NFL Power Ranks: Week 1

It's time once again to bring back the computerized NFL power rankings. For those of you who haven't seen these before, we do our NFL power rankings using a weighted formula that takes into account 7 different stats about a team: record, recent success, strength of schedule, strength of division, scoring offense, scoring defense, and the all important turnover ratio. The point of the ranks, like any power rankings, is to determine who is the best in the league right now, instead of who has been the best all season. Last year, my updated formula did a pretty good job matching real life. The Steelers came out on top at the end, and the Eagles, Falcons, and Dolphins were always ranked much higher than the subjective power rankings out there on the internet, and all 3 ended up in the playoffs, with the Eagles in the NFC championship game.

Since these rankings have no subjectivity, week 1 is always a little weird. Because no real strength of schedule or division has been established yet, teams that won by a blowout and finished the previous season relatively well ("recent success" uses some stats from the previous season for the first few weeks) end up at the top of the ranks. Last year's week 1 #1 was the Eagles and this year we have a repeat. The Eagles huge win over Carolina propelled them to the top of the initial ranks, and yes, I don't have a "Is Donovan McNabb injured?" input into the formula, so we'll see how long this lasts. The Falcons are #2, after shutting down Miami this week. The Patriots are #3 despite their narrow win. They are ranked so high in large part to the strong finish they had in 2008 despite missing the playoffs. The Chargers are #4 for basically the same reason as the Patriots, and the Seahawks are #5 after their dominating shutout of the Rams.

On the bottom side of things, the victims of 2 of the top 5 teams, the Panthers and Rams, come in at #32 and #30, respectively. The Browns are at #31 after being humbled by the Vikings. Houston is #29 after their bad loss to the Jets, and Tampa is in for a long season, coming in at #28 this week. Believe it or not, the Lions are not in the bottom 5, coming in at #27. the formula appreciated the amount of points they were able to score on the Saints in their blowout loss.

Here are the complete rankings:
1. Eagles - 83.39
2. Falcons - 73.55
3. Patriots - 72.42
4. Chargers - 70.65
5. Seahawks - 70.32
6. Steelers - 69.84
7. Jets - 69.84
8. Cowboys - 69.68
9. 49ers - 69.35
10. Vikings - 68.55
11. Giants - 68.39
12. Packers - 67.26
13. Ravens - 66.77
14. Saints - 63.06
15. Broncos - 60.97
16. Colts - 57.90
17. Bengals - 40.97
18. Redskins - 38.87
19. Cardinals - 37.58
20. Raiders - 37.26
21. Bills - 35.81
22. Bears - 33.39
23. Jaguars - 33.39
24. Dolphins - 32.42
25. Titans - 31.77
26. Chiefs - 30.81
27. Lions - 29.19
28. Buccaneers - 28.23
29. Texans - 28.06
30. Rams - 25.65
31. Browns - 23.39
32. Panthers - 22.26

NFL Power Ranks: Week 9

On this election day, I'm sure nothing is more important to you than my computerized NFL power ranks, so I won't let you down. I waited until a little later to do these, because I had a grand idea to make this a special edition called the "power rank electoral college," where I would award the team's power ranking score to the candidate that won the state the team is in, but with a few states up for grabs, it looks like McCain is only going to win states where 8 NFL teams call home, so that's not going to work. If you look at the 2000 and 2004 maps, there were actually exactly 16 NFL teams in red states and 16 NFL teams in blue.

The Flaming Thumbtacks improved to 8-0 this week and still hold a commanding lead on the #1 spot over the Giants, whose impressive narrowed the gap a little. A pretty surprising 3rd is the 5-3 Eagles. They are there because they play in a really great division and are one of only 3 teams (along with the Titans and Giants) that are ranked in the top 10 in the league in offense, defense, and turnovers. If you couple this new #3 spot with the Phillies world series title, I think this post deserves the crazy Eagle fan picture yet again. The idle Panthers dropped to #4, and the Steelers took the Redskins spot by beating them. The Patriots dropped out after their loss to the crazy Colts.

The bottom 5 remained intact but the Bengals first win of the year leaped them over the Lions and 49ers.

