Monday Morning Quarterback (AFC predictions)

Sports Illustrated ^ | June 6, 2005 | Peter King

[Asphalt]

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. -- This is my AFC prediction column, and you're probably wondering: What is that weird dateline doing on the AFC prediction column? Well, I came to Wisconsin over the weekend to take the temperature of Brett Favre and gauge his readiness for a 14th season in Green Bay, so it just happens to be where I am right now.

Favre interlude: The Packers QB holds an annual benefit softball game in this little suburb of Appleton, Wis., a 30-minute drive from Lambeau Field. He does it here because this is where the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Midwest League Class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, play in a nice little venue called Fox Cities Stadium.

Favre looked good. Said he weighs 224 pounds and just finished a five-week, five-day-a-week workout regimen with former Notre Dame strength and conditioning man Ken Kroener down in Mississippi. The Packers paid for the training because they think Favre needs to be in better condition to withstand the rigors of an NFL season than he was last year. Which Favre, basically, confirmed. "People made a big deal of this," he told me, sitting at a locker in the Timber Rattlers' spartan clubhouse, "but I do feel better. This time last year, I hadn't really done anything."

Favre's conditioning program included stretching, body-weight lunges. . .

[Colonel_Flagg]

You're on!

[hobbes1]

I think whicheve of the two Wins the Division, (and I think there is room for dispute this year, with Hackett Gone, Weapons upgrades vs. Weis departure) Goes to the SB.

[mainepatsfan]

The Pats will have their work cut out for them. Just the way Belichick likes it.

[hobbes1]

The Chargers could end up with home field advantage in the playoffs, in which case they can beat the Pats

Didnt Help them against in Offensively Inept Jets team last year. (twice...)

[hobbes1]

Pennington
Coles
Jolley
Heimerdinger +

---

Much Scoring this year.

[mainepatsfan]

I think Pittsburgh will be tough as well.

[Asphalt]

you seem mighty knowledgeable of Belichick. What makes you think he wouldn't like a year with a good team, easy opponents, and no media pressure?

[mainepatsfan]

Marty Ball at it's worst. Unfortunately Edwards did the same thing a week later.

[mainepatsfan]

He just loves a challenge. It's what drives him.

[WinOne4TheGipper]

And now for the NFC:
Philadelphia- As a Cowboys fan, I really want someone to knock these guys down, but who? Maybe TO can do it...:)
Atlanta- But only if Vick can improve his passing, which is worse than Joey Harrington's, but who's the goat in the media?
Dallas- You didn't really think I'd let Dallas slip below this, did you?
Green Bay- The team rallies around Favre for what is probably his final season. Look for Rodgers to get some playing time in blowouts and probably near the end of the season when the playoffs are guaranteed or out of the question.
St. Louis- They recapture some of the magic from the glory days of '99 and post a respectable nine wins.
Seattle- Same record as St. Louis, but they lose the tie breaker.

[Asphalt]

Manning
James
Harrison
Stokely
Clark + ________ Even more scoring.

[Asphalt]

Cards win the West.

[hobbes1]

Until its January.

[mainepatsfan]

I think they're going to miss Pollard.

[mainepatsfan]

Exactly.

[hobbes1]

My Bet for the season, is that Pennington finishes as the highest rated passer in the NFL.

[VaBthang4]

[Asphalt]

My bet for this season, is that Pennington does not finish with the highest Passer Rating in the NFL

[Asphalt]

I don't. Clark is just as good.

[mainepatsfan]

Possbily but if the Jets do become more vertical passing team he won't have as many dink and dunk throws as in the past.