Nfl 2006/07

[yerotsluap]

NFL 2006 Preview

AFC East
This is a division only two teams are going to be in with a shout of winning. Buffalo and New York Jets can be discounted pretty much straight away. In Buffalo if you take away the threat of Willis McGahee then the offence is very poor by NFL standards. The Jets are just a truly horrible team, with question marks about whether Curtis Martin will be able to play he will be far from his best and a quarterback who is coming off his second or third shoulder surgery in as many years in Chad Pennington. The offensive and defensive lines lost there best players so this season is looking like a season of trying to rebuild although they drafted well in getting D'Brickashaw Ferguson for the offensive line. The New England Patriots are a team who have been there and done it all but they are beginning to look a little long in the tooth. Tom Brady is one of the best QB's in the league but his receiving corps looks very thin especially with Deion Branch holding out for a trade elsewhere. Brady needs Corey Dillon to prove last season was a blip and help him on the d otherwise rookie Laurence Maroney could be given the starting job. The Patriots will do well this season as they always do because they have a strong group of experienced defenders who know their roles in the system. The Miami Dolphins are a team being talked up as legitimate contenders this season, they won their last 6 games last season and have added Daunte Culpepper, to address their greatest need. They have lost Ricky Williams to a year long ban but Ronnie Brown is more than capable of handling the increased load. Their defence is strong with the likes of Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas and much for Miami will depend on how well Culpepper has recovered from the season ending knee injury he suffered last years

My prediciton
1 New England Patriots 5/9
2 Miami Dolphins
3 Buffalo Bills
4 New York Jets

AFC North
This division houses last seasons champs the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh have lost a few key players especially Jerome Bettis, they're really going to miss his leadership. Ben Roethlisberger has had one of the best beginnings to an NFL career of any QB but he now needs to be more consistent. On the back of his horrible motorcycle crash and this weeks emergency surgery to remove his appendix who knows how long it will take him to recover properly. Pittsburghs real strength is their defence. Joey Porter and Troy Polamalu hit people hard for fun. On paper the Baltimore Ravens have one of the strongest defences in the NFL, but defensive leader Ray Lewis was starting to look sluggish last season and needs to return to his form of two or three years ago if the Ravens are to achieve anything. On offence the Ravens are gambling on rehabiliting two players who are possibly past their prime in Jamal Lewis and Steve McNair. Cincinnati made their way to the playoffs last season where an injury to Carson Palmer was a key reason for them getting knocked out by Pittsburgh. The Bengals need Palmer to be back from the start and to stay healthy for every game. The Bengals have a high powered offence but their defence needs to improve big time from last season if they are to repeat into the playoffs. Cleveland have looked to add experience to their team this season with signings such as Joe Jurevicius and Willie McGinest and think they have found stability at QB with Charlie Frye

My Prediciton
1 Pittsburgh Steelers 20/23
2 Cincinnati Bengals
3 Baltimore Ravens
4 Cleveland Browns

AFC South
Indianapolis are the undisputed favourites for this division. Their high powered offence led by Peyton Manning can overcome the loss of Edgerrin James and the addition of Adam Vinatieri, the greatest clutch kicker ever, from the Patriots gives them a game winner. Jacksonville had a good season last year but their offence doesn't inspire much confidence. Byron Leftwich is another QB who needs to be more consistent. Tennessee could provide the shock in this division, they are in a rebuilding year but much depends on how Vince Young can adapt to the pro game, he is so athletic and strong that he surely has a great future in the league. Houston made a brave choice at the draft in going for Mario Williams a defensive player that helps the needs of the team over the more celebraed Reggie Bush and the hometown Vince Young, in saying that Houston will have another losing season.

My Prediciton
1 IndianapolisColts 1/5
2 Tennessee Titans
3 Jacksonville Jaguars
4 Houston Texans

AFC West
The Denver Broncos reached last years AFC championship game and have largely the same group of players as last year. The addition of wide receiver Javon Walker should give Jake Plummer better options. Mile High stadium is a big home field advantage for the Broncos. Kansas has a lot ageing guys like QB Trent Green and the recently acquired Ty Law so much is going to depend on the rushing of Larry Johnson. San Diego are a team who could really struggle the decision to not re-sign Drew Brees who knew their system inside out could prove to be a major mistake, Philip Rivers needs to step up from the first second of the season or the Chargers could place too much pressure on LaDanian Tomlinson. Oakland are a team in trouble. Randy Moss is't much of a threat unless the Raiders are close to the endzone and Aaron Brooks is a QB is extremely up and down.

