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AFC EAST BUFFALO to win OVER 8.5 games: -130 (-150) to win UNDER 8.5 games: -110 (+110) MIAMI to win OVER 9.5 games: -175 (-145) to win UNDER 9.5 games: +125 (+105)  This is the NFL's version of the Detroit
Red Wings. Talent. Talent.
Talent. If injuries can be avoided, fans will be just as excited
as they were through the first 8 games of last year. The numbers
were skewed due to injury. What is fact is that Ricky Williams
as the AFC's #1 rushing leader, averaging 115.8 yards per game
on 1853 yards. This guy is the 'iron horse' with 383 attempts.
Returning for Fiedler, and now Brian Griese(DEN), who while plagued
by injuries and interceptions last year, brings a wealth of
experience in how to beat AFC's contender's dominating defenses,
is the balanced downfield attack of Chambers, averaging 14.1 yards
per catch, Gadsen, McKnight, and key acquisition Derrius Thompson(WAS),
who also averaged an outstanding 14.6 yards per catch. The AFC's
#1 defense, allowing only 291 yards per game returns even stronger
with the spiritual leadership of Junior Seau(SD), to play along side
leading rusher Jason Taylor, 18.5 sacks, and leading tackler
Zach Thomas, 156 tackles. Defensive coordinator, Doug Blevins,
should provide some major fireworks from the opening kick-off;
able to dominate a soft schedule by clamping down on 2003's 4.0 yards per
rush and 10.8 yard per pass average. If Lucas returns to run preseason,
we will be on the opposition. When it is 'Real', WE WILL BE ON THE WAGON
- ALL THE WAY TO THE AFC EAST TITLE - POTENTIALLY THE AFC.NEW ENGLAND to win OVER 8.5 games: -145(-155) to win UNDER 8.5 games: +105 (+115) Interesting to me has been S.I.'s excitement with the Patriot's signing of linebacker, Rosevelt Colvin and safety, Rodney Harrison. Hey Dr. Z, the real issue was Brady's inability to muster points at the close of 2002 (averaging only 19.9 ppg in the last 5); their rushing attack producing only 94.3 ypg througout 2002, one of the AFC and NFL's worst. Addressing the lack of offensive fire power will be a must if they are going to compete for a title. N.Y. JETS to win OVER 9 games: -125 (-140) to win UNDER 9 games: -115 (+100) Before you read this, it comes with the disclaimer that I am a fan of the Jets will to win. This is truly a 'team' starting at the top with Herman Edwards. His Zen style of confidence allowing 'the master', Testeverde, to guide Pennington aka 'grasshopper' to the top spot among NFL's elite and most exciting last year; achieving a rating of 104.2 with a 68.9 completion percentage for 3170 yards and an AFC leading 1.5% interception percentage. However, it only produced the AFC's #12 offense? Balance was the name of the game? Curtis Martin leading the way with 4.2 average, 68.4 yards per game. "We (he and Lamont Jordan) can be that 1-2 punch, that tag team, that throws teams off balance." (Footballguys.com, NY Post, 7.26.03) With the departure of top producing Coles, veteran Jet receivers in Moss, who was able to break nearly 30% of his catches for 20+ yards (433 total yards), and Chrebet, who produced 9 touchdowns on only 46.1 receiving yards per game, will have to turn up their game. Management stayed 'true' to itself in acquiring Curtis Conway(SD) as the third muskateer this year, who under double coverage in most games, managed a 14.9 average on 65.5 yards per game. "I think our receiving corps is stronger than last year...The reason I think it is stronger is because we've had to work harder and we've come together. We're stepping up our play," Pennnigton said after the Jet's morning practice, their first day of training camp. (Footballguys.com, NJ.com, 7.26.03) Key is the addition of G, Tom Nutton(ST.L), who should give Pennington the extra step he needs against the top contenders in the East. The question is how do you fix the defense which sacrificed 5463 yards? It depends on how you look at it - The Jets housed one of the lowest yards per completion at 9.6, one of the highest turnover rates at 2.4, while only sacrificing 17.8 first downs per game. The problem was the 4.5 average yards per rush. Gambling on its existing, aging crew, the hope is that veteran linebackers and a young secondary with the single addition of CB, Tyrone Carter(MINN) will find a strategy to do so... Unfortunately, we are not so sure... NORTH BALTIMORE to win OVER 7.5 games: -145 (-160) to win UNDER 7.5 games: +105 (+120) CINCINNATI to win OVER 5.5 games: -120 (-110) to win UNDER 5.5 games: -120 (-130) I have spent good time taking a look at 2002's NFL debaucle. If