Posts Tagged ‘jay cutler’

Fantasy Football: Don’t Kill The Messenger

(Sanchez was a good sleeper play on Sunday)

Forgive me for playing Nirvana’s “All Apologies” to the max level. But I can’t rid my shame. The guilt, dear God, the guilt.

Actually, that’s a lie, but it’s not for a lack of sorrow that some of my predicted “starts” didn’t pan out. After all, I tend to follow the advice that I give out. So, this week, fair friends, you were not alone.

Through those highs, and those terrible lows, I promise you that you were not alone.

While I may have led you (and you, and you) astray, if only a little bit, I still had enough tricks up my sleeve for the first week of fantasy action.

Enough to keep you listening to my fantasy advice, perhaps? Well, before I indulge myself and your fantasy hopes into another Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column, it’s only my duty to review my picks, and to fully explain why certain players failed to live up to my expectations, while also boosting my ego with my “correct” calls.

The Record: 9-5

The Duds

Okay, so Brett Favre didn’t throw for 200+ yards and two touchdowns. My bad. In fact, he barely cracked 100, and only threw 21 passes.

But no interceptions and a score doesn’t make playing him a total loss. Still, as far as “starts” go, he was a dud.

And I apologize for Willie Parker. Boy, was that a blown call.

I truly did not believe he was that washed up, or that Tennessee’s run defense would show-up like that. Both of those comments could be overblown, but considering Mewelde Moore did pretty well overall, I’m placing most of the blame on Parker no loner living up to his “Fast Willie” nick-name.

The Winners

If you followed my lead and played Greg Jennings (despite a nagging injury), Matt Hasselbeck, and Ray Rice, you were pleasantly surprised.

Rice topped 100 yards rushing, Hasselbeck threw three scores, and Jennings hauled in the game-winning touchdown and over 100 yards against the Bears on Sunday night.

You were probably feeling rather smart if you followed my “Sit” suggestions this week, as well.

Jay Cutler had a forgettable four-pick performance, Larry Johnson only managed 20 rushing yards against the Ravens, Kevin Curtis only had 26 yards against the Panthers, and sitting Pierre Thomas was a good choice.

If you went the extra mile and plugged Mike Bell into your line-up on a whim, kudos to you.

The Sleepers

Jeremy Shockey and Mark Sanchez made me look smart, while Peyton Hillis and David Clowney did nothing to warrant a spot on the “look out for me” list.

The jury is still out on Darren McFadden for tonight, while Carnell Williams (originally a sit candidate) had over 90 yards rushing and a score. Still, with Derrick Ward splitting carries, he will continue to be a risky play.

All in all, it’s only Week One, but with a 9-5 record on my start-and-sit calls, the fantasy gods may soon be shining on you to listen to this advice.

Look for this week’s Fantasy Football: Start and Sit column on B/R, or go straight to www.theredzonereport.com for all of your fantasy advice and NFL news.

2009 Denver Broncos: Five Things to Watch For

 Mike Shanahan’s successor, Josh McDaniels, has made quite an impression in just one off-season as the head coach in Denver, and not necessarily in the manner first-year coaches would like.

After upsetting franchise quarterback Jay Cutler, Denver and the star quarterback went their separate ways, leaving McDaniels and co. without a true gamer at the position, albeit with several knew, young pieces to work with on defense, as well as a stud rookie running back in Knowshon Moreno.

But aside from that, there hasn’t been much done since the Cutler drama or in pre-season to have fans and experts lean one way or another on McDaniels and the Broncos’ future.

Here’s five things to think about for the 2009 season:

5. How Will Peyton Hillis Be Used?

In many different ways, and much more often than Knowshon Moreno-lovers would like to see.

The fact is, Hillis is an outstanding blocker, but it would be an absolute monstrosity to keep him at fullback full-time.

He has elite receiving skills combined with great power rushing ability, making him a great, three-dimensional weapon all over the field.

He’ll be listed as a fullback, but should garner a lot of offensive attention from Josh McDaniels, as he’ll line up as a receiver, tight end, running back, and fullback.