My Prediciton
1 Denver Broncos 5/4
2 Kansas City Chiefs
3 San Diego Chargers
4 Oakland Raiders


Will post NFC preview this afternoon in preperation for the opening game this evening

[yerotsluap]

NFC East
Possibly the hardest division in the NFL to predict whats going to happen. Washington have an impressive defence led by their star man Sean Taylor, however it is their offence that could be the major problem. QB Mark Brunell is not getting any younger and hardly throws two good balls in a row, there will be a lot of pressure on Santana Moss and Clinton Portis to make the Redskins offence work. The New York Giants have the makings of a great defence with Michael Strahans return to fitness along with Lavar Arrington and Osi Umenyiora. Their offence containing the likes of Plaxico Burress, Tiki Barber, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey will ease the pressure on Eli Manning who needs to make the step up this season. The Dallas Cowboys season has potential disaster written all over it. The combination of Bill Parcells and Terrel Owens along with an overly sensitive QB in Drew Bledsoe means there should be some entertaining stories throughout the season. Should TO be able to keep his mind on his game than the Cowboys could be a force to be reckoned with this season. Philadelphia will undoubtedly have a better team chemistry this year, now that TO has gone, this should allow Donovan McNabb to do what he does best, although losing a receiver of the talent of TO would hurt any team.

My Prediciton
1 New York Giants 13/5
2 Washington Redskins
3 Dallas Cowboys
4 Philadelphia Eagles

NFC South
The NFC south could house this seasons best all round team in the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers had one of the best run stopping defences last year and have upgraded it with the free agency signing of Maake Kemoeatu. Jake Delhomme is a very steady reliable QB and the addition of Keyshawn Johnson should take some of the pressure off the brilliant Steve Smith. Tampa Bay need to get off to a good start as they've got a brutal looking second half schedule. They have a veteran defence led by Ronde Barber and a solid offence. Atlanta as usual are relying heavily on Michael Vick, who has lost his two favourite targets for the season. Their defence looks very impressive on paper with the likes of DeAngelo Hall, Ed Hartwell, Patrick Kerney and the new addition from the Jets John Abraham. New Orleans will be under immense pressure in returning to the city this season. There defence is absolutely horrible and the new additions Drew Brees and Reggie Bush are going to struggle, Brees because of th e bad shoulder injury he suffered last season and Bush because he wont get the protection he had at USC.

My Prediciton
1 Carolina Panthers 4/6
2 Atlanta Falcons
3 Tampa Bay
4 New Orleans

NFC West
This defence houses last years runners up the Seattle Seahawks. The addition of Nate Burleson should assist Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander. St Louis could have a good season this year they have a reliable consistent QB in Marc Bulger. Torrey Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kevin Curtis are a formidle receiving lineup and Steven Jackson should be able to handle the extra workload and have a career season. The addition of Corey Chavouz at safety is a major upgrade. Arizona have possibly the best receiving pair in the league in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerlad. The addition of Edgerrin James takes this team to another level but its at QB where they will struggl. Kurt Warner is past it now and is only keeping the seat warm for rookie Matt Leinart who must prove many doubters that he is as good as his college record suggests. The San Francisco 49ers are another horrible team with not much going for it. QB Alex Smith is not good enough for the league but at least he now has a target in rookie tight end Vernon Davis.

My Prediciton
1 St Louis Rams 6/1
2 Seattle Seahawks
3 Arizona Cardinals
4 San Francisco 49ers

NFC North
This divison is quite poor in standard. The Chicago Bears cant decide who their best QB is, Rex Grossman or Brian Griese, who their best running back is, Cedric Benson or Thomas Jones. The Bears real strength is their defence led by Brian Urlacher the best defensive player in the league. Detroit cant get much worse than they have been in the past few years, a new coach and QB make for a fresh start. Minnesota with a new coach and without Daunte Culpepper are in a rebuilding season. Brad Johnson isn't a top level QB and the receivers are average. Green Bay could have a horrific season or a great season. It all depends how Brett Favre in surely his last season can marshall his troops. A lot depends on Ahman Greens return from injury and new additions Charles Woodson and free agent AJ Hawk.

