Week 4 Preview

The NFL standings are starting to take shape the Buffalo Bills are off to a great start and fans around Western New York are wondering is this the year?

The Bills are 3-0 after a huge comeback win over the New England Patriots last Sunday. The Jets are 2-1 after a loss to a surprising Oakland team and the Giants are 2-1 after an upset of Philadelphia.

The Bills overcame a 21-0 deficit to win 38-35 on a last second field goal by kicker Rian Lindell. Before last Sunday’s matchup the Bills hadn’t beat the Patriots since Week One in 2003. The Bills finally ended the 15 game streak and next week the Bills face a relatively weak Bengals squad which will be without starting running back Cedric Benson due to a 3 game suspension handed down by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The Bengals do not have many big name players and other than Benson their two biggest names are both rookies, QB Andy Dalton and WR AJ Green. The Bills should improve to 4-0 but as we have seen, surprises happen in the NFL. The Bills are coming off of their most important game in recent memory and can’t afford to look past the Bengals.

After the game in Cincinnati the Bills head back to Ralph Wilson Stadium for an interesting game against the Philadelphia Eagles, possibly without star quarterback Michael Vick due to a broken hand he suffered last weekend versus the Giants. The Eagles have been disappointing in the first three weeks with losses to Atlanta and the Giants.

In Week 3 the Jets faced off against the Oakland Raiders. The Jets defense shut down Oakland QB Jason Campbell but the Raiders ran all over the Jets defense led by Darren McFadden who ran for 171 yards and 2 TD’s. The Raiders finished 2010 2^nd in total rushing yards with 156 per game, so the rushing attack was somewhat expected.

The Jets are involved in what might be the biggest game of week 4. They head to Baltimore to face the 2-1 Ravens on Sunday Night. The Ravens were amazing in blowout wins over the Steelers and Rams but struggled in a 13 point loss to Tennessee in Week 2. Which Ravens team will show up against the Jets in the national spotlight? The Jets will have to shut down the run this week with Ray Rice leading the Ravens strong offense.

Other games to watch out for include New England versus the Raiders in Oakland. The Raiders are coming off an impressive showing against the Jets and the Patriots are coming off the upset loss to Buffalo. Will the Raiders set back the Patriots even further or will the Patriots rebound? Which team will improve to 3-1? The Patriots will have to stop Raiders pro-bowl back Darren McFadden if they want to control the Radiers offense which relies on him more than anybody.

Another game to keep an eye on next Sunday is in Houston featuring the Steelers versus the Texans. Will the Texans finally be able to make a push for their first playoff appearance without having to deal with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis? This game versus the defending AFC Champions will be a major test for the Texans if they want to show the rest of the NFL that they are for real. The Steelers struggled with the Colts last week and need to find healthy offensive linemen.

Another big game takes place in Cowboys Stadium as Detroit heads down to Dallas with a 3-0 record for the first time since 1980. The Lions, like the Bills, have not had recent success and could possibly be in contention for the playoffs for the first time in many years if quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay healthy. This has been a problem for him recently as he wound up on the Injured Reserve list the past two seasons. They may be able to knock off the Bears and Packers at the top of the NFC North if they continue to play the way they have the first three weeks of the young season.

A big test for the young Lions is with the Cowboys who are always a contender. The Lions OL needs to protect Matt Stafford from the Cowboys strong pass rush lead by DeMarcus Ware.

Week 4 looks to be an exciting two days of football as perennial playoff contenders continue to prove themselves and upstart franchises like the Bills and Lions get into the playoff picture.

Katz gets Pro Career off on a High Note

Jake Katz has started his professional golf career with a boom, winning two of his first three events on West Florida Golf Tour.

Katz won the first event, "The Q School Pre Qual Preview" at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, by shooting 66 and winning in a playoff over Kelly Sellers. With the win, Katz earned a nice hefty first place check of $1,000 to get his journey on the right start.

Jake next won at the River Hills Series at the River Hills Country Club with a remarkable seven under 65. Katz won by a sizable margin of four shots. He continued his great play to pick up another first place check of $650.

