offseason2008playoffs

2008 NFL Regular Season Standings
* – Wildcard berth

NFC East
Record
NFC North
Record
NFC South
Record
NFC West
Record
NY Giants
13-3
Minnesota
11-5
New Orleans
11-5
Seattle
9-7
Dallas*
12-4
Green Bay*
10-6
Tampa Bay
10-6
Arizona
8-8
Philadelphia
9-7
Chicago
4-12
Carolina
7-9
San Francisco
4-12
Washington
8-8
Detroit
3-13
Atlanta
2-14
St. Louis
4-12


AFC East
Record
AFC North
Record
AFC South
Record
AFC West
Record
New England
15-1
Pittsburgh
11-5
Jacksonville
13-3
San Diego
9-7
Buffalo*
11-5
Cleveland
10-6
Indianapolis*
12-4
Denver
9-7
NY Jets
6-10
Cincinnati
5-11
Tennessee
10-6
Oakland
4-12
Miami
2-14
Baltimore
3-13
Houston
9-7
Kansas City
3-13


2008 NFL Regular Season Results
Home team in CAPS

Week 1:
Thursday, Sept. 4
GIANTS 27, Redskins 17

Sunday, Sept. 7
49ERS 20, Cardinals 17
Bengals 17, RAVENS 16
BILLS 20, Seahawks 16
Buccaneers 17, SAINTS 13
CHARGERS 17, Panthers 13
COLTS 34, Bears 10
Cowboys 34, BROWNS 31
EAGLES 34, Rams 10
Lions 20, FALCONS 17
Jaguars 27, TITANS 24
Jets 13, DOLPHINS 10
PATRIOTS 38, Chiefs 27
Texans 24, STEELERS 23

Monday, Sept. 8
PACKERS 17, Vikings 13
Broncos 24, RAIDERS 17


Week 2:
Sunday, Sept. 14
BRONCOS 20, Chargers 6
BROWNS 27, Steelers 17
BUCCANEERS 23, Falcons 3
CARDINALS 34, Dolphins 10
Colts 20, VIKINGS 6
Giants 38, RAMS 7
JAGUARS 31, Bills 17
Packers 27, LIONS 24
PANTHERS 14, Bears 12
Patriots 38, JETS 14
Raiders 20, CHIEFS 10
Saints 30, REDSKINS 20
SEAHAWKS 27, 49ers 10
TEXANS 17, Ravens 13
Titans 24, BENGALS 17

Monday, Sept. 15
COWBOYS 38, Eagles 17


Week 3:
Sunday, Sept. 21
49ERS 34, Lions 10
BILLS 16, Raiders 13
BEARS 10, Buccaneers 9
Browns 23, RAVENS 20
COLTS 31, Jaguars 28
Cowboys 31, PACKERS 24
FALCONS 20, Chiefs 14
GIANTS 34, Bengals 31
PATRIOTS 31, Dolphins 10
REDSKINS 27, Cardinals 24
Saints 34, BRONCOS 20
SEAHAWKS 34, Rams 27
Steelers 24, EAGLES 17
TITANS 34, Texans 31
VIKINGS 14, Panthers 10

Monday, Sept. 22
CHARGERS 23, Jets 20


Week 4:
Sunday, Sept. 28
49ers 27, SAINTS 24
Bills 27, RAMS 20
Broncos 24, CHIEFS 10
Browns 45, BENGALS 14
Eagles 13, BEARS 3
Cardinals 30, JETS 20
Chargers 20, RAIDERS 17
COWBOYS 27, Redskins 10
JAGUARS 38, Texans 24
Packers 17, BUCCANEERS 13
PANTHERS 27, Falcons 24
TITANS 13, Vikings 10

Monday, Sept. 29
STEELERS 34, Ravens 10


Week 5:
Sunday, Oct. 5
BRONCOS 20, Buccaneers 10
CARDINALS 17, Bills 13
Chargers 24, DOLPHINS 20
Colts 31, TEXANS 24
COWBOYS 41, Bengals 17
EAGLES 24, Redskins 10
GIANTS 20, Seahawks 17
LIONS 20, Bears 17
JAGUARS 23, Steelers 20
PACKERS 30, Falcons 10
PANTHERS 10, Chiefs 9
Patriots 63, 49ERS 21
Titans 17, RAVENS 9