you uncover the layers, is it really? The Bengals managed a respectable offensive attack, managing 108.1 rushing yards per game along side 217.3 yards through the air. However, they repeatedly came up short; 9.9 yards per completion and only 12.4 points per game. Still with only two wins to his credit last year, Kitna managed to stay on his feet (only 24 sacks) and achieve a 79.1 rating. Corey Dillon standing just outside the NFL's top 10 rushers with 1311 yards, almost all under 20+ yards. Brandon Bennett and Rudi Johnson stepping up as receievers, good receivers. So what was missing here that had the whole country laughing? A coach, a tight-end, and a maybe a full-back offer a play-action threat. Management answered with all three, including TE, Reggie Kelly(ATL), and the hiring of the well respected Marvin Lewis as coach. 'This is no longer your parent's cadillac', the defense will be fully loaded this year. They will look to tighten the holes that allowed an average of 29.6 points per game in the last five, 243.2 of points coming from air attack. They will look to add heat and shut down the rush with DT, Thornton(TEN), and DE, Powell(WAS). Ket is the acquisition of CB, Tory James(OAK), who will bring a wealth of defensive experience (and hopefull a couple of interceptions). This is my sleeper - watch them wake! CLEVELAND to win OVER 8.5 games: +115 (-135) to win UNDER 8.5 games: -155 (-105) PITTSBURGH to win OVER 9.5 games: -130 (-160) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -110 (+120) "I think every year you have to prove yourself", Coach Bill Cowher echoed. (Footballguys.com, Tribune-Review, 7.26.03) To hear a diehard Steeler Fan tell it, "This is the Year!" To hear a diehard tell it, the offense is ready to capitlize on last year's performance as the AFC's #4 offense with 372 yards, and 24.4 points per game. Rollin' with two of the most electric receivers in the game today, the Steelers will again count on Ward, who had 112 receptions, 83 yards per game, 19 for over 20+ yards, and Burress, who managed an outstanding 17 yards per catch. Randle El will also be in the mix cutting his teeth last year on 10.4 yards per reception on only 30.6 yards per game; his key was his ability to 'double' as a running back and the trick play. The real question is Bettis' health, slowing to a 3.6 yard average last year (diehards will tell you that is his 'style'). 2003's answer may be Ma'afala or Zereoue, whose 47.6 yards per game average last year does not have me convinced that the 5'8" back can run in a 'land of giants' (translation: he is no Barry Sanders). Our bigger fear is that Maddox, who had the AFC's highest interception percentage at 4.2%, while only throwing for 2836 yards, and maintaining one of the highest touchdown percentages at 5.3%, in suffering a concussion will go the way of Aikman - 'Down n' Out'. The alternative, Charlie Batch (translation: not really). Maddox will continue to take hits trying to 'thread the needle' instead of checking to the TE; Bruener only managing 66 yards last year. Even diehards will tell you that the AFC's #3 defense, who was one of the most penalized while winning the battle of the clock, #1 against the rush (allowing only 85.9 yards per game), must find a way to slow opposing passing attacks that cursed their success last year. Porter, Gildon, and the rest of the crew must find someone that can deliver over 100 tackles. Their hope is rookie, Polamalu, knowing that if Bell and Parrior must thnik 'pass', they will again fall victim to high powered offenses. Closing the season with only 2 of 5 victories ATS by outscoring their opponents by a mere 2.6 points per game encourages us to see if Jeckyl or Hyde shows up to play this year. P.S. Was Jeff Reed a 'flash-in-the-pan'? or will he will be come to the rescue when the games are close? SOUTH HOUSTON to win OVER 5 games: -120 (-125) to win UNDER 5 games: -120 (-115) No matter how you splice-it-and-dice Texas, the only thing that is HOT there are OUR FANS. The AFC's worst and most penalized offense is at work here, including NFL's 31st rushing attack with 84.2 yards per game, 2.9 yards per rush; no better was the NFL's worst passing attack averaging 139.1 yards through the air. Has any team in history only averaged 13.3 points per game? Closing out the season being outscored by 7 points per game on 12 offensive points, management rushed out to acquire running back Stacey Mack(JACK), who had minimal carries with 98 attempts, to run behind RT, Greg Randall (NE), and take over Well's role (33.1 ypg) as the back of