🏈 NFL - Game On

[InCali]

It does hurt because the owners want to send a message who's got the power.

True. I'm going to wait until I respond to this because no one needs a 2 (or thereabouts) martini post.....my completely sober response will probably be even more brutal.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[InCali]

It does hurt because the owners want to send a message who's got the power.

So here's how I see it. Awhile back when there was a strike, the narrative from many people was "It's millionaires v billionaires. Why should I care?" This misses the entire point. Sure the players who make it in the NFL get paid pretty well. They also generally have very short careers and suffer long term effects from playing the game. My wife is a therapist and used to work with NFL players (Cowboys) when she was running a drug treatment facility in Oxnard (CA). The stories she used to tell would make a rational person sick so I'll just say that the view we get of how players are treated (and treat each other) during training camp is very different from the reality.

The underlying issue isn't really money (although money is certainly important). The focus should be on the issue of control. The owners want to literally run a football player's life and want to do it as cheaply as possible. To that end, these "free market" hypocrites have instituted an artificial salary cap "for the good of the game".....ahem.....what they really mean to say is that they want to cap expense side of the ledger and leave the revenue side completely open. Can someone please explain to me in what world this is a "free market"? Here I thought people were supposed to get paid "what the market will bear". LOL

The only tool the players have to protect themselves is collective bargaining. These owners are not broke. They are greedy; plain and simple. They own money making machines and will sacrifice ANY player, for any reason, if they think it's not in the "best interest of the game" (their pocketbooks). So, yeah, it's all about control. The money is a byproduct.

God knows what I would have written last night after a few martinis.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

How about dem Cowboys?!?!

 

[Immortalfire]

It is not surprising that the season is almost upon us because it is the end of August and the season typically begins in September.

 

[InCali]

It is not surprising that the season is almost upon us because it is the end of August and the season typically begins in September.

Oh.......I'd forgotten it's that time again. September did, however, surprise me because August went really fast.

OK. Earlier, I said I thought Jerry Jones was losing it and his ego was the only thing left intact. I am amending that statement to "Jerry Jones HAS lost it and the only thing he hasn't lost is his ego".

I believe the NY Giants will finish 3rd in the division and the Cowboys will be dead last. He just traded maybe the most impactful defensive player in the league for a couple of later 1st round picks and a good player on the downside of his career.

 

[InCali]

LOL....I just read that Jerry Jones is mad because he thought he made a deal with Parsons last year.

Dude.....your "player" has what's called an "agent". Just so you're clear about this, an "agent" is someone who negotiates a contract for the "player" he represents. The "agent" also gets paid by the "player" to represent him.

So, when you are having contract negotiations for a "player", you need to talk to the "agent" and not the "player".

 

[The Big G]

Raiders 2025 Official Predictions:

Raiders vs Pats : Two teams with new coaches and new OCs for their QBs. expect the Raiders O to do enough to get the W and the Raiders D does enough to hamper Maye has he irons out the many wrinkles of McDaniel’s O scheme. Raiders Win 1-0

Raiders vs Chargers Rd 1: Pete and Jim are back at it again on MNF in Sin City. IF Jim lets Herbie try to air it out often then I think the Chargers will take it….BUT Jim likes to run the Ball first and foremost so its Rookie RB vs Rookie RB. Ashton Jeanty starts building his legend. Raiders Win 2-0

Raiders vs Commanders. Scary Terry is too much for the Raiders Passing D. Raiders Lose 2-1

Raiders vs DA BEARS: I think Caleb and Ben Johnson will still be going through some Offensive Growing Pains. Raiders Win 3-1

Raiders Vs Colts: Colts are a mess - unless they prove otherwise. Raiders Win 4-1

Raiders vs Titans: Patrick Graham’s D has their way with a Rookie QB. Raiders Win 5-1.

