Minnesota Vikings 50/1
The question that will be haunting Minnesota all year is whether the Vikes will sail off to warmer climes — Los Angeles specifically. The bridge collapse means infrastructure will get money before a new football stadium (rightly), and a decidedly lame team means that few people will care. Other than geographically, these guys are going nowhere.
I am convinced Tarvaris Jackson got his name off the R&B charts from the '80s.
New Orleans Saints 14/1
I will admit it. Last year I was a hater. I was so turned off by all the feel-good wankery surrounding the Saints that I turned on them. This year, I can be more objective. There is no reason Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, and the rest of the offense won't be even better than last year, but a word of caution: the Saints have a substandard defense that overachieved last year. Trying to promote them as heroes and saviors again will be like living in the bayou without flood insurance. They'll take the division, but won't dominate.
New York Giants 30/1
Ah yes, the team that put the "fun" in "dysfunctional." The Giants' locker room is bitchier than a Desperate Housewife's Tupperware party. You could argue that the Giants thrive on catty snipes and petty disputes, but their best offensive player has retired, their best defensive player keeps talking about retiring, their coach is hated and ignored, and the QB has a Slow Children Playing sign over his locker and he's not sure why. Enjoy the drama Giants fans, 'cause that's all you'll have.
Philadelphia Eagles 20/1
So much has been made of Donovan McNabb feelings insulted by the drafting of Kevin Kolb (he wasn't) and Jeremiah Trotter being released (not the big deal it has been made out to be) and Andy Reid's son's drug problems (real, but not relevant), you would think the Eagles are a fragile mess like the Giants. They're not. The Eagles are solid and remarkably deep.
Donovan McNabb is fast approaching his last shot at the Pantheon, and I can't think of a QB in the league who deserves a ring more than him. He's put up with a lot — the Philly press corps, Rush Limbaugh, T.O., injuries, being shown up by Jeff Garcia, habitual puking — and he's back for more. That makes this a veteran team with proven capabilities and a seriously motivated (and newly bald) QB. At 20/1 Philly is our best bet in the NFC. (Have I mentioned you shouldn't be betting on futures?)
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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