choice. Can this really make a difference? David Carr, the AFC's worst quaterback (62.8 rating), needed receivers, and management continued to focus defensively with linebackers. Interesting and failing strategy. Opening on the road, there may be only 2 to 3 wins ahead for them this year. INDIANAPOLIS to win OVER 8.5 games: -130 (-140) to win UNDER 8.5 games: -110 (+100) JACKSONVILLE to win OVER 7 games: -155 (+120) to win UNDER 7 games: +115 (-160) TENNESSEE to win OVER 9.5 games: -125 (-150) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -115 (+110) WEST DENVER to win OVER 9.5 games: -125 (-145) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -115 (+105) Hmm..interesting is a team that is AFC's #2 Offense producing 380.6 yards per game would abandon Griese, who managed one the AFC's highest yards per attempt at 7.37, and highest completion percentages with 66.7%. Was I the only one that realized that the 6-2 Broncos were 'broken' by Romanowski's strange Monday Night hit that took down the Bronco's key TE, Shannon Sharpe on 11/11. Without him, the team would lose 4 of 5. The problem in the frozen tundra known as Mile High is staying healthy; will Plummer? Has he ever played in cold weather? "He's just got a great personality for the situation that he's been thrust into," general manager Ted Sundquist says of Plummer. "He realizes how important football is to Denver, realizes our analyis and interpretatino of why we haven't succeeded in the last couple of years, and realizes what his role is here." (FootballGuys.com, AP.org, 7.27.03) Expectations are blistering due to one of the most talented offenses in the league. He will have Portis, who brings the 2002 NFL's highest rushing average at 5.5 yards per rush driving 1508 yards. He will also have plenty of targets in Smith, McCaffrey, and Lelie, all who averaged over 11 yards per catch, and 11 catches of 20+ yards - Now that is a downfield threat. "All three of us will get a lot of opportunities," said McCaffrey. "We're all going to get opportunities to make plays..." (Football Guys, DenverPost.com, 7.26.03) Key to this offense will be Plummer's ability to use Sharpe's keen ability to gain his 50+ key yards per game (averaging 11.2 yards per game). The AFC's #2 defense, and #2 against the run will be even stronger with the addition of DT, Daryl Gardner(WAS), (who as of 7/25 is now out due to an injury caused under questionable circumstances), found itself losing games against the pass as it sacrificed 21.1 points, and 18.3 first downs per game. With the Orange Crush focussing all its energy on Plummer, pressure will fall on new acquisition S, Nick Ferguson(NYJ) to slow the opposition. As they say in, 'offense sells tickets, but defense win's Super Bowls'. The Crush will be looking to outscore their opponents to win. KANSAS CITY to win OVER 9 games: -125 (-135) to win UNDER 9 games: -115 (-105) OAKLAND to win OVER 9.5 games: -130 (-145) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -110 (+105) Let me be as unorginal as possible. Last year's Super Bowl 'crow-eating',
Barret Robbins, and age will be on the only elements the Raiders will have
to battle to return to a division championshp. Gannon, the AFC's #2
rated quarterback(97.3), returns to the helm with an amazing 1.6 interception
percentage, and league leading 4689 total yards in 2002. Having been
sacked 36 times for 214 yards, a big question is the release of blocking
back John Ritchie. Returning future hall of famers, Rice and Brown,
who combined for over 2100 yards in receptions, should have even more
open space with the continued maturity of Jolley at tight-end,
who average over 12.8 yards per catch. Even more amazing is Garner, who became
the 'double threat' with over 1800 by air and by ground last year. The real
question is the ability of this offensive powerhouse to stop the opposition.
Having kept the opposition to 19 points per game during the 2002 regular season,
an aging defensive line will be pushed to the limit. With the secondary anchored
by furture hall of famer, Woodson, who racked up 82 tackles, 8 interceptions, and
16 passes defended, the key will be reducing 4.5 yards per rush, and 18.5 first
downs allowed per game; which while very respectable, was the key exploit in
their losses. With two respected tacklers in Romanowski (91 tackles) and Barton
(124 tackles and 4 passes defended), and Coleman, one of the NFL's leading
sackers with 11 last year, they will be counting on Parella and Stubblefield(SF)
to step it up and slow first down gains. WE WILL PLAY THEM TO TAKE THE AFC WEST.
