Am I ready for some football?

Quite honestly, I'd have to say "no." It just doesn't quite feel right. Definitely not dealing with cool September weather and I'm pretty sure that traveling over Labor Day weekend has thrown off my mojo completely -- I don't know WHAT's going on.

But there were a couple great bits this past Saturday. Bravo to the Liverpool lads for putting on a clinic. However, it's important that we all remember that it was Derby County -- Derby County -- that we just hammered 6-0. That should be expected of any title-challenger. We have yet to enter the tricky part of our schedule (which happens in October), so until then, I'm content to be cautiously optimistic and nothing more.

Still... its hard not to feel confident these days, eh?

My god, and then there was March Madness in Ann Arbor. Still can't quite believe that one. Arizona's offense may have looked completely anemic and pathetic in the loss at Provo on Saturday, but at least we're not the laughing stock of the nation. I expected better from my Wildcats, though, and am a bit frustrated that our next game is Saturday against Norther Arizona -- a game that may have little bearing on what progress we've made since last season. Then again, better not treat NAU lightly. Just ask Michigan what happens...

So then, wait... if it is actually September and we've already had a week of college games... then that means... oh... dude...

NFL PREVIEW

Breaking it down by division and conference.

AFC EAST
1. New England Patriots - Consider it the easiest prediction of the season. If not for a dropped pass on 3rd down by Reche Caldwell, we'd be talking about New England's chances at repeating as champs. Now, they've got an incredible receiving corps which boasts what will undoubtedly be a reborn Randy Moss (he'll be good for 75 rec. and 9 TDs). Laurence Maroney is now the go-to-guy in the backfield and you just know that Tom Brady will be focused. Questions about personel in defense, but aren't there always? Never seems to have been a problem before. I'm not betting against the Patriots, this year.

2. New York Jets - Was Mangini's miracle of a season ago just a fluke? Well, the Jets will definitely be facing a tougher schedule, this season, which includes an away game to Baltimore, plus dealing with the tricky NFC East. Thomas Jones is definitely an upgrade for the offense, though. They'll be tough to beat every game.

3. Miami Dolphins - The defense is still good. The quarterback is untested and the coach is new, but the defense is still there. The win over the Bears, last season, showed that you can't take this group too lightly. But that offense... Hey, at least the Dolphins aren't the...

4. Buffalo Bills - We're looking at a candidate for worst record in the league, right here. Lots of rookies and 2nd-year players at key positions. A revamped offensive line, JP Losman still at QB, Marshawn Lynch didn't look terribly impressive during preseason. Paul Posluszny might be defensive rookie of the year, but that could be the only bright spot in Buffalo this season.

AFC CENTRAL
1. Baltimore Ravens - They're the class of this division. Neither Cincinnati or Pittsburgh has the consistency to catch the Ravens. They've got the killer defense, of course, and actually upgraded at running back with Willis McGahee (who pretty much rules). I don't see them needing as many Steve McNair rabbits-out-of-the-hat this season and I don't think it's insane to think that they might be the one team who can derail the Patriots, this season.

2. Cincinnati Bengals - One of these days, the Bengals are going to have a break-through. The offense is still nails, but the defense is, their achilles, is still full of questions. Certainly in the mix for a playoff spot in a crowded AFC, but can they win every week with shootouts?

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - It's a transition year as life post-Cowher begins. Big Ben Motorcycle figures to be steadier this season than he was during last, but the Steelers have 7-8 wins written all over them. Too many other good teams in the AFC for them to crack the playoffs.

4. Cleveland Browns - I think we see Brady Quinn get his first start earlier than expected. Like, in week 6. Romeo Crennell: welcome to "fired after this season."

AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis Colts - Duh. They continue to be a cut above the rest of the division, even with the key losses in defense and Tarik Glenn on the o-line.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - How about that Byron Leftwich situation, huh? Man alive. But you figure that now that it's all settled and David Gerrard is the unquestioned #1, the Jags can finally start living up to their potential. The D is tough, the running game is there in spades with Taylor and Jones-Drew. They may not top the Colts in the standings, but they'll get close, perhaps just missing by a game.

