The NFL EDGE:
   2003 PRE-SEASON PREVIEW
     SPECTACULAR

Greggy The Greeks

The NFL Edge

IS BACK and Ready for FOOTBALL. To all the new fans who have found us, Welcome!! Of course an even bigger welcome BACK to our friends who have been visitng us for several seasons - were really glad you came back!
Every week of the NFL Regular season we will have projections and predictions for EVERY REGULAR SEASON NFL GAME!
For the new folks, I totally hate doing these pre-season projections. I think they are ridiculous, so much can change from one week to the next, especially in these days of "parity" in the game. Despite my abhorrence of these preseason previews I still projected 5/6 AFC playoff teams and 4/6 NFC playoff teams. So maybe this is not such a farce after all...

want to check this out for yourself, go visit our ARCHIVES

This Years Picks and Predictions are sponsored by: VIP SPORTS
 

VIP SPORTS Graciously provides us with:

LIVE NFL BETTING LINES
JUST A CLICK AWAY!!
 

AFC PREVIEW

AFC EAST

Our tour starts in the leagues tightest division. One game may be all that separates first from last in this division. Miami may have the most talent - on paper - and should take it, BUT, They really are a one-dimensional running team - which would normally be ok, however Wannstedt cant coach his way out of a paper bag and squandered all that talent last year. In a division this close, that is reason enough to write the Fish off - Dolphin fans though, take heart, my picking against them may be good news. The Jets last years winners - and my choice to step it up when Miami faltered, have lost too much talent all over. Losing QB Pennington, as well as the WRs, and special teamers is just too much to overcome. I like, New England to rebound and return to Super form. Bellicheck has rebuilt that Defense and will not be 30th this season. QB Tom Brady looking cool and comfortable at the helm the Pats are poised to perch atop this logjam. Buffalo also revamped their Defense and is the fashionable pick this year, I still am uneasy about the coaching there too, but with Bledsoe and Moulds the Bills could be one of the wildcards.

AFC NORTH

Looking at the North, you have to start off with Pittsburgh they have won this thing here the past two years almost by default. However their Defense concerns me. Cleveland came on last year and grabbed the wildcard. They will no doubt have a stingy defense yet again. However the Couch/Holcomb thing will not just go away, I suspect and could wind up being an issue for the Browns. I really liked Baltimore, and wanted to take them as the sleeper in this division. They still could be, with a healthy Ray Lewis patrolling the Defense - adding a Terrell Suggs - don't discount Billicks coaching - and I would not be surprised at all in December if they instead of Pitt. are atop the division. Although Chris Redman did a good job last year the QB is still too big a question mark for me to go out on that limb. As for Cincy, are you serious?

Check out Show Me Tickets, and get tickets to go See your favorite team Play

Click here to Enter our FORUM and let us know what you think of our SITE!

AFC SOUTH

The exact opposite from the AFC East, the South only really has two legit contenders. Tennessee clearly the class of this division should win it again. Indianapolis could challenge for a playoff spot if Tony Dungee can get improved play from the defense. The preseason looks like that improvement is underway but they need to do that over 16 games and especailly down the stretch in big games. Jacksonville will become a terror in the future when Byron Leftwich develops into a premiere passer. That wont be this season though. Houston will make strides, but still has too many holes - see Cincy above.

 

AFC WEST

For the past two seasons the Raiders have looked to be too old. Here in 2003 they still feature the same key guys, Gannon, Brown, Rice. I was right about the Coaching though as Callahan is definitely no Gruden, the huge loss in the Super Bowl could hurt this team this year - but the old pros will still find their way into the postseason. I like Denver to step it up and take this division. Shananhan will make Plummer a better QB but I still say hes overrated. Kansas City, has too many question marks defensively for me to think that they can survive a 16 game season. The Chargers collapse again last year after starting 6-1 isnt the type of thing one wants to see from a team if you want to make the playoffs.

SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR NFC PREVIEW
 

Set Your Bookmark Now!

Exclusively on The NFL EDGE

Dr. Biffs NCAA PICKS!!

Alright all you college football fanatics, ...it's that time again. While ya'll have been enjoying the off season golfing and swimming, we here at the www.theNFLEdge.com have been pouring over stats and crunching numbers. We've been doing our homework. We have obsessed over this great sport so that you guys won't have to. So, without any further fanfare, here is Dr. Biff's annual preseason top twenty:

20. Texas A & M Aggies: Sure, Dennis Francione is a scumbag but the man can coach. He inherits a team that was great through the air last year but soft on the ground. Coach Fran hopes the air attack can build upon it's success with Reggie McNeal back throwing to Jamaar Taylor. He will have to upgrade the ground attack, but luckily for the Aggies, that is his specialty. The defense should continue in it's "Wrecking Crew" ways and keep the Aggies in most games. Linnis Smith and David Ross will be a handfull coming off the ends. The Aggies get the Doc's nod for the last spot because of the man at the top. He will make the Aggies strong for years to come (or until he bolts - whichever comes first).

