For those predicting a Pats/Cowboys Super Bowl (1 Viewer)

[David Yudkin]

Was in 1993 when Dallas beat Buffalo.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Whew...then I'm glad I'm predicting a Colts / Cowboys Super Bowl....

 

[Jason Wood]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

 

[Jason Wood]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

Who said I'm betting on anything? I was reacting to David's point about the 1 seeds and, while I know you disagree, I see the Patriots as a stone cold lock for the Bowl (if there ever is such a thing) whereas the Cowboys are about to find out just how valuable Terrell Owens is to their playoff hopes.

 

[Mark Wimer]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

Who said I'm betting on anything? I was reacting to David's point about the 1 seeds and, while I know you disagree, I see the Patriots as a stone cold lock for the Bowl (if there ever is such a thing) whereas the Cowboys are about to find out just how valuable Terrell Owens is to their playoff hopes.

No TO = big trouble in Big D, IMO.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

Who said I'm betting on anything? I was reacting to David's point about the 1 seeds and, while I know you disagree, I see the Patriots as a stone cold lock for the Bowl (if there ever is such a thing) whereas the Cowboys are about to find out just how valuable Terrell Owens is to their playoff hopes.

Understood. If we presume the Pats are the odd-son favorite for the AFC, then it's logical to presume based on past history that that means Dallas may not make it. I'm just pointing out that Green Bay at Dallas doesn't inspire much confidence for the Pack. If the Packers are lucky, they'll get the Redskins or Seahawks to knock off Dallas in round 2.

 

[wilked]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

 

[Jason Wood]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

 

[Ghost Rider]

If the Packers are lucky, they'll get the Redskins or Seahawks to knock off Dallas in round 2.

Seattle is the 3 seed, and as such, they cannot play Dallas in the 2nd round.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

 

[Brutis]

Pack and Pats will be in the SB. I think the Redskins will upset Dallas in rd2. Pack beat Wash in the NFC championship.

 

[Jason Wood]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

I couldn't. Not only do they have to go on the road throughout, Manning has (once again) played poorly as the season wore on. Their 10 wins include exactly ONE against a team with a winning record (the 8-7 Redskins), who by the way beat the Giants in the rematch a few weeks ago. On the season, in wins their opponents winning percentage is a putrid (0.360).Giants are about as easy an out as a 10-win team has ever been, and it would be damning for Jon Gruden to lose to a team like that at home IMHO.

 

[Festivus]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

 

[The Shizzle]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The Pats will play the SB in Arizona this year.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

I couldn't. Not only do they have to go on the road throughout, Manning has (once again) played poorly as the season wore on. Their 10 wins include exactly ONE against a team with a winning record (the 8-7 Redskins), who by the way beat the Giants in the rematch a few weeks ago. On the season, in wins their opponents winning percentage is a putrid (0.360).Giants are about as easy an out as a 10-win team has ever been, and it would be damning for Jon Gruden to lose to a team like that at home IMHO.

I just can't see a team coached by Tom Coughlin and quarterbacked by Eli Manning making it to the Super Bowl at this point in time.

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

Never underestimate the Norv Turner factor.

 

[Jason Wood]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

I see no way a team with that level of quarterbacking can get through either the Colts or the Patriots, much less both. And for all the stones thrown at Marty Schottenheimer as a playoff coach, it's not as though Norv Turner has much of a track record in that department.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

I couldn't. Not only do they have to go on the road throughout, Manning has (once again) played poorly as the season wore on. Their 10 wins include exactly ONE against a team with a winning record (the 8-7 Redskins), who by the way beat the Giants in the rematch a few weeks ago. On the season, in wins their opponents winning percentage is a putrid (0.360).Giants are about as easy an out as a 10-win team has ever been, and it would be damning for Jon Gruden to lose to a team like that at home IMHO.

All very solid points. I think the Giants D is too talented to be an "easy" out at this point, especially against a team like Tampa that has a marginal offense. The Tampa D is obviously their strength and a rattled Eli Manning could sink the Giants on his own, but they'll be tougher then expected.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

I see no way a team with that level of quarterbacking can get through either the Colts or the Patriots, much less both. And for all the stones thrown at Marty Schottenheimer as a playoff coach, it's not as though Norv Turner has much of a track record in that department.

