OFFICIAL NFL 2015-2016 Thread

[mikemarrs]

Thought i'd start a new thread with the draft and schedule release coming soon.....

With baseball in the early stages of the regular season and hockey and basketball rocketing toward the postseason, the NFL will release the 2015 regular season schedule soon. Usually, it happens in the middle of a mid-April week, with next Tuesday (April 14) being the earliest date for doing it and the last Thursday before the draft (April 23) likely being the deadline.

The 2015 NFL Draft will be held in Chicago, IL, from Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2.

ROUND 1

1- 1- 1 Tampa Bay
1- 2- 2 Tennessee
1- 3- 3 Jacksonville
1- 4- 4 Oakland
1- 5- 5 Washington
1- 6- 6 New York Jets
1- 7- 7 Chicago
1- 8- 8 Atlanta
1- 9- 9 New York Giants
1-10-10 St. Louis
1-11-11 Minnesota
1-12-12 Cleveland
1-13-13 New Orleans
1-14-14 Miami
1-15-15 San Francisco
1-16-16 Houston
1-17-17 San Diego
1-18-18 Kansas City
1-19-19 Cleveland from Buffalo
1-20-20 Philadelphia
1-21-21 Cincinnati
1-22-22 Pittsburgh
1-23-23 Detroit
1-24-24 Arizona
1-25-25 Carolina
1-26-26 Baltimore
1-27-27 Dallas
1-28-28 Denver
1-29-29 Indianapolis
1-30-30 Green Bay
1-31-31 New Orleans from Seattle
1-32-32 New England

Would love to hear who you would like your team to draft. Although Tennessee has been mocked to take QB Marcus Mariota i'd rather do a trade down for more picks. I think Mettenberger showed promise as a rookie last year. In the preseason Mettenberger was the leading passer of all NFL QB's completing 47 of 68 passes good for 69 percent of passes completed for 659 yards. In Mett's first full game of action against Houston he went 27 of 41 completing 66 percent of his passes for 300 yards with two touchdowns,one interception and a 93.4 QB rating. In his third game against Pittsburgh he set a rookie record on MNF completing 15 of 24 passes for 263 yards including an 80 yard bomb for a TD ending the game with two touchdowns and one interception and a 110 QB rating. To be honest he only got six games to show what he could do but i think he did a mighty fine job considering he had a shoestring offensive line,a non existent running game and a defense that was the worst in the league.

Certainly would love to hear who you would like your team to draft.

[Jonny B]

I would like the Jets to draft a WR or two as well as a defensive lineman and maybe a late round RB.

Right now, there's been a long heated debate among Jets fans involving either drafting or trading for a QB. But I think they should hold off one more year. I don't want the Jets to get involved in the hype and waste another high round pick on a QB in a draft that is weak in that position. Geno Smith should be given one more year of evaluation before giving up on him. Even if they pull the plug early, Ryan Fitzpatrick can win a few games, though I'm not a fan. He's a career backup who still gets starter's roles because newer QBs haven't been able to get the job done....In the end, they should rely on their bolstered defense and win games that way. Best thing the Jets can do is wait one more year on the QB position. If the draft pool is weak at QB again next year, there's a nice list of mid-level free agent QBs they can pick from, with Philip Rivers and Carson Palmer on the top of that list. Jets could have a fast turnaround if they play their cards right.

Of course, I also follow the Patriots as they are the popular team locally. They basically did nothing but let players go in free agency, so it'll be interesting how they fend off a new and improved AFC East. I hope they don't expect Brady to throw it 60 times a game at his age, but that's exactly what he'll be doing if they don't replace the RBs and CBs they refused to pay. It will be very interesting who they draft.

[mikemarrs]

Yeah there has been talk the Jets could trade up with Tennessee and take Mariota which i actually wouldn't mind at all. I'd like the extra picks. Do you think Mariota could be a good NFL QB? As far as Fitzpatrick he actually played well for Tennessee and was good at moving the ball but would have certain times he would commit a bad turnover in the fourth quarter of a close game causing a loss. If the Jets defense is top five next year Fitzpatrick could get you a wild card possibly. Fitzpatrick helped Houston to 9-7 last year but they missed the postseason.

Also won't be long and we will be able to do the annual predictions as well. One team i expect to fall a bit would be San Francisco they lost a lot of players. I also think Jeff Fisher could do well with the Rams this year if Nick Foles turns out to be his QBOF he is already building a good defense there with Gregg Williams. Certain teams are just a player or two from competing like the Jets who i think were held back by Geno Smith. Will be interesting to see how Rex Ryan does coaching Buffalo. I think they will finally make the postseason in 2015 after years out of it. Wonder how Miami will do with Suh......

[mikemarrs]

ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski was already on the record saying he wouldn’t pick Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston first overall.

Now, he’s saying he doesn’t think the Buccaneers will, either.