There were a lot of big gains and losses this week. Atlanta, Arizona, and Baltimore all jumped 8 spots after getting big wins over bad teams, and all improved to 5-3, which helps the argument that they are all "for real." The biggest losers were New England, who fell back down to earth at the hands of the Colts. Fading Buffalo also dropped 8 spots to #19, as did never good enough to be fading Cleveland and the future definition of "collapse," the Dallas Cowboys. Once again I'll note that the AFC West leading Broncos are ranked #25. Here are the ranks....

1. Titans - 87.31 - Even
2. Giants - 80.39 - Even
3. Eagles - 71.91 - +3
4. Panthers - 70.15 - -1
5. Steelers - 68.68 - +2
6. Bears - 65.38 - +2
7. Buccaneers - 64.94 - +2
8. Falcons - 63.84 - +8
9. Cardinals - 63.05 - +8
10. Redskins - 59.23 - -6
11. Ravens - 58.92 - +8
12. Jets - 58.03 - +1
13. Dolphins - 57.15 - +2
14. Patriots - 56.44 - -9
15. Packers - 54.59 - -5
16. Vikings - 52.36 - +7
17. Saints - 52.07 - +1
18. Colts - 51.94 - +4
19. Bills - 48.05 - -8
20. Browns - 47.64 - -8
21. Texans - 46.28 - Even
22. Cowboys - 45.89 - -8
23. Jaguars - 43.35 - -3
24. Chargers - 40.23 - Even
25. Broncos - 34.39 - +1
26. Rams - 34.03 - -1
27. Raiders - 29.24 - Even
28. Seahawks - 26.73 - Even
29. Chiefs - 23.72 - Even
30. Bengals - 22.27 - +2
31. 49ers - 20.08 - -1
32. Lions - 12.58 - -1

The Computerized Power Ranks are Back

Each week last NFL season, whether you liked it or not, I brought you my computerized NFL power rankings. I think last year's system that I came up with would have been good in normal circumstances, but the NFL threw me a few curveballs. First, we had a 16-0 regular season team, but they played in a division so awful (and strength of division counted for more than it should have) that they spent most of the season 2nd in the power ranks behind the Colts (who were in a very strong division). Then, hoping that the Super Bowl champ would at least pop up at the #1 spot to end the season, the Giants shocked the world by beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl (who had finally made it to #1 by that point). The Giants wound up finishing in 3rd, which isn't bad for a team that only finished the season 10-6.

This year, I made some tweaks and I have no idea how they will work out, but basically it goes like this, without giving away too much of my secret formula. Half of the weight is based on direct results on the field, meaning overall record and momentum (recent record), and the other half of the weight is based on categories that help to explain that record: strength of schedule, strength of division, points scored average, points allowed average, and turnover ratio.

After the first week of the season, and with an impressive win, the Philadelphia Eagles hold a commanding lead on the #1 spot in my power rankings. They were also helped by my momentum rating, which for a few weeks will dip into last season, where they finished strong. I'm not sure if much else can be interpreted from the rankings other than some teams that won big are near the top, and it could be a long year for the NFC West. Here are the ranks:

1. Eagles - 86.13
2. Giants - 76.45
3. Bears - 75.16
4. Bills - 73.06
5. Panthers - 72.42
6. Patriots - 72.42
7. Falcons - 71.94
8. Packers - 71.29
9. Cowboys - 70.65
10. Steelers - 70.16
11. Jets - 69.35
12. Cardinals - 69.19
13. Saints - 68.39
14. Titans - 68.23
15. Broncos - 66.13
16. Ravens - 65.65
17. Redskins - 45.81
18. Bengals - 39.52
19. Dolphins - 39.19
20. Browns - 37.90
21. Chargers - 36.13
22. Buccaneers - 35.48
23. Vikings - 31.61
24. Lions - 30.65
25. Chiefs - 27.10
26. Jaguars - 26.29
27. Texans - 26.13
28. 49ers - 26.13
29. Colts - 22.42
30. Seahawks - 18.87
31. Rams - 17.10
32. Raiders - 16.45

Power Ranks: Week 3

I'm back again with the latest power ranks following the week 3 games. The shocking #1 from last week, the Houston Texans, got toppled by the #2 Colts, who took a commanding hold on the #1 position. The Texans, however, only sank to #4. Patriots fans everywhere will still probably be upset with them remaining at #5, but right now they are still a victim of their weak division and ice cold opponents so far. If they wind up going 16-0, they'll raise up the list...trust me. On the flip side, the AFC South has started off so incredibly strong that all 4 teams are ranked in the top 8. The biggest gainers this week were Jacksonville and Philadelphia, who both ousted undefeated teams in impressive fashion. Denver, Chicago, and Arizona took the biggest falls this week. The Bears beatdown at home by the Cowboys was the obvious reason for their fall, but Arizona's was mostly from coming up on the short end of a lot of teams being bunched up. So, here are the new ranks with their gain/loss from the week before....

