2011-2012 NFL Season Thread

[RossValoryRocks]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

But that was before they tanked to get Luck...like the Penguins did in '83-'84 to get Mario...

[Ehwmatt]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

But that was before they tanked to get Luck...like the Penguins did in '83-'84 to get Mario...

This Colts tankjob is about as blatant as the Cavs tankjob for Lebron in the 2002 season. It really is absurd.

[YoungJRNY]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

That was still way too early in the season when players still had something to play for, let alone playing in Prime Time against the woeful Steelers offensive line at the time who was on their 6th starting rotation in just 3 weeks. Plus, that was in Indianapolis. Teams seem to stand up in the spotlight at home when the lights flicker on a National Audience against premier teams. Now, the Colts are 0-11 and are facing a Patriots team that seem to be back in form offensively. Mix that in with an 0-11 Dome team traveling in December to the outdoors in Foxborough now playing for nothing and there you have a making for another beating, ala 62-point mishap Drew Brees put on Indy. The 51 point margin was a joke....or is it?

[conversationpc]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

But that was before they tanked to get Luck...like the Penguins did in '83-'84 to get Mario...

This Colts tankjob is about as blatant as the Cavs tankjob for Lebron in the 2002 season. It really is absurd.

I really don't think they're throwing it on purpose. The defense has been horrible the last few years anyway and, with Peyton out, along with some key injuries on the offensive line, their offense blows chunks, too. I don't think Caldwell (as bad a coach as he really is) or the players are the type to throw games on purpose.

[Ehwmatt]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

But that was before they tanked to get Luck...like the Penguins did in '83-'84 to get Mario...

This Colts tankjob is about as blatant as the Cavs tankjob for Lebron in the 2002 season. It really is absurd.

I really don't think they're throwing it on purpose. The defense has been horrible the last few years anyway and, with Peyton out, along with some key injuries on the offensive line, their offense blows chunks, too. I don't think Caldwell (as bad a coach as he really is) or the players are the type to throw games on purpose.

The players aren't tanking it. The front office is.

[Enigma869]

Mix that in with an 0-11 Dome team traveling in December to the outdoors in Foxborough

The weather is not an issue. It has been in the 60's almost all of November and "cooled off" today but still close to 50. I think it's supposed to be in the 60's on Sunday. No snow games here, yet.

[Enigma869]

I really don't think they're throwing it on purpose. I don't think Caldwell (as bad a coach as he really is) or the players are the type to throw games on purpose.

Caldwell is an AWFUL coach! I also think they are tanking it...BIG TIME. There is ZERO reason that Peyton Manning out of that lineup should translate to zero wins. It's ridiculous. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are still as good as any two Defensive Ends in the entire NFL. Those two guys alone should be worth at least one win. This is one of the most embarrassing seasons any team has ever had in the history of the league. The 0-16 Lions just plain sucked. This is different.

[S2M]

So you have N.E by 17 (+++) or (x3.) You have the Patriots over Colts by 51 (17X3)? This we might agree with.

Not so fast on the Patriots by that much Travis. Remember, this is the same Colts team who almost (and should have) beat the Steelers. The Colts played the Steelers tougher than New England did!

But that was before they tanked to get Luck...like the Penguins did in '83-'84 to get Mario...

I'm glad someone in that state/city admits it...don't forget Malkin, Crosby, and Staal too.....

[YoungJRNY]

I think I found one of my favorite backs in the league. Marshawn Lynch. Everytime I watch this guy, he's just barelling down on defense's and putting on a hurtin' of pain. You guys should have seen the run he just made. After a horrific, JV-like interception from Vince Young, Seattle gave the rock to Lynch, who drove his feet up the middle and looked to be dead in a pile of jersey's but somehow escaped like Harry Houdini and took it to the house. Awesome back. I love that guy. Hard runner.

[YoungJRNY]

Did the NFL Network just show a graphic that was "Eagles path to Division Title"?????? Followed by the scenarios it would take?? Really NFL?...I guess it could happen but that's a reach don't ya think?