During an interview with CSN Philly Sports Talk, Jaworski said he thinks the Bucs are going to surprise everyone and take Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.

“The latest I’m hearing now from my sources around the league, who are pretty wired in, is that he’s going to go number one now to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Jaworski said, via PhillyMag.com.


Also....Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego believes that, if the Chargers like what they see and hear from Marcus Mariota via a visit and workout, the Chargers should make the move up to get him, trading Rivers in the process.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ip-rivers/

[mikemarrs]

PRESEASON 2015

Hall of Fame Game at Canton, Ohio

Sunday, August 9

Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota (NBC, 8 p.m. Eastern)

WEEK 1

August 13-17

Carolina at Buffalo

Dallas at San Diego

Denver at Seattle

Green Bay at New England

Indianapolis at Philadelphia

Kansas City at Arizona

Miami at Chicago

New Orleans at Baltimore

N.Y. Giants at Cincinnati

N.Y. Jets at Detroit

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville

San Francisco at Houston

St. Louis at Oakland

Tampa Bay at Minnesota

Tennessee at Atlanta

Washington at Cleveland


WEEK 2

August 20-24

Buffalo at Cleveland (ESPN, August 20)

St. Louis at Tennessee (FOX, August 23)

Cincinnati at Tampa Bay (ESPN, August 24)

Atlanta at N.Y. Jets

Baltimore at Philadelphia

Chicago at Indianapolis

Dallas at San Francisco

Denver at Houston

Detroit at Washington

Green Bay at Pittsburgh

Jacksonville at N.Y. Giants

Miami at Carolina

New England at New Orleans

Oakland at Minnesota

San Diego at Arizona

Seattle at Kansas City


WEEK 3

August 27-30

Detroit at Jacksonville (CBS, August 28)

Seattle at San Diego (CBS, August 29)

Houston at New Orleans (FOX, August 30)

Arizona at Oakland (NBC, August 30, 8 p.m. Eastern)

Atlanta at Miami

Chicago at Cincinnati

Cleveland at Tampa Bay

Indianapolis at St. Louis

Minnesota at Dallas

New England at Carolina

N.Y. Jets at N.Y. Giants

Philadelphia at Green Bay

Pittsburgh at Buffalo

San Francisco at Denver

Tennessee at Kansas City

Washington at Baltimore


WEEK 4

September 3-4

Arizona at Denver

Baltimore at Atlanta

Buffalo at Detroit

Carolina at Pittsburgh

Cincinnati at Indianapolis

Cleveland at Chicago

Houston at Dallas

Jacksonville at Washington

Kansas City at St. Louis

Minnesota at Tennessee

New Orleans at Green Bay

N.Y. Giants at New England

Oakland at Seattle

Philadelphia at N.Y. Jets

San Diego at San Francisco

Tampa Bay at Miami

[AR]

Will there be a fantasy league here this year? Might be up for it this time.

[mikemarrs]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/schedule

2015 NFL SCHEDULE LINK ABOVE


Week 1
Steelers at Patriots -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thursday Night Football Opener
Packers at Bears -- 1 p.m. CBS
Chiefs at Texans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Browns at Jets -- 1 p.m. CBS
Colts at Bills -- 1 p.m. CBS
Dolphins at Redskins -- 1 p.m. CBS
Panthers at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. FOX
Seahawks at Rams -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Saints at Cardinals -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Lions at Chargers -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Titans at Buccaneers -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Bengals at Raiders -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Ravens at Broncos 4:25 p.m. CBS
Giants at Cowboys -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football Opener
Eagles at Falcons -- 7:10 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football Opener
Vikings at 49ers -- 10:20 p.m. ESPN

Week 2
Broncos at Chiefs -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thursday Night Football
Texans at Panthers -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
49ers at Steelers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Buccaneers at Saints -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Lions at Vikings -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Cardinals at Bears -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Patriots at Bills -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Chargers at Bengals -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Titans at Browns -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Falcons at Giants -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Rams at Redskins -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dolphins at Jaguars -- 4:00 p.m. CBS
Ravens at Raiders -- 4:00 p.m. CBS
Cowboys at Eagles -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Seahawks at Packers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Jets at Colts -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 3
Redskins at Giants -- 8:25 p.m. CBS/NFL Network Thursday Night Football
Falcons at Cowboys -- 1 p.m. FOX
Colts at Titans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Raiders at Browns -- 1 p.m. CBS
Bengals at Ravens -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jaguars at Patriots -- 1 p.m. CBS
Saints at Panthers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Eagles at Jets -- 1 p.m. FOX
Buccaneers at Texans -- 1 p.m. FOX
Chargers at Vikings -- 1 p.m. CBS
Steelers at Rams -- 1 p.m. CBS
49ers at Cardinals -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Bills at Dolphins -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Bears at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Broncos at Lions -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Chiefs at Packers -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 4
Ravens at Steelers -- 8:25 p.m. CBS/NFLN -- Thursday Night Football
Jets at Dolphins (London) -- 9:30 a.m. CBS
Jaguars at Colts -- 1 p.m. CBS
Giants at Bills -- 1 p.m. FOX
Panthers at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Eagles at Redskins -- 1 p.m. FOX
Raiders at Bears -- 1 p.m. CBS
Texans at Falcons -- 1 p.m. CBS
Chiefs at Bengals -- 1 p.m. CBS
Browns at Chargers -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Packers at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Rams at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Vikings at Broncos -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Cowboys at Saints -- 8:30 p.m. NBC Sunday Night Football
Lions at Seahawks -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Patriots, Titans

