I Am Losing My Freaking Mind

So remember a couple of weeks ago when I picked the Chargers to make the playoffs, and then a week later had to switch because I finally remembered that Norv Turner was their coach (admit it, with the Merriman injury- he is NOT playing the whole season or anywhere close to 100% with a knee that damaged- that pick is looking better and better) I had to change it? Well I've had another football brain fart, although this time it doesn't mean I have to change my picks. In making my NFC predictions, I thought the Vikes were overhyped and Tavaris Jackson and the inexperienced receivers AND the tough schedule would be too much to overcome. Well all of that is fine and good but please answer me this...HOW THE HELL DID I FORGET THAT BRYANT MCKINNIE IS SUSPENDED FOR THE FIRST FOUR GAMES?!?!?!? Goodness gracious I shouldn't be allowed to drive a car or operate heavy machinery. I could hurt myself brushing my teeth at this point!!! Seriously, how did I miss the Vikings being without their starting left tackle for one quarter of the season? If ever there was a reason to NOT pick the Vikings to make the playoffs, it would be that one, and yet I went and found others. Oh well, in spite of my stupidity I somehow look smarter for it.

Speaking of which, things I'm feeling good about as the season starts on tonight (it should start on Sunday and we should have one freaking Monday nighter, but I guess beggers can't be choosers)...

...The Sports Guy had Aaron Schatz author/creator of Football Outsiders on his podcast yesterday (for the uninitiated it's like sabermetrics for football. They're finding new, creative, and more logical statistical ways to examine and predict the game), and he liked some of the same teams I did- although he had a lot better, statistically backed reasons for doing so. Baltimore, Green Bay and Houston were all teams we both think are going to the playoffs, which makes me feel even better about it.

...I'm not feeling as good about the Ravens pick heading into the season now that rookie Joe Flacco is the starting QB because Troy Smith missed time with injury. While the defense should be dominant, they need Smith back, healthy, and functional to make the playoffs.

...Further proof that I'm an idiot is that the one guy I wanted in both of my fantasy football drafts was Calvin Johnson of the Lions, so of course I let him go in both of them. While I am man-crushing on the 6'5 239 pound Megatron, he could have an absolutely monster year.

...My other pick I'm loving more and more is Arizona to win the NFC West now that Kurt Warner is the QB. Statistically (ie for fantasy purposes) he'll be a top 10 QB all year- and yes I actually got him both leagues. Matt Leinart? Like you I'm wondering what the hell happened to him. Pete Carroll said on the Dan Patrick Show last week that he believes Leinart is struggling because he's never had to be the backup, or not "be the guy." This is an interesting point, until you remember Leinart didn't play until he was a redshirt sophomore, meaning he actually was NOT "the guy" for his first two seasons there. Anyway, I have a much longer post coming at some point on young QB's and how we're messing them up in the NFL, but while I believe the Cards' best chance to win this year is definitely with Kurt Warner, I certainly wouldn't give up on Leinart's career yet.

...Ok let's recap the playoff picks, give the Super Bowl winner and other stuff, and then we'll get you on your way:
Playoff Teams (* denotes 1st rd bye)
NFC: New Orleans*, Dallas*, Green Bay, Arizona
Wild cards: Philly and Warshington

AFC: New England*, Pittsburgh*, Indy, Denver
Wild cards: Baltimore and Houston

NFC Championship game: New Orleans over Dallas
AFC Championship game: New England over Indy

Super Bowl: New England over New Orleans

MVP: Tom Brady, Pats
Offensive POY: Drew Brees, New Orleans
Defensive POY: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
Offensive Rookie: Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
Defensive Rookie: Jerod Mayo, LB, Patriots
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, Saints

Worst Record: Bears
Most Disappointing Team: New York Football Giants
Close Second: Minnesota Vikings
Most Disappointing Player: Brett Favre (he's 39, people!!!)
Close second: Reggie Bush, Saints
Breakout Player: Jay Cutler, QB, Broncos
Close second: Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
First Coach Fired: Mike Nolan, Niners
Finally Hangin 'Em Up: Brett Favre...until he returns...then retires...no wait then he really wants to come back...then he doesn't...until he suddenly-well you get the idea.