Ryder Cup: The most underrated event of the weekend by far! To bad it is being played  in  Wales and the rounds begin at 2:30 in the morning, or is it? Sounds like a perfect opportunity to go to the bar, and come back going strong into the morning with a little golfing patriotism. Sign me up! 13 of the top 15 players in the world are playing this weekend, 7 on the American squad 6 on the European Squad. The Europeans are going to have a huge home course advantage as they remember what kind of atmosphere Paul Azinger and his squard made Valhalla two years ago, I was there it was freaking awesome. The Europeans have a tough squad at Wales course that suits their game. However, Tiger has so much to prove, and I expect his game to be that much better since last time we saw him. This is America, I am America, and some how some way America is able to smuggle that golden trophy back to America.

America 14 1/2    Europe 12

College Football:

21 Texas vs. 8 Oklahoma: Texas was embarrassed last weekend at the hands of UCLA. Not a great loss to pick up the weekend before the Red River Rivalry. Texas is going to have to pick up the run defense if they have any shot at stopping DeMarco Murray. Oklahoma has not looked that great this season either, they had close games with Utah State and Air Force. The only time they looked really dominate was when they welcomed an overrated Florida State team. Despite both teams being ranked in the top 25, the stock is way down this year for this rivalry. In the end Landry Jones is better than Garret Gilbert, and DeMarco is better than whoever Texas has running the ball, Oklahoma hands Texas their second straight loss.

Oklahoma 27   Texas 17

11 Wisconsin vs. 24 Michigan State

Is their any team more underrated than the Wisconson Badgers? Is their a bigger sleeper for Heisman than John Clay? Michigan State will be playing with an inspirational boost as they welcome back their head coach from a mild heart attack, but It is going to be all Wisconsin this weekend. This will be a break out game for the badgers as they fight for some national respect.

Wisconsin 38 Michigan State 14

7 Florida vs. 1 Alabama

This is the game Florida has been hooting and hollering all summer about. They want their revenge from the loss in the SEC Championship game last season. Now that the game is finally here, do the Gators still want it? Alabama picked up a huge road win last weekend,  coming from behind to beat Ryan Mallet and Arkansas. Florida unveiled a very familiar offense last weekend against Kentucky. They took quarterback/ fullback/ Receiver, Tim Burton, and threw him into the Tim Tebow like spread offense. Burton was very successful on the day, racking up 6 TD. However I question the timing of Urban Meyer unleashing this weapon because now Nick Saban can scheme for Burton. In the end to much Ingram and Richardson for Flordia.

Alabama 31 Florida 20

9 Stanford vs. 4 Oregon

Well we know the Oregon duck is straight rocked up after the amount of push ups he has had to do this year, but are the Ducks physical enough for this one? This is the classic game in style clashes, speed vs. strength, physicality vs. finesse. The Oregon Ducks run the spread option unlike any team in the country. However, Stanford’s offensive line run and pass blocks like any team in the country. This is a huge stage for Stanford Quarterback, Andy Lucky, to showcase his talents Saturday night. If Andy is as good as everyone has hyped him up to be, he will show it this Saturday. These two teams are so evenly matched, but Eugene will be rocking and rolling into the night.

Oregon 48 Stanford 35

NFL

Ravens vs. Steelers: Today’s NFL is all about scoring points, and passing yards, but this game is all about who hits the hardest and the most often. It is to soon to give this match up the rivalry label, but this match up over the past five years have produced some epic game.  If Ed Reid goes for the Ravens this weekend it will only make the game that much better. The Steelers are coming into this game playing as if they could throw wedding crashers Vince Vaughn in at quarterback and still win games. The Ravens defense comes into this game with a chip on their shoulder after letting Patrick Hillis run all over them last week. I don’t expect anything less than a thrilling game, but this is the week the Steeler’s quartback position catches up to them.

Ravens 17   Steelers 10

Redskins vs. Eagles: Does Donovan McNabb really think the Eagles won’t boo him? The Eagles Booed Santa Clause, and Donovan isn’t coming into the Linc to give out gifts, or magic fairy dust. Donovan McNabb, no matter what he says, is coming into this game to rub in Andy Reid, and the Eagles faces that they should have not gotten rid of him. They should have not slapped him in the face by trading him in the division. Despite having virtually no weapons, Donovan is going to find a way to put up big numbers against this very young Eagles defense. On the other side, Mike Vick is going to take a small step back. He will still play very respectable, but not to the tune of 300 yards passing and account for 4 or 5 TDs.

