Who's Ready for Some Football?

I'm finally back. After a nice hiatus, I am ready to talk some football.
In today's article, I'll be breaking down 2 teams that I think will surprise you this season and 2 teams I think will disappoint you this season.

SURPRISE
1. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs acquired former Number 1 pick Alex Smith this offseason for a second round pick. The extremely efficient Smith will be a major upgrade from the abysmal Quarterbacks the Cheifs had last year. Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn combined for an impressive 2-14 record (sarcasm) and earned their team the Number 1 overall selection. Quite a nice thing to do. With that pick, the Chiefs selected Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan. This pick will solidify whichever side of the line the Chiefs choose to place him on. May I add that Jamaal Charles will be fully healthy minus the ankle injury he just turned in the pre season. Nothing more than a minor injury. Complement Dwayne Bowe, Charles, Alex Smith with a defense that sent 4 pro bowlers to Hawaii last season and you have major room for improvement. The Chiefs also get to play the weak Chargers and Raiders twice this season as well as the Browns and Jaguars for finishing last in the division. To put the cherry on top the Chiefs signed former Eagle Head Coach Andy Reid to be their main man. Reid is an excellent offensive coach and could form this KC team into a very effective offensive squad. Don't be surprised when the Chiefs make an enormous improvement from last year's season.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got off to a very solid 6-4 record last season before losing 5 out of their last 6 games. Although finishing 7-9, the Buccaneers fell 7 times by only one score. This shows that while they may have been an immature team inept at finishing games, they were close in almost every game they participated in. Given they had a new coach, new schemes, and an inexperienced Quarterback this is not only understandable but it is actually promising. With a year under their belts, maybe the the Bucs win some of those close games and make a push for a playoff spot. Doug Martin was the breakout star last year for them and should continue as their game breaking back. The Bucs also made major improvements in solidifying their secondary. Adding lock down corner Darelle Revis will be an incredible advantage to the rest of the Buccaneer defense. Playing with second year safety Mark Barron and newly acquired Dashon Goldson behind Revis the Buc front 7 will have plenty of time to pressure the quarterback. The Bucs play in a tough division but definitely have the pieces to compete for a playoff bid this year.

DISAPPOINTMENT
1. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins may have been in my surprise section if not for some bad reports from camp and the recent loss of Tight End Dustin Keller. In the offseason, the Phins got speedster Mike Wallace from Pittsburgh and Middle Linebacker Dannell Ellerbe from the Ravens. Reports from the Dolphins training camp say that Wallace isn't as impressive as they had hoped and that he isn't quite on the same page as young Quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Tannehill should make improvements this season but just lost his security blanket to a season ending knee injury. Tannehill and Keller looked like they were on the same page in the pre season which was important for Tannehill who has yet to have any tight end take the pressure off with short dump off passes. Shifting to the defense, the Dolphins aren't a very good defensive squad and I don't think Ellerbe makes them that much better. Check Bart Scott or Adalius Thomas if you want proof that playing with Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis is what makes you a good Raven linebacker. Don't be surprised if the Dolphins finish worse than their 7-9 record last season.

2. St. Louis Rams

The Rams ended last season 7-8-1 and I don't see much potential for them to improve. The Rams now compete in the tough NFC West while 2 years ago it was the laughing stock of the NFL. The Seahawks and 49ers are the top two teams in the NFC and the Cardinals added Carson Palmer making them a decent team. Just playing within the division I can't see the Rams even going 3-3. 2-4 would be a success for them. St. Louis added an exciting receiver Tavon Austin in the draft but I can't see him making the impact that he's projected to make. While Danny Amendola was hurt for St. Louis most of the time he was there, he was still their best receiver and now they no longer have him. They also let veteran Running Back Steven Jackson go and didn't really add any important pieces on defense. Expect St. Louis to be back in the top 5 of next year's draft.

Sportacular Sport's NFL Week 8 Picks

Here are Sportacular Sport's predictions and analysis for Week 8 of the NFL Season

So far this week I'm 0-1 because the Vikings lost to the Buccaneers on Thursday Night. 

