NFC Preview

NFC Preview

The Contenders

Green Bay Packers – Predicted finish 13-3

Promising newcomers: OL Derek Sherrod (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: LB Nick Barnett; DT Cullen Jenkins; S Anthony Smith; OG Daryn Cooledge; TE Donald Lee

Outlook: The defending Super Bowl champs are set up to be a factor in the NFC for many years to come. Backed by a Superstar quarterback, strong offensive line, leadership all over the field with lots of depth and a strong mix of veteran and youth, this is going to the Packers’ division to lose. While the team did not make a lot of offseason moves, it will benefit from a number of players (TE Finley, RB Grant, DE Neal) getting healthy. The offense is led by Aaron Rodgers, whose vision and quick delivery will spread the ball to WR’s Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finlay, and RB’s Ryan Grant and James Starks. The defense is led by a pair of Pro-Bowlers, CB Charles Woodson and LB Clay Matthews and has a general hunger to prove that it is not the weaker side of the ball.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 9-13 (@ Chargers, vs. Vikings, vs. Buccaneers, @ Lions, @ Giants)

Fantasy Radar: QB Aaron Rodgers; RB Ryan Grant; WR Greg Jennings; TE Jermichael Finley

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/qimLrn

Philadelphia Eagles – Predicted finish 13-3

Promising newcomers: CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, DT Cullen Jenkins, DE Jason Babin, QB Vince Young, RB Ronnie Brown, S Jarrad Page; WR Steve Smith; WR Johnnie Lee Higgins; OT Danny Watkins (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: QB Kevin Kolb; DT Broderick Bunkley; K David Akers; LB Stewart Bradley; S Quintin Mikell

Outlook: The Eagles have been the talk of the offseason. The MVP of the season may turn out to be GM Howie Roseman (at 36, the youngest GM in the NFL) as he seemingly performed a magic trick by adding a number of quality free agents and trading their backup QB for a pro-bowl corner and #1 pick. Top pick Watkins was the only upgrade to the offensive line, so before I put this team in the Super Bowl, I want to see Mr. Vick, the new $100 million man, play for an entire season. If the stars align, Philly could be looking at a trip to the big game. Along the way, they could become the NFL’s version of the Miami Heat, who were the most hated team in the NBA, with Vick playing the role of LeBron James.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 12 vs. Patriots, Week 16 @ Cowboys

Fantasy Radar: QB Michael Vick; RB Lesean McCoy; WR Desean Jackson, WR Jeremy Maclin

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/pyMlBC

New Orleans Saints – Predicted finish 12-4

Promising newcomers: RB Mark Ingram (1st rd. pick); DE Cameron Jordan (1st rd. pick); S Paul Oliver; RB Darren Sproles; C Olin Kreutz; DT Aubrayo Franklin; LB Will Herring; OT Jordan Black; DE Turk McBride

Key losses: RB Reggie Bush; NT Remi Ayodele; LB Marvin Mitchell; DE Anthony Hargrove; C Jon Goodwin

Outlook: The Saints are going to be marching again, this time past the first round of the playoffs. It was expected they would have a bit of a dropoff after their Super Bowl victory in 2009 and it wouldn’t surprise me if they were back in the big game again this year. The Saints were active in the free agent market – Sproles, Kreutz, Franklin, and Herring will all help right away. Playing in what I consider to be the toughest division in football, they will be battle tested once the playoffs arrive.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 6-10 (@ Buccaneers, vs. Colts, @ Rams, vs. Buccaneers, @ Falcons)

Fantasy Radar: QB Drew Brees; WR Marques Colston, WR Lance Moore; RB Mark Ingram

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/n9xxBv

Dallas Cowboys – Predicted finish 12-4

Promising newcomers: S Abram Elam; DE Kenyon Coleman; OT Tyron Smith (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: RB Marion Barber, WR Roy Williams; C Andre Gurode; OT Marc Colombo; OT Alex Barron; DE Stephen Bowen; WR Sam Hurd

Outlook: The Cowboys had huge expectations last season with the opening of their new stadium, along with the Super Bowl being played there. When Tony Romo went down, expectations changed. He is back this season and the team has trimmed the fat in what should be a high-scoring offense led by Jason Garrett. However, only one starter returns to the offensive line. How quickly that line gels could hold the key to Dallas’ season. I fully expect Felix Jones to have a monster year as lead back and for Miles Austin to bounce back from a lackluster season. The question will be if they will be able to stop anyone on defense. If they do, I like them to make a long postseason run; if not, it will be another early playoff exit.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 6-8 (@ Patriots, vs. Rams, @ Eagles)

