Every year experts discuss their reasoning for their Super Bowl favorite, or they are forced into providing an excuse for a certain team not making the playoffs. Far too often are quarterbacks placed under the microscope, injury-riddled offensive lines torn apart, or prima donna wide receivers bashed in online blogs. When do the coaches go under fire? While it'd be foolish to think they never are under scrutiny, assuming they're held responsible even half the time would be, well, incorrect. Example: What is the reason ...Read More

It's a great debate heading into every season, but generally gets even more interesting after the first 4-6 weeks. Everyone wants to know - is this the year their team's coach gets canned? Well, if your favorite team is Cincinnati or Washington, it's entirely possible. Still, it's a strange marvel when coaches that the whole world expected to get fired, simply keep their jobs. See: Marvin Lewis. Different teams and different circumstances can always change the outlook the front office has ...Read More

After handing out 2009 NFL Draft team grades to the beasts of the AFC East, it's time to evaluate how the AFC North's quartet did last weekend. Baltimore Ravens Grade: B+ Best: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah Kruger is an elite defensive end with high intensity. He brings versatility and power on either side, as well as solid coverage ability, if used as a linebacker. He should be able to become what Jarrett Johnson never could. Worst: Davon Drew, TE, East Carolina Todd Heap is often injured ...Read More

As much attention that has been paid to the Oakland Raiders' pick of Darrius Heyward-Bey at #7 overall in last weekend's NFL Draft, it hasn‘t gone unnoticed that what happened with the pick before them was something similarly unsurprising and risky. A left tackle was a top priority for Cincinnati, and though Baylor’s Jason Smith was off the board at #2 to St. Louis. However, instead of going with the safe pick in Monroe, the Bengals went with ...Read More

If you’re into NFL football betting, you’re looking like the wisest of wise men if you put a wager on the Miami Dolphins to win the AFC East before the season started. But, if you’re one of the many people who put money on the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, or New York Jets, you might be feeling a little glum this week, since none of those teams are in the postseason. Now, I can understand that Vegas ...Read More

Sunday was an action-filled day in the NFL. We saw the number of unbeaten teams reduced from six to four, a career day from Brett Favre, a couple of vintage performances, an extension of misery for a few teams, including one (at least) who'll likely have a new coach in the coming days. All in all, it was a pretty good day for me, as I went 8-4 in my ATS picks, which assures me of going into ...Read More

Is the Chad Johnson vs. Cincinnati situation cooling off? Matt Severance gives the latest on Ocho Cinco and the Bengals.

The AFC North didn't quite go as planned in 2007. The Cleveland Browns, expected to be doormats, contended for the division title and for a playoff berth down to the wire, and the Baltimore Ravens, expected to be in the hunt in the AFC, found itself in the cellar, with everyone in the division staring up at the resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers. Oh, and the Bengals turned out to be pretenders again. Heading into April, Baltimore ...Read More