Why I'm for these threads: Because we're allowed to think for ourselves and not be slaves to the notion that if we don't think every game will be a "war", then we are being disrespectful and dumb. Any Given Sunday principle always applies but we're allowed to believe in our team.
Why I'm not for these threads: Because it would technically be hypocritical to flame a fellow Pats fan if that fan predicts doom instead of outright victory. And I won't lie I hate those types of threads, but an opinion is an opinion even if it isn't well-received. There are too many mixed messages and it's best we keep things simple.
My stance is neutral. I always hope for the best, but my confidence level will vary from week-to-week, and I know I'm not alone in this regard. This week, the OP is supremely confident, but is being flamed for it (by some, not everyone). I don't want to imagine what feedback he'd get if his prediction was outright negative.
The infamous Browns prediction thread was humorous in that the OP faceplanted, but let's not pretend for a second that a message board thread jinxed the Pats. There was no doubt some Browns fan somewhere that predicted a blowout win, and that mythical fan ended up smelling like roses. And of course had absolutely nothing to do with what transpired on the field. The superstituous crowd needs to get a grip on reality. Having said all that...
Obvious trolls aside, we should try to relax a little more. This has the potential for a special season. Let's not diminish that for ourselves by such trivial things. If the Pats win, we'll be overjoyed, and if they lose we'll be outraged. Nothing CheeseMonkeys, or anyone for that matter, says will change that fact. I love you guys, let's get a group hug going! (or not)
tl;dr - We should try to go easy on the OP because it's only his opinion and doesn't look like a troll attempt.
Edit: The above reply by supafly is a perfect example of how to handle a disagreement. And I'm not insinuating that we don't already do so. I'm just illustrating my point. Thanks guys, and let's see Satan Manning get sacked (repeatedly) this Sunday! Sorry for the essay, I'll get off my soap box now.