1. Colts - 92.06 - +1
2. Steelers - 84.35 - +2
3. Packers - 82.63 - Even
4. Texans - 75.44 - -3
5. Patriots - 74.03 - Even
6. Cowboys - 73.27 - +4
7. Titans - 65.12 - +4
8. Jaguars - 64.11 - +9
9. Ravens - 57.22 - +5
10. Panthers - 56.90 - +3
11. 49ers - 56.77 - -5
12. Redskins - 56.61 - -4
13. Lions - 54.89 - -6
14. Buccaneers - 53.23 - +7
15. Seahawks - 51.98 - +5
16. Eagles - 50.12 - +8
17. Broncos - 48.78 - -8
18. Bengals - 41.25 - +1
19. Giants - 40.85 - +6
20. Bears - 39.52 - -8
21. Vikings - 39.04 - -5
22. Browns - 38.89 - -4
23. Chargers - 38.06 - -1
24. Cardinals - 37.78 - -9
25. Raiders - 35.64 - +4
26. Chiefs - 35.51 - Even
27. Jets - 29.23 - +1
28. Rams - 23.27 - -5
29. Bills - 15.08 - +1
30. Saints - 14.44 - -3
31. Falcons - 14.23 - +1
32. Dolphins - 12.70 - -1

Super Bowl XXXIX

Originally posted on "Is It Sports?" this was another co-written post. Steve is in red, Ryan in black.

Ryan: any predictions for the game?
Steve : well Patriots will win of course Steve : I'll say 34-16
Ryan: all right... i also predict Freddie Mitchell will get hit so hard the hit will appear in every NFL films intro from that point forward
Ryan: as for the game, the patriots dont win unless Vinatieri kicks the winner, so 23-20 pats
Steve : well I hope your first prediction is right
Ryan: it will be one of those hits where the helmet doesnt come off entirely, but starts too, the ball pops out, and freddie lands on his shoulder, with his feet over his head
Steve : that would be awesome
Ryan: then, the eagles, up 17-6 at the time, would be forced to rely on *gasp* Todd Pinkston for the rest of the game, since T.O.s leg will have been amputated below the knee and while freddys body is in jacksonville, his head's in Tallahassee
Steve : yeah and that's why a Vinatieri game winner doesn't seem convincing to me
Ryan: what do you mean?
Steve : that the game won't be that close
Ryan: well, theyve played Indy, who doesnt play defense, and pittsburgh, who has a rookie QB
Steve : I just think they have the confidence and the focus and Philly is just relieved that they didn't choke again
Ryan i think itll be a classic
Steve : it's been alternating lately so I say no
Ryan: well its been alternating whether or not the patriots have been involved
Ryan: this is like the wrestlemania superbowl for the nfl, the past few have been smackdowns and raws.... they are going to make this a classic (the nfl is fixed)
Steve : 38, 36, 34, 32, 30, and 28 were all interesting at least at the beginning of the 2nd half Steve : 37, 35, 33, 31, 29, 27 were all pretty much blowouts
Ryan : i dont remember that far back, man
Steve : trust me on that
Ryan i tend to

It’s probably for the best that Steve and I took a step back from baseball for a few days. He was waiting outside my door the other day wearing a Frank Thomas jersey and wielding a machete. So here’s a little Super Bowl preview, Is It Sports style.

Obviously, Steve has an incredible grasp on every aspect of sports history. Knows the ins and outs of all those little trends and I’m sure if you asked him the starting left tackle for the losing team in Super Bowl XXIV he would know it like that. Great bar trick. Gets him all the ladies.

The fact is though, trends and streaks aren’t all there is to sports. Wisconsin lost at home to Illinois, for example. If trends and streaks were what it was all about, I wouldn’t be here, writing for both of my readers.

