NFL Pick 'Em, Week 4

[Figrin D'an]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati
Indianapolis at Tennessee
Seattle at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay
Denver at Jacksonville
San Diego at New England
Buffalo at New Orleans (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore
Minnesota at Atlanta
Philadelphia at Kansas City
Dallas at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina



Picks must be in by 1PM Eastern on Sunday.

[Eldorack]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati(W)
Indianapolis(W) at Tennessee
Seattle(W) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay(W)
Denver(W) at Jacksonville
San Diego at New England(W)
Buffalo(W) at New Orleans (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants(W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore(W)
Minnesota at Atlanta(W)
Philadelphia at Kansas City(W)
Dallas(W) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco at Arizona(W)


Monday Night

Green Bay(W) at Carolina

[sirdizzy]

Cincinnati
Indianapolis
Seattle
Tampa Bay
Denver
New England
New Orleans
NY Giants
Baltimore
Atlanta
Kansas City
Dallas
San Francisco
Carolina

[Jedieb]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati WIN
WIN Indianapolis at Tennessee
Seattle at Washington WIN
Detroit at Tampa BayWIN
Denver at Jacksonville WIN
San Diego at New England WIN
WIN Buffalo at New Orleans (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants WIN


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore WIN
Minnesota at Atlanta WIN
Philadelphia at Kansas City WIN
Dallas at Oakland WIN

Sunday Night
San Francisco at Arizona WIN

Monday Night
Green Bay at Carolina WIN

[JMK]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (W)
Indianapolis (W) at Tennessee
Seattle at Washington (W)
Detroit at Tampa Bay (W)
Denver at Jacksonville (W)
San Diego at New England (W)
Buffalo at New Orleans (W)
St. Louis at NY Giants (W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore (W)
Minnesota at Atlanta (W)
Philadelphia (W) at Kansas City
Dallas (W) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco (W) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina (W)

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (W)
Indianapolis(W) at Tennessee
Seattle(W) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay(W)
Denver at Jacksonville(W)
San Diego at New England(W)
Buffalo at New Orleans(W) (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants(W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore(W)
Minnesota at Atlanta(W)
Philadelphia(W) at Kansas City
Dallas(W) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco(W) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina(W)

[Rutabaga]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (W)
Indianapolis (W) at Tennessee
Seattle at Washington (W)
Detroit at Tampa Bay (W)
Denver at Jacksonville (W)
San Diego at New England (W)
Buffalo (W) at New Orleans (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants (W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets (W) at Baltimore
Minnesota at Atlanta (W)
Philadelphia (W) at Kansas City
Dallas (W) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco (W) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay (W) at Carolina

[Jedi Master Carr]

Why are they playing in Mexico? I was just curious.

[Eldorack]

Originally posted by Jedi Master Carr
Why are they playing in Mexico? I was just curious.

I would like to know that also.

[sirdizzy]

Some deal the NFL made last year with with Mexico City to host 1 game a year in Mexico City to further the NFL infleunce and awareness there. The Cardinals volunteered to play the game in Mexico City last year as well as this year.

[Ryan Pode]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati Win
Indianapolis Win at Tennessee
Seattle Win at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay Win
Denver at Jacksonville Win
San Diego at New England Win
Buffalo at New Orleans Win (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis Win at NY Giants


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore Win
Minnesota at Atlanta Win
Philadelphia at Kansas City Win
Dallas at Oakland Win


Sunday Night

San Francisco Win at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina Win


The Giants must lose 9 games.

[JMK]

I can hardly wait for the Jets/Ravens game this weekend. It's shaping up to be a contest in futility. I can't remember a game in which 2 totally inept QB's were under center.

Guys like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Jonathan Vilma must be licking their chops right now.

[jjwr]

Ravens are going to the game 4 - 3

[Blade Bacquin]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (w)
Indianapolis(w) at Tennessee
Seattle (w) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay(w)
Denver(w) at Jacksonville
San Diego at New England(w)
Buffalo (w) at New Orleans (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis (w) at NY Giants


Sunday, Late

NY Jets (w) at Baltimore
Minnesota at Atlanta (w)
Philadelphia at Kansas City (w)
Dallas (w) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco (w) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina (w)

(I hate to pick the chiefs cause I hate them that much but I'm sure there gonna win. I pick Denver over Jacksonville cause well I have money riding on that game go Denver.)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Houston at Cincinnati W
W Indianapolis at Tennessee
W Seattle at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay W
Denver at Jacksonville W
San Diego at New England W
Buffalo at New Orleans W (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants W


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore W
Minnesota at Atlanta W
Philadelphia at Kansas City W
Dallas at Oakland W


Sunday Night

San Francisco at Arizona W (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

W Green Bay at Carolina

[Figrin D'an]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (W)
Indianapolis (W) at Tennessee
Seattle (W) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay (W)
Denver at Jacksonville (W)
San Diego at New England (W)
Buffalo at New Orleans (W) (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants (W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore (W)
Minnesota at Atlanta (W)
Philadelphia (W) at Kansas City
Dallas (W) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco (W) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina (W)

[Jedieb]

I thought I was going for a lot of home teams, but Carr has gone straight up the board with everyone except the Colts. We're either going to have a solid week, or get pummeled by everyone else.

