NFL Furious Seven – The Football Giants Reign Supreme
Why is everyone on this Carolina Panthers bandwagon? Did people just skip watching the NFC South because they’ve been so historically morbid? Well to refresh your stinking memory, the NFC South is poised to send three teams in to the playoffs if Carolina can get its crap together and Atlanta continues on this miraculous run.
It typifies a notion that the NFC has risen from the doldrums of the NFL as an afterthought in presenting the elite. Between Tampa, Dallas, Atlanta and Carolina, we’re looking at a resurgence in the NFC. Of course it helps when Tom Brady isn’t around, but the top of the heap belongs to none other than…
1. New York Giants (11-1)
Can someone explain to me why Plaxico doesn’t hire a body guard? Is he short on cash from losing all those game cheques or something? All I know is that I’m glad I ditched him this season for Chris Johnson (straight up!) in my fantasy football league. Ok, sorry to mix fantasy talk in her. While I’m on the topic, what isn’t a fantasy is Roger Godell’s wet dream – Manning vs. Manning in the Superbowl.
Next Game: Philadelphia vs. NYG -7.5
2. Tennessee Titans (11-1)
Nothing like a smack down session on the Detroit Suckfest to pick up those spirits. Fortunately for the Titans, that loss against the Jets won’t carry too much weight after Favre and the boys let one go against Denver. Now Tennessee can forget about perfection and focus on making Ken Dorsey’s life a living hell. Well, more hell than it usually is. If you’re going to be a backup in the NFL, why Cleveland? Jesus.
Next Game: Cleveland vs. Tennessee -14.5
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
The defense should its might against New England, clamping down on Matt Cassel and Randy Moss for a definitive 33-10 victory. The Steelers have gone with a committee in the backfield now that Mewelde Moore has proven serviceable. The result? How about 161 rushing yards against the Patriots? Those looking for balance don’t need to look further than the Steelers who are good at everything. Unfortunately, that also means they can do what they usually do when they get so much hype – let their betting faithful down in a big matchup.
Next Game: Dallas vs. Pittsburgh -3
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-3)
What a story it would be for Tampa, which is virtually impossible to beat at home, to get to host and play in the Superbowl. With Cadillac Williams getting up to speed, and Jeff Garcia returning to the good graces of Jon Gruden, these Bucs are getting on the radar at the right time. The biggest challenge will be getting over the thought of losing Monte Kiffen after this season so he can join his son, Lane, in Tennessee. Might the defense adopt the “win one for the old man” attitudes? Me thinks yes (I don’t know why I started writing like a crafty sneak from the romantic era so don’t ask).
Next Game: Tampa Bay vs. Carolina -3.5
5. Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
An ugly win is still a win in my books. Are they good enough to storm back and win the AFC South? Not with the way the Titans are playing. But they’ll get a better idea of just how explosive their offense can be when the Bengals visit.
Next Game: Cincinnati vs. Indianapolis -14.5
6. Dallas Cowboys (8-4)
December is the worst time for the Cowboys. So even though they look like they’re gaining steam, I would hold your horses before you send them back up to the top of the mountain alongside the Giants. There’s still a lot to figure out in Dallas. For example, just how healthy are Ware and Barber going to be when they visit Pittsburgh? And can this team hack the cold weather?
Next Game: Dallas vs. Pittsburgh -3
7. Atlanta Falcons (8-4)
To think that they went from Michael Vick to Joey Harrington to Matt Ryan is unimaginable. Good thing we don’t have to because Ryan is the real deal. Ryan is eighth in the league with a quarterback rating of 91.2, putting him just behind Eli Manning. That’s what happens when you throw for 13 touchdowns and only 6 picks with 2,625 yards on the season I think Ryan and Michael Turner are going to make some noise in December, and a win over the deflated Saints can raise the decibel levels in the dirty south.
Next Game: Atlanta vs. New Orleans -4