Correct and I laughed my ass off. "All they really need is the Giants to beat the Cowboys twice but the Giants need to lose to these certain teams and they also need 6 other teams to beat this team and that team and oh yeah, Philly needs to run the table! And Vince Young throw another pick...."

[YoungJRNY]

This Eagles team are just a bunch of quitters. Another Lynch run to the house pretty much untouched. Uh, Tomlin? Anyway we can trade Mendenhall for this guy? I like Mendenhall and all but I'd take this dude in a heartbeat versus Mendy's dancing bullshit.

[Enigma869]

I like Mendenhall

Why? Dude is useless. Not even ranked in the top 20 in the NFL in rushing yards. Absolutely nothing remotely special about Mendenhall. The guy averages about 50 yards a game, which most guys do by accident.

[YoungJRNY]

I like Mendenhall

Why? Dude is useless. Not even ranked in the top 20 in the NFL in rushing yards. Absolutely nothing remotely special about Mendenhall. The guy averages about 50 yards a game, which most guys do by accident.

I like him by his overall explosiveness to bust one to the outside at anytime. It's pretty obvious he lacks the forward running to get between the tackles but he does show some good burst time to time. Fairly inconsistent, though and turns his back to the defense like a total pussy. Not sure if we're going to resign him when his contracts up unless we go totally to the passing game and use him like Reggie Bush. That, I'd like since Mendenhall is an open field runner only. I think the Steelers are still resistant to go to a complete passing offense. I still prefer runners like Redman and Lynch.

[YoungJRNY]

Ouch. V.Y- 4 interceptions including a pick 6. Time for a shakeup in Philly and I'm not talking about their head coach. Stop trying to buy your championship like the Washington Redskins and start drafting your future. That big occasion in April called the NFL DRAFT actually means something believe it or not.

[YoungJRNY]

Haha, Seattle rubbing salt into the wound of Philly. Taking all that NFC WEST suck and frustration and taking it out on the NFC EAST. Philadelphia should start thinking about Andrew Luck

[Peartree12249]

Breaking


Green Bay Packers to start selling shares of $250 stock on Tuesday to fund stadium expansion - @AP, @NewsHubhttp://bit.ly/up9J84

They'll probably sell out in days.

[Frontiers65]

I think I found one of my favorite backs in the league. Marshawn Lynch. Everytime I watch this guy, he's just barelling down on defense's and putting on a hurtin' of pain. You guys should have seen the run he just made. After a horrific, JV-like interception from Vince Young, Seattle gave the rock to Lynch, who drove his feet up the middle and looked to be dead in a pile of jersey's but somehow escaped like Harry Houdini and took it to the house. Awesome back. I love that guy. Hard runner.

Yea I was at the game! He is a great player and always gives his best!

[YoungJRNY]

I think I found one of my favorite backs in the league. Marshawn Lynch. Everytime I watch this guy, he's just barelling down on defense's and putting on a hurtin' of pain. You guys should have seen the run he just made. After a horrific, JV-like interception from Vince Young, Seattle gave the rock to Lynch, who drove his feet up the middle and looked to be dead in a pile of jersey's but somehow escaped like Harry Houdini and took it to the house. Awesome back. I love that guy. Hard runner.

Yea I was at the game! He is a great player and always gives his best!

Nice! Glad you saw a great performance from your team. I'm a sucker at being at the stadium & love the whole experience of being in an energized crowd. Gives off such a high. I'm actually going to the Steelers game this Sunday against Cincy. I can just imagine what Seattle feels and sounds like. I believe in that 12th man, you can just hear them roaring through the television set. When I see Seattle playing at home, I practically pick them the majority of the time. Such a tough place to play in the spotlight. Lynch is fun to watch, wish he was on my team, haha.

[S2M]

Cincy by 17+

[Ehwmatt]

One of the most intriguing stories this coming offseason will be the Peyton Manning saga. So many questions remain:

1. Will he be able to return?
2. if so, will he be able to do so at a high level?
3. Will the Colts release him?
4. If so, where will he go?