19. Purdue Boilermakers: This may be a reach by the Doc, but this Purdue team looks awfully good to me. Joe Tiller's squad returns a gaudy 18 starters from a team that never lost a game by more than 7. The defense will be very stout, with Niko Koutouvedes leading the 'backers and Stuart Schweigert starring in the secondary. Kyle Orton has two very good receivers to throw to in Taylor Stubblefield and John Standeford. A running back must step in to replace Joey Harris. Tiller will have to teach his boys how to win on the road, but otherwise this should be a good year in West Lafayette.

18. Florida State Seminoles: This program has had so many setbacks recently that it's hard to keep it all straight. Still, the 'Noles are a talented team and should be tough. Chris Rix is back at QB after being benched last year. Tailback Greg Jones is a stud, and Lo Booker will be a factor as well. The receivers will need to step up. The defense will be better than it was last season, and that will greatly aid the Noles. They face an unforgiving schedule in a suddenly tough ACC, and non-conference battles with Colorado, Notre Dame, and Florida. Ouch.

17. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The expectations in South Bend are sky high, and it appears that Ty Willingham's grace period has ended. Too bad for him because the Irish are facing a brutal schedule this year. The good news is that quarterback Carlyle Holiday is continuing his progression into a passing quarterback and seems to be doing well. He has talented receivers to throw to, and the backfield is solid with the return of Julius Jones. The line is green, however, and could stunt the O's growth. The defense will be tough - the Irish will probably have to lean on them to get through the early part of the schedule - and the special teams are top notch.

Want tickets to NFL Games??

Check out Show Me Tickets, and get tickets to go See your favorite team Play

16. LSU Tigers: If LSU wants to get back on top of the SEC, it needs to get it's focus back and not worry about expectations or hype. Last year's team seemed to get swallowed up by all the accolades. Look for coach Nick Saban to preach more of a game to game approach this year. Joseph Addai will be the go-to back, and Matt Mauck returns at QB. Mike Clayton could be a star at WR. Things are a bit dicey on defense, as the Tigers are looking for a LB to emerge, and fill some holes in the secondary. A kicker would be nice too. A lot of "if's", but the talent is there for a run at the league crown.

15. Maryland Terrapins: The Fat Man has really done a good job at Maryland, yet another ACC basketball school that is turning things around. After a slow start last year hampered by injuries and great expectations, the Terps really turned things around and finished the season with a pasting of Tennessee in the Peach Bowl. The offense will be lead by returning starter Scott McBrien and tailback Bruce Perry. Once these guys got going last year, they really started piling on the points. The defense will miss EJ Henderson, but does return nine starters. Another ACC title is not out of the question.

14. Washington Huskies: The Huskies will go as far as Heisman Trophy candidate Cody Pickett's arm will take them. He will again be throwing to Reggie Williams who is an absolute freak. The big question is how the team will react to all the off season turmoil, which saw Rick Neuheisel fired for gambling on college hoops. Doc thinks the controversy will help to bind this team, and they will come out swinging this year.

13. Wisconsin Badgers: Brooks Bollinger's long, seemingly endless career at Wisconsin has ended. Senior QB Jim Sorgi will step in - he has plenty of game experience under his belt and should do fine. It helps to have recievers up the wazoo, and the Badgers certainly have that. Lee Evans returns and will provide the game-breaking threat at wide out. Anthony Davis is the nation's career rushing leader, and should have another 1,000 yard season. On Defense, the Badgers are solid if unspectacular. They return eight starters, and by the looks of things have upgraded their overall speed as well. Plus Barry is old school. Doc likes that.

Need to get to the Games -- Try our LOW FARE finder and GET THE LOWEST PRICE on AIRFARE, CAR RENTALS and HOTELS.

12. Texas Longhorns: Twelve?!? How could I rank these guys so low - what with all those gobs of talent they have? Easy, cuz it's my column. Mac Brown's teams have fooled the Doc every year - looking so good on paper but not coming through in the big games. This year, I'm playing it cautious. Sure, the offense is loaded with talent - Roy Williams and Cedric Benson are studs - but the line is green as is qb Chace Mock. The defense just doesn't look to be as good as in the recent past. Nathan Vasher is a shut-down cover corner and should shine. Hey, Mac - if you want respect...win something....

11. Virginia Cavaliers: All the pieces are in place for the Cavs to make a run at the ACC title this year. QB Matt Schaub is as good as it gets. Wally Lundy was a great back in this offense last season and should be primed for big things. The defense must hold up for this season to live up to it's potential. Last season, the Cavs finished next-to-last in the ACC in total D. The talent is there, but Al Groh must make it gel. The linebackers must be key playmakers in this 3-4 scheme, and Darryl Blackstock is the man to do just that. The Doc is gonna take a chance on these guys.

