Football! (the real kind, not the European variety)

[kennedyfan]

lol. i agree, i dont worry about the chargers as long as turner's the coach.

[Shan'do Spike]

@Shan'do: *draws fencing blade* have at you, sir!

In all seriousness, that was a terrible game the Vikings played. Kudos to the Cardinals must be given. Stupid defense couldn't find a way to cover the old man.

I'm quietly concerned at the Vikings future games and how they will step up to the challenge. Who's next for us, the Bengals, then the Panthers followed by the Bears and then the Giants. The Bengals have done a few solid games, hopefully it won't turn out like that completely pathetic loss to the Cards. As long as they win 3 of their next games, I'll be happy. Giant's have my interest now that they brutally maimed (not murdered) the Cowboys.

The Bengals are a very good team. People shouldn't be sleeping on them. The Chargers have enough talent that they probably CAN overcome Norv, at least for the first few rounds of the playoffs. If they're not resting comfortably with that first round bye, I'll be shocked. Their offense is really good. I'm not sure, though, if their defense can hold up its end of the bargain. They've got talent, but they're prone to mental lapses (very similar to the Cardinals defense actually, except the Cardinals defense may be more talented because of lack of injuries).

It pains me to say this (from Arizona, so I hate them as much as anyone), but I don't think the Giants have the fuel in the tank to catch the Cowgirls, even though they have the tiebreaker. We'll see, though.

The Steelers have me baffled. I almost support Polamalu for MVP, just because of how terrible their defense has been without him. This Browns game is borderline unwatchable. Thankfully, I don't have the NFL Network, so I can't (legally) watch it.

[Walter Sobchak]

The Super Bowl champions will not be going back this year. It was fun while it lasted, but the Madden curse is not one to be toyed with.

So now it is a Jacksonville-Miami-Baltimore-New York race. If the Dolphins beat the Jaguars and Baltimore and New York win next week, there will be four 7-6 teams ready to do business.

[Polk]

The Bengals are a very good team. People shouldn't be sleeping on them. The Chargers have enough talent that they probably CAN overcome Norv, at least for the first few rounds of the playoffs. If they're not resting comfortably with that first round bye, I'll be shocked. Their offense is really good. I'm not sure, though, if their defense can hold up its end of the bargain. They've got talent, but they're prone to mental lapses (very similar to the Cardinals defense actually, except the Cardinals defense may be more talented because of lack of injuries).

Quoted for truth.

Also I tend to give the Steelers more credit, but man, they're ****ing themselves over. I'm not sure how the AFC wild card race will go. I haven't really heard anything from Jacksonville this year, and maybe that's for the best. The Jets are having QB issues and the Dolphins are just plain inconsistent. Baltimore will be okay if Ray Rice does well, and the defense holds up like it should. I wouldn't be surprised if all the other teams **** themselves over, and the Titans get in.

On a side note, man the Green Bay-Baltimore game was hard to watch. A win's a win, and it shows how great of a QB Aaron Rodgers is to overcome the shift change in the third quarter, but still hard to watch.

[Shan'do Spike]

Baltimore will be okay if Ray Rice does well, and the defense holds up like it should.

Ray Rice is a stud, but I don't understand why everyone thinks the Ravens' defense is good. They've been good historically, but basically everyone from those dominating defenses are gone. They've got Ngata, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed, and that's about it. Their secondary is terrible, and pretty much everyone in it sounds like a strpper (Dawan Landry? Dominque Foxworth?), which is never a good sign. They've been giving up large amounts of yards and points. Their offense is what kept them in this.

That paragraph hurt me to write. The Ravens are my favorite AFC Team, but their defense has some serious coverage issues, and Flacco seems to be playing worse and worse as the year goes on. I'd love for them to make it, but I don't really see it.

Then again, I've seen the Jaguars play three times so far this year: I saw the drubbing they took at home by the Cardinals, the 41-0 beatdown by Seattle, and the 20-3 massacre by San Francisco. For the life of me, I can't figure out how the Jaguars are in position to make the playoffs. They're not a very good team.

