NFL Divisional Round Playoff Picks

Last week, 8 teams took the gridiron, and 4 came out as winners, leaving me with a quite impressive 3-1 playoff record. This week, I look to go something that the Colts and Saints failed to do this year: go perfect. Let's get straight to the picks, shall we?
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Arizona Cardinals (11-6, 4th seed) vs. New Orleans Saints (13-3, 1st seed), Saturday, 4:30 pm.

After watching last week's record-setting game between the Cardinals and Packers, I was fully convinced that this game would probably be the game of this round. After an NFL playoff record combined 96 points, the Cardinals put up 51 points on the league's second-best defense. Kurt Warner played one of the best games of his career at the tender age of 38, going throwing more touchdowns than incompletions (5 to 4). The league's most efficient offense goes up against a high-powered offense, in what is almost guaranteed to be a high-scoring game.

If the second-best defense allows 51 points, how does a pretty crappy defense hold up?

The huge key factor in this game will be if Anquan Boldin return that sidelined him for last game. If he comes in, the Saints secondary will not only have to focus on a red-hot Larry Fitzgerald, but a tough and extremely dangerous Boldin. Not to mention the up and coming of Steve Breaston, this game should be interesting to see how the Saints line their men up.

The only problem I see with the Cardinals is really, their special teams. After watching Neil Rackers absolutely botch a 34 yard field goal kick to win the game, it has got people uneasy he lines up.

Pick: New Orleans Saints, 48-42.
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Baltimore Ravens (10-7, 6th seed) vs. Indianapolis Colts (14-2, 1st seed), Saturday, 8:15 pm.

The Ravens came into New England, where Tom Brady had a perfect playoff home record, and absolutely embarrassed them, putting a strong halt to the New England reign that took off at really the start of the 2000's. Their running game, Ray Rice being a major part of it, ran all over the Patriots and left them with a bitter taste of what they can now expect out of a much-improved AFC.

The Colts, who have lost 2 straight due to the injury-prevention-strategy, are coming into this one after a month of full play. That could and probably will be a factor in the game, as the Colts may be a little over-rested. However, that still remains to be seen.

In the battle of offense vs. defense, the Colts and Ravens will definitely engage into something that will be a very fiesty fight between two teams known for two opposite areas.

In this game, expect a great running game and great pressure from the Ravens and expect off-the-charts passing by the MVP, Peyton Manning.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts, 31-27.
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Dallas Cowboys (12-5, 3rd seed) vs. Minnesota Vikings (12-4, 2nd seed), Sunday, 1 pm.

As I've said before, any questions that surrounded the inability to win big games in big situations towards Tony Romo have been cleanly swept. Romo, who was the best quarterback in December, throwing for 11 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions, has turned his bad luck upside down, and finally won a playoff game against their divisional rivals, Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, they take their shot and go to Minnesota, to play the Vikings, who have been one of the coldest teams of late.

This game, to me, isn't going to be something of huge interest. The Cowboys D has one of the best rushing attacks in the league, led by none other than DeMarcus Ware. Yes, they do have Adrian Peterson to keep them honest, but it's hard to rush on a unit that is the 4th best when it comes to rush defense.

On the flipside, the Vikings don't have a terrible defense to say the least. They have one of the most feared, probably behind only the Ravens, but I say that they only perform a decent job against the red-hot 'Boys.

Pick: Dallas Cowboys, 34-21.
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New York Jets (10-7, 5th seed) vs. San Diego Chargers (13-3, 2nd seed), Sunday, 4:40 pm.

The Jets were, to me, the sleeper team of the playoffs. They turned heads after beating the Bengals, who clinched the AFC North. They had an extremely efficient running game, and a defense who, although didn't play up to expectations, played like they wanted the game.

They go to San Diego to face the hottest team in the entire NFL. The Chargers finished off the regular season with an 11-0 record, and have never looked better in a long time. Phillip Rivers is having the best year of his life, actually achieving a higher QB rating than Peyton Manning, who was chosen as MVP of the league. Althought LaDainian Tomlinson hasn't gone back to his hall-of-fame form that he was a few years back, he has showed signs of life again, and seems to be near his groove.