NFC EAST

Bill Parcells return to coaching figures to make the NFC East even more entertaining this year. He will have the Cowboys playing better, period. They don't have enough talent to take this division here just yet - but be on notice it wont be long. The Eagles figure to be perched atop this division again - despite some offseason losses the core of the team is good and they have depth along both lines. I really liked the Giants to supplant the Eagles divisional title this year, until I saw their offensive line play. They need to protect QB Kerry Collins, and generate a pass rush in the 4th quarter, if the Giants are to have a chance. They still look like a playoff team nonetheless. The "old ball coach" will have his hands full again in Washington. They spent plenty of money (again) in the offseason this time on some questionable players. Yet they are going with Pat Ramsey at QB and the D-Line looks to be the weakest in the division.

Check out Show Me Tickets, and get tickets to go See your favorite team Play

NFC NORTH

In a strange parallel to the AFC North, I only see one team from this conference that will make any noise. That's Green Bay, although some of the mystique has been upended as Atlanta went into "the frozen tundra" and won a playoff game there. Mr. Favre and company still have enough to come out on top here - although they wont even be as good as last years version. Looking for a darkhorse to challenge. Lots of folks like the Vikes - and offensively that could be a good call, but they have lots to prove defensively before Im on the bandwagon. Im not a big fan of what Chicago did in the offseason and despite a good defense will struggle to win 6 games. An interesting dark horse I like is the Lions. Steve Mariucci will make this an exciting young team with Joey Harrington and Carlos Rodgers they will make strides - although realistically that might total 7 wins - which would have to be considered success, especially since 8 wins may be enough in this division.

Click here to Enter our FORUM and let us know what YOU THINK!!

Our Picks and Predictions this season are sponsored by:
SHOW ME TICKETS

Show-Me Tickets has been selling tickets for events since 1997. They specialize in buying and selling premium tickets for all major events in North America, including the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, concerts and theatre events.

NFC SOUTH

Those fans who recall last years preview - might remember my saying Tampa stood to benefit most from realignment Freed from the shackles of being in a division which meant trips to the midwest for every road game resulted in exactly as stated, with Gruden and company bringing the Hardware back to Tampa. This year seems no different. Its Tampas division to lose with that defense and another year of Jon Grudens offense they will once again win the South and go deep in the playoffs. Sure Atlanta was the hot pick, but like I say every year about those running quarterbacks they inevitably succumb to some sort of Injury. If they can hang in the race until Vick comes back from his broken leg, they can still get in the postseason. If Vick doesn't come back at the level he was at before, or if he suffers another injury, they wont. New Orleans is a team many have also tagged as a potential playoff team. While they have increased team speed on defense, and Aaron Brooks is a bona fide star QB. They have been lousy in games down the stretch and faded out of the playoffs the last two years. The team to look out for meanwhile will be the Carolina Panthers. Coach John Fox a defensive wizard, started last year strong and got RB Stephen Davis to carry the ball. Defense and Running Game wins games in this league and Carolina would definitely be my sleeper pick were they not in such a brutal division.

 

NFC WEST

Last season the West only featured one playoff team, The 49ers. The Niners may have been the weakest playoff team - going in losing 2 out of the final 3 games, and aside from one quarter were outscored 69-20. Gone is popular coach Steve Mariuccci, and in is Dennis Erickson, straight from Oregon State. Hate to be the harbinger of doom but despite the nice combo of Garcia to Owens I think that the Niners would be fortunate to find their way back into the playoffs. Despite most experts burying the Rams I am not one of them. The biggest problems the rams had last year was on the OL - aside from getting guys back healthy they went and got OL Kyle Turley - if they give QB Kurt Warner time they will look more like the Rams of a few years ago than last year. Looking for a sleeper pick here. The Seahawks just might be. Over the last half of the Season QB Matt Hasselbeck was one of the hottest in the NFL. If picks up from there Mike Holmgrens Hawks will be exciting. Defensively, there is not enough there to get to the postseason. While we love the Los Angel... er, Arizona Cards in the pre-season unfortunately for them they cant carry those wins over to the regular season -- even if they could they would still have trouble qualifying for the post season. My Prediction for the Cards will be that they will be the Los Angeles Cardinals BEFORE they make the playoffs.

Thanks for Checking us out!!
 

10. Ohio State Buckeyes: Last season was great, wasn't it Buckeye fans? The Doc likes this squad, mostly cause it's a bunch of blue-collar guys that just go out and win. Gotta love it. Unfortunately, the one gem in the bunch - Maurice Clarett - has been giving Coach Tressel fits ever since the season ended. This distraction - along with the huge bullseye that the Buckeyes will be wearing this season - will be their undoing. Still, should be a great season if you aren't expecting another ring.

