Playoff teams at this point...seperating the pretenders (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

Let’s run down the AFC and NFC and talk about who has a chance and who is about D.O.A. when the playoffs start.

AFC

Indianapolis 10-1…look like they can finish about 14-2 at this point. Probably good enough to earn them the home filed but that doesn’t mean a whole lot. It can get loud in there but the Colts’ homefield advantage IMO is one of the least weighing factors when judging whether they can make it to the Super Bowl.

Baltimore 9-2...They have the same record as San Diego but beat them in the regular season. Tough defense right now. The offense is still pretty iffy IMO. I think they will finish 12-4 and actually not get the 1st round bye…that will be their undoing when they have to play the 1st week of the playoffs and then hit the road. They close @ Cinci, @KC…I think they lose 1 of those 2 games…CLE, @Pitt(Payback), BUFF to close the season.

San Diego 9-2…I think they will finish 13-3. @Buff, DEN, KC, @Sea, AZ…they will win 4 of 5 down the stretch. Seattle on the road may be the toughest of these. They get a rookie QB in 2 weeks…things are setting up nicely for them. Merriman back. I feel if they can get the 1st round bye, and then host Baltimore or even New England in the 2nd round, they have a pretty good shot.

New England 8-3…Seems like they will finish around 12-4. They are solid. They will win the 1st home playoff game but I think when they head out the 2nd week against either Indy or San Diego with 2 weeks off…too much for them without weapons. The run game they have might cut it against Indy but not San Diego who will put a stop to that quickly.

Wildcards…KC is 7-4, Denver too, Cinci 6-5 , Jax 6-5, NY Jets 6-5…mix and match as you see fit. I will take KC and Cinci sneaking into the playoffs and both getting beat down hard in the 1st round of the playoffs.

NFC

Chicago 9-2…I think they are showing why they will not go too far. They have a big lead though and 12-4 seems like a safe bet. I just don’t think the Bears will have it come playoff time. Bears’ fans can chuckle but Rex Grossman is a liability on offense…they should at least explore Brian Griese who took the Bucs to 11-5 and they didn’t have the same talent that Chicago has. The best thing that could happen to the Bears right now is Grossman to pull up gimpy…that may not be the popular consensus but IMO it’s the truth.

Dallas 7-4…On their way to 11-5 and a 1st round bye in the playoffs. I won’t puff them up too much but I would like to lay some coin on them making the Super Bowl. I think it could be a Dallas/San Diego match up in the Super Bowl come January. They have a nice dup at RB, speed at WR, a rock solid TE, a QB that fits well with the OL they have in place. The defense is pretty solid too…although Roy Williams is a liability against the pass…could haunt them in the playoffs, we’ll see.

New Orleans 7-4…Will make the playoffs and win the division at 10-6. Probably not going to make it far in the playoffs but a feel good story for the fans in New Orleans.

Seattle 6-4…Going to win the division with a 10-6 or 9-7 record. They have some pieces in place when they get healthy…probably win the 1st round of the playoffs but then they have to face either Dallas or Chicago and the dance will be over for them at that point. They just have not played up to potential…they went 5 or 6 weeks in a row where they allowed 30+ points form the defense…you just can’t do that and make it the Super Bowl. They make the playoffs but they are not going to repeat as NFC Champs this season.

Wildcards: Carolina and New York will make it in with the mark of 9-7…maybe 10-6 but these 2 clubs will not make it all that far in the playoffs. Giants for sure will exit quickly and Barber will be left wondering why he called it quits…the Panthers are good enough to upset Seattle or NO in the 1st round. But they are not a Super bowl team this season.

Chime in.

 

[Trey]

Why does everyone continue to sleep on the 10-6 Dolphins?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Why does everyone continue to sleep on the 10-6 Dolphins?

I am a Miami fan...they are going to either lose this week or next...I looked at their schedule, they have to run the table and they can't. They started 1-6 for a reason...Harrington will have a stinker somewhere.

 

[Desert_Power]

Why does everyone continue to sleep on the 10-6 Dolphins?