3. Tennessee Titans - It's the Vince Young Show! Literally. There's no one else on this team. Like the tail half of last season, it's all on VY's shoulders to grab some Ws.

4. Houston Texans - I actually toyed with the idea of Houston finishing ahead of Tennessee, but... uh, it's Houston. Will be interesting to see if Matt Schaub is ready to be a #1 in this league (playing behind a putrid offensive line) and if Ahman Green is officially broken.

AFC WEST
1. San Diego Chargers - The reigning MVP, a rising star at QB, people love the Chargers. Here's one solid reason why expectations should be cooled: Norv Turner. Sure, SD will put up a ton of points, but I expect them to drop a couple more games than last year (say, 10-6) and, once again, bow out early in the postseason. Welcome to life with Norv, San Diego.

2. Denver Broncos - I hate them so much. They are a solid squad, though, filled with Pro Bowl talent. They'll give the Chargers a serious run.

3. Oakland Raiders - YEAH! THAT'S RIGHT! YOU READ IT HERE, FIRST! THE OAKLAND RAIDERS WILL NOT FINISH IN THE CELLAR, THIS SEASON. HOW CAN I BELIEVE THAT? MYOPIA? BIAS? Well... possibly. BUT NOT REALLY! Three reasons why Oakland finishes ahead of the Chiefs: 1) That defense is stellar. 2) He may not be what he was a couple seasons ago, but Daunte Culpepper can help you put up points -- something the Raiders had no idea how to do a season ago. 3) Attitude change. Art Shell and the unconscious coaching staff are out. So is Randy Moss. What does it mean? Player morale is up, up, up! JUST WIN (3RD PLACE) BABY! Of course, word comes today that Josh McCown will start on Sunday, so who knows what'll happen. My guess is that every QB on the roster will get a shot.

4. Kansas City Chiefs - Hey, listen, I'm no dummy. I've seen Hard Knocks and I know as well as anyone that the Kansas City Chiefs are going to be a horrible team. Horrible. LJ better get used to seeing eight men in the box for 95% of each game because this team has nothing else to rely on. If you're a fantasty honk, you might want to consider trading him, as KC will be trailing big, more often than not, by the 4th quarter They need to rely on big plays from the defense if they're going to win any games, this year.

NFC EAST
1. Philadelphia Eagles - Not sure why, but I get the feeling that people are expecting the Eagles to fall flat on their faces. It's not going to happen. An elite force to be reckoned with in the NFC. McNabb is healthy and they've added stud linebacker Takeo Spikes. I like Philly a lot, this year.

2. Dallas Cowboys - Granted, I've got them finishing second in the division behind a good Eagles team, but I think Dallas is the most overrated, overhyped team coming into this season. It seems that the national media has completely forgotten that Wade Phillips is the coach, the defense has holes (especially with Terrence Newman's and Greg Ellis' health in question), and Terrell Owens is on the team and poised to erupt if his young QB doesn't get off to a great start.

3. New York Giants - Conversely, I think the Giants are a pretty underrated team. Tiki Barber is gone, yes, and while he did provide a giant (no pun intended) chunk of
the offense, the G-Men still have Brandon Jacobs. Strahan's back for one final hurrah. The question as always: is this the year that Eli becomes a leader?

4. Washington Redskins - Regarded by many as a wild card, the Skins are tricky to figure out. However, Jason Campbell doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. Where is all that Joe Gibbs magic from '87-'92?

NFC NORTH
1. Minnesota Vikings - Okay. Bare with me here. I know you're laughing. Hell, I'd be laughing, too, if I didn't think it could actually happen. But this, folks, this is that surprise pick that comes out of nowhere. That team that is completely off the radar over the summer and during preseason and then goes on to shock the league. Last year, they were called the New Orleans Saints. I'm sure you remember other incarnations, such as Kurt Warner's Superbowl-winning Rams. Fact: a team like this pops up every season. And why not the Vikes? Well, one reason why not. Tavaris Jackson has a lot to prove. But! If he limits his mistakes, this squad has a bolstered defense, a great o-line, and a double-barrelled backfield (like the Saints!) with Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson that can cause problems for teams that will surely take them for granted. A quick look at the schedule has me thinking that the Vikes have a great shot at starting 4-0. Jumping off from there in a bad division, why not them? Damn right, sleeper pick.