McDaniels has been very vocal about his immense and underrated talent, and he’ll be sure to expose his attributes to the rest of the league, even moreso than Mike Shanahan did last year.

4. Is Kyle Orton Simply a Game-Manager?

Well, we’re about to find out.

 

After Orton started his Denver career with three first-half interceptions in a pre-season game, you could see fans calling for McDaniels’ head, and it got even worse when his back-up, Chris Simms, posted much better numbers in the same game.

Still, Orton has good experiene, knows how to win, and is still learning the system.

If Brandon Marshall jumps ship, it could get more difficult for all parties involved, but with Eddie Royal, Tony Scheffler, and a sound rush attack, Orton should be able to thrive in a very pass-happy New England-style offense.

Whether that translates into wins or not will ultimately be on the defense.

3. Can the Defense Get Any Worse?

Considering their lack of depth at cornerback and safety, as well as their inconsistent pass rush, the answer would be a sheepish “yes”.

 

It’s sad, but also a very possible truth, considering the new head coach has only elite offensive credentials to his name, and while he’s attempted to address the defense through the draft, he simply many not have the players to make it happen in year one.

Denver fans, prepare for a full-blown rebuilding year with some progress near the end of the season.

2. Is McDaniels a Fool or a Genius?

Like most things in the pre-season, that’s simply something that will be answered with time.

 

However, with two disgrunted super stars in one off-season, McDaniels is either very bad at comunicating and managing elite talent, or he’s simply ridding of prima-dona athletes.

For now, call it a combination of the two. After all, most great coaches (he’s not great yet) have to be both smart and crazy sometimes.

1. What Happens With Brandon Marshall?

If you’ve been monitoring the rumor mill, it’s pretty clear that the New York Jets want Brandon Marshall, and he surely isn’t fighting off the possibility.

 

Marshall has all but given up on Denver after rehab and contractual issues, while also citing a downgrade at quarterback as a reason for his “wanting out”.

After all, the guy is in a contract year.

The Denver regime continues to claim Marshall won’t be traded, but if the Jets bite on the current offer on the table (Marshall for David Harris and a first round pick), it’s something that could definitely happen.

While it’s unlikely the Jets give up both the player and the pick, it’s becoming almost even more unlikely that Brandon Marshall is in a Denver uniform come week one.

 

2009 Chicago Bears: Five Things to Watch For

The big news this off-season in Chicago was the acquisition of former Denver quarterback Jay Cutler, as well as a sound NFL Draft.

The Bears added depth and competition to their receiving corps, and also added a few players on defense that bring youth and versatility to an aging defense.

There are many questions surrounding the Bears that could be answered by the end of August, as well as a few others that may take the entire season to answer.

5. Greg Olsen as the New Starting Tight End

It has recently been reported than Greg Olsen will officially take over in Chicago as the top tight end, relegating the veteran blocking tight end, Desmond Clark, to the bench.

While Clark will still be used a lot, and quite possibly just as much as Olsen, he will not be featured in the passing game as often.

Olsen’s tremendous size and speed should provide a big target for Jay Cutler, which should potentially open up a lethargic passing offense.

From a fantasy perspective, look for Olsen’s numbers to improve greatly, with 70 catches and over 800 yards being fairly realistic.

4. Will the Offensive Line Be Better?

Only a few years removed from having one of the better line’s in the NFL, Chicago is slowly but surely working it’s way back to the NFL’s elite.

They have some aging players, as well as a few young, raw prospects.

While they have made strides in the rush offense, pass protection continues to be their Achilles’ heel.

An established Pro Bowl quarterback like Jay Cutler could take some of the pressure off of this growing offensive line.

3. Can the Defense Still Be Elite?

Brian Urlacher had an off year, the Bears said good-bye to Mike Brown, and the few defensive rookies they did draft aren’t projected for immediate impacts.

Throw in an injury to Charles Tillman, and there are suddenly enough questions regarding this defense, that it’s difficult to call them elite anymore.

