Teams looking good:
New Orleans - First in the league in total offense, they seem to have found a potent game plan and do not look like they'll be slowing down anytime soon.
Atlanta - Their running game needs to step up to its prolific state from last year, but overall this offense is dynamic, especially with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. Another test will be this week with New England.
Minnesota - Adrian Peterson is looking like well, himself, and this team is on its way to steady success. Their big problem is passing yards, if that improves, this offense doubles.
New York (Giants) - They are finishing out games and getting things done through the air without Buress. The defense looks well rounded and they could be a force to be reckoned with.
New York (NYJ) - Mark Sanchez looks promising as a starting rookie QB, and the improved defense is top of the league at the moment. They could falter if the offense doesn't pick up some momentum.
Teams on the verge:
Indianapolis - They may be 2-0 and their passing seems fine tuned and efficient even with young players dominating most receiving positions. Their pass defense may be number one in the league but their run defense is near rock bottom, if they can plug up the line and stop the run better they can be a real heavy hitter again.
Pittsburgh - The former super bowl champs have the cards to make another run at the playoffs if they can play with continuity. Their opener against Tennessee was a good example of team perseverance.
Houston - They bounced back in a big way with some explosive play at offense in week 2. If they can keep that level of play up they can go far.
Dallas - Their offense is putting up a lot of yards, and is near the top of the league, but their also allowing a lot of yards. The defense needs to crack down and they need to finish out games.
San Diego - They are looking good on offense especially through the air, but the running game could step up, as well as the rush defense. They have a real test 2 weeks at Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia - That hard loss to the Saints hurts, but this team can get rolling again. A healthy Mcnabb can ensure that start.
Green Bay - The packers are well rounded, they just need to continue to get better. The loss to Cinci hurts, but they can rebound with an easy win over the Rams.
Chicago - They looked better beating the former super bowl champs, but they need to pull their rushing game away from the bottom to become a real threat again.
Teams that need help:
Denver Broncos - Dont let their record fool you, they pulled one out of their ass in week one, thought the victory in week 2 did look more promising (though it was against Cleveland). They need some more fine tuning.
Miami - Their smash mouth run game seems as potent as ever, but lack of efficiency in clutch plays and lack of putting up points as kept them from a victory thus far in the season. Teams play together and win together and Miami needs to figure out how to win together fast.
Tennessee - They are better then their record, but they need to show it on the field. They have played two tough games, but they need to strive towards finishing and winning the game, and the defense needs to step up to help.
New England Patriots - They don't look like the NE of old, and Tom Brady has yet to find a rhythm. They need to find a way to protect Brady and supplement the defense or its going to be a disappointing year.
Buffalo - They show signs of the possibility of improving. The week one loss was a letdown, and they needed to finish that game. The defense needs to step up all around and the offense needs to be more versatile.
Seattle - They have some real potential brewing. Their offense is getting better and their defense is stepping up, though some injuries to Wilson and Trufant could bring them right back down again
Arizona - They need to find their continuity and step up as a team. Warner's record breaking game is surely a step in the right direction, but some run game improvement could help.
Washington - They put a lot of money into this team and it just does not seem to be translating into playing good football. Barely beating St. Louis does not help their case.
Oakland - I'm not set on their potential just yet, their offense just isint doing what needs to be done. They are gonna need to figure out how to make this team run smoothly.
Kansas City - Two losses into the season, their looking like normal run of the mill Kansas City. The loss of TE Tony Gonzalez couldent have helped any either.
Carolina - Where is that rushing game that was so phenomenal last year? The passing defense seems to be the highlight of this team, but Delhomme needs to lead this team to a win before they fall to far behind. Considering they have Atlanta and New Orleans above them, they need wins now or it will be too late.
Tampa Bay - They are on the verge of falling even father, their defense is hitting rock bottom at the moment, showing no signs of life. They need to reevaluate their game plan fast.
Teams that seem to be playing for next year already:
St. Louis - They have shown no potency at offense what so ever, and the defense is like a shredded sponge. They need an overhaul of the whole team.
Jacksonville - A team with high hopes, looks to be unable to get anything going at the moment. They have the ability to rush the ball but the passing attack is stagnant and their just not explosive. They need to find a way to bring something worthwhile to this offense.
Cleveland - They haven't been absolutely horrid, but their offense is invisible thus far.
Detroit - Second year without a win? maybe.
AFC & NFC Championship Predictions:
While making such predictions 3 weeks into the season mean nothing, we'll do them anyway.
AFC Championship:
Indianapolis Colts Vs Baltimore Ravens
NFC Championship:
New Orleans Saints Vs Minnesota Vikings
(now on to..)
NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 3
Tampa Bay's defense has not lived up to expectations and the Giants have been fairly well rounded as they moved to 2-0. I think its certainly possible for Tampa to take this, but its highly unlikely.
