Posts Tagged ‘new york jets’

2009 Fantasy Football: Third-Year Receivers

(Calvin Johnson has already arrived.)

Everyone knows the old cliche’ about wide receivers. They don’t always make an immediate impact as rookies, and despite having natural talent, usually take a while to carve a niche with their team.

About three years, to be exact.

Not everyone can be Randy Moss and bust out 17 touchdowns in their first try, or like last year’s Eddie Royal, and haul in 91 receptions.

No, sometimes fantasy owners and NFL teams are forced to go the traditional route and wait.

Here’s a look at the wide receivers from the 2007 NFL Draft, who are entering their third season, with analysis on their progress and role with their team.

(This article will only analyze those receivers taken in the 2007 draft.)

1. Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)

Johnson is arguably a top-three fantasy receiver, depending on who you’re talking to.

Despite not having a dependable quarterback, or any sort of supporting cast, Johnson racked up over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008.

The new regime is reportedly enamored with Johnson (how couldn’t they be?), as he’s poised to match last year’s numbers, and possibly add to them.

Prediction: 85 rec., 1,479 yards, 13 TD

2. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs)

Bowe has already made a quiet name for himself, as he was the second-best weapon (behind Tony Gonzalez) on Kansas City’s offense in 2008.

With Matt Cassel coming to town, Bowe should easily crack 1,000 yards again with a pass-happy system and an upgrade at the signal caller position.

Bowe has already showed glimpses of his potential with 12 touchdowns in his first two seasons. This should be his break-out year.

Prediction: 87 rec, 1,244 yards, nine TD

3. Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis Colts)

Gonzalez has been showing for the past two years that his speed and hands are more than able to make up for the loss of future Hall of Famer, Marvin Harrison.

His chemistry with Peyton Manning improves with every day of practice, and there’s no doubt Gonzelez can improve (and will) on his 2008 numbers of 57 catches, 664 yards, and four scores.

Prediction: 81 rec, 1,209 yards, eight TD

4. Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins)

Ginn has progressed slower than many had hoped, but he has still shown flashes of electric play-making ability, and has starred as a solid return man, too.

His role has been increasing in the offense over his two years with the team, and to avoid the Wildcat offense from getting predictable, his production will have to increase.

Prediction: 74 rec, 1,088 yards, seven TD

5. Steve Breaston (Arizona Cardinals)

Breaston has been quite impressive already, as he topped 1,000 yards as the Cardinals reliable third option.

Apparently it’s not very difficult to get open when you have Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin taking all the attention from the secondary. Go figure.

Breaston has already “broken out” more than he or anyone else could have hoped, considering he was the third option last year, and will continue to be in 2009.

His numbers are likely to dip a bit, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t already “arrived.”

Prediction: 72 rec, 955 yards, five TD

6. Steve Smith (New York Giants)

With Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer out of town, Steve Smith is likely to pair up with Domenik Hixon (at least in the early going), and will have a legitimate chance at locking down a starting role.

Smith has good hands and is a solid route runner, and also possesses underrated speed and quickness. If he and Manning can continue the chemistry that landed him 57 catches and over 500 yards.

Prediction: 79 rec, 855 yards, three TD

7. Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings)

Rice battled injuries last year, taking him down a peg after putting forth solid effort in his rookie year.

With the potential (and likely) addition of Brett Favre, Rice could easily develop into a solid red-zone target, and could also be a decent down-field threat, as his speed has gotten better every year.

Prediction: 58 rec, 744 yards, six TD

8. James Jones (Green Bay Packers)

Jones and fellow slot receiver candidate, Jordy Nelson, both arguably have the talent right now to unseat Donald Driver.

Unfortunately, they will have to settle (at least for 2009) for fighting over third receiver duties.

While Nelson appears to have the upper hand with better size, speed, and hands, Jones may have more ability after the catch, making him a better fit for the slot.

Regardless, Green Bay’s system leaves the door open for tons of yards and scores to go around, especially as Aaron Rodgers matures.

Prediction: 46 rec, 690 yards, five TD

9. Johnnie Lee Higgins (Oakland Raiders)

Higgins is in line for contending for a starting role, and may end up with one of the starting gigs, almost by default.