If Urlacher can bounce back and show he’s still a prime-time performer, he could take up enough space and garner enough attention over the middle to allow Lance Briggs and others to roam free and make plays.

Craig Stelz stepping up at safety will also be a huge issue to be watched. Stelz has a great cerebral game with goo instincts, while receiving knocks in regards to his speed and explosiveness.

His development, as well as the improvement of Chicago’s overall defense chemistry, could have a huge impact on how the defense plays out.

Still, even if there aren’t as many changes as Chicago fans would like, the defense as it stands is still easily the second-best defense in the NFC North, which won’t keep them from being competitive.

2. Who Will Step-Up at Receiver?

While Jay Cutler is a substantial improvement under center, his mere presence alone doesn’t guarantee any change of production out of the receiving corps.

The rookies and veterans will have to put their own effort in to make a successful transition to an above-average squad.

Devin Hester’s speed, explosiveness, and improved route-running keeps him s the number one option, while Earl Bennett and Rashied Davis are the early favorites to round out the top three spots.

Rookies Juaquin Iglesias and Johnny Knox are definitely going to be a part of the offense, but only their preseason play will guarantee one way or another just how much of a role they will play.

Iglesias is in a mold much like Bennett, while Knox is a flat-out burner who would potentially work as Chicago’s best slot receiver.

1. Is Jay Cutler Chicago’s Savior?

He’s not Jim McMahon, and there’s no guaranteed Super Bowl.

Then again, he’s not Cade McNown, Rex Grossman, or Kyle Orton, either.

He’s much better.

Cutler may not have won more than eight games in a season yet, but he’s young and hasn’t had much help in the form of solid defense in his two and a half seasons as a starter.

While his weapons regress to a return man-turned-receiver and a fast tight end (Greg Olsen), Cutler still has a big arm and the moxie and confidence to guide a dramatic offensive turn around.

If Kyle Orton could toss nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns with these weapons, just imagine what Cutler could be capable of.

Don’t expect a huge drop-off from 2008′s numbers.

I can’t believe the Bears Betting Odds this year. I think there is some value there.

Jay Cutler Vs. Kyle Orton: Why Do Either Have To Be Bad?

Jay Cutler is overrated, and Kyle Orton is a system quarterback. Or is it, Cutler is a wimpy cry baby, and Orton is a simple-minded game-manager?

How about none of those?

Why do either of these guys have to be regarded as fantasy (or real world) busts for 2009, just because they are switching teams?

Yes, they both have new offenses, new coaches, new cities, and new weapons.

But that doesn’t mean they aren’t good or can’t play at an elite level.

Since both of these players have a hate-wagon following them to every city they go to, I beg of you to relax, sit back, and read an unbiased approach to both of their new situations.

Life is about change, people. Remember the song? Change, change…will do you good. No?

Well, still, both of these guys are talented enough to make things happen in their first year in new colors, and I have evidence as to why I believe so.

Jay Cutler

Cutler took over for Jake Plummer mid-way through the season three years ago, and showed enough to Mike Shanahan and co. that they knew they had done the right thing.

Trouble is, they stopped at the quarterback, and never built a new defense.

John Lynch, anyone?

Cutler went on to form a bitter and exciting rivalry with Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers, routinely dominate the Oakland Raiders, and finally turned himself into a sure- fire Pro Bowler in 2008.

You don’t pass for 25 touchdowns and over 4,500 yards on a whim. The guy is talented.

He’s got a Brett Favre-moxie that you can’t teach, a rocket arm, and excellent mobility.

To anyone who doubts his ability to win, or his fading at times in clutch situations, I have some news for you.

The guy is 25 years old.

He just started coming into his own last year, and while a change in scenery could potentially affect that growth, I believe he’s already reached a confidence and talent level too high to be knocked back down to where he was as a rookie.

In Chicago he will find no Brandon Marshall’s, no Eddie Royal’s, and no Mike Shanahan.

But he still has weapons.