[Jedi Master Carr]

You know I didn't realize I did that, I was going by teams not home field actually. Although I might change two of them I am debating about New Orleans and the Seattle game. Actually I will switch to Seattle I don't trust Washington. NO, I have no idea what to do with them. Carolina is a funny team too, I should just go with GB for the heck of it heh.

[jjwr]

I doubt I'll check in again tomorrow as I'm heading out early for a trip down to Foxboro for the game! Can't wait, so in the mean time here are my winning picks!

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati(W)
Indianapolis(W) at Tennessee
Seattle(W) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay(W)
Denver at Jacksonville(W)
San Diego at New England(W)
Buffalo at New Orleans(W)
St. Louis(W) at NY Giants

Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore(W)
Minnesota(W) at Atlanta
Philadelphia at Kansas City(W)
Dallas at Oakland(W)

Sunday Night

San Francisco at Arizona(W)

Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina(W)

[Lance Casey]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati(w)
Indianapolis(w) at Tennessee
Seattle(w) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay(w)
Denver(w) at Jacksonville
San Diego at New England(w)
Buffalo at New Orleans(w) (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants(w)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore(w)
Minnesota at Atlanta(w)
Philadelphia(w) at Kansas City
Dallas(w) at Oakland


Sunday Night

San Francisco(w) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay(w) at Carolina

[Lilaena De'Ville]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati WIN
Indianapolis WIN at Tennessee
Seattle WIN at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay WIN
Denver WIN at Jacksonville
San Diego at New England WIN
Buffalo at New Orleans WIN (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants WIN

Sunday, Late

NY Jets WIN at Baltimore
Minnesota at Atlanta WIN
Philadelphia at Kansas City WIN
Dallas at Oakland WIN


Sunday Night

San Francisco WIN at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina WIN

[Yog]

Sunday, Early

Houston at Cincinnati (W)
Indianapolis (W) at Tennessee
Seattle (W) at Washington
Detroit at Tampa Bay (W)
Denver at Jacksonville (W)
San Diego at New England (W)
Buffalo at New Orleans (W) (Alamodome, San Antonio)
St. Louis at NY Giants (W)


Sunday, Late

NY Jets at Baltimore (W)
Minnesota at Atlanta (W)
Philadelphia (W) at Kansas City
Dallas at Oakland (W)


Sunday Night

San Francisco (W) at Arizona (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City)


Monday Night

Green Bay at Carolina (W)

[Jedieb]

Last year I would have picked San Diego to upset the Pats. With all those injuries a normal team would be hard pressed to keep up that home winning streak. I think they're favored by 6 or 7, that's a good bet to take. Especially with NE's penchant for keeping games close.

[Yog]

And the games are ON!

Early score by Colts. I expect Tennesee to get a beating. Also early score by Giants. Eli allready looks progressively better than he did last season.

[Ryan Pode]

Something is up when Cinci drives 90 yards against the Texans and ends with a Field goal.

[Yog]

Yeah, but I became a big believer in Cincinnati last week. Their whole team looks great. In fantasy football, you could probably put one Bengal player in every position and still do great. Anything else than a stormslide win for Bengals in this game would be a huge shock for me. I mean, they better win, because I picked them in survival football.

[Yog]

The second TD for Eli Manning in first quarter. I like this guy better and better.

[Ryan Pode]

I've always loved Eli Manning... but thats because when he played the Ravens he posted a stellar 0.0 QB rating after going 4 of 16 for like 12 yards, 3 or 4 picks and a fumble or two.

[Blade Bacquin]

watching Jacksonville, Denver game. Denver has the right Idea keep the ball as long as possible so Jacksonville's offense doesn't have a chance to play and tire down there good defense. Still to early to tell who will win but if Denver keeps playing it the way they have been there chances are much improved.

[Yog]

Well, he was terrible last year. No arguments there. I still think he got talent though. Maybe its the genes. Third TD in first quarter.

[Ryan Pode]

All we got here is Seattle @ Washington. Not very exciting.

[Yog]

Yeah, what is happening in Washington? Slow on the scoring board it seems.

San Diego is giving Patriots a fight. Tomlinson is a monster. I will be lucky to get away with 1 or 2 TDs for Tomlinson in our matchup, Ryan. At least if last week was any indication.

[sirdizzy]

Denvers up 14-0, they are pounding the ball at them and getting good pressure on the QBs. 2 sacks already

but man fantasy wise i don't think anyone anywhere started dwane carswell, 2 catches for 3 yards and 2 tds

[sirdizzy]

and tomlinson has already extended his scoring streak to a record 16th straight game with a td with a 2 yard td run in the 2nd quarter

[sirdizzy]

These are the telling stats from the first half of the denver game

Denver First Downs 16, Jacksonville 2
Denver Rushing Yards 76, Jacksonville 5
Denver time of Possession 21:25, Jacksonville 8:35

[Yog]

Denver is surprising me. They keep looking better. Looks like many myself included underestimated them this year. Especially after that loss vs Miami there were many who lost faith in them.

Edit: When talking about Manning, looks like Peyton wake up from cinderella sleep..

