Detroit Lions 70/1
A team around which delusions have grown — quite literally. John Kitna is expecting 10 wins. Pat Kirwin of NFL.com said Kitna was on his way to a 5,000 yard season. Bill Ford still has confidence in Matt Millen, although that's not new — Bill Ford has been delusional for as long as anyone can remember.
The key thing to take from this is that the Lions are planning on throwing the ball a lot. Kitna is a decent QB, the best the Lions have had in ages. Roy Williams is top notch. Calvin Johnson is going to be a combination of T.O., Randy Moss, and Steve Smith, without the attitude. On the other hand, the O-line is going to have more holes than Blackburn Lancashire so Kitna better practice throwing from a nearly horizontal position. Seriously, all Calvin Johnson is going to learn this year is how to tell when he can quit on his route by the sound of the fan's boos.
Even when Kitna connects and racks up some points we can count on the bottom-of-the-barrel defense to keep it a close game. Godawful.
Green Bay Packers 40/1
You know I was going to write something mildly negative about Brett Favre and company, but then I did something I so rarely do. I gave the issue some thought.
I've come to terms with Favre continuing to play. Statistically, he balances out to an average QB, which is nothing to sneeze at, but he needs to understand that he can no longer do what he did ten years ago. If he chilled out and took the more secure option, instead of giving John Madden a chance to call him a gunslinger for nine millionth time, he would not only be a decent QB, but he would push his team higher. And that could happen. The Packers are not a bad team. In a very short time they have built a solid defense and an improving young O-line. If Favre would become a game manager instead of a gunslinger, this team could make the playoffs.
And besides, what are they going to do, fire him? The owners — that would be the community of Green Bay — wouldn't stand for it. It would result in the first known instance of a GM being cheesed and feathered.
Article comments
1 - The Haze
Is Michael Strahan's act that transparent or is it just me? Bet money on this: real soon the NFL shortens or does away/ modify the preseason. not so as to lose money now,thank you very much, but to insure the safety of our product to bring you the fan the full enjoyment that you so richly deserve.Oh yeah,don't forget that dumbass pro bowl. now there's a game that we would miss,huh? too much money involved now though. tell me how many people can toss 500,000 dollars out the window because they don't feel like working? God, I love America!
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
"All Calvin Johnson is going to learn this year is how to tell when he can quit on his route by the sound of the fan's boos."
If he does it that way, he'll never leave from his set position on the line of scrimmage.
3 - david mazzotta
Haze, I think I see what you're getting at. It amazes me that no one in the press takes a deeper look at this. Older, "wiser" players are always finding ways to cruise during the pre-season. I am completely convinced that T.O. does this all the time. And though they don't say so, I'm sure the coaches are cool with it.
Push the philosophy to it's limit and you get Roger Clemens signing contracts for half the year so he can keep playing well into middle age.
4 - alessandro Nicolo
"Have I mentioned you shouldn't be betting on futures?"
You bet. Just penny stocks and options. Duh.
The Iggles give me the giggles. They will hunt and kill the inefficient and the weak - like the Cowgirls. Giggle.
5 - The Haze
To a certain degree David,I see their(older players)point,to an extent. The "way" the game is played today is different than how it was "back in the day"(remember when it was a game?),everything is so f**king skilled that it kills me sometimes,but yet,it is. On the other hand though,what was gained in skill and art form,disguised as entertainment,a certain degree of character and loyalty was just shucked out the proverbial window in the name of....what?,money? I don't know. It seems sometimes that sports individuals thrive on adulation like a junkie thrives for his next hit. and don't forget,"and the crowd goes wild!" The fans of sports in this country has changed more than the athletes themselves!! I swear the violent tendencies of the sports base in this country has reached new lows.Their lust for more,more,more is comical at times but yet,under the surface there is a fine line that is being trampled under foot. This behavior + time is gaining ground on the way we as a society functions. I fear the future looks bleak.Where have you gone?
6 - themurph544
Hey David, it's week 7, where are you?? I enjoy your column ever week and always hate waiting until week 6 to read it... are you throwing in the towel this year?
7 - david mazzotta
Not throwing in the towel. First set of picks should come roughly Wednesday-ish. In few weeks you'll be sick of me. ;-)
8 - Diesel
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