[Walter Sobchak]

Because I am a nerd, here are the statistical probabilities of each team making the playoffs in the AFC:

Colts: Clinched
Bengals, Chargers: 99%
Broncos: 89%
Patriots: 78%
Jaguars: 62%
Dolphins: 32%
Ravens: 30%
Jets: 6%
Steelers: 2%
Texans, Titans, Bills, Raiders: 1%
Chiefs, Browns: Eliminated

NFC:
Saints: Clinched
Vikings, Cardinals: 99%
Packers: 84%
Eagles: 76%
Cowboys: 73%
Giants: 56%
Falcons, 49ers: 5%
Seahawks, Panthers, Bears: 1%
Redskins, Lions, Bears, Buccaneers: Eliminated

Expect a few teams clinching a few eliminations on Sunday. All the AFC games are on Sunday during the day, so the picture will be really clear really quickly.

[kennedyfan]

woo hoo! the raiders have a 1% chance of making the playoffs! go get it guys!

[Walter Sobchak]

woo hoo! the raiders have a 1% chance of making the playoffs! go get it guys!

Crazier things have happened. If they won out and the Jaguars, Dolphins, Ravens, and Jets fell apart, who knows?

[kennedyfan]

lol. yeah! go raiders! thanks for not shooting down my dreams. lol

[Josh_R]

Well the Steeler's are officially f*cked thank you Cleveland Browns. I honestly don't know what the hell has happened to my favorite team. They were favored to beat the Viking's when they were still undefeated, granted they got two lucky defensive touchdowns. I just don't know what is going on. Tomlin need to get his thumb out his ass and address the issue's with his team.

I am now officially on the saints band wagon, GO BREE'S...GO BUSH!!!

[kennedyfan]

lol. fair weather fan. lol

[Shan'do Spike]

Well the Steeler's are officially f*cked thank you Cleveland Browns. I honestly don't know what the hell has happened to my favorite team. They were favored to beat the Viking's when they were still undefeated, granted they got two lucky defensive touchdowns. I just don't know what is going on. Tomlin need to get his thumb out his ass and address the issue's with his team.

I am now officially on the saints band wagon, GO BREE'S...GO BUSH!!!

Sure, you won the Super Bowl last year, but what have you done for me lately? You ditch your team after a six win (at worst) season? Really? So you never were actually a fan, because fans stick with their teams in both good teams and bad. And this year wasn't even that bad. It's way better than any year the Cardinals had pre-2007. Although I do love me the Saints.

Walter, OOC, what was the source you used for those odds? Football Outsiders?

[kennedyfan]

that's exactly what im saying.

[Josh_R]

Sure, you won the Super Bowl last year, but what have you done for me lately? You ditch your team after a six win (at worst) season? Really? So you never were actually a fan, because fans stick with their teams in both good teams and bad. And this year wasn't even that bad. It's way better than any year the Cardinals had pre-2007. Although I do love me the Saints.

I am not saying I am ditching my team, I will root for them all the way to the end of the season. All my statement was saying is that during the playoffs I will need a team to root for. Might as well be the Saints. You are right that it is better than Cardinals pre-2007.

Honestly at this point last years superbowl win doesn't affect me, I think about this year, and this year they are not playing well. It could be due to lots of injuries, or certain players(not naming names but *cough's--Ike Taylor*) I was saying Tomlin needs to fix these problems whatever they will be.

The jumping on the bandwagon thing was nothing a tiny little joke, and it was not meant to be taken so literally.

Anywho to other business Shan'do I have to agree with one of your previous post. It was about not underestimating the Bengal's. They have proven time and time again that they can hang with some of the best teams. So I definitelt agree with this statement. I am hoping that the Charger's don't do to much come playoff time, I just really don't like them. Don't get me wrong they have alot of talent, but I just don't like them.

[Walter Sobchak]

Spike, I do my own stunts.

Updated playoff statistics:

NFC:
Saints, Vikings: Clinched
Cardinals, Packers: 98%
Eagles: 96%
Cowboys: 58%
Giants: 32%
49ers: 15%
Falcons: 2%
Panthers: 1%

AFC:
Colts: Clinched
Chargers, Bengals: 99%
Broncos: 89%
Patriots: 78%
Dolphins: 47%
Ravens: 46%
Jaguars: 28%
Jets: 7%
Steelers, Texans: 3%
Titans, Bills: 1%

The Thursday night game will be interesting. The Jaguars can stake a claim for a wild card spot with a win, while the Broncos, Dolphins, Ravens, Jaguars, Jets, Steelers, Texans, and Titans will all be rooting for the Colts to play their starters and knock them down. While the Vikings will root for the Cowboys to beat the Saints and give them a shot at the first seed, the Eagles will root for the Saints to win and cement the Eagles lead in the NFC East, while the Giants, Falcons, and 49ers would love to take the Cowboys' wild card spot.