SAN DIEGO to win OVER 8.5 games: +115 (+100) to win UNDER 8.5 games: -155 (-140) I was there in Qualcomm in December to watch Schottenheimer's weak play calling lead to a crushing overtime loss to Seattle; critical holes in the defense leaving the door open. Trading away JunioR Seau, the team's spiritual and emotional leader, one of the AFC's worst rushing defenses should create even tougher challenges for the offense, who in trading away Conway (averaging 14.9 yards per catch) in 2003, has pinned all its hopes on the shoulders of newly acquired David Boston. Hoping to have more room off the play/action with Tomlinson, the AFC's #2 rusher with 1683 yards last year, Brees will need to find a way to increase the 20 points they averaged through the last 5 games. Title. NO. Will prove to be one of the BEST BETS AGAINST, especially AWAY. 
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NFC EAST DALLAS to win OVER 7.5 games: +120 (-105) to win UNDER 7.5 games: -160 (-135) This is a 'match made in heaven' for two of the most unlikd in the NFL, Jones and Parcells. The Cowboys will be looking to Hutchinson, one of the NFL's worst rated quaterbacks (66.3) to revive one of the NFC's worst producers, 13.6 points per game in 2003. Abandoning Emmit, the attack will rely on Wiley, who only had 1.6 carries per game in 2003. Filling the NFC's #8 running back, and future hall-of-famer will prove to be a collosal and disappointing undertaking. Instead they will try to attack by air with the newly acquired, Terry Glynn(GB) downfield. They will need to stop opposing offenses; an even tougher challenge allowing 329.2 ypg and 20.6 points per game. Al Singleton(TB) and Donald Mitchell(TEN) hope to bring an 'A' game and make a difference. They WON'T, and Dallas will continue where they left off, 29 of 32 in offensive production, outscored by 12 points per game in the last 5. PLAY the OPPONENT, especially AWAY. N.Y. GIANTS to win OVER 9 games: +110 (+120) to win UNDER 9 games: -150 (-160) Am I the only one who am confused by the 'N.Y. Football Giants'. Having lost a shot at the NFC title with a defense that ultimately played like swiss cheese, their off-season play is to try to better last year's #2 offense in the NFC (averaging over 364 yards per game in 2002). Only yards away from the NFC rushing title, Barber steam-rolled defenses for 1387 total yards. 'Thunder' and 'Lightning' igniting the season with Dayne's 125 attempts for 428 yards. With the welcome departure of Jason Seahorn, who has lost two title games based on his inability to cover the post pattern, the front office acquires Dorsey Levens, who managed only 25.7 yards per game last year. Can he play corner? Or safety? A running back controversy will clearly not assist in trying to finally have a quick start to the season. PHILADELPHIA to win OVER 10.5 games: +100 to win UNDER 10.5 games: -140 WASHINGTON to win OVER 7.5 games: -150 (-175) to win UNDER 7.5 games: +110 (+125) NORTH CHICAGO to win OVER 7.5 games: +115 to win UNDER 7.5 games: -155 "He (Stewart) is a player who's had quite a number of reps in this league and you don't get there without knowing what your doing, Offensive Coordinator John Shoop said. "He's picked it up a great deal and has worked very hard at doing so." - Closing the 2002 season as one of the worst NFL offenses (averaging only 223.8 overall offensive ypg; averaging only 274.7 overall ypg througout 2002), Soldier Field will rejoice in the creative addition of Kordell Stewart to the squad. Those sportswriters that favor Chris Chandler, or a rookie from the upcoming draft, must have forgotten that