2001 NFL Season

One of the things that makes going back to school bearable is that football season also kicks off. This year's NFL season will have many of the same pretenders and contenders as last year but there will be a few surprises.

Super Bowl Contenders.

Baltimore Ravens - They lost running back Jamal Lewis but the Ravens picked up Elvis Grbac to play quarterback. As long as the Ravens' offense can score seven points a game, their defence should take care of the rest. Expect them to be playing in Super Bowl XXXVI in New Orleans.

The Tennessee Titans - Whenever you have a guy nicknamed Freak (Jevon Kearse) on your team, you always have a chance.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs finally picked up a decent quarterback. If Brad Johnson can find Keyshawn Johnson on a regular basis, the Bucs will be swashbuckling their way to the Super Bowl.

No Shows

Cincinatti Bengals - These guys would still have a losing record if they played against your junior high school team.

Dallas Cowboys - Quincy Carter has about as much chance of leading the Cowboys to the playoffs as your teacher has of making algebra exciting. The only thing going for Dallas is their smokin' hot cheerleaders.

Most Disappointing

The New York Giants - They somehow fluked their way into the Super Bowl last year. But don't expect a repeat. Kerry Collins is a joke quarterback who still throws interceptions more often than Lil Kim shows her cleavage. Expect the Giants to be down and out once January arrives.

Look Out For...

Bad Refs - The NFL may start the season with replacement referees since the ones the league usually use want more money. This will means lots of bad calls and lots of sideline temper tantrums from players and coaches.

The San Diego Chargers - Okay, they're not going to win it all. But with Doug Flutie running the show and an easy schedule, look for the Chargers to pull off some upsets and sneak into the playoffs.

Michael Vick - He may not play all that much for the Atlanta Falcons but when he does, look out. The former college superstar has the speed and smarts to be the next NFL superstar.

New game consoles - The X-Box and Game Cube will be coming out with Madden 2002 in mid-November - right in the middle of football season. If you're favorite team isn't getting it done on the real field, you can always make 'em the virtual champions.

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