New Orleans - First in the league in total offense, they seem to have found a potent game plan and do not look like they'll be slowing down anytime soon.
Atlanta - Their running game needs to step up to its prolific state from last year, but overall this offense is dynamic, especially with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez. Another test will be this week with New England.
Minnesota - Adrian Peterson is looking like well, himself, and this team is on its way to steady success. Their big problem is passing yards, if that improves, this offense doubles.
New York (Giants) - They are finishing out games and getting things done through the air without Buress. The defense looks well rounded and they could be a force to be reckoned with.
New York (NYJ) - Mark Sanchez looks promising as a starting rookie QB, and the improved defense is top of the league at the moment. They could falter if the offense doesn't pick up some momentum.
Teams on the verge:
Indianapolis - They may be 2-0 and their passing seems fine tuned and efficient even with young players dominating most receiving positions. Their pass defense may be number one in the league but their run defense is near rock bottom, if they can plug up the line and stop the run better they can be a real heavy hitter again.
Pittsburgh - The former super bowl champs have the cards to make another run at the playoffs if they can play with continuity. Their opener against Tennessee was a good example of team perseverance.
Houston - They bounced back in a big way with some explosive play at offense in week 2. If they can keep that level of play up they can go far.
Dallas - Their offense is putting up a lot of yards, and is near the top of the league, but their also allowing a lot of yards. The defense needs to crack down and they need to finish out games.
San Diego - They are looking good on offense especially through the air, but the running game could step up, as well as the rush defense. They have a real test 2 weeks at Pittsburgh.
Philadelphia - That hard loss to the Saints hurts, but this team can get rolling again. A healthy Mcnabb can ensure that start.
Green Bay - The packers are well rounded, they just need to continue to get better. The loss to Cinci hurts, but they can rebound with an easy win over the Rams.
Chicago - They looked better beating the former super bowl champs, but they need to pull their rushing game away from the bottom to become a real threat again.
Teams that need help:
Denver Broncos - Dont let their record fool you, they pulled one out of their ass in week one, thought the victory in week 2 did look more promising (though it was against Cleveland). They need some more fine tuning.
Miami - Their smash mouth run game seems as potent as ever, but lack of efficiency in clutch plays and lack of putting up points as kept them from a victory thus far in the season. Teams play together and win together and Miami needs to figure out how to win together fast.
Tennessee - They are better then their record, but they need to show it on the field. They have played two tough games, but they need to strive towards finishing and winning the game, and the defense needs to step up to help.
New England Patriots - They don't look like the NE of old, and Tom Brady has yet to find a rhythm. They need to find a way to protect Brady and supplement the defense or its going to be a disappointing year.
Buffalo - They show signs of the possibility of improving. The week one loss was a letdown, and they needed to finish that game. The defense needs to step up all around and the offense needs to be more versatile.
Seattle - They have some real potential brewing. Their offense is getting better and their defense is stepping up, though some injuries to Wilson and Trufant could bring them right back down again
Arizona - They need to find their continuity and step up as a team. Warner's record breaking game is surely a step in the right direction, but some run game improvement could help.
Washington - They put a lot of money into this team and it just does not seem to be translating into playing good football. Barely beating St. Louis does not help their case.
Oakland - I'm not set on their potential just yet, their offense just isint doing what needs to be done. They are gonna need to figure out how to make this team run smoothly.
Kansas City - Two losses into the season, their looking like normal run of the mill Kansas City. The loss of TE Tony Gonzalez couldent have helped any either.
Carolina - Where is that rushing game that was so phenomenal last year? The passing defense seems to be the highlight of this team, but Delhomme needs to lead this team to a win before they fall to far behind. Considering they have Atlanta and New Orleans above them, they need wins now or it will be too late.
Tampa Bay - They are on the verge of falling even father, their defense is hitting rock bottom at the moment, showing no signs of life. They need to reevaluate their game plan fast.
Teams that seem to be playing for next year already:
St. Louis - They have shown no potency at offense what so ever, and the defense is like a shredded sponge. They need an overhaul of the whole team.
Jacksonville - A team with high hopes, looks to be unable to get anything going at the moment. They have the ability to rush the ball but the passing attack is stagnant and their just not explosive. They need to find a way to bring something worthwhile to this offense.
Cleveland - They haven't been absolutely horrid, but their offense is invisible thus far.
Detroit - Second year without a win? maybe.
AFC & NFC Championship Predictions:
While making such predictions 3 weeks into the season mean nothing, we'll do them anyway.
AFC Championship:
Indianapolis Colts Vs Baltimore Ravens
NFC Championship:
New Orleans Saints Vs Minnesota Vikings
(now on to..)
