Joe Pasquini’s NFL Preview: Picks and Pans!! Exclusively on this BLOG!!
September 5th, 2007 . by Mike KellyNFL PREVIEW:
FIRST THE NINERS: The Niners have become the fashionable pick to take the NFC West. Is it because everyone thinks they are so improved, or is it because the NFC West doesn’t have that much to offer as far as a clear cut choice. I would pick the latter. 9-7 might win the NFC West. No team in the division is dominate, and no team (outside Arizona when they are not playing the Niners) is terrible.
So where does the leave the Niners. Contender for a playoff berth, but again anyone in the NFC West could be.
1. Is Alex Smith ready to become a top notch quarterback? The improvement from Year 1 to Year 2 was a giant leap. Can he continue climbing up the NFL ladder.
2. Was Frank Gore a mirage? He hasn’t played in the pre-season. Will we get another 1,500 yard+ rusher or was last season a blimp
3. Can the defense improve? They made all the right signing via free agents and draft at least on paper. Lets see if that will relate on the field.
If two of those three questions are yes, this should be a fun ride. We might find out how different things are Monday Night. How bad Arizona has been the last few seasons, they are the only team in the division to go 4-0 vs. San Francisco.
NFC WEST: I’ll go with Niners, almost by default. The last memory of then knocking Denver out of the playoffs is a nice stepping stone. Three of their first four games are against NFC West teams so we will find out right off the bat.
NFC NORTH: You start looking at the NFC and you see their isn’t much there. Chicago has Rex Grossman as the QB and they look like a lock to win the NFC Central. Mainly because their is nothing else there except for bad teams.
NFC SOUTH: Last year at this time the Saints were the popular choice to finish in last place. Now they are the popular choice to win this division and go to the Super Bowl. Same as with Frank Gore, they have to prove that last season wasn’t a mirage. But again there isn’t much in this division, so it should be a smooth Saint ride to the playoffs.
NFC EAST: As much as this pains me pointing to Dallas. The Eagles could make a run, but Donovan McNabb has a hard time staying healthy and their is no Jeff Garcia to back him up.
NFC WILDCARD: Seattle and St. Louis
The NFC is so weak looking it wouldn’t be a surprise that a 7-9 gets into the playoffs.
AFC WEST: San Diego is the only team in the division that has the same quarterback they started last year with. Add to it they have so much talent that even Norv Turner can’t mess this one up…although at times he will try.
RAIDER SPECIAL: They will battle Kansas City for last place and what a boring battle it will be. Look on the brightside, their home games will not be televised.
AFC NORTH: Best division in football? Could be. Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pittsburgh now that they have had their Super Bowl hangover all have a shot. Cincinnati will win the division…if they can keep their players out of jail.
AFC SOUTH: The Colts turn for a Super Bowl Hangover will open the door and Jacksonville will walk in.
AFC EAST: New England is everyones pick to win this division…so who am I to doubt that.
AFC WILDCARD: Indianapolis and Pittsburgh
SUPER BOWL: San Francisco over San Diego (I can dream can’t I)….
