Week 1 NFL Team Analysis by Division

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AFC East

Buffalo Bills (1-0) ... already had a good offense and the defense played incredible in crushing the division rivals Pats ... this team will compete with Miami for the division title.

Miami Dolphins (0-1) ... yes, it was great to see them lose to the Texans (except for those of us morons who took them in suicide pools) but the Texans are not a horrible team. The Dolphins will still compete with the Bills for the division title.

New England Patriots (0-1) ... they were humiliated by the rigval Bills in Buffalo but they are not as bad as they looked. They will finish 3rd as the running game just isn't there.

N.J. Jets (0-1) ... with Vinny Testicleverde as the QB and Curtis Martin aging by the minute, this team will find it very hard not to finish in the basement in the tough AFC East. PS. The Jets are in deep trouble this week vs. the Dolphins!

 

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AFC North

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) ... The Steelers were mighty impressive in dismantling the Ravens. he Steelers offense moved the ball rather easily against a decent and tough Raven defense. The Steeler defense was also very good but I still think the pass defense can be exploited, just not by a rookie QB not getting any protection. Will win the division.

Baltimore Ravens (0-1) ... were beaten thoroughlu by the Steelers but they will bounce back and be very tough for most opponents. Jamal Lewis is a very good RB and the defense will keep them in most games while rookie QB Boller takes his lumps. Will battle with the Browns for 2nd place.

Cleveland Browns (0-1) ... stunning defensive game against the Colts as I expected a shootout. The offense should be explosive with Holcomb at the controls. The fact that they shut down the Colts offensive juggernaut was impressive. I think they will contend for a wild card spot especially if the defense is as good as they played Sunday.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) ... still the bungels ... they stink ... nuff said!

 

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AFC South

AFC South

Tennessee Titans (1-0) ... took down the defending AFC champion Raiders Sunday night to avenge 2 losses last year. The offense is good ... the defense is good ... McNair is very good. The best team in the AFC ... they should win this division and go on to challenge the Bucs in what would be a great Superbowl.

Indianapolis Colts (1-0) ... won a defensive struggle against the Browns in week one. If the defense is as improved as they looked Sunday, they could contend cause we all know the 3-headed monster of Manning, James and Harrison will have better days. Should compete for a wild card spot.

Houston Texans (1-0) ... started 1-0 last year as well defeating the lowly Dallas Cowgirls and showed great poise in beating a much tougher Miami Dolphins team this year. They are still young and learning but they have enough talent to give teams problems. Would not surprise me if they beat out Jacksonville for last place but they will not be heading to the playoffs quite yet.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) ... actually played very well in week one and almost beat the Panthers who I think are a decent up and coming team. Jacksonville is sort of in a tweener year. They seem to be rebuilding but they still have a solid core of veterans in QB Mark Brunell, talented stud RB Fred Taylor and substance abuser WR Jimmy Smith. I think Sunday's collapse will put them into a downward spiral leading to last place and a realization that committing to the rebuilding process in the way to go.

 

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AFC West

AFC West

Oakland Raiders (0-1) ... The aging silver and black lost a tough one at Tennessee in the opener but they will bounce back and probably win a very tough division. The old guys are just too good and Callahan seems to be a very solid coach. May see the Titans again in the playoffs back in Tennessee.

Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) ... demolished the Chargers Sunday in KC ... This is the year Vermeil probably gets them to the playoffs and battles the Raiders for the division. Defense is improved and a healthy Priest Holmes is enough to keep them in it even though the receivers are very weak.

Denver Broncos (1-0) ... defeated the Bengals which isn't saying much. Jake Plummer looked awful but it didn't matter. Sophomore RB Clinton Portis is a stud and Plummer will be better than he was Sunday. The defense is average and Plummer still makes too many mistakes to lead this team past the Raiders or Chiefs.

San Diego Chargers (0-1) ... looked awful in getting spanked by the Chiefs. The Chargers defense is young and inexperienced and will continue to struggle. The offense has 2 weapons ... LaDanian Tomlinson and David Boston ... Tomlinson had no chance to get going in week one as they fell behind too quickly and Boston may not be the Boston of a few years ago. This team will struggle and may fall behind too early and often for stud RB Tomlinson to be a factor which is the reason I took Portis #1 in my fantasy draft.

 

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NFL East

NFL East

N.Y. Giants (1-0) ... The Giants looked awesome in beating up the Rams. The offense has more weapons than the Rams and the defense seems to be back to where it was a few years ago. If everything comes together, this team can go far. Of course, eventually Kerry Collins will throw the INT that leads to there demise. Will battle Philly for 1st place in division but right now, I give them the edge. Would be a nice matchup against Tampa in the NFL title game.

