In the words of the immortal pop icon, Dr. Phil "the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior." It's a little tidbit that the self-help balding giant likes to use on his guests. Predominately consisting of meddling mother-in-laws, teenage drama queens and cheating husbands and the overweight wives who love them. Thus it makes perfect sense to apply the same concept to football. The teams who made it just a hair away from play-off paradise in 2005 are likely to be the same times that hit the ground running (literally) in the fall. Between staffing changes and summer workouts, most of the teams that were fightin in '05 well be sizzlin in '06. Put one ear to the ground and whispers of Indianapolis, Denver, Chicago, Tampa Bay and Seattle can heard as likely best teams of the year. In addition, consistent Super Bowl champion, the New England Patriots, are expected to make waves this season. The Pats always come out strong, but lost last year's divisional to reigning SUC, the Denver Broncos. Predictions prophesized that Cincinnati will be know for more than the classic television show bearing it's name. Controversy has proven to make better football on the field of public opinion, if nowhere else. Cincinnati's got plenty to talk about in hushed tones during the team huddle. The Bengals' own, Odell Thurman, was recently slapped, and it wasn't with a towel. Thurman was found in violation of the league's substance abuse policy. The Bengal's have also come under fire for third round draft pick, Ahmad Brooks of the University of Virginia. Ahmad's not known for his charming behavior. The teams to watch out for are the teams with a proven track record of excellence, and an excessive amount of troublemarkers. After all, bad boys play hard. |