I don't want to say it. I know that if I say it, the repercussions could ruin my credibility throughout this fine state. It's too provocative, too edgy. I shouldn't say it.
But I will.
The NFL may prove to be more intriguing than college football this year.
There. It's off my chest.
Heed my words, football fans. The pros are the ones to watch this season.
The main reason for this brink-of-insanity statement is this: a power shift is occurring in the NFL. The 2008-09 football season was supposed to be another year of AFC dominance following the Giants' fluke win last season. But heading into Week 8 of the season, things are playing out far from that prediction.
The Colts and Chargers, year-in and year-out favorites to win the Super Bowl, are sputtering. Peyton looks like he could take a few lessons from Eli, and LT could stand for "Looks Terrible." And what about the Patriots? With Tom Brady out for the season, it looks like they'll be fighting for a wildcard spot this winter. As for Favre in New York, he's already managed to toss eight interceptions and allegedly is tipping off other teams on how to topple Green Bay. And the Browns went back to being the Browns.
The top teams of the AFC are the Titans and Steelers, boasting 6-0 and 5-1 records respectively. But the Titans are weathering quarterback problems with Vince Young's recent emotional issues off the field, and the Steelers' defense is slipping with no defensive touchdowns thus far in the season, an unheard of stat in Pittsburgh.
The NFC, on the other hand, looks just fine. Injuries to Tony Romo's thumb and GM Jerry Jones's ego have hurt the Cowboys, the Saints are hurting without Shockey and Bush, and the Eagles offense is flailing without Westbrook in the backfield. But other teams have risen to the occasion.
The Giants continue proving the critics wrong as they boast a 5-1 record, and three shockers sit at 5-2: Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Washington. The Bucs and Panthers are embarrassing the Saints in the South, while the Giants embarrass everybody. And the 'Skins are cleaning up thanks to Clinton Portis's incredible running this season, as he leads the NFL with 818 rushing yards. To put that in perspective, he's on pace to rush near 2,000 yards this season (knock on wood).
Beginning with the 1998-1999 season, the AFC has captured 7 Super Bowls. But NFC dominance may be making a comeback. It's a Balboa-like momentum swing that could last for another decade. Maybe the days are coming when we will say, "Remember how good the Pats used to be?" or "LaDanian Tomlinson used to run all over people."
But what do I know? I'm an expectant fan just like you. All I'm saying is we better be watching.