Week 5
Colts at Texans -- 8:25 p.m.CBS/NFL Network Thursday Night Football
Bears at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. FOX
Seahawks at Bengals -- 1 p.m. FOX
Redskins at Falcons -- 1 p.m. FOX
Jaguars at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. CBS
Saints at Eagles -- 1 p.m. FOX
Browns at Ravens -- 1 p.m. CBS
Rams at Packers -- 1 p.m. CBS
Bills at Titans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Cardinals at Lions -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Patriots at Cowboys -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Broncos at Raiders -- -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
49ers at Giants -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Steelers at Chargers -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Panthers, Dolphins, Vikings, Jets

Week 6
Falcons at Saints -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thursday Night Football
Redskins at Jets -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Cardinals at Steelers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Chiefs at Vikings -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Bengals at Bills -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Bears at Lions -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Broncos at Browns -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Texans at Jaguars -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Dolphins at Titans -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Panthers at Seahawks -- 4:00 p.m. FOX
Chargers at Packers -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Ravens at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Patriots at Colts -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Giants at Eagles -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Cowboys, Raiders, Rams, Buccaneers

Week 7
Seahawks at 49ers -- 8:25 p.m. CBS/NFL Network -- Thursday Night Football
Bills at Jaguars (London) -- 9:30 a.m.
Buccaneers at Redskins -- 1 p.m. FOX
Falcons at Titans -- 1 p.m. FOX
Saints at Colts -- 1 p.m. FOX
Vikings at Lions -- 1 p.m. FOX
Steelers at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. CBS
Browns at Rams -- 1 p.m. CBS
Texans at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jets at Patriots -- 1 p.m. CBS
Raiders at Chargers -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Cowboys at Giants -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Eagles at Panthers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Ravens at Cardinals -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Bears, Bengals, Broncos, Packers

Week 8
Dolphins at Patriots -- 8:25 p.m. CBS/NFLN -- Thursday Night Football
Lions at Chiefs (London) -- 9:30 a.m. FOX
Buccaneers at Falcons -- 1 p.m. FOX
Cardinals at Browns -- 1 p.m. FOX
49ers at Rams -- 1 p.m. FOX
Vikings at Bears -- 1 p.m. FOX
Giants at Saints -- 1 p.m. FOX
Chargers at Ravens -- 1 p.m. CBS
Bengals at Steelers -- 1 p.m. CBS
Titans at Texans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jets at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Seahawks at Cowboys -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Packers at Broncos -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Colts at Panthers -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Bills, Jaguars, Eagles, Redskins

Week 9
Browns at Bengals -- 8:25 p.m. CBS/NFLN -- Thursday Night Football
Packers at Panthers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Redksins at Patriots -- 1 p.m. FOX
Titans at Saints -- 1 p.m. CBS
Dolphins at Bills -- 1 p.m. CBS
Rams at Vikings -- 1 p.m. FOX
Jaguars at Jets -- 1 p.m. CBS
Raiders at Steelers -- 1 p.m. CBS
Giants at Buccaneers -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Falcons at 49ers -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Broncos at Colts -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Eagles at Cowboys -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Bears at Chargers -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Cardinals, Ravens, Lions, Texans, Seahawks

Week 10
Bills at Jets -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thursday Night Football
Lions at Packers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Cowboys at Buccaneers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Panthers at Titans -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Bears at Rams -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Saints at Redskins -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Dolphins at Eagles -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Browns at Steelers -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Jaguars at Ravens -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Vikings at Raiders -- 4:00 p.m. FOX
Patriots at Giants -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Chiefs at Broncos -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Cardinals at Seahawks -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Texans at Bengals -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Falcons, Colts, Chargers, 49ers

Week 11
Titans at Jaguars -- 8:25 p.m. NFL Network -- Thursday Night Football
Raiders at Lions -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jets at Texans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Buccaneers at Eagles -- 1 p.m. FOX
Broncos at Bears -- 1 p.m. CBS
Packers at Vikings -- 1 p.m. FOX
Rams at Ravens -- 1 p.m. FOX
Cowboys at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. FOX
Redskins at Panthers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Bengals at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
49ers at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Chiefs at Chargers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Bills at Patriots -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football
Bye week: Browns, Giants, Saints, Steelers