Bye Week Teams- Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals

(1-5) Carolina Panthers @ (5-1) Chicago Bears

After a strong defensive showing from the Bears on Monday Night, it seems no one can score against this defense. Allowing only 13 ppg the bears go up against a Cam Newton who cannot seem to escape the Sophomore slump. After a poor outing at home against a beat up Dallas team, I don't see this one being any close. While Cam contains big-play potential, I see Matt Forte having an excellent game and the Bears prevailing big. (With Jay Cutler though, how is anyone supposed to figure out this game)

Final Score- Bears-31- Panthers-17(I think the Panthers will score a garbage touchdown making it look closer than it really was)

(3-3) San Diego Chargers @ (1-6) Cleveland Browns

Philip Rivers just pulled off the biggest choke-job of his career and for him that's saying something. In wake of blowing a 24 pt lead two mondays ago, I think the Chargers rebound with a tight win. The Browns might be without first round pick Trent Richardson and even if he suits up he's struggling with a rib injury. The Browns always have a knack for keeping games close, especially at Paul Brown Stadium. Their average margin of defeat is just over 7 points a game meaning their always in it till the end. Rivers plays well enough to get the victory.

Final Score- Chargers-24-Browns-20

(4-3) Seattle Seahawks @ (2-4) Detroit Lions

A surprising 4-3 Seattle team led by rookie QB Russel Wilson, travels to Detroit, Michigan to face a disappointing Lions team. After reaching the playoffs for the first time in a decade, the Lions look like the 2008 0-16 Detroit team. Not really, but they are very disappointing based off the potential entering the season. A 5,000 yard passer (Matthew Stafford) and the NFL's best receiver (Calvin Johnson). On the other hand, Marshawn Lynch keeps running over players and the Seahawks keep squeaking out wins. I've been very discouraged by the play of the Lions and very satisfied with the performance of the Hawks. In a surprise, I think the Seahawks sneak into Detroit and steals a win.

Final Score- Seahawks-23-Detroit-21

(1-5) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (4-3) Green Bay Packers

Maurice Jones- Drew and maybe Blaine Gabbert are going to be out for this game. If both are playing, I still don't see this one being any close. Green Bay is at home and Rodgers has found his game again. The Jags, on the other hand, just blew a game to the Raiders last Sunday and don't have much going for them. Their past two top draft picks have been Gabbert and Justin Blackmon. Neither have produced and having the 28th ranked defense won't help much. I predict this one being a blowout. Final Score-Packers 38-Jaguars-13

(3-3) Indianapolis Colts @ (3-4) Tennessee Titans

An inspired Colts team travels to Nashville to face a streaking Titans squad. Having won two in a row with Matt Hasselbeck at the helm, the Titans have beaten the Steelers at home and then traveled to Buffalo and won in a high scoring affair. The Colts also are playing well themselves after beating the Packers and Browns in two out of their last three. I anticipate this game to be very close and very well played. Chris Johnson appears to be playing well and Kenny Britt when healthy can be very effective. While RGIII seems to be running away with the ROY, Andrew Luck has been very good as well. The one aspect that I think could take Tennessee over the top would be their special teams. Therefore, in a very tight one I believe with the home crowd the Titans will be victorious.

Final Score- Titans-31-Colts-27

(4-3) New England Patriots "@" (3-4) St. Louis Rams

The reason for the quotations is because this game is taking place in London, England. After heartbreaking losses to the Ravens and Seahawks and a very close game against the Jets, it is very hard to tell which Patriot team we will see in England this weekend. I anticipate a team led by 3 time Super Bowl Champ Tom Brady making a major statement. If the Patriots lose this game though, this could be the beginning of the end of the Brady dynasty. The St. Louis Rams are showing signs of an up and coming team. Playing in the NFC West is a tough task nowadays as the Rams are in last with a decent 3-4 record. St. Louis has been playing well but they're do for a stinker and the Patriots are going to be angry this weekend.