Monday, Oct. 6
Vikings 17, SAINTS 16


Week 6:
Sunday, Oct. 12
Bengals 38, JETS 31
BUCCANEERS 24, Panthers 10
Cowboys 19, CARDINALS 16
COLTS 44, Ravens 14
Eagles 38, 49ERS 20
FALCONS 6, Bears 5
Jaguars 38, BRONCOS 28
Patriots 27, CHARGERS 20
REDSKINS 24, Rams 20
SAINTS 17, Raiders 10
SEAHAWKS 34, Packers 17
TEXANS 20, Dolphins 19
VIKINGS 20, Lions 13

Monday, Oct. 13
BROWNS 27, Giants 10


Week 7:
Sunday, Oct. 19
BILLS 13, Chargers 10
BUCCANEERS 28, Seahawks 10
Colts 23, PACKERS 20
Cowboys 41, RAMS 0
GIANTS 20, 49ers 13
Jets 10, RAIDERS 9
Ravens 13, DOLPHINS 3
REDSKINS 17, Browns 10
Saints 31, PANTHERS 10
Steelers 41, BENGALS 24
TEXANS 34, Lions 24
Titans 17, CHIEFS 10
Vikings 16, BEARS 13

Monday, Oct. 20
PATRIOTS 44, Broncos 41


Week 8:
Sunday, Oct. 26
Bills 27, DOLPHINS 17
Cardinals 35, PANTHERS 13
Chiefs 28, JETS 21
COWBOYS 27, Buccaneers 17
EAGLES 38, Falcons 10
Giants 24, STEELERS 23
JAGUARS 27, Browns 20
Raiders 16, RAVENS 6
PATRIOTS 52, Rams 7
Redskins 38, LIONS 17
Saints 19, Chargers 16
Seahawks 23, 49ERS 20

Monday, Oct. 27
TITANS 27, Colts 20


Week 9:
Sunday, Nov. 2
BEARS 13, Lions 10
BILLS 24, Jets 14
BRONCOS 13, Dolphins 10
BROWNS 31, Ravens 10
Buccaneers 22, CHIEFS 3
Cardinals 31, RAMS 17
COLTS 38, Patriots 31
GIANTS 27, Cowboys 24
Jaguars 48, BENGALS 10
Packers 23, TITANS 10
RAIDERS 24, Falcons 23
SEAHAWKS 27, Eagles 20
VIKINGS 16, Texans 13

Monday, Nov. 3
Steelers 30, REDSKINS 13


Week 10:
Thursday, Nov. 6
BROWNS 42, Broncos 21

Sunday, Nov. 9
CHARGERS 13, Chiefs 10
Giants 20, EAGLES 6
Jaguars 41, LIONS 24
Panthers 21, RAIDERS 14
PATRIOTS 31, Bills 24
Rams 30, JETS 27
Saints 44, FALCONS 7
Seahawks 13, DOLPHINS 10
STEELERS 24, Colts 17
TEXANS 20, Bengals 16
Titans 19, BEARS 9
VIKINGS 20, Packers 10

Monday, Nov. 10
CARDINALS 21, 49ers 20




Week 11:
Thursday, Nov. 13
PATRIOTS 27, Jets 20

Sunday, Nov. 16
49ERS 31, Rams 21
Broncos 24, FALCONS 13
BUCCANEERS 17, Vikings 0
COLTS 17, Texans 16
Cowboys 21, REDSKINS 20
Eagles 34, BENGALS 24
GIANTS 24, Ravens 20
JAGUARS 24, Titans 20
PACKERS 20, Bears 19
PANTHERS 23, Lions 20
Saints 44, CHIEFS 14
SEAHAWKS 38, Cardinals 21
STEELERS 20, Chargers 10
DOLPHINS 13, Raiders 9

Monday, Nov. 17
BILLS 17, Browns 13


Week 12:
Thursday, Nov. 20
STEELERS 34, Bengals 17

Sunday, Nov. 23
Bears 20, RAMS 10
Bills 27, CHIEFS 10
Colts 24, CHARGERS 20
COWBOYS 44, 49ers 10
Giants 24, CARDINALS 20
JAGUARS 20, Vikings 10
LIONS 23, Buccaneers 20
Panthers 34, FALCONS 17
Patriots 23, DOLPHINS 20
Raiders 17, BRONCOS 16
RAVENS 19, Eagles 13
Redskins 30, SEAHAWKS 20
Texans 27, BROWNS 24
TITANS 30, Jets 10

Monday, Nov. 24
Packers 26, SAINTS 18


Week 13:
Happy Thanksgiving
Titans 31, LIONS 20
COWBOYS 34, Seahawks 17
EAGLES 27, Cardinals 13