Redskins 31   Eagles 27

Patriots vs. Dolphins:

Huge game for both of these teams as they battle for AFC East positioning.  Both teams have already lost to the Jets, and at this moment the two teams are playing for second and a wild card spot.  The Dolphins defense has been solid through two games, while the Patriots defense has looked young and very confused. I just fell that these two teams are second tear teams. Bill Belichik is the x factor in this one.

Patriots 31 Dolphins 27

Baseball  Push:

Alright this may be the biggest homer portion of the column, but this is what is going to happen. As of right now the Braves are two games up on the Padres for the wild card. The Braves welcome in the Philies for a three game series, while the Padres welcome in the team they are battling for the NL West crown, Giants. The Philies teams will be taking it easy, and resting a bunch of players as they get ready for the postseason. The Braves will not see Roy Dueces, Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt. Cole Hamels is not going to pitch the entire game on Saturday. The Giants are still battling the Padres for the division, therefore it is a much harder road for the Padres to win three games. It is just a numbers game but the Braves are two games up,  playing a Philies team that really doesn’t give a damn. Braves Clinch the Wild Card Saturday, while the Giants have to much pitching for the Padres.

Things Learned this Weekend:

1. What Happened to Carson Palmer?: I had one of the best seats in the house to watch what I thought was a very talented quarterback in Carson Palmer. I thought Palmer was more than enough at quarterback for this Bengals team to win a bunch of games. I was completely mistaken. I know it was raining hard, but Palmer was down right pathetic. In the first half he should of had four or MORE picks. It got so bad, I was not sure if Carson knew the panthers were the team in white. I guess the upside for Palmer,  Clausen looked worse for the Panthers. Bengals, Good luck winning with Palmer at Quarterback.

2. Even the best has an off week: Mack Brown is the reason way coaches such as Mark Richt are on the respectable “Hot Seat.” The way he has won ten or more games year in and year out is down right impressive. Which makes it more impressive is you don’t see the NCAA showing up in Austin for an investigation. However, Texas showed this past weekend that even they can have an off week. Texas not only lost to a mediocre as at best UCLA team, UCLA dominated this game. However, don’t sleep on Texas against Oklahoma this week.

3. The Phillies are no doubt the favorites: As much as I hate to say it, The Phillies are not only the huge favorite to win the NL, but they are the Unanimous favorites to win the whole thing. Sorry Yankees fans, If CC loses a damn game in any playoff series you guys might as well be a game and a half back. A.J. Burnett is as up and down as a four year old girl on a pogo stick, and Andy Petite is so old he pitched against Shoeless Joe Jackson in the 30s. In fact he might have struck out Babe Ruth. With the recent reemergence of Cole Hamels, the Phillies have three number one pitchers. If you made a power rankings of top ten NL pitchers, all three of the these guys are on that list. The Philies are loaded. I just hope my Braves get in, win one series against the Reds, and then win one game at Turner for Bobby. Am I asking for too much?

4. 18 Games is a done deal? Colts President Bill Polian said this weekend the negotiations over the NFL going to 18 games is over! Really Billy? This very issue is going to be the hot topic this summer at these negotiations. If the players are going to agree to this, they better get paid for these extra games because that is just two more games of abuse for these guys.  For every owner that votes in favor of this should have to take a hit from Ray Lewis. Personally I don’t understand why anyone would want to mess with the best cash cow in the barn when it is perfect the way it is.

Theories Confirmed:

1. No body wants anything to do with Alabama: The way Alabama continues to dominate defensively despite all of their loses from last season is down right sick. Alabama made my boy Ryan Mallet look like an intramural flag football quarterback. I thought Mallet would be able to do more damage against a young Alabama secondary. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are the best one two punch in the back field since Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown. I don’t see Alabama losing to anyone or having anymore close games. However, in their last 5 SEC games their opponents are coming off of bye weeks.

2. Patriots Defense: The Patriots have gotten a little cocky with their ability to develop young talent. Their defense is basically rookies and second year players, and they are playing like it. They gave up 30 points to a Bills team that just cut their starting quarterback. What happens if they play Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers later in the season? It is going to get ugly!