[Blade Bacquin]

Never lose faith in the Bronco's cause they just might surprise you or it could just be that there my team. :)

[sirdizzy]

honesly even as a broncos fan I lost faith for a moment after that miami game, its not just that they lost to an inferior teams its that they got their butts handed to them by the phins

and then there was that ugly san diego game but since about halftime in that game they have been playing to their level, i am just afraid of another relapse


and mannings slump and indys offensive slump are over, 4tds so far by peyton

[Jedieb]

The Chargers are taking it to the Pats and are now up by 2 TD's. On this last drive they ran the ball down the Pats' throat. Even with their backup RB they broke off an 18 yd run that had more broken tackles than you usually see a Pats defense give up in an entire game. It looks like some of those injuries are finally catching up to that defense. 3 SD drives of more than 75 yds, that's not NE defense.

[Yog]

I really wanted to pick SD and I hate the Patriots, but with the Pittsburgh game fresh in mind, I could not bring myself to it. The Patriots have an uncanny ability to recover. This time around though, it might be too tough to equalize. It seems like an exciting game for sure.

Ninjaedit: Its 4-4 for the Manning brothers

[Jedieb]

It looks like the Chargers are going to seal the deal right now. Even a FG will give them a 3 score lead with just under 5 minutes to go.

[JMK]

What an unbelievable whipping the Chargers are laying on the Pats. The Dolphins may end up alone in first and they're not even playing this week! :)

I'm just going to sit back and wait for jjwr to come on and say it's ok because the Red Sox are going to clinch the WC today. ;)

[Yog]

Ouch, David Carr got sacked and fumbled 35 yards from Houston endzone. Now Bengals can really seal Texans fate with either a TD or a FG. I must admit, never throught the game would be so close, but its looking good now for my survival football league.

Seattle decided Redskins should not walk away from this unscathed, so they equalized to 17-17. This game could go both ways.

.. and Pats are toast *evil grin*

[JMK]

41-16 San Diego. What an ugly, brutal game for the Pats.


I love it! :crack

[Jedieb]

The Redskins survived to win in OT. Still, ugly start for me, 5-3. At least I'm still above .500.

[Eldorack]

Originally posted by JMK
41-16 San Diego. What an ugly, brutal game for the Pats.


I love it! :crack

WOW...what a way to start a comeback huh:lol

[Jedieb]

That's a HUGE win for the Chiefs. It brings them even with the Pats and now they've got a possible tie-breaker over them. They also kept pace with the Broncos who looked very good today. That LB Gold is amazing. KC is off to a fast start up 7-0 at home. The AFC West looks like it's back to being one of the toughest divisions in football, even with the Raiders stinking up the joint.

[sirdizzy]

i am 6-2 for the day

and the raiders are leading 10-0 mybe they will get on the win collum this week

[Jedieb]

The Ravens and Jets are 3-0 in the second. Two losers there today, the team with fewer points and the fans who have to suffer through that game.

[Yog]

Craptacular start for the Eagles. But they are probably coming back stronger in the second half. Chiefs defense really showed up for this game.

What is Dallas doing? Are they asleep or something. Bledsoe look terrible.

The Ravens/Jets game looks like its gonna be a (not unexpected) "shootout of fieldgoals. Do these teams know where the endzone is? :rolleyes

Minnesota and Culpepper roll back to old habbits again. Anyone think Tice will be fired this week? Atlanta look strong as usual on homefield, but it looks like they got Vick injured, ouch.

Except from the Eagles/Chief game, its quite boring right now. Where is the snooze button. Wake me up when these teams start playing some football.. :zzz

[Ryan Pode]

Jamal Lewis - 1 Yard TD on the ground, after a 71 yard drive.

[Jedieb]

The Eagles have battled all the way back to tie the game with a TD and 2pt conversion. The Chiefs secondary is getting brutalized by Owens. Meanwhile, the Eagles defense has shut down the KC offense. They're still in the 3rd quarter. Maybe the Chiefs offense will wake up now.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am shocked at the Pats loss, that is an unbelievable loss, not sure how that happened, and I don't think the Chargers are that good.

[Jedieb]

The Chargers didn't squeak by them, the beat the crap out of them in the second half. The Pats defense had no answer for Brees and LT. It's still early, but that was a tough home loss.

[Jedieb]

Big reverse for KC to start a key drive. They need to get some points out of this and slow down the Eagles offense. That defense could use a breather and the crowd needs something to get back into this game as well.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Originally posted by Jedieb
The Chargers didn't squeak by them, the beat the crap out of them in the second half. The Pats defense had no answer for Brees and LT. It's still early, but that was a tough home loss.

I know but the look awful first two games. Maybe the Pats just played terrible. Its the only thing I can think of.

[Jedieb]

Wow, the Chiefs are just reeling. The Eagles have abandoned the run game and they're tearing the Chiefs secondary apart. Short passes, deep balls, McNab is torching them. They've just driven down into FG range right now. Way to fall apart at home KC!

[Jedieb]

The Chiefs have now blown an 18pt lead and they're down by 3. With Denver, SD, and even the Raiders winning this is going to be a costly collapse.

[Ryan Pode]

Huge loss for the Chiefs is they do.

[Jedieb]

If you thought it couldn't get worse for KC, you were wrong. After giving up the lead with a FG, Dante Hall just fumbled the kickoff. Eagles ball, already in FG range.

[Yog]

Toooouchdooown Eagles!

[Jedieb]

Looks like I'll be going 3-1 in the afternoon. Way to give up 28 straight points at home. Wow, still over 8 minutes but the crowd just booed a running play, you don't see that in KC very often.