Devin Hester’s speed and explosiveness could make both players look like magicians in 2008, and Greg Olsen’s size and speed could make Tony Scheffler look like a baby Mark Chmura.

The point is, Cutler may not be quite as “great” as his Denver weapons and numbers made him out to be, but he also isn’t anywhere close to the wimpy, cry baby, drama king that the trade to Chicago made him out to be, either.

He still knows how to play football, and he’s talented enough to make things happen with the few weapons that Chicago does have.

Oh, and this time around, he’ll actually have a supportive defense.

Kyle Orton

Orton is entering into a system that gave Matt Cassel the quickest quarterback make-over we’ve ever seen.

Cassel had no experience to speak of at any level, and hadn’t started a football game since high school. We may find out fairly soon in Kansas City that, while the guy is talented, he is nowhere near as good as this system (and Randy Moss and Wes Welker) made him out to be.

Do you see the common theme, here? Nothing is what you think it is. At least, not when you’re discussing Cutler and Orton.

Orton tossed over 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns with those average weapons everyone keeps talking about, and is now walking into Jay Cutler-territory, where he has the luxury of having Marshall, Royal, and Scheffler at his disposal.

So, really, which is it?

Did those talented receivers make Cutler, or did Orton’s lack of talent make him? Or is it both?

I say neither.

Orton proved (on a bum ankle for the final four weeks) that he can manage games, and is talented enough to put up solid numbers, despite not having polished weapons around him.

With a new cast of friends sharing the load on offense, Orton’s numbers could get half-way to where Cutler was last year.

And as far as that whole “system quarterback” label is concerned-so what?

If he is indeed a system quarterback, then that’s all the more reason to pull the trade that Josh McDaniels orchestrated, and nab Orton, a guy who can clearly do what he’s told, when he’s told it, and do it well.

Denver won’t have the defensive support Orton had last year, at least not immediately, but if McDaniels system is anything like Bill Belichick’s in New England, there should be some good results.

Fantasy Summary

If you’re looking to draft either of these guys as sleepers, good luck.

It’s becoming more and more obvious that both quarterbacks are getting very comfortable in their new environment, and with all of their respective offensive weapons healthy, there’s no reason to think they both can’t succeed.

Cutler has his defense backing him, as well as a fantastic weapon in Matt Forte (who people tend to overlook when talking about Cutler’s supporting cast), and whether you like it or not, the guy is actually good.

Orton, on the other hand, is only going to play as bad as Brandon Marshall allows him to, and Eddie Royal is set-up to have huge numbers as the Wes Welker-clone, as well.

If those two receivers are putting up elite numbers, don’t you think Orton will reap some of those benefits?

Real World Summary

If we’re being realistic, it’s as simple as this:

Orton is good enough to help make the Denver offense go, but their offensive line is still aging, and their entire defense is, well, incomplete.

They are probably still a .500 team, but Orton is too smart and safe to have them lose more than nine games.

Cutler, on the other hand, has a good defense and special teams, and while some of his weapons aren’t necessarily elite or proven yet, they have the athleticism and explosive needed to make that jump.

With Cutler’s arm guiding the way, the Bears could enter into the top ten in the league, offensively.

Even if they don’t, Cutler is still better than Orton, and Chicago won’t finish any worse than they did last year, which could equate to Cutler’s first “winning” season.

2009 NFC Quarterback Preview

Tony Romo lost his most talented weapon (Terrell Owens) this off-season, and now only has Roy Williams as a reliable receiver target.

However, the word in Dallas is that Owens being gone will lift any distractions from the team, and will have the offense performing more fluidly and in turn, will be more effective.

Maybe, and maybe not.

Read on to see who wins the quarterback position battles, who is falling, and who is on the rise, in a team-by-team glance:

Eli Manning-New York Giants

Manning has been overrated ever since winning the Super Bowl, and now he doesn’t have an elite receiver to rely on anymore.

Still, the Giants drafted two fantastic receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, and the other young talent they have looks to be better than advertised.