Fantasy Radar: QB Tony Romo; RB Felix Jones; WR Miles Austin

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/o7myEY

Atlanta Falcons – Predicted finish 11-5

Promising newcomers: WR Julio Jones (1st rd. pick); TE Reggie Kelly; DE Ray Edwards

Key losses: CB Brian Williams; DE Jamaal Anderson; OG Harvey Dahl; WR Michael Jenkins; P Michael Koenen

Outlook: The Falcons declared that this is the year for them by packaging their whole draft to trade up for Julio Jones (they gave up 2 #1 picks, a #2 and a #4 for him.) I see Jones alongside Roddy White making up a devastating WR combination and fully expect Atlanta to be in the mix all year. The problem is that the NFC South might be the best division in football and it is going to be a physical division. They need to stay healthy and get consistent production from the defensive side of the ball to be successful. Matty Ice has no excused this year, he has to have a big year for this team to go to the places management expects.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 1-2 (@ Bears, vs. Eagles) and Week 16-17 (@ Saints, vs. Buccaneers)

Fantasy Radar: WR Roddy While, WR Julio Jones; RB Michael Turner

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/mVLev9

The Pretenders

Detroit Lions – Predicted finish 9-7

Promising newcomers: DL Nick Fairley (1st rd. pick); CB Eric Wright; S Erik Coleman; LB Stephen Tulloch; DE Keyunta Johnson; S Aaron Francisco; C Rudy Niswanger; WR Titus Young (2nd rd. pick)

Key losses: WR Bryant Johnson; DE Turk McBride

Outlook: The Lions are the most exciting young team in the league. They are starting to stockpile stars on both sides of the ball and could be very dangerous team this season. Their defensive line with Fairley, Ndamukong Suh, Cliff Avril, Corey Williams, and Kyle Vanden Bosch is the best in the league; and Wright is a solid addition at CB. QB Matthew Stafford is healthy and seems primed for a big year. Calvin Johnson is a great WR and I see Nate Burleson as being a sleeper for this offense – a guy who has quietly performed for years and could be the factor for the offense. One weakness is that they are thin at RB since 2nd round pick Mikel Leshoure of Illinois tore his left Achilles and is out for the season. That leaves Jahvid Best as the main running threat – he must stay healthy and if so, will have a big season.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 12-17 (vs. Packers, @ Saints, vs. Vikings, @ Raiders, vs. Chargers, @ Packers)

Fantasy Radar: QB Matthew Stafford; WR Calvin Johnson; RB Jahvid Best

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/oCILVc

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Predicted finish 9-7

Promising newcomers: P Michael Koenen; DE Adrian Clayborn (1st rd. pick); DE Da’Quan Bowers (2nd rd. pick)

Key losses: TE John Gilmore; RB Carnell Williams; WR Maurice Stovall

Outlook: Here is a team that is tough to figure out. They play in a difficult division, without any real stars but still manage to get victories. They are not afraid to win ugly. Josh Freeman is on the cusp of being a star, along with fellow youngsters LaGarrette Blount, Mike Williams and Arrelius Benn. The defense is very young, but also very good. The Bucs are definitely a team that no one wants to play.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 9-11 (@ Saints, vs. Texans, @ Packers)

Fantasy Radar: QB Josh Freeman; WR Mike Williams; RB LaGarrette Blount

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/p320fO

St Louis Rams – Predicted finish 8-8

Promising newcomers: WR Mike Sims-Walker; S Quintin Mikell; LB Ben Leber; OG Harvey Dahl; DT Justin Bannan; RB Carnell Williams; RB Jerious Norwood; LB Brady Poppinga; DT Daniel Muir; CB Al Harris; DE Robert Quinn (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: LB Larry Grant; CB Kevin Dockery; WR Laurent Robinson; WR Mark Clayton; TE Daniel Fells

Outlook: The Rams have the benefit of playing in the NFC West, where I am predicting that it will not be won by a team with a losing record, like last year’s Seahawks (instead picking the winner to be .500). What will win the division for this team is the play of QB Sam Bradford, who is armed with a quick release, great vision, and will spread the ball all over the field. I think that Danny Amendola could have a breakout season, but this team will need Steven Jackson to stay healthy. The coaching staff is led by defensive guru Steve Spagnola and new assistant Josh McDaniels will bring the best out of the offense. This is another team that looks like it is a year away from being in the conversation as a playoff contender rather than one and out.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 6-8 (@ Packers, @ Cowboys, vs. Saints)

