NFL Picks Week 2: Where .500 Sounds Great

Usually, I would have something about a topic going in the NFL world, but I am pressed on time as I have to get out of here soon. Thanks for reading all of our content this morning. Six posts before noon is a record I think for me.   

St. Louis (1-0) at Atlanta (0-1) (-7) 12:00 pm FOX - An old NFC West matchup when both of these teams were struggling and the days of Chris Chandler and Jim Everett slinging the football around. No way the Falcons lose their home opener. Matt Ryan and the boys roll big time. ATL 30-14

Carolina (0-1) (-3) at Buffalo (0-1)  12:00 pm FOX - This is a tough one. I feel like Carolina should not be getting points on the road yet I think the Buffalo hype is overblown a bit. Cam v. E.J. should be a blast, both teams have great front-sevens but I will go with the Bills rushing attack being the difference. BUFF 20-17

Minnesota (0-1) at Chicago (1-0) (-6) 12:00 pm FOX - I told you the Bears scare me a bit this season and I feel like last week confirmed some of my worries. I also said the Vikings would regress greatly this year. Big day for the Bears defense and Jay Cutler makes it rain a couple times out there.  CHI 27-16

Washington (0-1) at Green Bay (0-1) (-8) 12:00 pm FOX - See our Packer preview which includes a Packer playlist to get you ready for the game.

Miami (1-0) at Indianapolis (1-0) (-3) 12:00 pm CBS - Tale of two teams here. Miami looked really good against Cleveland on the road with a defense forcing turnovers and holding them to 10 points. While the Colts barely beat Oakland at home.  The difference in this one will be Cameron Wake and the Phins front line against a weaker than talked about Colts offensive line. MIA 24-19  

Dallas (1-0) at Kansas City (1-0) (-3) 12:00 pm FOX - Like Scantron sheets in college, I left this one blank until I finished the other noon time starts because I have no idea whose going to win this one. Kansas City is tough at home and their fans will be fired up after a big win against Jacksonville. Dallas looked much more opportunistic on defense and could create some problems for Alex Smith on Sunday.  I am a little worried about Tony Romo and Dez Bryant's injuries especially against an above average defense. Chiefs eek one out. KC 21-17

San Diego (0-1) at Philadelphia (1-0) (-7.5) 12:00 pm CBS - Las Vegas obviously went six to midnight watching Chip Kelly's offense on Monday night.  Giving the Eagles, a team who won four games last year, seven and a half points after one game seems a bit outrageous. I think Philadelphia wins, but that's too many points. PHI 31-27  

Cleveland (0-1) at Baltimore (0-1) (-7) 12:00 pm CBS - I have no idea what to think about the Ravens right now. One of those teams where I do not think the first week is indicative to how they will be this season. The Browns looked putrid at home, and I feel like they cannot respond by winning on the road this week. Joe Flacco regroups and the Ravens win going away.  BALT 23-14

Tennessee (1-0) at Houston (1-0) (-10) 12:00 pm CBS - Another one where I feel like Vegas messed up because Houston is not ten points better than Tennessee.  The Titans might be that team where I can look back at what I said in August and say 'Welp, I am an asshat', this happens with at least one or two teams in the NFL and another three in college football, the life of a blogger. It cannot be understated as to how good their defense looked last week.  This is a physical, entertaining game and the Texans pull it out with a late field goal.  HOU 19-17  

Detroit (1-0) (-2) at Arizona (0-1) 3:05 pm FOX - I do not blame anyone for hyping the Lions up after Week 1. They looked really good, but heading to Arizona screams a letdown loss if I have ever seen one. Matthew Stafford always has had problems with interceptions and the Cardinals secondary is one of the best in the National Football League. Look for a big Patrick Peterson game along with Carson Palmer doing just enough with Larry Fitzgerald. ARI 28-20  

New Orleans (1-0) (-3.5) at Tampa Bay (0-1) 3:05 pm FOX - My guy Eric used to have a 'Lock It Up' post on SnoTap where he would lock a team or two in for the week of football. This would be it. I hate all of the captain controversy plus Josh Freeman missing team photos sounds like a team divided. New Orleans in a rout.  NO 35-17.  

