NFL 2013/14 General Discussion Thread

[Linux]

Would dolphins be worthy of consideration for the division? They look to my ice cream eyes to be the second best team in the AFC East (sigh) and improvements make them a genuine threat. Tannehill looks the real deal.

They easily are the second best team. I don't think it's crazy to say they have a shot at the division.

It all depends on the Patriots WRs like if Amendola can keep fit etc.

Not sure on Tannehill being the real deal though!

[TightEnd]

I think so too

Pats going to be fine with Brady/serviceable WRs and if Chandler Jones gets his 10 sacks plus.

Miami steady at worst, gradually retooling the roster and should be 8-8 at worst, maybe a 9-7 type team

Jets seem to be in chaos. Ryan is still telling people Sanchez is the starter, and this can't see them that competitive even though they have drafted some offensive talent

In Buffalo the signs are that they will at last make Spiller the 20 carry a game back he deserves to be, and they have all the names of defense but too much of leap of faith for me with a rookie QB to say they'll compete for the diviusion

Don't really see a suplerbowl contender in the division though

[Sheriff Fatman]

Fantasy League thread now officially bumped for the new season.  Please confirm interest/participation in the official thread.

[Nakor]

Opinions please

Is the Shahid Khan move for Fulham likely to be related to the Jags franchise being moved to London? is Khan's ownership tied to Jacksonville?

If the Jags are moved to London could the home ground really be Wembley? or is it likely to be somewhere smaller? cheaper?

[TightEnd]

NFL people reckon Jacksonville in London is at least a decade away.

So whilst Fulham might be connected, its more likely to be a stand alone transaction

Obviously in the Premier League the owners of the Rams and the Bucs have teams, and Jacksonville outdrew the Bucs in attendances during 2011 and 2012, which is interesting


I think you'll see a team in LA again first, that major US market really needs a team and the TV companies would love to see a team in LA again

[DungBeetle]

Is there scope to add two teams or would LA and London have to mean another city losing its franchise?

[TightEnd]

Is there scope to add two teams or would LA and London have to mean another city losing its franchise?

Most likely one or both would move

Jacksonville, Rams etc etc

Basically teams from either a) a small market or b) stadium or ownership concerns

Buffalo to Toronto is another one that crops up


Expansion teams are fun though, ie a new team (Houston Texans the last one)

they get the number one pick in the draft for the first two years and every other team has to offer them three players from their roster (and they often dump high salary and big names this way)

fans can then play fantasy GM alongside the new team as they work to build a team up from scratch

[DungBeetle]

Ah - thought Texans used to be the Oilers, but I see they became the Tennessee Titans.

How confusing!  Apparently they were nearly called the Houston Bobcats as well

[Sheriff Fatman]

Hate the idea of more expansion teams.  Everything works perfectly with 32.

Chargers to LA is possible too (I think the stadium issues are still unresolved).

Hope the London franchise never happens.

[Tal]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23297785

Done.

[TightEnd]

Click to see full-size image.

[the sicilian]

Any thoughts on the colts reg season win line of 8.5 ?  Luck in his second year and looks like the real deal... To pull an improving team through..quite fancy them for the division v aging texans despite their defense..Fairly soft schedule and I count at least 8 likely wins

[TightEnd]

Modestly over, and not a tough schedule with Jags x2 Titans x2 in their division. Poissibly 10-6 9-7, shouldn't be below 8-8

Don't think the Texans are especially ageing though.

[Tal]

Buffalo Bills        ✔ @buffalobills

Marrone: Plan now is for QB Jeff Tuel will start week 1 against the New England Patriots.
5:30 PM - 26 Aug 2013

You know, Jeff Tuel. I thought we might have drafted him in from Sensible Soccer circa 1994, but I have since learned otherwise:

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1750789-what-to-expect-from-jeff-tuell-as-bills-starting-qb

[TightEnd]

Buffalo Bills        ✔ @buffalobills

Marrone: Plan now is for QB Jeff Tuel will start week 1 against the New England Patriots.
5:30 PM - 26 Aug 2013

You know, Jeff Tuel. I thought we might have drafted him in from Sensible Soccer circa 1994, but I have since learned otherwise:

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1750789-what-to-expect-from-jeff-tuell-as-bills-starting-qb

he'll be the first undrafted QB to start week one as a rookie since the common draft era began in 1997 after the problems with EJ Manuel and Kolb

Meanwhile, possibly unconnected, Spiller is on indefinite leave in Florida

Going well, then.