My Prediction
1 Chicago Bears 1/2
2 Green Bay Packers
3 Detroit Lions
4 Minnesota Vikings


Predictions
AFC Champions: New England Patriots 17/4
NFC Champions: Carolina Panthers 15/4
Superbowl Winners: Carolina Panthers 9/1
MVP: Steve Smith 16/1

[yerotsluap]

Week 1
07/09/06
2 Miami @ Pittsburgh 1.98 Won 28-17

10/09/06
1.47 Denver @ St Louis 2.75 Won 18-10
2.25 NY Jets @ Tennessee 1.68 Lost 23-16
4.75 Buffalo @ New England 1.2 Won 19-17
2.3 Baltimore @ Tampa Bay 1. Lost 27-0
2.15 Cincinnati @ Kansas City 1.74 Won 23-10
1.36 Seattle @ Detroit 3.25 Won 9-6
3 Atlanta @ Carolina 1.41 Lost 20-6
1.37 Philadelphia @ Houston 3.2 Won 24-10
2.55 New Orleans @ Cleveland 1.57 Won 19-14
2.1 Dallas @ Jacksonville 1.76 Lost 24-17
1.47 Chicago @ Green Bay 2.75 Won 26-0
4 San Francisco @ Arizona 1.26 Won 34-27
1.54 Indianapolis @ NY Giants 2.65 Won 26-21

11/09/06
2.95 Minnesota @ Washington 1.42 Lost 19-16
1.68 San Diego @ Oakland 2.25 Won 27-0

[yerotsluap]

A good start to the season

[vegyjones]

A very good start. Nice an easy! :D

I do feel slightly uneasy that Chicago Bears are 1/2 to win the group
And that you have tipped us to beat GB!

[yerotsluap]

I know vegy was feeling brave with those selections

[Larsson7]

Week 1
07/09/06
2 Miami @ Pittsburgh 1.98 Won 28-17

10/09/06
1.47 Denver @ St Louis 2.75
2.25 NY Jets @ Tennessee 1.68
4.75 Buffalo @ New England 1.2
2.3 Baltimore @ Tampa Bay 1.66
2.15 Cincinnati @ Kansas City 1.74
1.36 Seattle @ Detroit 3.25
3 Atlanta @ Carolina 1.41
1.37 Philadelphia @ Houston 3.2
2.55 New Orleans @ Cleveland 1.57
2.1 Dallas @ Jacksonville 1.76
1.47 Chicago @ Green Bay 2.75
4 San Francisco @ Arizona 1.26
1.54 Indianapolis @ NY Giants 2.65

11/09/06
2.95 Minnesota @ Washington 1.42
1.68 San Diego @ Oakland 2.25

Good start mate....

[yerotsluap]

Decent first week
11/16
68.75%
+3.31pts

[yerotsluap]

17/09/06
2 Carolina @ Minnesota 1.94 Lost 16-13
3.6 Buffalo @ Miami 1.36 Lost 16-6
2.34 NY Giants @ Philadelphia 1.72 Won 30-24 (OT)
1.81 New Orleans @ Green Bay 2.18 Won 34-27
10.5 Houston @ Indianapolis 1.09 Won 43-24
4.9 Detroit @ Chicago 1.25 Won 34-7
6 Cleveland @ Cincinnati 1.19 Won 34-17
3.25 Tampa Bay @ Atlanta 1.43 Won 14-3
7.6 Oakland @ Baltimore 1.14 Won 28-6
3.9 Arizona @ Seattle 1.31 Won 21-10
1.67 St Louis @ San Francisco 2.46 Lost 20-13
6.6 Tennessee @ San Diego 1.17 Won 40-7
1.41 New England @ NY Jets 3.33 Won 24-17
5.7 Kansas City @ Denver 1.21 Won 9-6
3.75 Washington @ Dallas 1.36 Lost 27-10

18/09/06
1.78 Pittsburgh @ Jacksonville 2.22 Lost 9-0

[yerotsluap]

A decent beginning to the weekend but Carolina continue to disappoint without Steve Smith

[yerotsluap]

11/16
22/32 Overall
68.75%
+2.66pts

[yerotsluap]

25/09/06
1.43 Atlanta @ New Orleans 2.90 Lost 23-3

[yerotsluap]

02/10/06
7.4 Green Bay @ Philadelphia 1.15 Won 31-9

[yerotsluap]

1/2
23/34 Overall
67.65%
+1.81

[yerotsluap]