Jacksonville (0-1) at Oakland (0-1) (-6) 3:25 pm CBS - Just want to let people know we live in a world where the Raiders are six point favorites.  I understand the Jaguars were bad last week and Oakland looked better, but really?  I cannot see the Raiders covering, but they will win this football game as the Jags are too banged up, yes even in Week 2.  OAK 16-14

Denver (1-0) (-4.5) at New York Giants (0-1) 3:25 pm CBS - I will never ever be able to figure out the Giants and everyone is riding them off because their running back situation is a bigger problem than my bank account so that means maybe they will win this one?  I doubt it. I hated all the turnovers last week and their secondary did not look good last week. Peyton Manning has a big day against baby bro. DEN 38-28  

San Francisco (1-0) at Seattle (1-0) (-3) 7:30 pm NBC - Hey remember when I have to stream this game instead of watching it on TV?  Thanks for your pissing match!  I cannot believe how little people are talking about how bad Seattle's offensive line looked against Carolina. How are they going to better against San Fran?  Marshawn Lynch could be the difference here as he dominated the Niners last year with two 100-yard performances. This is the toughest place to win a road game, but the Niners pull it out with an absolute classic on Sunday night. SF 27-24

Monday
Pittsburgh (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1) (-7) 7:40 pm ESPN - I might be the last person outside of Pittsburgh who believes the Steelers can still be something, but the Bengals seem like they have more to play for knowing a game against Green Bay looms next week. They also played well for two and a half quarters before coming undone in Chicago. A.J. Green puts up another monster performance and Cincy escapes in a closer game than believed by the spread.  CIN 20-16

Straight up: 9-7
ATS: 5-11 (Complete newbie central here)  

Charlie.  

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NFL Picks Week 1: Don't Let Peyton Manning Ruin your Weekend

I find Facebook annoying probably more times than I find it enjoyable. There is always something people can complain about and the flavor of the day is how they are playing Peyton Manning in fantasy football this week.  If you did not hear, Manning went off for seven touchdowns and had 63 fantasy points.  Now, this puts a lot of people at a sizable disadvantage for Week 1 but it should not damper your weekend. It is just fantasy football and it is just week one. If he did this to cost you 500 dollars then I understand a little bit better (For the record, I have Manning in one league so maybe that's why I feel this way, shut up).  There will be some great games this weekend and I am here to pick them with the spreads. My record this year will be Straight Up and Against The Spread.

New England (-10) at Buffalo 12 pm CBS - As a Packer fan, I wish I could be New England and start with a cupcake. They somewhat struggle in Buffalo, but with E.J. Manuel making his first appearance plus him being banged up, it seems like the Patriots should coast in this one. NE 38-14

Cincinnati at Chicago (-3) 12 pm CBS - Fun game for the first week of the season. The Bears new look offensive line will be tested with Geno Atkins and company coming at them. Andy Dalton handling Soldier Field with the wind is something that would concern me if I were a Cincinnati fan.  I feel like the Bears offensive line protects Cutler enough and his receiving core has a big day. CHI 21-17

Miami at Cleveland (-1) 12 pm CBS - This could set the tone for the year. Both teams are fringe playoff teams. I really do not think people recognize at least on paper how good Cleveland's defense can be this season.  Maybe it is my lingering Ryan Tannehill concerns, but I think the Browns win this one although it better not come down a field goal to win it.  CLEV 17-13

Minnesota at Detroit (-5.5) 12 pm FOX - Where did all the hype for the Lions come from? All the sudden, we have Mike Florio putting them into the NFC Championship and other people are talking about Detroit. It is like people forgot Minnesota made the playoffs last year. I still like the Lions at home, but this should be a close, hard-fought game.  DET 23-21

