Message Board Up

I'm finally finished with the message board. The url is http://www.thefootballmaniac.com

I'll still be posting weekly pics but all news and other such topics will be posted on the board.

Favre, Price and Hakim

Favre Trade Rumors Emerge
As reported on rotoworld.com there are Favre trade rumors surfacing. Even Madden thinks something is going to happen.

My question is where? What team needs a QB that is also in contention to make a run at the playoffs? Not that Green Bay holds that title but I find it odd that Favre would be traded instead of just retiring. My opinion - Give it up gunslinger.

Peerless gets the Price
According to profootballtalk.com Peerless Price has signed with the Bills. Rumors last week said the Patriots were interested but it looks like the Bills were willing to pay the cash. Maybe Peerless should use some of that money to buy some hands that can catch a football.

Az-Zahir Hakim in a Cardinals Uniform
This is really only news for you Fantasy guys but Rotoworld has a story from Adam Shefter (NFL Network) that states Hakim is expected to sign with the Cardinals. The Cards already have two of the best wide receivers but adding Hakim really helps their aerial assault.

Ricky Williams and the future of his NFL career

Today, Ricky Williams is attending an appeal case for the drug test failure back in December. Reports, at first, said that this was after the season and while he was in India. But it's now clear he tested positive for an illegal substance during the season.

The argument is that he took the substance unknowingly. Everyone in prison is innocent right? At any rate, I'm a little disappointed with Ricky Williams. I surely thought during his time off that he "found himself" and would be spiritually bonded to football. He has so much talent and I was looking forward to seeing him run up the field.

Hopefully we'll find out the ruling soon but in my opinion his NFL career is over.

Superbowl XL Prediction

For me personally this is one of the most anticipated superbowls. I like both teams equally and both teams have the ability to take over a game. Coaching will be a huge part in this game as well as how both quarterbacks react to the pressure. Both will be in their first superbowl so there is no telling how they will react.

I feel the Seahawks will win this game and will win it easily. They have been overlooked and downplayed all season so they will be playing with a purpose.

Seattle by 13 with the score:

Seattle Seahawks 33 - Pittsburgh Steelers 20.

Conference Championship Week

The road to the superbowl continues....

I think it's pretty amazing that the home teams hosting games this week are both undefeated at home. They are both 9-0. Unfortunately I'm not so sure that is a good thing. Carolina is hot and Pittsburgh has an impressive road record at 8-2.

Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
I think this will be the week Sean Alexander will prove why he is the league MVP. He's been MIA the last several weeks so look to him to have a good game. Also the Seahawks led the league in sacks so Delhomme and Steve Smith might not have a good game. I like the home team.
My Pick - Seahawks

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
This will be a good game. Who establishes the run game early? Who's defense will rush the QB with success? Who's secondary will keep the ball out of the air? These two teams have a similar style with a similar game plan so whoever gets to it first will win. I like the home team with this one as well.
My Pick - Broncos

Playoffs Week 2

Washington Redskins at Seattle Seahawks
The Redskins are going to have to produce more than 120 yards of offense to compete with Seattle. Word is the rain in Seattle will still be in place so the Redskins just might have a chance.
Still have to pick the hawks though.
My Pick - Seahawks

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos
Plummer will finally win his first playoff game and how sweet it'll be the win will be against the defending champs.
My Pick - Broncos

Pittsburgh Stealers at Indianapolis Colts
Colts won't make it to the superbowl but they'll win this game.
My Pick - Colts

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Panthers will be the only road win this week as the Bears won't have enough offense to win the game.
My Pick - Panthers

Wildcard Week 1

Here it is... the final stretch of the 2005-06 season. I wish it could be Wildcard Weekend for the rest of my life. But with that said.. on with the picks.

Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The last game the Redskins played I think hurt them (literally) more than it helped them. They needed a win and in but several key defensive players got injured which will the Bucs will definitely exlpoit. I think Tampa wins a close one.

My Pick - Bucs

Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots
I think Jacksonville's mistake is making Leftwhich as this weeks starter. He's not 100% but Garrard is the guy who led a team to five wins in the last six games for the Jags. Patriots are on their superbowl run for the third straight year and it will continue this week.

My Pick - Patriots

Carolina Panthers at New York Giants
Tiki for MVP. He'll, once again, put the team on his shoulders and run to victory.

My Pick - Giants

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
I can't wait for this game. Palmer will look to speed up the tempo and the Steelers will be looking to slow it down. Who wins that chess match will win the game.

My Pick - Bengals

The End of the 2005 NFL Regular Season

Well I close the year with 10 wins in week 16 and 17. There were a couple of close games that should have went my way but overall I think I had a successful year with a total of 178 wins. The defeat of the Texans by the 49ers in overtime secured my position for the #1 spot in my office pool so the hat trick is complete.

Looks for the first round play off picks later this week.