2. Chicago Bears - The defending NFC champs (a tag that usually spells doom the following year) figure to have a more stable Rex Grossman, this season (one would hope). But if you're like me, you remember how weak the Bears' schedule was a season ago. Not the case this go around. Lovie's boys still have a lot of chinks in the armor.

3. Green Bay Packers - This is the squad that pundits like to take the division away from the Bears, but I disagree (obviously). Sure, the finish to last season was promising, but Brett Favre wasn't. The team surrounding him is still very young and largely unproven. If Driver is drawing double-teams, what's Favre to do?

4. Detroit Lions - It's just not happening, people. Not this year. Jon Kitna's prediction of ten wins will, however, come true. Just give it three seasons. By the way, Detroit to fall in Oakland this Sunday. Try recovering from that!

NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints - They take the division on account of two things. 1) Talent. 2) Process of elimination. Two concerns: 1)The defense has to prove that it's shed the habit of surrendering big, game-changing plays. 2) Not having Joe Horn raises issues about depth at wide receiver. Suddenly, opposing defenses might be able to double team a Saints weapon.

2. Carolina Panthers - This is a good team. This is a playoff-caliber team. This is a team that's going to be dealing with whispers of David Carr stepping in for Jake Delhomme all season long. But this is also a team that gets Dan Morgan back to anchor the defense and that may be the most important thing of all. Don't sleep on the Panthers, this seasons.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I have a hard time justifying this one, but if everything played out just as it did last season... well, I couldn't think of anything more uncharacteristic for the NFL. Fact is, Tampa lost a few nail-biters last season and Jeff Garcia brings immediate leadership to the offense. Defense needs to come together, though.

4. Atlanta Falcons - You know that Joey Harrington, with one season less under his belt, has more TDs and passing yards and a higher completion percentage than that other guy? It's true! However, with that other guy, the Falcons had the number one rushing attack in the league. Now that he's gone, the offense looks a little less dynamic, even with Joe Horn coming into the fold. The defense lost star Patrick Kearney to Seattle. Tough situation for NFL-newbie Bobby Petrino to step into.

NFC WEST
1. Seattle Seahawks - The new home of Patrick Kearney will, once again, remain the home of the division crown. Although the NFC West figures to be more competitive than in the past, the Seahawks still possess more talent and are flying under the radar. I think Shaun Alexander gets back on track, this season.

2. San Francisco 49ers - From here on, the rest of the teams in this division are unknown quantities filled with speculation. The Niners, however, seem ready to take a step in the right direction. They're eveyone's sleeper, though, which means something is sure to falter. Still, I do love rookie Patrick Willis at linebacker.

3. St. Louis Rams - The Bengals of the NFC, if you ask me. Sure, Bulger can put up points and Steven Jackson and Torry Holt are elite players at their positions, but can the defense step up? The Rams have the ability to win any game on any given day, but it all comes down to the defense showing up with regularity.

4. Arizona Cardinals - Sorry. Still not buying it. Every summer, we hear that the Cards are breaking through. Not with this offensive line, they're not. Going to have to prove it, guys. We know they've got weapons on offense, though, and the defense is not to be taken lightly. They could finish second just as easily as they could finish last.

Wild Card Round
AFC:
Baltimore over Denver
Jacksonville over San Diego

NFC:
Carolina over Minnesota
Seattle over Chicago

Divisional Playoffs
AFC:
New England over Jacksonville
Baltimore over Indianapolis

NFC:
Philadelphia over Carolina
New Orleans over Seattle

Conference Championships
AFC: New England over Baltimore
NFC: Philadelphia over New Orleans

Superbowl
New England over Philadelphia