[Ehwmatt]

One of the most intriguing stories this coming offseason will be the Peyton Manning saga. So many questions remain:

1. Will he be able to return?
2. if so, will he be able to do so at a high level?
3. Will the Colts release him?
4. If so, where will he go?

I just read about Peyton yesterday somewhere. Article said he's healing fine and just following orders before the Docs release him to start playing/practicing again. Also mentioned that he was due a $28 million roster bonus here soon and how the Colts might try to re-arrange that deal if they can. I'll try to find the article.

The Colts can't unilaterally rearrange anything as far as I understand it. Peyton would have to agree to modify the agreement. I sure as shit wouldn't!

[Enigma869]

One of the most intriguing stories this coming offseason will be the Peyton Manning saga. So many questions remain:

1. Will he be able to return?
2. if so, will he be able to do so at a high level?
3. Will the Colts release him?
4. If so, where will he go?

Intriguing...definitely. I think the bottom line is that if Manning is healthy enough to play, he will play and play for the Colts. In my opinion, there is ZERO chance that Irsay ever releases Manning. Hell, the guy went out of his way to scream from a mountaintop that Peyton would be the highest paid player in the NFL, because he's the best QB in the NFL (um, Irsay...no, he isn't. Open your fucking eyes)! They are clearly getting Andrew Luck, so there is no reason this can't turn into a Brett Douche Favre/Aaron Rodgers situation. I believe that Rodgers say on the bench for 3 years behind The Douche. I'm pretty sure Peyton will be 37 when the season starts next year, so he definitely doesn't have that much time left that a rookie QB can't come in and learn behind him.

[YoungJRNY]

Bengals @ Steelers: I'll be in the house. First play of the game, Roethlisberger to Wallace deep to get shit started at Heinz Field! Should be another close game since Cincy showed no indicator at packing it in for the season once they lost back to back games against the Steelers and Ravens. Dalton is the comeback kid and has his team primed for a Wild Card push. Fierce pass-rusher LaMarr Woodley is back in the lineup so I expect the Steelers pressure to return in a big way. Steelers by 8.

Colts @ Patriots: Should be a total blowout of epic proportions. An 0-11 dome team traveling to the outdoors of Foxborough in December all in the midst of Tom Brady's offense regaining their strength and timing. How far this decade long rivalry has fallen from the absence of only ONE man. Patriots by 30.

Broncos @ Vikings: UPSET. Please end it, Minnesota! I went back and forth on this on a couple times. I don't like this matchup for the Broncos, especially traveling on the road and in a dome for Tebow to operate. I think Jared Allen wreaks all kinds of havoc for Tebow on the edges and Tebow and his offense struggles to do much, setting the stage for the Vikings upset who are VERY MUCH DUE at home, even without Peterson. Vikings by 6.

Jets @ Redskins: As I said last week, the Redskins play their best with Rex Grossman inserted into the lineup. Good or bad-Rex, Washington must stick with him even if he struggles. Rex Ryan needs to keep this team awake or all those Super Bowl predictions in the off-season become shit once again. Jets by 10.

Panthers @ Bucs: Another one that I had a very hard time picking. Quarterback Josh Freeman is having a down year with the overachieving Buc's from a year ago and is having difficulties with his thumb due to a bonehead accident with shooting guns. Tampa Bay is pretty much on the brink of elimination soon and Cam Newton smells blood as he goes for the ROTY award. Panthers by 4.

Raiders @ Dolphins: The Dolphins have been playing for head coach Tony Sporano lately and have been on a roll but losing a very close one on Thanksgiving day at Dallas. They had a long layoff from that time period and week by week, Carson Palmer is feeling more and more comfortable in the Raiders system. If Oakland wants to be a threat, they must win some road games. Raiders by 10.

Falcons @ Texans: This is where we'll see what Houston is made of, especially at home against a rising Atlanta Falcons team. In this league, it all comes down to the quarterbacks on an even playing field and that's why the Falcons continue to roll since Michael Turner and Arian Foster cross-cancel each other out. Falcons by 13.