[Jedieb]

Kinnison tried to catch that ball with his chest and it bounced right off his shoulder pad. Man, worse collapse in franchise history. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have the ball at the 5 and are poised to pull one out of the fire. 4th down and they're going for the win.......

[Yog]

Haha, interception now too :D

[Ryan Pode]

No sacks! No sacks! Ravens allowed no sacks!

[Jedieb]

Jesus Bledsoe, that pass wasn't even in the end zone. 4th and goal at the 5 and you throw a ball to Glenn at the 1! Even if he completes it, the Raiders had 3 defenders coverging on Glenn. Horrbiel decision by Bledsoe. Even though they could have gotten a first down, I don't think Glenn had enough for that with the catch. Looks like the Raiders are going to run out the clock now. Cowboys only have 1 time out left and it's second down.

[Jedieb]

Game over in Oakland, the Raiders just sealed it. Meanwhile, the Eagles just keep throwing the ball and running down the clock. McNab has that short passing game down pat. He sure as hell doesn't look hurt to me.

[Figrin D'an]

Originally posted by Jedi Master Carr
I know but the look awful first two games. Maybe the Pats just played terrible. Its the only thing I can think of.


Or maybe the first two games were the aberation for the Chargers, and they've played more to their norm in the last two weeks. Try giving them some credit. They not only beat, but took to the woodshed, the two-time defending Super Bowl champs in their own house, where they hadn't lost since 2002. Maybe the Pats aren't quite as good as they have been the past couple of seasons, but maybe the Chargers have gotten a lot better to.

It's an impressive win, no matter how you look at it.

[Jedieb]

Big TD for Arizona before the half. They've dominated most of the game, but those 2 fumbles have just killed them. SF really has two defenses. A decent line, and a craptacular secondary and linebacker core. This game kind of looks like their loss last week. Big lead early, and then the defense slowly falls apart. The Niners looked like they were ready to bury the Cards when they got those 2 TD's, but the Cards kept coming and putting together scoring drives. I expect more in the second half and unless the Niners defense can keep scoring, the Cards will probably pull this one out.

[jjwr]

Just got home, very long day but it was a incredible day to watch a football game regardless of the score :)

Pats defense was horrible all day, it wasn't just lack of tackling they were in the wrong spots, they were fooled, they were out muscled, just horrible day all around for the defense.

What your seeing is the lack of Rodney Harrison. The lapses in coverage and extra run support are things he would have taken care of and missing both him and Bruschi may be more than this team can recover from.

The chargers looked sharp today, not spectacular but sharp. Basically there was always a guy open and all Bree's had to do was throw it to him. This did not look like the Patriots defense and if this is the defense they put out the rest of the year they are in trouble. That being said I have no doubt Belechick will figure it out but it may take more than the week they've had.

[Jedieb]

Originally posted by Figrin D'an
Or maybe the first two games were the aberation for the Chargers, and they've played more to their norm in the last two weeks. Try giving them some credit. They not only beat, but took to the woodshed, the two-time defending Super Bowl champs in their own house, where they hadn't lost since 2002. Maybe the Pats aren't quite as good as they have been the past couple of seasons, but maybe the Chargers have gotten a lot better to.

It's an impressive win, no matter how you look at it.

The Chargers lost their first 2 games, but they were in both of them and could have easily managed a split. I think they're for real. They can make the same kind of run they did last year. While I don't see them up with the AFC big boys yet, if they can build on last year's season they might be the best team in that division. The AFC West team I'm dissapointed in right now is the Chiefs. After 2 good defensive efforts they've reverted back to last year's form. Not a good sign for Chiefs fans.

[Jedieb]

Originally posted by jjwr
Just got home, very long day but it was a incredible day to watch a football game regardless of the score :)

Pats defense was horrible all day, it wasn't just lack of tackling they were in the wrong spots, they were fooled, they were out muscled, just horrible day all around for the defense.

What your seeing is the lack of Rodney Harrison. The lapses in coverage and extra run support are things he would have taken care of and missing both him and Bruschi may be more than this team can recover from.

The chargers looked sharp today, not spectacular but sharp. Basically there was always a guy open and all Bree's had to do was throw it to him. This did not look like the Patriots defense and if this is the defense they put out the rest of the year they are in trouble. That being said I have no doubt Belechick will figure it out but it may take more than the week they've had.

In game analysis, sweeeeeeeeeet. :thumbup

It's only one game, but it looks like they really missed Harrison. I saw a few broken tackles as well, but it sounds like you saw breakdowns all over the place. With the Pats, everything starts on the defensive side of the ball. If they start to struggle there it puts that much more pressure on Brady and the offense. They'll win their share of shootouts, but I don't think they can make another title run without getting that side of house in order.

[jjwr]

It's only one game, but it looks like they really missed Harrison. I saw a few broken tackles as well, but it sounds like you saw breakdowns all over the place. With the Pats, everything starts on the defensive side of the ball. If they start to struggle there it puts that much more pressure on Brady and the offense. They'll win their share of shootouts, but I don't think they can make another title run without getting that side of house in order.

Agreed. Lucky for them the division is horrible, the Bills are done and the Jets might as well be. I doubt the Phins are for real but even a 8-8 finish for them would be a huge improvement.

The lapses in the secondary obviously weren't good but even their line didn't play well and that had been their strength. I don't recall them getting one solid hit on Brees all game let alone a sack. There was almost no pressure on him and very little penetration past the line. Just a flat game, hard to believe they would come out so flat but after the battle they had with Pittsburgh last week maybe they were just beat still.