While many are down on the Giants offense, I’m making an early guarantee: This offense will soar.

Verdict: May end the season with the elite

Proj: 3,700 yards, 28 TD, 16 INT

Donovan McNabb-Philadelphia Eagles

Just the fact that McNabb stayed healthy last season gives me optimism for him and the Eagles in 2009.

If he can stay on the field, his new offensive weapons should aid him in getting back to prime form.

McNabb put up solid numbers last season, but with a healthy offense, he could approach his 2004 numbers.

Verdict: Three good receivers means only good things

Proj: 3,885 yards, 27 TD, 15 INT

Jason Campbell-Washington Redskins

Against my better judgment, I have to go into 2009 believing the Redskins are fully confident in Campbell.

If they’re not, they aren’t really preparing themselves with a trusted insurance policy.

Regardless, Campbell still has a good arm and shows poise in the pocket. If his young receivers can step up, there could be some modest progress.

Verdict: Still not a great FF option

Proj: 3,334 yards, 15 TD, 12 INT

Tony Romo-Dallas Cowboys

Romo won’t be able to throw it down the field as confidently, but he still has Jason Witten and a solid running back backing him.

The question isn’t if Roy Williams can show up. It’s more about the development of Miles Austin.

Verdict: A balanced offense keeps Romo in the top 10

Proj: 3,698 yards, 31 TD, 16 INT

Aaron Rodgers-Green Bay Packers

The problem in Green Bay is still their defense, and even if it gets better, it still won’t be great.

Rodgers stats will only increase, because he’ll have another season of having to keep Green Bay in high-scoring affairs.

Verdict: Top 10 pick

Proj: 3,966 yards, 27 TD, 14 INT

Jay Cutler-Chicago Bears

Cutler should be able to make something out of Hester, and will discover Greg Olsen to be a nice, speedy target at tight end.

The offensive weapons aren’t sexy, but with time, they definitely could be.

Matt Forte and the rest of the ground game will be Cutler’s new best friend.

Verdict: Cutler shocks some people and keeps 2008 form

Proj: 4,229 yards, 29 TD, 16 INT

Matthew Stafford-Detroit Lions

I speculated about it myself, and have now begun to hear rumors about Stafford starting “earlier than thought”.

I don’t have much faith in a severely regressed Culpepper, and also don’t feel the Lions have much to lose by throwing their rookie into the fire.

Verdict: That doesn’t mean he should be on your team, though.

Proj: 2,470 yards, 14 Td, 16 INT

Brett Favre-Minnesota Vikings

If Brett Favre does in fact stay retired, then I feel Brad Childress has had enough of Tarvaris Jackson, and we’ll see more of Sage Rosenfels, the “Human Helicopter”.

But after he finally spoke up, I believe Favre will be wearing purple come September.

Favre still has a gun (prodiving it doesn’t fall off), and he’s backed by the best running back in the league. He and the Vikings will be just fine.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,639 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

Jake Delhomme-Carolina Panthers

Despite his five-interception game against the Cardinals in the playoffs, Delhomme is still Jon Fox’s guy, or at least until we’re told otherwise.

The Panthers still have one of the NFL’s best receivers, Steve Smith, at his disposal, along with a great running back tandem to ease the pressure.

Verdict: As usual, he’ll do just fine

Proj: 3,779 yards, 24 TD, 14 INT

Matt Ryan-Atlanta Falcons

Forget about the strides he made, or the excellent chemistry he established with his receivers.

He and the rest of that ridiculous offense are entering year two of being comfortable, and now they have an elite tight end in Tony Gonzalez.

Verdict: Grab Ryan when you can

Proj: 3,591 yards, 25 TD, 13 INT

Byron Leftwich-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Leftwitch easily beats on Josh Johnson and rookie Josh Freeman, but will probably have to work fairly hard to fend off the pesky veteran, Luke McCown.

In the end, though, Leftwitch has the best amount of experience and the best talent to lead this team, and could form a special connections with Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow.