That being said, I think Vinatieri will kick a game-winner in the waning seconds, as he has the past two times the Patriots reached the Super Bowl. I just think the Patriots are clutch, but not overwhelmingly better than the Eagles. All right, a little discussion of the two teams follows.

Patriots. I don’t know if anyone told you this yet, but the New England Patriots are pretty good, totally confusing anyone that lived in the early 90’s. I daresay they are a dynasty, and that Bill Belichek is a fabulous head coach. But I have a few reasons not to cheer for them, despite their talent.

One reason is this “Tom Brady is as good as Joe Montana” talk. Just because he can win the big one doesn’t erase the 9-7 season after he won his first Super Bowl, or that his defense is what won him 75% of the games he’s played in. The Rams destroyed every team they played, due to their ridiculous offense. The Pats D held them within striking distance. And against Carolina? Well, that was Carolina. Tom Brady isn’t as good as Joe Montana. (On a side note, doesn’t he look like a character from Celebrity Death Match brought to life? And who do I talk to to get that show back on the air?)

How about this quote, from Philly lineman Ike Reese, in the most recent issue of Sports Illustrated, “Mike Vrabel had my testicles in his hand, and he was squeezing them.” I don’t think I really need to say anything beyond that.

But, as much as I hate to admit it, every decade needs its dynasty, so until next year, I guess I won’t root against the Pats too hard.

Eagles. I do have a huge reason to hate the Eagles. Freddie Mitchell’s mouth. If you hate loudmouthed role players as much as I do, then this year is easy to pick a team to cheer for. While I like the Eagles for whupping the Vikings, I despise them for gloating about it. And I really wish Freddie Mitchell would realize he would be third receiver on at least 10 different teams.

But I’ve always liked that batch of late nineties Syracuse players. You know who I’m talking about, Donovan McNabb, Marvin Harrison, Rob Konrad. I really want to see McNabb pull this one out. (Well maybe not this one, but you know, one) He’s been too quality a guy to not have a ring. It’s like he’s this generations Dan Marino, but worse, because he has to mire in Philly.

So I guess in total, I have enough going for and against both teams that I’m entirely indifferent over who wins. (I say this now, but I know when the game starts, I’ll start cheering for someone). Like I said above, however, I’m picking the Pats, 23-20. -Ryan

Well I think I made my prediction and my reasons pretty clear in our conversation, and I think the Eagles just won't be able to keep up with the more experienced Patriots. McNabb is overrated, and I don't think he's good enough to take advantage of the Patriots shaky secondary. I really would have liked to see what the Eagles record would have been had they played in the AFC all season. There's no question they are a very good team, but I don't know if they are even close to as good as the Patriots, Steelers, or even Colts, especially with no (or banged up) T.O. Even though I'm not expecting it, I'm hoping the game is close to keep me interested, or I guess I'll even accept good commercials or more exposed nipples too (as long as they aren't Romeo Crennel's or something). I've been to Jacksonville 4 times, and I can't believe they're hosting the Super Bowl. It's easily one of the most boring cities in America and the weather there isn't as nice as Miami in the winter, and has unbearable deep south humidity in the summer. I've stayed at the hotel the Eagles are staying at all 4 times I went, and its a nice place (with nothing to do of course except golf on the TPC Sawgrass course, that features the world famous island hole, but they probably don't have time for it anyways) so that gives them a nice intangible edge...unless one of them gets attacked by one of the hundreds of alligators living freely on the hotel's property of course....

I couldn't agree more with what Ryan said about comparing Tom Brady to Joe Montana. The Niners had good defensive players in the 80s, and they were definitely no pushovers, but their success was based on their offensive system and stars. Unlike his successor Steve Young, who I'd like to congratulate on also becoming a first ballot Hall of Famer today, I never lost faith when the ball was in Montana's hands with a big game on the line. He personally won the 49ers many huge games during his time, even before they somehow drafted Jerry Rice in 1985 immediately after completing the first 15-1 season in NFL history, winning the Super Bowl, and making Dan Marino bitter for life. There's only 1 Joe Cool.