3. You’re fucking out: East Bound and Down season 2 started this Sunday, and it did not disappoint. Kenny was back to his usual humorous inappropriate cockiness. I love it! Danny McBride looks like he struck gold again with this season’s setting in Mexico there is so much potential for Kenny Powers at his best.

4. Urban Myer can’t coach quarterbacks: If you are a high school quarterback, and you have NFL aspirations then Florida is not your place. John Brantley has passed my eye test as a quarterback who can get it done, but Urban Meyer for some reason can’t resist going with a quarterback who likes do things from the spread.  So Urban inserted Trey Burton ,a player that has lined up at fullback, and receiver, this past Saturday to run the Tim Tebow style spread offense. I guess if you are a Florida fan, you really don’t give a rats ass as long as you win.

Lessons Learned:

1. Mark Sanchez Flip Flop: I know last week I put Mark Sanchez on the things confirmed list as not being an elite quarterback. I have learned that Mark Sanchez is the most inconsistent quarterback in the league. He has flashes of dreadful play, but has flashes of brilliance. He completely out played Tom Terrific yesterday, and picked up a huge win for the Jets.  Therefore, I have learned that the verdict on Mark Sanchez will not truly be announced until season 4.

2. The Bengals Defense: The Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens in their own game. The Bengals rose to the occasion, and went blow for blow with the Baltimore Ravens. I was not drinking the Bengal defensive cool-aide, well now I am doing Keg stands of it. The Bengals got after Flacco, they caused turnovers, and ultimately physically beat up the Ravens offense. If the Carson Palmer can get this offense clicking, look out AFC.

3. Steelers Look Nasty: 85 Bears, 01 Ravens, 70s Steelers, 2010 Steelers?  The Pittsburgh Steelers defense looks straight up  nasty! In two games, they have caused ten turnovers, and only allowed a total of 19 points. What happens when Big Ben shows up to ignite this offense. The Steelers are going to be a hell of a team to beat.

4. Fans with Helmets: Brandon Jacobs helmet some how managed to find its way to the stands. He said “He threw the helmet down, and it bounced into the stands.” Wow! That is an impressive bounce pass. This is the first time in knowledge that someones helmet has entered the stands. Just to let you know its not like a baseball, you have to give it back.

4. TCU not Boise State: TCU is the team that has the best threat to be a BCS Buster. If the Horned Frogs go undefeated they will have beaten Oregon State, Baylor,  BYU, Utah, and an Air Force team that gave Oklahoma a scare. I hear you SEC Nation the schedule is not nearly the same, but a team that starts that high in the polls and beats these teams has to be given a shot at the title.

5. Mike Vick can Play: Mike Vick had a huge week for the Eagles. He threw for over two hundred yards and two scores. He broke out the electric running plays that the people of Atlanta distinctly remember. Unfortunately Andy Reid has to send him back to the bench in favor of Kevin Kolb. Reid traded McNabb within the division in order to move forward with Kolb. Reid has to stick to his guns or trading McNabb was worthless. I just wish Reid would give Vick a shot by trading him to a team that needs a starting quarterback.

Things Confirmed:

1. Brett Favre didn’t want to play this season: After two games the Vikings are 0 and 2, and the offense has struggled to score points. It is quite apparent the offense is struggling without SidneyRice, but Brett Favre is truly hurting. That ankle has been sketchy all along, and he was going to retire if his boys hadn’t gone and dragged him out Mississippi. This is going to be a long season for Vikings, and this will finally be Brett’s last year.

2. ESPN true darling: Michelle Beadle has been down right awesome since the start of the show sports nation. Beadle is cute, quirky, and witty as she has really shown up Erin Andrews as ESPN’s true media darling. I don’t think I have met a guy who watches ESPN, who doesn’t have a crush on Michelle. Keep it up Michelle you are pretty awesome.

3. Randy Moss is No Slouch: Randy Moss burned Revis for a sick one handed grab. Yeah I get it Revis was hurt, but does anyone, even Revis, think Moss is a slouch? New England you better re-sign this guy or you will have an average defense, and an average offense.

4. Ryan Mallet should be the number 1 pick: If Ryan Mallet has a huge game and pulls out the victory against Alabama this weekend wrap the Heisman up, and ship it to him. As for the NFL,  The Bills, Browns, Cardinals, and Jaguars better start tanking games to get this guy with the number one pick.

