New England Patriots

He's off contract at the end of the season and the Patriots weren't going to pay him what he wanted.  So they trade him now to get a draft pick out of it.  Rob Ninkovich has played well since his return

from ped suspension and they have some young talent stock piled at the linebacker position probably because they could see this coming.  They're in a good position to absorb his loss but will miss

Collins' versatility, he is good against the run and against the pass he can cover receivers or rush the passer.

Would be willing to take them on in week 16 or 17 under the assumption that they have locked up the division and home field etc. Couple of divisional games against the Jets and in Miami are never easy. Particularly with the Jets QB job still up in there air and someone wanting to make a case to start next season

The Steelers have been over rated this season in my opinion. I think the teams from the AFC West are the only ones I could see troubling the Patriots before the Superbowl. The Patriots' play off win over Kansas City Chiefs last season was a lot closer than the scoreline suggested - the Chiefs just lacked the belief to actually win that game and it was only last season that they won their first play off game since 1993 so I think that they can build upon that looking ahead. They also have failed to convert several huge plays after initial good work in that game. They have a well balanced team, a strong running game and I think I read somewhere that they have won 17 of their last 20 games including in the play offs. You would have to respect the Raiders and Broncos too but I think the experience in Foxboro last season in the play offs would be invaluable should the Chiefs get another crack at them - plus they were banged up heading into that game, I remember Maclin couldn't run so don't rule them out just yet.

Cowboys and Falcons are the teams to focus on in the NFC - if the Cowboys can avoid injuries to the likes of Sean Lee and Terrell McClain in their defense then they will have a serious chance to go all the way as they have shown that they can establish the run over anyone with their O-Line. The Patriots still don't have a genuine deep threat so I think they could be a good match up for Dallas.

Seattle definitely have the best defense in the competition and a proven winner at qb.  Seattle obviously had extra motivation going into the game against New England considering what transpired the last time these two teams met, the superbowl two years ago.   I wonder if we just saw a superbowl preview?  The Cowboys may have something to say about that in the NFC but New England still the team to beat in the AFC by some margin.

Thanks CMIYC, that is indeed, very much of interest.

Kaepernick just didn't turn out to be the player they thought he would when they made the superbowl whereas Wilson has proven himself to be one of the best QB's in the league.  The 49ers got rid of Alex Smith for Kaeprnick too but tbh he wasn't the long term answer.  The 49ers defence was the best in the league with Seattle's but they just haven't been able to hold on to or replace the key players like Seattle have, credit must go to Seattle's front office and coaching staff which leaves the 49ers setup for dead.  49ers never really replaced superbowl coach Harbaugh either who the players at won time revolted against and who butted heads with the GM and was subsequently fired by the team, I doubt the 49ers will contend with their current GM.

where is Harbaugh now?

A rather hefty kick in the balls for Pats supporters/backers...Gronk out for indefinite period,possibly season...Absolutely huge for them.Fair drift on here too.....

Back surgery wise...morn...

I hope they do,hada fair sized bet on them tonight as expected be shorter and for Bowl....injury free now a concern too,not just keep winning,tough tough game ...
Minnesota head coach absent and they have few injury concerns, Dallas to pummel and pull away second half....
I hope.
Enjoy.

Denver v Kansas killed me other night,killed me............

Happy to have Oakland at a big price.  Pittsburgh could be dangerous if they get healthy at the right time but have been overvalued all season.  I'm not sold on Kansas City but they seem to be finding ways to win the close ones.  Pats still worthy AFC favourites but are maybe falling pack to the pack a touch.

I agree, I'm pretty sure I mentioned having Raiders for the Superbowl and how they could are a good chance in another thread.  Someone else was saying they had the Raiders a 40's and 20's as well.  They are young and on the rise and could be the team with the most improvement left in them.  Also their form isn't as exposed as some of the other teams.  In the AFC where the Pats seemed to have had it all to themselves the Raiders are the team that seem to be jumping out of the pack, whether or not it's too soon for them time will tell.

Seahawks saftey Earl Thomas is out for the rest of the year.

How bout them Giants?  Someone wouldn't listen when I said they were one of the best teams in the NFC a while ago.

Doubt Lambeau would hold any play off terrors for the Giants Sykes....they could even be thinking it's an omen after having to go there as underdogs in the play offs the last twice they've won the superbowl.....against Favre in the NFC Championship game and Rodgers'15-1 team.

And who's to say the Packers even make the play offs ....that secondary is just waiting to be shredded by a good passing offence.

I put Green Bay in the same boat as Atlanta, offensively gifted but neither can guard a chair.  Atlanta have the more talented offensive skilled position players whereas Green Bay have a genius at qb, both offences are formidable.

Pats have had a great season schedule wise, haven't really played any heavyweights bar the Seahawks who they lost to at home and they beat the Steelers who were slumping at the time and without Big Ben. Steelers riding high at the minute, will be very interesting to see what the market thinks if the two meet at Fox. Hard to see past those two in the AFC now Carr is gone. NFC is wide open.