Oakland at Indianapolis (-10) 12 pm CBS - This will be a long, long year for Raiders fan. It starts in the Oil Drum and the Colts should have no problems in the first game of the year. Darrius Heyward-Bey will go off just to troll Raiders fans. IND 34-10

Atlanta at New Orleans (-3) 12 pm FOX - Another game where it could set the tone for at least the first couple months of the season. This will be an NFL shootout. The Saints defense is not the best in the league and I feel like the Falcons defense will be a real eyesore. It will come down to who has the ball last and I'm going with the Saints.  NO 42-38

Tampa Bay (-3) at New York Jets 12 pm FOX - The return of Darrelle Revis and I feel like everyone is against the Jets meaning they will find a way to win. Oh who am I kidding, Revis will probably have a pick-six against Geno Smith because it would not be the NFL season without people overreacting about the Jets. TB 27-15

Tennessee at Pittsburgh (-7) 12 pm CBS - The thing to watch is how the Steelers running backs will be as they try to replace Le'Von Bell. Now, Ben Roethlisberger is the man but a lot with Aaron Rodgers, he needs a nice compliment. I think they have no issue whatsoever with the Titans.  PITT 30-17

Seattle (-3.5) at Carolina 12 pm FOX - Here is the SnoTap upset of the week. This is a tough game for Seattle. They have all the hype in the world coming into the season. They have to play at 1 pm, 10 am their time and the Panthers are a fringe playoff squad. Cam Newton has a big day with his legs and they win this game. CAR 19-16

Kansas City (-4) at Jacksonville 12 pm CBS - The Chiefs will begin their comeback season in Jacksonville. Big days from both Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles. KC 28-10

Arizona at St. Louis (-4.5) 3:25 pm FOX - Just like Miami-Cleveland, this is game that could set the tone for the season.  Both are NFC West teams looking for an in this year.  I feel like Arizona's defensive backs will keep this close, but the Rams find a way to win with Daryl Richardson having a big day. STL 24-23

Green Bay at San Francisco (-4.5) 3:25 pm FOX - Here's our Packer Preview from earlier today.

New York Giants at Dallas (-3) 7:30 pm NBC - Do you know Dallas has never beat the Giants at Cowboys Stadium? Have you heard about that?  CRAZY RIGHT?!  The Cowboys are going to show why they are the cream of the crop in the NFC East this weekend.  Dez Bryant will have a massive opening weekend and the Cowboys pull away late. DAL 35-24

Monday
Philadelphia at Washington (-4.5) 5:55 pm ESPN - READ OPTION BOWL.  I am going to take Washington in this one because I have no idea what I am getting from Philadelphia yet. It should be a fun game to watch with all the different storylines. WASH 33-30

Houston (-4) at San Diego 9:15 pm ESPN - This will be the first of 17 weeks where you realize how bad the San Diego Chargers are going to be this season. Houston will make the first case. HOU 30-13

Charlie.

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Snotap Predicts... Kramer's NFL Picks

The SnoTap staff is making their predictions on the NFL season. Odds are one or two of us will be right, but in the end like most people, we will look like idiots. 

NFC EAST                                                                    

1. Dallas

2. NY Giants

3. Philadelphia  

4. Washington

- How bout dem Cowboys!!!

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay

2. Minnesota - Wild Card

3. Detroit    

4. Chicago

-I really wanted to pick Minnesota to win the division because I love the young talent GM Rick Spielman is getting on that team.  Still, I think a healthy GB Packers is a force to be reckoned with.  A Rod should make up for the O line issues, and that front 7 should be solid this year.

NFC SOUTH

1. New Orleans

2. Atlanta 
3. Tampa Bay

4. Carolina

-I think New Orleans will give New Englands point in a season record a run for its money this year. They will simply outscore teams, and Rob Ryan will be aggressive with his leads.