Number 4 TCU vs. Baylor: A battle of undefeated teams. Baylor is a heavy sleeper in the Big 12 this season. Their offense is fueled by their  multi-dimensional quarterback Robert Griffin the III. Griffin is a very athletic quarterback that has the ability to kill teams through the air and on the ground. This will be a great test for the TCU defense.

TCU 30 Baylor 24.

9 Iowa vs. Number 24 Arizona. Pace of play will be the key to this  game. Arizona will look to make it an offensive affair, while Iowa wants to drag the game out by playing defense and running the ball. In the year of the quarterback in college football, Arizona’s Nick Foles might be the most underrated. Through two games Foles has incompleted only ten passes, and at six five two forty five Foles is a big physical quarterback. Foles will be looking to put some points up, but on Iowa’s defense this is no easy task. This game will be the best of the weekend.

Arizona 24 Iowa 21.

9 Arkansas vs. Georgia. Bad news for Georgia fans came down from the NCAA this afternoon. Stud reciever AJ Green appeal to the NCAA was denied, and Green will have to sit out this and next game. Georgia’s offense without Green is very mediocre, and their defense last week looked to have some major problems. Arkansas’ Ryan Mallet in my opinion is the best quarterback in the country. They have the leading reciever in the SEC, Greg Childs, who can straight ball. This could get ugly for Georgia.

Arkansas 44 Georgia 27.

8 Nebraska vs. Washington. This weekend the nation will  get to see how good Jake Locker truly is. Nebraska brings in one of the best defenses in the country. I love this match up, and  Washington is going to give Nebraska all it can handle.

Nebraska  21 Washington 17.

16 Auburn vs. Clemson. Auburn barely slipped by Mississippi in their first SEC game  of the season. Clemson is looking to prove they are a force in the ACC without C.J. Spiller. Clemson’s quarterback Kyle Parker has to have a good game  for them to go into Auburn  to get a win. However, I believe Auburn is highly overrated, and will show their true colors when the get to the meat of their SEC schedule. In the end, playing on Saturday night in the SEC is tough….

Auburn 27  Clemson 21.

NFL Chosen Ones:

Patriots vs. Jets: The Jets offense is a complete mess. Schottenheimer has to let some damn slack out of the leash for Sanchez to be successful. Sanchez has to grab a hold of the offense, and show everyone that he has some confidence out there. On the other side Tom Brady, and the Pats could not of looked better. The offense was clicking, and the young defense looked very fast and very physical. Moss is going to light Revis up this week, but everyone will blame Revis’ hammy for the numbers.

Patriots 28 Jets 10

Baltimore vs. Cincy: I am not buying the Cincy hype. The T.O. Ocho Cinco shenanigans are never going to work out, and their defense is almost as overrated as Dallas super bowl chances. Baltimore looked as if they are the early favorite to win the AFC. Joe Flacco is going to join the elite quarterback this season, and Anquan Bolden’s physicality at the receiver position fits this team perfectly.

Baltimore 27  Cincy 17.

Giants at Colts: “Manning Bowl 010″ will be on full display Sunday night. I am very high on both of these teams, and picked them to win their divisions. The Giants have returned to the physical style of play that won them a Super Bowl, and The Colts are well The Colts. In the end Peyton finds a way to get the Colts the win…

Colts 35 Giants 31

1.Nick Saban has a Soul. Who would have known the man that couldn’t even break a smile after wining his second national championship had a soul, or even knew about the world outside his little bubble. Nick Saban was the class of college football this week with the respect he treated Joe Pa and the Penn State Nittany Lions. He asked his fans not to boo the team as they entered the stadium, and then in a game Roll Tide could of rolled up fiftey and embarrassed the old coach. Saban decided to play conservative to the tune of only twenty four points, and a comfortable win. Saban finally showed respect to college football, and the greats that paved the game before him.

2. A win over Virginia Tech is meaningless. The division 1AA James Madison was able to beat Virginia Tech ultimately making Boise State’s win over VT meaningless.

3. South Carolina Marcus Lattimore is going to be an absolute stud for South Carolina. If you asked me who was the favorite to win the SEC East, South Carolina looks like a tough team to beat.

4. Without Tim Tebow, Florida is struggling to score points. Obviously Urban Myer was not lying when he said this preseason “His team was not very good.” How about this stat. Florida started the season ranked number 4 and has dropped to number 10 after two weeks and two wins. It is the biggest drop  in the polls without losing a game in 50 years.