9. Virginia Tech Hokies: Allright, guys face the facts: The Hokies are a national power now. Frank Beamer has really built a solid program there and they have weathered the loss of Michael Vick. This team is not a one-trick pony. This team will be lead by it's D - returning nine starters from last season. The offense features Kevin Jones at tailback and Bryan Randall at QB, with Marcus Vick probably seeing action there as well. The Doc has a soft spot for teams with a tough D and power running attack.

8. USC Trojans: At the end of last season, nobody wanted to play the Trojans. They were firing on all cylinders and looked unstoppable. The guy who held the keys to that offense, however, has left for the NFL. Sophomore Matt Leinhart is the heir apparent. Mike Williams will make any QB look good - the sophomore WR is a stud. The defense should be very tough...and not just for a Pac-10 team. Shaun Cody is a monster at DE. Matt Grootegoed is a potential All-American at LB, and Darnell Bing is a stud in the secondary. The Trojans are back.

PanageoTech best fare finder  Powered by Travelocity
	Show me the best roundtrip fares for: any date   specific dates
	Leaving from:	Going to:	Adults: 1 2 3 4 5 6
	Depart: JanFebMarchApril MayJuneJulyAug SeptOctNovDec 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 Return: JanFebMarchApril MayJuneJulyAug SeptOctNovDec 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

7. Miami Hurricanes: In two years under coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes have won 24 games, one national title, and played for another. Not bad. Brock Berlin comes over from Gainesville to replace Ken Dorsey, Miami's fearless leader for the past two seasons. Frank Gore is back after missing last season, and he is reportedly back in top form. Kellen Winslow Jr. is the best TE in the country. Damn, they're good. The D should be right up there with the best, led by Sean Taylor at safety and DJ Williams at LB. The question mark is first year starter Berlin at QB.

6. NC State Wolfpack: What? Florida State isn't the best team in the ACC anymore? Nope. Chuck Amato, a former FSU assistant, has built the Wolfpack into a real force very quickly. They finished last season with a bang, whipping Notre Dame in the Gator Bowl and posting an 11-3 mark. QB Phillip Rivers is a four year starter, and one of the best in the country. T.A. McClendon is a great back who will make River's life easier. The key will be the defense - Amato's specialty. They have holes to fill, but if they do they will be in the BCS.

5. Georgia Bulldogs: The Mark Richt factor is at work down in Athens. He has coached the 'dawgs up from a talented, decent team into a talented, great team in two short years. Although Georgia returns only three offensive starters, the doc is gonna put his faith in Coach Richt to whip those boys into shape. The D is deep and talented, led by David Pollack on the line and Bruce Thornton in the secondary.

Ever dreamed about a place on South Beach??

4. Kansas State Wildcats Coach Bill Snyder has a formula for success at K State: talented players and a soft schedule. We're talking butter. Ell Roberson will return as the QB, and he's a good one. He'll beat you any number of ways. On defense, linebacker Josh Buhl and end Andrew Shull will lead the charge. Snyder's defenses have finished in the top five in the nation for each of the past six years. The big test comes in early October at Texas.

3. Michigan Wolverines: Every year the Doc watches this team show flashes of brilliance, but lack the overall consistency to go over the top. That could change this season, as the Wolverines are a veteran unit that is tired of not living up to expectations. John Navarre is the QB in his third year as the starter. He will graduate with a pile of UM passing records. He has great weapons to throw to as well - Braylon Edwards is one of the best in the country. The line will be a strength. On D, the Wolverines have some holes to fill, but there is a wealth of talent waiting to step in. The secondary will be the strength of the unit. A favorable league schedule should help the Wolverines get over on Ohio State.

2. Auburn Tigers: Tommy Tuberville has been building a monster at the "other" Alabama school for a few years now. This could be the year he wins it all. The Tigers bring back 16 starters from a team that really came on late last season - capping off the year with a big bowl win over Penn State. The Tigers will run through opponents, and they will run around opponents. Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown will lead the charge. The defense is fast and deep, led by Karlos Dansby. If they get by Georgia, they will win the SEC.

 

1. Oklahoma Sooners: The sooners come with a championship formula already in place: a stellar defense and a veteran QB. Jason White, he of the multiple knee operations, is back to lead the Sooners offense. He hasn't been able to finish a season yet, but the Doc really thinks this will be his year. He doesn't need to be great, but neither did Krenzel or Dorsey. The D is stacked. Tommie Harris will anchor the front line, while Lance Mitchell and Teddy Lehman will lead the nations best corps of linebackers. Stoops is the best coach in the game.

Search the whole INTERNET with the most powerful search tool

powered by google

Ever dreamed about a place on South Beach??