Seventh overall selection, Darrius Heyward-Bey, has been slowed for the past month with injuries, and Javon Walker hasn’t been able to put forth 100 percent of his effort in over a year.

Higgins was a highlight reel waiting to happen on returns (three scores), and it’s clear Oakland coaches will do what is necessary to get the ball in his hands.

Prediction: 45 rec, 722 yards, four TD

10. Mike Walker (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Dennis Northcutt and Matt Jones are gone, which leaves the door open for Walker to step in and snag the spot opposite of Torry Holt.

Walker has the skills needed to make the jump, and in limited action, has impressed.

Prediction: 44 rec, 596 yards, three TD

11. Laurent Robinson (St. Louis Rams)

Robinson was a bit of a disappointment in Atlanta, which prompted the Falcons to send him packing to St. Louis.

Now Robinson is a better environment to utilize his skills, but will also have some young talent around him, making his production difficult to gauge.

Prediction: 42 rec, 539 yards, four TD

12. Jason Hill (San Francisco 49ers)

Until further notice, Michael Crabtree and Isaac Bruce are not starters, while Josh Morgan and Jason Hill are.

Hill has good after-the-catch ability, and could snag a spot in the slot, regardless of the play of Crabtree.

Prediction: 39 rec, 477 yards, three TD

13. Chansi Stuckey (New York Jets)

Stuckey burst onto the scene early last year with some nice catches and decent performances, as he and Brett Favre formed some solid chemistry.

However, that eroded mid-way through the season, and we never saw that confident, rising receiver again.

It’s unlikely he’ll reach his potential with Kellen Clemens or a first-year Mark Sanchez throwing him the ball, but he’s a better bet than, say, a Titans receiver.

Prediction: 41 rec, 505 yards, four TD

14. Robert Meachem (New Orleans Saints)

Meachem only makes this list because Drew Brees spreads the ball around more than Fabio spreads I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, and that Saints offense is insanely sick.

He can still run with the best of them, and even as their fourth option, could still put up some decent numbers.

Prediction: 33 rec, 421 yards, three TD

15. Dwayne Jarrett (Carolina Panthers)

Muhsin Muhammad won’t be around forever to rescue Steve Smith from double teams. Come to think of it, I’m not sure he was that great at it last year.

Jarrett isn’t guaranteed slot duties, and is still in a run-first offense. But if he can show he can get it done in pre-season, he could prove to be a dangerous weapon with Steve Smith distracting the secondary.

Like many receivers, though, he’ll have to start slow.

Prediction: 22 rec, 311 yards, four TD

Fantasy Football: Top 5 Rookies

There won’t be a Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco this year.

Mark Sanchez could see his team get the playoffs, but it will undoubtedly not be because he throws for 3,000 yards and 20+ touchdowns.

There’s not going to be an Adrian Peterson, or a slew of Chris Johnson’s, Steve Slaton’s, and Matt Forte’s.

Realistically, there are only two rookie running backs worth drafting in the top five rounds.

That might even be a reach.

Wide Receivers are no different.

There are a few with a solid chance at starting, and a few more with duties in the slot almost guaranteed.

But superstars? Not even Michael Crabtree.

If you must take a chance, or are investing for a dynasty or keeper league, here’s the top five guys that could pan out, just as you’d hoped.

Honorable Mentions: Donald Brown, Shonne Green, LeSean McCoy, Kenny Britt, Percy Harvin

5.Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Regardless of what some biased scouts said about him, the guy can flat-out play.

He has the hands, smarts, and body control of a dominant NFL wide receiver, and that’s exactly what he’ll be-some day.

Crabtree is still behind Isaac Bruce, Josh Morgan, and probably even Jason Hill.

Due to missed practices and the depth ahead of him, Crabtree is in danger of starting his rookie year as the fourth option.

He’s still been going high (eighth) round, so you may have to fight for him.

But I suggest you let someone else take that chance.

4. Brian Robiskie, WR, Cleveland Browns

If there’s any receiver who is a shoe-in to start, it’s Robiskie.