Week 12
Eagles at Lions -- 12:30 p.m. FOX -- Thanksgiving Day
Panthers at Cowboys -- 4:30 p.m. CBS -- Thanksgiving Day
Bears at Packers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thanksgiving Day
Saints at Texans -- 1 p.m. FOX
Rams at Bengals -- 1 p.m. FOX
Vikings at Falcons -- 1 p.m. FOX
Giants at Redskins -- 1 p.m. FOX
Buccaneers at Colts -- 1 p.m. FOX
Bills at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. CBS
Raiders at Titans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Chargers at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. CBS
Dolphins at Jets -- 1 p.m. CBS
Cardinals at 49ers -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Steelers at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Patriots at Broncos -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Ravens at Browns -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 13
Packers at Lions -- 8:30 p.m. CBS Thursday Night Football
Jets at Giants -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Cardinals at Rams -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Falcons at Buccaneers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Panthers at Saints -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Seahawks at Vikings -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Texans at Bills -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Ravens at Dolphins -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Bengals at Browns -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Jaguars at Titans -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
49ers at Bears -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Broncos at Chargers -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Chiefs at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. CBS
Eagles at Patriots -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Colts at Steelers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC Sunday Night Football
Cowboys at Redskins -- 8:25 p.m. ESPN Monday Night Football

Week 14
Vikings at Cardinals -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Thursday Night Football
Bills at Eagles -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
49ers at Browns -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Lions at Rams -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Saints at Buccaneers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Titans at Jets -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Steelers at Bengals -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Patriots at Texans -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Colts at Jaguars -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Chargers at Chiefs -- 1:00 p.m. CBS
Redskins at Bears -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Falcons at Panthers -- 1:00 p.m. FOX
Raiders at Broncos -- 4:00 p.m. CBS
Cowboys at Packers -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Seahawks at Ravens -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Giants at Dolphins -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 15
Buccaneers at Rams -- 8:25 p.m. NFL Network -- Thursday Night Football
Jets at Cowboys -- 8:25 p.m. NFL Network -- Saturday Night Football
Bears at Vikings -- 1 p.m. FOX
Falcons at Jaguars -- 1 p.m. FOX
Texans at Colts -- 1 p.m. CBS
Cardinals at Eagles -- 1 p.m. FOX
Panthers at Giants -- 1 p.m. FOX
Titans at Patriots -- 1 p.m. CBS
Bills at Redskins -- 1 p.m. CBS
Chiefs at Ravens -- 1 p.m. CBS
Browns at Seahawks -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Packers at Raiders -- 4:05 p.m. FOX
Broncos at Steelers -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Dolphins at Chargers -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Bengals at 49ers -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Lions at Saints -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 16
Chargers at Raiders -- 8:25 p.m. NFLN -- Thursday Night Football
Eagles at Redskins -- 8:25 p.m. NFLN -- Saturday Night Football
Patriots at Jets -- 1 p.m. CBS
Texans at Titans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Browns at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. CBS
Colts at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jaguars at Saints -- 1 p.m. CBS
49ers at Lions -- 1 p.m. FOX
Cowboys at Bills -- 1 p.m. FOX
Giants at Vikings -- 1 p.m. FOX
Bears at Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Panthers at Falcons -- 1 p.m. FOX
Rams at Seahawks -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Packers at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Steelers at Ravens -- 8:30 p.m. NBC -- Sunday Night Football
Bengals at Broncos -- 8:30 p.m. ESPN -- Monday Night Football

Week 17
Jets at Bills -- 1 p.m. CBS
Patriots at Dolphins -- 1 p.m. CBS
Buccaneers at Panthers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Saints at Falcons -- 1 p.m. FOX
Ravens at Bengals -- 1 p.m. CBS
Steelers at Browns -- 1 p.m. CBS
Jaguars at Texans -- 1 p.m. CBS
Titans at Colts -- 1 p.m. CBS
Raiders at Chiefs -- 1 p.m. CBS
Redskins at Cowboys -- 1 p.m. FOX
Eagles at Giants -- 1 p.m. FOX
Lions at Bears -- 1 p.m. FOX
Vikings at Packers -- 1 p.m. FOX
Chargers at Broncos -- 4:25 p.m. CBS
Seahawks at Cardinals -- 4:25 p.m. FOX
Rams at 49ers -- 4:25 p.m. FOX

[mikemarrs]

The Steelers will face the NFL’s toughest schedule this season based on the 2014 record of their upcoming opponents (147-107-2, a winning percentage of .578). If last season’s performance is any indication, a tough schedule won’t be an issue. Pittsburgh went 6-1 against teams to finish the 2014 season with a winning record, the best mark against winning teams in the NFL.

