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Old but Slow wrote:With the season starting soon, who do we see as the big contenders? (Sorry, but I think it is time to be talking real football). Of course I am seeing the Seahawks to win the NFC West, and the Super Bowl. But, how are some of the others going to do. SF seems to be in a death spiral, but they still have some talent, the Steelers have great offensive talent and seem to be sinking on defense.

I am no guru, so I need some of you hardcore types to bring me up to date. What the crap is going on?

You're more of a guru than I am.

I'm waiting to see what happens in the Brady appeal. If his suspension is upheld, then I could easily see a changing of the guard in the AFC East. If it is completely overturned, then maybe not this season.

I keep picking the Rams to make the playoffs, and they keep making me look like a fool, mainly because they couldn't keep their QB healthy. They've dealt Bradford in the offseason, but I'm not sure if Nick Foles is their answer. But at least it adds some stability to the position. We really match up badly against them.

Like New England in the East, IMO there could be something stirring in the AFC West. Denver's window is about to close. This will be Andy Reid's 3rd season in KC, maybe this will be their breakout season.

In the AFC I see this as the year the Pats finally don't win their division, I could make a case for both the Fins and the Bills finishing ahead of them.
I see the Broncs and Chiefs as pretty much a coin flip in the West, the one the doesn't win will still get a card, the Chargers give that division a chance at three playoff teams.
Ravens win easy because the Steelers have no defense.
Colts have the easiest road to the playoffs of any team, they will finish with only three losses.
In the NFC I see the Eagles and Cowboys both finishing at about 10-11 wins at most, that division is overrated as usual.
Altlanta plays nobody. No one at all. They'll win 10 games falling out of bed.
Green Bay, (every media members darling) may not even win their division, much less be the favorite to win it all. Detroit's offensive line is good enough, and the Vikes are coming on as well. I suppose I'll give the Pack the slight nod, but they'll get killed in the playoffs.
Seahawks will easily win the West, which will not be as tough as it has been with the Niners winning 5 games at best, and the Cards being very overrated.
I see the Rams finishing a distant second place at 10 wins at most and pushing for a WC.
Seahawks 13-3 and Super Bowl winners over the Colts.

I expect a war in the NFC west. If there were ever a golden time for the Rams to rise up its week one. They will never have a better chance to get the jump on Seattle. I am very apprehensive about that game.If they pound Seattle they could set tone for the entire campaign. When they get Gurley up to speed they will be formidable. AZ goes as Carson Palmer goes. 9ers will be bad but dangerous.

Eagles will win their division. The Cowboys will not overcome the loss of Murray. A sleeper here though is the Giants. They always seem to rise up unexpectedly every few years under Coughlin and Eli has another year in the WCO system, Cruz and Beckham outside. I think GB will win their division due to having the best coaching staff and QB in the division but it might be close. Detroit is right on them and rising star Golden Tate is poised for a monster season alongside a healthy Calvin Johnson. I'm curious to see how Fox does in Chicago.
Ill root for Quinn and the Falcons in the south but who knows with that division. I think Brees will be lost without his security blanket. Cam is who he is, mediocre. Jamies Winston will prove to be a disastrous Draft pick IMO.
Colts should have the easiest road to win their division but I expect the Texans to be better than expected.Mariota in Tennessee could be a real wild card if he continues to develop as quickly as he has so far.
I like the Ravens in the North with the Bengals second and Pittsburgh 3rd
The Peyton Manning era will end sometime this season in Denver. He looks awful dropping back from under center and his arm looks worse than ever.The Narccist Elway went too far when he cut Fox and brought in Kubiak who has never done much of anything as a head coach. I see the Chargers winning that division, KC second.
In the east I'm going to predict this is the year the evil empire crashes and burns. Brady will have Tiger Woods syndrome, knowing everybody knows he lied and cheated. Not to mention they have gutted their roster. I like Miami due to the Suh acquisition primarily. I will be really interested to see what Buffalo does. I have zero faith in the Jets.

I cant wait for the real games to start

Hawktawk wrote: If there were ever a golden time for the Rams to rise up its week one.
I cant wait for the real games to start

I would agree with this, although I would say they had a pretty golden opportunity when we were starting a rookie QB and they beat us in St. Louis. That should have set the table for a Rams team who many picked as potential NFC WEST champions that off-season. Like usual they didn't take advantage of that start and I doubt they would take advantage if they were to beat us this year. They are the Rams after all.

The QB position is a key for the Rams. They have a filthy defense, a good number of skill athletes, good coaching and a potentially superstar RB who will take the field soon. QB issues have derailed them 3 seasons in a row. If Foles looks anything like he did in Philly this team will be better. They dont need to get much better to really be a problem for anyone.

I think the Jaguars are going to be a surprise. Not a playoff surprise, necessarily ... but I think they're going to play tough and break .500. Basing this off ... not much. Just watched their preseason game vs. the Lions and I was impressed, especially with their passing game. Would be neat to see that success materialize for them in the regular season.

I think the Raiders will be much improved, and vye for the AFC West Championship. Why? Gut feel.

Let's see ...in the NFC West ... I think the Cards won't be as good as the talking heads think they are. I think the 49ers, despite their seemingly never-ending implosion, will somehow find the strength to stay competitive - maybe not playoff competitive, but they will not be a pushover by any stretch. I think the Rams will be a very tough match.

Bengals will blow. So will the Jets. So will the ... hmmm ... Broncos. Why? Because I have to be bold.

There ya' go. Those are my predictions. Take 'em or leave 'em (my advice is to take the latter option).

GO SEAHAWKS!!!