He has exceptional hands and body control, and reportedly runs routes and handles coverage like a veteran.

He may not have blazing speed, but Robiskie is vastly underrated, and projects to snag the number two spot before the season starts.

Robiskie would make for a nice steal in rounds 8 to 10.

3. Knownshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos

He could very well end up being the best player on this list (this year, and beyond), but his offensive system and depth at his position really don’t suggest so.

Head Coach Josh McDaniels runs 3-4 backs at all times, and prefers the pass over the run. If Kyle Orton does well, they’ll stick to that plan, which could have Moreno falling short of 1,000 yards, despite being “the starter.”

2. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

There’s simply too much talent ahead of him for him to start right away.

Kevin Curtis has paid his dues and is still effective, while it’s unrealistic to think the electric DeSean Jackson will take a back seat to the rookie.

Maclin’s talent is off the charts, though, with excellent size, speed, and hands.

He won’t start the season as Philly’s go-to receiver, but he’s likely to send Curtis to slot duties, eventually.

1. Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Don’t buy the hype.

Tim Hightower is a failed experiment, and Arizona spent a first rounder on Wells for a good reason: to start him.

He may be eased into the role, but there’s no reason to have him sit behind the ineffective Hightower.

Hightower has a slight advantage in the passing game, but expecting that to keep Wells off the field is simply laughable.

The Cardinals aim to have a more balanced attack, and if Wells can help make that successful, he could post the best numbers of all the rookies.

New York Jets’ Danny Woodhead: Better Than Advertised

Thomas Jones will be 31 in August, yet his spot as the New York Jets’ starting running back is finely cemented.

Rookie Shonn Greene has somehow already earned the “closer” role, while the bit-size Leon Washington continues his change-of-pace role.

Great. So, where does that leave Danny Woodhead?

Who?

This guy.

Still don’t know who he is? I’m not surprised.

Woodhead, a 5’7” running back out of D-II Chadron State, probably isn’t a household name outside of Nebraska.

Turned down by several D-I schools due to his lack of height, Woodhead decided not to attempt to be a walk-on with a big school. Rather, he felt more like being wanted by a team, instead of being just another player.

And I agree with that sentiment. Because Woodhead isn’t just another player.

He’s a physical specimen with outstanding speed and agility.

Since Woodhead wasn’t invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2008, due to his small school and lack of size, he was forced to pack in his work-outs for scouts at his “pro day.”

According to a report from NFLDraftWatch.net, Woodhead posted impressive times in almost every major category.

He displayed speed and agility, running times between 4.33 and 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, which would place second overall for all college running backs.

He also posted the best agility time (4.03 seconds), the second-best vertical jump (38.5 in), and the best 60-yard shuttle time (11.2) seconds.

Despite only being 5’7” and weighing in at 200 pounds, Woodhead had the best athletic times, overall, of all the running back prospects in the nation.

If those numbers don’t sway you, perhaps a look at his college stats will.

Woodhead, the former NCAA’s all-time leading rusher (record recently broken by Mount Union’s Nate Kmic), put up his fourth straight 1,500-yard season in 2007, as well as his fourth straight season with at least 21 touchdowns.

He’s also known for his ridiculous 2006 season, in which he compiled over 2,700 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in just 13 games.

Woodhead also displayed his receiving ability throughout his career, as he topped at least 30 receptions in his final three years, and scored eight touchdowns on receptions for his career.

Let’s be honest with ourselves.

If you put Woodhead’s numbers up to any other back in that 2008 draft, without knowing his size, name, or school, he’s your first pick, hands down.

And even if that isn’t the case, and you’d still prefer all the other bigger, more experienced backs who faced tough competition, his numbers and athleticism put him in the middle rounds at least, right?

Wrong.

Despite all the numbers, Woodhead found himself undrafted in 2008, while soon signing a free agent contract with the Jets.

But here we are, two years removed from his sensational finale at Chadron State, still hoping he gets an honest chance.

With the flush of smaller backs taking the league by storm, now is as good a time as ever for Woodhead to make his splash and earn a spot with a team.

If that happens to be New York, then so be it.