Titans @ Bills: The Titans have a chance to completely play Grinch in the AFC SOUTH and steal a season right from underneath the Texans. I just don't think their that good of an overall team to go on the road, in a tough stadium against a Bills team still clinging on to hope themselves. Bills by 7.

Chiefs @ Bears: Defense gets it done in this one since this is usually desperate times called for desperate measures. Fortunately for the Bears, their defense has answered the call before. Oh yeah, and TYLER PALKO. Bears by 14.

Ravens @ Browns: Uh-oh. Team with a losing record & going into their stadium on top of it. This week spells disaster and letdown for Baltimore. That, and Cleveland ALWAYS plays Baltimore tough even when Baltimore doesn't have a history of losing to scrubs. Still, Flacco better wake up in this one of it'll be another choke job. Baltimore fans better have some faith their team starts getting it done against bad teams this late into a playoff push. Ravens by 10.

Cowboys @ Cardinals: Everyone now looks up to the Cowboys in the NFC EAST, thanks to collapse's and just plain overrated football within the division. Cowboys win this one, setting up a dawg fight for the division against the Giants in the East. Cowboys by 16.

Rams @ 49'ers: Rams looking to pull off a huge upset within the division, kind of like what they did to the Saints in that fluke of a win. I don't see it happening at this stage late in the season. 49'ers by 10.

Packers @ Giants: I guess the Giants are the last BIG threat against the Packers to end their undefeated streak. The Giants need to be 'Giant-killers', just like in 2007 when they were the only team to end an undefeated streak. Too bad for Tom Coughlin, his boys are playing the worst football of their season while Green Bay continues to play their best. Packers by 14.

Lions @ Saints: Lions better be careful here, a loss puts them at odds with a Wild Card birth. The Saints are flying high and showed they are a serious contender in the NFC. The Lions bad-boy will be on the shelf this week. Maybe it'll be for the better of the team. Saints by 13.

Chargers @ Jaguars: What a suck Monday Night game that won't mean too much in the overall grand scheme of things considering the games played in the earlier games the day before. It'll be fun to see the Jaguars defense in action though, who have been playing at Prime Time level. Norv Turner will be fired at the end of the season but the Jaguars are already in major overhaul. Chargers by 17.

[RedWingFan]

If Oakland wants to be a threat, they must win some road games. Raiders by 10.

You do know the Raiders are 4-1 on the road, right? The only loss was to the Bills 4th Quarter comeback in week 2.

[squirt1]

S2M- I don't see the 17 points. I wish but Mike Brown is not noted for depth. The cornerback position is hurting and @ Pitts Steelers are tough at Heinz. I guess the last 20yrs is show me.

[Enigma869]

Bengals @ Steelers: Toughest game of the week for me. I'm pissed this is an early game tomorrow, which means I won't be able to see it because of the Patriots game. I REALLY want to see this game. The Bengals have done exactly what I predicted they would do...lose against the tougher teams in the division. This is an ENORMOUS game for the Bengals, and they absolutely MUST win this game, for a whole lot of reasons. Nobody will take this team seriously if they lose three straight games to real NFL teams, while compiling a winning record against the little sisters of the poor. After the Pittsburgh game, the Bengals have a very easy schedule until they end the season with the Ravens. The Steelers also have a very easy schedule remaining, with only one tough game against SF. Steelers in a very close one by 4.

Colts @ Patriots: Thank you NFL Gods for putting the "Flex Scheduling" to work for we fans. This was supposed to be the Sunday night game tomorrow night, until the Colts decided to take the season off. The Colts almost beat the Steelers and played Pittsburgh better than New England did. That said, it's the only remotely positive thing I can say about the Colts this season. Unlike Travis' prediction, mine will have nothing to do with December and Foxborough, as it will be about 60 degrees tomorrow around these parts. This simply comes down to a team's will to win. Based on what I've witnessed thusfar (The Pittsburgh game notwithstanding), the Colts have shown ZERO interest in winning. Patriots by 4 TD.

