12/03/24
February 06, 2008
Least Likely Super Bowl XLIII: Miami vs. Atlanta: According to oddsmakers Keith Glantz and Russell Culver, the Dolphins are a 250-to-1 longshot to reach the next Super Bowl in Tampa, while the Falcons join the Oakland Raiders at 200-to-1. Winning XLII hasn't done much for the New York Giants, who at 12-to-1 are behind five teams. The early favorite: The New England Patriots at 2-to-1.
According to ESPN this morning the Patriots have the weakest Strength of Schedule next season of any team in the "modern era." (Whatever that equates to.) They play the Bills, Jets and Phish twice, plus the two "Wests" so Oakland, Kansas, San Francisco and St Louis. Their opponents next season were .387 this season.
posted by Mr Bismarck at 10:41 AM on February 06, 2008
Really, they have a weak schedule? Sweet! Not sure how that happened, but I'll take it.
posted by hincandenza at 10:46 AM on February 06, 2008
They're going to need it because they're O line isn't getting any younger (unless there's some moves I haven't heard yet)
posted by kokaku at 12:00 PM on February 06, 2008
Uhm, what? The Pats O line, the one commentators drooled over all year is a problem? I would like to see someone challenge Kazcur and maybe Light, but they are ok at the line as far as I can see.
posted by yerfatma at 12:14 PM on February 06, 2008
drezdn: That's why if John Melloncamp ever becomes president, I'll be a millionaire. And I'll be a Canadian. Mr Bismark: They play the Bills, Jets and Phish twice ...which happens every season, of course. When all the other teams in your division are struggling, it gives you a big leg up. I had a lot of respect for the Bills this year, though -- they were my favorite "making something outta not much" team this year. And, of course, next year is next year, and what you did this year doesn't count...but it still doesn't look like a real tough schedule for the Pats in '08. Not sure I like that.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:29 PM on February 06, 2008
Uhm, what? The Pats O line, the one commentators drooled over all year is a problem? Well, there is the detail that the Giants D line should have collectively been the MVP of the Super Bowl. Partially their great play, partially the Pats O line's complete inability to block most of the night.
posted by tieguy at 12:34 PM on February 06, 2008
Doesn't make them a bad offensive line. They played a huge part in Brady's great year. If you're going to trash them for a bad game, don't they get credit for 10 great ones and 8 other wins?
posted by yerfatma at 01:06 PM on February 06, 2008
I agree that the Pats are likely to be pretty good again next year, but to decide that they have a weak schedule just because those teams weren't good this year, and before free agency or the draft, is a bit shortsighted.
posted by bender at 01:15 PM on February 06, 2008
Yeah, and 2-1 for any team seems crazy given the parity and turnover in the NFL year-to-year. It's not like the Colts and Bolts and Cowboys are all standing pat.
posted by yerfatma at 01:58 PM on February 06, 2008
When someone gives you odds like that you've got to take them. That's why if John Melloncamp ever becomes president, I'll be a millionaire.