Carey

It's official. For the first time in nearly four decades: Georgia is in the top spot. Everyone agrees that it's the correct spot. A unanimous decision. They're followed by Iowa, Cincinnati, Oklahoma, and Alabama. While the former owner of the top spot lost at the buzzer to an unranked team, the reigning champions likely still control its own destiny. BTW, the team that gave them their first loss since 2019 did so in the only week they were unranked. IIRC, Texas A&M was actually 26th.

Gotta disagree with the Seahawks thing. That's mainly due to the fact that green is my favorite color. It stands out quite well. Maybe too much, but it just seems the opposite of boring. ITA with the Falcons uniforms. Those are actually pretty neat. We may be in the minority, but I actually admire those colors for Atlanta

Well, here come the Jets. I'd compare it to the Longhorns blowing it, but Atlanta has a habit of blowing it. Texas doesn't; usually if they lose, they were losing the entire time. The rest of my Week 5 picks include the Texans, Panthers, Vikings, Saints, Titans, Bucs, Bengals, Broncos, Bears, Browns, Cowboys, Cardinals, Bills, and the Ravens all winning. I'm torn between Buffalo and Kansas City. Similar to Houston and New England, it seems as if one team has the other's number. Yet I usually don't flip, and I regret it. So, with my luck, the Chiefs will continue to own the Bills, and the Patriots will finally top the Texans. Green Bay is on fire, but for some reason, Cincinnati seems to own the Packers. Aaron just recently beat his 31st team after surviving against them. I guess it's all about matchups, but Burrow and company are playing great football. They might be a year or two ahead of schedule

Time for 15-16 hours of real, NFL professional football! I'm going with The Jets for the win over Atlanta. I'll post the rest of my stuff later. Meh on Urban Meyer. I pretty much share the same opinions as everyone here. For me, what Gruden did a decade ago was just that. And while he's more of a winner, the heat should be higher since it was much worse, period

Alabama falls. It probably will not mean anything if they win out. No different than their position in 2014, 2015, and 2017. BTW, I had to disagree elsewhere with people saying it was the biggest upset of the Millennium. I'll agree it's the biggest upset of 2021, but it's not Top 5 if we're counting the past 20 years. To be honest, it's not even the biggest upset in it's own sport, and I only need to go back 15 years! Anyway, Georgia will finally get it's Top ranking. While it could be a jinx, no one has come close to knocking them off. At the end of the day, IMO, unless Bama gets back to where they can do it, I think the team that will whack the Bulldogs will come from the Big Ten. It's early October, but as mentioned, this might have been the best day of college football in a very long time. I hate to say it, but last year was what it was, and that might have aided it. Despite 2020, it would've been a day full of instant classics. Penn State crumbing annually, and after Texas said NO THANKS to winning coupled with a 21-point lead against its biggest rival

If it's anyone other than Alabama, then they'd be Number 1 with that performance. While then reigning National Champions Florida was briefly bumped off for Alabama 12 years ago at the top spot, I can't see that happening to the Tide. Since their close loss to eventual 2019 champions LSU, their only blemish was a 3-point defeat at Jordan Haire, six years removed from a more painful loss for the Crimson Tide. The difference the second time around was Alabama wasn't defending champions, and they had nothing to play for. It's possible Georgia gets the top spot, but not probable. If they keep winning, they'll be able to get the top spot by beating the team that holds it. Fortunately, Cincy did get into the Top 5, so whew! Meanwhile, Oregon fell. Maybe they sorta got jobbed, but they kinda jobben themselves, along with their conference. Out of the Top 5 they go, five spot down to #8. There are no more undefeated Pac-12 teams. Looks like they'll be left out of the meaningful postseason again (save for the Rose Bowl maybe). Fortunately, the ACC is down, and Notre Dame lost to Cincinnati. Speaking of the Bearcats (which would offset the Pac-12 chances if they won out), I think this might be the year that a non Power Five team makes it into the CFB Playoff. That's only if they'll win. It is possible that teams (like Michigan, MSU, and Oklahoma State) could jump Cincy. The good news for the Bearcats is that they will move into the top four thanks to the result of the Penn State / Iowa game. The only way I'd be wrong with that statement is if Michigan pounded Nebraska enough to surge to the Top 3 or Top 4. On the other hand, I'd still be correct with that coupled with a Aggies win and/or an Auburn Tigers victory