Raiders vs Chiefs Rd 1: Mahomes uses his Devil Magic to inch out a last min to stop Raiders 3 game win streak. Raiders Lose 5-2

Raiders at the BYE Week are 5-2 are in the thick of it. Pundits are debating on whether they’re a good team or benefiting from an easy schedule.

Raiders vs Jags: Raiders bounce back and beat the Jags and entrench themselves as a possible WC candidate. Raiders Win 6-2.

Raiders vs Broncos Rd 1: Denver’s D stalls the Raiders O a bit too much and BO-lieving is at an all time high in Denver. Perna gets a “God Bless Bo Nix” Tramp Stamp. Raiders Lose 6-3.

Raiders vs Cowboys: No Parsons? No Problem for Geno as he goes Super Dome Geno against Dem Boys on MNF. Raiders Win 7-3.

Raiders vs Browns: Who will be the starting QB for the Browns at this Point? I have no clue. But how hilarious would it be for Kenny Pickett to come in and stunt on the Browns? Raiders now have OFFICIALLY doubled their Win total from last years and those who took the under cry. Raiders Win 8 -3.
Raiders vs Chargers Rd 2: Despite LA being Raider Country…the Raiders always seem to get edged by the Bolts. This trend continues. Raiders Lose 8-4

Raiders vs Broncos Rd 2: Raiders even up the series, Broncos Fans have a crisis of Faith in Bo Nix. Perna possibly regrets his tattoo decision and the Raiders SECURE a Winning Season. Raiders Win 9-4

Raiders vs Eagles: The East Coast Cold and Defending SB Champs are too much for the Raiders. Raiders Lose 9-5

Raiders vs Texans: The Raiders continue the popular opinion that while they can beat bad teams…good teams are still an issue. Texans get the W on a last min FG. Raiders Lose 9-6

Raiders vs Giants: Dart is now the starting QB and the Giants get the upset Win. Raiders Lose 9-7

Raiders vs Chiefs Rd 2: Patrick Mahomes has never lost in Vegas…till now. Because odds are the Chiefs are resting their starters, the Raiders get a Win. Raiders Win 10-7

Raiders go 10-7 but miss the WC on a tie breaker with the Steelers

 

[InCali]

Raiders 2025 Official Predictions:

Raiders vs Pats : Two teams with new coaches and new OCs for their QBs. expect the Raiders O to do enough to get the W and the Raiders D does enough to hamper Maye has he irons out the many wrinkles of McDaniel’s O scheme. Raiders Win 1-0

Raiders vs Chargers Rd 1: Pete and Jim are back at it again on MNF in Sin City. IF Jim lets Herbie try to air it out often then I think the Chargers will take it….BUT Jim likes to run the Ball first and foremost so its Rookie RB vs Rookie RB. Ashton Jeanty starts building his legend. Raiders Win 2-0

Raiders vs Commanders. Scary Terry is too much for the Raiders Passing D. Raiders Lose 2-1

Raiders vs DA BEARS: I think Caleb and Ben Johnson will still be going through some Offensive Growing Pains. Raiders Win 3-1

Raiders Vs Colts: Colts are a mess - unless they prove otherwise. Raiders Win 4-1

Raiders vs Titans: Patrick Graham’s D has their way with a Rookie QB. Raiders Win 5-1.

Raiders vs Chiefs Rd 1: Mahomes uses his Devil Magic to inch out a last min to stop Raiders 3 game win streak. Raiders Lose 5-2

Raiders at the BYE Week are 5-2 are in the thick of it. Pundits are debating on whether they’re a good team or benefiting from an easy schedule.

Raiders vs Jags: Raiders bounce back and beat the Jags and entrench themselves as a possible WC candidate. Raiders Win 6-2.

Raiders vs Broncos Rd 1: Denver’s D stalls the Raiders O a bit too much and BO-lieving is at an all time high in Denver. Perna gets a “God Bless Bo Nix” Tramp Stamp. Raiders Lose 6-3.