The depleted defense of the Chargers, however, is something that hasn't been wiped away. If they can find a way to shut down this 1 rushing unit in the Jets, they will take this game with ease. Don't expect a whole lot though.

Pick: San Diego Chargers, 42-24.

NFL Player Of The Decade

Welcome to part 2 of the "Player of the Decade" series. The NBA player of the decade was selected, and was given to Los Angeles Lakers star, Kobe Bryant. Today, we recap the NFL's most prolific player that has played throughout the course of the past 10 years.
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The Candidates
Other than quarterbacks, it is almost impossible to think of anybody in any other postion that has had so much of an impact, that they can be considered as the player of the decade. No running backs have been in the league for that long, and still be great. That may be the thing. Because, you see, running backs involve a lot of grueling work, and a lot of careers fade off after the player turns around 28. That is pretty much the same deal with defensive positions. The only two positions in the league where players past 35 can still have really good success, is a quarterback and a placekicker, and a placekicker shouldn't really be considered as a player of the decade. Please.

It is almost no doubt that when thinking player of the decade, a quarterback has got to be chosen. It's the sad truth, but nonetheless, it is the truth. For the MVP, you barely don't see a quarterback chosen because of the fact that quarterbacks are given the utmost respect for their hard work and dedication. They are really the heart and sole of a lot of teams, given loads of responsibilites.

Brett Favre could be a candidate, but he hasn't really been that great of a quarterback over the past decade to be chose as the QB of the deacde.

With that being said, if you are given 2 candidates to choose for NFL player of the decade, most likely, at least 8 times out of 10, you will get Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
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The Statistics
Peyton Manning (up until the start of the '09 season) : 102 wins, 43 losses, 37 754 passing yards, 281 touchdowns, 122 interceptions, 98.4 QB rating
Tom Brady (up until the start of the '09 season) : 88 wins, 45 losses, 26 466 passing yards, 197 touchdowns, 86 interceptions, 87.2 QB rating

It is extremely clear the Manning is the better quarterback, except for when it comes to interceptions, where Brady has nearly 40 fewer INT's. However, in every other statistical category, #18 reigns. Now, I'm not making any excuses for Tom Brady, but one must note that in the 2000 season, Brady was just a rookie and didn't play a full season, playing only 1 game, and in the 2008 season, Brady went down with a season-ending injury before the full duration of the first game of the year. That is 30 games missed, which can account for a lot.

Just like the Bryant-Duncan match-up, Brady and Manning have a lot of hardware. Peyton Manning has won 3 MVPs and 1 Super Bowl. Tom Brady has won 1 MVP and 3 Super Bowls. Yet again, just like the Bryant-Duncan discussion, the difference between MVPs and Super Bowls between these two are identical (3 MVPs and 1 MVP is 2 - 3 Super Bowls and 1 Super Bowl is 2.)

How do they do for the team? Well, let's take a look. In 2006, the Colts went 13-0, before losing their first game of the year. In 2007, the Patriots went a perfect 16-0, and even went to the Super Bowl, where the fell to the heavily unfavoured New York Giants, in one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. The Colts also went undefeated this year, where they went 14-0, until they lost to the Jets this past Sunday in a questionable decision by first-year head coach Jim Caldwell to pull the starters in the 3rd quarter.

However, the Colts hold the record for consecutive regular season wins with 23, topping the previous record set by the Patriots last year, winning 21 in a row.
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The Verdict
If you were to tell me to pick a player based on my liking, I would say Tom Brady in a hurry because he is one of my most favourite players in the league. However, that would be a biased opinion. Truthfully, despite my temptations, I pick Peyton Manning as the best player the NFL has seen in the past decade. However, it is the of the slimmest hairline away that he beats out Tom Brady. Really, this one is one of the hardest sports questions to answer. He's just brought more year-to-year success, throwing for over 4000 yards for most of the decade. He is more careless with the ball, averaging over 13 INT's a year, while Brady's only averaged 9, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is a game changer. Even given Brady's potential to change a game, which he does, Manning brings more to the table when it comes to mentality.