5. You can catch a touchdown pass, and not have it count. Just ask Megatron, Calvin Johnson, I am sure he will be able to explain.

Things Confirmed:

1. Mark Sanchez is not a franchise quarterback. Mark Sanchez showed Monday night that he has no understanding of the offense, is scared to go down field, and plays quarterback like a deer in headlights. If Mark is to truly be the “Sanchize” he has a long way to go.

2. The Cowboys are so overrated. Just because “The Boys” are hosts of the super bowl doesn’t mean they are destined to play in the game. The offensive line sucks, and Romo just doesn’t have what it takes to be a champion.

3. Flacco beats Ice. Joe Flacco continues to prove that he is a better quarterback than “Matty Ice” Matt Ryan. Both quarterbacks played top defenses this weekend, and Flacco was still able to make plays, and ultimately get his team the victory.

4. The United States has the most talented basketball players in the world. I don’t care what people say, the team at the Basketball World Championships was a “B Team.” It is not used in a bad way. It just happens that USA TEAM A and USA TEAM B are ranked 1 and 2 in the world.

5. I watched the Sandlot this week. And Wendy Peffercorn is still one hot piece of tail. What up Michael “Squints” Palladoris.

NFL Games to Watch and Picks:

-1:00 PM on Fox Atlanta at Pittsburgh: Matt Ryan has to show he is ready to become an elite quarterback. The Steelers defense will return to top three form. No Roethlisberger no win for the Steelers. Falcons 21 Steelers 17.

-1:00 PM Indy at Houston. If Houston wants to become a playoff team they must start winning division games. What a perfect opportunity to make a statement against the AFC defending champs. However Payton is to good. Colts 35 Texans 24.

-1:00 PM Cincy at New England. These are two teams who I believe are highly overrated. I am not buying the OchoCino T.O. love affair, and I don’t think Carson Palmer has what it takes to win pressure packed games. New England has great weapons in the passing game, no running game what so ever, and if Bill Belichick really is a defensive genius this is the year to prove it. New England wins at home 24-20.

-4:00 PM Green Bay at Phily: Green Bay is the hot pick to go to the super bowl out of the NFC.  I still feel sketchy about the defense, however they have the pieces to run a similar scheme that gets it done for the Saints. However Phily’s defense is even younger, and more sketchy then Green Bays. Green Bay’s offense is clicking on all cylinders they win going away 42-24.

-8:20 PM Dallas at Washington. I am not buying the Dallas hype this season. Their offensive line is not what it should be. Jason Garrett does not buy into running the ball which is the strength of the offense. However Washington is a complete mess. Dallas has no problems 24-10.

-Monday Night: Jets vs. Ravens: The Jets have made more noise in this offseason than any other team in history. They have even compared themselves to the Miami Heat of the NBA. Well guess what the Ravens are just better, and if Ed Reid plays they will be that much better. Flacco is going to have a HUGE year for the Ravens, and Mark Sanchize has no command of this offense.  The Ravens win 21-9.

College Football Games To Watch and Picks:

1 Alabama vs. 18 Penn St: No Mark Ingram No problem. Penn St doesn’t have the passing attack to challenge the weakness of Bama’s defense. Alabama 35- Penn State 17.

2 Ohio St. vs. 12 Miami: This is a battle of two legit Heisman Trophy candidates, Miami’s Jacory Harris, and Ohio St. Terrell Pryor. The key to this game is which defense can rattle the other teams Heisman trophy candidate. Ohio St has been recruiting speed on defense specifically for these kind of match ups. Ohio State 31 Miami 27.

10 Oklahoma vs. 17 Florida State: I really like Florida State heading into this game and this season. Mike Stoops is going to do a great job with this defense, and Christain Ponder will be a Heisman Finalist this season. Oklahoma lost to many big pieces to the draft last season. Florida State in the upset. 23-17.

22 Georgia vs. 24 South Carolina: Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray will have to show how much of a gamer he is. He doesn’t have his number one weapon available AJ Green because of NCAA Violations, and he makes his first SEC start on the road in a game where Georgia historically struggles. This would be a great game for those changes in the Georgia defense to show up. Georgia loses 17-14.

FIBA World Championships: This is America of course I am taking USA to win. Go ahead call me a homer.

Golf BMW Championship: Luke Donald. He played well last week, and is only two off the lead now.