[mikemarrs]

The Eagles have reached an agreement in principle with quarterback Tim Tebow, according to multiple media reports

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, who first reported the news, said that Tebow will be in Philadelphia Monday to sign the contract. Glazer also reported that the Eagles are convinced he has improved since the last time he was in the NFL after spending time with his quarterback coach Tom House.

Chip Kelly has made all kinds of crazy moves this offseason. Got rid of Foles for Bradford then brings in Murray to replace Lesean McCoy. Will be interesting to see how it all unfolds......

[YoungJRNYfan]

The Steelers will face the NFL’s toughest schedule this season based on the 2014 record of their upcoming opponents (147-107-2, a winning percentage of .578). If last season’s performance is any indication, a tough schedule won’t be an issue. Pittsburgh went 6-1 against teams to finish the 2014 season with a winning record, the best mark against winning teams in the NFL.

This bodes well for my favorite team. I have no question we can beat the good teams. It's the shitty teams for who we've struggled with over the last 2 years and I can't find out why that is. With the addition of Haley and with LeBeau obliviously coaching into a corner of paranoia, to me, the Steelers have looked tighter than their usual selves during their recent span. I think now they've found their identity on offense and will play much more loose. Even with the daunting numbers they've put up last season, it was still all in the second half of the season where it all clicked. The Steelers offense should finally have it all together under Haley the moment the season starts.

The defense terrifies me.

Steelers @ Patriots is an AWESOME Week 1 matchup. I think they matchup really well together.

[mikemarrs]

The Steelers will face the NFL’s toughest schedule this season based on the 2014 record of their upcoming opponents (147-107-2, a winning percentage of .578). If last season’s performance is any indication, a tough schedule won’t be an issue. Pittsburgh went 6-1 against teams to finish the 2014 season with a winning record, the best mark against winning teams in the NFL.

This bodes well for my favorite team. I have no question we can beat the good teams. It's the shitty teams for who we've struggled with over the last 2 years and I can't find out why that is. With the addition of Haley and with LeBeau obliviously coaching into a corner of paranoia, to me, the Steelers have looked tighter than their usual selves during their recent span. I think now they've found their identity on offense and will play much more loose. Even with the daunting numbers they've put up last season, it was still all in the second half of the season where it all clicked. The Steelers offense should finally have it all together under Haley the moment the season starts.

The defense terrifies me.

Steelers @ Patriots is an AWESOME Week 1 matchup. I think they matchup really well together.

Can't wait until football finally arrives. Yes Pats/Steelers gonna be a good one. I think the Steelers gonna take the AFC North this year. Also think Buffalo gonna give New England a run for their money. Only one more week until the draft.

[mikemarrs]

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Sept. 10 at New England, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 San Francisco, noon

Sept. 27 at St. Louis, noon

Oct. 1 Baltimore, 7:25 p.m.

Oct. 12 at San Diego, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Arizona, noon

Oct. 25 at Kansas City, noon

Nov. 1 Cincinnati, noon

Nov. 8 Oakland, noon

Nov. 15 Cleveland, noon

Nov. 22 bye

Nov. 29 at Seattle, 3:25 p.m.

Dec. 6 Indianapolis-x, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Cincinnati, noon

Dec. 20 Denver, 3:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Baltimore-x, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Cleveland, noon


Yeah starting at the end of November it gets rough with Seattle on the road,Indy and Andrew Luck,a divisional road game at Cincy,Peyton Manning comes to town then off to play Baltimore thats a rough stretch of games. Those last games will be crucial if they hope to make the postseason.

[YoungJRNYfan]

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Sept. 10 at New England, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 San Francisco, noon

Sept. 27 at St. Louis, noon

Oct. 1 Baltimore, 7:25 p.m.

Oct. 12 at San Diego, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Arizona, noon

Oct. 25 at Kansas City, noon

Nov. 1 Cincinnati, noon

Nov. 8 Oakland, noon

Nov. 15 Cleveland, noon

Nov. 22 bye

Nov. 29 at Seattle, 3:25 p.m.

Dec. 6 Indianapolis-x, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Cincinnati, noon

Dec. 20 Denver, 3:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Baltimore-x, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Cleveland, noon


Yeah starting at the end of November it gets rough with Seattle on the road,Indy and Andrew Luck,a divisional road game at Cincy,Peyton Manning comes to town then off to play Baltimore thats a rough stretch of games. Those last games will be crucial if they hope to make the postseason.

What sticks out to me most is the last 5 games. Not only do they come against AFC opponents around the time the playoff picture is shaping up, the 3 of those 5 are against division opponents and the kicker is they are ALL on the road. They can afford to lose against a team like Seattle but if they are going to drop any, I'd rather it be against Indy or Denver than Baltimore, Cincy or Cleveland. That's a brutal stretch that see's 3 games on the road against division rivals.