NFC WEST

1. Seattle
2. San Francisco - Wild Card

3. St. Louis

4. Arizona

-I said after the playoffs last year that the 2012 Seahawks reminded me a lot of the 1991 Cowboys. Just a year away from dominance. The 1992 Cowboys went 13-3 and won the Super Bowl. I think the 2013 Seahawks have a similar year.

AFC EAST
1. New England  

2. Buffalo
3. Miami   

4. NY Jets

-I really like the Bills team this year, and don't be surprised if they give New England some problems... but who am I kidding, NE is winning this division.

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore   

2. Cincinnati - Wild Card  

3. Cleveland
4. Pittsburgh  

- I think the Ravens are more talented this year than they were last year. Yup, more talented. Adding Dumervil, Michael Huff, Arthur Brown, Matt Elam, and getting Lardarius Webb back from injury will be huge. Baltimore picks up where it left off last year.

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston

2. Tennessee 
3. Indianapolis

4. Jacksonville

- Tennessee is a team that I think will give people problems this year, but Houston is a regular season monster.

AFC West

1. Kansas City

2. Denver - Wild Card

3. San Diego

4. Oakland

- To be fair, I picked the Chiefs to win this division last year. Whoops. I love what they did in the off season, and they should capitalize off their easier schedule. I think Denver struggles out of the gate without Dumervil and Von Miller, and will have to settle for a Wild Card spot.


Playoff
NFC: 3. New Orleans beats 6. Minnesota 5. San Francisco beats 4. Dallas
AFC: 3. New England beats 6. Cincinatti 5. Denver beats 4. Kansas City

NFC: 1. Seattle beats 5. San Francisco 3. New Orleans beats 2. Green Bay
AFC: 5. Denver beats 1. Houston 2. Baltimore beats 3. New England

NFC: 1. Seattle beats 3. New Orleans
AFC: 5. Denver beats 2. Baltimore

Super Bowl: Seattle beats Denver

I think the 2013-14 Seattle Seahawks will be one of those special teams that people tag the year with them, ala the 2007 New England Patriots. If they stay healthy and get Percy back in a couple of months, I don't see another roster in the league with the depth that Seattle has. The AFC is a toss up, but I think Pete Carroll will be hoisting up the Lombardi Trophy on the frozen Meadowlands in February.

Kramer.

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SnoTap Predicts... Bryan Reynolds' NFL Predictions

The SnoTap staff is making their predictions on the NFL season. Odds are one or two of us will be right, but in the end like most people, we will look like idiots. 

NFC Division Champs:

Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Green Bay

NFC Wild Cards:

New Orleans, Philadelphia

AFC Division Champs:

Cincinnati, New England, Denver, Houston

AFC Wild Cards:

Cleveland, Miami

 

Yes, I left San Francisco out of the playoff picture but I think it is possible. I think the will come blasting out of the gates but with one injury to Kaepernick or Gore this team is done. We saw last year with Chicago, that a good defense alone cannot carry you to success. I think Dallas is due for one hell of a year. The NFC East will be a dog fight as usually but Dez Bryant is the truth, and I expect him to have an incredible season.

Cleveland will make the playoffs. I said it shortly after the superbowl last year and I believe it to be true to this day. With some major changes in management and some great off season additions, the Browns are due to finally break through. It also helps there cause that the AFC is very weak this year and they will be playing a 4th place schedule. Leaving Baltimore out of the picture could be a mistake, but I think their luck has run out.

My Playoff Picture:

 AFC Championship: Cincinnati vs. Denver (Winner: Cincinnati)

NFC: Dallas vs. Atlanta (Winner: Atlanta)

Super Bowl: Atlanta defeating Cincinnati 

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32 in 31: Dallas Cowboys

Another year of 32 in 31. Sports News on Tap takes the month of August to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013

America's team, in case you forgot, ended the season last year as they have too many times in the past.  One game away from a postseason birth.  You can blame it on Romo, and he deserves his fair share, but I thought what the Cowboys did last year with the injuries they suffered was hopefully a sign of things to come.  It was hard to grasp that as Romo threw that ill advised pass into the flats that ended the season, but looking back gives you some perspective.  If though they have one of the toughest schedules in the league this year, if they stay healthy, I think the Cowboys can make some waves in the league this year.

