Hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day holiday. But everyone knows that Labor Day means NFL time has arrived. I'm so excited I could start Bankhead Bouncin' right now!


Everyone has been asking me what my NFL picks are for the season. Originally, I wasn't gonna do a blog about it, simply because every writer, analyst and blogger does this already a billion times over. I try to bring some creativity to my blog, so I hate doing what the next man or woman does. But since folks keep asking, I decided to give my thoughts on what will take place during the 2009 season. Hope you enjoy. If you get mad, sorry in advance... actually, I'm not.. but it seemed like the right thing to say LOL




(in order of which they finish)

Patriots- Tom Brady is back and I expect them to take back the AFCE crown
Dolphins- I don't expect another 11-5 year from Miami, but they'll try and be competitive
Jets- Rex doesn't have the Baltimore personnel anymore, so we'll see how the defense fares
Bills- No offense line, whatsoever. No even T.O. can help that sitcho.


Chargers- My boo Philip Rivers will finally make this team HIS team, and the rest will follow his lead
Raiders- I expect Russell, DMC and 'nem to take advantage of a dismal division. Nothing else
Broncos- Ehhh..... they have Knowshon Moreno on their squad. That's something good, right?!
Chiefs- Young team with new head coach, QB and looking for an identity


Steelers- They're the champs. Until they get knocked off they get the top spot
Ravens- Looking to close the gap on the Steelers. And they aren't as far off as folks think
Bengals- Defense will be much better. Palmer, if healthy, is a force to reckon with
Browns- Who the hell knows what the Browns are doing. The Browns don't even know yet


Titans- They showed they could play without Haynesworth. Same offensive philosophy. I expect them to continue what they did last year.
Colts- Manning and Co are still one of AFC's best teams, even without Dungy and Moore
Jaguars- Torry Holt signing was huge to me. But can they overpower Tennessee and Indy?
Texans- I wish they were in a different division. The other teams are simply better, but I think they are promising
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Giants- They don't get my vote by much. This was a toss up between them and Philly
Eagles- See response above, switch to Giants
Cowboys- I actually expect them to be decent. But Romo has to show me what he can do as a leader
Redskins- The Jason Campbell Project starts his final chapter in Washington, in my opinion


Cardinals- The only team I seeing competing with Arizona is Seattle. NFC Champs last year. Warner, Fitz, Boldin and Beanie Wells... gotta pick 'em!
Seattle- Healthy Hasselbeack, TJ Whoseyourmomma addition. Sounds like success to me
49ers- I think Singletary will be a very good head coach. But his QB situation kinda sucks
Rams- Uhhhh... Kyle Boller is your back up. Good luck with that. Signed, a Ravens fan who knows all about Boller


Vikings- With that running game and defense, who else would you pick?
Packers- Aaron Rodgers will show Green Bay why he's the real deal
Bears- Chicago's D isn't what it used to be. And other than Olson who does Cutler have at WR?
Lions- 0-16 last year. Nuff said


Saints- Drew Brees finally has somewhat of a defense. I expect big things from New Orleans
Panthers- I'm sorry but Delhomme's playoff game last season scared me away
Falcons- Their defense doesn't look promising to stop anybody
Bucs- Because the other 3 teams are better *shrugs*

contenders
Division winners (based on seed) NE, Pitt, SD, Tenn
Wild cards: Indy, Balt
AFC Championship- NE vs SD*
AFC Winner- SD

Contenders
Division winners(based on seed) Minn, NYG, Ariz, NO
Wild Cards: Philly, Carolina
NFC Championship- NO vs Minnesota
NFC Winner- NO

Super Bowl winner- San Diego

Of course, none of my AFC/NFC picks are the "sexy" picks. I didn't pick the Pats or the Steelers to go all the way, or the Vikings and Cards. The NFL is all about parity and every year is like a crap shoot. Of course, injuries can play a factor and change all of this. But this is what the NFL is about. Did any of us think in a million years the Cardinals would go to the Super Bowl? I use as hell didn't see that coming. And while the AFC has more consistent teams, I think it's time for new teams to finally step up and take the reigns over the current power houses.

I would like to add, that if the Ravens beat the Pats on 10/4, then I've already said to change this whole AFC picture around with Baltimore in the AFC Championship and not NE*. But it's fun in guessing who you think will hold the Lombardi trophy next February.

I'm so ready to get started on the path to Miami. Is it Thursday yet?