US Open:

Men: Nadal vs. Federer in the final once again. This could be the most exciting match or game of the weekend, and not many people will watch it. I have Nadal in five sets.

Women: Kim Clijsters repeats

They are 2 and 0 in Fiesta Bowl Games, and in both those seasons they went undefeated. This season they defeated a top 10 Virginia Tech team who has national championship hopes of their own. They have a quarterback that simply wins games. Yeah he is not the flashiest guy, he doesn’t have the biggest arm, but he is the smartest quarterback in America. After Monday night, is there any other quarterback you want with a minute forty left, and your season on the line?  Hasn’t this team built a big enough resume to play in the college football’s biggest game?

I understand that Boise State plays a powder puff schedule from here on out, but this is the schedule you get for playing in the WAC. It is not their fault the PAC 10 didn’t add them this summer during conference expansion. It is an upmost crime to tell these kids of Boise State that they are voted in the top ten in both preseason polls ,the AP and Coaches Poll, and then win all of their games and not put them in the national championship game. I would love to be there to hear that explanation, “Well you know you did all you could, and everyone thought you were one of the best teams in country coming into the season. But you are going to have to play opening act in the Fiesta Bowl, and one loss Alabama will play the main attraction. I hope you understand.”

If this is the case, then all teams not in the big six “BCS conferences” should be moved to FCS where they will actually play it out for a national championship. How can the BCS look at anyone and say that the BCS is the best system to decide college football’s national champion when it doesn’t provide equal opportunities to all of the teams participating. A merry-go-round always comes back to the same place, Sammi “Sweetheart” always comes back to Ronnie, and college football’s problems continue to come back to the flaws of the BCS.

2. Drew Brees: Bress is without a doubt the most accurate QB in the league, and after winning a super bowl he is finally getting the respect he deserves. Don’t look for Brees’ production to slip this season either.

3. Tom Brady: Brady showed up this preseason with something to prove. With no running game behind him, Brady will have to carry the load once again.

4. Philip Rivers: I personally am not a fan of the guy, but he can certainly ball. With Vincent Jackson still not under contract, we will see how good this guy really is.

5. Ben Roethlisberger: He maybe a huge doucher, but he has two super bowl rings that can’t ever be taken away from him. Kiss the rings!

6. Brett Favre: Favre is going to wish he had never of came back. Favre has lost Sidney Rice for half the season, Percy Harvin has permanent brain freezes, and Favre’s ankle seems sketchy to me. Look for the Jets version of Favre, but because of his overall career he lands at 6.

7. Aaron Rodgers: No quarterback can jump up the list quicker than this guy. As his touchdown celebration dance indicates, he is after the heavyweight belt.

8. Eli Manning: Eli has a ring, and has shown in past years that he is adequate as a leader. He is no longer just trying to manage the game, look for Eli to have a career year as his receivers have developed and matured.

9. Joe Flacco: Flacco may still have mommy tucking him in at night, but he does not get the talk he deserves. In two years Flacco has won three postseason games including a trip to the AFC Championship. Flacco is highly underrated.

10. Tony Romo: Romo has shown he has the tools to be a top five quarterback in this league, but his inconsistencies in the read zone and in big games keep Dallas fans restless through the night.

11. Matt Schaub: Schaub has proven he can put up the numbers, but he must prove he can get this team to the playoffs. This is a make or break year for the Texans, and most of the weight rests on Schauby’s shoulders.

12. Donovan McNabb: McNabb has had some injury trouble over the last couple years, but you can’t argue with his productivity. I don’t care who you are, you have to respect five trips to NFC Championship games.

13. Matt Ryan: Matty Ice has gotten a lot of talk about his intangibles, his work ethic, blah blah blah. The talk on Matt Ryan is over the top. This season for Ryan to be successful he needs to throw for around 4,000 yards, complete 60% of his pass, and the falcons must make the playoffs. I want to see Matty Ice truly become an elite quarterback, stop all this hype nonsense.

14. Kevin Kolb: Kolb is an accurate passer with a ton of weapons around him. Kolb will show a lot of promise, but will struggle in fourth quarters.

15. Carson Palmer: Palmer has struggled with injuries the last couple of years, but he has an elite set of skills to work with. His biggest challenge this season is to balance the egos of OchoCino, and T.O.