Broncos @ Vikings: Denver now believes that they are a legitimate playoff team and the Tebow Jesus Freaks are out in full force. I still say the guy can't throw a football. Minnesota matches up very well against Denver. They are 29th against the pass, defensively and have a team coming in who can't throw they football. Conversely, they are a top 10 team against the rush. If they stack the line against that AWFUL QB draw/option, they could make it a long day for TD Jesus. I love the Vikings in this game. Minnesota by 3.

Jets @ Redskins: The Jets are fighting for their playoff lives, and the Redskins are fighting for tee times in early January. Jets by 14.

Panthers @ Buccaners: Another shit matchup that nobody wants to watch. Cam Newton gets a bit closer to the single season rushing TD record by a QB, but it probably won't be enough. Freeman now inactive for this game, changes my prediction before kickoff. Panthers by 7.

Raiders @ Dolphins: Miami continues to play hard each week. Oakland continues to win. At this point, the Raiders are probably a playoff team in a weak AFC field, so they can't afford any slip ups. Raiders by 13.

Falcons @ Texans: It's interesting to me that the Texans are currently the number one seed in the entire AFC, and I have ZERO concerns about them. It sounds ridiculous to say this, but I expect them not to make the playoffs. The NFL simply isn't setup to win with second string QB's....let alone third string QB's. Houston still has some talented players, so I certainly expect their games to be close. Falcons by 10.

Titans @ Bills: Two teams going nowhere fast. This game is a coin flip for me. The Bills are done, but I've never bought into the Titans as a serious contender. Bills by 3.

Chiefs @ Bears: Complete fucking disaster of a QB matchup for football fans. This game will all come down to defense and Chicago's defense (thank God I have them in my fantasy league against Tyler Fucking Palko) is much better. Bears by 14.

Ravens @ Browns: Baltimore has to keep winning to stay ahead of Pittsburgh. Given that it's a division game, it will probably be a bit closer fans than Ravens fans would like. Close isn't good enough. Ravens by 9.

Cowboys @ Cardinals: The Cowgirls are rolling and the Cardinals aren't going to pose much of a threat. Dallas by 17.

Rams @ 49'ers: The Niners have been forced to sit around for 10 days after losing a very tough game to Baltimore. The Rams won't get in the way of San Francisco bouncing back. 49'ers by two TD's.

Packers @ Giants: This is the most interesting matchup of the weekend for me. The Giants are on a three game slide and they absolutely MUST win this game, or their season is over (and even with a win, it's probably over). I felt all season long that if the Packers were going to lose a game, this would be it. I just don't see the Packers as a team that is going to lose. Packers by 7.

Lions @ Saints: The Lions are coming off of a complete embarrassing performance on Thanksgiving. Thanks to that douche, Suh, they'll be a bit under manned on the D Line. I suspect that this game will be a shootout, but Brees isn't the guy I would want to get into a shootout with. Saints by 10.

Chargers @ Jaguars: Another shit "primetime" game for the NFL with two dog shit teams. So typical of the Chargers to be inconsistent. They usually start slow and end strong. After starting 4-1, they have now lost 6 straight. The fledgling Jaguars will probably play hard for their new coach, but even the Chargers can't fuck this one up, can they? Chargers by 14.

[YoungJRNY]

S2M- I don't see the 17 points. I wish but Mike Brown is not noted for depth. The cornerback position is hurting and @ Pitts Steelers are tough at Heinz. I guess the last 20yrs is show me.

Not saying their a bad road team. Just saying since they are in command within their division, they must win on the road because other than their one playoff game in Oakland if they do win the West, they'll more than likely be a road team if they get out of Wild Card Weekend.

[Jonny B]

We seem to be running out of starting QBs this year. If Rothlisburger or Brees go down, can I safely say it will be an easy repeat for the Packers? Seriously, can any team right now, with whatever their starting roster might be at the moment, can possibly out-gun Aaron Rodgers right now?

[S2M]

Play calling....play calling...play calling....

[Ehwmatt]

Bengals killing themselves with stupid penalties...Steelers look off their game for now..

I'm really trying to figure out why I have to be subjected to Tim Tebow here in the Cleveland market and NOT the fucking Bengals-Steelers. Pisses me off.