[JMK]

Look at the QB's in the AFC East. Bollinger, Losman, Frerotte and Brady. We all know about Brady, Frerotte has been a competent QB over the years, but certainly not above average and the other 2 bums. Bollinger...3rd stringer for a reason, and though Losman is still young, he's been pathetic so far. The East was supposed to be a tough division this year, so far the Jets and Bills have pretty much been doormats.

[jjwr]

Yup yup, which could be the only thing that gets the Pats into the playoffs. After their first 7 games(next e @ Atlanta, @ Denver, vs Indy) they get their 6 division games at the end. By then they should be heathier, they just can't afford to fall too far out.

They should be able to beat Atlanta, Denver is hard to say. Then the Colts...if they can get their D together by then they should be ok but this may be the time the Colts finally win one in Foxboro.

[Jedieb]

I don't think the playoffs are in jeopardy. I'm just curious what's going to happen when the Pats find themselves having to go on the road to places like Indy or maybe San Diego. We know they can win at Heinz Field. Hell, the only team that can't win a championship game at Heinz Field is the Steelers.

[JMK]

The playoffs aren't in jeopardy for the Pats. They'll still easily win the division. The next few games will be tougher than we initially thought though. With the injuries they've sustained it's hard to imagine that they'll keep rolling like they have. If they can find a way to contain a hobbled Vick they should have no problems next week. Denver so far looks a lot better than most thought. Aside from their loss in Miami they've been 3-0 since and have been impressive. The real test comes against Indy. The Colts offensive machine woke up yesterday and their defense has given up 26 points in 4 games. That's ridiculous. An average of less than a TD/game.

[jjwr]

Pats should be able to beat the Falcons. Right now their weakness is the secondary and lucky for them that is not the Falcons strength, they are a power running team. Oddly enough the Falcons would probably do better against the Pats with Matt Schaub at QB as he can throw it pretty well.

Denver could be tough, I personally don't thik they are for real though but time will tell.

Colts are looking awefully scarry, this really could be their year. As good as their offense has been the D seems to be playing just as well. They have a creampuff schedule and could face the Pats at 7-0. Thats also the Pats next home game so they will have to win to avoid losing 2 in a row at home. Sadly with the Pats already 2 losses in the bag home field is in serious Jeopardy which is good news for everyone else. Regardless what just happened no team wants to play in Foxboro in January.

[Ryan Pode]

Ravens @ Colts for AFC Championship game. Ravens win. 3-0.

[JMK]

You sure? 3 seems a bit high. Maybe they'd sack Manning in the endzone for a safety, but you can't rely on Wright or Boller to get Stover even close to FG range.

[Ryan Pode]

I was thinking maybe 7, off an INT return.

[jjwr]

Problem with the Ravens is right now the Colts D is playing better and they have a stud offense to go with it. Ravens can't really compete with that.

[JMK]

All jokes aside, that's dead on. The Ravens would just get shredded. I can see now in my head: Freeney knocks Boller/Wrights helmet off...oh no! The head is still in the helmet!

The only way they could keep it remotely close is by running the ball all day and hoping that Jamal Lewis has a great game, then hoping that the Colts offense is off the field. But I'm sure that's been a part of everyone's game plan at some point. Then the Colts score on their opening drive...and their second drive and *poof* there goes the magic game plan.

[Ryan Pode]

It's week four. Let's see how ineffective the Ravens offense is at the end of the season and how good the Colts defense is at the end of the season as well...

Yeah. :(

[JMK]

Looks like Ricky Williams ain't alone anymore:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2180060

And I can't find a link at the moment, but Cadillac Williams has an injured foot. Water is wet and the sky is blue. Run a kid like that and this was going to happen.

[Jedieb]

I wouldn't blame Cadillac's injury on being run too much. It's still early in the season. He got hurt, it happens. The Bucs still have Pittman, they can afford to give him 10 carries a game and ease the load on Williams. That's the kind of offense Gruden wants to run, ball control and nothing too complicated for Griese. Then the defense does the rest and you have the same formula the Bucs used to win the Superbowl a couple of years ago. They're not as good as they once were, but they're starting to show some signs of life again.

Eli and the Giants looked really good yesterday. Manning is off to a great start. He looks outstanding for a second year QB. The Giants look poised to make at an NFC Wild Card spot. I don't know when they hook up with the Redskins, but you've got to figure they put an end to this ridiculous start Washington is off to. They winning games Ravens style, great defense, inept offense.

[Jedieb]

Things couldn't have started any worse for the Packers. You know, this is just sad. Green Bay basically brought Favre back to lead the Packers to the first pick in the draft. They let his tackles go, wouldn't sign Walker to a decent deal, drafted a QB in the first round, and basically made no attempt to make this team a playoff contender. Exactly why should Favre come back next year?
Packers 0
Panthers 7

[Figrin D'an]

Originally posted by Jedieb
Things couldn't have started any worse for the Packers. You know, this is just sad. Green Bay basically brought Favre back to lead the Packers to the first pick in the draft. They let his tackles go, wouldn't sign Walker to a decent deal, drafted a QB in the first round, and basically made no attempt to make this team a playoff contender. Exactly why should Favre come back next year?
Packers 0
Panthers 7


The thing that ultimately confuses me is why the Packers new GM, Ted Thompson, decided to give Mike Sherman a contract extention if he wasn't going to give him any tools to work with this season. It seemed, all throughout the summer, that Thompson was setting up Sherman to crash and burn, thus giving the GM an excuse to can him at the end of the season and bring in someone new. It just completely boggles my mind.

