Three Dangerous Teams

[mgteich]

We hear a lot about Indy, Denver and Cinci (and NE) because they are division leaders at the moment. I suggest that at least one of HOU, BALT and PITT may be considered among the elite by month end. Any one of them could even win their respective divisions. Some might include SD, but I am not a believer.

What do you all think?

 

[ALP]

as i said a while back in the nfl forum, i think HOU makes the playoffs this year....

but no wild card team is an elite team....

 

[jmt57]

Regardless of current standings, I think most consider Pittsburgh to be a more dangerous team than Cincinnati. I doubt two wildcards would come from the same division. My guess is Baltimore doesn't make the playoffs - after some proclaimed them to be the best team in the NFL five weeks ago. It seems like I've been hearing 'this is the year' for the Texans for a few years now. That line finally came true for Arizona last year, maybe it will finally come true for Houston this year - though they still may be another year away because of their defense.

 

[aurakilla]

as i said a while back in the nfl forum, i think HOU makes the playoffs this year....

but no wild card team is an elite team....

it pains me to say this but.............giants 07

 

[amazinPats]

We hear a lot about Indy, Denver and Cinci (and NE) because they are division leaders at the moment. I suggest that at least one of HOU, BALT and PITT may be considered among the elite by month end. Any one of them could even win their respective divisions. Some might include SD, but I am not a believer.

What do you all think?

Maybe the Steelers, since they are defending champs. Baltimore is a good team, but not an elite one. Houston just lost Daniels for the season, and A. Johnson is hurt. We'll have to see how they do against Indy this week.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Houston is playing for a wildcard in the AFCS. But they could help us along the way (Miami) if in fact we need that. Could hurt us but only if haven't already taken care of our own business. And if we have Hoyer will be playing 3/4th of that game. Pittsburgh, Cincy and Baltimore have each other to deal with which will limit someone's if not everyone's W's. Hopefully they too can help us out a couple of ways as a byproduct of fighting amongst themselves for 2 playoff spots. The JETS still have Indy and Cincy on their dance card. Miami has Pittsburgh and Houston. I think Denver could take their division with 11 wins unless they unravel over back to back L's following this week, but I don't think they will help us (@ Indy). These teams are considerably more dangerous to each other and our enemies than to us thanks to the scheduler. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as they say.

I think Pittsburgh is elite and Baltimore can be if they bounce back starting now. A lot of that is based on track record. Houston is intriguing, like Denver and even Cincy, but they have a ways to go before you could consider them elite and it depends on how they finish this season. Houston already has 3 losses and will likely have 4 after Sunday. Even if they split with Indy they won't close the gap because barring catestrophic injuries Indy only looks to have 3 potential losses on their remaining cupcake schedule. And Houston just lost their TE.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Pittsburgh is elite. The D was still really good without Polamalu, but is superb now that he's back. Roethlisberger had two ugly games (Chicago, Minnesota), but otherwise has looked great and the offense is truly his to carry. In 2004, that wouldn't be a good thing. In 2009, it is.

Regards,
Chris

 

[BradyFTW!]

No way Pittsburgh isn't winning the AFCN.

 

[efeene]

I am almost ready to go out on the limb that all three teams you mention, Houston, Pitts, Balt, will finish with a better record than Cincy. Pittsburgh is definitely one of the top teams in the AFC - especially since you have to give them the "Reigning Champs" card (I just threw up in my mouth a little bit typing that haha) and they have Troy P. back. Baltimore played us very well, crushed Denver this past weekend, and has a few cupcakes ahead (Browns, Lions, Raiders). Houston is hit or miss - no Daniels hurts - Slaton is fumbling all over the place - but they have the talent for sure. Schedule is kind of tough but I can see them finishing at 9-7 - but not becoming "Elite".

 

[WhiZa]

No way Pittsburgh isn't winning the AFCN.

no doubt, what they did against Minnesota proves that they are still and elite team and it's a long season

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

The Ravens go to Cincy this weekend and lay a beating on the Bengals
The Steelers go to Denver and beat the Broncos by a FG

The Steelers at this point will once again top the North Division standings

Mark it down.....

 

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

I am almost ready to go out on the limb that all three teams you mention, Houston, Pitts, Balt, will finish with a better record than Cincy.

I would be careful about writing off the Bengals. They have played some solid football this year....except for the Houston game. They aren't doing it with mirrors. OchoCinco is having a good year as is the rest of the passing attack and Benson has been pretty solid. OL has looked good for them.

Defensively, not great but nothing to sneeze at. They will be there fighint for the AFCN all the way to the end I think.

Remember.....they lost a fluke game to Denver to open the season...and they bounced back pretty well.

 

[mgteich]

Personally, I suspect that all three are better than both Denver and Cinci. We'll learn a lot about these two teams in the next two weeks.