As for the Eagles, I LIKE Terrell Owens, but I'm really sick of Donovan McNabb and his mom. I'll never eat chunky soup as long as I live. The media loves to beat up on T.O, but this is a guy that loves football, has a lot of fun, truly wants to win, and stays out of trouble off the field. Like it or not, he can back up his talk, and I think he has a right to do what he does. I'm a 49ers fan, and the way the team is being managed right now, I don't blame him at all for wanting to leave. He's responsible for 2 of my all-time favorite Niners moments as well. His catch in the 1998 playoffs to finally beat the Packers is a moment I'll never forget, and when he ran and spiked that ball on that Cowboys star in 2000, you know all of the Niners fans across the country were going wild after the way the 90s went. To me he was like the spiteful James Bond at the end of some of the 70s movies. Where he has enough and stops being a tuxedo-wearing "good guy" and decides to take out the trash once and for all, where he easily could just arrest the bad guy. Those 2 plays put a dagger through the hearts of both Packers and Cowboys fans because they are re-run all the time, and I think that's nice payback for the way those teams made Niners fans feel throughout the decade. I really hope he's able to make a contribution in this game, because I know he's wanted this his entire life and he's willing to risk a career ending injury just to play in the Super Bowl. That's a role model in my book. Ask Rasheed Wallace if he'd do that. I don't think it will be this year, but I hope he gets that ring one day. Oh yeah, and the starting left tackle for the Super Bowl XXIV losing 1989 Denver Broncos (to my Niners) was Gerald Perry (but I had to look that up). - Steve

Championship Sunday

Originally posted on "Is It Sports" by Steve. This is just another big posted conversation, try your best to follow...At the very end, more proof of Ryan's conversion to a Colts fan exists...

After both going 3-1 last week, Ryan and I break down our NFC and AFC title game predictions.....

Ryan: so.. who wins tomorrow?
Steve: I'm going with Philly and New England
Steve: I think Philly breaks the curse and uses the weather to their advantage
Steve: Eagles 28, Falcons 20
Ryan: I dont think Atlanta has as many problems with the weather as other dome teams
Ryan: mostly because they arent a passing team
Steve: I think the snow will slow down their speedy runners
Steve: if they use Duckett a lot, I think they'll have a better chance
Ryan: yep
Ryan: but i agree... new england wins
Steve: so you think the Falcons are going to win?
Ryan: i think so... going back to the theory that the nfl is rigged
Steve: lol
Steve: I just don't think its Vick's time yet
Steve: and the media will have more fun with the will TO be healthy? stories
Ryan: i honestly think the story is better with philly losing
Steve: well I think they have potential instead of being the 90s Bills to be the 70s Rams
Steve: the Rams were pretty competitive every year but kep losing in the playoffs to Minnesota and Dallas
Steve: but finally in 1979 they beat the "default" other good team (like Atlanta, because everyone else sucked) which was Tampa Bay to go to the Super Bowl and become the doormat for the team of the decade
Ryan: i remember back to 98
Ryan: yada yada yada vikings this vikings that
Steve: well that's a good point too
Ryan: vikings lose
Steve: I see this Falcons team as less of a Cinderella though, more like a team on the brink
Steve: kind of like the 1995 Packers
Steve: they made waves by finally knocking off the Niners but couldn't get past Dallas, but then 1996 was their year
Steve: I'll erase this line...want me to just post this conversation when we're done?
Ryan: that would be easy
Steve: I'm covering all the points when that I want to hit in the conversation
Ryan: all right
Steve: I think in the New England game, this will be one of the first times that bad weather helps the road team, because they have a ton more experience
Steve: and I think the football Gods will work against a rookie QB making the Super Bowl
Ryan: i hate him and his hat
Steve: who?
Ryan: roethlisberger
Ryan: he is always wearing that hat
Steve: haha
Steve: wow the Rams lost 4 NFC title games in 5 years in the 70s before making it to Super Bowl XIV
Ryan: wow
Steve: They lost in 74, 75, 76, and 78 and in 73 and 77 lost in the divisonal playoffs
Ryan: sounds like the vikings
Steve: the year they finally made it in 1979 they were only 9-7
Steve: well I want to be social so let's get some scores down and I'll post it
Steve: like I said before Eagles 28, Falcons 20
Steve: Patriots 16, Steelers 12
Ryan: falcons 27 Eagles 26
Ryan: Patriots 21 Steelers 7
Steve: coolness
Steve: Have anything else to add before I post?
Ryan: we both went what, 3-1 last week?
Ryan: since it snowed and the pats won
Steve: yeah that's right
Steve: because you picked Minnesota
Ryan: haha
Ryan: knowing full well they would lose
Steve: and I forgot about weather and became a hype whore
Ryan: yep... i feel bad though... simmons laid into he colts too
Steve: why do you feel bad?
Ryan: the colts are good guys for the most part

So there you have it. I've got Patriots-Eagles and Ryan has Patriots-Falcons. Stay tuned for our Super Bowl predictions, which will probably be a lot more in depth and made more sober - Steve

NFL Playoff Time....woo-hoo?