The dolphins have a tough schedule the rest of the year....However, they likely control their own destiny because they play many teams positioned ahead of them.

 

[Trey]

Take a look at it though:

Week 13: Jacksonville (JAX is so inconsistent it is scary... This is a team that has lost 2x to Houston and just recently to Buffalo... they could be beaten)

Win for the Dolphins.

Week 14: New England (Well at least New England is coming to Florida this time of year. Clearly this is the biggest test. This comes down to Nick Saban's coaching versus that of the master. New England is the clear favorite, but coming in riding 5 straight is serious momentum)

Toss-up/Leans NE

Week 15: At Buffalo. (Have to have it. Will have it.)

Win for the Dolphins.

Week 16: NY Jets (Rivalry game. Could potentially have enormous playoff implications. Honestly could fall either way.)

Toss-up.

Week 17: @ Indy (In a game that will mean nothing for the Colts and everything for the Dolphins, I gotta think Nick and company take this one)

Win for the Dolphins.

I am saying that a 9-7 finish might be considered reasonable even! 10-6 is definitely not out of the question. Thomas and Taylor are playing out of their minds right now.

I'm just saying. You never know.

 

[Bri]

Predictions-

If Denver goes with Cutler, they won't make the playoffs.

I need to see the Pats stop the run without Seau before I figure they'll do well in the playoffs. I don't see the Jets making up 2 games on them, so I do figure they're in.

Some weeks, Jacksonville's D is awesome but they don't pass enough for my liking.

Carson sure seems to be coming on and so does Johnson. They have a horrible D with every LB on IR(or so it seems) but geesh can they put up points.

Larry Johnson is scary every week.

The way no one would want to play Carson or LJ fits in a typical wildcard sorta way for me.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

 

[Borat]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

Nonsense.

 

[Phase of the Game]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

Nonsense.

 

[TheWick]

The Rams have a favorable schedule...now if they can just stop the run :(

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Well, there ya have it, KC has no chance.....might as well mark it down.

 

[Bri]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

 

[ExtraPoint]

Carolina is going to win that division. The Giants are in trouble. I dont think they make it. Philly could make it if Garcia plays decent. St Louis or Minnesota might sneak in. Atlanta is good enough but in too tough of a spot.

In the AFC the best teams are leading their divisions. Its unlikey that both wildcards can come from the same division but it looks like Denver and KC can both make it this year.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Dallas is the only NFC team with a prayer against New England, San Diego, or Indy.

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

 

[Bri]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

You missed the AND but ya know I really poorly worded that. Sorry about that.They were a high scoring machine feared last year and I don't get the same feeling anymore.The O-line is quite different and not as good IMO. Gonzalez started out real slow. Last year it was about Parker being a sleeper and this year most know what to expect of him. Green's been out and it seems no matter how good Huard does he doesn't seem to scare anyone. Vermiel's O was exciting and Herm doesn't bring that. I was a fan of Vermiel's. It's possible there's a level of respect I give to him that I don't to Herm while thinking about the Chiefs. I still miss the old guy and haven't totally accepted Herm in KC as a good thing.

 

[BoulderBob]

Dallas is the only NFC team with a prayer against New England, San Diego, or Indy.

Did the Bears get smoked in New England? Or was I watching a different game? The teams looked fairly even to me...

 

[Ghost Rider]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

You missed the AND but ya know I really poorly worded that. Sorry about that.They were a high scoring machine feared last year and I don't get the same feeling anymore.The O-line is quite different and not as good IMO. Gonzalez started out real slow. Last year it was about Parker being a sleeper and this year most know what to expect of him. Green's been out and it seems no matter how good Huard does he doesn't seem to scare anyone. Vermiel's O was exciting and Herm doesn't bring that. I was a fan of Vermiel's. It's possible there's a level of respect I give to him that I don't to Herm while thinking about the Chiefs. I still miss the old guy and haven't totally accepted Herm in KC as a good thing.

True, but you gotta give credit to Edwards for improving the Chiefs defense. It is a lot better than it used to be. I have often dogged Edwards, but he has done a good job improving that defense. The Chiefs are about in the same situation as last year (on pace for 10-6), but this year, they might make the playoffs.