However, considering the Jets have money invested in Jones, a third-rounder invested in Shonn Greene, and already have a 5’8” running back in Washington, there may not be room for Woodhead.

But there should be.

Woodhead is just like Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, and Maurice Jones-Drew.

He’s an ultra-athletic back that has been doubted his entire life, told “no” by anyone he meets, and has constantly overcome the odds.

The only difference is, those running backs previously listed got their chance at a D-I school, and they didn’t have to wait for their shot in the NFL.

Not like Woodhead has.

I know this article won’t save Woodhead’s career. It won’t make him the New York Jets’ starter, and it won’t even guarantee him a spot on their roster.

But what I hope it does is make people aware of his talent and his humble personality. I hope New York fans, and NFL fans alike, can recognize his ability and cheer him on.

Because Danny Woodhead is an underdog, even though he shouldn’t be.

Early 2009 Fantasy Football Preview: AFC Quarterbacks

Knee injury or not, Brady is still the man.

It’s the first day of June, which means all of those premature NFL power rankings and fantasy football rankings are no longer, well, quite as premature.

While everyone (including myself) is discussing LeBron James and his handshake phobia, the Magic and the Lakers, or Bruno’s fall into Eminem’s lap, I’ve decided to take that free fall dive into the loving arms of fantasy football.

And yes, the fantasy realm loves me back.

However, let’s pace ourselves. After all, it is in fact the first month of summer (first day, no less), and we don’t want to generate pre-football heart attacks.

I mean, Brett Favre hasn’t even made up his mind yet, so why should the rest of us be getting antsy?

Regardless, here is a team-by-team look at all 32 starting quarterbacks, their weapons, offenses, and how they may destroy or enhance your team.

Still worried about Favre’s final decision, camp battles, or injuries? I’ll do my best to fill you in, allowing you an early look at which quarterbacks may be the best bets, which could be potential sleepers, and which ones you should stay away from.

Tom Brady—New England Patriots

Matt Cassel is in Kansas City, and Brady is back in camp, meaning two things.

You have nothing to worry about, and you have nothing to worry about.

Brady has looked sharp in limited practice, and still has the same awesome weapons he had in 2007 during his 50-touchdown season. This list isn’t a ranking, but if it were, I’d have Brady at the top.

Verdict: If you can get him in the second round, you’re already winning.

Proj: 4,090 yards, 35 TD, 13 INT

Mark Sanchez—New York Jets

Don’t buy the Kellen Clemens hype (not that there actually is any).

For better or worse, Sanchez will begin the new Joe Namath era.

It won’t be as sexy or productive as either of Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco’s seasons last year, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Jets reached the playoffs.

Verdict: Not yet an option for FF

Proj: 2,400 yards, 16 TD, 17 INT

Trent Edwards—Buffalo Bills

I like the addition of Owens, but not the loss of Marshawn Lynch to start the season.

Edwards isn’t as bad as people think, and now he has a sound offense around him. He’s a borderline top-15 quarterback, and depending on how he looks in pre-season, could crack that barrier quite easily.

Verdict: Sleeper

Proj: 3,555 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT

Chad Pennington—Miami Dolphins

This is probably Pennington’s last hurrah with Miami, and something tells me the exciting juice that this offense had last season has all but dried up.

Pennington still doesn’t have enticing options, and he’s got two quarterbacks breathing down his neck.

He’ll be serviceable to start the season, but you won’t claim your league’s championship if he’s your starter.

Verdict: He’s a stop-gap

Proj: 3,100 yards, 17 TD, 14 INT

Ben Roethlisberger—Pittsburgh Steelers

If he endures a Super Bowl hang-over, we could see some bad numbers.

Because, as we’ve learned, the less Big Ben throws, the better he is.

He’s still a fantasy quarterback with solid weapons around him, so don’t be afraid to snatch him up.

Verdict: Serviceable

Proj: 3,470 yards, 23 TD, 18 INT

Brady Quinn—Cleveland Browns

Personally, I think Derek Anderson has the better arm and size, but Braylon Edwards favors Quinn, and the organization is more likely to run with the young, more familiar face.

Quinn is actually a good, young quarterback, and I’m not sure why Eric Mangini isn’t higher on him.