Manning definitely brings a more tough, mental attitude to the game and makes all his players better. A perfect example would be this year, when Marvin Harrison decided to forego a retirement, taking away Peyton Manning's favourite receiver. Also, Anthony Gonzalez, who was a up and coming receiver who came out of his shell last year, went down with a season-ending injury. Even though he had Reggie Wayne, he used receivers that weren't all that known throughout the league at all, like Pierre Garcon, and made them into fabulous receivers.

So congratulations go to Peyton Manning, who is crowned as being the decade's best athlete in the NFL.

Week 14 Picks

Before we get into the picks, where I went only 9-6, just a few words. Congratulations go to the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, who both beat their opponents, Washington and Tennessee respectively, to go to identical 12-0 records. This marks the first time in NFL history that two NFL teams in the same year go 12-0.

Also, more recent news, congrats are in order for Alabama Crimson Tide tailback, Mark Ingram, who snatched the school's first ever Heisman Trophy. Edging out Stanford running back Toby Gerhart by 5 first-place votes and 28 points, the vote became the closest in the 75 year Heisman Award history. It is now on Ingram's shoulders to bring home a national championship, when they face Colt Mccoy and the Texas Longhorns.

Now, back to the picks.
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New Orleans (12-0) at Atlanta (6-6), 1 pm.
Pick: New Orleans, 31-21.

After I had my skipped heartbeat or two during this game, the Saints-Redskins game last week that had to be decided in overtime had me thinking how vulnerable each team can be in the NFL, and why it is so hard to get the perfect season. After a missed 23-yard-field goal by Redskins kicker, Shaun Suisham that allowed the Saints to come back in the 4th quarter, and subsequently win it, I was sold on how good of a team the Saints happen to be.
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Denver (8-4) at Indianapolis (12-0), 1 pm.
Pick: Indianapolis, 24-17.

The Colts just seem to put teams in strangle holds week after week. They limited the damage of the Titans last week and are running up against a relatively good team in Denver. Don't be surprised if the Colts lose though.
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Seattle (5-7) at Houston (5-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Houston, 28-23.

The Texans are really struggling nowadays and what looked like a promising team is now barely hanging on to playoff contention in the AFC. If they really play with an urgency, they'll win this one.
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Carolina (5-7) at New England (7-5), 1 pm.
Pick: New England, 35-26.

The Panthers are trying to hand the Patriots a rare 3rd consecutive loss, after the Dolphins came from behind to steal a win last week. However, Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and the rest of the crew really need this game to hold their lead in the AFC East.
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Buffalo (4-8) at Kansas City (3-9), 1 pm.
Pick: Buffalo, 27-20.

It's no question that these two are really bad teams stuck in a hole that they can't get themselves out of. The Bills have the talent, just haven't been able to perform, especially with Trent Edwards being banged up. The Chiefs just have no talent.
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Detroit (2-10) at Baltimore (6-6), 1 pm.
Pick: Baltimore, 31-16.

There haven't really been any games so far where the underdog really has any chance. Detroit doesn't and shouldn't even stand a chance. Plus, the Ravens should be on top of things now that they are in the race for a wild card spot.
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Cincinnati (9-3) at Minnesota (10-2), 1 pm.
Pick: Cincinnati, 19-14.

Adrian Peterson seems to be in a daze after the Cardinals defense held him to 19 yards on 13 carries, and even though they're at home, the Bengals are a really good team and it seems to me as if Chad Ochocinco is putting football first before his antics. This win, however, doesn't come easy.
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NY Jets (6-6) at Tampa Bay (1-11), 1 pm.
Pick: NY Jets, 21-13.

You shouldn't really be obligated to justify yourself when you have a team with 11 losses and only 1 win playing in a game. Thomas Jones will run all over them, putting another loss in the already lowly Bucs.
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Miami (6-6) at Jacksonville (7-5), 1 pm.
Pick: Miami, 30-19.

Beating the New England Patriots last week was definitely a confidence booster for a team who has lost their star running back, but continues to find ways to win. You can expect Joey Porter and Ricky Williams to have their game faces on come game time.
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Green Bay (8-4) at Chicago (5-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Green Bay, 20-6.