We’re aware. Those facts were part of making a point on how no one feels sorry for teams that fall victim to such a wild card scenario (which may or may not lead to their demise). Similar to the 2015 Buccos & Cubs, the Dodgers had 162 games over a half-year period to win as much as possible. Now, no one’s going 162-0 or coming close to that, but the goal is to try and win every night you take the field. As mentioned, it does suck that LA had to do more than other divisions in order to win another division crown, but as the season progressed, they knew what they needed to do in order to win it and avoid the wild card round. Fortunately, it’s a moot point, but in past seasons, actually a decade ago, for the last time, a team like St. Louis would have been left out period. Then there are the 97-win Cubs, who would’ve missed the playoffs completely four years prior. At the end of the day, the postseason is a privilege, not a right. If you can’t win your division, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re left out of the playoffs or if you have a bad night at the worst possible time. Of course, with more teams, playoff expansion is/was warranted. It doesn’t mean the one-game playoff should be expanded from 1 game to 3. Totally unnecessary. Now, I am bias since I’m not a fan of the recent NFL playoff expansion and the fact that not only do the NBA & NHL teams have more than half of their leagues qualifying for the postseason, the very first round is a best of 7 (best of 5 is fair enough). I’m also a hypocrite since I wouldn’t mind College Football playoff expansion (but to 8 not to 12 or 16 or more)

Exactly. It wasn't too long ago (well it sorta is now, but not half a century ago yet) where you had to win your division just to get into the postseason

I might have an ounce of rooting interest or half an ounce if Houston wins the fall classic. In other words, either St. Louis or Milwaukee would have to win a pennant this year. To be specific, no rooting interest for the Astros, but rather I'd wouldn't lose sleep over another title for the AL West champions. BTW, I'm a bit bias. TBH, I wouldn't lose any sleep over the Houston Astros winning the World Series because I might lose it if they knock off Tampa, at which point, I'd be too tired and simply pass out after it's over

You and me both. Probably only because I was up watching 1984 episodes of The Price is Right, on an unrelated note. Say what you will about the Wild Card segment of the postseason. However, I cannot wait for the Yankees to knock off the Red Sox AL Wild Card game. After nearly a decade of it, definitely the biggest and most important game. The game might still be going on (in regulation) when I'm up at 6 AM Eastern, but if there was a season to make the Wild card a best of 3, it probably will not be off of a Sox loss to New York or a NY loss to Boston I'm not as nervous (probably more nervous with LA hosting St Louis), but I sorta hope Cole can fine some redemption from his fall six years ago and get it done. IMO, I think either team can knock off Tampa and if so, it's a toss whether Boston or New York can clinch yet another pennant

If he's lucky, he'll be a one half AND done NFL head coach

I've seen him a ton due to my viewing of college football. Used to be a studio analyst for ESPN. Not a ton of points in this Browns/Vikings game, but despite that, what an awesome game. Great defense, neither team settling for FG or punting. Minnesota still needs a TD, but instead of one for the lead, it'll be for the tie (as of this post). IMO, Patriots win outright. If not, then I'm wrong, but they should cover. Ditto for Green Bay. Either the Steelers will cover or they'll get blown out (over 25 point differential at Lambeau). I think Baltimore will keep it close; originally went with Denver before learning about all the inactives. However, Lamar isn't 100% so I think the Broncos will survive. Rams will still own the Cards, IMO, and I think the Niners will regroup from last week and knock off the Seahawks

You have to be an extreme, glorified, gambler to have a chance to somewhat be interested in Jets/Falcons on a Sunday morning over sleeping in

Yeah, I can't see the Giants winning at the Superdome, but the thing is the GMEN tend to win several games against teams they can't beat. If they lose, they'd still cover. New York is such a wild card. Week Two Picks: New England, Denver, Miami, San Francisco, both LA Teams, Vegas, Chicago, Cleveland, New Orleans, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Seattle, Kansas City, Green Bay. I think it definitely will not happen, but the chance of the "NFL West" getting to 16-0 is a possibility. IMO, the toughest test will be for the Niners at Eagles, and then maybe Rams & Arizona (but probably not) Pittsburgh should beat the Raiders, but the black & gold tend to struggle against the black & silver. Plus, Gruden against one of his old staff members (already 1-0 against the Steelers since his return) doesn't help. Vegas should cover, but if they don't they don't miss it by much. I don't see Dallas, Baltimore, or Detroit covering at all. Ravens might, but they are so banged up