Stewart had topped Maddox's completion percentage at 65.7%, averaging 6.9 yard per pass in 2002; a double-barrel threat to say the least averaging 4.4 yards per rush in 2002 as well. Having faced some of the toughest defenses while leading the Steelers, the Lions' and Vikings' defense will be a welcome sight. DETROIT to win OVER 6 games: -120 (-115) to win UNDER 6 games: -120 (-125) Fans rejoice. The 'Evil Empire' is working to correct the near worst defense in the NFL which averaged 28.2 points on 382.3 yards per game. By signing Earl Holmes, the backbone of Cleveland's dominating 'D' and adding, linebacker, Rainer(JAC), and cornerback, Bly(ST.L) they will look to slow down opposing offenses who managed over 11 yards per completion, and 20.1 first downs per game (I need not note that those were NFL leading statistics). They have taken steps to plug the holes. In a defense that allowed over 20 first downs per game. 'Course that will not help the offense which closed the season managing only 92.3 yards per game behind the worst quarterback in the NFC, Joey Harrington (59.9 rating)(who has a big fan in The Director). Can Bryson(BUF), who has not even been on the map assist Stewart, who managed a respectable 1021 yards last year in the NFL's top 20(72.9 yards per game)? Mariucci will find himself in unfamilar territory - unlike the flashy West, here he will have to find ways to 'grind out' wins. The sideline will be as ugly as their record. Don't expect much. GREEN BAY to win OVER 10 games: -135 (+100) to win UNDER 10 games: -105 (-140) It is interesting to see what management does when a team dies on the vine against real competition. If Favre wasn't convince to retire, he will be after 2003. Against the usual soft opponents, the Pack's leader rolled up an 85.6 rating as the NFL's #5 quaterback. Although he managed one of the highest TD percentages at 4.9 on 3658 yards, trouble was always around the corner seen in his 2.9% interception percentage and 26 sacks for 188 yards. The loss of Glenn, who averaged 14.6 yards per catch (817 total yards) will allow defenses to focus on Driver, and press up on the running game which is key to Favre's timeless success. More pressure on the short game in TE, Franks, 8.2 yards per catch for 442 total yards in 2002. More pressure on Green. 'Course, how can you? 1240 rushing yards - 393 receiving yards. The real concern was sacrificing Holliday (Sherman showering endless compliments in this week's ESPN NFL Film on their 2002), who having shown his fire in the Hall of Fame Game, was critical to sparking Gbaja-B'amila (12 sacks), and Hunt's success (5.5 sacks) on the left side of the line. The additional abandonment of Nickerson leaves newcomer Diggs(DET), 84 tackles last year, in a 'must' position to make an immediate impact; slow opposing offenses that rolled out 12.8 yards per game on the ground. Outscoring opponents by an average of only 1 point in the last five regular season games, the secondary led by Pro Bowl FS, Darren Sharper, and newcomer Al Harris(PHI), who will need to prevent the big play, and give Favre the opportunity to be a hero. WATCH. WAIT. TAKE THE BEARS FOR THE LONG-SHOT TO EDGE THEM OUT FOR THE DIVISION. MINNESOTA to win OVER 7.5 games: -125 (-175) to win UNDER 7.5 games: -115 (+125) Having maintained the NFC's leading offense for most of last year (averaging 387 ypg, 230.3 passing), partially due to a couple of starts by the The Frenchman, Todd Bouman, of St. Cloud State, there seems to be little gained from the addition of Gus Frerotte, and detested journeyman, Jeff George, except more sideline hijinx and mayhem. 