Raiders vs Cowboys: No Parsons? No Problem for Geno as he goes Super Dome Geno against Dem Boys on MNF. Raiders Win 7-3.

Raiders vs Browns: Who will be the starting QB for the Browns at this Point? I have no clue. But how hilarious would it be for Kenny Pickett to come in and stunt on the Browns? Raiders now have OFFICIALLY doubled their Win total from last years and those who took the under cry. Raiders Win 8 -3.
Raiders vs Chargers Rd 2: Despite LA being Raider Country…the Raiders always seem to get edged by the Bolts. This trend continues. Raiders Lose 8-4

Raiders vs Broncos Rd 2: Raiders even up the series, Broncos Fans have a crisis of Faith in Bo Nix. Perna possibly regrets his tattoo decision and the Raiders SECURE a Winning Season. Raiders Win 9-4

Raiders vs Eagles: The East Coast Cold and Defending SB Champs are too much for the Raiders. Raiders Lose 9-5

Raiders vs Texans: The Raiders continue the popular opinion that while they can beat bad teams…good teams are still an issue. Texans get the W on a last min FG. Raiders Lose 9-6

Raiders vs Giants: Dart is now the starting QB and the Giants get the upset Win. Raiders Lose 9-7

Raiders vs Chiefs Rd 2: Patrick Mahomes has never lost in Vegas…till now. Because odds are the Chiefs are resting their starters, the Raiders get a Win. Raiders Win 10-7

Raiders go 10-7 but miss the WC on a tie breaker with the Steelers

I like the way you started off, but your predictions towards the end of the season are unforgivable.

 

[The Big G]

Im a realist

 

[InCali]

Im a realist

That's what pessimists always say.

 

[blueharvest]

 

[NewYorkSpider]

My 2025 NFL Predictions

Spoiler: NFL Predictions

AFC

1. Bills
2. Chargers
3. Bengals
4. Texans
5. Chiefs
6. Broncos
7. Ravens

NFC

1. Packers
2. Eagles
3. Seahawks
4. Buccaneers
5. Commanders
6. Lions
7. Cowboys


Wild Card

Chiefs over Texans
Bengals over Broncos
Chargers over Ravens
Commanders over Bucs
Seahawks over Lions
Eagles over Cowboys


Divisional

Chargers over Bengals
Bills over Chiefs
Eagles over Seahawks
Packers over Commanders


Conference

Bills over Chargers
Packers over Eagles



Super Bowl LX

Packers over Bills

NFL MVP - Josh Allen
Coach Of The Year - Mike Macdonald

 

[InCali]

My 2025 NFL Predictions

Spoiler: NFL Predictions

AFC

1. Bills
2. Chargers
3. Bengals
4. Texans
5. Chiefs
6. Broncos
7. Ravens

NFC

1. Packers
2. Eagles
3. Seahawks
4. Buccaneers
5. Commanders
6. Lions
7. Cowboys


Wild Card

Chiefs over Texans
Bengals over Broncos
Chargers over Ravens
Commanders over Bucs
Seahawks over Lions
Eagles over Cowboys


Divisional

Chargers over Bengals
Bills over Chiefs
Eagles over Seahawks
Packers over Commanders


Conference

Bills over Chargers
Packers over Eagles



Super Bowl LX

Packers over Bills

NFL MVP - Josh Allen
Coach Of The Year - Mike Macdonald

WOW!!!!

You, my friend, march to the beat of your own drum. The first thing that jumps out to me is that you have the Hawks over both the Rams and 9ers. Also that the Cowboys will be a playoff team, I just don't see it. Jerry Jones has made a mess of things and I have them well in the bottom half of teams in the NFL (I think there's even a chance they finish below the Giants LOL). IMO, there are any number of teams in the NFC (Rams, SF, and Vikes) that are probably better than Dallas (they have to play the Eagles and DC twice) and several more that could have better records than the Boys. After the latest fiasco, I think their high water mark is 8 wins. The NFC north is gonna be a bloodbath and that'll suppress some records in that division, but I think the Bears could even be better than Dallas and I think the Hawks most likely will be.

