Oakland Raiders 75/1
Lots of changes. The Raiders appear to have given up on the whole immovable coach strategy. They have one enormous QB who had a great season three years ago and swears his shattered knee is all better now. They have another enormous QB who they have yet to sign and, frankly, looks like he might rather sit out the year than play for them.
Okay, the offense is utter chaos, but the defense wasn't bad last year and will likely be equally not bad again. And, of course, they still have Al Davis' disembodied brain in a jar making all the decisions, while they wheel around his mummified body for press conferences. That's gotta count for something.
Pittsburgh Steelers 25/1
A couple years ago I went on record saying I thought Ben Rothlisbergermeister was QB for the ages. Of course that was before he developed his affinity for face planting on moving vehicles. And I am a bit worried about Mike Tomlin. He's not stepping into such a great situation, what with his effective leapfrogging of a very loved assistant and all the Alan Faneca histrionics.
But with the crash now well behind Ben, and everybody acting like professionals once the season starts, I think the Steelers should be right back in the thick of things this year.
San Diego Chargers 6/1
The Chargers seem to have it all. There is really no weak spot in their roster. Phillip Rivers will only get better. LaDanian should have another enormous season in him before age and wear catch up. Both lines (O and D) would be in anyone's top five. The Chargers should win a ton of games, right?
I have no idea why, in the midst of all this talent, the Chargers would decide to mix in Norv Turner. The man has a winning percentage barely over .400. It's as if you were about to launch your beautiful new yacht then suddenly decided to drill a big hole in the hull as a finishing touch.
Tennessee Titans 55/1
After a stunning late season performance in 2006 and the Rookie of the Year award for Vince Young, the Titans were set to be everybody's darling. Then Pacman happened, leaving a big hole. And I'm not comfortable with the we-need-to-be-ruthless-savages-to-win vibe that is coming from training camp. Fights occur in camp, but not with your QB — that's not aggressive, that's just stupid. Let's just hope the Titans aren't working on taking Cincy's title as Assclown Central.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
I mean, Brady Quinn is 7'8" and weighs 475 lbs. JaMarcus Russell is 9'2" and weighs 835 lbs.
Quinn and Russell are Transformers?
2 - Tinkerbell
Last week, I got a red pedicure, which isn't indicative of anything, so I have to wait until my next pedicure to accurately pick my predictions so you can get beat by a girl, as usual.