Final Score- Patriots 42-Rams-17

(3-3) Miami Dolphins @ (3-4) New York Jets

Just like the Rams, the Dolphins look like an up and coming team with rookie QB Ryan Tannehill. Reggie Bush can be effective and the breakout player of the year so far is WR Brian Hartline. Coming off a bye week, I expect the Dolphins to jump out to a quick lead and quiet Fireman Ed. Even though NY has lost the best CB (Darrelle Revis) in the league and their top WR (Santoni Holmes), the Jets can still play good defense. Shonn Greene leads the ground and pound attack although he is inconsistent. A late comeback by Mark Sanchez and our first sighting of a Tim Tebow TD leads the Jets to a close win at home.

Final Score-Jets-23-Dolphins-20

(6-0) Atlanta Falcons @ (3-3) Philadelphia Eagles

The last undefeated team in the NFL travels to a highly talented yet underperforming Eagles team on Sunday @ 1pm. Matty Ice has lived up to his nickname in winning late in games. The Falcons haven't been overly dominant but that's irrelevant because they're finding ways to win. The Eagles however led by Mike "turnover" Vick have one of the most talented teams in the NFL yet cannot perform likewise. Lesean Mccoy has been O.K. and the combo of the Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been alright as well. However, I see a strong defensive effort from the Eagles on Sunday as they play up to their potential. Eagles eliminate the final undefeated and win by enough where Mike Vick won't have the chance to blow the game.

Final Score-Eagles-27-Falcons-17

(3-4) Washington Redskins @ (3-3) Pittsburgh Steelers

RGIII has almost locked up ROY and we are only heading into week 8 of the NFL season. His unbelievable play on 4th and 11 last week almost helped the Redskins knock off the defending champs on the road. If it weren't for a 77 yard breakdown in the secondary courtesy of Victor Cruz, the Redskins would have a chance to have a winning record heading into the 2nd half of the season. While the 'Skins look like they have a bright future, the Steelers show up with a different team every week. Big Ben has a 14-1 record at home against NFC opponents but those were teams filled with DPOY's like healthy Troy Polamalus and James Harrisons. In the upset of the week, watch as that record becomes 14-2. 

Final Score-Redskins-23-Steelers-21

(2-4) Oakland Raiders @ (1-5) Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams came into the season with much upside and have not delivered much. Besides KC's dream season a few years ago, the Chargers and Broncos look like they still control the AFC West. Oakland led by turnover prone Carson Palmer and injury ridden Darren McFadden and Darius Heyward-Bey have yet to click. After a come from behind against the...Jags... Oakland doesn't have much besides two all pro kickers. The Chiefs though have the talent in Jamal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Matt Cassel has been injured but even before that the Chiefs didn't look very good. Bowe doesn't want to be there and the Chiefs cheer when their QB gets hurt. This looks like the worst game of the week. I guess I'll take the Chiefs because they are at home but besides that there is nothing doing here.

Final Score-Chiefs-31-Raiders-23

(5-2) New York Giants @ (3-3) Dallas Cowboys

The New York Giants are playing like defending champions and no one can touch Eli in the 4th. The Cowboys have way too much talent to be just 3-3. Granted they should've beaten the Ravens, the Cowboys have a dynamic duo at WR, a pro-bowl Qb, and a solid RB. The Cowboys defeated the Giants in the opening of the NFL season but are extremely inconsistent. The Giants usually go through a mid season slump and what greater time to start right about now.

Final Score-Cowboys-26-Giants-17

(2-4) New Orleans Saints @ (3-3) Denver Broncos

The Saints have won 2 in a row behind excellent performances by Drew Brees. The Denver Broncos are also riding a small winning streak and are coming off their bye. Give a rested Peyton Manning an extra week to prepare for a horrible defense and watch a thrashing. The Saints can put up points themselves but it won't be enough on Sunday Night. Expect an extremely exciting game resulting in a Broncos's win.

Final Score-Broncos-41-Saints-31