[YoungJRNYfan]

I couldn't think of who Jameis Winson reminded me of regarding his skill-set and his reflections of his skill-set and all of that but I finally nailed it in my head. His style and the way he presents himself reminds me of Byron Leftwhich.

He made a shiload of mistakes in college. He's a gamer, but at the NFL level, I think all of that stuff irons out and teams exploit your weakness more times than not, which is why I think Mariota will be much more successful in his career if he goes to the right place. Not sure what Jameis Winson has over a Josh Freeman type. He's going to wash out if he doesn't take care of the football like he did in college regardless of his comebacks or competitive nature.

The question is, is Mariota just a fad quarterback? Can he learn a pro-style offense and last in the league if it goes away from the spread anytime soon. Winston is the prototypical pro pocket passer, but I don't think he's as good as some think.

[mikemarrs]

I couldn't think of who Jameis Winson reminded me of regarding his skill-set and his reflections of his skill-set and all of that but I finally nailed it in my head. His style and the way he presents himself reminds me of Byron Leftwhich.

He made a shiload of mistakes in college. He's a gamer, but at the NFL level, I think all of that stuff irons out and teams exploit your weakness more times than not, which is why I think Mariota will be much more successful in his career if he goes to the right place. Not sure what Jameis Winson has over a Josh Freeman type. He's going to wash out if he doesn't take care of the football like he did in college regardless of his comebacks or competitive nature.

The question is, is Mariota just a fad quarterback? Can he learn a pro-style offense and last in the league if it goes away from the spread anytime soon. Winston is the prototypical pro pocket passer, but I don't think he's as good as some think.

Wow your point of view is how i pretty much see things as well regarding Winston/Mariota. I definitely see Mariota as being the more successful of the two especially if Mariota went to the right team who is a QB away from having a good team. I remember back in 2012 once Seattle got Russell Wilson and the defense was coming together everything jelled perfectly for them. I see the Leftwhich comparison with Winston. I do think Winston will end up busting mainly due to off the field issues though. It is scary when his own lawyer basically stated Winston wasn't ready yet.

I definitely hope Tennessee trades down or gets Leonard Williams or Amari Cooper. I am content with Zach Mettenberger. Mettenberger came out from the start in TN and led the NFL in passing the preseason of 2014. After that he came out in the media and said he was gunning for the starting job which was Jake Locker's at the time. He then set a franchise passing record his first game. In his first MNF contest he set a passing record nationally for a rookie. He came out recently saying he'd defeat Mariota or Winston in any QB competition.

The bottom line is i've been impressed by his cockiness and he actually backs up what he says. Anyway the whole team including the O line,running game,defense,etc. all sucked so the team lost games. The tragedy in all this is Mettenberger played well but could end up being a victim of the poor season and draft position the team has along with pressure from the fanbase to get a QB.

I have never felt strongly about a player in years the way i feel about Mettenberger. You know how it goes when your a diehard fan and see a player you know is the future but for whatever reason the fairweather fans who might watch a few games a year don't see it and don't care. It wouldn't matter as much normally except this time its the QB position.

Some of our fanbase is very intelligent and rightly see Mettenberger as the future and would love to get a receiver or pass rusher with the #2 pick. However if you go on facebook you'll see a ton of idiots and fools on there saying Mettenberger didn't win a game and they can' t wait to see the team start all over again with Mariota.

The reason Metteberger didn't win was the team almost always would get penalized for holding or false start constantly starting 1st and 20 or 2nd and 20 hard to dig yourself out of that type of hole. Then you'd have our awful running game where Sankey more often than not would gain three yards but nothing more. Most of the offensive line was down to second or third string guys. The defense was 30th in the league and was horrible against the run which was directly responsible for a few of those losses not the QB.

Mettenberger threw for 260 yards,two TD's and one INT and a 110 QB rating against Pittsburgh but lost 27-24 because of giving up 250 yards rushing mostly to Leveon Bell. Against Philly he threw for 345 yards including eight passes over twenty yards with two touchdowns and one interception and an 88 QB rating. Special teams gave up seven right off the bat on a 107 yard return and then the defense gave up 150 yards rushing to Lesean McCoy. In Mett's first full game of action against Houston he went 27 of 41 completing 66 percent of his passes for 300 yards with two touchdowns,one interception and a 93.4 QB rating. Most fans simply see the final score/wins and losses but if they actually watched the games they'd see whats really taking place.

All i can say is this. I know it sounds silly especially since its just football to some people but i pray this team has sense enough to simply get a good skill player and not cave in to the fickle fanbase and draft a QB. The damn team already has a QB but people can't get over the fact the guy was drafted in the sixth round. He was actually a projected second round talent who fell because of various issues like a torn ACL,charges in Georgia,diluted urine sample,etc.

