
5. New Orleans Saints (4-0, 11-5) Coming off a Bye, the Saints get to host the Giants. They also seem to have as easy road to a great record. It's a good year to be a Saint. Previous: 5
6. Denver Broncos (5-0, 10-6) They get a trip to San Diego after beating New England. Looks like they might be for real. Or really lucky. I'll say that they're now atleast a contender. Previous: 15 7. Cincinnati Bengals (4-1, 10-6) They beat the Ravens on the road and now get a home game swing against Houston and Chicago. Fear the Tiger indeed. They're real enough for me to say they're one of the best. Previous: 16 8. Atlanta Falcons (3-1, 10-6) They get Chicago at home coming off a break after beating San Francisco once every day and twice on Sunday in the Bay Area. Atlanta should have a good day this week. Previous: 10
9. New England Patriots (3-2, 10-6) They get the Tennessee Titans at home to help them forget their encounter with the Denver Broncos in the mountains... probably a good thing. Previous: 6 10. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2. 10-6) They get a home game against Cleveland to help them forget their hard time against the Detroit Lions... good thing too. They just slide back into the Top 10 after this close battle. Previous: 11 11. Baltimore Ravens (3-2, 10-6) They lost to Cincinnati and they now get a trip to Minnesota. Ooh Wee, this is going to be good. Previous: 7 12. San Diego Chargers (2-2. 10-6) They got to rest up for this home game with the undefeated Denver Broncos. Good time for a break with how good San Diego's playing. Previous: 12
13. Chicago Bears (3-1, 9-7) Hope they enjoyed that break, because now they get to go to Atlanta. Atlanta just blast the San Francisco 49ers on the road. Oh... it's gonna be good. Previous: 13 14. Arizona Cardinals (2-2. 9-7) They barely took out the Houston Texans and now they get a shot to take out Seattle, at Seattle, and if they do, that'll be a good day. Previous: 14
15. New York Jets (3-2, 10-6) They lost to Miami and free falled, but they get Buffalo and Oakland before they get another round of Miami (this time at home), so they'll be moving back up really soon. Previous: 8 16. San Francisco 49ers (3-2, 10-6) They get a butt kicking before their Bye week, but they get that time to get ready for a hapless Houston team. Previous: 9
17. Miami Dolphins (2-3, 8-8) They took out the New York Jets, and now they get a bye week to figure out how to stop New Orleans and New England in consecutive weeks. Previous: 23 18. Green Bay (2-2, 8-8) On a Bye to take care of the Brett Favre hangover, they get to boot stomp the Lions when they come back. Previous: 18 19. Dallas Cowboys (2-3, 8-8) They barely beat the Kansas City Chiefs, but atleast they have their Bye week to figure out how to deal with the Atlanta Falcons at home. Previous: 19 20. Seattle Seahawks (2-3, 7-9) Turns out what I thought was on the road is at home, and they get Arizona at Seattle. They'll want to win or they'll be in trouble when they head out on the road. Previous: 21
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3, 7-9) 2 fumbles, an anemic running game, and a cameo by Luke McCown, who got sacked in his limited snaps, and I'm pretty sure this blowout loss is not totally indicative of what they can do. They'll bounce back by hosting St. Louis after their horrible trip to Seattle. Previous: 17 22. Carolina Panthers (1-3, 7-9) They won this week to get their first victory, but it was close against Washington. The win is good, how close it was is not so good. A date with Tampa Bay then Buffalo? Well, I hope they kill Buffalo, but fall to their division rivals. Previous: 22 23. Tennessee Titans (0-5, 7-9) There was a Vince Young sighting during the Indianapolis disaster on national television this last week. A trip to Foxborough cannot be good for business as this season is slipping away quickly. Previous: 20 24. Houston Texans (2-3, 6-10) A Pick Six and a goal line stand from another win, and now they get a trip to Cincinnati. Matt Schaub's arm has to hurt after all the throwing he's done, and a trip to The Jungle won't help. Previous: 24