Philadelphia Eagles (0-1) ... the Eagles were rather pathetic Monday night in every way. The offense was offensive but they were facing the best defense in the league. The defense was decent but not dominating. They lost a lot via free agency and early season injuries but they will get better over the course of the year. Will battle the Giants but at this point, I can't see them winning the division cause the schedule is brutal. Should make the playoffs before getting humiliated again by the Bucs in Tampa this time.

Washington Redskins (1-0) ... Skins are improved in Spurriers 2nd year accept at running back where losing stud Stephen Davis will hurt. If the defense can put it together and Canidate and/or Betts come through, Skins could finish at least 500 cause they have some talent.

Dallas Cowboys (0-1) ... Even with Parcells and some talent on defense, the boys will struggle until they find a QB who can actually play. O-line also not eal strong. Hambrick is okay but nothing special. Bound for last place ... I love it!

 

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NFC North

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (1-0) ... the Vikings finished 2002 strong and started of 2003 beating the division favorite Packers at Green Bay. Vikings offense is more of less Culpepper and Moss ... Moe Williams and the other backs will make the running game half decent. The real difference is in the rebuilt Viking D which may be the best in the division. Will battle the Pack for division title.

Green Bay Packers (0-1) ,,, Packers are still good enough to compete but Favre is not getting any younger and the Vikings beat them at Green Bay which normally just doesn't happen. Still have enough offensively to put up some points and Favre is a warrior but the defense is suspect and although they should be in it, I think the Vikings win the division and the Packers miss the playoffs.

Detroit Lions (1-0) ... beat up the lowly Cards at home this weekend. The Lions are young and improving. QB Joey Harrington looks like he could be a good one and rookie WR Charles Rogers will be a stud. Defense still weak but they should beat out the Bears for 3rd place.

Chicago Bears (0-1) ... the Bears looked plain awful against the 49ers opening weekend. Kordell was even worse than he was much of the time as a Steeler. The Bears have no running game and I don't know if Anthony Thomas has anything to do with it. They just flat out can't open holes. The defense also looked horrid against the 49ers but there still is some talent there. As bad as they looked, they will steal a few (maybe 2 or 3 games) and probably split with the young Lions.

 

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NFC South

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) ... the Bucs dominated the Eagles at Philly and may be even better than last years Superbowl team. The offense is nothing special with slow receivers and average running backs but they make enough tough plays to get by because of theie dominant defense. Will likely repeat as NFL Champs before falling to Tennessee in Superbowl.

New Orleans Saints (0-1) ... I know they looked awful Sunday in getting dominated by the Seahawks but Seattle is improved and my pick to win their division. The Saints actually did improve on defense and the offense has many weapons. Somehow they beat the Bucs twice last year. That will not happen again but a split is very likely. They will battle Atlanta, Carolina, Philly, Green Bay and San Francisco for a wildcard spot.

Atlanta Falcons (1-0) ... without Vick they will struggle but opening with the weak Cowboys was a blessing. Without Vick, they have no chance beating the Bucs but when he returns, he should lead them to the playoffs. At this point, I just don't think they are good enough to beat the Giants or Eagles but they are getting there. They will battle New Orleans, Carolina, Philly, Green Bay and San Francisco for a wildcard spot.

Carolina Panthers (1-0) ... barely escaped with a win over the Jaguars this past weekend but they will improve as the year goes on. Delhomme has the job he was brought in to do after bring the Panthers back from the deal Sunday. Delhomme is young and inexperienced but he will not have to carry this team. Stephen Davis may have his best year of his career or at least since his best days with the Skins. The defense is young and very talented led by Julius Peppers. This is a very tough division with no doormats. Carolina may finish last but I think they battle with Atlanta, New Orleans, , Philly, Green Bay and San Francisco for a wildcard spot.

 

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NFC West

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks (1-0) ... the Seahawks dominated a good New Orleans team opening weekend. The difference is the Ray Rhodes factor. This defense has talent but has not been able to put it together the past few years but Rhodes will change all that. Rookie CB Marcus Truffant will be awesome and Shawn Springs if healthy makes them as solid a defensive backfield as you will find. The Saints receivers (Hron and Stallworth) found it very hard to find any open space against them. The offense has much talent with stud RB Shaun Alexander and a pair of talented wideouts in Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson. QB Matt Hassleback will be key. If he plays well as he finished 2002, the Hawks will win the division over the 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers (1-0) ... 49ers put a serious hurting on the Bears but the Bears are pathetic. The 49ers are a solid team with a capable offense and decent defense but I do not think they are as good as the Seahawks. Garcia needs to stay healthy and Hearst or more likely Barlow needs to be featured. They will battle Philly, Atlanta, Green Bay, Carolina and New Orleans for a wildcard spot.