SOUTH ATLANTA to win OVER 7.5 games: 125 (-140) to win UNDER 7.5 games: 115 (+100) All 9 wins were earned in 2003. Most important, Michael Vick, who maintained one of the lowest interception percentages at 1.9% proved the Falcons are for 'Real'. The NFC's #2 rushing attack, averaged 147 yards per game. Management has added two potent weapons in the AFC's #6 receiver, Peerless Price, who averaged 78.3 yards per game, 13.3 per catch, and under-utilized Cardinals receiver, Marty Jenkins, who battled for an average of 11.3 yard per catch. The real question will be can the defense, who faltered at season cloes allowing 25.4 points per game in the final 5 games improve on one of the worst rushing defenses, which allowed 127.9 yards per game; with no additions to the defensive line, acquired linebackers Twain Russell(MIA) and Keith Newman(BUF) will have to step up along side linebacker staple, the NFC's #2, Brookings, who conquered the field with 140 tackles, to conquer a division or AFC title. We like the looks of this. Definitely another year to play the OVER. CAROLINA to win OVER 7.5 games: -110 (-155) to win UNDER 7.5 games: -130 (+115) I didn't watch the Panthers much until I purchased an autographed ball mid-season. What found was a team with the NFC's #2 defense; a crew which kept games close by keeping opposing offenses to only 290.4 yards per game; opposing rushing attacks only averaging 100.3 yards per game. Behind the dominating presence of Julius Peppers, games were ultimately lost in the secondary as they sacrificed 19 first downs per game on 11.9 yards per completion. Could this still be a critical hole? The real trouble was the offense which suffered painful injuries to both Peete, who managed a dismal 77.4 rating behind an impressive 58.5 competion percentage and problematic 14 interceptions, and Weinke. By the time the NFC's worst offense had righted itself, it was 'too little, too late'. Management has made major strides to make a run by adding quaterback Jake Delhomme(NO) to the legion. Most importantly, though, Kevin Dyson(TEN) and Ricky Proehl(ST.L) should open up plenty of space for two the NFC's top 20 receivers in the NFC, Muhammed and Smith, who both averaged over 58 yards per game. Abandoning the troublesome Lamar Smith, they picked up a true professional in Washington's Stephen Davis, who managed a respectable 4.0 average on his 207 attempts last year; fumbles may be quelled by a coaching staff enthusiastic with a running attack. Having closed against soft competition, the Panthers will launch from an epic close of the season taking 4 of 5 ATS to get a running start in 2003 (if they can find a hero to step up in the secondary). NEW ORLEANS to win OVER 8 games: 120 (-155) to win UNDER 8 games: -120 (+115) For those of you that have partied all night in Jazz Fest know two things; southern chicks are HOT and anything can happen there :-). Management continues to turn the dials imaginatively looking for the elusive playoff berth. For those of you who care to watch, the acquisition of Bouman (who we coined as the 'Flying Frenchman')is a smart move. This guy can win ball games by managing an offense and finding targets downfield. He will be a critical back-up to Albert Brooks, who managed a NFC leading 5.1% touchdown percentage, and a 80.1 rating in an injury-ridden year; the trouble were his 15 interceptions that turned games. The key acquisition of TE, Ernie Conwell should loosen up defenses for 'The Deuce', the NFL's #5 running back with 1388 yards in 2002, and Joe Horn (88 receptions for 1312 yards), who was only a few feet behind Moss for the NFC receiving title. With new recruits on the defensive line, including DT, Henry Ford, characterized by GM Mickey Loomis as "a really good football player", (Football Guys, ESPN.com, 7.28.03) they must assist Grady Jackson in slowing opposing defenses that mounted 124.3 yards per game on the ground. Even more important are the additions of CB, Ashley Ambrose(ATL), and S, Tebucky Jones(NE) will truly be the key in turning the 'D' around; tightening up a league worst 12.1 yards per completion, and 24.3 points per game. TAMPA BAY to win OVER 10.5 games: 130 (-155) to win UNDER 10.5 games: -110 (+115) What has been proven to me through the first two preseason games is that other
teams don't play poorly versus the Bucs, their defense simply makes them look
foolish. Their run for the title was led by the NFC's #1 defense, allowing
only 12.3 points and 97.1 rushing yards per game. They will again be led by
NFC sack leader, Simeon Rice (15.5 sacks) and Warren Sapp (7.5 sacks), whose
abhorrent style and manner let him fly. While Warren gets the press, the
defense is truly driven by the linebackers, Brooks and Quarles, who combined
for 231 tackles, Brooks with 11 passes defended and 5 interceptions for 218
yards. Averaging only 1.3 turnovers per game, the defense doesn't slow,
they stop opposing offenses in their tracks. Worth even more praise is the
secondary, who shaped up under Rhonde Barber (key to their Super Bowl victory).
With this crew, the fact the offense only rushed for 97 rushing yards, and
averaged only 215.3 yards through the air per game is mute. However, Gruden
will be find a key challenge in improving on a 3.8 yard per rush average with
Pittman facing felony domestic abuse charges, and newcomer, Jones. They will
be counting on Alsott (who only put up 548 yards in 2002). Little needs to
be said about the fireworks this receiving corps provides in Johnson (one
of the NFC's best with a 14.3 per catch average), McCardell, and Jurevicious
(one of my favorite receivers), who combined for over 2100 yards in 2002.
