Giants Give Away Another Win

-  Breaking news from the NFL:

Team records will still consist of "Wins" and "Losses", however playoff teams will now be determined by how many losses a team has, as opposed to wins. -

That's obviously not true, but if it were, the Giants would finally be the best team in the NFL, because so far this season, they're the best at losing.

After handing Dallas the first game, New York decided it best to do the same with the Falcons.  I'm all for being a gracious host, but gimme a damn break.  According to Elias Sports Bureau, the Giants are the first team in history to lose their first 2 games of the season while being ahead by 10 or more points in the 4th quarter.

That's a problem, people.  Some might say it's not a big deal.  "They could just as easily be 2-0 instead of 0-2".  But you know what?  They are 0-2.  And I'll be the first to admit, they're not good enough to give away games.  It was bad enough after the Cowboy's game, but blowing it again against Atlanta just might bury them.

Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic considering we're only 2 games into the season, but I'm serious when I say this team is not built to overcome losses like that.  Yes, their offense finally clicked a bit, but that was only for 2 quarters.  Where was it in the first, and more importantly the fourth?  It was nowhere to be found.  And when are these freakin' injuries going to stop?!  I don't know the extent of Ereck Flowers' ankle injury, but it was bad enough that he couldn't return to the game.  On top of that, Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie left with a concussion.  I'll tell you right now, if Flowers is out for any extended period of time, you can kiss what little bit of a running game they have goodbye.  Not only are the Giants not built to overcome crappy losses, they're also not built to overcome big injuries.

That leads me to my next point: when is enough enough with Jerry Reese?  As I always say, I'm not big on calling for a person's job, but Reese has been putting together mediocre teams since he's taken over.  That first Super Bowl team?  You can thank Ernie Accorsi for that.  Since Reese took the reigns from Accorsi in 2008, the Giants have made the playoffs only twice (which includes that 12-4 team from the year after Accorsi left), and are currently working on a third straight losing season.  That's really bad.  How much more of this do Giants fans need to take?  Please move on from Jerry Reese and bring someone in that can build a consistent winner.

Something that I'm fairly certain will happen (unless the team makes a miraculous turn-around), is the firing of Tom Coughlin.  He's currently under contract through 2016, but if New York misses out on the playoffs again, there's no way he's coming back next season.  And as much as I love Tom (which is quite a lot), I'd be ok with it.  This team needs a change.  I've been clamoring for it for a couple of years now.  Not so much Tom, but definitely Reese.  Will another losing season finally be enough to get it?  We'll see, because I don't envision a lot of wins for this team.  Speaking of wins, let's look at their schedule, shall we?  I'm going to play a little game of "guess the wins and losses" for the rest of the games on the Giants schedule.  Brace yourself.

Quick math tells me that I'm predicting the Giants to finish 5-11.  Ouch.  They'll find a couple of wins in the NFC South, but get swept by the AFC East.  I'm sure you've also noticed that I have them losing to Dallas on October 25th.  That's because they should beat the Cowboys with Brandon Weeden leading the way, but won't, because, well, that's how New York rolls.  Though this year could be filled with a lot more "lose the games you should--and lose the games you shouldn't".

There's a lot of season left, but as you can tell, I'm not very optimistic. 

2015 NFL Predictions - NFC and Super Bowl Edition

No funny intro's here.  I've already done my AFC predictions, and now it's time for the NFC and Super Bowl.  I'm diving in head first today, people, and I'm not wearing a helmet.  Let's rock and ro... ow, my head!

  
NFC EAST

1) Philadelphia Eagles

As a Giants fan, I'm terrified of the Eagles this year.  I know it was only the preseason, but they were dismantling people, and something tells me that's not going to stop come the regular season.  Highest scoring team in the league by a wide margin, mark my words.

2) Dallas Cowboys

Losing DeMarco Murray hurts, but even I could rush for 1000 yards behind Dallas' offensive line, so the run game should be just fine.   The defense is suspect to me, but barring any catastrophic injuries, Dallas should be playing into January again this season.

3) New York Giants

What to make of my Giants?  Offensively, they should be solid.  If they had a better offensive line I'd say great, but since they don't, solid is as good as it gets.  Defensively, however, they could be a total mess.  There's talent there (Jon Beason, Prince Amukamara, Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie, Devon Kennard and a few others), but not enough for me to project New York into the post-season.  (Sniffle) Excuse me, there's something in my eye. (Sniffle)

4) Washington Redskins

What a mess.  From the quarterback to the team name, Washington is the epitome of dysfunction.  I'd say the team is better off with Kirk Cousins under center, but he didn't show a whole lot with his opportunity last year.  Last place seems inevitable.

NFC NORTH

1) Green Bay

Much like the Colts, Green Bay has pretty much already clinched the division.  The loss of Jordy Nelson is bad, but not bad enough to slow down the Packers.  With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, they'll be fighting for the best record in the NFC.