[Taco-Calamitous]

It's taken me four days to say it, but... having both the games played now, I wonder who the better team is, Bears fans. Now that the Packers have beaten the Bears in both games this year, I don't think that "weaker schedule" argument holds any water anymore. Where are all those statistics Sasquatch spouted off now? About how the Packers were supposed to be terrible, and how the Bears would rock. It just proves that nothing means shit until the teams actually play each other. Now, I realize it was a close game on Sunday, but it was at Chicago. Time to admit defeat for this year, Sasq. Don't worry; there's always next year. Hopefully, your Bears will get their shit together and be a contender again then. Wait, what am I saying...?!!

Well, that wasn't a strong performance the Bengals gave vs. the Vikings, eh? And what happened to your Cardinals, Spike?! I didn't see either game, but I heard from my dad that the Cards did not perform well... against the 9'ers, of all teams.

Also... fuck the Colts. Fuck Peyton Manning. They did it again, this past weekend. And in my opinion, they've been more convincing than the Saints have. I hope Peyton chokes again in the playoffs like he usually does (aside from that one season where they won the Super Bowl...) Listening to them each week, however, it sounds like they're a likely candidate to win it all, regardless of whether I like them or not (then again, there also were Patriots a few years ago...) Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Pete]

J!
E!
T!
S!
JETS!
JETS!
JETS!

One more win and we're in. I am already so thrilled that we almost made Peyton Manning cry. It's almost as good as the Jags totally dominating the Giants today. I don't even hate the Manning bros, but there's something so satisfying about wrecking a perfect season. Oh and fuck Tom Brady.

[Polk]

Oh and fuck Tom Brady.

I second this.

And the Packers officially clinched a playoff spot today, after crushing the Seahawks and the Giants getting their asses handed to them by the Panthers (thanks Eli!). It's good news after last week's stressful loss in a game where (and I will give credit where credit's due here) Aaron Rodgers was good, but Big Ben was better. That last play was perfect. The best coverage in the world couldn't stop that pass.

[Josh_R]

Oh and fuck Tom Brady.

I third that statement...

And the Packers officially clinched a playoff spot today, after crushing the Seahawks

I rather enjoyed that game. Aaron Rodgers is actually turning into a rather good QB. I thought for sure after Favre retired they were gonna suck at the QB position, but Rodgers is really making things happen there.

Aaron Rodgers was good, but Big Ben was better. That last play was perfect. The best coverage in the world couldn't stop that pass.

That was a very good game. I thought for sure that the Packers were gonna take win, but at the last minute Steelers took that win from them. The Steeler's secondary is shit, and the cause of most of their problems as a team. The only exception is Polamalu, and sometimes Gay. Townshen and Taylor are pathetic excuses for CB's, also you know you suck when you're safety who has been out for multiple games has more interecptions than you.

[Taco-Calamitous]

It's good news after last week's stressful loss...

I couldn't see the game, although I had a bad feeling about it when I heard a score midway through the game, and when I saw the final score, I let out a loud curse. Last week wasn't much fun for me, as far as football goes (my college team played piss poor in their bowl game... great fuckin' way to end the year, boys.)

Anyhoo, yeah! I hadn't heard whether the Packers had won or not, but awesome that they won. About the only game I really heard about was the Panthers/Giants game, where my boy Matt Moore had a great game, with a 139 % QB rating. He's come a long way from getting benched at UCLA, and playing like shit at times early in his career with the Beavs. And the Colts lost? And Peyton Manning almost cried? Awesome. I wish I had time to watch football on Sundays...

What else? ...Pete said "Fuck Tom Brady." Consider that fourth'd. And that Monday night game isn't going well for Favre and the Vikings... looks like people's predictions of him breaking down are coming to fruition. A happy camper, my father is not right now. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Polk]

I couldn't see the game, although I had a bad feeling about it when I heard a score midway through the game, and when I saw the final score, I let out a loud curse. Last week wasn't much fun for me, as far as football goes (my college team played piss poor in their bowl game... great ****in' way to end the year, boys.)

You're a big Oregon State fan, right? If so, that sucks.

