Super Bowl favorites

[pigskinpicker]

Hey Guys,

Haven't chimed in for quite some time, been content just reading every day. Some of you might remember I'm the fan in Seattle thats a pro capper. I wanted to give a few of my thoughts on the subject

From the AFC: Early on this off-season, I was starting to get to get a good backed up opinion for most of the teams, and was leaning towards the opinion that this year the AFC rep will be either the NY Jets or Balt Ravens, and not the Colts or SD etc, I would say I am in the Pro Pats camp and would probably have them as the 3rd most likely.

But as the off-season progressed, the Jets made more and more moves and I don't like all the hype and expectations etc... that are starting to appear, and now I feel that its gonna be really new and a big question mark on how that team responds etc... it seemed the team did well last year with the us against the world mentality and ballsy coach etc.. they could very well have a dropoff in focus and motivation. So to sum up I would lay money on Ravens and/or Patriots to win the AFC champ...

Lastly one team that I think will be a huge disappointment in the AFC...

Bengals

I was one of the few people that saw Cincy's good season coming last year, I was on them early and often and profited greatly the whole year, I had a good case for them last year, and this year is just the opposite... I'll sum it up to a brief statement if I can.

While there's much hype and buzz in Bengals camp with TO signing and other Offensive weapons etc... they hope to improve on the Pass O which was the main thing holding them back, and they could very well improve, but the problem is I would not be surprised to see them regress greatly in Defense and in Rush O, especially Rush O, Benson was in a contract year last year, and now has his deal. While its common knowledge some players slum it after they sign a big deal, and have no where near the drive or focus, not working as hard etc.. Benson is 100% this kind of player and could likely dissapear from mention when it comes to leading RB's etc.. Last year was good, like his good year in Chicago, now is he gonna put them in the bottom half of the league in rushing for a couple of years? Very important question.

On Defense, they started playing well and physical from the first game against Denver, but where they really hid there stride was when the D Coord's Wife died, and it gave them something to rally for, and play almost destined (no questions on wheter players were playing for the coach etc...) While the talent is still there, and the D is legit, it will be hard to not regress in terms of motivation and focus for 17 weeks in the AFC North. So while I liked them last offseason, and thought they would surprise, I think they will go 8-8 or worse this year, we could be looking at a similar case to the one year wonder browns a few years back.

(2 most likely NFC reps to follow)

[carpanfan96]

In no particular order here

NO

Cincinnati

Baltimore

Carolina

NYG

Super Bowl is

Cincinnati vs NYG (would really like to say Carolina here)

[pigskinpicker]

NFC:

A lot of contenders and potential champs here, you know, overall I think I like the NFC more because there is a lot of turnover of NFC champs, if your a fan of NFC team like us (panthers) seems a little easier to hope for your team to get the the big game, with no Indy, Pats, Steelers dynasty types in the way.

Everyone that was in the playoffs last year, can have a good case made for them getting back, and other teams that missed out, a case can be made for them to make it. So I'm gonna look at teams that played well and won games last year, that maybe had one or two noticeable shortcoming in there game and did something to address it, but did not do anything to arrise questions of them being able to again do well, what was done last year. I would lay my money on the Packers and/or the Giants to win the NFC Champ.

Packers:

Everyone knows Aaron Rodgers is a great qb, and most know that he's been especially great considering his o-line and basically average run game, and of couse their D is consistently very good especially in turnovers and scoring defense, as well as being consistently good on Special teams. They seem to have been drafting very well the last few years, and the timing seems right for them to make a run for a super bowl, if its gonna happen anytime soon, they have a good blend of experience and youth/athleticism at key positions. I've been thinking better O line is the main thing they lack the last couple years that holds them back, late last season after getting some guys back from injury they flipped the light switch and played great.

I expect a great balanced team up there this year, with the main problems holding the team back and making the job harder for Rodgers, being more than just addressed. I think the timing and talent and climate are right for Packers to be Top 10 of every category except maybe rushing and win 12+ games and receive a 1st round bye.

New York Giants

Giants were playing really well starting 5-0 last year etc... Basically I think key injuries to the secondary and losing to the Saints, in that huge huge game, basically did them in last year. Eli is a good QB constantly improving and being able to carry more on his shoulders etc... as time goes on. This year I think we will see a return to a more dominant Defense and Rush O for the Giants, a fresh slate and getting so many key guys healthy that were a big part of the SB team two years ago etc... will really help the Giants chances, they are taking a back seat to the Jets and are under the radar, they have some things to prove and I expect to see them get back to a great pass rush and bruising run game, all of this with a better healthier Eli than the SB season 2 years ago.

Lastly, the Giants sure have had great success in drafting their WR's lately, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks figure to start with Steve Smith, these guys have been real contributors already, and thats a great sign as they should play even better in the season or 2 to follow, as typical trends suggest, its highly likely that these guys will have even better years this season, with a little experience. Though, they are in a tough division, I think they will win some games this year, enough to nab the division or if not get a wildcard and start clickin on the way to a deep run.