what we think we know (1 Viewer)

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Just a few random thoughts.

I think the AFC comes down to Indy v Pitt. Tennessee to me has over achieved and peaked too early. Cant score a TD vs. Houston? really?

I think NFC favorite is Carolina. NYG much like the Titans - peaked too early and the Plaxico distraction plus the Jacobs injury makes that O very ordinary. Dallas is very interesting I think they could win on the road in Ariz or Minny/Chi but somehow I think they will blow it in round 2 at Carolina or NYG.

The AFC east will probably come down to the winner of the Miami/NYJ game and NE getting in. Baltimore will have a tough time getting in IMO.

 

[Steel Dillo]

NFC - Comes down to Dallas or Carolina. Cowboy's defense is smothering right now & the Panther's running game/S.Smith home run factor make the Panthers hard to beat in Dec./January.

AFC - It will be Indy, Baltimore or Pittsburgh. The Colts are hitting their stride at the perfect time of year & Baltimore & Piitsburgh's defenses will give them an edge against all the other teams.

 

[Kuz]

NFC - Comes down to Dallas or Carolina. Cowboy's defense is smothering right now & the Panther's running game/S.Smith home run factor make the Panthers hard to beat in Dec./January.AFC - It will be Indy, Baltimore or Pittsburgh. The Colts are hitting their stride at the perfect time of year & Baltimore & Piitsburgh's defenses will give them an edge against all the other teams.

pretty much agree with everything you have stated here...

 

[BeaverCleaver]

I can't wait for the playoffs to start!!

 

[Chase Stuart]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

 

[Modog814]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

Pittsburgh barely beat Cleveland too (10-6). There's been a bunch of games that Pitt has barely won Jacksonville, Dallas, San Diego, Baltimore 2x. I think they're games are too close and they've been beneficiary of winning those games and I don't know if they can continue to get the "bounces" going their way and that's what they'll need to represent the AFC in the Superbowl. Their offense is not good at all and they've had the benefit of a great defense and luck to be in a position to win those games. That luck won't allows be there and pittsburghs weakness will then be exposed.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

Pittsburgh barely beat Cleveland too (10-6). There's been a bunch of games that Pitt has barely won Jacksonville, Dallas, San Diego, Baltimore 2x. I think they're games are too close and they've been beneficiary of winning those games and I don't know if they can continue to get the "bounces" going their way and that's what they'll need to represent the AFC in the Superbowl. Their offense is not good at all and they've had the benefit of a great defense and luck to be in a position to win those games. That luck won't allows be there and pittsburghs weakness will then be exposed.

I see what you're saying, but teams that ride great defenses are often in close games according to the scoreboard. But they don't often lose them. Pittsburgh's got one of the best defenses of all time. It's that good, I think.It will be an interesting playoffs.

 

[Modog814]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

Pittsburgh barely beat Cleveland too (10-6). There's been a bunch of games that Pitt has barely won Jacksonville, Dallas, San Diego, Baltimore 2x. I think they're games are too close and they've been beneficiary of winning those games and I don't know if they can continue to get the "bounces" going their way and that's what they'll need to represent the AFC in the Superbowl. Their offense is not good at all and they've had the benefit of a great defense and luck to be in a position to win those games. That luck won't allows be there and pittsburghs weakness will then be exposed.

I see what you're saying, but teams that ride great defenses are often in close games according to the scoreboard. But they don't often lose them. Pittsburgh's got one of the best defenses of all time. It's that good, I think.It will be an interesting playoffs.

Agree 100%. I feel though that when teams are relying on their defense to win games (or keep them close or whatever) the margin of error is a lot smaller than when a team is relying on the offense to win game or keep them close. No facts to back that up, just my perception. A poor turnover in a bad spot can put a great defense in a very difficult situation. Whereas a mistake by a good offense can be reversed by scoring on the next possession.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

What about Tampa or Atlanta in the NFC, you don't think they have a shot Sniffa?

 

[Sheriff66]

I think I'm glad Tennesee is going to be missing Haynesworth and KVB this week when we play them, and I think the Steelers pull out the win on the road and secure the #1 seed in the playoffs.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

I think I'm glad Tennesee is going to be missing Haynesworth and KVB this week when we play them, and I think the Steelers pull out the win on the road and secure the #1 seed in the playoffs.

Haynesworth and KVB definitely out?Sorry for the hihjack - but that would be important news.