After watching one of most boring Monday Night Football games of the year, I realized that Aaron Rodgers is really good; if you give him time. If you rush him into throwing, he usually does poorly, but ever since Brian Urlacher was ruled as being out for the season at the start of it, the Bears just don't seem to be the same that scared their oppositions.
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St. Louis (1-11) at Tennessee (5-7), 4:05 pm.
Pick: Tennessee, 27-14.

I'm really rooting for the Titans. Not only because they can become one of the more memorable teams in recent memory because they started out 0-6 and ever since, they have come to a 5-1 record, but also because it would be good for the franchise and the NFL if the Titans make it to the playoffs. Given the history of a then-immature Vince Young, the quarterback has now led them to new heights.
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Washington (3-9) at Oakland (4-8), 4:05 pm.
Pick: Oakland, 21-19.

The Raiders beat the Steelers last week, absolutely stunning football fans all across the globe. The Redskins are still reeling over the heart-breaking loss to the Saints. It seems to add up, even though the Redskins pass defense is in the top 5.
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San Diego (9-3) at Dallas (8-4), 4:15 pm.
Pick: San Diego, 35-24.

The "December woes" for the Dallas Cowboys will continue. They are not only facing a Chargers team primed for a playoff spot, but they are facing a consistent Philip Rivers, tremendous Antonio Gates, red-hot LaDainian Tomlinson, and a great defense. Enough said.
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Philadelphia (8-4) at NY Giants (7-5), 8:20 pm.
Pick: Philadelphia, 24-21.

Even though I would love to say the Giants, the Eagles are playing really well. Last week, when Michael Vick made his long-awaited return to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, he torched them, playing like a younger Vick that made headlines every single week. An emotional booster that will carry on to this crucial divisional game.
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MONDAY: Arizona (8-4) at San Francisco (5-7), 8:30 pm.
Pick: Arizona, 42-21.

Who makes these schedules? Yes, this is a divisional game, but the 49ers at home against the Cardinals? Bad choice.
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Week 13 Picks

After going 9-4 last week, I look to improve on my accuracy on my scoring totals, let alone the outcomes. With much hesitation, here are my picks for the upcoming week.
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St.Louis (1-10) at Chicago (4-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Chicago, 21-10.

Because it's the Bears that I'm taking, it's a risk. However, it's a risk that only makes sense for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it's at home in Soldier Field, where conditions should be extremely different as opposed to playing indoors, like what the Rams do at home. Secondly, the Rams defense is plain horrible. They are third last in the league when it comes to giving up points, allowing an average of 27 points, 5th last in total yards allowed, giving up 374, and 5th last in rushing yards allowed, letting opponents get 148.5 yards per game.
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Tampa Bay (1-10) at Carolina (4-7), 1 pm.
Pick: Carolina, 31-20.

It won't be the most exciting game, but a good match-up should lie in pro-bowl receiver Steve Smith going up against pro-bowl cornerback, Ronde Barber. The Panthers should run the ball quite easily, with DeAngelo Williams rushing for a bit more than 1000 yards this season, and a Bucaneer defense that gives up a bit over 160 yards a game, good for third last in the NFL. Don't expect a really good game from Jake Delhomme, who has thrown interception after interception, but it doesn't constitute for a Panthers loss though.
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Houston (5-6) at Jacksonville (6-5), 1 pm.
Pick: Houston, 28-24.

Yes, the Jaguars are at home and they have a red-hot running back in Maurice Jones-Drew. However, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers last week in a humiliating 20-3 loss. The Texans almost knocked out the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, until the defense collapsed in the late-going. However, if the first half of that game was any indication of how they are going to play on Sunday, then it should be more than enough to plow their way past the Jaguars. If Jones-Drew gets the holes that are needed to make big-time plays, the Jaguars have a shot, as the Texans give up 120 rushing yards a game. Also, if Matt Schaub and his receivers are on top of everything, they can blow past a Jaguars defense that gives up 243 passing yards a game. Plus, the Texans have the third best passing offense. Who are they behind? The Colts and the Patriots. Pretty good, eh?
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Denver (7-4) at Kansas City (3-8), 1 pm.
Pick: Denver, 35-17.