Sunday, Nov. 30
BENGALS 30, Ravens 10
BILLS 27, 49ers 3
BROWNS 27, Colts 23
CHARGERS 30, Falcons 10
Chiefs 7, RAIDERS 6
JETS 20, Broncos 17
PACKERS 27, Panthers 20
PATRIOTS 45, Steelers 28
RAMS 28, Dolphins 21
REDSKINS 20, Giants 17
Saints 28, BUCCANEERS 21
VIKINGS 19, Bears 14

Monday, Dec. 1
TEXANS 31, Jaguars 20


Week 14:
Thursday, Dec. 4
CHARGERS 24, Raiders 20

Sunday, Dec. 7
BILLS 20, Dolphins 17
BRONCOS 27, Chiefs 20
Browns 20, TITANS 10
CARDINALS 52, Rams 17
COLTS 48, Bengals 21
GIANTS 16, Eagles 10
Jaguars 21, BEARS 7
Jets 30, 49ERS 27
PACKERS 37, Texans 14
Patriots 30, SEAHAWKS 27
Redskins 31, RAVENS 17
SAINTS 10, Falcons 9
STEELERS 27, Cowboys 24
Vikings 31, LIONS 13

Monday, Dec. 8
Buccaneers 27, PANTHERS 10


Week 15:
Thursday, Dec. 11
Saints 20, BEARS 17

Saturday, Dec. 13

Sunday, Dec. 14
BENGALS 33, Redskins 30
Broncos 30, PANTHERS 10
Buccaneers 16, FALCONS 13
Chargers 27, CHIEFS 24
COLTS 41, Lions 17
DOLPHINS 17, 49ers 13
Giants 20, COWBOYS 10
JAGUARS 24, Packers 17
JETS 30, Bills 27
Patriots 31, RAIDERS 27
Seahawks 20, RAMS 17
Steelers 33, RAVENS 18
Titans 22, TEXANS 21
Vikings 10, CARDINALS 6

Monday, Dec. 15
Browns 24, EAGLES 20


Week 16:
Thursday, Dec. 18
JAGUARS 34, Colts 17

Saturday, Dec. 20
COWBOYS 56, Ravens 7

Sunday, Dec. 21
Bills 20, BRONCOS 17
BROWNS 17, Bengals 13
BUCCANEERS 10, Chargers 3
CHIEFS 17, Dolphins 6
GIANTS 20, Panthers 16
PATRIOTS 34, Cardinals 27
RAMS 34, 49ers 17
Eagles 20, REDSKINS 17
Saints 52, LIONS 17
SEAHAWKS 34, Jets 21
Steelers 24, TITANS 23
Texans 20, RAIDERS 10
VIKINGS 19, Falcons 13

Monday, Dec. 22
BEARS 21, Packers 20


Week 17:
Sunday, Dec. 28
BENGALS 24, Chiefs 20
Patriots 20, BILLS 17
BUCCANEERS 7, Raiders 3
CARDINALS 20, Seahawks 17
CHARGERS 27, Broncos 24
COLTS 24, Titans 22
EAGLES 13, Cowboys 10
JETS 27, Dolphins 17
RAVENS 31, Jaguars 17
Rams 27, FALCONS 21
Redskins 20, 49ERS 10
PACKERS 40, Lions 10
Panthers 24, SAINTS 6
STEELERS 34, Browns 31
TEXANS 18, Bears 12
VIKINGS 12, Giants 10


2008 NFL Playoff Predictions – Wildcard Round


Green Bay Packers (10-6) at New Orleans Saints (10-6) Aaron Rodgers lacks experience here, but it’s not like Drew Brees is all that seasoned either; Brees has just one career playoff victory. Sure, Rodgers is an unknown, but if he takes the Packers to the postseason as predicted, he must be at least somewhat decent. That’s why I’m nullifying any sort of quarterbacking advantage for the Saints.

When looking at the supporting cast of the two squads, you have to like the Packers. They’ll be able to run the ball against an improved but still mediocre New Orleans front seven. The Saints, on the other hand, will have problems getting anything on the ground versus Green Bay’s stout defensive line.

And finally, homefield advantage won’t be a factor. As mentioned in my 2008 Saints season preview, the team is just 54-66 at the Lousiana Superdome since 1992 (3-5 in 2007). For whatever reason, New Orleans just plays better on the road. Maybe Sean Payton can petition the league to have this game at Lambeau.

