Make your SB prediction after 7 weeks (1 Viewer)

[Routilla]

Cowboys vs Colts

 

[kremenull]

Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots

Cardinals WIN!!!!.....

 

[Jewell]

In recent seasons, it's been teams that got hot at the end of the season, not teams that were hot in the beginning of the season, that made the Super Bowl.

False as an absolute statement -- the three Patriots' squads of 2003, 2004, and 2007 were hot wire-to-wire. I'd say the Bears & Colts of 2006 were wire-to-wire hot as well (both 13-3).

Really? Do you mean the same squad that was punked by the Bills 31-0 to open the season, and then lost again in Week 4 to the Steve Spurrier coached Redskins? That team? That's not exactly hot wire-to-wire.I'm also at the people completely discrediting the Broncos. They have a great defense, a super deep stable of running backs and receivers, and a vastly underrated QB. That's a good team. People need to look at this season, not the past several seasons.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Manning Bowl 2010Colts/Giants (yeah, I think G-men will come back.)Two straight solid weeks of Peyton/Eli media coverage.

This is what I think :shudder:

 

[Couch Potato]

Same one I had on April 14. Saints over Texans. I dreamed it!

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...hl=dream+Saints

 

[Wingnut]

Id be happy with New Orleans vs whoever. It would be great for the city and would get a long overdue monkey off that franchise's back.

Plus, Id love watching Brees do his thing on the biggest stage in sports. The guy is an absolute class act and one heck of a football player and competitor.

 

[SoFresh&SoClean]

No picks here, but why do you consider Pitt and NE "elite" teams but not Cincy and Denver when Cincy and Denver have like or better records and Cincy has beat Pitt & Denver has beat NE?

First of all, of all indicators of who is and who isn't a better team, by far the worst is the old, "Well, Cincy beat Pitt, so Cincy must be better." A single game proves nothing. Both the Broncos and the Bengals are having fine years. The Broncos remind me a lot of the Dolphins from last year. I don't think that either team has the stuff to get it done in the playoffs, when it really counts.

Yeah that doesn't make sense. A single game proves plenty. How is seeing two teams go at it on the field not the *best* indicator of who is better? Like I said, they have the same record and one beat the other on the field. Not a big deal, I was just wondering what made Pitt and NE more elite than the teams that have similar/better records and have beat them on the field.

I'll say NE vs. NO, btw

I agree with Tim. Cinci beat Pittsburgh, but I think on balance, the facts that...the game was so close...Polamalu was out...it was before Pittsburgh moved on from the Willie Parker featured offense...the game was in Cinci...I think these things are sufficient to suggest that it's not simply a matter of A beat B, therefore A is better.I think when Cinci goes to Pittsburgh, the drubbing will be adequately large that it will erase all memory of the misstep in Cinci, and few people will argue that the Bengals are the better team.

Despite all of which, I think now that the Pats are clicking again after Brady's initial struggles, they and the Colts are the class of the AFC.

I'll take Vikes vs Pats, with Pats blowing their doors off.

Fair enough. I don't think anyone in here is arguing that Cincy is better. I was just wondering how they are not at least on the same elite level as a team they have defeated especially considering those teams have the same record. Like I said, no big deal. I was just looking for some clarification.

I happen to think they are this season. At least they are right now.

 

[CrossEyed]

Manning Bowl 2010

Colts/Giants (yeah, I think G-men will come back.)

Two straight solid weeks of Peyton/Eli media coverage.

I think I'd have to unplug my tv for 2 weeks...because of the media, not the Mannings.

 

[Ghost Rider]

In recent seasons, it's been teams that got hot at the end of the season, not teams that were hot in the beginning of the season, that made the Super Bowl.

False as an absolute statement -- the three Patriots' squads of 2003, 2004, and 2007 were hot wire-to-wire. I'd say the Bears & Colts of 2006 were wire-to-wire hot as well (both 13-3).

Eh, yes and no.

And look at your Broncos -- starting off with that long winning streak in 1998 certainly didn't hurt their chances.

I didn't say it was an exact science. I am just saying, you don't want to peak too early. The '98 Broncos actually did hit a bump in the road late in the season, but got a little momentum back in the last game of the seasons (where they played their starters for most of the game, which was meaningless, as they had home field wrapped up and the quest for 16-0 was gone, although getting T.D. 2,000 yards was a goal for that game), and that carried over into the playoffs. It is nearly impossible to play at a ridiculously high level from start to finish over an entire season. Last year's Cardinals are a prime example of a team that limped into the playoffs, caught fire, and got to the Super Bowl, coming thisclose to winning it in the process.