In four events, he is already in the top 50 of the tour rankings and has racked up just over $2,000 in winnings. In the pre Q School stage of PGA Tour qualifying, Katz shot 66, 69, and 68 to advance easily.

Week 3 NFL Predictions

2011 Record:
Tony: 24-8
Kevin: 23-9
John: 22-10
Mike: 22-10

Tony
Patriots vs. Bills: Patriots
Jaguars vs. Panthers: Panthers
49ers vs. Bengals: Bengals
Dolphins vs. Browns: Browns
Giants vs. Eagles: Eagles
Lions vs. Vikings: Lions
Texans vs. Saints: Saints
Broncos vs. Titans: Titans
Jets vs. Raiders: Jets
Ravens vs. Rams: Ravens
Chiefs vs. Chargers: Chargers
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Falcons
Cardinals vs. Seahawks: Cardinals
Packers vs. Bears: Packers
Steelers vs. Colts: Steelers

Monday Night Football
Redskins vs. Cowboys: Cowboys

John
Patriots vs. Bills: Patriots
Jaguars vs. Panthers: Panthers
49ers vs. Bengals: 49ers
Dolphins vs. Browns: Browns
Giants vs. Eagles: Eagles
Lions vs. Vikings: Lions
Texans vs. Saints: Texans
Broncos vs. Titans: Titans
Jets vs. Raiders: Jets
Ravens vs. Rams: Ravens
Chiefs vs. Chargers: Chargers
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Falcons
Cardinals vs. Seahawks: Cardinals
Packers vs. Bears: Packers
Steelers vs. Colts: Steelers

Monday Night Football
Redskins vs. Cowboys: Cowboys

Kevin:
Patriots vs. Bills: Patriots
Jaguars vs. Panthers: Panthers
49ers vs. Bengals: 49ers
Dolphins vs. Browns: Dolphins
Giants vs. Eagles: Eagles
Lions vs. Vikings: Lions
Texans vs. Saints: Texans
Broncos vs. Titans: Titans
Jets vs. Raiders: Raiders
Ravens vs. Rams: Ravens
Chiefs vs. Chargers: Chargers
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Falcons
Cardinals vs. Seahawks: Cardinals
Packers vs. Bears: Packers
Steelers vs. Colts: Steelers

Monday Night Football
Redskins vs. Cowboys: Redskins

Mike
Patriots vs. Bills: Patriots
Jaguars vs. Panthers: Panthers
49ers vs. Bengals: 49ers
Dolphins vs. Browns: Dolphins
Giants vs. Eagles: Eagles
Lions vs. Vikings: Lions
Texans vs. Saints: Saints
Broncos vs. Titans: Titans
Jets vs. Raiders: Jets
Ravens vs. Rams: Ravens
Chiefs vs. Chargers: Chargers
Falcons vs. Buccaneers: Falcons
Cardinals vs. Seahawks: Cardinals
Packers vs. Bears: Packers
Steelers vs. Colts: Colts

Monday Night Football
Redskins vs. Cowboys: Cowboys

Week 2 NFL Predictions

Tony: 11-5
John : 10-6
Kevin: 10-6
Mike: 10-6

Tony
Raiders vs Bills: Bills
Cheifs vs Lions: Lions
Buccaneers vs Vikings: Bucs
Bears vs Saints: Saints
Ravens vs Titans: Ravens
Browns vs Colts: Browns
Jaguars vs Jets: Jets
Seahawks vs Steelers: Steelers
Cardinals vs Redskins: Redskins
Packers vs Panthers: Packers
Cowboys vs 49ers: Cowboys
Chargers vs Patriots: Chargers
Texans vs Dolphins: Texans
Bengals vs Broncos: Broncos
Eagles vs Falcons: Eagles

Monday Night Football
Rams vs Giants: Giants

Kevin
Raiders vs Bills: Bills
Cheifs vs Lions: Lions
Buccaneers vs Vikings: Buccaneers
Bears vs Saints: Saints
Ravens vs Titans: Ravens
Browns vs Colts: Browns
Jaguars vs Jets: Jets
Seahawks vs Steelers: Steelers
Cardinals vs Redskins: Redskins
Packers vs Panthers: Packers
Cowboys vs 49ers: Cowboys
Chargers vs Patriots: Patriots
Texans vs Dolphins: Texans
Bengals vs Broncos: Bengals
Eagles vs Falcons: Falcons

Monday Night Football
Rams vs Giants: Rams

Johnathan
Raiders vs Bills: Bills
Cheifs vs Lions: Lions
Buccaneers vs Vikings: Buccaneers
Bears vs Saints: Saints
Ravens vs Titans: Ravens
Browns vs Colts: Browns
Jaguars vs Jets: Jets
Seahawks vs Steelers: Steelers
Cardinals vs Redskins: Cardinals
Packers vs Panthers: Packers
Cowboys vs 49ers: Cowboys
Chargers vs Patriots: Patriots
Texans vs Dolphins: Texans
Bengals vs Broncos: Bengals
Eagles vs Falcons: Eagles

Monday Night Football
Rams vs Giants: Giants

Mike
Raiders vs Bills: Bills
Cheifs vs Lions: Lions
Buccaneers vs Vikings: Vikings
Bears vs Saints: Saints
Ravens vs Titans: Ravens
Browns vs Colts: Colts
Jaguars vs Jets: Jets
Seahawks vs Steelers: Steelers
Cardinals vs Redskins: Redskins
Packers vs Panthers: Packers
Cowboys vs 49ers: Cowboys
Chargers vs Patriots: Patriots
Texans vs Dolphins: Texans
Bengals vs Broncos: Broncos
Eagles vs Falcons: Eagles

Monday Night Football
Rams vs Giants: Giants

Sabres Ink Myers

Today the Sabres announced the signing of Defenseman Tyler Myers to a new seven year contract. The deal is worth $38.5 Million over the length of the deal. Myers' new deal starts July 1st, 2012 when he will receive a $10,000,000 signing bonus.

The deal is front loaded much like the contracts of Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino. He will get $2 Million, $6 Million, $5 Million, $5 Million, $4 Million, $3.5 Million, $3 Million each successive year of the contract.

"I'm still young but I'm very happy with his organization and where it is going." Myers said after at this afternoon's press conference at First Niagara Center.

The Sabres also recapped all the new additions and construction going on at the newly re-named First Niagara Center. One addition that many will like is the addition of flat screen TV's and cup holders above urinals in all men's bathrooms at the arena.

When asked about how much he spent on the renovations Sabres Owner Terry Pegula stated "I don't care".

Week 1 NFL QB Power Rankings

A new segment of The Downtown Sports Report will be coming out every Wednesday during the NFL Season. I've entitled it the quarterback power rankings. We will also be having our weekly team power rankings coming out every week as well. Those will be coming out every Tuesday but this week, they will be on Thursday. The quarterback position is one of the most stressful and important positions in all of pro sports so in order to see who truly is the best, I thought power rankings would do it justice. For week one, I have taking into consideration the body of work from last year (if there is one) along with the week one performance and expectations for future. Leave your comments and/or shoot us an e-mail. Our em-mails are posted in our "Contact" tab located on the home page.

1.) Tom Brady- NE

Week 1: 32-48, 517 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT

Season: 32-48, 517 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT

- A record setting week one on Monday night gets Brady the top spot in the first QB power rankings. A 99 yards touchdown to Wes Welker sealed the deal on this game and pushed Brady over the 500 yard mark. If he keeps throwing with this kind of precision, can anyone stop him?

2.) Aaron Rodgers- GB

Week 1: 27-35, 312 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT

Season: 27-35, 312 yards, 3 TD, o INT

- Rodgers started off the 2011 season just as he left it during the Super Bowl. He was flawless against the Saints on opening night as he picked apart the Saints offense early and often.

3.) Philip Rivers- SD

Week 1: 33-48, 335 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Season: 33-48, 335 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
- Rivers is part of the most prolific offense in all of football and has constantly put up video game numbers. I expect nothing less out of him this season as he will have Vincent Jackson for the entire season without a holdout.

4.) Drew Brees- NO
Week 1: 32-49, 419 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Season: 32-49, 419 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
- Brees consistently gives the Saints the possibility to put 40 plus points on the board. He is a gun slinger and makes the Saints a contender in the NFC.

5.) Michael Vick- PHI
Week 1: 14-32, 187 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 98 rush yards
Season: 14-32, 187 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, 98 rush yards
- This is the part in the rankings that get tricky. I had three guys I wanted to put at the five spot but decided on Vick because of one main reason. He can make plays that other guys simply cannot. He won't have the season he did last year, but there wont be much of a drop off.

6.) Matthew Stafford- DET
Week 1: 24-33, 305 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Season: 24-33, 305 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
- This may come as a surprise to some but it really shouldn't. When healthy, Stafford, in his young career has done nothing but produce. He has had a problem staying on the field, but barring another setback, Stafford will have a monster year and make the Lions a playoff contender.

7.) Tony Romo- DAL
Week 1: 23-36. 342 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 23-36. 342 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
- All he was remembered for was late interception Monday night but what was forgotten was his performance throughout the whole game. Romo looked sharp and in control up until the interception. He is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league.

8.) Matt Schaub- HOU
Week 1: 17-24, 220 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Season: 17-24, 220 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
- Schaub didn't have his normal stellar performance this week but he didn't need it as his Texans wiped up the Peyton-less Colts. Expect Schaub to have a bounce back week Sunday.

9.) Joe Flacco- BAL
Week 1: 17-29, 224 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Season: 17-29, 224 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
- Flacco and Matt Ryan will flip flop all year as it's very tough to put one in front of the other. Flacco gets the nod this week because of his dominating performance against the Steelers Sunday. Looked like he was ready to take next step.

10.) Matt Ryan- ATL
Week 1: 31-47, 319 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Season: 31-47, 319 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
- Ryan did not look like the normal Matt Ryan but I believe he will be fine and make Falcons Super Bowl contenders like they're supposed to be.

11.) Ben Roethlisberger- PIT
Week 1: 22-41, 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Season: 22-41, 280 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT

12.) Kevin Kolb- ARI
Week 1: 18-27, 309 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Season: 18-27, 309 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

13.) Eli Manning- NYG
Week 1: 18-32, 268 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Season: 18-32, 268 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT

14.) Ryan Fitzpatrick- BUF
Week 1: 17-25, 208 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT
Season: 17-25, 208 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT

15.) Mark Sanchez- NYJ
Week 1: 26-44, 335 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 26-44, 335 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

16.) Josh Freeman- TB
Week 1: 28-43, 259, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season: 28-43, 259, 1 TD, 1 INT

17.) Sam Bradford- STL
Week 1: 17-30, 188 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Season: 17-30, 188 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

18.) Jay Cutler- CHI
Week 1: 22-32, 312 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 22-32, 312 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

19.) Jason Campbell- OAK
Week 1: 13-22, 105 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Season: 13-22, 105 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

20.) Matt Hasselbeck- TEN
Week 1: 21-34, 263 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 21-34, 263 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

21.) Rex Grossman- WAS
Week 1: 21-34, 305 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Season: 21-34, 305 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT

22.) Chad Henne- MIA
Week 1: 30-49, 416 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 30-49, 416 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

23.) Matt Cassel- KC
Week 1: 22-36, 119 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season: 22-36, 119 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

24.) Cam Newton- CAR
Week 1: 24-37, 422 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 24-37, 422 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

25.) Alex Smith- SF
Week 1: 15-20, 124 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Season: 15-20, 124 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

26.) Tarvaris Jackson- SEA
Week 1: 21-37, 197 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 21-37, 197 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

27.) Kyle Orton- DEN
Week 1: 22-46, 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season: 22-46, 304 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

28.) Colt McCoy- CLE
Week 1: 19-40, 213 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Season: 19-40, 213 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

29.) Kerry Collins- IND
Week 1: 16-31, 197 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Season: 16-31, 197 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

30.) Andy Dalton- CIN
Week 1: 10-15, 81 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Season: 10-15, 81 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT

31.) Luke McCown- JAX
Week 1: 17-24, 175 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
Season: 17-24, 175 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT

32. Donovan McNabb- MIN
Week 1: 7-15, 39 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season: 7-15, 39 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Easley Loses Another Season; Placed on IR

The injured reserve list is getting all too familiar to second year wideout Marcus Easley.

The Buffalo Bills have placed Easley on the injured reserve list for the second straight year with an apparent heart ailment. Easley was placed on IR last season when he suffered a knee injury in training camp.

This is a big blow to the Bills as they only kept five receivers on the roster with the hopes of them all being big contributors. Easley, from Connecticut, was supposed to be the guy to compliment Steve Johnson at the number two wide receiver spot.

Easley left practice last Friday with what coach Chan Gailey described as an illness. "It's not an injury and we think it will resolve itself shortly" said Gailey.

Obviously that will not be the case as Easley will have to wait at least one more year to play his frist regular season game.

In his place, the Bills have re-signed wideout Ruvell Martin who originally made the 53 man roster but then was released when the Bills claimed OL Sam Young from the Cowboys.

Sign of Things to Come?

After this weekend's 41-7 surprising victory over the Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills look like a football team with something to prove.

I use the word "surprising" not because they weren't supposed to win but how the did it and how much they did it by. To beat a defending division champion by 34 points in their house is pretty impressive. The offense looked good and the defense looked better, but can we expect this week and week out of the Buffalo Bills, a team that just one year ago finished 4-12.

The answer is simple... No one knows. Now, don't say to yourself, "oh that's not simple" because it really is. The Bills, for the past ten years have been an inconsistent franchise. They have shown glimpses of greatness and have followed those up with long periods of failure and disgust. You just simply do not know what you will get out of this team. Chan Gailey seems confident, the players seem confident, now we need to just get all of the fans to be confident.

They will head home this week to host the much underrated Oakland Raiders with a chance to start 2-0 for the first time since 2008. The Raiders are also coming off of a 23-20 win over Denver on Monday night. West Coast teams, making the trip to east coast, and having to deal with the time change, have a horrendous record. That favors Buffalo heavily as they will be pumped up, as will their fans come Sunday afternoon.

NFL Playoffs Predictions

AFC Championship Game:

Will San Diego finally be able to get overcome their playoff "chokes" of the recent past? I think so. Philip Rivers is a Top 5 QB in the league and will finally lead the Chargers to the Super Bowl over Tom Brady's Patriots.

San Diego over New England 34-26

NFC Championship Game:

In the NFC Championship game I see the Falcons hosting the Eagles. The main storyline of this game will obviously be Michael Vick's return to the Georgia Dome. However, I am picking the Falcons to reach their 2nd Super Bowl under the wing of Matt Ryan

Atlanta over Philadelphia 24-23

Super Bowl XLVI:

I predict the Chargers and Falcons will be facing off in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5th, 2012 in Indianapolis. It will an offensive show with Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers leading their offenses to the endzone with ease. However I think the Falcons have more weapons on offense with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Michael Turner. The Falcons will win their first ever Super Bowl and Matt Ryan will win Super Bowl MVP.

Atlanta Falcons over San Diego Chargers 41-30

Week 1 NFL Predictions

Every week throughout the NFL season, Tony, Kevin, and Johnathan will give you their picks for the week. We will also be getting picks and insight for QueenCitySports writer Mike Bundt. Feel free to leave us a comment or send us an e-mail if you have an agreements, disagreements, or just want to give us your prediction.

Johnathan Snyder

Thursday Night Football:

Saints at Packers: Packers

Sunday Games:

Bills at Chiefs: Chiefs

Falcons at Bears: Falcons

Bengals at Browns: Browns

Eagles at Rams: Eagles

Lions at Buccaneers: Lions

Titans at Jaguars: Titans

Colts at Texans: Texans

Steelers at Ravens: Steelers

Panthers at Cardinals: Cardinals

Vikings at Chargers: Chargers

Seahawks at 49ers: 49ers

Giants at Redskins: Giants

Cowboys at Jets: Jets

Monday Night Football:

Patriots at Dolphins: Patriots

Raiders at Broncos: Raiders

Mike Bundt

Thursday Night Football:

Saints at Packers: Packers

Sunday Games:

Bills at Chiefs: Bills

Falcons at Bears: Bears

Bengals at Browns: Browns

Eagles at Rams: Eagles

Lions at Buccaneers: Lions

Titans at Jaguars: Titans

Colts at Texans: Colts

Steelers at Ravens: Steelers

Panthers at Cardinals: Cardinals

Vikings at Chargers: Chargers

Seahawks at 49ers: Seahawks

Giants at Redskins: Giants

Cowboys at Jets: Jets

Monday Night Football:

Patriots at Dolphins: Patriots

Raiders at Broncos: Raiders

Kevin McDonnell

Thursday Night Football:

Saints at Packers: Packers

Sunday Games:

Bills at Chiefs: Bills

Falcons at Bears: Falcons

Bengals at Browns: Browns

Eagles at Rams: Eagles

Lions at Buccaneers: Buccaneers

Titans at Jaguars: Titans

Colts at Texans: Texans

Steelers at Ravens: Steelers

Panthers at Cardinals: Cardinals

Vikings at Chargers: Chargers

Seahawks at 49ers: 49ers

Giants at Redskins: Giants

Cowboys at Jets: Cowboys

Monday Night Football:

Patriots at Dolphins: Patriots

Raiders at Broncos: Raiders

Tony Notar

Thursday Night Football:

Saints at Packers: Packers

Sunday Games:

Bills at Chiefs: Bills

Falcons at Bears: Falcons

Bengals at Browns: Browns

Eagles at Rams: Eagles

Lions at Buccaneers: Lions

Titans at Jaguars: Titans

Colts at Texans: Texans

Steelers at Ravens: Ravens

Panthers at Cardinals: Cardinals

Vikings at Chargers: Chargers

Seahawks at 49ers: 49ers

Giants at Redskins: Giants

Cowboys at Jets: Cowboys

Monday Night Football:

Patriots at Dolphins: Patriots

Raiders at Broncos: Raiders

NFC Season Predictions

NFC East:

The so called "Dream Team" of the Philadelphia Eagles will win this division but I do not see them winning the conference and the coveted home field advantage. The Cowboys will contend this year with a healthy Tony Romo but the Giants won't be able to with all their injuries on D. In last place, the Redskins, who won't live up to Rex Grossman's prediction of a division title.

PHI: 11-5

DAL: 10-6

NYG: 8-8

WAS: 4-12

NFC North:

This division should be Green Bay's to lose. Detroit is on the upswing but I don't think they are there yet. Aaron Rodgers will lead the Packers to another division title and will make a push in the playoffs for a second consecutive Super Bowl. Chicago will take a step back off of last years surprise and Minnesota will round out the division despite signing Donovan McNabb.

GB: 11-5

DET: 8-8

CHI: 7-9

MIN: 4-12

NFC South:

This may be the most interesting division in football. You have Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman and Cam Newton. Brees and Ryan are experienced pocket passers while Freeman and Newton are young QB's that can move. I can see any of the top 3 winning the division but I believe that will be Atlanta. Even with Newton the Panthers will struggle to win games in this tough division, and will have another top 3 pick in the NFL Draft.

ATL: 12-4

NO: 11-5

TB: 10-6

CAR: 3-13

NFC West:

Like last year no team will stand out from the rest in the worst division in the league. Any of the three could seemingly win the title but I see Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals squeezing out a playoff berth in Week 17 like the Seahawks did last year. I want to see Sam Bradford lead the Rams to the playoffs but I don't think he can just yet.

ARZ: 9-7

STL: 8-8

SF: 7-9

SEA: 5-11

NFC Playoffs:

1-Atlanta

2-Philadelphia

3-Green Bay

4-Arizona

5-New Orleans

6-Dallas

Green Bay over Dallas

New Orleans over Arizona

Philadelphia over Green Bay

Atlanta over New Orleans

AFC Season Predictions

AFC East:

The Bills division is one of the tougher ones in the NFL. The Patriots and Jets are both coming off Playoff appearances, the Dolphins aren't going to contend, but can win games despite their QB situation. Buffalo will be better than last year with their improved pass rush and could win any game. I see the Patriots running away with the division and the Jets fighting for a playoff spot.

NE: 13-3

NYJ: 9-7

BUF: 7-9

MIA: 5-11

AFC North:

The AFC North is broken down into two tiers, the Bengals and Browns at the bottom and the Steelers and Ravens fighting for the title. I can't see the Bengals winning more than 4 games with Andy Dalton at QB. The Browns will be like last year, in contention in most games and will be right around .500. The Steelers and Ravens, I believe, will both make the playoffs. With the Week 1 matchup between the two setting the tone for the season.

PIT: 12-4

BAL: 10-6

CLE: 8-8

CIN: 2-14

AFC South:

The AFC South is no up for grabs with the health of Peyton Manning in question. If he can come back to full health the Colts will win the division, but if he is out for more than 1/3 of the season I think the Texans will win it. The Jaguars and Titans both have new QB's and will be competitive but I can't see them in contention for the division. I can't see Peyton Manning being out for more than 6 weeks so I will still predict the Colts to win the AFC South.

IND: 9-7

HOU: 9-7

TEN: 6-10

JAX: 6-10

AFC West:

There are a lot of questions in the AFC West. Can Kyle Orton revive the Broncos along with stud rookie Von Miller at LB? Can the Chiefs replicate their great season of 2010? Can the Chargers win games in September or October? And Can the Raiders get out of the hole they've been in for years? I see the Chargers running away with the division with the Chiefs and Raiders fighting for 2nd.

SD: 12-4

KC: 8-8

OAK: 7-9

DEN: 5-11

AFC Playoffs:

1-New England

2-San Diego

3-Pittsburgh

4-Indianapolis

5-Baltimore

6-New York Jets

Pittsburgh over NY Jets

Baltimore over Indianapolis

New England over Baltimore

San Diego over Pittsburgh

Bills Trim Roster

Here is the Bills 53 man roster taken from the Bills website;

QB – Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyler Thigpen, Brad Smith
RB - Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, Johnny White, Corey McIntyre
WR - Stevie Johnson, Roscoe Parrish, Donald Jones, Marcus Easley, Ruvell Martin, David Nelson
TE – Scott Chandler, David Martin, Zack Pianalto
OL – Kraig Urbik, Andy Levitre, Eric Wood, Colin Brown, Chris Hairston, Chad Rinehart, Demetrius Bell, Erik Pears

DL – Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus, Dwan Edwards, Torell Troup, Spencer Johnson, Kellen Heard
LB – Robert Eddins, Nick Barnett, Arthur Moats, Andra Davis, Kelvin Sheppard, Shawne Merriman, Danny Batten, Kirk Morrison, Chris Kelsay, Chirs White, Alex Carrington
CB – Leodis McKelvin, Aaron Williams, Terrence McGee, Da'Norris Searcy,

S - Drayton Florence, Jairus Byrd, George Wilson, Justin Rogers, Bryan Scott
ST – Brian Moorman, Rian Lindell, Garrison Sanborn

A few surprise cuts were back-up Center Geoff Hangartner LT Ed Wang, CB Reggie Corner and Buffalo native and fan favorite WR Naaman Roosevelt. Here is a full listing of the cuts made today.

Danny Aiken, Kamar Aiken, Levi Brown, Jehuu Caulcrick, Mike Caussin, Antonio Coleman, Reggie Corner, Craig Davis, Lionel Dotson, Sidney Glover, Geoff Hangartner , Brandon Hicks, Cordaro Howard, Michael Jasper, T.J. Langley, Doyle Miller, Shawn Nelson, Joshua Nesbitt, Naaman Roosevelt, Michael Switzer, Jason Watkins, Mansfield Wrotto.

Jon Corto, Bruce Hall, Felton Huggins, Jammie Kirlew and Ed Wang have also been waived because of injuries.

This roster is probably not the one you will see in a week at Kansas City as the Bills will probably pick up a cast away from another team and cut somebody else.

The Bills will also be able to add 8 players to a practice squad once they all pass through waivers. I expect to see Naaman Roosevelt, Antonio Coleman, Michael Jasper, Levi Brown, Mike Caussin, Jason Watkins and Mansfield Wrotto on this squad unless they bring in somebody from outside the organization and these 8 make it through the waiver wire.

Bills Cuts Coming

By 5pm Saturday NFL teams have to make their last cuts in preparation for the Regular Season. The Bills are currently at 80 players and have to get down to 53. 27 Bills will lose their job in the next 30 hours.

Most of the starting positions are set with only a few up for grabs. Here are my predictions for the opening day lineup. Reserves are in parenthesis.

QB-Fitzpatrick (Thigpen, B. Smith)

Fitzpatrick is easily the starter on this team. Some thought that Gailey brought in Thigpen to start but as shown during his preseason reps he doesn't know the system yet and has looked lost. The Bills are in trouble if Fitzpatrick goes down. Brad Smith is listed as a QB on the depth chart but he is going to be used all over the place as a kick returner, WR, RB and Wildcat QB. I am excited to see his role in on the team.

RB-Jackson (Spiller, J. White)

Jackson was not happy with the way the Bills were treating him but he is the #1 on this team until CJ Spiller proves otherwise. Jackson is a 1,000 yard back and will get the majority of carries despite CJ's increased role in the offense.

FB-McIntyre

Corey McIntyre was solid as a blocking back last year and will make the squad over another WNY native in Jehuu Caulcrick

WR-St. Johnson & Parrish (Jones, Easley, Nelson, Roosevelt)

Stevie Johnson is easily the #1 on this team. However, #2 is up for grabs. I can see Jones, Easley or Parrish getting the nod. Parrish will get most of the work in the slot so I listed him as the second starter. Fan favorites David Nelson and Buffalo native Naaman Roosevelt also make the roster as reserves

TE-Chandler (Martin, Pianalto)

I like what Pianalto has shown in the preseason but it wasn't with Fitzpatrick or against starting defenses. Scott Chandler has also been a surprise of the exhibition season and will get the starting role.

RT-Pears (Hairston)

Both Pears and Urbik at RG have not impressed me at all and that will be the weak spot on the line. However, Rookie Chris Hairston might slip in at RT if Pears underperforms or is struck with an injury.

RG-Urbik (Rinehart)

As with Pears this position can change and will be a weak spot on the offense. Cordaro Howard just misses the 53 man roster.

C-Wood (Hangartner)

The easiest to predict on the OL. Wood is the best offensive lineman on the team and his starting role is solidified in the middle of the line. I also think that Hangartner makes the team as a backup due to his ability to play at C or Guard and his veteran leadership.

LG-Levitre (Wrotto)

Another young starter on the OL with Levitre. He showed some good signs last year and hopes to repeat that.

LT-Bell (Wang)

Demetrius Bell had his ups and downs last year but has looked good enough during the preseason to gain the starting role.

DE-Dareus & Edwards (Carrington, Sp. Johnson)

Dareus and Edwards both have been great during the preseason and have solidified their starting roles. Carrington and Spencer Johnson just beat out Kellen Heard for the final roster spot.

NT-K. Williams (Troup, Jasper)

All three Defensive Tackles will make the roster. Jasper will make the roster and not the practice squad to keep him safe from waivers.

OLB-Merriman & Kelsay (Batten, Moats)

If Merriman can stay healthy watch out for this pass rush. Kelsay is the player the fans like to hate on the most but he is liked by the Bills staff. Moats tried out at ILB during camp but I see him going back to his more natural pass rush position. Danny Batten also impressed during the preseason and I see him making the roster over Antonio Coleman.

ILB-Davis & Barnett (Morrison, Sheppard)

The perspective starters at the start of Training Camp will be the starters on September 11th in Kansas City, but once Kirk Morrison gets used to the system in Buffalo he will step in for Davis. Many fans are intrigued by Kelvin Sheppard but he didn't get much practice in and won't have the chance to start, yet.

CB-McGee & McKelvin (Florence, A. Williams, Corner)

It was a three way race between McGee, McKelvin and Florence. I think McKelvin gets the opportunity above the veteran. I also see 2nd round pick Aaron Williams getting a lot of playing time.

S-Wilson & Byrd (Scott, Searcy)

Wilson is set in stone and Byrd should start despite a poor sophomore season. Corto was my last player cut. He helps out a lot on special teams and is an Orchard Park native. However, I think Searcy just makes the roster over him.

P-Moorman

Obvious

K-Lindell

Obvious

LS-Sanborn

Obvious