Packers 24, Saints 20



Dallas Cowboys (12-4) at Seattle Seahawks (9-7) I love Seattle’s defense, but the team’s offense could be downright abysmal in 2008. Their receivers are either old or injured; the running game is non-existent; and the offensive line is pretty questionable. Matt Hasselbeck will carry the Seahawks to an NFC West title because the rest of the division sucks.

That said, Wade Phillips has never won a playoff game, so this one is going to be tough. Luckily, his defense will put tons of pressure on Hasselbeck, and stuff Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett in the backfield. Scoring, however, will be problematic, especially at hectic Qwest Field.

How’s this for symmetry: Dallas’ holder gets injured in a freak accident three days prior to this game (perhaps he slips on a McDonald’s bag, slams his hand into a computer monitor and then gets abducted by aliens who anally probe him). Tony Romo has to assume those duties. However, when Dallas scores a touchdown to draw within one, Romo drops the ball on the extra-point attempt. He picks it up, runs toward the goal line, gets tackled by a Seattle special-teamer… but falls into the end zone. Cowboys win.

Cowboys 17, Seahawks 16



Buffalo Bills (11-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) As you can tell, the Bills are my upstart team for 2008. But if this playoff battle takes place the way I have it, the Steelers figure to be a huge favorite.

And you can understand why – Ben Roethlisberger has much more postseason experience than Trent Edwards, and Pittsburgh’s defense is among the elite in the NFL.

The Steelers should be able to score a decent amount of points in this contest, as Buffalo’s defensive front won’t be able to get much pressure on Roethlisberger. The Bills will have to engage Pittsburgh in a shootout, which isn’t something Dick Jauron wants any part of.

Steelers 31, Bills 17



Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (9-7) The Chargers just 9-7? Well, in case you didn’t read my San Diego 2008 Season Preview, I don’t like their chances because of major injuries to their three key offensive players. Philip Rivers is coming off a torn ACL; LaDainian Tomlinson tore his MCL in the playoffs; while Antonio Gates may not be ready for the start of the 2008 campaign, as he’s struggling after having foot surgery.

So, why do I have San Diego in the postseason? Well, their defense is awesome. Oh, and the rest of the AFC West sucks. I could see the Broncos challenging them and winning the division, but that’s not what I’m predicting here.

With that in mind, I can’t pick the Chargers to advance past this point. I know Peyton Manning struggles against 3-4 defenses, but it won’t matter if the opposing offense can’t score.

Colts 20, Chargers 6



2008 NFL Playoff Predictions – Divisional Round


Green Bay Packers (10-6) at New York Giants (13-3) Well, if Brett Favre couldn’t get the job done against the Giants at Lambeau, how will Aaron Rodgers beat the defending Super Bowl champions on the road?

I could leave it like that, but I don’t want any Packers fans sending me viruses and Trojans to my Gmail account.

Actually, I could see Green Bay advancing deep into the postseason; Rodgers is not the bum that ESPN is making him out to be. He was a legitimate No. 1 overall prospect a few years ago. That said, he’ll have a bit of trouble eluding New York’s dynamic pass rush. Green Bay’s secondary, meanwhile, will get torched by Plaxico Burress, Jeremy Shockey, Amani Toomer and the emerging Steve Smith.

Giants 23, Packers 20



Dallas Cowboys (12-4) at Minnesota Vikings (11-5) The Cowboys go from playing a team that has nothing on offense except for a Pro Bowl quarterback, to a team that’s a quarterback away from being a strong Super Bowl contender. Looks like Wade Phillips has been eating his Lucky Charms.

In my 2008 Vikings Season Preview, I wrote the following: “If [Tarvaris] Jackson plays adequately and maintains his job, Minnesota will be one and done in the postseason. I just can’t see someone like Jackson succeeding in the playoffs.”

I stand by that statement. I have a friend who works for a renowned sportsbook in Vegas, and he told me all the sharp bettors were praying for the Vikings to qualify for the playoffs just so they could bet the farm against Jackson.

Cowboys 16, Vikings 3



Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5) at New England Patriots (15-1) Remember when Steelers safety Anthony Smith proclaimed that his team would unseat the Patriots from the ranks of the unbeaten? Well, New England clobbered Pittsburgh in that 2007 matchup. In case you missed it, I once again have the Patriots destroying the Steelers this season, 45-28. Will the third time be the charm for Pittsburgh?

I don’t think so. Unlike the Bills, the Patriots have the defensive front to take advantage of the Steelers’ only weakness – their offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger will be sacked five or six times.

Big Ben will keep his team around for a while, but having to score on almost every possession is just too much.