To be brutally honest, if things get bad enough, Bob Harlan, the Packer's president, might just decide to clean house at the end of the season, including the new GM. Favre will retire at the end of the season anyway, so it might as well be a good time to completely tear down the organization and try to rebuild it around Aaron Rodgers and a top draft pick that they're likely to get next April.

(A note to the Packers.... if you do get the #1 pick, for love of Pete, draft Reggie Bush from USC.)

[Ryan Pode]

Completey unrelated, but my school's mascot, Captain Chris (I go to Christopher Newport Univeristy, a breakoff from William & Mary), looks like a younger Burger King King: http://about.cnu.edu/tour/images/captainChris.jpg

It's kinda creepy.. a very striking resemblance makes watching football games very odd.

[Jedieb]

Pretty gutsy comeback by Favre and the Packers. They've got 1:58 and they only need a FG to send the game into overtime. If they pull this out it'll be pretty amazing considering they had players dropping like flies all game long. We've seen it before, a team with a lead starts playing not to lose and they let the other team back into the game. This should be a good finish.

[Jedieb]

Great play by Gamble to stop Driver from catching that first down pass. Sadly, this game was probably their best effort of the season, but it's still a loss. How bad is the NFC North? The Packers are 0-4 and 1 game out of first place at the moment.

[Figrin D'an]

Was a valiant effort. Favre almost managed to will his team to victory yet again. Unfortunately, this will be the story of the season for the Packers. Favre will find ways to keep them in some games, but they'll come up short because they don't have the guys around him anymore to make the big plays in crunch time.

[JMK]

It really is sad to see the team get dismantled by stupidity and injuries like this. Favre is being hung out to dry, it's basically him and Donald Driver and that's it. Does anyone else think that Ahman Green is done? Sure they're loading up to stop the run since Favre can't throw to anyone but he looks like he's got absolutely nothing left to offer.

[jjwr]

This team is done, they have been falling apart and getting worse and worse for years but Sherman never had the skill as a GM to fix it and now he's reaping it.

Favre will leave after this year, Sherman will be fired and it will be Rogers(?) job to fill Favre's rather large shoes.

[JMK]

Does anyone truly believe that he's going to hang it up? I'm not so sure. All signs point to yes, and he's given every indication that he will, but somehow I doubt he will go through with it. He's not going to want to go out like this. Nor does he deserve to retire in shame like this. He's going to want a shot to at least be on a competitive team before retiring. Favre's a competitor and a champion, they don't just go away after a bad season, and I'm not sure GB fans would let him walk away because they sure won't accept management greasing the skids for him to leave.

[Jedieb]

One of the main reasons that we constantly hear retirement talk when it comes to Favre is that Superbowl ring. If the Packers had lost that Superbowl then this would be a moot point. Favre would play until his arm fell off and he'd end up breaking many of Marino's records in the process. You have to wonder though, how much longer is he going to put up with this when he can go home and look at his trophy case and see that championship. Last night was plenty proof that he can still run around and have big games and have fun doing it, but if most of the games end up being losses, then what's the point?

[JMK]

He's a believer, and everyone else on earth seemingly believes that he can magically will the Packers to at least a playoff run. I don't think he's an egomaniac, but he won't won to finish up with a team that goes 6-10, or worse, more like 4-12. If he can rally a team to an 8-8, 9-7 record and people send him off with the 'Favre carries Packers to playoffs' then I think he's call it quits.

[jjwr]

Look at how each of the past few years finished though, yeah he carries them to the playoffs then throws 4 INT's in a playoff game because the team around him is horrible and he is forced to try and do it all on his own.

This Packer team is falling apart and it will take more than a year to rebuild them into a actual contender and I really can't see Favre going to another team just to go out on top.

He's been close to retiring before and with everything that happened in Mississippi I can very easily see him walking away. Don't forget great players don't always go out on high notes, don't forget Marino's last game, 62-7 Loss in the playoffs.

[JMK]

You had to bring that up didn't you. :headbash




:cry




Unfortunately for Favre he's already in that situation. If he did get to the playoffs and got blown out, he probably would want to come back so erase that memory. Dan quit because he couldn't do it anymore and because Jimmy Johnson thought it would be a better idea to groom Feebler. The beginning of the end for my Fish. I think it's going to take Packer management telling Favre that it's over, that it's time to start playing Rogers, regardless if the streak is still running or not.

[Jedieb]

I don't get why anyone would call for Rogers right now. If the Packers are this bad with Favre, can you imagine the horror that Wisconsin would see with Rogers under center? Packer management knows that Favre is the only thing keeping the Packers in games. With last night's injuries it's only going to get worse. Any other team would trade Favre and get what they could for him now. The problem is, this is football, not baseball. It's a lot harder to trade a QB in midseason and have him pick up a new offense. The Jets and Ravens may be desperate, but a mid season Favre trade wouldn't make much sense for them.

[Ryan Pode]

I'd take Favre midseason. Hell, it's Brett Favre! Could you imagine how expslovie the Ravens offense would be? The Raven's O-line is a step up from the Packers at this point and Favre to Mason would be great. Too bad it'll never happen.