Kansas City seems to be the team that everyone loves to beat up on. Last week, Cincinnati defeated them after losing a game against the Raiders. The Broncos have lost 4 of their last 5, and look to redeem themselves and put themselves back in the playoff picture when they face off against the Chiefs. It is no secret that the Chiefs are the absolute definition of atrocious. Their defense is crappy and their offense just plain stinks. No contest here.
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Tennessee (5-6) at Indianapolis (11-0), 1 pm.
Pick: Tennessee, 21-20.

Possibly the game of the week. Although Tennessee's record doesn't really help that argument, when you look at what they've done for the past month and a half or so, it gets prettier. After starting the year at 0-6 and being written off by analysts all over the nation as the biggest disappointment of 2009, the Titans have found new life under new starting quarterback, Vince Young. He has led them to a 5-0 record since then, and they are now back to the form that led them to the 13-3 record last season. Yes, the Colts are 11-0, at home, and are one win away from tying the NFL mark for consecutive regular season wins, at 21. However, the Colts have shaken off late-game victories to keep their unbeaten season alive. Five straight victories after going behind in the 4th quarter is impressive, however, there is a limit. I'm rooting for the Colts, but this is going to be Chris Johnson's payday. Look out.
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Philadelphia (7-4) at Atlanta (6-5), 1 pm.
Pick: Philadelphia, 20-14.

Michael Vick makes his return to the city that made him a star. After signing with the Eagles following a two-year sentence off a dog-fighting case, the quarterback makes his return in what should be a hostile, but loving crowd. Back to the game, the Eagles are missing out on running back Brian Westbrook and receiver DeSean Jackson and the Falcons are missing QB Matt Ryan. Although Donovan McNabb still has Brent Celek and Jeremy Maclin as receivers, Celek is nursing a sprained thumb, which should make it harder for him to catch the ball. Yes, a possible solution would be for Michael Turner to run it for the Falcons, however the Eagles have only allowed 102 rushing yards per game. Even if his receivers are banged up, Donovan McNabb should have somewhat of a better game, because he's passing against a team giving up 253 passing yards per game. If the Eagles cut out the stupid penalties, committing 82, which is third highest in the league, they'll also play much better.
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New Orleans (11-0) at Washington (3-8), 1 pm.
Pick: New Orleans, 34-14.

11 down, 5 more to go. Next stop is against the lowly Redskins. There really should be no contest between these two. The Saints, however, don't have as easy of a task as you may think. The Redskins allow only 298 yards per game, good for 7th in the league, and only allow 170 passing yards, good for second in the league. However, the reason why they'll beat them rather easily is because of the thing that separates the Saints now from the Saints a couple years back: they have a developed running game, which is a reason why they have averaged the most amount of yards in the NFL with 426 yards.
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Oakland (3-8) at Pittsburgh (6-5), 1 pm.
Pick: Pittsburgh: 30-20.

Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be back under center. The only reason why the Raiders score 20 against one of the game's most elite defenses is because, they are missing their Pro Bowl safety, Troy Polamalu for a third straight game. Other than that, expect no other blemish.
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Detroit (2-9) at Cincinnati (8-3), 1 pm.
Pick: Cincinnati, 42-24.

The Bengals are getting back running back Cedric Benson, which should help propel them even more for a win over the Lions of Detroit, who are in for yet another losing season. Ranking 7th in the league with 133 rushing yards per game, the ground attack has been one of the main reasons why as to how the Bengals have been able to sustain a great record thus far. That, and the smart play by Chad Ochocinco, and give some credit to the defense, who has unprecedented levels of energy.
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New England (7-4) at Miami (5-6), 1 pm.
Pick: New England, 26-21.

Coming off a blowout loss coming from the hands of the New Orleans Saints in Monday night action, the Patriots are in a sticky situation and need to get out quickly. In order to have a better grip of the AFC East, they need to win against one of their divisional rivals, the Dolphins. Paired with the amazing play ability of Tom Brady to either Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Benjamin Watson, Kevin Faulk, and so on, coupled with the big-time defensive abilities of the Dolphins, expect this game to be very close. Plus, the Patriots have been in more than a handful of big game situations.
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San Diego (8-3) at Cleveland (1-10), 4:05 pm.
Pick: San Diego, 41-13.