[YoungJRNYfan]

Tennessee knows their talent. It basically boils down to going with the fresh Lamborghini that will bring new life and spark to the teams enthusiasm on winning or commit to Mettenberger who will need to prove to the coaching staff that he is the right fit in the form of winning games and winning them fast. To me, Tennessee doesn't have that benefit of the doubt to wait for Mettenberger to develop on a year to year basis. He will instantly be put on a short leash if he doesn't perform and those are the types of situations that get coach's fired.

Mettenberger may have had a few good games under his belt, but being announced as the opening day starter and playing out a 16 game season is still somewhat of a question mark; one where head coach's aren't willing to take. Whiz would be in a very tough situation if he does decide to pass on Mariota and go with Mettenberger because if the wheels start to derail off the tracks, both Whiz and Mettenberger are goners in the short-term and it only adds more pressure on an already bad football team.

With Mariota coming in, Whiz is the type of coach that will have time to develop the kid and design a certain offense around his ability and strengths that set him apart from the others. Mariota is the type of talent that doesn't come around too often and a creative coach like Whiz could be just the right fit in formulating an offense that best fits Mariota's style.

I think Tennessee will draft Mariota #2, but give Mettenberger the nod in mini-camps and all of that as the veteran that is use to the system and then it will slowly develop towards camp where Mariota will see more playing time and eventually take over for good for Tennessee. The mini camp and preseason competition should give Mettenberger the spotlight to see if he would give both himself and Tennessee a good show to where other teams, specifically QB hungry teams, will come calling during that time period.

Sitting at #2 is a huge deal, especially if this is only a 2 QB draft where most feel they can transform a franchise upside down and give a franchise in desperate need of a face the opportunity to own one.

Mariota will do that from day 1 and that's the situation owners want to be in when their franchise is down in the dumps. No matter what Mettenberger did last season in relief on a bad team with only a few notch's under his belt, it's not going to be enough for Tennessee to pass on a potential stud or a face of the franchise quarterback. The risk is way too high.

Unless the Phillip Rivers trade with San Diego are for real.

[Jonny B]

What a surprisingly dull and drama-free first round. Blech.

I loved that my Jets got the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. An already scary front four could potentially be one of the best in Football next year.

[YoungJRNYfan]

What a surprisingly dull and drama-free first round. Blech.

I loved that my Jets got the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. An already scary front four could potentially be one of the best in Football next year.

The draft-drama depended on what the Titans were going to do with #2. All the drama turned out to be pre-draft media hype because like I expected, the Titans decided to stay put and draft Mariota. It doesn't come by often that you're sitting at #2 in a 2 QB draft and without a face-fitting franchise QB.

It was a no-brainer for Tennessee but the media was all focused on the Eagles, Browns and Bears moving up that they forgot that maybe the Titans were never going to deal anyway and that they held all the power. Mariota was their guy all along and probably just took calls to hear teams out.

It seems after Tennessee took Mariota, the draft FLEW by with teams only taking a few minutes to announce their pick was in. This draft is deep enough to where teams had 3 to maybe 4 guys on their board rated high to go for their #1 regardless of what teams did in front of them.


This class is deep. Second and third rounds are going to be full of great players. The potential of this draft excites.

[mikemarrs]

What a surprisingly dull and drama-free first round. Blech.

I loved that my Jets got the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. An already scary front four could potentially be one of the best in Football next year.

The draft-drama depended on what the Titans were going to do with #2. All the drama turned out to be pre-draft media hype because like I expected, the Titans decided to stay put and draft Mariota. It doesn't come by often that you're sitting at #2 in a 2 QB draft and without a face-fitting franchise QB.

It was a no-brainer for Tennessee but the media was all focused on the Eagles, Browns and Bears moving up that they forgot that maybe the Titans were never going to deal anyway and that they held all the power. Mariota was their guy all along and probably just took calls to hear teams out.

It seems after Tennessee took Mariota, the draft FLEW by with teams only taking a few minutes to announce their pick was in. This draft is deep enough to where teams had 3 to maybe 4 guys on their board rated high to go for their #1 regardless of what teams did in front of them.


This class is deep. Second and third rounds are going to be full of great players. The potential of this draft excites.

I've warmed up to the Mariota pick. Hopefully he can turn things around here in TN. They also drafted Dorial Green Beckham very talented WR if he can stay out of trouble,RB David Cobb and Jalston Fowler,Three offensive linemen Jeremiah Poutasi and Andy Gallik plus UDFA Jose Matias once projected second rounder. They also got the steal of the draft in the seventh WR Tre McBride who was projected as a third rounder. They definitely went mostly offense in the draft.

[mikemarrs]

What a surprisingly dull and drama-free first round. Blech.

I loved that my Jets got the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. An already scary front four could potentially be one of the best in Football next year.

Gonna have a killer Jets defense with Williams. They also got RB Zac Stacy in a trade with St. Louis. Gonna be much better in '15.