2) Minnesota Vikings

I was going to go with Detroit here, but the return of Adrien Peterson puts Minnesota over the top.  Teddy Bridgewater should only get better, as should the defense under Mike Zimmer.  The Vikings could be competing for a Wild Card spot.

3) Detroit Lions

Detroit had a very good season last year, but I don't see them being quite that good this time around.  They lost Ndamukong Suh, but did an admiral job of replacing him by trading for Haloti Ngata.  If Calvin Johnson can stay healthy, and guys like Eric Ebron and Ameer Abdullah break out, the offense might be strong enough to carry the Lions into the playoffs.

4) Chicago Bears

.................

What?  My parents always said, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  All kidding aside, the Bears don't have a lot going on.  Jay Cutler has never lived up to his potential, almost all of the receivers are hurt and the defense is a disaster.  Could we be looking at the worst team in the NFL?

NFC SOUTH

Before I get into this division, keep in mind, it was won last year by the 7-8-1 Carolina Panthers.  It was all sorts of bad. 

1) New Orleans Saints

I don't love any team in this division, but I think the Saints have the best shot at winning it.  They traded Jimmy Graham, but upgraded their offensive line by getting Max Unger in return.  I don't see a huge improvement defensively, so for them to win, the offense will have to carry the load.

2) Atlanta Falcons

As much as I like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, I just don't see Atlanta having a winning record.  The running game and offensive line aren't great.  The defense won't be spectacular either, but should be improved with Dan Quinn now running the ship.

3) Carolina Panthers

The defense should be ok, but I'm not expecting a lot from the offense.  Kelvin Benjamin is out for the season, pretty much leaving Greg Olsen as the only viable pass catcher.  Plus, Cam Newton isn't the most accurate passer around, so him carrying the team by himself doesn't seem likely.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I'm not going to pretend that I know much about their defense, but they've definitely got some talent on the other side of the ball.  Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson and a healthy Doug Martin could prove to be problematic for teams, but that will really hinge on rookie quarterback, Jameis Winston.  I'm leaning toward him having the usual rookie ups-and-downs, thus the Bucs finishing in last place.

NFC WEST

1) Seattle Seahawks

Hey look, the Seahawks are gonna' be really good again!  I know, not a surprise.  The addition of Jimmy Graham should only improve an already solid offense.  They did lose Max Unger in the Graham deal, but with Russell Wilson's rushing ability, defenses will still have to be on their toes.  Speaking of defense, Seattle's should still be really, really good.  Really.

2) Arizona Cardinals

This rank is completely predicated on Carson Palmer staying healthy.  No guarantee, that's for sure.  But if he does, then Arizona should be pretty tough.  I don't know how, but their defense was really good last year, so I have no reason to think they won't be decent again.  And with a healthy Palmer, the offense shouldn't have too hard a time putting points on the board.

3) St. Louis Rams

Not a big believer in Nick Foles at quarterback, but he's got some decent weapons on offense to work with.  The defense, aside from the secondary, is terrific, and they should keep the Rams in a lot of games.  If Foles can exhibit even half of what he showed a couple of years ago with Philly, then the Rams could push for a Wild Card spot.  Not likely, but hey, you never know.

4) San Francisco 49ers

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  I believe 4,856 players have either retired or been arrested this off-season from the 49ers.  It's crazy.  I'm not seeing any positives here.  Colin Kaepernick can't carry a team, and the defense won't be nearly as good as it was over the last few seasons.  Soooo, yea.  Sorry 49ers fans.

Wild Card

Philadelphia vs. Minnesota 

I really want to pick with my heart and say the Vikings stomp out the Iggles, but I just can't.  Philly takes this one, and also a piece of my soul.

New Orleans vs. Dallas

I really want to pick with my he...oops, nevermind.  Unless the Saints can control the clock with a solid running game, I can't see them beating the Cowboys.

Divisional Round

Seattle vs. Dallas

I'm pretty much all-in on the Seahawks this year (Russell Wilson is on all of my fantasy teams).  With no DeMarco Murray and a shaky defense, Seattle dispenses with Dallas, bringing much joy and exuberance to my household.

Green Bay vs. Philadelphia

Mercy help me.  My two rivals in the playoffs.  Unfortunately, I don't think the Packers can stop this Eagles juggernaut.  My only hope is that the Philly defense gets worn down by being on the field too much due to their quick-scoring style under Chip Kelly.

Championship Round

Seattle vs. Philadelphia

Let's go Seattle!!  Whoops.  No bias here.  I swear.  As I said above, Seattle is it for me once again.  I just can't find any glaring weakness with this team, hence my confidence in them.

Super Bowl

Pittsburgh vs. Seattle

If you remember, I had the Steelers beating the Colts in the AFC Championship game.  They'll tangle with the Seahawks for the whole enchilada.  While I think Pittsburgh's offense will be rather explosive, their lack of defense will finally do them in.  Seattle will raise their second Lombardi trophy in the last three years.