Also, I would just like to thank Adrian Peterson for fumbling in overtime so that the Bears could hand the Vikings their third loss in four games.

Not that it really matters anymore, as Minnesota already clinched the division, but seeing Brett Favre upset makes me smile these days.

[Walter Sobchak]

The Saints and the Vikings are falling apart, so it is likely that Philadelphia will be unstoppable. The football gods will punish the Colts for saying no thanks to perfection, which will mean good things for the Chargers unless they play the Patriots.

If the planets align properly, the Dolphins may sneak in. Let us pray.

[Sasquatch]

It's taken me four days to say it, but... having both the games played now, I wonder who the better team is, Bears fans. Now that the Packers have beaten the Bears in both games this year, I don't think that "weaker schedule" argument holds any water anymore. Where are all those statistics Sasquatch spouted off now? About how the Packers were supposed to be terrible, and how the Bears would rock.

I'm not sure how many "statistics" I put up, but I do admit, both teams surprised me this year.

I guess it'll take a little longer for the team and Cutler to unite, plus they've had to work through quite a few injuries (many, like MLB Brian Urlacher, since the first game of the season). I do remember saying that it'll take a little while for them to adjust.

The Packers have been doing good, and one reason is a definite surprise to me. Instead of taking a lot of risks and getting rid of the ball, he's doing the exact opposite -- holding onto it for way too long, and getting sacked. He has definitely improved on that as the season has progressed, but he still leads the NFL in sacks.

So yes, the Packers are a better team this year. It happens.

But the Bears have managed to do a couple things that the Packers couldn't ... like beat the Steelers and the Vikings. And last night's game was just awesome ... even though I did have to listen to the stupid broad at the other end of the bar scream every time the Vikings gained more than five yards or the Bears gained less, then bitch at everything the the refs did if it didn't go Minnesota's way. No, that wasn't pass interference in the end zone, the DB was going for the ball and it was an uncatchable pass anyway. Yes, that was two penalties, not only did the pass hit the ground before it got past the line of scrimmage (which makes it intentional grounding), it was thrown at -- and hit -- an ineligible receiver. No, that wasn't a late hit, Peterson was still in-bounds when he got creamed. No, Peterson's knee wasn't down before he lost control of the ball, it was still three inches off the ground. Shut the hell up and drink your beer and enjoy the game instead of ruining it for everybody who doesn't want to hear your shrill scream every forty seconds.

Here's Brett Favre watching this year's Super Bowl:


But anyway ... this was kind of a weird weekend for football. Colts lost? Saints lost to the Buccaneers?

...Pete said "Fuck Tom Brady." Consider that fourth'd.

Fifth'd.

[Taco-Calamitous]

Sasq: Okay, no. Looking back, I guess you didn't list "statistics," but you did write a big, long post, mostly about how the Bears were going to be awesome, and the Packers were going to suck this year. After that, and seeing what actually went down this season, you deserved a little crap, in my opinion

President Polk: Yeah, I'm a big OSU fan. Yeah, it did really suck. The end of the year was rather disappointing, after how the rest of the season had gone.

btw: Anybody heard about how some people-I think in Indianapolis's city management-are trying to get money back for fans who went to the game last Sunday? Wow. While it is kinda lame of the team to pull their starters and not try their hardest for the perfect season... shouldn't you be kinda expecting that? It's fairly common for teams that are as in control as the Colts are right now to not give it 100% for the last few games of the regular season (no offense to you or your Jets, Pete.) There was a lot of talk leading up to this weekend on the radio, as to whether a team should actually bench their starters or not; whether they should continue to play and keep rolling on through to the post season, rather than risking getting "stale." We'll see.

Another one: Anyone hear about the coach who put his player in a closet for 3 hours, who had a concussion? ...What the hell? Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Walter Sobchak]

Well, last week of the season is here. The teams have been decided in the NFC, with only positioning left to go. The Eagles should win and take the bye, knocking the Cowboys to the sixth seed. Vikings should win and retain the third seed, meaning they will play the Cowboys. Packers and Cardinals play tomorrow, and will likely play again the next week.

The AFC is going to be interesting. The Jets should likely cement their place as the worst team to ever make the playoffs when the Bengals lay down after they lose the third seed during the day. The Ravens control their own destiny, but they screw up enough to conceivably lose to the Raiders. From there, the Texans or Steelers make it in some sort of convoluted formula.