Patriots 34, Steelers 24



Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3) One of the surprises in my 2008 Season Previews is my belief that the Jaguars can finally eclipse the Colts in the AFC South. Betting against Indianapolis has made many look like fools over the past few years, but with Marvin Harrison old, distracted, injured and possibly suspended, Jacksonville has a good chance to take over as divisional king.

Indianapolis has dominated the Jaguars over the years, but Peyton Manning is not as imposing in the playoffs. David Garrard, meanwhile, proved himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL by following up a superb season with the game-winning scramble against the Steelers, and going toe-to-toe with the Patriots in the second round of the postseason.

The Colts will probably be favored in this contest, but I like the Jaguars to take the rubber match.

Jaguars 27, Colts 24



2008 NFL Playoff Predictions – Championship Sunday


Dallas Cowboys (12-4) at New York Giants (13-3) I’m a big fan of symmetry. Consider the following about the Giants prior to their playoff run last year:

1. Eli Manning was chastised for his habit of melting down toward the end of the season and his 0-2 record in the Doggone Playoff.

2. Tom Coughlin was characterised as a very good regular-season coach with a terrible playoff track record.

3. The Giants, huge underdogs at rival Dallas, were swept by the Cowboys that year.

4. Everyone dismissed the Giants because they were perennial playoff chokers.

Well, take a look at the Cowboys:

1. Tony Romo is known as a choking quarterback because he’s 0-2 in the playoffs.

2. Wade Phillips has no postseason victories, but a solid record overall.

3. I have the Giants sweeping the Cowboys. The host will be a huge favorite here.

4. If someone suggests that Dallas could win the Super Bowl, don’t you exclaim, “But they suck in the playoffs every year!?”

Like I said, I’m a huge fan of symmetry. Guess what the score is?

Cowboys 21, Giants 17



Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3) at New England Patriots (15-1) Giants vs. Patriots. Colts vs. Bears. Steelers vs. Seahawks. What do the previous three Super Bowl matchups have in common? You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who predicted them.

Cowboys vs. Patriots? Might be a popular pick, so I can’t have New England going to my Super Bowl. I’m not saying they won’t get there; it’s just nowhere close to being a lock.

I really like what the Jaguars have done this offseason. I’m not talking about the terrible receivers they gave David Garrard (though I’m convinced Jerry Porter is an upgrade; think about it, Porter hasn’t played with a good quarterback since Rich Gannon), but rather the pass rushers they acquired in the draft. I know defensive ends seldom succeed as rookies, but they’ll be effective if they’re just asked to be situational pass rushers, similarly to what Mark Anderson was for Chicago two years ago. The Giants found the formula to disrupting New England’s offense. Unless Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves are complete busts, the Jaguars should be able to copy it.

Meanwhile, Garrard proved he has what it takes to be a great playoff quarterback. He single-handedly beat the Steelers and then went toe-to-toe with one of the best offenses the NFL has ever seen. If it weren’t for some dropped passes, Jacksonville may have pulled off the big upset.

Jaguars 17, Patriots 14



2008 NFL Playoff Predictions – Super Bowl XLIII


Dallas Cowboys (12-4) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-3) Cowboys vs. Jaguars? Now that’s more like it. Though the Jaguars had the tougher road to get here, the Cowboys will be a 3- or 4-point favorite, as there will be tons more Dallas money.

This should be a pretty good game, as both squads are about even at almost position, save for receiver and tight end. It’s safe to say that Terrell Owens and Jason Witten absolutely out-class almost every top duo in the league, let alone the garbage Jacksonville has at wide out. That could prove to be the difference. I don’t really see another edge.

The trend of recent Super Bowl champions has been quarterbacks and coaches overcoming their inability to win in the playoffs. Bill Cowher. Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy. Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. All were severely criticized for choking in the clutch, but they eventually got the job done. I’d like to welcome Tony Romo and Wade Phillips to this pantheon. Sorry, Eagles, Redskins and Giants fans…

Cowboys 31, Jaguars 24




2008 NFL Season Previews:

DAL / NYG / PHI / WAS
CHI / DET / GB / MIN
ATL / CAR / NO / TB
ARZ / SF / SEA / STL

BUF / MIA / NE / NYJ
BAL / CIN / CLE / PIT
HOU /IND / JAX / TEN
DEN / KC / OAK / SD


Back to the 2008 NFL Offseason Page

2009 NFL Mock Draft


2008 NFL Free Agents


2009 NFL Mock Draft Database


2009 NFL Draft Prospects