In the AFC, having the Chargers over the Chiefs (as much as I'd love to see it) doesn't seem likely and I think you're way too high on Denver (though I've always liked Nix as a QB) so having them over the Ravens seems like a stretch, but I can see Cincy as the winner of the division for sure. It's possible that Denver sneaks in, but only because the AFC is really top heavy. I could easily see the Steelers being better and even the Raiders could best them. Other than that, the conference is pretty much trash unless the Pats make a move (doubtful), but I'd even put Miami on about par with them.

That's a cool post though and definitely got me thinking.

EDIT: Agree about the Packers though.....their GM ought to be sentenced to about 10 years prison for the Dallas trade.

 

[Immortalfire]

Speaking of predictions, Falcons posted this the other day, which is appropriate because I think seven or nine wins is going to be their ceiling for the foreseeable future.

 

[Ninjablade]

Well, didn't take long for the Philadelphia Eagles to once again show much of a trash team they are

Spitting on the QB in front of a ref is next level jackassary.

 

[Shinobi Shaw]

I don’t like Dak Prescott at all but yeah, that spitting was a b*** move.

 

[Pennywise]

Usually just watch the Super Bowl game mainly for the snacks and commercials each year but decided to watch all games leading up to it, and gain a better understanding with the help of my roommate, who knows way more than me.

Enjoying it so far!

 

[Ninjablade]

Usually just watch the Super Bowl game mainly for the snacks and commercials each year but decided to watch all games leading up to it, and gain a better understanding with the help of my roommate, who knows way more than me.

Enjoying it so far!

Welcome to the NFL full time! Hope you enjoy the game as you start to watch and learn more about it!

 

[InCali]

Speaking of predictions, Falcons posted this the other day, which is appropriate because I think seven or nine wins is going to be their ceiling for the foreseeable future.

View attachment 147086

Agree.....and I'd only put them there because of the division they are in. Almost 1/4 of their schedule is against the Panthers and the Saints.......If they were in the AFC or NFC north (in the place of the Browns or Bears) or the NFC west (in the place of the Cards).......

Ahem......

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. on offense: 'We should be the best in the league'

 

[Ninjablade]

#BoltUp

 

[NewYorkSpider]

WOW!!!!

You, my friend, march to the beat of your own drum. The first thing that jumps out to me is that you have the Hawks over both the Rams and 9ers. Also that the Cowboys will be a playoff team, I just don't see it. Jerry Jones has made a mess of things and I have them well in the bottom half of teams in the NFL (I think there's even a chance they finish below the Giants LOL). IMO, there are any number of teams in the NFC (Rams, SF, and Vikes) that are probably better than Dallas (they have to play the Eagles and DC twice) and several more that could have better records than the Boys. After the latest fiasco, I think their high water mark is 8 wins. The NFC north is gonna be a bloodbath and that'll suppress some records in that division, but I think the Bears could even be better than Dallas and I think the Hawks most likely will be.

In the AFC, having the Chargers over the Chiefs (as much as I'd love to see it) doesn't seem likely and I think you're way too high on Denver (though I've always liked Nix as a QB) so having them over the Ravens seems like a stretch, but I can see Cincy as the winner of the division for sure. It's possible that Denver sneaks in, but only because the AFC is really top heavy. I could easily see the Steelers being better and even the Raiders could best them. Other than that, the conference is pretty much trash unless the Pats make a move (doubtful), but I'd even put Miami on about par with them.

That's a cool post though and definitely got me thinking.

EDIT: Agree about the Packers though.....their GM ought to be sentenced to about 10 years prison for the Dallas trade.