 

[gonzobill5]

philly sneaks in with some help and steals it all. you hit the nail on the head with the teams that peaked too early, what about the teams peaking at the right time? cowboys/giants are too banged up and the only other team from the nfc that scares me is carolina.

i can't see pittsburgh losing to anyone, especially if that offense wakes up.

 

[Bills_Fan11]

Agree w/ you on the NFC. The Giants will still be a tough out but the margin for error without their biggest playmaker is just a lot smaller. Carolina looks like the most complete team in the NFC to me. Obv. you have to add the requisite "if Delhomme doesn't screw up" disclaimer though. Dallas might be the 2nd best team but I also have a tough time seeing them winning a 2nd round game. I know it's easy to argue otherwise because of the Giants & Steelers have done it as wildcards recently, but a bye and the ability to play in a championship game after just 1 home win is an enormous advantage vs. 3 road games.

I really don't know about the AFC. The Steelers are the trendy pick now which I can understand - their record is pretty amazing considering the murderous schedule they've played, but I just don't ever remember a team that got much done in the postseason that had so many problems blocking people.

Since I'm not crazy about any of the favorites & don't like teams that have to travel on wildcard weekend, I'll take a flyer on the Jets. They're a solid well-rounded team that I think has fewer glaring weaknesses than the others, even though their pass defense has struggled lately, but that's a weakness I'd rather work around as opposed to my QB getting killed. Solid Special Teams too.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

I agree, Indy is not the team.I'll be surprised if it's not Tennessee or Pittsburgh. They play the style of football that wins playoff games.In the NFC, it's surprisingly wide open. I don't think Arizona is legitimate, nor do I think Atlanta or Tampa Bay are very good.I think there are 4 teams that can go to the SB and that's the Giants, Dallas, Carolina or Philadelphia. Minnesota looked good yesterday but I still don't believe in Jackson.So........who's it going to be? I feel like a homer but Dallas is playing as good as anyone in the NFC outside of Carolina and truth be told on not 100 percent sold that there this powerhouse. We'll all see next week how good they are when they play the Giants. If they put a whooping on them next week, I'll believe.I still like Tennessee in the AFC. It's close and can go different ways but I think Tennessee beats Pittsburgh next week and we see who's the best team in the AFC.

 

[Sheriff66]

I think I'm glad Tennesee is going to be missing Haynesworth and KVB this week when we play them, and I think the Steelers pull out the win on the road and secure the #1 seed in the playoffs.

Haynesworth and KVB definitely out?Sorry for the hihjack - but that would be important news.

Yes, KVB is having a procedure on his groin, will miss the next 2 games and Haynesworth is out this week for sure.

 

[Sheriff66]

KVB and Haynesworth out until the playoffs

 

[Coach3K]

So what's this do for those of you with TEN D/ST? Still playing them against PIT and hoping for another grind-it-out game like the Steelers had last week? Or going to take a chance on a matchup-of-the-week like Houston vs. Oakland?

I'm about 85% leaning towards playing TEN anyway, since I think my Championship matchup is favorable, so I can play it a little safer here and not take a long shot/Hail Mary at this specific position.

I just lack knowledge of the guys who'll be replacing these two in the lineup this Sunday vs. PIT. Obviously, it's hard to replace them, but this IS a solid unit overall, not entirely depending on a few key players, so I'm thinking they'll still be a solid play.

Any insight from you guys with knowledge of their backups and how well they should be able to slide into the system?

 

[Johnny Ice]

I'll learn all I need to know about Carolina this weekend. I'm not sold on Delhomme at all if Carolina has to abandon the run game and their defense got lit up a few short weeks on the road vs. Green Bay and Atlanta.

 

[Zaphod]

Indy is slightly overrated because of their winning streak -- barely beating Detroit and Cleveland? I don't think the offense is good enough. I think Pitt is the favorite in the AFC. I know Indy beat them there once, but it's going to be very difficult to beat them again especially in Pittsburgh. The Colts have struggled outdoors and against 3-4 teams, and I doubt Roethlisberger throws three INTs again.

Pittsburgh barely beat Cleveland too (10-6). There's been a bunch of games that Pitt has barely won Jacksonville, Dallas, San Diego, Baltimore 2x. I think they're games are too close and they've been beneficiary of winning those games and I don't know if they can continue to get the "bounces" going their way and that's what they'll need to represent the AFC in the Superbowl. Their offense is not good at all and they've had the benefit of a great defense and luck to be in a position to win those games. That luck won't allows be there and pittsburghs weakness will then be exposed.

Like them or not, it's not 'luck' that put them in those positions to win the games.