Back in July, Formula 1 returned to the Hockenheimring for the first time in two years. The race saw Scuderia Ferrari return to form, as three-quarters through the race Felipe Massa held a slim lead over Fernando Alonso. Then came a radio message that would echo for the rest of the race. Massa's race engineer, Rob Smedley, announced, "Fernando is quicker than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?" Massa then stoically pulled over and allowed Alonso to pass.
Smedley then said, "Good boy. Try to keep up. Sorry." The race ended with Alonso atop the podium and Massa second. Immediately cries went up to the FIA. Ferrari had used team orders, which are not allowed. The stewards, being the upstanding citizens that they are, leveled a $100,000 fine on the team, and it was announced that Ferrari would face a meeting of the World Motor Sports Council on September 8.
Well, today was meeting day. All around the internet speculation was flying as to what punishment Ferrari would receive. Would they be stripped of the driver's and constructor's points from Germany? Would they be banned from the Constructor's Championship for the year? Well, since the FIA is often accused of being Ferrari International Assistance, the punishment meted was laughable.
The WMSC decided that the punishment already handed down was sufficient. So now, for the low, low price of $100,000 any F1 team can issue team orders and alter the outcome of a race, and tick off myriad fans, and expect no more than a light flap on the wrist.
Typical.
******
Now, on to football. It's NFL Prediction time.
Last year the Saints "stunned the world" and "overcame Katrina" do win the Super Bowl. Honestly, and I feel sorry for those that lost so much during that time, but at some point you have to stop using a five-year-old storm as a prop for your city. Anyway, let's look at the divisions and the predicted order of finish. An asterisk beside a team name indicated predicted Wild Card team.
AFC North
Baltimore
Pittsburgh*
Cincinnati
Cleveland
AFC East
New England
New York Jets
Miami
Buffalo
AFC South
Indianapolis
Houston*
Tennessee
Jacksonville
AFC West
San Diego
Denver
Kansas City
Oakland
NFC North
Green Bay
Minnesota
Chicago
Detroit
NFC East
Dallas
Philadelphia*
New York Giants
Washington
NFC South
Atlanta
New Orleans*
Carolina
Tampa Bay
NFC West
San Francisco
Arizona
Seattle
St. Louis
So here's our playoff teams, in a predicted order of seeding.
AFC
1. Indianapolis
2. Baltimore
3. San Diego
4. New England
5. Houston
6. Pittsburgh
NFC
1. Atlanta
2. Green Bay
3. Dallas
4. San Francisco
5. Philadelphia
6. New Orleans
As you can see, we have some surprises. Yes, I think Atlanta can be the Number 1 seed in the NFC. The schedule is favorable, with 10 games in a dome, and all their toughest games seemingly at home. The other surprise is Houston. The Texans have never made the playoffs, but this seems like the year. Matt Schaub is a good quarterback, and Arian Foster looks like the real deal at running back.
So let's predict some conference title games.
AFC Championship
Indianapolis vs Baltimore
NFC Championship
Atlanta vs. New Orleans
The AFC Championship match is no surprise, but the NFC game might be. Atlanta and New Orleans play twice every year. Both times in domes. Why not a third time?
Super Bowl XLV
Atlanta vs Baltimore
The Super Bowl this year will be the battle of the birds. Atlanta's offense will be rather high powered by season's end. Baltimore has added multiple weapons on offense. The Raven's are known for their swarming defense. Atlanta has ayoung, up-and-coming defense. Should be a good game.
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