There you have it.  I'll come back to these picks at the end of the season to see how I did, unless of course I do terribly, in which case I'll deny having ever written this article. 

2015 NFL Predictions - AFC Edition

(Big inhale) Ahhh, there's a different kinda' feel in the air.  Actually, it's still really muggy.  But football season is right around the corner, and that just makes everything better.  Colors are brighter, foods taste better, and my jokes seem funnier.  Yes folks, this is my favorite time of year -- football season.  And with football comes my NFL predictions.

Much like football, my predictions are a time-honored tradition (in my house at least).  So, without further ado (not that that was too much ado), here are:

(No actual records will be predicted.  I don't have the time or math skills to predict the outcome of all 512 games)

AFC EAST

1) New England Patriots

Tom Brady's no longer suspended.  Enough said.  Who am I kidding?  I was going to pick the Patriots even if he did miss games.

 
2) Miami Dolphins

I'm expecting a good year from Miami. Their offense is young and improving, and anytime you add Ndomukong Suh, your defense instantly gets better.


3) Buffalo Bills

Awesome defense, plus I have a funny feeling that Tyrod Taylor is going to be good.  They should compete for a playoff spot.

4) New York Jets

I believe they'll improve on last year's 4 wins, but with the AFC East being so competitive, vaulting into a playoff spot seems unlikely.

AFC North

1) Pittsburgh Steelers

Talk about an identity change.  The Steelers, once known for their stout defenses, have become a high-powered offensive team.  High-powered enough to take the division.

2) Baltimore Ravens

They're always good, and this year the offense is being coached by Marc Tressman.  Look for them to score a few more points than usual.

3) Cincinnati Bengals

Doesn't it seem like the Bengals win 9 or 10 games each season?  That's because they've done just that each of the past 4 seasons.  It never results in anything, though, except a Wild Card loss.  Eight or nine wins seems about right, but no Wild Card this year.

4) Cleveland Browns

I declare every year as the year of the Browns.  Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me 15 times, shame on me.

AFC South

1) Indianapolis Colts

It's not even close.  Andrew Luck is fantastic, and they've just added Frank Gore and Andre Johnson.  If you look at the standings, I think the Colts have already clinched the division.

2) Houston Texans

If they had a better quarterback, I'd actually have them competing for the division.  But they don't, and JJ Watt can only do so much.

3) Jacksonville Jaguars

This almost came down to a coin flip, but when looking at the Jags roster, they actually have some talent.  Not sure how the defense will be, but they've got weapons offensively, and could score some points if Blake Bortles can make strides.

4) Tennessee Titans

Not sure how good of an NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota will be.  Plus, I just don't think they're that good.

AFC West

1) Denver Broncos

I think this will be the last hoorah for Peyton Manning.  He struggled mightily at the end of last season, and whether it was injuries or not, there was reason for concern.  I'll give them the division because they're loaded with talent around Manning.

2) Kansas City Chiefs

Can Alex Smith actually throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver this year?  Because he didn't last year, and that still blows my mind.  The Chiefs brought in Jeremy Maclin to try and rectify that.  Defensively, I think they'll be quite disruptive.  The playoffs look like a possibility for them.

3) San Diego Chargers

Should be pretty good again offensively.  It's yet to be determined how good Melvin Gordon will be, but guys like Danny Woodhead will alleviate some of the pressure on him.  Defense seems suspect.  Don't see the Bolts coming out with a winning record this year.

4) Oakland Raiders

A part of me really wanted to put them 3rd, but I think they're a year off from that.  I'm expecting a big improvement from this team both offensively and defensively.  Derek Carr played very well as a rookie, and now has Latavius Murray as a starter, and gets to throw to Amari Cooper.  On defense, Kalil Mack looks like an absolute beast.  The building blocks are there, but I don't think there's enough surrounding pieces for them to compete just yet.

Wild Card Round

Broncos vs. Dolphins

Give me the Dolphins in an upset, and perhaps the last game for Peyton Manning.

Steelers vs. Ravens

This is quite possibly the best rivalry in the NFL.  Every game is a slobber-knocker.  The Steelers come out on top in this one.

Divisional Round

Colts vs. Dolphins

Andrew Luck and the Colts make it back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.

Patriots vs. Steelers

Two good offenses, two mediocre defenses.  Give me the Steelers in an upset.

Championship Round

Colts vs. Steelers

If this game can be anything like last year's matchup, we're in for a treat.  Luck and Roethlisberger combined for over 900 passing yards and 9 touchdowns.  Awesome.  Just awesome.  After the fireworks, though, the Steelers will be the team playing for the Lombardi trophy.

Be on the lookout for my NFC and Super Bowl predictions.