Originally posted on "Is It Sports?" this is another post that we co-wrote. On the original page, the background was green, I wrote in white, and Ryan wrote in "Vikings gold." Since the background on this site is white, I'm writing in black and Ryan in Vikings Purple.

Steve: yeah I'm so apathetic to these playoffs
Steve: I don't really like anyone thats left
Ryan: theres an idea... you could rip every team thats left in the playoffs... i would be amused
Steve: haha
Steve: "why I hate all the teams left"
Ryan: exactly Ryan: although... i get first dibs at the vikings and rams
Steve: haha that's fine

Well the divisional playoffs are here and I couldn't be less excited. I had my hopes riding on 2 teams: The Chargers, because they have Drew Brees and LT, and the Seahawks, because I wanted to see Jerry Rice get one more shot. Now that Marty pulled off his annual choke, and the Seahawks proved they are owned by an 8-8 team, I don't have much left to root for. Here's my breakdown of what I don't like about any of the teams that are left, along with my predictions for this weekend.—Steve

You would think that I would be a little bit happier with the whole situation, what with the Vikings still in the playoffs, and the Colts, local celebrities looking like Hulk Hogan in the 1987 Wrestlemania that is NFL football. Yet I’m not happy. The Vikings, whom I’ve been watching whenever I can all season failed to disappoint me, as is there custom. I bet against them, and they won despite me. The Colts are just annoying if you aren't a Colts fan. In four years of living here, I’ve learned the only thing a Hoosier likes more than ripping their rivals is boasting about their team. Without further ado, here are our thoughts on the remaining teams and the games this weekend. Steve is in white, I am in Vikings gold.—Ryan.

Steelers: These guys have put together a fine season, especially in the era of mediocrity (oh I mean parity) in the NFL. Growing up in a Raiders household, I learned to not like the Steelers at a young age. I'm pretty much impartial to them now, and I like Ben Roetheslseibegeraeraegeerber a lot, but something inside of me kind of wants to see them go down because if they go all the way after a 15-1 season, they'll be placed in the sacred realm of greatest teams of all time, and I just don't think they belong there.

I’m old school. I like the 2-3 zone and lots of passing, very few fast breaks. Fighting has its place in hockey. Pitching wins championships. Our steroided batters of note, Bonds and Giambi, haven't won any rings, last I checked. But that’s for another column. I like the Steelers. They run the ball and play solid defense. Some call it boring, but that’s what old school (or skool, for you new skoolers) is. It’s boring but it’s ultimately effective. I doubt anyone is saying they wish Plaxico Burress had a few more 80 yard receptions.

Jets: I just can't get over this team. I kept asking myself, how do they keep winning like this. The AFC was so competitive this year with so many good teams, and apparently the Jets were one of them. They were very good at doing what other pretty good teams couldn't: beating bad teams. After Pennington's meltdown a few weeks ago, I thought this team would be done for sure, but as I told Ryan the other day, their suck power was no match for Marty's choke power and they got the W in RAINY San Diego in a very bizarre game. I think it ends here

I’ve been on the Jonathan Vilma bandwagon all year. This guy is going to be great. Mark my words. (I know, calling the defensive rookie of the year a “player to watch” is quite a stretch. But just you wait. A few years from now, Vilma will be compared to Ray Lewis, an Mr. R. will be compared to… Mr. T. You heard it here first.)

Steve's Prediction: Steelers 23, Jets 16 (Pennington throws a pick in the end zone as time expires, then stabs 4 members of the New York press after the game)

Ryan’s Prediction: Steelers 27, Jets 6. New York’s… thrilling… attack will be stymied.

