AFC Preview
The Contenders
New England – Predicted finish 14-2
Promising newcomers: WR Chad Ochocinco; LT Nate Solder (1st rd. pick); DT Albert Haynesworth; S James Ihedigbo; DE Shaun Ellis; LB Niko Koutouvides; DE Andre Carter; RB Shane Vereen (2nd rd. pick); RB Steven Ridley (3rd rd. pick).
Key losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain; S Jarrad Page; TE Alge Crumpler; OL Nick Kaczur; DL Ty Warren
Outlook: The Patriots have been one of the most active teams in the offseason, bringing In veterans all over the field and looking stronger than the 14-2 team that suffered a disappointing first round loss. Tom Brady has not won a playoff game since 2007 and has no excuse to not getting the Pats back to the big game. The main changes are on the defensive side of the ball with troubled lineman Albert Haynesworth is looking to re-invent himself alongside former Patriot killer Shaun Ellis. Expect to see a balanced running/passing game with depth added at the line and in the backfield.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 6-12 (@ Steelers, vs. Giants, @ Jets, vs. Chiefs, @ Eagles, vs. Colts)
Fantasy Radar: QB Tom Brady; WR Chad Ochocinco; TE Rob Gronkowski
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/naLzs0
San Diego Chargers – Predicted finish 13-3
Promising newcomers: S Bob Sanders; LB Takeo Spikes; LB Travis LaBoy; OG Michael Huey; DT Corey Liuget (1st rd. pick); DB Marcus Gilchrist (2nd rd. pick)
Key losses: RB Darren Sprowles; WR Legedu Naanee; ILB Brandon Siler; ILB Kevin Burnett
Outlook: This HAS to be the final chance for Norv Turner. Nothing short of a trip to the AFC Championship should allow him to keep his job. Lord knows he has the horses, as the Chargers were statistically first in both offense and defense in 2010. The main acquisitions were adding veteran presences on the defensive side of the ball. A weak AFC West should allow the Chargers to cruise into the playoffs. What they do when they get there is the real question.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 7-11 (@ Jets, @ Chiefs, vs. Packers, vs. Raiders, @ Bears)
Fantasy Radar: QB Philip Rivers; WR Vincent Jackson; TE Antonio Gates
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/o0Xi6U
New York Jets – Predicted finish 12-4
Promising newcomers: WR Plaxico Burress; LB Aaron Maybin; DT Muhammad Wilkerson (1st rd. pick); WR Derrick Mason
Key losses: OG Damien Woody, DT Kris Jenkins, DE Shaun Ellis DE Jason Taylor; S James Ihedigbo; WR Jerricho Cotchery; WR Braylon Edwards; KR Brad Smith; CB Drew Coleman
Outlook: Free agency did not go as well for the Jets as they had hoped. They made a big splash going after CB Nnamdi Asomugha but came up empty. They took a flyer on Burress, feeling he was a better choice than Edwards. Their best signing was retaining WR Santonio Holmes. A sub-par offensive line took a hit when versatile OL Rob Turner broke a leg in preseason. Despite some free agent losses, the defense still looks strong. They will go as far as their defense takes them.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 3-5 (@ Raiders, @ Ravens, @ Patriots)
Fantasy Radar: WR Santonio Holmes; RB Shonne Green
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/nVASNX
Pittsburgh Steelers – Predicted finish 12-4
Promising newcomers: CB Kevin Dockery; WR Jerricho Cotchery; S Macho Harris; TE John Gilmore; DT Cam Heyward (1st rd. pick); OL Marcus Gilbert (2nd rd. pick)
Key losses: TE Matt Spaeth; DE Nick Eason; CB Anthony Madison
Outlook: Steelers look to be the best team in the tough AFC North. Re-signing LBs Lamarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons keeps the defense strong. QB Ben Roethlisberger has his legal troubles behind him and looks primed for a big season, if the offensive line (questionable at best) can step up. Jonathan Scott must continue to improve at left tackle. Does Hines Ward have one more big season in his 35 year old legs? The other WR, Mike Wallace, is a budding superstar.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 1 (@Ravens), Week 8-9 (vs. Patriots, vs. Ravens)
Fantasy Radar: QB Ben Roethlisberger; RB Rashard Mendenhall; WR Mike Wallace
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/pGnKzk
Baltimore Ravens – Predicted finish 10-6
