We are now halfway through the 2009 NFL season. The NFL moves quickly, which sucks, but is also why it is so popular. It is really easy to be an NFL fan. Games are once a week, short in comparison to other sports, and on Sunday afternoons. Unless you’re a diehard NASCAR fan, you’re probably an NFL fan, or both with dat dang dum dar PIP on dem TV’s nowadays.
When I meet Yankee “fans” (You know who I’m talking about- fitted cap, doesn’t know who our 2nd starter is), I understand because baseball is such a difficult sport to follow unless you really love it. Half the country doesn’t even watch baseball- if you were in California last week, you were watching the Lakers, not Phillies-Yankees. Whereas the NFL is beloved by all, and that’s what makes it so, so great of a game to follow.
1st-half MVP: Peyton Manning
Last week I called him the “Best Quarterback of All-Time”, I’m really ready to start having this argument. He isn’t having a bonkers season by any means but he stands above everyone else especially the way Peterson and Brees have cooled off. Someone will probably emerge late in the season to compete with Mr. Manning.
1st-half Rookie: Percy Harvin
I think it is time to deflect any criticism of college players leaving school early to go pro. I present to you the case of Harvin vs Sam Bradford. Brett Favuruh doesn’t hurt either.
1st-half Coach: Sean Payton
At the helm of the best team in the league. Personally reduced his own salary to bring in Gregg Williams knowing his defense needed work to be an elite team, and the Saints are on cruise control right now. They have a veteran QB, explosive playmakers, are solid in the trenches, and have an emerging defense.
I think there are seven teams that can win the Super Bowl at this point. I’d be really surprised if someone other than these ballclubs win it all: Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Ravens. Not in any particular order that is. Notice I didn’t mention Denver or the Giants.
Week 8 Picks: 5 – 8
Season Total: 62 -53 – 1
Sports Meister: 63 – 51 – 1
Sports Guy: 68 – 47 – 1
Falcons (-10) over Redskins
I think Atlanta is a playoff team. So along with Atlanta, Philadelphia, Minnesota, New Orleans, and Arizona/San Francisco… who’s the last NFC playoff team? Dallas? Zona/San Fran? Giants? Bears? Packers? Conversely, it is pretty clear Jim Zorn won’t be back Washington next season. So who’ll replace him? Holmgren won’t because of how Snyder treated Zorn. Cowher won’t because he is looking at a cushy job in Carolina. Shanahan won’t because he’s reportedly already turned Snyder down twice this season. So who will it be?
Bears (-3) over Cardinals
Arizona has looked good in recent weeks and Chicago needs a statement game at home. Cutler can get it rolling against a soft Arizona secondary and let the faithful at Soldier Field breathe easy heading into next week at 5-3, not 4-4.
Ravens (-3) over Bengals
I just don’t see Cincinnati beating Baltimore twice this year. I said above, the Ravens are one of seven teams right now I think can win the Super Bowl, so I have to pick them.
Texans (+9) over Colts
Really a pickem’ matchup at this line. I have no idea who will cover but I do think that Indy is the better team and will probably win, especially at home. I think Houston is a good team however so I’ll go with them getting the nine.
Patriots (-11) over Dolphins
New England is basically in “eff you” mode right now so I am just going to pick them going forward versus anyone giving up however many points.
Packers (-10) over Yucks
I don’t know if this speaks volumes to how bad Tampa is, but if this game were in Green Bay and not in Florida, I might take Tampa getting the points. Since the game is in Tampa, I know the Yucks have zero chance of containing Driver and Jennings with Rodgers looking for a bounce back game.
Jaguars (-6.5) over Chiefs
At some point this year, Jacksonville is going to play like a team without their collective heads stuffed you-know-where. I don’t know if this is the game, but you have to think they can clear 6.5 at home versus a very bad Kansas City team.
Seahawks (-10) over Lions
I have trusted Detroit one too many times this year already to cover for me and they haven’t been able to pull through. I can’t believe I’m laying ten with Seattle but I am done with Detroit, let’s go Hawks!
Panthers (+14) over Saints
Just a weird gut feeling upset pick. Carolina on turf can score some points, the key is, will they be able to stop the Saints offense…at all? Yeah, probably not, but I’m stupid remember.
Giants (-5) over Chargers
These teams are pretty well-matched. I like Eli > Rivers, and Coughlin > Norv. So there, I rest my case.
49ers (-5) over Titans
Maybe I’m foolish for dogging Vince Young two weeks in a row, but can he possibly play well against San Francisco’s defense? On another note, Chris Johnson is an absolute monster back. The guards are lined up in the backfield. And the quarterback isn’t even there!
Eagles (-3) over Cowboys
I know Dallas is playing well, but I’d take Philly even if they were giving up 8 or 9 in this one.
Steelers (-3) over Broncos
Tomlin and McDaniels might be my two favorite coaches in the NFL but Pittsburgh just has a better team. Enjoy week 9 playas.