 

[Bri]

Carolina is going to win that division. The Giants are in trouble. I dont think they make it.

Osi should return soon. He participated in individual drills last week but not team drills. This week or next I'd guess. That's one pro bowler.Strahan says he's week to week while some docs say it'll be longer. When he returns that's pro bowler #2.I agree they don't look the same lately, they didn't to start the season for that matter. BUT with those two DEs it's so hard for opposing offenses the game is completely different. When the opposing O is struggling Tiki just kills them. One guy makes it look easy while the other O struggles, it's tough and they press eventually and the Giants D gets gift interceptions. It all works pretty well if everyone is playing. Without it, their DBs stink and are plenty exposed, also Eli seems to be the one struggling or pressing.I think those 2 change things dramatically

 

[Colin Dowling]

Dallas is the only NFC team with a prayer against New England, San Diego, or Indy.

Did the Bears get smoked in New England? Or was I watching a different game? The teams looked fairly even to me...

I think the turnover issue needs to be solved ASAP.

 

[Incogneto]

If the Seahawks can play like they did in the 2nd half last night, look for them to surprise in the Playoffs. I think they could beat anyone they way they looked in the last 20 mins of that game.

 

[corpcow]

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

I truly believe teams win despite Herm, not because of him. As a fan, he is maddening to have as a coach. But for a guy who likes nothing better than run 50 times a game (even if he's being blown out or barely nursing a lead) into 8 men in the box, he has the right RB.Signed, a Jets fan (I'm not bitter, because I like Mangini)

 

[cormanman]

If the Seahawks can play like they did in the 2nd half last night, look for them to surprise in the Playoffs. I think they could beat anyone they way they looked in the last 20 mins of that game.

Yeah, but doesn't the Packer D make a lot of team look like contenders?

 

[zoonation]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

and the defence is WAY better.

 

[The Goat]

Take a look at it though:Week 13: Jacksonville (JAX is so inconsistent it is scary... This is a team that has lost 2x to Houston and just recently to Buffalo... they could be beaten)Win for the Dolphins.Week 14: New England (Well at least New England is coming to Florida this time of year. Clearly this is the biggest test. This comes down to Nick Saban's coaching versus that of the master. New England is the clear favorite, but coming in riding 5 straight is serious momentum)Toss-up/Leans NEWeek 15: At Buffalo. (Have to have it. Will have it.)Win for the Dolphins.Week 16: NY Jets (Rivalry game. Could potentially have enormous playoff implications. Honestly could fall either way.)Toss-up.Week 17: @ Indy (In a game that will mean nothing for the Colts and everything for the Dolphins, I gotta think Nick and company take this one)Win for the Dolphins.I am saying that a 9-7 finish might be considered reasonable even! 10-6 is definitely not out of the question. Thomas and Taylor are playing out of their minds right now.I'm just saying. You never know.

I would absolutely, positively love to see this. But despite Jason Taylor single-handedly wrecking opposing oiffenses, I'm not optimistic...yet. They're still making too many mental errors, and the O-Line is due for a major stinker (which will probably result in the same from Harrington).And Olindo Mare is gonna drive me insane.If they show me a solid offensive output against Jacksonville, then I'm on board. But...not yet.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Philly could make it if Garcia plays decent.

Not with the way the defense has been playing. And probably not with that schedule. Of the remaining games, only 1 is against an inferior opponent (Washington.)

 

[DCThunder]

Carolina is going to win that division. The Giants are in trouble. I dont think they make it.