25. Washington Redskins (2-3, 6-10) They lost to Carolina, and now they get a Kansas City Chiefs team that must have played some inspired football against the Cowboys, taking them to the mat... not good for the Redskins. Previous: 25
26. Buffalo Bills (1-4, 5-11) A loss at the Ralph, and echoes of their early season "success" is all that remains. They get the Jets this week at New York, and Rex Ryan is not happy. This is a recipe for disaster for the Bills and Dick Jauron's hot seat is beginning to really heat up. Previous: 26
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-5, 5-11) Hanging by a thread from dropping into the Failing Five category. If they can't beat Carolina, than this season goes from bad to worse. Previous: 27 28. Detroit Lions (1-4, 5-11) Detroit may have found some mojo behind Daunte Culpepper against the Steelers, and it has elevated them up a spot for the moment. They get the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau this week before their bye, and if the Packers weren't coming off their bye, I'd have some confidence in the Lions. Previous: 29
29. Oakland Raiders (1-4, 4-12) A 44-7 beating on the road against the Giants... I actually did see that coming. Philly is going to Oakland? Have A Nice Day! Previous: 28
30. Cleveland Browns (1-4, 3-13) They won, but the win was so ugly that the Hunchback of Notre Dame just walked off as a Beauty Queen. I figured they'd win a few games... this was one of them. Previous: 31
31. Kansas City Chiefs (0-5, 3-13) They nearly took out Dallas, but a Cleveland win and a Kansas City loss slides them down a peg before they get a shot to take down the Redskins at FedEx Field Previous: 30 32. St. Louis Rams (0-5, 2-14) Could they go 0-for-the-season, or maybe get slammed enough times break 20 losses this season and challenge for the Bucs record? I doubt it'll happen, but getting smushed by Minnesota heading to Jacksonville doesn't look promising. Previous: 32 |
| | Mr_Lucky
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Registered: 12/31/08
Posts: 412
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Reply with quote | #8 | For the life of me I can't understand how you would keep Tampa Bay at 27 after that sound whomping the Eagles laid on the Bucs. The only bright spots that came out of that dismal game were: 1. Talib shut down DeShawn Jackson - Period 2. Jimmy Wilkerson has potential and had a good game 3. Winslow has good hands and his knee isn't made of glass 4. Donald Penn could be the next "refrigerator Perry" if given the chance 5. Josh Johnson looked better in the pocket than last week. He's got wheels but when the coach calls a hand-off on 4th and inches instead of a QB sneak it tell you what they think of their "center" KC played Dallas better than the Bucs did and Detroit has shown signs of life. Ranking the Bucs that high? As the MNF guys on ESPN say, "Come on Man" __________________ Its better to be Lucky than good |
| | WesleyWildcat84
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Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #9 | Keep the following in mind: I have gone from uber-optimistic to a lot more realistic: Bucs rankings and win predictions after each week: Opening: 10th (10 wins) Week 1: 12th (9 wins) Week 2: 19th (8 wins) Week 3: 23rd (7 wins) Week 4: 27th (6 wins) Week 5: 27th (5 wins) I also lean towards the home team. Here's why I have the Bucs so "high": 32. St. Louis - It ain't gonna happen, not getting off the ground. (Not better than Tampa Bay). 31. Kansas City - They actually slipped a spot thanks to Cleveland. They get Washington this week and Dallas did not move up. By the way, Miles Austin burned the Chiefs for 250 yards. Matt Cassel threw for 253 yards... ouch. (they have a grand opportunity this week to move up). 30. Cleveland - They won, it was ugly, Detroit and Oakland also have wins. (It wasn't convincing enough to really move them, Buffalo stayed at #26). 29. Oakland - Have fallen behind Detroit, and I gave Detroit a little extra hope as they're now up to 5 wins, not just 4 wins. Oakland needs FiOS, because Cable's not working very well. (If they get blown out again and Cleveland and KC show up, they're headed down). 