16. Vince Young: The most dynamic quarterback in the league and most of all Young is a winner.

17. Chad Henne: I am a fan of Henne, and his development over last season with virtually no receivers. Let’s see how Chad does with a top five receiver in the league.

18. Jay Cutler: Has any quarterback fallen down the list further then Cutler? Cutler will throw over 20 picks again this season.

19. Matt Stafford: Stafford will take a step forward in year two for a much improved Lions franchise.

20. Matt Hasselbeck: Hasselbeck is another veteran quarterback who has been plagued by injury. A healthy Hasselbeck is a quality quarterback who has a history of winning games.

21. Mark Sanchez: Not buying into the Sanchize hype. The Jets will not live up to the hype this season, and much of that will be because of Sanchize’s inconsistent play.

22. Matt Cassel: This is the season where Cassel can prove if he is just a system quarterback or if the guy can actually play.

23. Jason Campbell: Just as everyone thought they couldn’t have moved into a better scenario by going to the Raiders. In comes by Jason Campbell.

24. Kyle Orton: Lets face it Orton is not a talented quarterback, but does any other quarterback overachieve more then Orton with what he has to work with talent wise?

25. Sam Bradford: Couldn’t have been drafted into a worse situation. Crap offensive line, crap receiving core, and crap defense. The only upside is he has a stud to hand the ball off to.

26. David Garrard: Garrard does nothing well, but is around average in everything else. Garrard is just lucky the Jags didn’t draft Tebow.

27. Alex Smith: If Smith can utilize the weapons around him, he could be moving up the power rankings in a hurry. The 9ers have a great team that could make Smith look good.

28. Matt Moore: There has been quite a bit of hype around a guy that the panther’s have had for four years, and just now beat Jake Delhomme out of the starting job.

29. Josh Freeman: Freeman has a lot of upside to him. He is a big quarterback with a big arm. He looks to be a young Daunte Culpepper. To bad he has no weapons around him.

30. Jake Delhomme: Since the playoff game against the Cardinals Delhomme has been a complete head case. A new city could turn Delhomme around….. probably not.

31. Derrick Anderson: Anderson will win the starting job over Leinhart. Anderson has a huge arm, but he can’t get out of his own way.

32. Trent Edwards: He just happens to be the only guy Buffalo has.

Redskins    

Key acquistions: Mike Shannahan, Donovan McNabb, and Willie Parker. Donovan McNabb is the biggest piece of the puzzle for the Washington Redskins in 2010. McNabb brings leadership and solid quarterback play to a franchise that has had neither in decades. Willie Parker is a good pick up for the skins, but as we have seen in the past it really does not matter who you have in the back field in Mike Shannahans offense.

Questions going into the season: Will Albert Haynesworth play up to his potential, and the contract he was given? Is it ironic that Albert Haynesworth needed three tries to pass a fitness test, and there is a cartoon character named fat albert? How much does McNabb have left in the tank? Can Mike Shannahan turn around this organization, and make it a winner?

Keys to success: Mike Shannahan is a huge addition to this franchise, and with the addition of Donovan McNabb the skins have the cornerstones in place to win. McNabb will play with a chip on his shoulder after being traded within the division. However, I am not sold on the recievers that McNabb has to throw to, but Chris Cooley has emerged as a top tight end in this league. Also for the first time in his career McNabb has a coach that is committed to the running game.

Prediction: 7-9 The Redskins will improve this season, but they play in the toughest division.

Philadelphia Eagles 

Key Acquisitions: Mike Bell and Ernie Simms. The Eagles were basically silent in regards to adding pieces to their roster this season.

Questions: Can Kevin Kolb really replace Donovan McNabb? Will the Eagles run the ball enough to be successful? Is the defense big enough up front?

Keys to success: This entire season rests on the shoulders of Kevin Kolb, and his progression into being an elite quarterback. I know the preseason in the NFL means jack squat ,but if Kolb can duplicate the poise and accuracy he has showed in preseason to the regular season than the Eagles will be will on their way in forgetting number 5. Andy Reid is going to roll his eyes when he reads this, but running the football with LeSean McCoy will take some pressure off of Kolb and open up big plays down field for DeSean Jackson.

Prediction: 8-8. Kolb will show flashes of brilliance, but to be a top quarterback in this league you have to get it done in the fourth quarter. Kolb will struggle to finish games.