Verdict: You can get him late-at doing so is advised

Proj: 2,677 yards, 18 TD, 9 INT

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints

Is it really possibly for this guy to throw for over 5,000 yards in back-to-back season? Possible—yes. But it won’t happen. That’s just too insane.

Still, Sean Payton has tons of tricks up his sleeves, and Brees has way too much talent around him to drop off too much.

Verdict: Top five quarterback

Proj: 4,791 yards, 32 TD, 16 INT

Kurt Warner-Arizona Cardinals

Knock him for being old all you want, but I see Warner finishing 2009 healthy, and relatively still on top of his game.

With or without Anquan Boldin, this is a scary-good offense, and the addition of Ohio State’s Chris Wells only makes it tougher and nastier.

Verdict: Like Brees, a top five guy

Proj: 4,211 yards, 31 TD, 15 INT

Shaun Hill-San Francisco 49ers

If Mike Singletary wants to win, he’ll go with Hill. After all, all Hill does is lead an efficient offense and win games.

Hill won’t deliver big numbers, even if the Niner’s are winning, but he will still be the guy slinging passes for them in 2009.

Verdict: Stop-gap

Proj: 3,246 yards, 17 Td, 12 INT

Marc Bulger-St.Louis Rams

As a lover of football and good offensive production, I pray that the rumors of St. Louis being interested in Michael Vick are true.

Bulger has a lot to prove to have me forget about his last two seasons. His offense has been crumbling around him since 2007, but he still hasn’t looked very sharp, even when they’ve won games.

Verdict: Stay away until things get better

Proj: 2,798 yards, 15 TD, 15 INT

Matt Hasselbeck-Seattle Seahawks

Two things went horribly wrong for Seattle and Hasselbeck last season.

First, their running game never took off, and then all their receivers landed on IR.

Oh, and then Hasselbeck broke his back.

With Hasselbeck and his receiving corps back to full healthy, things are already looking up. The only question is, what will they be getting from their rush attack?

Verdict: Hasselbeck returns to near 2007 form.

Proj: 3,476 yards, 22 TD, 15 INT

NFL 2009 Predictions: Who’s Going to the Playoffs?

It’s still early in the off-season, but I’d like to put my stamp on my official preseason playoff predictions.

It seems everyone out there is doing all types of player rankings (as am I) or power rankings, which leaves this writer thinking, “why not me, too?”

The big questions are what teams won’t repeat as playoff contenders, as well as whether or not there will be any huge surprise teams to crack the rotation—such as the Arizona Cardinals from 2008.

It’s a waste of time to predict what team’s will have what records, as injuries, roster changes, and coaching philosophy hasn’t taken it’s full effect, and probably won’t until mid-season.

However, with the draft in the books, the first big wave of free agency done and over with, it’s time to take a breather from the Brett Favre-sage, among other things, and ponder what 12 teams will vie for a title next season.

Spoiler Alert: The Lions aren’t one of them.

AFC

New England Patriots

A healthy Brady means a wild, and crazy “bunch”. The offense was fine without him—but it just wasn’t the same.

With more depth added on defense through the draft, we will start to see somewhat of a rebuilding project, all while this team makes a fun for the Super Bowl.

Verdict: Division Winner

New York Jets

The only huge question mark is the quarterback position. Leave the defensive decisions to the mastermind, Rex Ryan.

If their running game can help out rookie Mark Sanchez (who will be the starter), then they have a real chance to get close to 10-6, and nab a wild-card spot.

Verdict: Wild Card

Buffalo Bills

The new addition of Terrell Owens will do more than the experts think, but the playoffs? That’s a bit of a reach.

Owens’ presence will allow Trent Edwards and Lee Evans to develop faster, and the Bills offense should grow, as a whole. There are too many question marks with their pass rush and overall depth on defense, though.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins weren’t built to go 11-5 last year, but an easy schedule and a scorned quarterback led them to a remarkable season.