[Figrin D'an]

Week 4 Results


Jedieb: 10-4
JMK: 10-4
Yoghurt: 10-4
Figrin D'an: 9-5
Jedi Master Carr: 9-5
Lance Casey: 9-5
Lilaena De'Ville: 9-5
Nathanial K'cansce: 9-5
sirdizzy: 9-5
Eldorack: 8-6
jjwr: 8-6
Ryan Pode: 8-6
Jinn Fizz: 7-7
Blade Ice: 6-8



Updated Season Totals

Jedieb: 40-20
Jedi Master Carr: 36-24
jjwr: 36-24
sirdizzy: 35-25
Yoghurt: 34-26
Figrin D'an: 33-27
JMK: 33-27
Lance Casey: 32-28
Lilaena De'Ville: 32-28
Ryan Pode: 32-28
Nathanial K'cansce: 30-30
Kale: 23-23
Jinn Fizz: 20-24
Ambrose Braeden: 10-6
Eldorack: 14-14
Blade Ice: 6-8
Lamar Starworth: 5-11



I'd like to again emphasize that following a standard format for picking the games makes it much easier for me to calculate and record the scores more quickly and efficiently. Thanks.

[Jedieb]

And the lead increases... :evil

[JMK]

Fig, myself and a bunch of others were at 23-23 last week and went 10-4 this week, that should make us 33-27, unless you came across an error after calculating last week's results?

[Figrin D'an]

Corrected some errors. It should be right now.

[Lance Casey]

Two solid weeks in a row. Now that we've all seen each team play at least 3 games, picking should get alot easier, aside from the upsets that seem to be happening every sunday.

[Nathanial K'cansce]

Sweet, I broke even. :D

[jjwr]

I'm amazed I went 8-6...

As for Favre, he won't get benched, at least not yet. Yeah the team is 0-4 but when the other 3 games in your division are the 1 win Vikings, 1 win Bears and 1 win Lions its sad to say but they still have a shot at the division crown.

Now if they go 0-6, or 0-7 then the managment needs to seriously consider making the change. At that point they would be looking into the future, no it wouldn't be easy on Favre but if your going to miss the playoffs what does playing Favre get you? They will need to find out if Rogers is their next starting QB and if he then starting 6-8 games at the end of the year could be huge. Look what it did for Eli Manning, he's playing very well right now.

[JMK]

If they slip to 0-6, 0-7, they HAVE to start playing Rogers. There can't be any debate. They'll have a legitimate shot at picking #1. If they don't feel Rogers is the QB of the future then they can look at Matt Leinart. If they believe in Rogers then they can go for Reggie Bush. But it all hinges on sitting Favre and seeing what Rogers is capable of.

[Jedieb]

But what if Favre says he's coming back nexy year? Is this the final year of his contract? I would hate to see him on the bench. Even if they are 0-6 or 0-8, if he's the only positive on the team I don't see how they can bench him. I think GB will win next week so that will keep them at least 1 out of the division lead. That should quell the bench talk for awhile.

[JMK]

I guess it depends on who makes the first move, behind closed doors of course. If Packers management has a meeting with him one day (before he publicly announces what he plans to do with his future) and tells him that they're going to start taking a look at Rogers, what choice will he have? Especially if they're 0-7 by that time, or even 2-5? They clearly need to rebuild anyway, they're awful everywhere and they're not going to want to let their #1 pick just sit there and rot.

[Yog]

How would Favre react to being benched though? Going to another team maybe? There are plenty of teams lacking in the QB department.

[JMK]

I think he'd retire as a Packer before going somewhere else.

[Figrin D'an]

Favre won't get benched because the public in Wisconsin would crucify the Packers management if they even considered doing so. It would be something for which many people would never forgive Thompson and Sherman if they were to make that choice. The only two things that will prevent Favre from starting every game for the Packers this season are:


- A serious injury

- Favre himself deciding to sit


And, no, he'll never leave the Packers for another team. He has said as much on multiple occasions. He'll retire in green and gold. And, whether it's good for the team or not, he'll leave the game on his terms.

[JMK]

And that's why I think he'll stick around. No one cut from the champion cloth that Favre is cut from will go down like this. If they make the playoffs then I reserve the right to change my opinion but if things continue like this, he'll come back for more and he will get more help.

[sirdizzy]

I think you can use the year as a tutor situation, Carson Palmer benifitted greatly by not having to be forced to play his rookie year. Now in his 3rd season he looks all pro and has his team at 4-0, you can't tell me that one whole year where he didn't take a single snap didn't help him.


Big Ben causes so many problems, the guy was an anomlty but because he had success as a rookie everyone things they can thrust their QBs out sooner than they should, need I mention JP Lossman or Orton (both who've looked like JV High School QBs so far). Ben had a great defense to back him up, one of the best 1-2 punches at WR and a great running game.

Phillip Rivers is the one that I have to question, one year, yes but two years thats a wasted pick to me and you need to trade him while you can or start him eventually you need to make a decision on where your team is going if its Brees then Rivers will get you a good player if its Rivers you need to get him some game expierence.

[JMK]

San Diego looks like they're going with Brees for the long haul. Makes you wonder what Rivers' future will hold. They ought to be thanking Eli for ditching them right about now.

