These are the picks for the 2004 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
Two players now have new home teams. Green Bay has finally unloaded disgruntled corner back Mike McKenzie to New Orleans. In exchange, the Packers got quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan, a third round pick, cash, and one less distraction. With the trade deadline quickly approaching, the question remains if any other players will be moved.
If G.B. wanted a young quarterback for Brett Favre to mentor since former first pick overall Tim Couch proved he couldn't be a successor, why didn't they place a call to San Diego? It's no secret that the Chargers' the front office is eagerly awaiting the elevation of rookie QB Phillip Rivers to starter. He was recently moved up to second string, but could have a hard time getting past Drew Brees if Brees continues to play well and lead the Chargers to wins. It would be best to send Brees packing to clear the way for Rivers but it might not sit will with fans who are tired of losing.
Another commodity that could be on the move is Kansas City running back Larry Johnson. A former 2,000-yard rusher at Penn State, he is just the man sitting next to the man, sitting next to the man. Johnson is relegated to backing up Derrick Blaylock who backs up Priest Holmes. This wasn't what Johnson expected after being drafted in the first round by the Chiefs.
To say the least, he's unhappy about his situation. But things got worse after the diaper comment by head coach Dick Vermeil. It was an innocent enough comment, but it was a slight done in public. The relationship between Johnson and Vermeil wasn't great to begin with, as Vermeil was dissatisfied with Johnson's work ethic. While that impression may had changed, Vermeil's poor choice of words soured the relationship and it might be time for this couple to go their separate ways.
Another player-coach relationship beyond repair is the one between Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden and receiver Keenan McCardell. After a Pro-Bowl year, McCardell wanted a raise to put him on par with his peers playing in the all-star game. Gruden balked. McCardell accused Gruden of age discrimination. Keenan refused to show up for training camp and is still holding out. Some insiders say a straight-up trade of McCardell for Larry Johnson was considered. We'll see what happens before the trade deadline.
As for me, I won't trade my 9-5 week. That's good enough for me. Time to raise the bar.
Detroit at Atlanta - L
It isn't a true West Coast offense Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick is running, some experts say. Based upon results, does it really matter? It's like Vick's recent commercial: Some plays he makes aren't in the playbook, but they should be. Give him space to improvise, and Vick and the Falcons should leave the Lions dizzy.
New York Giants at Dallas - W
What was that about discipline? New York head coach Tom Coughlin has made a big difference for the team. Running back Tiki Barber is yet to fumble and quarterback Kurt Warner has been solid. The players aren't griping about discipline anymore. Then again, there is a new gag order that's strictly enforced... As long as the Giants keep their mouths shut and play hard, they should silence the Cowboys.
Minnesota at Houston - W
Texans quarterback David Carr will need a new helmet to fit his head. Now that Houston finally won two consecutive games in the franchise's history, Carr can now cut his hair. But he won't need a smaller one. They ordered a bigger one to fit his newfound confidence. He'll be brought back to earth as the Vikings deflate the Texans.
Oakland at Indianapolis - W
All the attention goes to the offense, but give the Indy defense some props. Not including the last game, they forced six turnovers and held opposing quarterbacks to a 49.9 rating in the fourth quarter. They should hold down the Oakland offense as the Colts paste the Raiders.
Miami at New England - W
The Patriot players won't say it, but the coach of the only undefeated NFL team, the 1972 Miami Dolphins, Don Shula said the Pats could go undefeated in the regular season. Maybe he's trying to jinx New England. It won't take effect this week. The Dolphins can't play their way out of a wet paper bag. The Patriots sack the 'Fins.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans - W
Chris Simms, after spending a year as the apprentice of Brad Johnson, gets his first start at quarterback for T.B. Head coach Jon Gruden thinks this change will spark the offense. In reality, the Saints defense sparks the Buccaneers in a Bucs win.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh - W
Anyone who's seen Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger play usually come away surprised. Not for his play. He wears a long sleeve jersey to fit his last name on the back. He will go the distance in leading the Steelers past the Browns.
Buffalo at New York Jets - L
Some are saying once rookie J.P. Losman is able to start practicing, Bills quarterback Drew Bledsoe might have to look over his shoulder if Buffalo isn't winning under his direction. Bledsoe might hear Losman's footsteps, but won't see him behind him. Only after Bledsoe looks down, will he see the six-footer. Drew isn't done yet and will prove it as the Bills surprise the Jets in the Upset of the Week.
Jacksonville at San Diego - L
Congratulations to S.D. running back LaDanian Tomlinson for becoming the all-time leading rusher in Chargers history. The timing of the accomplishment couldn't be better. Yards against the Jacksonville defense will be hard to come by. Whatever Tomlinson gains won't be enough as the Jaguars slow down San Diego.
Carolina at Denver - L
Is it really the system and not the ball carrier? In the last three games, the leading rusher for the Broncos gained 66, 13, and 66 yards. It just might be a matter of time before Tatum Bell replaces Quentin Griffin as the starter at running back. Denver's problems persist as the Panthers run wild.
Arizona at San Francisco - L
San Fran head coach Dennis Erickson will use the shotgun formation in the offense more. But if things don't improve for the 49ers soon, Erickson might want to turn an actual shotgun on himself. The lowest point might be this loss to the Cardinals.
St. Louis at Seattle - W
Head coach Mike Martz apparently was out to prove a point. The head coach of the Rams, tired of all the criticism that he throws the ball too much, the Rams attempted 36 rushes last week. No one will come down on Martz this week for favoring the pass. His Rams will be playing from behind most of the afternoon and never catch the Seahawks.
Baltimore at Washington - W
Simply put, B-more was out-played on Monday. They were at a 41-78 disadvantage in offensive plays run. Head coach Brian Billick gave the offense extra reps in practice just to catch up. On the flip side, he gave the defense rest so the Ravens should be able to hold off the Redskins.
Tennessee at Green Bay - Monday Night - L
This match-up has lost some of it's luster. At least we know G.B.'s Brett Favre will be ready. He has medical clearance. Favre won't have to use his back-up plan to sign a free agent contract with the Packers as quarterback Rhett Farr. By keeping it real, the Packers knock off the Titans.
Home | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | Week 9 | Week 10 | Week 11 | Week 12 | Week 13 | Week 14 | Week 15 | Week 16 | Week 17 | Wild Card | Divisionals | Conference Championships