The 2014 NFL schedules have come out. Offered here is a quick take on numerous upcoming games -
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Seahawks over Packers - I know, this is as premature a score prediction as is possible. But my confidence in this game is based on a reality that hasn't changed - the Packers will get the sympathetic press coverage about how they got robbed by replacement referees in 2012, and the fact remains they're wrong, because that game showcased two unassailable facts - the Seahawks and Russell Wilson are the real deal, and the Packers in general and presumptive starter Aaron Rodgers in particular are frauds. The last two seasons the Packers have faltered, going 19-12-1 after going 15-1 in 2011, and their inability to win without front-running was showcased last year several times, none funnier than in the game in Cincinnati; it was ironically also illustrated when the Packers got back Matt Flynn, and Flynn promptly did what Aaron Rodgers has done nothing but show he can't do - lead not only a comeback win, but several comebacks. His first, erasing a 23-7 gap to the Vikings, ended in a tie; he then shot down the Falcons 22-21 after trailing 21-10, then shot down Tony Romo's Cowboys after trailing 26-3, winning 37-36.
By sticking with Rodgers, the Packers are sticking with a guy who can only front-run; if he can't put a team away, he will fail, as he's consistently done throughout his career.
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Bengals at Ravens - The Ravens faltered after winning the Superbowl; the Bengals went 11-5 then gagged in the playoffs. This will be the first clue as to who wins the AFC North.
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Colts at Broncos - Andrew Luck has already edged Peyton Manning, and Manning is coming off yet another playoff collapse. I'm suspecting the Broncos will start questioning themselves about Manning.
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Cowboys at Titans - The Cowboys have genuine high-end talent but their coaching is questionable at best and I have no confidence in Tony Romo. On the Titans side Ken Whisenhunt has taken over as head coach and the presumptive starter right now is Jake Locker. Locker has had injury-plagued seasons but showed real growth as a quarterback in 2013; the early part of the season will show if the Titans can become a contender - my feeling is they will and Locker will quietly become very good.
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Chiefs vs. Broncos - Andy Reid has long struggled against Peyton Manning, and the Chiefs have to beat him to advance to the next level.
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Broncos at Seahawks - The Superbowl rematch - expect Russell Wilson to outquarterback Manning again, even though he won't get the credit he deserves because his volume stats don't "look good."
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49ers at Cardinals - Lost in the Seahawks-49ers hoopla, the Cardinals under Bruce Arians have become scary good, this despite erratic play from Carson Palmer; the Cardinals can take over the NFC if the quarterback elevates his game.
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Ravens at Colts - The Colts are at present the strongest AFC South team; the Ravens have long struggled against the Colts and if they beat the Colts will take a huge step forward.
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Lions vs. Packers - The NFC North is competitive, but hasn't shown itself particularly strong. The Lions have been frustrating in they have excellent high-end talent but also problems of discipline and execution. Matthew Stafford can become an elite quarterback; beating the Packers last year was a step forward, now he has to take the next step.
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Jets vs. Patriots - The Jets beat the Patriots for the first time in six tries last year, yet even though they've beaten the Patriots eight times in the Brady era it's never made any difference for them. The Patriots nonetheless need to not just beat the Jets but demoralize them; this series will also tell us something about whether Rex Ryan has any coaching future.
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Chargers vs. Broncos - Philip Rivers vs. Peyton Manning has been a seriously underrated quarterback showdown, and Rivers is a guy who's upended Manning in big games in the past; like Tom Brady he has revenge as a motivator for 2014.
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Patriots over Bears - I mention this game because for good reason everyone associates this rivalry with Superbowl XX; lost is that the Patriots have beaten the Bears six of their last seven meetings, by an aggregate score of 177-87.
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Patriots over Broncos - The obligatory Brady-Manning game. The Patriots remain fundamentally the better team; Brady remains the better quarterback.
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Panthers at Eagles - The Eagles have become a contender again and look to take the next step against a Panthers team that looks good enough to stay hunting Superbowls for awhile.
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Patriots over Colts - New England's first trip to Indianapolis since the 4th and 2 Game; the Patriots have had their way with Andrew Luck; though the Colts will remain a playoff team I'm not seeing Luck start holding his own with the Patriots yet.
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Panthers vs. Saints - The NFC South will be determined here.
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Seahawks vs. Cardinals - The NFC West could become like the 1994 NFC Central..
Of course we still have several months to stew over what may happen. So we march on down to Kickoff 2014.
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