We’re at the halfway mark of the NFL season, so it’s time for my usual musings, observations and plead for Tom Brady to please get a ####ing haircut. Normally my routine consists of naming an MVP, Coach of the Year, etc … etc … however, this years we’re going to just cut to the chase and name the teams that you need to be paying attention to the final eight weeks of the season and deep into the postseason.
Ladies and gentlemen, your contenders.
The “Don’t expect anything more than a second round exit, but hey, if we really, really try it could mean another Lombardi Trophy” division
New York Giants
The NFC is a pretty watered down product this year, but out of all the mess, the Elisha Manning-led New York giants are separating themselves as the best team out of the lot. New York’s receiving corp is as good as it gets in the NFL, and the Giants have proven to be giant-killers in years’ past. The only real problem in New york is that this team has the ability to implode, and implode fast.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have had a rough start to defending their title. The offense isn’t the well oiled machine it was a year ago, and New Orleans is a Heath Miller fumble away from being 5-4. Regardless, going into the bye, the Saints are 6-3 and poised to make a run at one of the top two seeds in the NFC.
New York Jets
I’m not a believer in the Jets, not yet. The talent is there to win a title, but every instinct in me is telling me this team is built to fail miserably in the postseason, much like the 2008 Tennessee Titans. Let me tell you something about elite teams, elite teams do not get shutout at home. Elite teams do not have to come back from 10 points down in the fourth quarter against the Lions. Elite teams do not launch a Super Bowl campaign by amassing six first downs and sixty passing yards in a home loss to start the year.
The “Start placing your bets in Vegas for a Super Bowl certainty” division
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore barely fits into this group, especially after that horrid performance against Buffalo. If the Ravens’ D is as good as advertised, they sure as hell didn’t prove it against Ryan Fitzpatrick. Joe Flacco is proving his connection with Anquan Boldin is the real deal, and Ray Rice is emerging as the next dual threat on the level of a Marshall Faulk. I had the Ravens in the Super Bowl to start the year, and thus far with victories in Pittsburgh and New York, even on the road this team is dangerous.
Pittsburgh Steelers
4-1 on the road, 3-1 without their two-time winning Super Bowl champion quarterback, number one defense in the league, the league’s fastest wide receiver and a bruising back with legit breakaway speed. Even the most steadfast Pittsburgh optimist would not have the Steelers at 6-2 right now at the beginning of the season. At the halfway mark the Steelers are one of three teams that most believe could bring home the title. Just keep it in your pants, Ben.
New England Patriots
A bunch of no name role players, a defense that has a little give but never breaks, and no real stars on the team other than the plate’s worst hair. Hmmm, sounds a lot like a team the St. Louis Rams became all too familiar with in February of 2002. Sunday’s beatdown by the Browns was a surefire sign that the Pats shouldn’t be crowned yet, but rest assured, don’t overlook the Pats, they have a three time history of beating you when you do.
SeriouslyPowerRankings
5. New York Giants (6-2)
4. New York Jets (6-2)
3. New England Patriots (6-2)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
1. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Top five games you can bet on this week:
5. St. Louis Rams (+6) over San Francisco 49ers
Putting faith in the Rams, ladies and gentlemen your 2010 NFL season.
4. Minnesota Vikings (-1) over Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler gets re-acquainted with his favorite target, the defense..
3. Tampa Bay Bucs (+6.5) over Carolina Panthers
The Bucs aren’t that good, but Carolina is that bad.
2. Detroit Lions (-3) over Buffalo Bills
I trust the Lions to further the Bills path to join them in infamy.
1. Atlanta Falcons (-1) over baltimore Ravens
Lock and load, baby.
Last week: 1-3-1
The season: 18-18-4
I think Baltimore is overrated. Flaccoooooooo.