28. Detroit - The Lions almost won, I moved them up a spot, one spot, Tampa Bay is just slightly better right now in my opinion. Good teams had bad days, Philly was good last year and tied the Bengals, this years Bengals have Cleveland. Blind squirrel finds a nut. 27. Tampa Bay - A benefit of the doubt call, because they should have had a better game. This week: If Tampa Bay wins, they likely won't move any higher than #24. If Tampa Bay loses and: *Detroit plays close and the Bucs get smoked, Bucs are #28, if Detroit wins, depending on how good it is, they might jump them anyways. *Oakland won't beat the Eagles, forget it. *Cleveland, last week you would have told me about Cincy... now what? They'll likely get smoked by Pittsburgh. *Kansas City, they get Washington. If they lose, forget about it. If they win, it'll depend on how good of a win it is. *St. Louis, you're kidding right? Kansas City and Detroit are this week's Cleveland. Show me once, I'm watching, show me twice and I'll see how your peers did. Kansas City fell behind Cleveland, Detroit jumped Oakland. You know I'm being realistic now and I'm not just handing out rankings (see the rest of them). Denver and Cincinnati were big movers from #15 and #16 to #6 and #7 respectively, even after Cincy had beaten Pittsburgh and Denver had beaten Dallas, because they couldn't be for real until they beat the big guns, namely the Patriots and Ravens. My biggest losers were respectable choices too as the New York Jets (consecutive losses) and San Francisco (big blowout) both lost and they are also victims of other teams now ahead of them winning, beating them previously, and a couple bye week teams (it's my rule that teams on their "Bye" do not move up or down) as both have dropped significantly. |
| | WesleyWildcat84
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Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #10 |
After Week 6 Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Minnesota Vikings (6-0, 13-3) They took down the Baltimore Ravens... barely... now they get another dose of the AFC North, this time against the Steelers. Previous: 1
2. Indianapolis Colts (5-0, 12-4) Hope they enjoy this "two week bye" as a Bye week plus St. Louis just isn't funny. Previous: 2
3. New Orleans Saints (5-0, 12-4) They steamroller the Giants, and now it's time to see if they can stop the clockmasters known as the Miami Dolphins. Previous: 5
4. New England Patriots (4-2, 11-5) Nothing like a total dismantling of the Tennessee Titans to get you back on the right path. Not quite more of the same, but the same idea to come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Previous: 9
5. Denver Broncos (6-0, 10-6) They took out San Diego... wow... for a team that looked dysfuntional in the offseason, these guys are freaking good. They will stay undefeated this week, as they get their Bye week. Previous: 6
6. New York Giants (5-1, 11-5) The New York Giants ran into the buzzsaw known as the New Orleans Saints. Now they get the Arizona Cardinals at home. Previous: 3
7. Atlanta Falcons (4-1, 10-6) They took down Chicago, and now they get a trip to Big D. Previous: 8 8. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2, 10-6) Losing to Houston is an aberration, Chicago might be a good fight. Previous: 7
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2. 10-6) Cleveland is like another Bye week after a closer than usual game against Detroit. Previous: 10
10. Philadelpia Eagles (3-2, 10-6) How do you lose to Oakland? Philly took a tumble after that one. Redemption against the Redskins? Yes, please! Previous: 4 11. Baltimore Ravens (3-3, 10-6) Baltimore buys some Pepto Bismal going into the Bye week after coming so close against the Vikings. Previous: 11 12. San Diego Chargers (2-3. 10-6) They got beat by Denver, that's the bad news. They get Kansas City, so that's good news. Previous: 12
13. Arizona Cardinals (3-2. 9-7) Arizona slammed the Seattle Seahawks on the road, and now they get the Giants. Previous: 14