This doesn't even need an explanation. The Chargers are red hot and Philip Rivers has performed incredibly well under the radar this year. Blowout. Cleveland's embarrasing season takes another embarrassment.
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Dallas (8-3) at New York Giants (6-5), 4:15 pm.
Pick: Dallas, 34-28.

It's good to be able to say that the Cowboys are going to beat the Giants with a lot of confidence. Tony Romo is on track with his throws, and how about Miles Austin? His stellar play is the main reason as to why this team is where they are right now. Only thing that can keep them back in this one? Their recent December woes. Still, it's going to be a great game. Good watch.
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San Francisco (5-6) at Seattle (4-7), 4:15 pm.
Pick: Seattle, 19-14.

It's definitely going to be a close game. The Seahawks and their passing game is clearly better. However, San Francisco's running game is amazing. I give it to the Seahawks just because of the fact that they are at home and the 49ers are on a 4-game road losing streak.
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Minnesota (10-1) at Arizona (7-4), 8:20 pm.
Pick: Minnesota, 33-24.

Kurt Warner is uncertain, and they're hoping that the 38-year-old can fight off the concussion symptoms he suffered a week back, which pulled him out of last week's game. The Vikings have one of the best ground attacks, and the Cards have no answer. The Cards have a wonderful passing game, but that's only if Warner comes back. The score 33-24 is when Warner plays in the game, and not the struggling Matt Leinart. If the 4-year pro makes another start for them, the score changes by a lot. If Warner doesn't play, the Vikings win 35-14.
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MONDAY: Baltimore (6-5) at Green Bay (7-4), 8:30 pm.
Pick: Green Bay, 20-19.

The Packers are actually better than you think. They have the second best defense in the league, allowing 281 yards per game, with the Jets in front of them, respectively. They've played quietly under the radar and it's understandable as the Vikings have hogged the spotlight all year long. This game should and shall be close. A battle of the defenses for sure. If Baltimore's defensive unit, led by Ray Lewis, doesn't put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, this game will definitely not be as close, as they are 6th in the league in passing.

NFL Half-Season MVP

Eight of the sixteen games have taken place. Put it in the books. It's been a half-season full of adversity and triumph. Teams that were once atop the pedestal of football are now seen at the bottom of the pile. On the other hand, there are teams that have gone from being flushed down the toilet to being brought back up and leading their divisions, for now. Players have showed us what they can really do. For some, it was a matter of coming out of their shell. For others, it was curling back up in a fetal position. For a selected few, the numbers just say it all.

Without further ado, here is my pick for MVP.
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MVP: Peyton Manning.
Yes, Drew Brees is clicking on all cylinders, and should deserve to be ahead of Manning, considering that his 8-0 Saints have played better than the 8-0 Colts, but looking at what Manning's done with what he was given, it's hard to argue otherwise.

His favourite, long-time target, Marvin Harrison hung up his cleats in the offseason. A young, but up and rising receiver in Anthony Gonzalez was put on the IR due to a knee injury. Jim Caldwell, a rookie head coach, came to take over Tony Dungy's veteran coaching job after he too retired.

Not to mention, Drew Brees has a running game. Peyton doesn't.

2545 passing yards, a 70.6 completion percentage, a 105.2 passer rating, and being the only quarterback in the league to average over 300 passing yards a game?

Not to mention that he's challenging Dan Marino's passing mark and his team is primed for a playoff spot and a first-round bye.

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CONSIDERABLE MENTION FOR MVP
Drew Brees, Saints
Adrian Peterson, Vikings
Tom Brady, Patriots
Chris Johnson, Titans
Austin Miles, Cowboys.

Passing Out Quarter-Season Remarks

One fourth of the NFL season has come to an end (a week ago), and it is a bit late now that week 5 has almost finished, but it's still something that has to be reported on. Who are this year's most surprising teams? Who has disappointed everyone? Who is playing in MVP shape so far? All these questions are answered.