Dallas Cowboys:

Key Acquisitions: Dez Bryant has been talked about more this offseason than number one draft pick Sam Bradford. Dez Bryant has showed Randy Moss talent, and drama.

Questions: What week will Wade Philips job be put on the hot seat? Will Dez Bryant live up to the hype? How much will Jerry Jones interfere with day to day operations of this team? Does Romo have the “it” factor to lead this team through the playoff, and win a super bowl.

Keys to success: It is the same story different season, for the Cowboys to be successful they have to limit off the field distractions. Dez Bryant has to live up to the hype that has been created around him or this carrying the pads dilemma will resurface its ugly head. The Cowboys best threat on offense is its running game. They have the deepest backfield in the league, but for some reason they go away from it for the glitz and glamour of the passing game. In order to win the super bowl this season they must be a run first past second team.

Prediction: 10-6 makes the playoffs, but not drinking the Cowboy cool-ade. The Cowboys have kept virtually the same team and the same coaching staff after being embarrassed by the Vikings. Just because everyone is in love with the idea of the Cowboys playing at home in the super bowl doesn’t make it realistic.

New York Giants

Key Acquisitions:  Antrel Rolle, and Keith Bulluck give experience and talent to linebacking group and secondary that is lacking both.

Questions: Can the young talented receiving core continue to develop? Does Bulluck return to pro bowl form after his ACL injury? Do the giants recommit themselves to running the football? Can this offensive line protect Eli Manning?

Keys to Success: The Giants must return to running the football in 2010. When the Giants where going to the playoffs they played suffocating defense, and pounding the football with Brandon Jacobs. If the defensive line stays healthy it will resemble the line from two years ago. Hakim Nicks must live up to his talent as a top ten receiver in this league. Nicks is a big physical receiver with great hands. He resembles a young Andre Johnson.

Prediction: 10-6, wins the division in a tie breaker. I really like what the Giants did on defense picking up Bullock and Rolle. This gives them veteran leadership in the second level of the defense that they have not had in the past. The Giants will return to the run game, but Eli will be very successful throwing the football. I like the Giants, and I like them a lot.

1. Joe Pa will roll over and die on the sideline. Ha just kidding ,but the rumors will begin to surface of Penn St. starting to push him into retirement.

2. Trent Richardson will be a better running back this season then Mark Ingram.

3. The winner of the Oregon hosting Stanford game will represent the PAC 10 in the Rose Bowl.

4. Florida State will be significantly better playing only under Jimbo Fisher ,and will play in the ACC title game.

5. Miami will give glimpses of “The U is back.” only to disappoint late in the season.

6. John Brantley will be good enough to take the Florida Gators to the SEC Championship game allowing Florida fans to put Tim Tebow in the back of their minds.

7. TCU not Boise St. will run the table ,and play for the national championship ultimately taking the BCS vs. Playoff debate to new heights.

8. Terrell Pryor will blow Ohio State’s National Championship hopes with one or two horrible games. John Clay and Wisconsin will run its way into the Rose Bowl instead of The Buckeyes.

9. Ryan Mallot will exploit Alabama’s inexperienced secondary to the tune of a 38-27 point victory. Mallot will throw for well over three hundred yards and three touchdowns.

10. Clemson’s Kyle Parker will suffer a serious injury putting his plans of playing for the Rockies in the spring in jeopardy.

11. Brian Kelly will not have a great season in South bend ,but he will figure out a way to beat Lane Kiffin’s Trojans.

12. The teetor toter will go back in forth on Mark Richt’s job security at Georgia all season long. If he does not win ten games this season it could get undeservingly ugly for Richt. He could buy himself another year with a win against Florida.

13. Texas will have it’s best defense in quite some time ,and that is saying something, but it’s title hopes will be in the hands of Garret Gilbert.

14. A team will lose a game and be eliminated from conference title hopes because of the stupid new celebration rule. Someone will raise hell after the game.

15. The gambling nature that won Les Miles so much praise in his National Championship season will ultimately get him fired this season.

16. No one will be getting up an hour early to watch Erin Andrews’ segment hosting game day.

17. The NFL will not do anything to increase punishment of agents providing benefits to future draft picks.

18. Mike Leach will be hilarious for CBS ,but will also be the first name brought up for coaching vacancies.

19. An SEC team will not play for the National Championship this season.

20. National Championship Game: An all Texas affair, Texas vs. TCU