The icing on the cake is the dramatic Martin Gramatica, who will look to
improve on his 32 of 39 field goals last year. IF THEY AVOID INJURY THEY
WILL BE THE TEAM TO BEAT FOR AN NFC TITLE.WEST ARIZONA to win OVER 5 games: -115 (-120) to win UNDER 5 games: -125 (+120) Am I the only one to see the Cardinals as a franchise in trouble closing the final stretch of the season being outscored by an average of 16 points per game. In grand ol' style, they sacrifice 'The Snake' in favor of Jeff Blake, who mounted one of the AFC's worst passing percentage at 55.9%, and only 13 passing touchdowns throughout 2002 with the Ravens. With Boston's departure as the other offensive anchor, insiders are unsure exactly who he will be throwing to? Having failed to work well with Lewis and Brookins, he may just have the opposite effect on Marcel Shipp, who had an outstanding season in 2002 averaging 4.4 yards per carry on his way to a respectable 834 yards. This combination has 'Cellar-Dweller' written all over it......just when you think it will be a 'Cold' Zona, management turns up the HEAT with the spiciest move of the spring. Packing the front line with guards Teag Whiting and Tony Wragge, they go ol' style, and pack an already powerful running attack with the swift, remarkable Emmit Smith, who managed a respectable 975 yards on 15.9 carries per game last year under one of the worst offensive regimes that has ever walked the sidelines. The draft seems to be playing right into their hands... ST. LOUIS to win OVER 9.5 games: -125 (+120) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -115 (-160) SAN FRANCISCO to win OVER 9.5 games: +105 (+125) to win UNDER 9.5 games: -145 (-175) The niners are in one of the toughest spots in the NFL due to the fact that are not lead by a head coach but a wide receiver. It is really too bad. "It's disappointing that we haven't gotten it done (aka Super Bowl). But at the same time, there are 31 other teams out there can probably use my services when it's all said and done," Owens commented this week. (footballguys.com, Mercury News, 8.1.03) The NFC's #4 offense will miss J.J. Stokes, whose 25.5 yards per game always seemed to come at a critical time. The pass attack will now rely on Owens, who led NFL receivers with 13 touchdown receptions 9with his Moss-type attitude), and Tai Streets, who only picked up 47.2 yards per game. With wild cards like TE, Eric Johnson and newcomer Jed Weaver as an outlet, even more pressure will be on the running attack of Hearst and Barlow, who together are an NFL leading rusher, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and treking 1600 yards in 2003. The real question is Garcia, who has matured as a leader, whose injured back may keep him from preseason. His offensive line allowing him to be a true talent (only sacked 17 times for 93 yards), achieving a 1.9% interception percentage on 3344 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Upon a closer look, it is the defense that keeps it close; holding opposing rushers to 99.1 yards per game. Led by Andre Carter's 12.5 sacks, the linebacking duo of Smith and Peterson slowed opposing offenses with over 200 tackles. Even stronger are the corners where Jeff Webster forced 11 passes defended. Already responsible for 2.1 turnovers a game, they seem to be peaking. The loss of Okeafor and Stubblefield could be monumental unless a young gun like Engelberger or Kirschke shines. Worse is their special teams, whose K, Chandler, couldn't find the 'side of a barn'. Closing the season 0 and 5 ATS, the NFL's worst, we don't forsee the trend turning. Rough waters - stay clear! SEATTLE to win OVER 7.5 games: -160 (-155) to win UNDER 7.5 games: +120 (+115) Too many didn't realize the challenge the Seahawks faced over the last two years; playing in Huskie stadium, and moving to one the NFC's toughest divisions. The third year is the charm. Closing out 2003 as one the NFC's hottest teams, taking 4 of 5 ATS, they will rely on the NFC's #3 offense, powering 363.6 yards per game, the NFC's #2 passing attack, 254.9 yards per game through the air to lead them to victory. They will be counting heavily the additions of De Chike Okeafor(SF) and defensive tackle Norman Hand(NO) to improve on the NFC's worst rush defense which allowed 152.6 yards per game. Plugging these holes will be key in order to give the NFC's #2 rated quarterback (87.8), Matt Hasselback, the chance to throw for the winning pass. "It's just that he's so much more experienced. Matt feels the game, and senses what to do and when to do it," offensive coordinator Gil Haskell said. (footballguys.com, Post-Intelligencer, 8.5.03) We will be jumping on their wagon Week 1. 
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**For entertainment purposes ONLY. 
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