[jjwr]

The only two things that will prevent Favre from starting every game for the Packers this season are:

And this is why the Packers now suck. They have eeked into the playoffs the past few years through a weak division only to get destroyed by whomever they seem to play and the games are always the same, Favre throws 2-6 INTs. He has 13 INTs in his last 4 play off losses.

At some the point the team needs to look at the big picture and move on. The great point above was about Matt Lienart. If Rodgers gets no playing time this year then the Packers don't know what they have, what if they do go 3-13 and end up with the #1 pick, they have a 2nd year QB who has never played and a big quandry. Once the playoffs are out of the question find out what the kid can do, if he's not the answer then you have a great shot at Lienart, if he is then go for Bush and have a very young dynamic pair to build on.

[JMK]

Phew, glad someone agrees with me. :)

[Jedi Master Carr]

Of course they need a lot of defensive help. Bush they don't need since they have Green. The need defensive people and some new Offensive line guys. If they have the first pick they are better off trading it to try to get those people.

[JMK]

Green's finished dude. Stick a fork in him. He may have a few great games left in him but you can't rely on him for the future.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I would still trade the pick, their defense is horrible. One great offensive player can never turn around a team. That is a flaw with most teams when they get that #1 pick. Especially next year some team would just love to have it because of the choices so finding the number of buyers won't be an issue. And if you want a good RB you can always find one in the later rounds that never seems to be an issue.

[Ryan Pode]

They need a defensive back and consistancy on their D-line. That will change their defense. If they could get an O-line, they'd be sooo much better offensively.

[JMK]

Yeah but unfortunately they've already decided to go out and draft a QB. They've got to give him some weapons. Sure they need some O-linemen, and I would agree that after losing Wahle and whatshisname that should be their top priority. But faving a shot at a guy like Leinart or Bush is too good to pass up. You just can't pass that up. They can address defensive needs through free agency. The Chiefs did it with Surtain. The Colts did it with Simon, and the Broncos and Jags rebuilt lines through free agency. The Packers can too.

0-4 looks like a lock at this point. Bubba Franks is questionable, as is Green and a couple other key components. A nightmarish season so far.

[jjwr]

Their other holes are the reason they need to know if Rogers is the future. If he has potential they can trade that high pick for a bounty of draft picks. Imagine how much trade power they would have if they held the #1 pick and didn't need a QB?

[JMK]

No kidding. It just adds more fuel to their fire. Imagine what would happen if Rogers turns out to be a dud and they get rid of their high pick this year? They need to know how good Rogers is, in game situations, not against the practice squad where he's assured that he won't get hit.

[Figrin D'an]

I'm not disagreeing that the Packers suck this season, or the fact that they really do need to see if indeed Aaron Rodgers is their future franchise QB. Were it my decision, I would do what I believe to be best for the future of the organization. I'm simply stating what I strongly believe will happen. Apparently, some of you think it's impossible to express an opinion without looking at it through glasses tinted the color of one's favorite team.


Whatever. I guess I'll just run the picks contest and keep my mouth shut.

[Jedieb]

Favre won't get benched because the public in Wisconsin would crucify the Packers management if they even considered doing so. It would be something for which many people would never forgive Thompson and Sherman if they were to make that choice. The only two things that will prevent Favre from starting every game for the Packers this season are:


- A serious injury

- Favre himself deciding to sit


And, no, he'll never leave the Packers for another team. He has said as much on multiple occasions. He'll retire in green and gold. And, whether it's good for the team or not, he'll leave the game on his terms.

I agree with Fig. I don't think Favre will get benched, no matter how bad the Packers play. He's the only thing that gives them a chance to win, to bench him to give a rookie a chance to play is nuts. That streak of his pretty much insures that he can't be benched while he's still effective, Packers future be damned. It's the Green Bay Packers, not the Aaron Rogers development squad. Bottom line, the Packers never should have drafted Rogers. They should have gotten the best offensive lineman available. And if they do get the #1 pick next year they should trade it and put themselves in a position to get Bush. That kid is amazing and Ahman Green is pretty close to 30, isn't he? There's your QB and RB of the future right there.


I'm not disagreeing that the Packers suck this season, or the fact that they really do need to see if indeed Aaron Rodgers is their future franchise QB. Were it my decision, I would do what I believe to be best for the future of the organization. I'm simply stating what I strongly believe will happen. Apparently, some of you think it's impossible to express an opinion without looking at it through glasses tinted the color of one's favorite team.
There's nothing wrong with Homer tinted glasses. Unless they're Ravens tinted glasses that convince you Kyle Boller is decent QB. ;)

[Ryan Pode]

PFFT. Kyle Boller is money. He did decent against the Colts till he got hurt.

[jjwr]

I agree with you 100% Figrin, no way the Packers will actually bench him. If the team falls to 0-6, 0-8, etc he still won't get benched and he will go out there and play as hard in ever game.

All I'm saying is the team should really start to think about the future, as great as Favre has been he isn't long for the team and they won't know what they have in Rogers.

I'll be honest, I haven't followed Favre that closely, is he the type that would sit on his own if they are out of the playoffs by the halfway point?

[JMK]

I agree too. He won't be sat out, but I really think for the good of the future, he should be. I wonder if management would sit with Brett and ask him to bench himself on the grounds that if they outright do it for him, they'd all be burnt at the stake.

[jjwr]

They would have to, sherman is on thin enough ice as it is imagine how much the fans would hate him if he benched Favre for a rookie?