They’ll probably regress to somewhere between 6-10 and 9-7, but not without steady improvement from their receivers. 2010 will be their season to strike.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger and co. are too tough and determined to have a Super Bowl-hangover.

With Willie Parker healthy, they’ll have a solid ground game to rely on, once again, which will open things up for rising star, Santonio Holmes.

Verdict: Division Winner

Baltimore Ravens

We should see steady improvement from Joe Flacco in his second season, but then again, that’s what everyone said about Rick Mirer.

I believe in the Flacco buzz, but he doesn’t have elite offensive weapons, and his defense is aging.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are more prepared to win now, than people give them credit for.

They still have solid receivers and a Pro Bowl-type quarterback in Carson Palmer. Clearly their main issues are on defense, but if Cedric Benson can run like he did in the final three games last season, they could push for a wild card.

Verdict: Stuck in Mediocrity

Cleveland Browns

It’s never good when you aren’t even sure who your starting quarterback is. To make matters worse, they have a receiver who drops passes, no tight end, and no true weapons to rely on.

It’ll be a rough first year for Eric Mangini.

Verdict: Bottom of the Barrel

Indianapolis Colts

Eventually this team has to drop-off, right?

With Tony Dungy, Tom Moore, and Marvin Harrison all gone, it’s the perfect time for the Colts to fall away from being contenders.

But they have Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, and Dallas Clark.

Just those three players are good enough for them to win the division.

Verdict: Division Winner

Houston Texans

If Matt Schaub can stay healthy (that’s a big “if”), then there could be good things coming Houston’s way.

They have elite options at every offensive position, and are backed by a consistently improving defense.

Verdict: Wild Card (Finally)

Tennessee Titans

When you lose Albert Haynesworth, there’s bound to be a drop-off.

Teams will be able to key in on their running game, as Kerry Collins isn’t the most difficult quarterback to game-plan against.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Jacksonville Jaguars

Letting go of Fred Taylor was a bolder move than you’d think. Maurice Jones-Drew can handle the starting gig-that’s not the problem.

But after seeing their offensive line depth (or lack thereof) exposed, they’re now risking the same thing happening to their running back corps.

And as for those receivers; do you really think Torry Holt can rescue them in one season?

Verdict: Cellar

San Diego Chargers

A healthy group of offensive weapons, as well as a revitalized Shawne Merriman, could realistically place this team right back where they left off in 2007.

They’re still one of the most talented teams in the league, so the rest falls on Norv Turner.

Verdict: Division Winner

Denver Broncos

I, unlike many others, actually believe in Kyle Orton. He put up solid numbers last season, despite being hurt and not having many elite weapons.

Now he’s walking in with a good running scheme, as well as Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Tony Scheffler as top targets.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Oakland Raiders

I’m not buying that JaMarcus Russell can progress enough to stave off the veteran, Jeff Garcia.

Garcia is old, but he brings accuracy, leadership, and poise. The Raiders will win at least five games if Garcia is starting.

Darren McFadden stepping into the starting role can only help their chances.

Verdict: Not Even Close

Kansas City Chiefs

I’m on the Matt Cassel bandwagon, but not necessarily for 2009. He has new weapons, a new environment, and it will take time to adjust.

Larry Johnson remains a huge question mark, as does this defense.

Can they improve on their league-low 10 sacks? God, I hope so.

Verdict: Dead Last

NFC

Philadelphia Eagles

As long as cancer-stricken defensive coordinator Jim Johnson hangs around, their defense will be right near the top again.

New weapons Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy won’t be starting, but will eventually find ways to make an impact.

Verdict: Division Winner

Dallas Cowboys

If Roy Williams can step-up, we shouldn’t see any drop-off in Tony Romo’s production.

And if Dallas does what everyone knows it needs to in order to win (run the ball), then they have a shot at the division, too.

Verdict: Wild Card

New York Giants

Eli Manning doesn’t have a dependable target-yet. This could make him grow, or make him squirm.

Losing Derrick Ward could hurt a lot if Brandon Jacobs goes down at all again.