 

[bostonfred]

It's vaguely interesting to hear the same teams named again and again, but I'll throw one out that hasn't been mentioned so far: Miami. They're my dark horse pick to make the playoffs and make some noise. They're arguably the best pure running team in the league right now, and they can take the air out of the ball against top offenses. They've come very close to beating a couple of very good teams early in the season so far and as it gets colder, they could become even more dominant on the ground. I don't think they're good enough to win the Superbowl, but I can see them making a run at the AFCCG if they can string some wins together.

 

[baldbird]

Eagles vs Colts

Colts win 32-27

Manning MVP

 

[timschochet]

It's vaguely interesting to hear the same teams named again and again, but I'll throw one out that hasn't been mentioned so far: Miami. They're my dark horse pick to make the playoffs and make some noise. They're arguably the best pure running team in the league right now, and they can take the air out of the ball against top offenses. They've come very close to beating a couple of very good teams early in the season so far and as it gets colder, they could become even more dominant on the ground. I don't think they're good enough to win the Superbowl, but I can see them making a run at the AFCCG if they can string some wins together.

I like Miami, but aren't they 2-4 at this point? They're going to need some luck to even get in. In the AFC, division winners will be New England, Pittsburgh or Cincy, Indianapolis, and Denver with San Diego still with a slight chance. That leaves the loser of Pittsburgh/Cincy, Baltimore, San Diego, Houston, perhaps the Jets, and Miami fighting for those last two playoff spots. This will be very tough. If I had to guess right now, I would say the Bengals and the Texans will be the wildcards.

 

[timschochet]

I'm also surprised that nobody has mentioned Green Bay. I hesistated about ranking Minnesota over them, and I'm still not 100% sure about that. Next to the Saints, there may be nobody playing any better in the NFC right now.

 

[bostonfred]

It's vaguely interesting to hear the same teams named again and again, but I'll throw one out that hasn't been mentioned so far: Miami. They're my dark horse pick to make the playoffs and make some noise. They're arguably the best pure running team in the league right now, and they can take the air out of the ball against top offenses. They've come very close to beating a couple of very good teams early in the season so far and as it gets colder, they could become even more dominant on the ground. I don't think they're good enough to win the Superbowl, but I can see them making a run at the AFCCG if they can string some wins together.

I like Miami, but aren't they 2-4 at this point? They're going to need some luck to even get in. In the AFC, division winners will be New England, Pittsburgh or Cincy, Indianapolis, and Denver with San Diego still with a slight chance. That leaves the loser of Pittsburgh/Cincy, Baltimore, San Diego, Houston, perhaps the Jets, and Miami fighting for those last two playoff spots. This will be very tough. If I had to guess right now, I would say the Bengals and the Texans will be the wildcards.

Oh, I know. Hence me calling them a dark horse pick to make the playoffs, and pointing out that anybody can name the teams that are currently in the driver's seat to make the playoffs. But while it's a long shot, Miami has played a tough schedule, losing to Atlanta, San Diego, and two very close games where they had undefeated Indy and New Orleans on the ropes. So if I were going to pick a dark horse team to reel off a bunch of wins down the stretch as it's getting colder, they'd be a pretty good pick.

 

[djcolts]

I'm also surprised that nobody has mentioned Green Bay. I hesistated about ranking Minnesota over them, and I'm still not 100% sure about that. Next to the Saints, there may be nobody playing any better in the NFC right now.

1. Their last 3 wins are against the Rams, Browns and Lions. They did beat them badly - which is good, but people want to see more before moving them up the NFC's food chain.2. They are behind the Vikings in the standings. The NFC North winner may get a bye this year, so they need to surpass the Vikings to get that bye and have a much better shot in the playoffs.3. They give up way too many sacks on offense. That just can't happen to a team that is a Super Bowl contender (last year's Steelers were the exception, because they could dominate on defense. The Packers don't dominate on defense).

 

[rock753]

Saints/Colts

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'm also surprised that nobody has mentioned Green Bay. I hesistated about ranking Minnesota over them, and I'm still not 100% sure about that. Next to the Saints, there may be nobody playing any better in the NFC right now.

1. Their last 3 wins are against the Rams, Browns and Lions. They did beat them badly - which is good, but people want to see more before moving them up the NFC's food chain.2. They are behind the Vikings in the standings. The NFC North winner may get a bye this year, so they need to surpass the Vikings to get that bye and have a much better shot in the playoffs.3. They give up way too many sacks on offense. That just can't happen to a team that is a Super Bowl contender (last year's Steelers were the exception, because they could dominate on defense. The Packers don't dominate on defense).

The Packers have beaten nothing but chumps lately. I want to see how that offensive line does against Minnesota on Sunday before I am ready to believe that the are a legit contender in the NFC.

 

[Steel Dillo]

Saints/Vikings

vs.

Colts/Patriots/Bengals/Steelers/Broncos

I think if the Saints make it, they beat any of the AFC contenders.

If the Vikings make it, I think they would be the underdog to all except the Broncos.