[Jonny B]

What a surprisingly dull and drama-free first round. Blech.

I loved that my Jets got the best overall player on the board in Leonard Williams. An already scary front four could potentially be one of the best in Football next year.

Gonna have a killer Jets defense with Williams. They also got RB Zac Stacy in a trade with St. Louis. Gonna be much better in '15.

What do you think of their move to draft Bryce Petty? I feel he could potentially be one of the better QBs out of this draft class but he is going to need a year or two on the bench learning behind Fitzpatrick. Not that I'm giving up that Geno can be our starter, but I think they've got a suitable backup plan if Geno doesn't pan out.

[YoungJRNYfan]

The Jets defense is going to hold teams to under 20 points this season; maybe under 17 if their offense can produce long sustained drives and T.O.P.

Good pick on Petty, too. He reminds me of Carson Palmer.

[mikemarrs]

Agree with YoungJRNY Petty was one of my favorite QB's in the draft. I think Petty could end up being the starter before its all said and done. I do think Geno is done in N.Y. Fitzpatrick is not that bad he can move the chains well he just commits turnovers at crucial times. If Fitzpatrick can limit the bad plays and let the defense take charge the Jets will be a playoff team in '15....

[mikemarrs]

Mariota on cover of SI

[mikemarrs]

Week one the two top picks in the draft will play each other Winston vs. Mariota

Tennessee at Tampa Bay,may the best QB win.


Steelers at Patriots -gonna be a heck of an opener---Brady vs. Roethlisberger

I think Pittsburgh wins in an upset.


Browns at Jets....

Loved both of these teams drafts but with no QB it will be hard for the Browns. I think Jets could shut em out.

[mikemarrs]

I can't wait to do the yearly predictions we do each year around this time. Matter of fact here soon i'm gonna post predictions on how i think a every division will be and who will win and who will be in the basement should be fun.

[mikemarrs]

I might change these between now and September but these are my 2015 NFL season predictions........

My first big surprise is Buffalo. They will have a league best defense. With a good running game and adequate passing they'll make the postseason. After being what i think is one of the best drafting teams over the past two or three seasons and bringing in a QB Teddy Bridgewater i am betting on Minnesota having a winning season. Also with new coaching i think Matt Ryan and Atlanta get back on track.........

AFC EAST
Miami--10-6
New England--10-6
Buffalo--9-7
NY Jets--8-8

AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh--11-5
Baltimore--9-7
Cincy--9-7
Cleveland--3-13

AFC SOUTH
Indy--10-6
Houston--7-9
Tennessee--6-10
Jax---4-12

AFC WEST
Denver--10-6
Kansas City--9-7
San Diego--8-8
Oakland--6-10

NFC EAST
Philly--10-6
Dallas--9-7
NY Giants--8-8
Washington--5-11

NFC NORTH
Green Bay--12-4
Minnesota--9-7
Detroit--9-7
Chicago---4-12

NFC SOUTH
Atlanta--9-7
Carolina--8-8
New Orleans--7-9
Tampa Bay--4-12

NFC WEST
Seattle--11-5
Arizona--10-6
St. Louis--8-8
San Francisco--5-11

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP:PITTSBURGH VS. INDIANAPOLIS
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP:DALLAS VS. SEATTLE

SUPER BOWL:SEATTLE VS. INDIANAPOLIS

[Jonny B]

I feel the Pats have lost too much on the defensive side of the ball and didn't replace enough to defend their title. In addition, if somehow Brady avoids any long term punishment for Deflategate, he has to go up against 3 division teams that have emphasized going after the QB with their free agent/draft signings. I wouldn't be surprised if Brady gets injured and Garoppolo were to take the field at some point in the season. Even if Garopp were to be the real deal, I just feel they've lost too many key pieces on defense.

The Jets and Bills will be trendy picks to win the division solely for their defense, but the question is whether they can do enough to overcome their deficienies at QB. So based solely on QBS, I feel the Dolphins are a strong dark horse. Somebody has to stand up and and carry the AFC East flag, and I feel Ryan Tannehill is ready to turn that corner.

[S2M]

Deflategate is a complete joke. Just Goodell's way to inject parity into the AFC East...haters gonna hate, and people are sick of NE winning.

My theory: It's no secret that Brady likes the pressure on the low end of the legal limit. So if he deflates the balls JUST above the lower limit(but still legal) before the game(remember, the refs measured with TWO different gauges, and DIDN'T record those figures) - OF COURSE they would be UNDER the limit by halftime....where Luck likes his on the high end. Nothing egregious here folks. Blatant envious witch hunt. FYI - the fine for altering an NFL football is $25,000. Why the heinous penalty?

In 2012, the Chargers covered their footballs with towels SOAKED in a sticky substance...their penalty? $20,000.

NE was targeted....case closed.

[YoungJRNYfan]

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