Colts: I think this is the bandwagon I'll jump on. If I wasn't currently living in Indiana, I would have been on them from the start. I've loved watching Peyton all season and Marvin Harrison just gets the job done with class (though I loved what Moss did to the Packer fans). My big problem is that I get stuck watching this team every week when sometimes there are much more competitive games on. Like I said, I love watching Manning, but the TV stations in Indy need to implement the "Sorgi Rule." Once Jim Sorgi steps onto the field, the game must immediately be switched.
It bothers me that Dwight Freeney, best DE in the league (I was on his bandwagon too) gets no press, but some jerk-off kicker does. It also bothers me that “Vanderjerk” is the only personality this team has had since Jeff George.

Patriots: This team just looks shaky with all the injuries. I don't care how smart Bill Belichick is (I think ESPN is now claiming that he discovered fire AND invented the wheel). I just don't think they can do it this year. But the NFL must have their team of the decade, and I'm sure the refs will be aware. This time though, I think the Colts are going to get them and shut all the critics up and kick off the most intense rivalry in the NFL for the next 5 years (because the Steelers will go 7-9 next year).

No. It’s not to early to start calling this team a dynasty. And yes, this is the best team we have had in a very long while. This is a team without a major superstar, except maybe Tom Brady, though he isn't even a statistical marvel. Bill Belichick has laid the coaching groundwork for all major team sports. Teamwork! On a team!

Steve's Prediction: Colts 34, Patriots 31 (If it doesn't happen, at least we'll get to see Peyton's "aww dang" face as he rips off his chinstrap)
Ryan’s Prediction: Colts 58, Patriots 35 if the field is clear. Patriots 21, Colts 17 if it snows, rains, there is any wind, Ben Affleck is at the game, a squirrel delays the game for more than 30 seconds, or if anyone on the Colts gets injured. Including Tony Dungy.

Eagles: Eww...is there anything to like about these guys? I’m looking forward to watching them play though after not giving a damn since December 19.

It’s hard to think of anything pertinent to say about the Eagles that doesn't involve Terrell Owens or Campbell’s chunky soup. So I won’t.

Vikings: I'll let Ryan lay into them....

I want to take you back to week 15, the Vikings were in Detroit, and had, of course, allowed the Lions to score a potentially game tying touchdown. Then the long snapper one hopped the ball to the holder, no PAT, game over, Vikings win. I hope, Aaron Brooks, that you realize, that this play is why you aren't in the playoffs. The Vikings are in the playoffs because of a botched extra point by the Lions. THEY WON BY ONE AGAINST THE DETROIT LIONS! And don't even get me started on the jerk players on this team. The fine, decent folks of Minneapolis don't deserve this team in the same way the fine, decent folks of Portland don't deserve the Trailblazers. Randy Moss is an ass, no pun intended (well, maybe a little), Daunte Culpepper is the poorest leader I have ever seen, our top running backs are a guy from Wisconsin who has never shown any signs of production, a druggie named after a Canadian province and a rookie drafted in the 4th round. On the other hand, Mike Tice is 1-0 in the playoffs! His former Phys. Ed. Students are proud, let me assure you.
Steve's Prediction: Eagles 28, Vikings 27 (with the score 28-20, the Vikings will score and Tice will kick the extra point)
Ryan’s Prediction: In a way, it would be cathartic to see the Vikings get thumped. That’s why it won’t happen, at least not until I have faith in them. Vikings 35 Eagles 24

Falcons: As a Niners fan, I still hold a grudge from the Dirty Bird days, but Vick is fun to watch.

Probably my favorite team left in the playoffs, but it goes against everything I stand for. They are the only team I will tolerate reaching the Super Bowl from the NFC, but only because I can’t find anything in particular to squabble with.

Rams: I just hate this team. Mike Martz has an amazing combo of both arrogance and stupidity. He seems like he should be a villain in some dopey kids movie. For a crap 8-8 team beating their crap 9-7 division champ, they get way too much publicity, but the NFC is so weak they could be playing in Jacksonville.

The Rams have found their way into the playoffs once again. They also managed to get to the second round by beating Darrell Jackson and the hapless Seagulls, err… Seahawks.

In a related note, I think their title as the “Greatest Show on Turf” is about to come to an end after the warrants come in and Randy Moss and Onterrio Smith are arrested on field in a home game sometime next season. I’d buy that video.

Steve's Prediction: Falcons 27, Rams 6
Ryan’s Prediction: Falcons 20, Rams 16