Agreed, and that presumes they beat a Titans team that SHOULD have beaten them 3 weeks ago or a Browns team that is prone to offensive outbursts.

 

[Festivus]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

I see no way a team with that level of quarterbacking can get through either the Colts or the Patriots, much less both. And for all the stones thrown at Marty Schottenheimer as a playoff coach, it's not as though Norv Turner has much of a track record in that department.

While it's no lock, there is certainly a way. It's a dominate run game and strong defense, with Gates moving the chains.Rivers needs to play better, but he doesn't have to carry them. If he can step up to a Dilfer-esque, "minimize mistakes" level of play, then SD is very dangerous.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

I see no way a team with that level of quarterbacking can get through either the Colts or the Patriots, much less both. And for all the stones thrown at Marty Schottenheimer as a playoff coach, it's not as though Norv Turner has much of a track record in that department.

Agreed, and that presumes they beat a Titans team that SHOULD have beaten them 3 weeks ago or a Browns team that is prone to offensive outbursts.

Maybe the Titans SHOULD have tried to tackle LT better.I would much rather play them then the Browns

 

[Colin Dowling]

Don't sleep on SD. They have as much talent as anyone, and seem to be peaking at the right time.

I see no way a team with that level of quarterbacking can get through either the Colts or the Patriots, much less both. And for all the stones thrown at Marty Schottenheimer as a playoff coach, it's not as though Norv Turner has much of a track record in that department.

While it's no lock, there is certainly a way. It's a dominate run game and strong defense, with Gates moving the chains.Rivers needs to play better, but he doesn't have to carry them. If he can step up to a Dilfer-esque, "minimize mistakes" level of play, then SD is very dangerous.

Even if all of that happens, Norv Turner is still the head coach.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think Dallas is very likely to be upset, I mean they SHOULD have lost to the Lions

I hope the Pats get upset

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think Dallas is very likely to be upset, I mean they SHOULD have lost to the Lions

Coulda, woulda, shoulda...Every year, every top team has at least a game or two that they almost or should have lost, but somehow managed to pull out a win. Dallas almost lost to Buffalo and Detroit. New England almost lost to Baltimore and Philly. Indy almost lost to Kansas City.Yada, yada, yada.

 

[Brutis]

I think Dallas is very likely to be upset, I mean they SHOULD have lost to the Lions

Just beause they SHOULD have lost to the Lions doesn't mean much. Each game is different and I think they will be up for the playoff games. I think the best scenario for dallas is for TB and Seattle to win their 1st round games. If that happens I like Dallas's chances. Worse case is Washington beats Seattle, that team makes me nervous the way they are playing right now.

 

[redman]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I think Dallas is very likely to be upset, I mean they SHOULD have lost to the Lions

Just beause they SHOULD have lost to the Lions doesn't mean much. Each game is different and I think they will be up for the playoff games. I think the best scenario for dallas is for TB and Seattle to win their 1st round games. If that happens I like Dallas's chances. Worse case is Washington beats Seattle, that team makes me nervous the way they are playing right now.

guess you guys didnt get the SHOULD sthick

 

[RoarinSonoran]

MIN over JAX.

 

[Assani Fisher]

Was in 1993 when Dallas beat Buffalo.

no offense, but this stat is as stupid as the "The last time the four #1 seed reached the final 4" stat.Yes the #1 seed is a significant underdog compared to the #2, 3, 4, 5,and 6 seeds COMBINED in most years. And therefore its not suprising that its not often that both #1 "underdogs" don't make it in a year often. That doesn't mean that the #1 seed isn't more likely than any other team specifically(which is what our predcitions are....unless someone asks you for your prediciton and you say "I think either TB, GB, Wash, GB, or NY will make it in the NFC.")

 

[David Yudkin]

Was in 1993 when Dallas beat Buffalo.

no offense, but this stat is as stupid as the "The last time the four #1 seed reached the final 4" stat.Yes the #1 seed is a significant underdog compared to the #2, 3, 4, 5,and 6 seeds COMBINED in most years. And therefore its not suprising that its not often that both #1 "underdogs" don't make it in a year often. That doesn't mean that the #1 seed isn't more likely than any other team specifically(which is what our predcitions are....unless someone asks you for your prediciton and you say "I think either TB, GB, Wash, GB, or NY will make it in the NFC.")

My point was that if you put money on #1 vs #1 the past 15 years you would have lost your shirt.

 

[redman]

Was in 1993 when Dallas beat Buffalo.

no offense, but this stat is as stupid as the "The last time the four #1 seed reached the final 4" stat.Yes the #1 seed is a significant underdog compared to the #2, 3, 4, 5,and 6 seeds COMBINED in most years. And therefore its not suprising that its not often that both #1 "underdogs" don't make it in a year often. That doesn't mean that the #1 seed isn't more likely than any other team specifically(which is what our predcitions are....unless someone asks you for your prediciton and you say "I think either TB, GB, Wash, GB, or NY will make it in the NFC.")

My point was that if you put money on #1 vs #1 the past 15 years you would have lost your shirt.

Depends on the odds being offered, doesn't it?

 

[redman]

Was in 1993 when Dallas beat Buffalo.

no offense, but this stat is as stupid as the "The last time the four #1 seed reached the final 4" stat.Yes the #1 seed is a significant underdog compared to the #2, 3, 4, 5,and 6 seeds COMBINED in most years. And therefore its not suprising that its not often that both #1 "underdogs" don't make it in a year often. That doesn't mean that the #1 seed isn't more likely than any other team specifically(which is what our predcitions are....unless someone asks you for your prediciton and you say "I think either TB, GB, Wash, GB, or NY will make it in the NFC.")

To be more precise, the top team is only beating two of the other teams to make it, and those teams can be ranked no higher than #4 and #2 seeds, respectively. It's not like they have to win five games against all of the other playoff teams from their conference to make the Super Bowl.

 

[Couch Potato]

I think Seattle makes if from the NFC. I've thought that for about a month now.

 

[redman]

I think Seattle makes if from the NFC. I've thought that for about a month now.

I don't trust teams from that division. Even if you're the division champ, what have you really proven?

 

[Couch Potato]

I think Seattle makes if from the NFC. I've thought that for about a month now.

I don't trust teams from that division. Even if you're the division champ, what have you really proven?

I dunno, they probably didn't prove much more the year they went to the SB against PIT. They weren't great that year either but they just put it together. I think they are again putting it together, particularly on defense, at the right time this year.EDIT -- actually, I take that back. I just checked and they were 13-3 that year, led the league in points scored, and were 7th best in points allowed. I'd forgotten they were so strong that year. I'll stick with the prediction though. I have a good feeling about them. I think they are the best NFC team right now and have the experience and leadership to go in and win in Dallas.

 

[KellysHeroes]

The Pats are the biggest Favorite to go for the AFC... if they don't make it; it will be a huge let down. Now for the NFC, I like the Pack to go over the Boyz... Farve had a bad game when they meet; it happens... and I don't trust Romo, not when the pressure is on (the guy can't even play in front of his GF). I also think the GMen can sneak up into the Conference Championship.

AFC Ranking

1 Pats

2 Colts

3 SD (they are peaking at the right time)

4 Jags

5 Pitt (Jags are going to smoke Pitt in 2 weeks)

6 Whatever team gets in (Titans I Believe)

NFC

1 Pack

2 Boyz (Romo is a ? in the pressure; TO hurt)

3 Giants

4 Hawks

5 Whatever team gets in (Redskins or Vikings will ever win their games)

6 Bucs (just no fire on this team; peaked early and are flat now)

 

[Colin Dowling]

3 SD (they are peaking at the right time)4 Jags

I'd say the Jags are "peaking at the right time" a bit more then San Diego. Frankly, the Jags are playing the best football this side of NE right now.

 

[Exile]

1993, huh? Sounds like we're about due for #1 vs #1 again then.