08/10/06
5.5 Miami @ New England 1.16 Won 20-10
3.5 Tampa Bay @ New Orleans 1.32 Won 24-21
2.75 Washington @ NY Giants 1.54 Lost 19-3
3.4 Detroit @ Minnesota 1.33 Won 26-17
4.25 Cleveland @ Carolina 1.23 Won 20-12
6 Buffalo @ Chicago 1.14 Won 40-7
1.58 St Louis @ Green Bay 2.5 Won 23-20
13.5 Tennessee @ Indianapolis 1.04 Won 14-13
3.75 NY Jets @ Jacksonville 1.28 Won 41-0
2.6 Oakland @ San Francisco 1.55 Lost 34-20
1.47 Kansas City @ Arizona 2.75 Lost 23-20
2.15 Dallas @ Philadelphia 1.74 Won 38-24
2.6 Pittsburgh @ San Diego 1.55 Lost 23-13

09/10/06
2.8 Baltimore @ Denver 1.45 Lost 13-3

[yerotsluap]

9/14
32/48 Overall
66.6%
-0.37pts

[yerotsluap]

15/11/06
1.86 Buffalo @ Detroit 2.12 Lost 20-17
2.52 Carolina @ Baltimore 1.63 Won 23-21
1.45 Cincinnati @ Tampay Bay 3.15 Lost 14-13
8 Houston @ Dallas 1.13 Lost 34-6
2.44 NY Giants @ Atlanta 1.65 Lost 27-14
1.57 Philadelphia @ New Orleans 2.72 Lost 27-24
5.6 Tennessee @ Washington 1.19 Won 25-22
3.55 Kansas City @ Pittsburgh 1.37 Won 45-7
2.18 Miami @ NY Jets 1.81 Won 20-17
12 Oakland @ Denver 1.08 Won 13-3
1.58 Seattle @ St Louis 2.5 Lost 30-28
1.16 San Diego @ San Francisco 5.5 Won 48-19
16/11/06
1.15 Chicago @ Arizona 7.2 Lost 24-23

[yerotsluap]

6/13
38/61 Overall
62.3%
+0.17pts

[yerotsluap]

30/10/06
1.89 New England @ Minnesota 2.1 Won 31-7

[yerotsluap]

1/1
39/62 Overall
62.9%
+1.06pts

[yerotsluap]

12/11/06
5.5 NY Jets @ New England 1.16 Lost 17-14
3.6 Washington @ Philadelphia 1.31 Lost 27-3
1.86 Kansas City @ Miami 1.95 Lost 13-10
2.95 Green Bay @ Minnesota 1.42 Won 23-17
3.1 San Francisco @ Detroit 1.4 Won 19-13
5.5 Buffalo @ Indianapolis 1.16 Won 17-16
1.3 Baltimore @ Tennessee 3.65 Won 27-26
5.5 Houston @ Jacksonville 1.16 Lost 13-10
1.83 San Diego @ Cincinnati 2 Won 49-41
1.2 Denver @ Oakland 4.75 Won 17-13
1.31 Dallas @ Arizona 3.6 Lost 27-10
2.5 St Louis @ Seattle 1.58 Lost 24-22
2.7 New Orleans @ Pittsburgh 1.5 Lost 38-31
1.95 Chicago @ NY Giants 1.86 Lost 38-20

13/11/06
5.25 Tampa Bay @ Carolina 1.18 Won 24-10

[yerotsluap]

7/15
46/77 Overall
59.74%
-1.22pts

[yerotsluap]

19/11/06
2.6 Minnesota @ miami 1.58 Won 24-20
2.57 Cincinnati @ New orleans 1.59 Won 31-16
1.39 Chicago @ NY Jets 3.33 Won 10-0
7.45 Tennessee @ Philadelphia 1.14 Lost 31-13
2.72 Atlanta @ Baltimore 1.54 Lost 24-10
2.31 Buffalo @ Houston 1.71 Won 24-21
1.54 Pittsburgh @ Cleveland 2.75 Won 24-20
2.53 Washington @ Tampa Bay 1.61 Won 20-17
3.45 St Louis @ Carolina 1.37 Won 15-0
1.43 New England @ Green Bay 3.1 Won 35-0
4.86 Oakland @ Kansas City 1.23 Won 17-13
1.94 Detroit @ Arizona 1.98 Won 17-10
1.61 Seattle @ San Francisco 2.52 Lost 20-14
1.99 Indianapolis @ Dallas 1.91 Lost 21-14
2.3 San Diego @ Denver 1.71 Won 35-27

20/11/06
2.9 NY Giants @ Jacksonville 1.47 Lost 26-10

[yerotsluap]

11/16
57/93 Overall
61.29%
+2.09pts

[yerotsluap]

23/11/06
1.68 Miami @ Detroit 2.36 Lost 27-10
5.85 Tampa bay @ Dallas 1.19 Won 38-10
2.12 Denver @ Kansas City 1.82 Lost 19-10