Regardless, aside from Braylon “Mr. Drop” Edwards, Quinn has no weapons.

Verdict: Things could get ugly

Proj: 2,899 yards, 20 TD, 20 INT

Carson Palmer—Cincinnati Bengals

He was awful last season, going 0-4 before bowing out with an arm injury.

However, his weapons are still potentially elite, and if he can return to form, could easily put up numbers that will have you kicking yourself for passing him up in the fourth round.

Verdict: Possibly ends the season as a top-5 passer

Proj: 3,884 yards, 27 TD, 17 INT

Joe Flacco—Baltimore Ravens

Flacco proved to be a capable game-manager, and has reportedly looked good over the offseason.

However, the Ravens are likely to base their offense around the run, and Flacco doesn’t have superstar options surrounding him.

Verdict: See Chad Pennington

Proj: 3,335 yards, 18 TD, 16 INT

Vince Young—Tennessee Titans

Call me crazy, but I don’t see Kerry Collins finishing the first half of the season as the starter.

He’s up there in age, which makes a regression or an injury extremely likely, and if things aren’t going well, he’ll be benched rather quickly.

Young may not have a cloudless head on his shoulders, but he still can make things happen with his feet.

Verdict: Young might surprise some people

Proj: 2,467 yards, 15 TD, 13 INT, 430 r yards, 4 TD

Peyton Manning—Indianapolis Colts

Manning loses Marvin Harrison, Tony Dungy, and two other important assistant coaches.

That doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly lose his touch, but there’s only so much Anthony Gonzales and Austin Collie can make up for.

Verdict: Draft him below Tom Brady, for sure this time

Proj: 4,300 yards, 33 TD, 19 INT

David Garrard—Jacksonville Jaguars

He lost Matt Jones, but gained Torry Holt.

Something tells me Garrard won’t really notice.

Jacksonville’s offense is all about grinding it out, but they were forced to put the ball in the air more last year because of an atrocious offensive line.

Verdict: A better line means Garrard is good again

Proj: 3,090 yards, 20 TD, 12 INT, 260 r yards, 3 TD

Matt Schaub—Houston Texans

Schaub has too many weapons to fail. The only problem is, he needs to stay on the field.

If he can play even 13 games, he’ll put up huge numbers, while leaving everyone guessing, yet again, what he’d do if he played a full season.

Still, with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Steve Slaton, and Owen Daniels, the future looks good for Schaub.

Verdict: He can lead your team to a title

Proj: 3,800 yards, 25 TD, 16 INT

Philip Rivers—San Diego Chargers

If Rivers’ defense can back him up, unlike in 2008, he could easily approach last year’s numbers, and possibly even surpass them.

With a healthy Antonio Gates and LT, Rivers is more confident than ever.

Verdict: Draft him like he’s Tom Brady

Proj: 4,270 yards, 30 TD, 16 INT

Jeff Garcia—Oakland Raiders

I just don’t see the JaMarcus Russell experiment lasting more than three or four losses in 2009, and wouldn’t be shocked to see him benched in the pre-season.

As long as Garcia wins a few games, Al Davis will let him start. After all, he brought him in for a reason.

Verdict: Nobody in Oakland is worth your while

Proj: 2,300 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT

Matt Cassel—Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel is in a new place with a huge drop-off as far as offensive weapons. He still has good experience from last season, combined with his solid arm and good athleticism.

However, we’ll all be left wondering what could have been, had Tony Gonzalez not been traded to Atlanta.

Verdict: Stay away in year one

Proj: 3,700 yards, 22 TD, 23 INT

Kyle Orton—Denver Broncos

Orton was putting together a solid season in Chicago before hurting his ankle. Once he came back, he played admirably through injury, and didn’t have the best options out there.

In Denver, he’ll have a friendlier offensive line and system, as well as excellent receiving options.

Verdict: Orton could make the leap to elite

Proj: 3,600 yards, 24 TD, 16 INT

The NFC Edition will be made available, depending on the reads/comments for this article. Thanks for reading, and for those basketball enthusiasts, check out my NBA blog: www.robertsroundballreport.com

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?