Promising newcomers: WR Lee Evans; RB Ricky Williams; OT Bryant McKinnie; OL Mark LeVoir; TE Jonathan Stupar; RB Vonta Leach; CB Jimmy Smith (1st rd. pick); WR Torrey Smith (2nd rd. pick)
Key losses: S Dawan Landry; WR Derrick Mason; TE Todd Heap; RB Willis McGahee; RB Le’Ron McClain; CB Josh Wilson; OG Chris Chester; WR Donte Stallworth
Outlook: While Joe Flacco is on the verge of becoming a star, the offensive line remains a major concern. Does the 32 year old McKinnie have enough left to take over at left tackle and move Michael Oher to the right side? Also Flacco will miss TE Heap and super blocking back McClain. The other big question for the Ravens is the age to their stars on defense. Do Ed Reed and Ray Lewis have one more big season in them? This team should be dangerous in the playoffs if Reed and Lewis stay healthy. Schedule Spotlight: Weeks 1-4 (vs. Steelers, @ Titans, @ Rams, vs. Jets)
Fantasy Radar: RB Ray Rice; WR Anquan Boldin
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/pPcrui
The Pretenders
Cleveland Browns – Predicted finish 9-7
Promising newcomers: CB Eric Wright; CB Dmitri Patterson; DL Phil Taylor (1st rd. pick); DE Jabaal Sheard (2nd rd. pick); WR Greg Little (2nd rd. pick); OG John Greco
Key losses: RB Mike Bell; OG Floyd Womack; WR Chansi Stuckey; DE Matt Roth; CB Eric Wright
Outlook: The stench from the Mangini era is long gone, and optimism is overflowing in Cleveland. Getting perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas to sign a new seven year contact was a big move for the up and coming Browns. The O-line is the strength of the team, boasting another All Pro in C Alex Mack leading the way for Madden cover boy Peyton Hillis. Colt McCoy proved to be a capable leader last year and without a true #1 receiver he will have to spread it around and use his feet when needed. The balance on the offense is mirrored on the defense as this young unit should only get better this year. Nine of first 11 games for Browns are against non-playoffs teams. They could get off quickly. Schedule Spotlight: Weeks 13-17 (vs. Ravens, @ Steelers, @ Cardinals, @ Ravens, vs. Steelers)
Fantasy Radar: RB Peyton Hillis
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/mOTQSP
Indianapolis Colts – Predicted finish 9-7
Promising newcomers: DE Tyler Brayton; OG Josh Beekman; DT Tommie Harris; LB Ernie Sims; OT Anthony Costanzo (1st rd. pick); OT Ben Ilijana (2nd rd. pick); QB Kerry Collins
Key losses: S Bob Sanders; TE Gijon Robinson; S Aaron Francisco; DE Keyunta Dawson; LB Clint Session
Outlook: Is Father Time finally caching up to Peyton Manning and the Colts? Manning’s 237 consecutive start streak appears to be in jeopardy. It’s doubtful that 18 year veteran Kerry Collins is the answer if Manning can’t go. C Jeff Saturday leads the OL, but he’s 36. Reggie Wayne isn’t getting any younger, either. Can Joseph Addai hold off previously underachieving Donald Brown at RB? The front seven, expecially the linebackers, is strong, but the secondary is full of holes. Fortunately for the Colts, the South is by far the weakest of the AFC’s four divisions, so they could challenge in the playoffs for one more year.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 13-17 (@ Patriots, @ Ravens, vs. Titans, vs. Texans, @ Jaguars)
Fantasy Radar: QB Peyton Manning; WR Reggie Wayne; TE Dallas Clark
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/ncWfTf
Houston Texans – Predicted finish 8-8
Promising newcomers: P Brad Maynard; FB Lawrence Vickers; DE JJ Watt (1st rd. pick); DE Brooks Reed (2nd rd. pick); S Danieal Manning; CB Jonathan Joseph
Key losses: S Bernard Pollard; DE Mark Anderson; LB Kevin Bentley; P Matt Turk; FB Vonta Leach
Outlook: Next to Norm Turner, no other coach is on the hot seat more than Gary Kubiak. He has perhaps the best linebacker corps in the league (Mario Williams as a 290 pound OLB?!?!), new D-coordinator Wade Phillips to lead them and top pick Watt to anchor the D-line. This team is full of superstars, led by strong-armed QB in Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, and Andre Johnson. The Texans need to prove that they can win the big game before I move them above .500.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 3-6 (@ Saints, vs. Steelers, vs. Raiders, @Ravens)