 

[Angry Beavers]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

Really? I think if the Pack plays the Boys', the cold, windy weather hurts the Pack more than the Cowboys. Playing in Texas Stadium, at least in terms of the weather, helps the Pack and their Multiple receiver sets. Don't forget, the Pack has a running game, something they did not have for the first game, not to mention Farve getting knocked out in the First Half. The Boys' should get credit for hitting Farve and getting him out of the game, it is just that such a scenario is clearly not the norm.I say Pack versus Jax (Yep, they go on the road and win three straight including Indy and NE) They beat NE on a very cold, day with high winds and light flurries A game that will go down as one of the greatest of all time!

 

[KellysHeroes]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

Really? I think if the Pack plays the Boys', the cold, windy weather hurts the Pack more than the Cowboys. Playing in Texas Stadium, at least in terms of the weather, helps the Pack and their Multiple receiver sets. Don't forget, the Pack has a running game, something they did not have for the first game, not to mention Farve getting knocked out in the First Half. The Boys' should get credit for hitting Farve and getting him out of the game, it is just that such a scenario is clearly not the norm.

yeah... but Jessica Simpson won't be in GB.

 

[Phurfur]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

Check out how many quarters Favre has played in Dallas this century? Also check the percentage of home teams that win the NFC/AFC championship game. I think it is around 56%. Enough said

 

[BigTex]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

 

[BigTex]

The Pats are the biggest Favorite to go for the AFC... if they don't make it; it will be a huge let down. Now for the NFC, I like the Pack to go over the Boyz... Farve had a bad game when they meet; it happens... and I don't trust Romo, not when the pressure is on (the guy can't even play in front of his GF). I also think the GMen can sneak up into the Conference Championship.

AFC Ranking

1 Pats

2 Colts

3 SD (they are peaking at the right time)

4 Jags

5 Pitt (Jags are going to smoke Pitt in 2 weeks)

6 Whatever team gets in (Titans I Believe)

NFC

1 Pack

2 Boyz (Romo is a ? in the pressure; TO hurt)

3 Giants

4 Hawks

5 Whatever team gets in (Redskins or Vikings will ever win their games)

6 Bucs (just no fire on this team; peaked early and are flat now)

LOL, Romo is 3-1 "In front of his GF" she's been to FOUR games this year. Amazing how not knowing the facts can change your skewed outlook on things. Hell, I'll take that bet any day on the week and triple on Sundays.

 

[redman]

I think Seattle makes if from the NFC. I've thought that for about a month now.

I don't trust teams from that division. Even if you're the division champ, what have you really proven?

I dunno, they probably didn't prove much more the year they went to the SB against PIT. They weren't great that year either but they just put it together. I think they are again putting it together, particularly on defense, at the right time this year.EDIT -- actually, I take that back. I just checked and they were 13-3 that year, led the league in points scored, and were 7th best in points allowed. I'd forgotten they were so strong that year. I'll stick with the prediction though. I have a good feeling about them. I think they are the best NFC team right now and have the experience and leadership to go in and win in Dallas.

That's what I'm talking about - in 2005 the NFC was about as weak as I can remember. The Seahawks had the homefield advantage at 13-3 (from a division with the second place team having 6 wins), and nobody else in that conference won more than 11 games. The NFC is a lot better now, and the Seahawks have regressed - I'd take the 2005 version of Shawn Alexander over the 2007 version just for starters. I'm not bashing the Seahawks, and I do realize they've quietly been a hot team over the last month, but I'm just not seeing them as a good team to rampage through the playoff bracket.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

Really? I think if the Pack plays the Boys', the cold, windy weather hurts the Pack more than the Cowboys. Playing in Texas Stadium, at least in terms of the weather, helps the Pack and their Multiple receiver sets. Don't forget, the Pack has a running game, something they did not have for the first game, not to mention Farve getting knocked out in the First Half. The Boys' should get credit for hitting Farve and getting him out of the game, it is just that such a scenario is clearly not the norm.I say Pack versus Jax (Yep, they go on the road and win three straight including Indy and NE) They beat NE on a very cold, day with high winds and light flurries A game that will go down as one of the greatest of all time!