Overall, they still have a very good team. However, the NFC East is brutal, and their tough schedule on the outside of it will wear them out.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Washington Redskins

They showed glimpses of true talent and a desire to win, but they’re not there yet.

Unfortunately, that will mean Jim Zorn will be gone, and the franchise will look to move on from Jason Campbell.

Verdict: Bottom of the Barrel

Green Bay Packers

Even if Brett Favre comes back, the Packers still have a very good shot at taking over this division.

It’s going to be a hard fight throughout the season, but their defense should improve enough to help them get to 10-6, which will be good enough to win the North.

Verdict: Division Winner

Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler will have to adjust, just like Matt Cassel, and it may be even more difficult, considering his limited receiving options.

That chemistry and development will take time. Their defense will keep them above .500, but there are too many other teams with better core groups.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Minnesota Vikings

I don’t care if they won their division last year. The Packers won it in 2007, but I didn’t see them winning it in 2008, did you?

Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback.

The Vikings are solid all across the board, but there’s little-to-no faith in either one of their current signal callers. If Favre jumps aboard, they have a shot at the division.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford will play eventually, but the odds are Culpepper plays the first few games. Once the Lions are 0-5 again, management will have nothing to lose, and they’ll plop the rookie in.

There needs to be a lot of improvement throughout the entire team just to win 2-3 games next season.

Verdict: Cellar

New Orleans Saints

There is a common theme in the NFC South: whatever team finishes last this year, finishes first the next. So far, so food.

The Saints definitely have the offense to match-up with any team, but what about their defense? Common upgrades at each position should have them competing at a high level on both sides of the ball.

Verdict: Division Winner

Atlanta Falcons

While many feel the Falcons will fall in Matt Ryan’s second try, I think they’ll only get better.

With the addition of future Hall of Famer tight end, Tony Gonzalez, as well as improvement from Roddy White and Michael Jenkins, this offense can only get better.

Verdict: Wild Card

Carolina Panthers

It’s back to mediocrity after we saw a taste of what the Panthers can do. The only problem is, their defense is only average, and they have an extremely tough schedule.

Is Julius Pepper staying or going? Consider he’s the glue holding that average defense together, that may be the make-or-break question.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They don’t have a quarterback, and they’re starting over, almost completely.

I like their offense with Derrick Ward, Antonio Bryant, and Kellen Winslow, but that won’t be enough.

Telling Jeff Garcia to take a hike was a mistake.

Verdict: Cellar

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona won’t have any lingering effects from their Super Bowl loss. They know better than that.

They’re aware that they were an average team going into the post-season, so they are already concentrating on simply getting better.

They retained Warner, got rid of Edgerrin James, and now all that’s left is to resolve the Anquan Boldin situation. If they can do that, they have this division. They probably have it, anyways.

Verdict: Division Winner

Seattle Seahawks

This time around, no more tears, Seattle.

(Name the boy-band!)

Matt Hasselbeck should return to form, or at least close to it, and they should actually have some healthy/productive receivers this season.

There are still question marks on their offensive line and with their running game. They can get back to 7-9 or 8-8, but probably won’t compete for the division.

Verdict: Just Miss Out

San Francisco 49ers

Mike Singletary has the right idea. Defense wins championships. Hell, he should know.

However, he’s actually building a solid offense. Now, about that quarterback thing…

Verdict: Stuck in Mediocrity

St. Louis Rams

No, they won’t be this year’s Miami Dolphins.

Marc Bulger may have Chad Pennington’s No. 10, but he just isn’t what he used to be.

For me, it’s as simple as that. If Bulger starts, the Rams lose.

Summary

The AFC representatives for the NFL Playoffs will be:

Patriots

Jets

Steelers

Colts

Texans

Chargers

As for the NFC…

Eagles

Cowboys

Packers

Saints

Falcons

Cardinals

And the Super Bowl?

The Eagles will push past Green Bay and Arizona in the playoffs to meet up with the Patriots, where Randy Moss will finally get that elusive ring.

Can McNabb Lead Another Late Run?