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Preview of the 2001 Season

Well once again it's time for the cooler air and the frost on the pumpkin. And the most important article of all on martytown.com — Johnny "Prime Time" Maz's skinny on the NFL.

The NFC
First let's start in the NFC East, where the Beagles look to win their first division title in over a decade. McNabb was booed by the Philly crowd at the 99 draft but had an MVP type year and 11 wins to boot. I look for the Gints to run a close second but the Skins could give them a run for the money. The Gints have a quarterback that is one drink or bad hit away from the sidelines, and unless the D comes up big they will finish out of the playoffs.

In the NFC Norris it's a toss up. I like the Bucs to win but the Vikes and the Pack are right there. Yes the Pack is back and a healthy Favre will carry them to a playoff berth. The Vikes have a lot of heart since the death of their offensive linemen Korey Stringer. But it will be hard to overcome the loss of Robert Smith and an aging Cris Carter puts them in third and out of the playoffs.

In the NFC West, I have the Saints with a Jim Haslett defense that will get them by the Rams. The Saints proved last year they can win with a so-so offense and a great defense. Ricky Williams will run for a thousand yards and the Saints are the champs with the Rams a close second.

The AFC
AFC East: Well what can I say, my Patriots are looking weak (I will be seeing them on the 4th of November vs. the Not Yets (Jets). The offense has a no-name line and without Terry "I'll take the drug test when I want to" Glenn I would be surprised if they finish out of the basement. They have the disadvantage of being in the toughest division in football with the Jolts/Colts finishing off where they left off last year — first place. Running close are the Jets and the Fish.

In the AFC Central (another tough division) I can see the Ravens winning it with Elvis throwing 25 TDs with the best D in the league. The rest are far behind. Look for the Jags if they can stay healthy and the Titans to battle for a wildcard spots. The Steelers lost more linemen and a quarterback controversy puts them well in back of the pack.

In the AFC West I see a surprise in the Seahawks. Yes the Hawks are right there — young and hungry — with Holmgren the offensive genius and Superbowl QB Trent Dilfer — looking for 11 wins. The Raiders and the Chiefs battle for the wildcards.

Well there you have it. Get ready for the action. See you after week 8.

— Johnny "Prime Time" Maz

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