Fantasy Radar: QB Sam Bradford; RB Steven Jackson

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/q3QJGM

New York Giants – Predicted finish 7-9

Promising newcomers: DT Gabe Watson; OT Stacy Andrews; CB Prince Akukamara (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: WR Steve Smith; TE Kevin Boss; WR Plaxico Burress; DT Barry Cofield; S Michael Johnson

Outlook: It has been a tough offseason for the NY Giants. They have already lost the top three cornerbacks on the depth chart and have not seen an upgrade anywhere on the field. Their two-headed monster at running back, Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, is a year older and were unpredictable last season.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 9-17 (@ Patriots, @ 49ers, vs. Eagles, @ Saints, vs. Packers, @ Cowboys, vs. Redskins, @ Jets, vs. Cowboys)

Fantasy Radar: WR Hakeem Nicks; RB Ahmad Bradshaw

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/q168hG

Minnesota Vikings – Predicted finish 7-9

Promising newcomers: QB Donovan McNabb; QB Christian Ponder (1st rd. pick); DT Remi Ayodele; OT Charlie Johnson; WR Michael Jenkins; WR Devin Aromashodu

Key losses: CB Lito Sheppard; WR Sidney Rice; OT Bryant McKinnnie; LB Ben Leber; S Madieu Williams; DE Ray Edwards; QB Tavaris Jackson

Outlook: Questionable. Top pick Ponder needs to sit and learn behind McNabb, but is McNabb the answer at QB? Having the great RB Adrian Peterson has to make a QB look better. Free agent Johnson must come through at left tackle. Is the aging defense capable of playing back to pre-2010 levels? Vikings are in a very tough division, and will be fortunate to finish better than third. Playoffs are just a memory.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 1-4 (@ Chargers, vs. Buccaneers, vs. Lions, @ Chiefs)

Fantasy Radar: RB Adrian Peterson

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/qgSiHP

The Also-rans

Chicago Bears – Predicted finish 6-10

Promising newcomers: WR Roy Williams; TE Matt Spaeth; C Chris Spencer; RB Marion Barber; P Adam Podlesh; OL Gabe Carimi (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: C Olin Kreutz; TE Greg Olsen; S Josh Bullocks; DT Tommie Harris; P Brad Maynard; S Danieal Manning; WR Devin Aromashodu

Outlook: Special teams and defense has been the motto for the successful Bears teams. With the new kickoff rule and general consensus that nobody in their right mind should punt to Devin Hester, one of their strengths is taken away. The team has gotten a year older and Jay Cutler is too inconsistent of a quarterback for this team to be a legitimate contender. Love the defense still , which should keep them in a lot of games, but it doesn’t seem like they have enough to win those games.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 1-3 (vs. Falcons, @ Saints, vs. Packers)

Fantasy Radar: RB Matt Forte

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/oVLctk

San Francisco 49ers – Predicted finish 5-11

Promising newcomers: WR Braylon Edwards; S Donte Whitner; CB Carlos Rogers; K David Akers; LB Antwan Applewhite; C Jonathan Goodwin; DE Aldon Smith (1st rd. pick); QB Colin Kaepernick (2nd rd. pick)

Key losses: LB Takeo Spikes; LB Manny Lawson; K Jeff Reed; DT Aubrayo Franklin; OG David Bass

Outlook: The short offseason really hurt the 49ers. I love the addition of Jim Harbaugh as coach, but Alex Smith is a black cloud over this team in what is the most important position on the field. There are a number of attractive fantasy options on this team, but without a quarterback who can win games, there will be a lot of empty points for this team. The defense has had a lot of transition from what was a powerful unit two years ago, but it is led by the best linebacker in the league – Patrick Willis. Its going to be another frustrating year for 9er fans, who will be screaming for management to find a way to get Andrew Luck next year. If they do, this team is another to look out for next year.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 4-6 (@ Eagles, vs. Buccaneers, @ Lions)

Fantasy Radar: RB Frank Gore; WR Michael Crabtree, WR Braylon Edwards; TE Vernon Davis