Osi should return soon. He participated in individual drills last week but not team drills. This week or next I'd guess. That's one pro bowler.Strahan says he's week to week while some docs say it'll be longer. When he returns that's pro bowler #2.I agree they don't look the same lately, they didn't to start the season for that matter. BUT with those two DEs it's so hard for opposing offenses the game is completely different. When the opposing O is struggling Tiki just kills them. One guy makes it look easy while the other O struggles, it's tough and they press eventually and the Giants D gets gift interceptions. It all works pretty well if everyone is playing. Without it, their DBs stink and are plenty exposed, also Eli seems to be the one struggling or pressing.I think those 2 change things dramatically

I think there's a lot more internal strife on the G-men than has surfaced so far. This latest Plax vs. Strahan flare-up is evidence of that, along with the Manning vs. the Coach stuff and Tiki lobbing grenades in every so often.If there were any decent teams in the NFC, I'd be worried for Big Blue, but as it stands, they probably will sneak into the playoffs. But if they bomb against the Cowboys this weekend, it's Katie bar the door.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Dallas is the only NFC team with a prayer against New England, San Diego, or Indy.

I will say I believe the AFC to be the class of the NFL right now........but as far as the NFC goes I have to disagree with you.I think The Bears have a shot. They lost 17-13 in New England.......that's not bad considering they had a QB that played horrible during that game.Also, Seattle is a team that's getting healthy at the right time. Hasslebeck and Alexander can lift this team and could run the table if Hasslebeck's injury truely isn't that significant.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Dallas is not gauranteed to win in New York either. They got beat pretty good at home earlier this year. sure, they had a different QB and are more confident now but this is the game of the year for Dallas. They either can step up and become a real contender here or drop back into the pack again.

 

[Bri]

Carolina is going to win that division. The Giants are in trouble. I dont think they make it.

Osi should return soon. He participated in individual drills last week but not team drills. This week or next I'd guess. That's one pro bowler.Strahan says he's week to week while some docs say it'll be longer. When he returns that's pro bowler #2.I agree they don't look the same lately, they didn't to start the season for that matter. BUT with those two DEs it's so hard for opposing offenses the game is completely different. When the opposing O is struggling Tiki just kills them. One guy makes it look easy while the other O struggles, it's tough and they press eventually and the Giants D gets gift interceptions. It all works pretty well if everyone is playing. Without it, their DBs stink and are plenty exposed, also Eli seems to be the one struggling or pressing.I think those 2 change things dramatically

I think there's a lot more internal strife on the G-men than has surfaced so far. This latest Plax vs. Strahan flare-up is evidence of that, along with the Manning vs. the Coach stuff and Tiki lobbing grenades in every so often.If there were any decent teams in the NFC, I'd be worried for Big Blue, but as it stands, they probably will sneak into the playoffs. But if they bomb against the Cowboys this weekend, it's Katie bar the door.

Tiki and Strahan's Giants always bicker when they lose or are losing. Coughlin and Tiki haven't seen "eye to eye" since day 1. I'm not putting them in the Supe but it's normal enough that I think they still make the playoffs

 

[bjabrad]

If KC gets the #5 seed, they will win in NE.

I think Herm(and FA/retirement) took them a step down this year. Anything's possible with LJ, most years some RB goes off for a huge game but....

??????????????????? Herm took them DOWN? They started out 0-2 with a HOF LT that left them hanging, another OT that was doing roids....and oh yeah, the franchise QB got hurt, missing his first action in 80 games.And FA? Who did we lose of any consequence? Tony Richardson? LJ looks fine to me.......People are not giving KC the attention and respect they deserve.

and the defence is WAY better.

KC DEF went from giving up 20 ppg to 18 ppg and OFF went from 25 ppg to 20 ppg. TOP went from 32 min/game to 30 min/game, rushing yardage went up, passing yardage went down, 3rd down % went from 42% to 39%. In penalties and penalty yards, KC went from middle of the pack to the best five. We still don't know if these numbers are a reflection of Herm w/new off coord or a dumbed down passing offense for Huard. I don't know if we've even seen the real KC offense under Herm yet. However, from what I understand, good defenses are more consistent than good offenses in any sport ( and come cheaper) and are more effective in the playoffs. KC was a very good 10-6 team that got nudged out of being in the playoffs by another 10-6 team that went on to win the Superbowl. Last year's KC team had a tremendous offense but couldn't stop people even when playing from the lead. This year's team doesn't have that problem but it remains to be seen if KC has the passing game that can bring them from behind in a game.