14. New York Jets (3-2, 9-7) New York got upset by the Bills and they moved up? Eh, don't worry, the season will settle this. So might a game against the Oakland Raiders... that'll help. Previous: 15 15. Chicago Bears (3-2, 8-8) Lost to Atlanta is a competitive game heading into a game against a good Cincinnati team. Previous: 13
16. San Francisco 49ers (3-2, 10-6) Can they beat Houston after the Bye? Previous: 16
17. Miami Dolphins (2-3, 8-8) A Bye week is nice... a game against New Orleans is not. Previous: 17
18. Green Bay (3-2, 8-8) Green Bay slugged Detroit and they're looking at Cleveland... can you see the drooling? Previous: 18 19. Dallas Cowboys (3-2, 8-8) Will they do better against Atlanta? Previous: 19 20. Carolina Panthers (2-3, 8-8) They ran over Tampa Bay and will look to do the same against Buffalo. Previous: 22 21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3, 7-9) I want to love these guys, but they almost lost to the Rams... are you kidding me? Previous: 21 22. Houston Texans (3-3, 7-9) Houston took down the Cincinnati Bengals, but they've been like a yo-yo all year... up and down, so they're still not there yet. Previous: 24 23. Seattle Seahawks (2-4, 7-9) John Carlson got hit in the face with a football from Matt Hasselbeck... how's your team doing? Previous: 20
24. Buffalo Bills (2-4, 5-11) They managed to haul down the New York Jets, and we'll see how they hang on against Carolina after getting run over and depending on their defense. Previous: 26
25. Washington Redskins (2-4, 5-11) They lost to Carolina, and now they get a Kansas City Chiefs team that must have played some inspired football against the Cowboys, taking them to the mat... not good for the Redskins. Previous: 25
26. Oakland Raiders (2-4, 5-11) The Raiders beat the Eagles? Blind squirrel find a nut. Previous: 29 27. Tennessee Titans (0-6, 5-11) They got destroyed in New England, and that can't feel good going into their Bye week. Previous: 23
28. Detroit Lions (1-4, 4-12) Take the teeth out of a Lion and declaw it too, and it's nothing more than a heavy puttie tat... losing Megatron and Culpepper hurt them bad this week. Previous: 28
29. Kansas City Chiefs (1-5, 4-12) Kansas City beat Washington! Congratulations, you're still not that good. Previous: 31 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-6, 4-12) I can't keep defending these guys, so I'm not. Previous: 27 31. Cleveland Browns (1-4, 3-13) They got whacked by Pittsburgh and pushed back down the stairs. Previous: 30
32. St. Louis Rams (0-6, 2-14) They took the Jaguars to the brink, but the score should have been a lot more decisive. Previous: 32 |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #11 | After Week 7 (just the rankings, since the Week 8 Sunday games have been played) Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Indianapolis Colts (6-0, 13-3) Previous: 2
2. New Orleans Saints (6-0, 13-3) Previous: 3 3. Minnesota Vikings (6-1, 12-4) Previous: 1
4. New England Patriots (5-2, 11-5) Previous: 4 5. Denver Broncos (6-0, 11-5) Previous: 5
6. New York Giants (5-2, 11-5) Previous: 6
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2. 10-6) Previous: 9
8. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2, 10-6) Previous: 8
9. Philadelpia Eagles (4-2, 10-6) Previous: 10 10. Arizona Cardinals (4-2. 10-6) Previous: 13 11. Baltimore Ravens (3-3, 10-6) Previous: 11 12. San Diego Chargers (3-3. 10-6) Previous: 12
13. New York Jets (4-3, 10-6) Previous: 14
14. Dallas Cowboys (4-2, 8-8) Previous: 19
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-2, 10-6) Previous: 7 16. San Francisco 49ers (3-3, 9-7) Previous: 16
17. Green Bay (4-2, 8-8) Previous: 18
18. Chicago Bears (3-3, 8-8) Previous: 15 19. Miami Dolphins (2-4, 8-8) Previous: 17
20. Houston Texans (4-3, 7-9) Previous: 22 21. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3, 7-9) Previous: 21 22. Carolina Panthers (2-4, 7-9) Previous: 20
23. Seattle Seahawks (2-4, 7-9) Previous: 23
24. Buffalo Bills (3-4, 5-11) Previous: 24
25. Washington Redskins (2-5, 5-11) Previous: 25