Of course the Packers would rather have home field advantage, but you are correct that this is not a typical cold weather Packers team. The game on Sunday dispelled any lingering doubt on that point. Without even knowing the opponent, I already have serious concerns regarding the first playoff game Jan. 12/13.

 

[Phurfur]

Certainly looks set up to be Patriots/Packers IMHO.

What a story that would be if the Pats managed to be 18-0 heading into the SB only to have Brett Favre defeat them.

Brett Favre in Texas Stadium? You sure you want to bet on that?

The home field advantage in the NFC playoffs means more this year than I can remember. If the (anticipated) championship game was to be in Lambeau, I'd have a whole different set of expectations.

Really? I think if the Pack plays the Boys', the cold, windy weather hurts the Pack more than the Cowboys. Playing in Texas Stadium, at least in terms of the weather, helps the Pack and their Multiple receiver sets. Don't forget, the Pack has a running game, something they did not have for the first game, not to mention Farve getting knocked out in the First Half. The Boys' should get credit for hitting Farve and getting him out of the game, it is just that such a scenario is clearly not the norm.I say Pack versus Jax (Yep, they go on the road and win three straight including Indy and NE) They beat NE on a very cold, day with high winds and light flurries A game that will go down as one of the greatest of all time!

Of course the Packers would rather have home field advantage, but you are correct that this is not a typical cold weather Packers team. The game on Sunday dispelled any lingering doubt on that point. Without even knowing the opponent, I already have serious concerns regarding the first playoff game Jan. 12/13.

I saw the same thing, the Pack looked like a warm weather team playing in the cold.

 

[cacksman]

I think Seattle makes if from the NFC. I've thought that for about a month now.

I don't trust teams from that division. Even if you're the division champ, what have you really proven?

I dunno, they probably didn't prove much more the year they went to the SB against PIT. They weren't great that year either but they just put it together. I think they are again putting it together, particularly on defense, at the right time this year.EDIT -- actually, I take that back. I just checked and they were 13-3 that year, led the league in points scored, and were 7th best in points allowed. I'd forgotten they were so strong that year. I'll stick with the prediction though. I have a good feeling about them. I think they are the best NFC team right now and have the experience and leadership to go in and win in Dallas.

Seattle is a different team now than they were in 2005. They rely on their defense now instead of the offense like before. That year they also had homefield advantage which made it so much easier. When Seattle is on their game, nobody can beat them at home. Last game vs the Ravens was the first time all year Alexander has ran well since the first 3 weeks of the season. This year their defense can easily be the best in the NFC and they could definitely surprise in the playoffs.

 

[wilked]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

woodrow, nice work...

 

[wilked]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

I couldn't. Not only do they have to go on the road throughout, Manning has (once again) played poorly as the season wore on. Their 10 wins include exactly ONE against a team with a winning record (the 8-7 Redskins), who by the way beat the Giants in the rematch a few weeks ago. On the season, in wins their opponents winning percentage is a putrid (0.360).Giants are about as easy an out as a 10-win team has ever been, and it would be damning for Jon Gruden to lose to a team like that at home IMHO.

nip

 

[Jason Wood]

Pats / Giants, lock it down

That is not a matchup that would surprise me. Something like Steelers / Bucs would be a shock, but I could see the Giants making it.

I couldn't. Not only do they have to go on the road throughout, Manning has (once again) played poorly as the season wore on. Their 10 wins include exactly ONE against a team with a winning record (the 8-7 Redskins), who by the way beat the Giants in the rematch a few weeks ago. On the season, in wins their opponents winning percentage is a putrid (0.360).Giants are about as easy an out as a 10-win team has ever been, and it would be damning for Jon Gruden to lose to a team like that at home IMHO.

nip

Giants have defied the odds thus far, that's for darn sure. Mad props to Eli Manning; he's shaken a few monkeys off his back. That said, I don't expect any Giants fan to NOT expect the Giants to have a chance, nor should you expect most non Giants fans to think they do.