OFFENSE

Romo, Romo, Romo.  That's pretty much all you hear when it comes to this offense.  That being said, I think the most talented player on the offense is Dez Bryant.  The stock has been high on him entering the year and so far in camp he has not disappointed.  Romo has just been chucking him up the ball on fade or fade-stop patterns and he has been bringing them all in.  I think that will translate to the season.  With Dez, Witten, Miles, Demarco Murray, and a couple new weapons in Terrance Williams and Gavin Escobar, Romo should have no shortage of places to throw the football.

The key to him throwing the football, however, is if this line can protect him.  New draft pick Travis Frederick should be able to sure some things up in the middle, but Guards Ronald Leary and Mackenzy Bernadeau are shaky at best.  Tyron Smith, who is still just 22 years old, should continue to improve this year.  However the man opposite of him, Doug Free, still has a lot to improve on to not be a liability.

DEFENSE

The addition of Monte Kiffin at Defensive Coordinator will either look like one of the smartest things Jerry Jones has done, or one of the dumbest.  There is not much in between.  He had looked like he lost his touch as the DC at USC, but hopefully he can catch up to the pace of the pro game.  It still scares the living shit out of me to have a Monte Kiffin vs. Chip Kelly showdown twice a year.

As far as the personal goes, this group is talented.  Demarcus Ware can get his hand in the dirt and get a solid pass rush in this system.  Anthony Spencer was awesome last year and hopefully has put on enough weight to hold up in the run game.  The combination of Bruce Carter and Sean Lee at linebacker is one of the best in the league.  They should excel in this system.  Also, it's nice to have Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr at corner to sure things up.  The thing that really scares me, however, are the safeties.  It's looking like Will Allen and Barry Church will start, with 3rd round pick JJ Wilcox being the 3rd man in.  Considering that the Tampa 2 system is being put in place, this also scares me.  Hopefully someone can come in and make plays over the top. 

SPECIAL TEAMS
Dan "Split 'Em" Bailey returns for the boys. He was 29 of 31 last year with some extremely clutch kicks.  Chris Jones comes back from injury last year to help the punting game, and Dez is still a factor returning punts. 

KEY ADDITIONS
Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, Defensive Line Coach Rod Marinelli, and S Will Allen - The defensive coaching staff hires will undoubtedly be the most important this year.  The Cowboys need to create turnovers, and hopefully the Bruce-Lee combo at linebacker can create some in the hybrid Tampa 2 system Kiffin is putting in place.

KEY SUBTRACTIONS
DC Rob Ryan, CB Mike Jenkins

COWBOYS DRAFT PICKS
C Travis Frederick, TE Gavin Escobar, SS JJ Wilcox, WR Terrance WIlliams, and some other people that really don't matter -  Hopefully Frederick can sure up the middle of that Offensive Line.  It was nauseating watching Ryan Cook snap over Romo's head last year. 
 
GAME TO WATCH
October 13th vs. Washington 7:30 pm - If the Cowboys don't take care of business at Home this year against their division rivals it's going to be almost impossible for them to win the division.  Both teams will probably enter this game at 3-2 or 4-1, and it will set the tone in the division the rest of the year.  

WIN TOTAL 
9-11 - Cowboys schedule is brutal this year playing Denver, Green Bay, @New Orleans, @Chicago, and Minnesota.  All potential playoff teams.  Their game against St. Louis won't be easy, either.  They have a tough road, but I think this team has some really nice pieces if they can get it all together.  Hopefully Jason Garrett won't screw that up.

Kramer.