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/qflzID

Washington Redskins – Predicted finish 5-11

Promising newcomers: RB Tim Hightower; WR Jabar Gaffney; OG Chris Chester; P Sav Rocca; CB Josh Wilson; DT Barry Cofield; DE Stephen Bowen; S Oshiomugho Atogwe; OG Sean Locklear; LB Keyaron Fox; DE Ryan Kerrigan (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: QB Donovan McNabb; DT Albert Haynesworth; DE Vonnie Holliday; DE Andre Carter; DE Chris Wilson; CB Carlos Rogers; OT Stephon Heyer

Outlook: Another team that is without a quarterback. The race to lead this team is between Rex Grossman and John Beck – enough said. There will be some frisky moments from this team with newcomer Tim Hightower ready to break out, Anthony Armstrong showing moments of excitement at the end of last season and Santana Moss churning out another quietly solid season. The bottom line is that this team is a couple years away from being where they need to be.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 13-17 (vs. Jets, vs. Patriots, @ Giants, vs. Vikings, @ Eagles)

Fantasy Radar: RB Tim Hightower; WR Santana Moss

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/qkC0tR

Arizona Cardinals – Predicted finish 4-12

Promising newcomers: QB Kevin Kolb; TE Todd Heap; TE Jeff King; OG Daryn Collidge; OG Floyd Womack; DE Vonnie Holliday; CB Richard Marshall; DE Nick Eason; CB Patrick Peterson (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: RB Tim Hightower; WR Steve Breaston; TE Anthony Becht; DT Gabe Watson; CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Outlook: The Cardinals were very active in free agency, inking new starters Heap, Coolidge, and Marshall; however, their biggest free agent signing was getting WR Larry Fitzgerald to agree to an eight year, $120 million contract extension through 2018. Trading for QB Kolb was equally as important. He must fulfill the promise he showed in Philadelphia. They got the player who many consider the most NFL-ready in the 2011 draft in CB Peterson, but lost 2nd round pick RB Ryan Williams for the season with a knee injury. The losses of Steve Breaston and Tim Hightower are going to show as the season progresses and depth becomes a questions. Beanie Wells is a huge question mark for me this season.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 7-11 (vs. Steelers, @ Ravens, vs. Rams, @ Eagles)

Fantasy Radar: WR Larry Fitzgerald

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/nC05rG

Seattle Seahawks – Predicted finish 4-12

Promising newcomers: WR Sidney Rice; TE Zach Miller; OG Robert Gallery; DT Alan Branch; QB Tavarris Jackson; K Jeff Reed; DE Jimmy Wilkerson; DT Donald McClinton; OL James Carpenter (1st rd. pick)

Key losses: QB Matt Hasselbeck; LB Will Herring; K Olindo Mare; S Jordan Babineau; OT Sean Locklear; OG Stacy Andrews; C Chris Spencer; CB Kelly Jennings

Outlook: Seattle was the default division winner and actually knocked off the defending super bowl champs in the playoffs last season. This is a team that I could be totally wrong about, but my feeling is that there is too much turnover on this team. I know that Hasselbeck has been injury prone, but he did look great in their playoff victory and I am not a Tavaris Jackson believer. While there are some interesting receiving (Mike Williams, Sidney Rice, Nate Washington) and rushing options (Marshawn, Leon, Forsett), I don’t see it happening for the Seahawks this season.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 9-11 (@ Cowboys, vs. Ravens, @ Rams)

Fantasy Radar: RB Marshawn Lynch

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/nqb91c

Carolina Panthers – Predicted finish 2-14

Promising newcomers: QB Cam Newton (1st rd. pick); K Olindo Mare; TE Greg Olsen; LB Omar Gaither; TE Jeremy Shockey; DT Sione Fua (3rd rd. pick)

Key losses: QB Josh McCown; TE Jeff King; DE Brayton Tyler; DT Derek Landry; TE Dante Rosario; CB Richard Marshall

Outlook: Carolina has needs all over the field. Cam Newton is going to an interesting player this season, who will find himself in a lot of 3rd and long situations and will find ways to make plays in those situations. The guy is a winner, but there are a lot of explosive personalities on a team without a ton of talent. I am looking for this team to get the first pick again next season and hold a ransom for the rights to Andrew Luck.

Schedule Spotlight: Week 4-6 (@ Bears, vs. Saints, @ Falcons)

Fantasy Radar: RB D’Angelo Williams

2010 Highlights: http://bit.ly/q0nSLh


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *