Sports forecasts aren’t worth the paper they’re written on: which is why we’re publishing these online. But are the Browns set for a spectacular improvement?The problem with predictions in this space is that they are comically flawed.Six months ago, we proclaimed with great certainty the Patriots and Seahawks would meet in the Super Bowl, apparently oblivious to Seattle’s obvious decline. We also assured readers that Aaron Rodgers and JJ Watt would be the NFL’s top offensive and defensive players – a thought made preposterous by mid-season. Eyes undoubtedly rolled when we said the Oakland Raiders were the team we were “most looking forward to watching” and the Dallas Cowboys would win the NFC East. The fact we thought the New...
It once looked like Drew Brees’s career would wind down with a bunch of yards and a heap of 7-9 seasons. But suddenly he has a defense to help him outSo much time has passed since the New Orleans Saints became the best story in the NFL it’s hard to remember their miraculous rise. That came back in the fall of 2006 just a year after Hurricane Katrina tore the roof off their Superdome and filled the city with so much water that many wondered if New Orleans would be the same again. But as the politicians failed and the government failed and the utilities failed, the football team that once broke their fans’ hearts actually came through. The dreadful...
The Lions are riding a five-game winning run, but Matthew Stafford’s finger injury could spell trouble. Plus, go for the Vikings, Steelers and CardinalsThe finish line is in sight. Only three weeks remain in the NFL’s regular season, and that means you only have three more shots at a clean sweep in our Pick Six contest. Nobody managed it in week 14, although castigers did make a big move up to the top of our overall leaderboard with a solid five out of six. Related: How the Seattle Seahawks became the NFL's most outspoken team Continue reading...
The Broncos look to continue their flawless title defense, while the Falcons look to soar in the Superdome. Plus, take part in our tipping contestWhat a week it has been in the NFL. First we learned that the Vikings might not have been crazy to trade for Sam Bradford, then that Matt Forte does an alarmingly good Arnold Schwarzenegger impression. I would ask who could ever have predicted such a thing, but in fact I already know the answer - grafhamboy - the one and only person to call every game correctly in week two. Related: Patriots make light of Brady and Garoppolo absences to beat Texans Continue reading...