[Meier Link]

All I have to say is I supported my Oklahoma teams true and true and even though OU took a crap on the college season this year they still walked out with a win..... OSU on the other hand made it to the Cotton bowl and discraced their selves. They had a hell of a season just to loose one of their star definsive players due to curfew and drinking. They played like hammered dog **** and should of easily walked through that game.

Both seasons ended on a low point, OU playing a crappy season and OSU giving up the CB for a night of partying and drinking the night before.

Honestly I am dissappointed.

[Pete]

James, to be fair, the Jets really aren't THAT bad of a team. I'm pretty sure we're the #1 rush offense and #1 defense in the league. We've just gotta work out the kinks with my boy Marky Mark and we should be good. He's still gotta adjust to the cold too, and tonight is going to SUCK for him. In all reality, we don't have much of a passing game, mostly because we don't have any big name WR's. We have some guys who can catch the ball, but they're not as explosive.

I am so psyched to be see Ochocinco get totally shut down by the #1 cornerback in the league... Darrelle Revis. The interesting thing is that if the Jets do in fact win they'll probably wind up playing the Bengals next week too. I think all we really have to worry about is shutting Cedric Benson down, and we really shouldn't be too screwed.

And if I recall, the 07-08 Giants were a 10-6 wildcard team. That's not too spectacular either, but if you get on a roll and win a ring, it doesn't matter.

[Walter Sobchak]

I think Revis will shut down Ochocinco. After all, Ochocinco will probably only be on the field for four to six snaps. Revis should be able to contain him within 100 yards or so.

The difference with them and the Giants is that the Giants were good. The Jets will lose in the first round, and if they somehow overcome that, they will be blown out by the Chargers or Colts. No team has ever made it very far without a quarterback.

[Sasquatch]

No team has ever made it very far without a quarterback.

'85 Bears ring a bell? Hell, even the '06 Bears -- Grossman had more turnovers than he had touchdowns.

I wanted to watch tonight's game because Ochocinco was trash-talking about how nobody can hold him back, and how if he gets shut down tonight by Revis, he'll change his name back to Chad Johnson. I love watching arrogant pricks get clobbered.

Jets aren't an excellent team, not at all. But they've got a damn good defense and a great running game. I expect them to win their next game against the Bengals, even when Cinci is actually trying to win.

I don't care much for Week 17 because there's not many actual games. You have teams that are really trying to get a win so that they can get into the playoffs facing teams that don't care either way because a win or loss won't affect them, or won't affect them much. This is how you get blowouts by the Packers, Vikings, and Jets, when if they played the same games a few weeks ago, they would have been a bit closer.

As far as the NFC goes: Vikings will choke in the NFC Championship Game. Cardinals don't play consistently enough to make it anywhere, and though Green Bay is good, they're not good enough. Same with New Orleans -- they just can't keep it up, as we've already seen.

Week 18: Packers defeat Cardinals. Cowboys defeat Eagles.

Week 19: Saints defeat Packers. Cowboys defeat Vikings.

NFC Championship: Cowboys defeat Saints.

Pretty hefty predictions to make already, but as an alternate prediction ... Vikings will defeat Cowboys (since they'll be in Minneapolis, and HFA means a lot in domes like that), then defeat Saints, but lose the Super Bowl.

[Pete]

I could see the Chargers going all the way this year. Realistically, I see the Jets beating the Bengals in a relatively close game. I think the Patriots are screwed since they lost Welker, and so I'd have to imagine the Ravens will win that game. The Jets will probably make it interesting against the Chargers, especially with Sanchez getting that warm Cali weather. I don't think they'll win. I also think the Ravens won't fare too well against the Colts, but the Chargers will beat them (Colts) for the AFC title.

As for the NFC, I can see the Vikings making it to the Super Bowl, but losing to the Chargers. I think Romo will be true to his playoff form, and just be terrible. He'll beat the Eagles, but that's kiiiiind of a given. The Cardinals are super spotty, as talented as they are. The Saints are looking tired and the Packers aren't quite there yet.

The only things that really amused me about this week were that Chad Johnson got shut down, and the Giants have been mailing it in since last week. I've never liked Johnson or the Giants, but I just find it delightfully pathetic how the Giants just totally gave up. At least we closed out the Meadowlands with a bang.

Oh and Darrelle Revis for MVP? Anyone? Anyone?