With Stafford already dealing with back issues, I just can't see them competing well enough to win the division. Even if Stafford is out, I just can't trust Garoppolo to lead this team. Garoppolo had one good season with San Francisco, a team that has always found a way to win with whatever QB is at the helm. The 49ers are a completely different team without all their former WR's. McCaffery looks like he's already dealing with an injury. They're an injury prone team IMO. Seattle looks like they're set up to win the divison. They have a reinvented Sam Darnold at QB, an underrated recieving core(Cooper Kupp has been added). Kenneth Walker is a 1,000 yard rusher if he stays healthy.

The Cowboys last night were a catch away from beating the Eagles. I think they'll be better than people think. That final wild card spot is going to come down to a bunch of teams IMO. I think the Cowboys prevail.

I've flopped back and forth on the Chiefs plenty of times winning the division. I just think the Chargers are the better team at the moment. Kelce was a non factor last season and the Chiefs WR core is unpredictable. Their defense will keep them in games, but I think this is the year they finally fade away(need to be careful here because I said that like 5 years in a row with New England and they went to 4 Super Bowls in 5 years! lol)

I believe Denver is going to be much better than last season. This team lost 6 games by 7 points or less. Still probably not on the level of Buffalo and Baltimore, but they should be much improved going forward.

 

[InCali]

With Stafford already dealing with back issues, I just can't see them competing well enough to win the division. Even if Stafford is out, I just can't trust Garoppolo to lead this team. Garoppolo had one good season with San Francisco, a team that has always found a way to win with whatever QB is at the helm. The 49ers are a completely different team without all their former WR's. McCaffery looks like he's already dealing with an injury. They're an injury prone team IMO. Seattle looks like they're set up to win the divison. They have a reinvented Sam Darnold at QB, an underrated recieving core(Cooper Kupp has been added). Kenneth Walker is a 1,000 yard rusher if he stays healthy.

The Cowboys last night were a catch away from beating the Eagles. I think they'll be better than people think. That final wild card spot is going to come down to a bunch of teams IMO. I think the Cowboys prevail.

I've flopped back and forth on the Chiefs plenty of times winning the division. I just think the Chargers are the better team at the moment. Kelce was a non factor last season and the Chiefs WR core is unpredictable. Their defense will keep them in games, but I think this is the year they finally fade away(need to be careful here because I said that like 5 years in a row with New England and they went to 4 Super Bowls in 5 years! lol)

I believe Denver is going to be much better than last season. This team lost 6 games by 7 points or less. Still probably not on the level of Buffalo and Baltimore, but they should be much improved going forward.

Fair, and IF Stafford gets hurt, that certainly changes things. I can see Denver being better. That O line is really, really good. I've watched Kupp for a while and, while he may be effective at times, he's very, very injury prone (but you've gotta freaking LOVE the dude....great guy). Sam on the Vikes and the Hawks are 2 different things.

Hey, if things fall right for a team, they overachieve. If they don't, us fans are talking about the draft. LOL.....as a Raider fan, I know a lot about the latter.

I've always thought a fun game (don't really like fantasy football) would be to have a group of people pick the end of year standings and get points (or minus points) for being right or wrong.

Whaddya think? New SHH thread? There won't be the S**t talking of the fantasy thread (which I totally enjoy),

Re the Cowboys, I'm more convinced than ever that they are going to be a bust. They're lucky Jalen is an idiot, but I doubt that'll happen again. When I think about playoffs, I look at the division. The Boys are gonna have to play the Commanders and Eagles twice and that's about 1/4 of their schedule. I just don't see 3 teams in that conference making the playoffs.


Ahh......but I blather on.....watching the Chefs....go Chargers (who I also dislike, but what's a guy gonna do).

Later....

 

[Ninjablade]

Now that's my Quarterback.

 

[blueharvest]

NFL Tackles Linear TV With Every Game Available Online This Season For First Time Ever

Tonight's Chiefs clash with the Chargers from São Paulo will be a purely online event on YouTube, & the kick off to the future of football & streaming

deadline.com