2007 NFL SEASON IN REVIEW

With the NFL post-season now in progress, let’s take a moment to reflect on the 2007 season.  Here is one handicapper’s vote on the BEST and WORST performances for the year, prior to the playoffs…

BEST GAME OF THE YEAR –
The answer here would figure come out of New England’s menu of games – and it does.  The Pats 24-20 win at Indianapolis figured to be their biggest hurdle en route to the perfect season and they answered the with aplomb, rallying in the 4Q win secure the win.  Runner-up (tie): Pats win at Baltimore and Pats win at NY Giants.  Again, they picked themselves up off the mat and pulled out victories at the final bell.

MOST PUZZLING GAME OF THE YEAR –
Tossing aside the ‘laydown games’ by playoff teams the final two weeks of the season, the Chargers’ 23-21 win at home over the Colts ranks right up there on the ‘WTF” charts.  Not only did Peyton Manning toss a career high 6 INT’s, Indy outstatted San Diego 386-177.  Runner-up: Green Bay’s 35-7 loss at Chicago (as 9-point favs), a game in which the Packers outgained the Bears.

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LOSING CAUSE –
Arizona’s Kurt Warner was 34 for 48 or 456 yards and two touchdowns only to lose, 37-31, to San Francisco when he fumbled the ball in the end zone in overtime. 

CLOSE CALL ARTIST –
Miami Dolphins.  Six losses by a field goal.  In fact, their only win was in overtime.  Wayne Huizenga’s heart could take it and, in a housecleaning, he sent first-year coach Cam Cameron packing.

BEST UNDERDOG –
Hands down, the Green Bay Packers.  Brett Favre’s bunch dressed up as dogs on six occasions in 2007, going 5-1 SU & ATS when taking points.

BEST FAVORITE –
Surprisingly, the Cleveland Browns were 8-1 SU & ATS as chalk in 2007.  Their only loss?  Against division-rival Cincinnati, a game that cost them a spot in the playoffs.

WORST FAVORITE –
Baltimore Ravens.  1-7 ATS laying points, losing four games straight-up as chalk.  Runner-up: Philadelphia Eagles – Philly lost no less than six games straight-up as a favorite in 2007.

WORST PERFRMANCE OF THE YEAR –
New Orleans’ 37-29 loss as 10-point home favorites against St. Louis. After a disastrous 0-4 start, the Saints appeared to be rounding back into form with four consecutive wins heading into the game with the 0-9 Rams.  The allowed St. Louis a season-high 409 yards in a devastating loss that eventually cost them a playoff berth.

BIGGEST COLLAPSE OF THE YEAR –
Easily the Detroit Lions. After a 6-2 start, and vision of their first playoff appearance this decade, they bottomed out losing seven of the final eight games.  The culprit?  A defense that finished dead last in the NFL by season’s end.

That’s my take on the 2007 NFL regular season.  Drop me a line and let me know yours.  If I get enough response I’ll post the best (and worst) replies…