Fantasy Radar: QB Matt Schaub; RB Arian Foster; WR Andre Johnson
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/mUu0V9
Oakland Raiders – Predicted finish 7-9
Promising newcomers: QB Terrelle Pryor; S Josh Bullocks; TE Kevin Boss; QB Trent Edwards; OG Justin Smiley; OT Stephon Heyer
Key losses: CB Nnamdi Asomugha; TE Zach Miller; LB Thomas Howard; QB Bruce Gradkowski; OG Robert Gallery; WR Johnnie Lee Higgins
Outlook: Hard to say. The Raiders lost their best offensive player in Miller and the best CB in the league in Asomugha. However, they still have some quality players on both sides of the ball, especially on the defensive line. Boss is a decent replacement for Miller. Jason Campbell needs continue to improve at QB, but he won’t get much help from a questionable group of wide receivers. And he certainly won’t be helped by the Terrelle Pryor circus. There isn’t a more unpredictable team in the NFL than the Raiders. Schedule Spotlight: Week 14-17 (@ Packers, vs. Lions, @ Chiefs, vs. Chargers)
Fantasy Radar: RB Darren McFadden
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/phnLv6
Kansas City Chiefs – Predicted finish 7-9
Promising newcomers: LB Brandon Siler; DT Gregg Kelly; WR Steve Breaston; NT Kelly Gregg; RB Le’Ron McLain; OL Jared Gaither; WR Jonathan Baldwin (1st rd. pick); S Sabby Piscitelli
Key losses: DT Shaun Smith; DT Ron Edwards; C Rudy Niswanger; CB Maurie Leggett
Outlook: McLain will strengthen an already very good running game by opening holes for Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. How much protection a questionable pass-blocking OL can give QB Matt Cassel will be the key to the passing game. Defense will continue to be strong with outstanding OLB Tamba Hali signing a new five year contract. GM Scott Pioli is one of the NFL’s best, and he is assembling pieces to make the Chiefs a title contender – just not this year. He gambled with tempermenal first round pick Baldwin, who so far is proving to be more trouble than he’s worth. Schedule Spotlight: Week 12-15 (vs. Steelers, @ Bears, @ Jets, vs. Packers)
Fantasy Radar: RB Jamaal Charles; Dwayne Bowe
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/q3CDhs
The Also-Rans
Miami Dolphins – Predicted finish 6-10
Promising newcomers: RB Reggie Bush; LB Marvin Mitchell; OT Ray Willis; OT Marc Colombo; DE Jason Taylor; DT Ronald Fields; LB Kevin Burnett; RB Larry Johnson; C Mike Pouncey (1st rd. pick)
Key losses: RB Ricky Williams; RB Ronnie Brown; CB Al Harris; LB Channing Crowder
Outlook: Tony Sporano is the third AFC coach on the hot seat. There was a wide-spread feeling after last season that he would be sacked. Another poor season in 2011 and he has no chance of keeping his job. The defense is average at best, with LBs Karlos Dansby and Cameron Wake his only real playmakers. Reggie Bush is his biggest asset on offense, as he looks like he will have a terrific season. Mike Pouncey seems to be the real deal, as he will start at center. Not so for his QB Chad Henne, who was being booed by fans watching practice! There is no one behind Henne, so Sporano has hitched his future to him. Good luck.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 1-4 (vs. Patriots, vs. Texans, @ Browns, @ Chargers)
Fantasy Radar: RB Reggie Bush; WR Brandon Marshall
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/pw2VQq
Buffalo Bills – Predicted finish 5-11
Promising newcomers:; LB Nick Barnett; KR Brad Smith; LB Kirk Morrison; Marcell Dareus (1st rd. pick); QB Tyler Thigpen
Key losses: LB Aaron Maybin; WR Lee Evans; S Donte Whitner; LB Paul Posluszny; TE Jonathan Stupar
Outlook: The Bills’ first round draft choice from 2009, 11th overall, was released. Their 2010 top pick, C.J. Spiller, has a lot to prove this year. The 2011 draft looks like it will produce only one starter, Marcel Dareus. The heart of their defense (Posluszny) and their best DB (Whitner) left via free agency. Is Barnett going to make the Bills forget Posluszny? Smith will help their return game, but wasn’t that what they drafted Spiller for? Fred Jackson is an underrated RB, and Fitzpatrick is a serviceable QB. The receivers, however, are below par, and Fitzpatrick might find himself on his back this year more often than he’d like. The Bills may be getting better, but it’s a slow process.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 3-6 (vs. Patriots, @ Bengals, vs. Eagles, @ Giants)