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First Taste: Ted Lasso, the Next Great Soccer Coach

Over the weekend, NBCSN hit gold with a viral video with Jason Sudeikis playing an American football coach coaching Tottenham Hotspur. While many people know the game of soccer, there are definitely some still stuck in the dark ages. Lasso is playing a stereotypical SEC-type coach trying his hand at soccer. I laughed out loud a couple times talking about ties, playoffs and Dallas Cowboys references. Sudeikis does a great job in this pseudo Saturday Night Live skit.  I know there were some detractors with the video, but soccer should be able to laugh at themselves, it is part of being a major player in the professional sports world.  

Charlie.

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Five in, Five Out: The NFL Playoff Complex

The 2012 NFL season was madness. Things happened that we have never seen happened before while that could be said every year, it seems like last year had a unique feel to it. For the first time in over a decade, the National Football League did not get five new playoff teams. This is weird quirk in the league and truly showing the depth of the NFL. Instead they got four, but we here at SnoTap believes that is a blip in the trend.

Three of new playoff teams last year had rookie quarterbacks and the other one had a one-year quarterback with a freak running back. We are bound to get this wrong just like last year when we gave Indianapolis, Seattle and Minnesota no shot.

This year seems to be very hard again to predict given they're so many teams that could be in the playoffs. The NFC has two teams in each division worthy of a playoff spot if not more while the AFC does not have that much depth yet they still have very good teams on the cusp of the playoffs.

The Vince McMahon No Chance in Hell Group

Oakland Raiders - The quarterback situation is a complete mess. They seem to have too many missing pieces at this very moment. In my opinion, this will be the worst team in the National Football League. I cannot see them being very successful.   

Jacksonville Jaguars - I like the direction the Jaguars are heading because they will be back in the playoffs in the next three to five years without question.  They have nothing going for them at quarterback, but their defense is not shabby plus Maurice Jones-Drew is still a monster.  

San Diego Chargers - This is a team no one is circling as a squad who might pick in the first five picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. Phillip Rivers is not a good quarterback anymore and even though Mike McCoy is an upgrade from Norv Turner, I feel confident in saying Rivers' goose is cooked. 

New York Jets - Another team in freefall. They will be the most talked about 4-12 team of all-time. I cannot see Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith reviving this team with the wide receiving core and their running game although that part could be improved versus last year.  

Maybe a chance, but the same chance as I have of getting gold toilets unless I'm Kanye 

St. Louis Rams - I think the Rams have the best chance out of this group. They are a good team playing in a tough division. If the Rams were in the AFC West, they might be a playoff team, but the fact they play in NFC West is a death blow to this team's chances playing San Francisco and Seattle twice a year. 

Buffalo Bills - I just do not see it this year. I thought the Bills had a great draft and as we learned last year, rookie classes can make all the difference. I think they are a couple years away from being a playoff contender, but their window is more open than ever before. 

Tennessee Titans - They really could be in the Vince McMahon category. Jake Locker does not seem like an NFL quarterback. Chris Johnson could be truly hit or miss. They added some more on the line and defense, but that does not feel like it would be enough. 

Carolina Panthers - I would love to put the Panthers in the sleepers category and this will be something we touch on in our 32 in 31 series in August but their schedule is absolutely ridiculous for a team that drafted in the first 16 picks. Poor Cam Newton.  

Sleepers That Aren't Sleepers 

Philadelphia Eagles - A team where the hype is way bigger than what this team will actually be this year. They still need a year or two to really formulate a team for Chip Kelly. He will not have all the pieces there this year which will lead people will make wild opinions about this team that are unjust.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I wish I could trust this team more. I love Josh Freeman but he is so inconsistent. If he hits, this team could be a playoff contender without question with their running game and their offensive line plus their talented receivers.  The offense is there, the defense is there, but is their quarterback going to be along with them?  That question remains unanswered.   