 

[Cenobite]

Having put down 250 on the Saints at 18-1 in Aug. I want to say the Saints v. the Browns.

 

[gnarboots11]

Cowboys vs Colts. Cowboys win 127 to negative 10

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

I never thought I'd say this, but the Bengals are really flying under the radar here. They are solid in all facets of the game, and though they are by no means the favorite in the AFC, they will be a tough out come playoff time, especially if Palmer keeps rounding into form.

 

[Steel Dillo]

Saints/Vikings

vs.

Colts/Patriots/Bengals/Steelers/Broncos

I think if the Saints make it, they beat any of the AFC contenders.

If the Vikings make it, I think they would be the underdog to all except the Broncos.

Fixed

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

LOL at saying that Pittsburgh is an elite team right now and not Denver. Denver is 6-0, with three of those wins coming against teams that are 5-2, 5-2 and 4-2. They have a great defense, a good running game, and a QB who seems to not make mistakes. Yeah, they aren't built to win in January. Meanwhile, three of Pittsburgh's wins are against Detroit, Cleveland and Tennessee, who are a combined 2-17, and none of those wins were even impressive wins! The Vikings win is their only impressive win so far this year, and right now, the Steelers look to be in the second tier of AFC teams (Indy, Denver and NE being in the first tier). But Steelers fans almost always overrate their team, so this is just par for the course. Anyway, right now, I will say the Super Bowl will be Colts/Saints.

Right. It was the STEELER fans overrating their team. How'd that work out for you?

 

[Ghost Rider]

LOL at saying that Pittsburgh is an elite team right now and not Denver. Denver is 6-0, with three of those wins coming against teams that are 5-2, 5-2 and 4-2. They have a great defense, a good running game, and a QB who seems to not make mistakes. Yeah, they aren't built to win in January. Meanwhile, three of Pittsburgh's wins are against Detroit, Cleveland and Tennessee, who are a combined 2-17, and none of those wins were even impressive wins! The Vikings win is their only impressive win so far this year, and right now, the Steelers look to be in the second tier of AFC teams (Indy, Denver and NE being in the first tier). But Steelers fans almost always overrate their team, so this is just par for the course. Anyway, right now, I will say the Super Bowl will be Colts/Saints.

Right. It was the STEELER fans overrating their team. How'd that work out for you?

Uh, they are both now 6-2, and the Broncos still have wins over three different 6-2 teams and one 5-3 team. Denver still appears to be an elite team, albeit a notch below the Steelers as of now.

 

[CrossEyed]

I never thought I'd say this, but the Bengals are really flying under the radar here. They are solid in all facets of the game, and though they are by no means the favorite in the AFC, they will be a tough out come playoff time, especially if Palmer keeps rounding into form.

Agreed. Right now I'd have to say the top 5 in the AFC areIndyPittsburghNew EnglandCincyDenver

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

LOL at saying that Pittsburgh is an elite team right now and not Denver. Denver is 6-0, with three of those wins coming against teams that are 5-2, 5-2 and 4-2. They have a great defense, a good running game, and a QB who seems to not make mistakes. Yeah, they aren't built to win in January. Meanwhile, three of Pittsburgh's wins are against Detroit, Cleveland and Tennessee, who are a combined 2-17, and none of those wins were even impressive wins! The Vikings win is their only impressive win so far this year, and right now, the Steelers look to be in the second tier of AFC teams (Indy, Denver and NE being in the first tier). But Steelers fans almost always overrate their team, so this is just par for the course. Anyway, right now, I will say the Super Bowl will be Colts/Saints.

Right. It was the STEELER fans overrating their team. How'd that work out for you?

Uh, they are both now 6-2, and the Broncos still have wins over three different 6-2 teams and one 5-3 team. Denver still appears to be an elite team, albeit a notch below the Steelers as of now.

Please. A Steeler team with a healthy Polamalu and Mendenhall at RB is undefeated, and is a legitimate title contender right now. The Broncs have been humiliated two weeks running, and can't be considered a legitimate threat to a good team any longer. I see them as no better than even odds to make the playoffs.

 

[kaa]

The way I see it, there are 5 elite teams in the NFL right now:New OrleansMinnesotaNew EnglandIndianapolisPittsburghThose are in no particular order, though I think the Saints are the best team. There are also several very good teams, including, (again in no particular order) Denver, Cincinnati, San Diego, Baltimore, Houston, Arizona, New York Giants, Dallas, Atlanta, Green Bay. I think any of these teams may be in the playoffs, and if the circumstances are right could be very dangerous. But as for my SB pick- I have to go with the Saints because I called that early, and see no reason to change now. The Steelers are a homer pick, and I'm not sure they're better than the Colts or Patriots. But they're close enough, so I will go with my heart.What is your prediction?

What in the world do the Bengals have to do to earn your respect? They've beaten some pretty good teams. And you are putting them on the same level as the Packers?