Fantasy Radar: RB Fred Jackson; WR Stevie Johnson
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/qvRNu9
Tennessee Titans – Predicted finish 5-11
Promising newcomers: QB Jake Locker (1st rd. pick); QB Matt Hasselbeck; S Anthony Smith; OT Pat McQuistan; CB Frank Walker; TE Daniel Graham; LB Akeem Ayers (2nd rd. pick); DT Shaun Smith
Key losses: TE Bo Scaife; LB Stephen Tulloch; DE Jason Babin; QB Vince Young
Outlook: The Titans lost three valuable members of the team to free agency in Scaife, Tulloch, and Babin and they have no one ready to replace Babin in the DL. On the other side of the ball, the OL returns intact from last season and could develop into a strength leading the way for speedster Chris Johnson. It was a smart move to bring in Hasselbeck so they don’t have to rush Locker but neither options looks to be enough.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 14-17 (vs. Saints, @ Colts, vs. Jaguars, @ Texans)
Fantasy Radar: RB Chris Johnson; WR Kenny Britt
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/ncbUJI
Denver Broncos – Predicted finish 4-12
Promising newcomers: DE TY Warren; RB Willis McGahee; DL Jeremy Jarmon; LB Von Miller (1st rd. pick); DB Rahim Moore (2nd rd. pick); OT Orlando Franklin (2nd rd. pick)
Key losses:
Outlook: As if things weren’t tough enough in Denver, Ty Warren got injured in pre-season and could be out for the year. The offensive line remains a strength for the Broncos, and all three top draft picks will make an immediate impact. That’s the extent of the good news. New coach John Fox likes to run the ball and Knowshawn Moreno could develop into a special player if healthy. The drama around this team is all about the QB spot as the public will look for Tebow to lead this team, but the reality is that he is not ready. Kyle Orten will start the year at QB, but uncertainty and a lack of depth will hurt this team.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 10-13 (@ Chiefs, vs. Jets, @ Chargers, @ Vikings)
Fantasy Radar: RB Knowshawn Moreno; WR Brandon Lloyd
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/p8cMq5
Jacksonville Jaguars – Predicted finish 4-12
Promising newcomers: QB Blaine Gabbert (1st rd. pick); OLB Matt Roth; P Durant Brooks; CB Drew Coleman; S Dawan Landry; LB Clint Session; LB Paul Posluszny; OG Jason Spitz
Key losses: LB Kirk Morrison; S Sean Considine; WR Mike Sims-Walker; P Adam Podlesh; LB Justin Durant
Outlook: It’s unclear whether or not Jack Del Rio plans to start Gabbert or go with veteran David Garrard. It would make sense to let Gabbert sit, but Del Rio may fear for his job and throw the rookie out there. It doen’t help either QB that the wideouts are below par and the offensive line is mediocre at best. Can DE Aaron Kampman come back to full productivity after a second straight knee injury? Posluszny and Session will lead a solid linebacker corps, but they need more help.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 6-8 (@ Steelers, vs. Ravens, @ Texans)
Fantasy Radar: RB Maurice Jones-Drew
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/pJympo
Cincinnati Bengals – Predicted finish 3-13
Promising newcomers: TE Bo Scaife; OG Max Jean-Gilles; OLB Manny Lawson; CB Nate Clements; OLB Thomas Howard; WR A.J. Green (1st rd. pick); QB Andy Dalton (2nd rd. pick)
Key losses: QB Carson Palmer; WR Chad Ochocinco; TE Reggie Kelly; OT Kirk Chambers; OG Evan Mathis
Outlook: Dalton becomes the starting QB by default, as Palmer has “retired”. Despite the loss of Ochocinco, the Bengals are deep at WR, with #1 pick Green joining promising 2nd year pro Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley, and Andre Caldwell. Scaife and Jermaine Gresham make a formidable pair at TE. RB Cedric Benson has turned into a reliable RB. If the O-line holds up, Dalton will have a chance to put some points on the board. The defense, however, looks weak, especially in the backfield.
Schedule Spotlight: Week 9-13 (@ Titans, vs. Steelers, @ Ravens, vs. Browns, @ Steelers)
Fantasy Radar: RB Cedric Benson
2010 Highlight: http://bit.ly/roNHl2