Welcome to Glenn's CornerWhen it comes right down to it, there are really only about six GOOD teams in the NawFuL and another 25 mediocre to downright awful teams. So, that should make predicting the winners much easier. Well, that's the theory. The reality is that a couple of those awful teams always find a way to sneak into the playoffs and screw up an otherwise dull and predictable season.
Last year I stumbled in predicting the winners and had to surrender the Surfy trophy to Sean. This year I am determined to win it back, so if you're smart you'll hop on my bandwagon early and prognosticate your way to football picks glory with me!
St. Louis Rams (12-4): No letdown after championship year, although the tougher schedule will make things more difficult. They will scarcely be challeneged by the likes of the rest of the NFC West, although Carolina should be improving.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4): They're thinking Super Bowl down in Florida. Bucs are pumped up and stoked with young talent. But remember, this is the Black and Blue Division, so it could be close.
Washington Redskins (13-3): I hate the Redskins, but they've spent all the money and have all the talent. And it doesn't hurt that the rest of the NFC East is mediocre. And there will undoubtedly be bloodshed among the coaching ranks if they lose this year, so I don't expect them to.
Green Bay Packers (9-7): I don't know how, but they will find a way to be there in January. With Bret Favre that ought to be worth a couple of close victories to break any ties.
New York Giants (9-7): The Giants are one of my sleeper teams for this year. I just hope they don't slumber through the first half of the season and blow this predicition. Could be an upset candidate in the postseason.
Minnesota Vikings (8-8): Mediocrity rules! A team on the decline, but remember that this is the Black and Blue Division, etc. ... They'll be a first-round bye-bye in any case.
Washington. They'll upset Tampa Bay, or something or other.
Denver (10-6): They stumbled through the '99 season trying to find themselves in the post-Elway era. Things should settle down enough for them in this crazy division to win it.
Tennessee (12-4): Tougher schedule will cut into the win column, but I expect some bigger routs this year than in past seasons as the offense gains strength and maturity.
Indianapolis (14-2): How do you spell Super Bowl in Hoosierville? Peyton Manning and company look dangerous. This could be the 49ers of the new decade.
Jacksonville (10-6): In any other division they might be champs, but the tide is turning — if ever so slightly. If they can beat the Titans this year, perhaps...
Oakland (9-7): These guys are going to sneak in. They shouldn't, but they will in the crazy AFC East. My sleeper pick for the AFC.
Kansas City (9-7): How does an 0-4 preseason translate into a playoff berth? The Chiefs always manage to find their game when it counts — until it counts in the playoffs.
Indianapolis. They'll dump the Titans in a revenge-filled rematch.
Indianapolis — 42-23 over the 'Skins.
Gehlke Bro, the elder
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