1) Which teams have surprised this year?

In the AFC, it is without a doubt that the Denver Broncos have turned heads. This off-season proved to be a disastrous-looking one for the Broncos personnel and fans. Long time head coach, and legendary coach Mike Shanahan , was fired after failing to produce a playoff team yet again. Who replaced him? A 33-year-old by the name of Josh McDaniels took over, and right off the get-go, it was determined that not a lot of players on the team liked his coaching style. Jay Cutler for one, who was their franchise quarterback and definitely one of the game's brightest, voiced his disliking of McDaniels, prompting the Broncos to trade him away to the Chicago Bears in exchange for Kyle Orton, who was known for his horrendous play during his stay with the Bears. Just in case that wasn't enough, star receiver, Brandon Marshall voiced his opinon about a contract and his troubles with the law affected his play. On top of that, he didn't give it all during practice, focing the Broncos to suspend him for 2 pre-season games.

All of that, and the Broncos still found a way to go 4-0, and now, 5-0, after a heartbreaker OT win against the almighty New England Patriots. Somehow, someway, McDaniels, Orton, Marshall and co., have found a way to surpass all expectations.

Drew Brees and the Saints have always been known for their fiery, explosive offense, and boy, have they shown what they can do until this point. The same team as last year for the most part, they have posted a 4-0 record and continue to put teams in a strangle hold with their unpredicable offense. First in points per game, third in total yards per game, second in rushing yards per game, third in first downs per game, seventh in rush defense, first in interceptions and am I boasting about the Saints' defense? Yes, the offense and defense has been clicking on all cylinders to help the Saints bolster to their outstanding start.

2) Which teams have been the most disappointing to start off?

The Tennessee Titans were definitely one the game's top defenses last year, putting a target on opposing team's players and having one goal: to kill them. Other than losing Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Albert Haynesworth, the team has for the most part stayed the same way. However, losing Haynesworth has proved to be costly for the team that went 13-3 last year, starting off the season 0-5. Other than the season opener against the reigning Super Bowl champions, Pittsburgh Steelers, the Titans defense has showed no signs of life, giving up TDs all over the board. They give up the fourth most amount of points in the NFL with 27.8 as opposed to giving up 14.6 last year, which was good for 2nd. Kerry Collins has been horrible as well, throwing interceptions almost regularily. He's thrown more INT's (7) than TD's (5). He's allowed lots to wonder whether Vince Young, who's had a rough start to his NFL career, should be the starter instead.

For teams who have records like 0-4, or something of that sort, it is widely expected by critics and sports fan alike, but when a team like the Titans or Tampa Bay Buccaneers go without a win, it is definitely a disappointment. The Bucs, who have a defense that tore through NFC last year, answer back with a defense who cannot support the team in any means necessary. They have given up 28 points per game, which is good for third last in the NFL (0.2 points more than the Titans), they have given up the fifth most amount of yardage per game at 379.8, and their rush defense is good for fifth last in the league as well. On the other hand, the offense, is just as bad. They have scored the fourth least (13.6 ppg) in the league and they have an icky quarterback situation, where both Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson do not stand out in any category.


3) Who is playing like they are the MVP?

Sure, there are many players out there who perform their heart out to maximize their team's success, but only one of these players play on the field every single game, and make their teams that much better, therefore, they are handed out the MVP award. So far, the quarter-season MVP goes to Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Peyton Manning. The 33-year-old QB, who is one of two players in NFL history to win the MVP three times, is cleary posting up numbers that suggest that he sould have another added to his repertoire. He has started the season throwing for 5 straight 300+ yard performances, and only Kurt Warner and Steve Young have dones this before him. He leads the league in passing yards by a margin of nearly 200 yards, he has boosted his teammates' play as well, as receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark are 2 of the top 3 in receiving yards in the NFL and he has propelled his team to a quick 5-0 record.

In terms of statistics, he has thrown for the most touchdowns, he has the highest passer rating amongst all quarterbacks, he has the second highest pass completion percentage and has thrown for the most amount of yards per game at 329. There is no one within the vicinity of play and consistency as Peyton Manning.