NFL Game Predictions & Outlooks; Week 3
Cleveland Browns Vs Baltimore Ravens
Cleveland's already stagnant offense will be nonexistent versus this concrete defense. Look for the Ravens to run with Ray Rice, and Flacco to get the conversions easily. This should be a lock.
Players To Watch:
Baltimore's Ray Rice - Cleveland's Jamal Lewis
Proposed Score: Baltimore 27 - Cleveland 13
Houston Texans Vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has struggled on offense and Houston has bounced back, showing some stellar offensive Jacksonville can put up a fight but i don't think they can pull out a win.
Players to watch:
Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew - Houston's Matt Schuab
Proposed Score: Houston 20 - Jacksonville 9
Cleveland's already stagnant offense will be nonexistent versus this concrete defense. Look for the Ravens to run with Ray Rice, and Flacco to get the conversions easily. This should be a lock.Players To Watch:
Baltimore's Ray Rice - Cleveland's Jamal Lewis
Proposed Score: Baltimore 27 - Cleveland 13
Washington Redskins Vs Detroit Lions
Washington hasn't been very explosive this year, but anyone looks explosive matched up with Detroit.
Players to Watch:
Washington's Chris Cooley - Detroit's Kevin Smith
Proposed Score: Washington 17 - Detroit 9
Players to Watch:
Washington's Chris Cooley - Detroit's Kevin Smith
Proposed Score: Washington 17 - Detroit 9
Houston Texans Vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville has struggled on offense and Houston has bounced back, showing some stellar offensive Jacksonville can put up a fight but i don't think they can pull out a win.
Players to watch:
Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew - Houston's Matt Schuab
Proposed Score: Houston 20 - Jacksonville 9
Atlanta Falcons Vs New England Patriots
The Patriots are sputtering, unable to protect Brady and get a offensive rhythm down, look for Matt Ryan and the Falcons to exploit them on the ground and through the air.
Players to watch:
Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez - New England's Tom Brady
The Patriots are sputtering, unable to protect Brady and get a offensive rhythm down, look for Matt Ryan and the Falcons to exploit them on the ground and through the air.
Players to watch:
Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez - New England's Tom Brady
Proposed Score: Atlanta 23 - New England 13
Green Bay Packers Vs St. Louis Rams
Look for Green Bay to have a good bounce back game versus the hapless St. Louis rams who have only scored 7 points total in 2 games this season.
Players to Watch:
St. Louis Steven Jackson - Green Bay's Ryan Grant
Proposed Score: Green Bay 27 - St. Louis 6
Look for Green Bay to have a good bounce back game versus the hapless St. Louis rams who have only scored 7 points total in 2 games this season.
Players to Watch:
St. Louis Steven Jackson - Green Bay's Ryan Grant
Proposed Score: Green Bay 27 - St. Louis 6
New York Giants Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay's defense has not lived up to expectations and the Giants have been fairly well rounded as they moved to 2-0. I think its certainly possible for Tampa to take this, but its highly unlikely.
Players To Watch:
Tampa's Byron Leftwich - New York's Brandon Jacobs
Proposed Score: New York 28 - Tampa Bay 17
Proposed Score: New York 28 - Tampa Bay 17
New York Jets Vs Tennessee Titans
The Jets are rolling on their 2-0 start and the Titans are on the other end, but i think this could be a good match up for the Titans. I think it will be a war, but the Titans can pull it off.
Players to watch:
Titans Justin Gage - Jets Mark Sanchez
Proposed Score: Titans 17 - Jets 14
The Jets are rolling on their 2-0 start and the Titans are on the other end, but i think this could be a good match up for the Titans. I think it will be a war, but the Titans can pull it off.
Players to watch:
Titans Justin Gage - Jets Mark Sanchez
Proposed Score: Titans 17 - Jets 14
Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles got torn apart by the Saints last week but they could rebound very nicely against this undermined Kansas City team.
Players to watch:
Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe - Philadelphia's Desean Jackson
Proposed Score: Philadelphia 33 - Kansas City 13
The Eagles got torn apart by the Saints last week but they could rebound very nicely against this undermined Kansas City team.
Players to watch:
Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe - Philadelphia's Desean Jackson
Proposed Score: Philadelphia 33 - Kansas City 13
San Fransisco 49ers Vs Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is one of the best teams rushing the ball with AP, and their going up against one of the top 5 run defenses thus far this season. This should make the game a close ball game, but Minnesota's defense will keep them on top.
Players to watch:
Minnesota's Brett Favre - San Fran's Frank Gore
Proposed Score: Minnesota 17 - San Fran 13
Denver Broncos Vs Oakland Raiders
Despite pitfalls, Denver is 2-0 and while it may be very competitive they should move to 3-0 this week against Oakland. The Raiders show promise but cant seem to keep it together.
Players to watch:
Denver's Brandon Marshall - Oakland's Zack Miller
Proposed Score: Denver 14 - Oakland 10
Arizona Cardinals Vs Indianapolis Colts
Kurt Warner is coming off his most efficient game ever but that might not be enough for the Colts solid pass defense. Look for it to be close but for Peyton Manning to create some magic and lead his team to victory again.
Players to watch:
Colts Peyton Manning - Cardinals Kurt Warner
Proposed Score: Indianapolis 23 - Arizona 19
Minnesota is one of the best teams rushing the ball with AP, and their going up against one of the top 5 run defenses thus far this season. This should make the game a close ball game, but Minnesota's defense will keep them on top.
Players to watch:
Minnesota's Brett Favre - San Fran's Frank Gore
Proposed Score: Minnesota 17 - San Fran 13
New Orleans Saints Vs Buffalo Bills
Buffalo shows some improvement but they will be little match against the leagues best offense this week. Look for the Saints to produce stellar numbers as always on route to a win.
Players to watch:
New Orleans Drew Brees - Buffalo's Terrell Owens
Proposed Score: New Orleans 38 - Buffalo 19
Players to watch:
Cinci's Chad Ochosinco - Pittsburgh Hines Ward
Proposed Score: Steelers 21 - Bengals 14
Buffalo shows some improvement but they will be little match against the leagues best offense this week. Look for the Saints to produce stellar numbers as always on route to a win.
Players to watch:
New Orleans Drew Brees - Buffalo's Terrell Owens
Proposed Score: New Orleans 38 - Buffalo 19
Chicago Bears Vs Seattle Seahawks
Chicago and Seattle are both a little wobbly coming into this week. Chicago is due to take this after beating the Superbowl champs last week. Seattle faltered since their first win.
Players to watch:
Seattle's Julius Jones - Chicago's Matt Forte
Proposed Score: Chicago 20 - Seattle 10
Chicago and Seattle are both a little wobbly coming into this week. Chicago is due to take this after beating the Superbowl champs last week. Seattle faltered since their first win.
Players to watch:
Seattle's Julius Jones - Chicago's Matt Forte
Proposed Score: Chicago 20 - Seattle 10
Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Cincinnati Bengals
The steelers are due for a bounce back after the disappointing loss last week, Cincinnati played well last week but should fall to Pittsburgh.
The steelers are due for a bounce back after the disappointing loss last week, Cincinnati played well last week but should fall to Pittsburgh.
Players to watch:
Cinci's Chad Ochosinco - Pittsburgh Hines Ward
Proposed Score: Steelers 21 - Bengals 14
Denver Broncos Vs Oakland Raiders
Despite pitfalls, Denver is 2-0 and while it may be very competitive they should move to 3-0 this week against Oakland. The Raiders show promise but cant seem to keep it together.
Players to watch:
Denver's Brandon Marshall - Oakland's Zack Miller
Proposed Score: Denver 14 - Oakland 10
Miami Dolphins Vs San Diego Chargers
The Dolphins have yet to balance out their offense in their first two games, but this could be their turning point in a tough battle with San Diego. Miami's run game is effective and if they can run in between the tackles, which they most likely will against the Chargers, it could be a good game plan. San Diego needs to focus on scoring in the red zone.
Players to watch:
Chargers Vincent jackson - Dolphins Ronnie Brown
Proposed Score: Dolphins 17 - Chargers 14
The Dolphins have yet to balance out their offense in their first two games, but this could be their turning point in a tough battle with San Diego. Miami's run game is effective and if they can run in between the tackles, which they most likely will against the Chargers, it could be a good game plan. San Diego needs to focus on scoring in the red zone.
Players to watch:
Chargers Vincent jackson - Dolphins Ronnie Brown
Proposed Score: Dolphins 17 - Chargers 14
Arizona Cardinals Vs Indianapolis Colts
Kurt Warner is coming off his most efficient game ever but that might not be enough for the Colts solid pass defense. Look for it to be close but for Peyton Manning to create some magic and lead his team to victory again.
Players to watch:
Colts Peyton Manning - Cardinals Kurt Warner
Proposed Score: Indianapolis 23 - Arizona 19
Carolina Panthers Vs Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys offense should rev back up against the mistake prone Panthers in this match up. That is, if Marion Barber can keep his effectiveness up and Tony Romo can protect the football.
Players to watch:
Carlina's Steve Smith - Dallas Jason Witten
Proposed Score: Dallas 27 - Carolina 19
The Cowboys offense should rev back up against the mistake prone Panthers in this match up. That is, if Marion Barber can keep his effectiveness up and Tony Romo can protect the football.
Players to watch:
Carlina's Steve Smith - Dallas Jason Witten
Proposed Score: Dallas 27 - Carolina 19