So much for going 285-0! I was leaning toward picking Arizona but the travel thing is what it is. Detroit might end up in a class away from Cleveland and end up winless twice in the last 15 years let alone all time

Yeah they changed it in the off-season. It is super confusing because Pittsburgh is on the road against Buffalo at Highmark Stadium. Highmark is a non-profit company headquartered in Pittsburgh, and there is actually a Highmark Stadium in the city. Week One Picks: Houston, Chargers, Seahawks, Carolina, Minnesota, Tennessee, San Francisco, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Kansas City, New Orleans, Denver, New England, Rams, Ravens AFC Division Winners: Kansas City, Indianapolis, New England, Cleveland (WC: Buffalo, Los Angeles, Tennessee) NFC Division Winners: Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, Dallas, Green Bay (WC: New Orleans, San Francisco, Seattle) Conference Title Week: Browns over Patriots & Buccaneers over Cowboys Super Bowl 56: Cleveland Browns over Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I know that TJ is hotter. Does that count? Maybe, but TJ is playing for a respectful, historic, and legendary franchise. JJ played for the Houston Texans. As a result, TJ > JJ

The Ravens may or may not find a way to succeed, but this season is a reminder of their 2015 campaign (a season that followed a promising season that included a road playoff win against a big-time rival)

Looks like a ton of people are pimping their season picks ahead of tonight's game due to the start of the season tonight. I'm ready & happy to be back to football (with fans!). I actually do have who I'd choose in terms of division winners, conference winners, wild card, etc. However, right now, Tampa opens their 2021 campaign handling business to Dallas before Cleveland handles them on February 13, 2022

I would not have been surprised either way if Brady was vaccinated or not. I'll be honest, I'm actually glad that people that otherwise may not have received the vaccine ended up getting it. Especially TPTB within the NFL. Probably more business than personal, but sometimes people have to do things they don't want to do. I had my questions on it too, but over half a year later, I have no regrets going for it. Speaking of Brady, I can't wait for him and company to destroy Dallas. Sorry that I'm rooting for Tampa, but for me, they're playing the Cowboys. Can't see myself rooting for them against Gronk, Arians, and TB12. Whatever happens and whoever wins the title, I'm just happy that meaningful football is all but here (IMO, they could've had a full slate of games tomorrow, and TB/DAL could've played this past Thursday). BTW, it would be nice to get those pick em games or whatever for the upcoming year (even if I had to run it). Those were pretty awesome!

I'm not one to jump for joy over one's exit. Certain cases could have me doing that, but this is not one of them. That being said, it's relieving that he's gone. He did okay as host, and he was great with TPIR prior to his tenure at Sony. However, Sony had to fire him. Based on the atmosphere, it is what needed to be done. Probably a little later than they should have, but what's done is done

You know, if New England had just waited until 1:00 PM Eastern, they could've traded Cam Newton to Sony for Mike Richards as Mac Jones new backup!

Agreed, stealinghome. Letting Newton go is better than backing up Jones. Didn't help that it's a Auburn guy being replaced by an Alabama guy! The Covid stuff is bad for business, but people were saying that Mac was closing the gap even before the breach. I think it's over for Cam. Sure he can get a job somewhere, because there are a ton of awful QBs in the league (right now). He probably will have to settle with a backup spot, but more important, he should be vaxxed. The league has made it very clear that they will not tolerate anything that would lead to an outbreak and disrupt the season

I was about to add to / edit my post re: Covid. I tweeted as much that the status of Cam's vaccine status is why it was pretty much a lock that Mac would get it. I was surprised that it would lead to Newton's ouster right now. In time it would be business as usual. The move to kick him out is typical Patriots stuff, but based on the fact that Mac getting knocked out, especially if the Bucs defense gets to him, they're screwed without a QB to fill in

That is shocking!