26. Oakland Raiders (2-5, 5-11) Previous: 26 27. Tennessee Titans (0-6, 5-11) Previous: 27
28. Detroit Lions (1-5, 4-12) Previous: 28
29. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6, 4-12) Previous: 29 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7, 4-12) Previous: 30 31. Cleveland Browns (1-6, 3-13) Previous: 31
32. St. Louis Rams (0-7, 2-14) Previous: 32 |
| | Mr_Lucky
Pitcher
Registered: 12/31/08
Posts: 412
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Reply with quote | #12 | Wes, Please explain which 4 teams the Bucs will beat? also gotta disagree with the Colts over the Saints but that's minor. the G-men will fall and fall hard - they have no secondary __________________ Its better to be Lucky than good |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #13 | Keep the following in mind: 1) This last set of rankings was determined before this last week started, so as you can see, the New York Giants are ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles on these rankings, but they aren't after the Eagles win. 2) I have a "no-movement rule" rankings wise, on the Bye Week, so when you see Tampa Bay no on the bottom of the rankings this upcoming week, it's because they weren't last before this week. 3) Colts vs. Saints - Consider that more of a 1A vs. 1B team, and consider their ranking history: Preseason: Colts (6th)/Saints (18th) Week 1: Colts (4th)/Saints (14th) Week 2: Colts (2nd)/Saints (7th) Week 3: Colts (2nd)/Saints (6th) Week 4: Colts (2nd)/Saints (5th) Week 5: Colts (2nd)/Saints (5th) Week 6: Colts (2nd)/Saints (3rd) Last rankings posted: Week 7: Colts (1st)/Saints (2nd) Next rankings posted: Week 8: Colts (1st)/Saints (2nd) If somehow, the Colts get knocked off and New Orleans wins, then they'll move up. 4) Back to Tampa Bay, I now have them for 3 wins in the prediction (without changing their ranking, due to the Bye week), and I can't wait to pump them back up to 4 wins (if that's possible). My favorite three are: Green Bay, at Carolina, and Atlanta. My fourth win is at Seattle (if they're hanging in body bags), and the Jets at home, followed by Miami are 5th and 6th. Atlanta at Atlanta is 7th, and if we compete with the Saints, I'd be shocked. I don't know how, but I think that they just might win those games. |
| | WesleyWildcat84
Sports Animal
Registered: 02/27/09
Posts: 589
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Reply with quote | #14 | After Week 8 (just the rankings, since the Week 9Sunday games have been played) Rankings (Record, Current Predicted Finish) 1. Indianapolis Colts (7-0, 13-3) Previous: 1
. New Orleans Saints (6-0, 13-3) Previous: 2 3. Minnesota Vikings (7-1, 13-3) Previous: 3
4. New England Patriots (5-2, 11-5) Previous: 4 5. Denver Broncos (6-1, 11-5) Previous: 5
6. Philadelpia Eagles (5-2, 11-5) Previous: 9
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2. 10-6) Previous: 7
8. Cincinnati Bengals (5-2, 10-6) Previous: 8
9. New York Giants (5-3, 11-5) Previous: 6
10. Baltimore Ravens (4-3, 10-6) Previous: 11 11. San Diego Chargers (4-3, 10-6) Previous: 12
12. Dallas Cowboys (4-2, 9-7) Previous: 14
13. Arizona Cardinals (4-3, 9-7) Previous: 10
14. New York Jets (4-4, 10-6) Previous: 13
15. Atlanta Falcons (4-2, 10-6) Previous: 15 16. San Francisco 49ers (3-4, 9-7) Previous: 16 17. Chicago Bears (4-3, 8-8) Previous: 18 18. Miami Dolphins (3-4, 8-8) Previous: 19
19. Houston Texans (5-3, 8-8) Previous: 20
20. Green Bay (4-3, 8-8) Previous: 17 21. Carolina Panthers (3-4, 7-9) Previous: 22
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4, 7-9) Previous: 21
23. Seattle Seahawks (2-5, 6-10) Previous: 23 24. Tennessee Titans (1-6, 6-10) Previous: 27
25. Washington Redskins (2-5, 5-11) Previous: 25
26. Buffalo Bills (3-5, 5-11) Previous: 24
27. Oakland Raiders (2-6, 4-12) Previous: 26
28. Detroit Lions (1-6, 4-12) Previous: 28
29. Kansas City Chiefs (1-6, 4-12) Previous: 29 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7, 3-13) Previous: 30
31. St. Louis Rams (1-7, 3-13) Previous: 32 32. Cleveland Browns (1-7, 2-14) Previous: 31 |
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