Cleveland Browns - People are high on the Browns because they have some true talent there with Trent Richardson and Joe Haden as well as a blue-chip player like Joe Thomas. Cleveland will definitely win some games, but the fact they have one of the worst quarterback groups in the NFL will bite them hard.  

Actual Sleepers 

Detroit Lions - With a team with four wins, the assumption would be they have an easy schedule for the season. That is inaccurate as they have to play the NFC East and AFC North, both tough divisions. The Lions added some pieces, but they will need to be better in the secondary to be a playoff team. If they are, they could get back to the playoffs.      

Arizona Cardinals - They would have to catch a ton of breaks in the NFC West, but they have a strong defense plus quality special teams with Patrick Patterson and the Honey Badger. They added Carson Palmer giving Larry Fitzgerald is first true quarterback in awhile. I am not saying Palmer is an elite quarterback, but he is an upgrade from the John Skelton's of the world.

Miami Dolphins - I could really buy this team into the playoffs. They have a solid defense and play in a weak division that could be weaker with the unknown ceiling of the New England Patriots. Ryan Tannehill's second year could be great. Yes the same guy I completely shitted on all throughout last year and during the NFL Draft, but hear me out. He had a pretty good season and could take his game to another level.    

The Great Five 

Dallas Cowboys - It is put up or shut up time for this team. The NFC East is a very tough division to break through yet the Cowboys seem to be putting it all together to make a playoff run. Dez Bryant looks like he might be the superstar wide receiver, their defense is tougher than people give it credit for and I feel more confident that their line can protect Tony Romo than ever before.   

New Orleans Saints - If I were heading to Vegas, I would put a lot of money on this team making the playoffs plus hitting their over in terms. Sean Payton being back for this team is a huge boost for this team and will help them immediately. They also added some talent all over the field. While Drew Brees interceptions totals scared me last year, he is still a hell of a quarterback and someone whom can wins games on his own.  

Pittsburgh Steelers - A team that did a great job at rebuilding for a year and they should be ready to contend again. Big Ben was not healthy for the entire season and for what seems to be the sixth straight year, the offensive line could not have been more of a disaster. Big Ben is healthy, line looks better and their defense will be top notch again as well.  

Kansas City Chiefs - Andy Reid has only three seasons where his team did not have at least eight wins. The Chiefs were plagued by injuries last season with Eric Berry and others. Adding Eric Fischer to their offensive line will help them out big time along with Brandon Albert. Add to the fact, they are playing in the weak AFC West.  This might be a playoff team.   

Chicago Bears - It feels like the Bears will be a playoff team. They should have been last year. Their schedule is not easy by any means, but I feel Jay Cutler plays at another level this year among other things they improve on.  Their defensive front seven worries me a bit, but they still have many playmakers that can force turnovers, something the Bears pride themselves on.

Charlie. 

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SnoTap Buzz: Thursday July 25th

I could probably post DLHQ's interview each day. The show itself is pretty funny, but I always like the interview topic. Stanford's David Shaw is one of my favorites in terms of college football coaching.

Florida State tight end Nick O'Leary, grandson of Jack Nicklaus, got into an absolutely brutal motorcycle crash in May but ended up coming way with minor injuries. That bus might have saved his life as crazy as that sounds. (Tomahawk Nation)

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings is still making comments about Aaron Rodgers. Now people are thinking Jennings might be onto something because they feel there is too much smoke. No that's not it, Aaron did not go to bat for Greg, simple as that. (Star Tribune) 

Dez Bryant is basically the football equivalent of the old baseball saying 'He is in the best shape of his year and poised for a career year.'  Still completely regret letting him go in a keeper league in 2012. (CBS Sports)

Very interesting comments from Southern Miss head coach Todd Monken about the conferences splitting up and what kind of teams will come play them at home. I would love to see better non-conference games and why we need to get rid of multiple FCS games. (Sun Sentinel) 

Madison Square Garden is going to move in 10 years and right now, it does not seem sad yet it will be sad in a decade from now. (New York Times) 

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