St. Louis Rams (0-1) ... The Rams offensive line looked horrendous against the Giants this weekend. Warner was running for his life most of the time. When he wasn't fumbling or getting knocked on his arse, he actually threw the ball very well. The biggest problem was their big gay homosexual coach Martz abandoning the running game completely and throwing 60 times. Faulk will still be Faulk if the offensive line gives his a chance. The defense was not bad against a good Giant offensive attack. Martz is a bonehead but the Rams still have plenty of talent to fight for a wildcard spot. The key is the offensive line protecting Warner or Bulger and givning Faulk a chance.

Arizona Cardinals (0-1) ... the Cardinals showed if nothing else that they drafted a promising wideout in rookie Anquan Boldin. actually, signing Jeff Blake and Emmitt Smith were also good moves as the offense, other than having young inexperienced receivers, is not bad. The problems lies in there defense or lack of defense. The Cards were torched by a young Lions offense, that though improved, is hardly a juggernaut. In this tough division, the basement is the only way to go the the defenseless Cards.

 

[chuckdman]

Lightning ...

Lightning ...

SUPER nice write up. Love your work and I am sure everyone on this site appreciates your help and detailed writeups. I would definately rather read your writeups than finish my work. You are one of the guys I followed in BBall. Keep up the great work, always a great to read your input.

One thing I disagree about though IMO. Raiders won't get it done. I think they are slowing going the other way even though they have a great team in the offensive side in Ganon, Charlie and their WRs but I think their defense will be their downfall... or for us betting folks, take the over when they play ok defensive teams like Denver, San Diego, 49ers..

 

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Thanks Chuckd ... my picks were horrid opening weekend so I hope I learned something from watching the package on Direct TV all day.

As much as I hate playing road favorites, I really do think the Dolphins, especially at -3. are a great play this weekend. I would expect that line to go to at least -4 if not -5 by the weekend.

 

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Current Leans

Current Leans

Dolphins -3 ... I know they looked like crap at home aganist the Texans but the Texans may be as good as the Jets are with Vinny at the helm and the Dolphins should be ready to play.

Titans +2 ... Not sold on the improved Colts but I do think the Titans are on the way to the Superbowl (see above) ... I know McNair is hurt but he is alway hurting yet he always comes up big.

Redskins +3 ... I am hoping this line moves to +3.5 or higher ... Skins are better than the Falcons without Vick.

Chiefs/Steelers over 47 ... I can easily see a shootout with two very good offenses. Chiefs defense is improved but they still are not as good as the Ravens and the Steelers made them look porious last week. Steelers defense is good but still not that strong against the pass.

Seahawks -4 ... I watched the Seahawks totally dominate the Saints last week. I know the stats say the Saints had more yardage, etc ... but most of that came late when the seahawks were content to sit on the ball ... the Cardinals defense sucks ... the Seahawks offense is much better than the Lions ... as long as Seattle comes ready to play ... this game will get ugly.

Eagles/Patriots over 38 ... both teams were shut out last week but that will not happen this week. Eagles defense is hurting without Dawkins and liekly Taylor as well as a few defensive linemen ... both teams probably get into the 20's in what is a very important game for both teams not wanted to start 0-2.

Vikings -8 ... The Vikings are improved especially defensively ... the Bears looked like the Bengals last week ... Vikings are at home and I smell an easy victory.

More thoughts to come ...

 

[Lightning]

9/14 NFL Lightning Strikes

9/14 NFL Lightning Strikes

Final Plays

NFL SIDES
Dolphins -2? ? 3 units ? bought the ? point
Redskins +3? ? 2 units ? bought the ? point
Jaguars +3? ? 2 units ? bought the ? point
Rams -? ? 3 units ? bought the ? point
Seahawks -4 ? 5 units
Vikings -8.5 ,,, 2 units

NFL TOTALS
Falcons/Redskins under 40 ? 2 units
Chiefs/Steelers over 47.5 ? 2 units
Eagles/Patriots over 38 ? 5 units

Parlay
Dolphins/Seahawks ? 1 unit to win 2.6 units

TEASERS

6? Point Teaser
Titans+9/Redskins +9?/Vikings -2? ? 2.5 units to win 6.5 units

9? Point Teaser
Raiders -2?/Vikings+? ? 6 units to win 3 units

I tried to post this earlier but the site was down or too busy or something...

Good Luck!

:com: :com: :com:

 

[Lightning]

Rams above were obviously -2.5 not -1/2

 

[chuckdman]

wow

wow

Lightning strikes again.. Wicked week #2!!! Awesome man! keep up the good work. Always happy when hard 'work' pays off. Keep it going.

Looks like your good in NFL too

Ciao:toast:

 

[Lightning]

Thanks Chuckd ... I struggled mightily the first week but bounced back big this time around. I even hit the stinking Cowboys +7.5 last night but it was a last minute play and I wasn;t around to post so it won't count on my record which I will have on here for next week. I am working on it.

If only the Eagles didn't stink and the Phillies were not choking away the wildcard ... I could have been happy this week.

Thanks again and Good Luck!

:com: