NFL 2011

[Sheriff Fatman]

It could be a very short thread if the lockout doesn't get resolved!!!

Just read that the London game this year is Bucs vs Bears.  Can't say that I'm over-excited by the matchup.  Would have preferred two franchises who haven't played here yet after watching the Bucs in 09.

Even though they're a great young team on the rise I just don't see this game as a matchup to get excited about.

The remaining schedule gets released later today, so we'll be able to see which early fixtures are at most risk!

[Matt50]

OMG Bears at Wembley will mean i got to try and get tickets for that now 

Sods law the lockout will mean it doesnt happen!

[gatso]

sigh, 5xprimetime games for the jets=gg sleep schedule

[Matt.NFFC.]

Bout time the Raiders came over I think.

I'll get to see them in America one day I hope.

[action man]

think the raiders might have a sqeak for superbowl this year

[LeKnave]

think the raiders might have a sqeak for superbowl this year

pmsl good one

[Royal Flush]

We got a ball game!

[action man]

?

[77dave]

Federal Judge has ordered an end to the lockout

owners set to appeal.

Also Thursday is Draft night.

Bears need a good offensive lineman

[AndrewT]

A reminder that there is live coverage of the draft on Radio Five Live Sports Extra from midnight.

[TightEnd]

A reminder that there is live coverage of the draft on Radio Five Live Sports Extra from midnight.

live on www.nfl.com on your tinterwebs..NFL Network streamed live

Going to be a good one, lots of trades.

[Sheriff Fatman]

Really looking forward to the draft tonight - there seems to be much less consensus over the picks this year than usual and the lockout issues / lack of free agency have made for an interesting dynamic.

I'm not convinced as to whether there'll be quite so many trades as Tighty seems to suggest, given that the only tradeable commodity is other draft picks.  However, there are quite a lot of teams sitting in awkward spots for their biggest needs.  The QB hungry teams are mostly the teams in the top half, and the QB prospects all have big question marks if they go that high.

It now looks like a fait accompli that Cam Newton will go to the Panthers at No1 (controversial in itself as most analysts seem to think Gabbert is the better prospect), but a lot of teams are now being tipped to make 'safer' first round picks compared to the QB rush that had been talked about not so long ago, and perhaps rely on the 2nd round or free agency to fill these needs.

Sounds like there are also a few exceptional talents with question marks over injuries (Da'Quan Bowers) or character (Jimmy Smith) who might drop down the order and become very good value picks for the later teams.  The Eagles have been heavily tipped to pick up Smith if he drops that far, although I suspect that they won't end up picking at No23, as scheduled.  If they do move up, I suspect it'll be to get Smith a few spots earlier, although there's probably a greater chance that they trade down.

My guess for the top 5:

1) Panthers - Cam Newton
2) Broncos - Marcel Dareus
3) Bills - Von Miller
4) Bengals - AJ Green
5) Cardinals - Patrick Peterson

I have no confidence in any of these choices past No 1 though, which is why this draft is so fascinating!

[TightEnd]

Broncos: Von Miller at 2

Atlanta wants to go to 5-6 to get a playmaker

NE wants to get to 9-12 for Cam Jordan

Houston would love Peterson

Lots of QBs going high. Washington, Minny both want the right one

Dallas wants to trade back

etc etc

One of the best nights of the year.

[Sheriff Fatman]

Broncos: Von Miller at 2

Atlanta wants to go to 5-6 to get a playmaker

NE wants to get to 9-12 for Cam Jordan

Houston would love Peterson

Lots of QBs going high. Washington, Minny both want the right one

Dallas wants to trade back

etc etc

One of the best nights of the year.

Didn't you do some sort of prediction comp last year where you got quite a few right?  If so, is it running this year and where?

[TightEnd]

Broncos: Von Miller at 2

Atlanta wants to go to 5-6 to get a playmaker

NE wants to get to 9-12 for Cam Jordan

Houston would love Peterson

Lots of QBs going high. Washington, Minny both want the right one

Dallas wants to trade back

etc etc

One of the best nights of the year.

Didn't you do some sort of prediction comp last year where you got quite a few right?  If so, is it running this year and where?

three years ago on www.footballoutsiders.com, I won it. They were rather amused I was from England

Haven't entered this year, a bit under-researched compared to normal