These are the picks for the 2005 season. Bold represents the team selected to win. Games in red represent the Upset of the Week. At the bottom, The weekly and overall records for the season appear at the bottom. These picks are based purely on winners and losers with no consideration from the spread. The spread is only used to determine upsets for the Upset of the Week.
First off, let's make this clear. The New England Patriots are not a dynasty. Winning three Super Bowls within a four-year span doesn't make you a dynasty. They've had a very successful run, that's all. The difference between a dynasty and a streak of success is longevity. They don't have to win the championship every year, but in the years they don't, they must be one of the best teams every season.
Dynasties are judged by decades. The Green Bay Packers of the '60s. The Pittsburgh Steelers of the '70s. The San Francisco 49ers of the '80s and seeping into early '90s. Whether the Dallas Cowboys of the '90s belong in this group is debatable. The Patriots could become the dynasty of the 2000s, but they must keep on winning for the rest of the decade. Reaching the playoffs from here on out is the minimum. The 9-7 season after their first championship hurts their cause, though.
That being said, losing to the Carolina Panthers 27-17 in such an ugly fashion doesn't mean their hopes of becoming a dynasty are dashed. In 2003, New England was shut-out by the Buffalo Bills 31-0 in the season opener. Not only did the Pats return the favor to Buffalo in the regular season finale, weeks later they secured their second championship.
The same can be said of last season. They completely botched a late-season game in Miami to a Dolphins team that won just two? games in 2004. They also lost the title of the best team of the regular season when they played the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, but proved to be best team in the AFC by crushing the Steelers in the conference championship game and later their third title in four years.
If the Patriots want instant dynasty status, they must win a fourth championship. The moment San Fran and the '70s Steelers claimed that fourth Vince Lombardi Trophy, it secured their place in history. Being the best team in almost half of a decade equals dominance. To secure their fourth title, the Pats would have to win a third Super Bowl in a row, something no team has ever done.
If they are going execute a three-peat, they have to accomplish it without key members no longer with the team. They'll have to do it without last year's middle linebackers. Ted Johnson retired from football and found employment as an analyst. Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke shortly after his first Pro Bowl appearance. He hopes to return to playing, but will sit out the 2005 season.
Maybe more significant is the loss of their two coordinators. Offensive coordinator Charlie Weis took the reigns Notre Dame while defensive coordinator Romeo Crennell will try to turn around the Cleveland Browns. Many are already saying New England is showing signs of missing the coaches and players.
Falling short a fourth championship would be disappoint to the team, but it wouldn't be the end of becoming a dynasty. If they come up short in 2005, they have four more years to leave their mark in history.
Atlanta at Buffalo - W
I didn't even realize that the unis the Bills were wearing would be how they'd suit up for the whole season. Granted the vintage look is still the flava, Buffalo won't be winning any props for being best dressed. It would had been one of a few wins they'd gain over the season. The Bills won't look their best as they fall to the Falcons.
Cincinnati at Chicago - W
In two weeks Cincy's offense has rolled up 50 miles worth of offense while scoring 766 points. OK, that's an exaggeration. More than 400 yards and almost 100 points. Per game. The Bears' D has been tight but haven't seen talent like this. They won't be able to contain the Bengals for four quarters.
Tampa Bay at Green Bay - W
I'm sure this wasn't what QB Brett Favre expected when he decided to return to the Packers for at least one more year. He won't pass the torch to Aaron Rogers, but holding the flame while in the pocket might get Favre burned. He'll be under a lot of heat as the Buccaneers come after him.
Cleveland at Indianapolis - W
Indy apparently changed their identity for the season. They are now a defensive team after giving up a mere 10 points in two games. But playing against the Browns, quarterback Peyton Manning and the offense get loose as the Colts get back to last year's form.
Carolina at Miami - L
Interesting. These are the last two teams to defeat New England so they can compare battle scars. But there's a difference between victories. The Dolphins had luck on their side. 'Lina controlled both sides of line. They'll do the same as the Panthers stifle Miami.
New Orleans at Minnesota - L
Just two games into the season, people are calling for the head of Vikings coach Mike Tice on a silver platter. Tice is a pretty big dude so that would be a large, heavy-duty platter. Minnesota gets served by the Saints.
Jacksonville at New York Jets - W
Which quarterback is nursing the more serious injury? Is it Limpin' Leftwich or soft-pitch Pennington? Though the Jets came out on top as Chad floated passes to receivers, an aggressive defense like Jacksonville's will take advantage Pennington's slow-mo tosses as the Jaguars take the game in the Meadowlands.
Oakland at Philadelphia - W
Could you imagine Oakland's Randy Moss stepping to Philly's Terrell Owens and saying his behavior during the off-season was unacceptable? Yeah, me neither. If they do speak before the game, Owens and the Eagles will have bragging rights after 60 minutes.
Tennessee at St. Louis - L
Passer Marc Bulger deserves a purple heart for bravely standing behind his so-called offensive line. Instead he'll be nursing several purple bruises as the Titans batter Bulger and the Rams in the Upset of the Week.
Dallas at San Francisco - W
Fool the secondary for a 39-yard touchdown, shame on us. Burn the very same players for a game-winning 70-yard score, now we're ashamed. Paper bags will top helmets until the guilty parties redeem themselves. They'll prove worthy of displaying the Star as the Cowboys dismantle the 49ers.
Arizona at Seattle - W
'Zona head coach is right in believing quarterback Kurt Warner could still be a productive passer. But the question is how much longer will he remain productive if Warner keeps on taking hits. The Seahawks tag Warner some more times and drop the Cardinals.
New England at Pittsburgh - L
Patriots QB Tom Brady tossed his 100th career touchdown pass in that sloppy loss to Carolina. If every milestone reached leads to a loss, he's glad number 200 is far, far away. Brady's play will improve but it won't be enough against the Steelers.
New York Giants at San Diego - L
Eli Manning was asked hundreds of times if he still believes he made the right choice to shun S.D. for N.Y. Sure he missed out being part of a team that won the AFC West, but he would had enjoyed it from the bench as opposed to playing. No regrets so far, and that will be enforced with a Giants win.
Kansas City at Denver - Monday Night - W
There's a buzz around K.C.'s defense. Considering how poor it had been in the past it's understandable. But Denver's D secretly is better than many know. They'll prove it as the Broncos subdue the Chiefs.
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Super Bowl XL