College Football Top 25: Week 3

1. Oklahoma Sooners (2-0) Next Week: vs. Missouri
2. LSU Tigers (3-0) Next Week: @ 17 West Virginia 
3. Alabama Crimson Tide (3-0) Next Week: vs. 13 Arkansas
4. Boise State Broncos (2-0) Next Week: vs Tulsa
5. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0) Next Week: vs. South Dakota
6. Stanford Cardinal (3-0) Next Week: vs. UCLA
7. Texas A&M Aggies (2-0) Next Week: vs. 8 Oklahoma State
8. Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0) Next Week: @ 7 Texas A&M
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-0) Next Week: @ Wyoming
10. Oregon Ducks (2-1) Next Week: @ Arizona
11. South Carolina Gamecocks (3-0) Next Week: vs. Vanderbilt
12. Florida State Seminoles (2-1) Next Week: @ 23 Clemson
13. Arkansas Razorbacks (3-0) Next Week: @ 3 Alabama
14. Florida Gators (3-0) Next Week: @ Kentucky
15. Virginia Tech Hokies (3-0) Next Week: @ Marshall
16. Baylor Bears (2-0) Next Week: vs. Rice
17. West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0) Next Week: vs. 2 LSU
18. South Florida Bulls (3-0) Next Week: vs. UTEP
19. Texas Longhorns (3-0) Next Week: @ Iowa State
20. Michigan Wolverines (3-0) Next Week: vs. San Diego State
21. TCU Horned Frogs (2-1) Next Week: vs. Portland State
22. USC Trojans (3-0) Next Week: @ Arizona State
23. Clemson Tigers (3-0) Next Week: vs. 12 Florida State
24. Illinois Fighting Illini (3-0) Next Week: vs. Western Michigan
25. Georgia Tech (3-0) Next Week: vs. North Carolina

NFL Power Rankings: Week 1

1. New England Patriots (1-0) Trending: ←

2. Green Bay Packers (1-0) Trending: ←

3. Baltimore Ravens (1-0) Trending: ↑

4. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) Trending: ←

5. San Diego Chargers (1-0) Trending: ←

6. Chicago Bears (1-0) Trending: ↑

7. New York Jets (1-0) Trending: ←

8. Houston Texans (1-0) Trending: ↑

9. New Orleans Saints (0-1) Trending: ↓

10. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1) Trending: ↓

11. Atlanta Falcons (0-1) Trending: ↓

12. Arizona Cardinals (1-0) Trending: ←

13. Dallas Cowboys (0-1) Trending: ↓

14. Detroit Lions (1-0) Trending: ↑

15. Washington Redskins (1-0) Trending: ↑

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1) Trending: ↓

17. Buffalo Bills (1-0) Trending: ↑

18. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) Trending: ←

19. St. Louis Rams (0-1) Trending: ↓

20. New York Giants (0-1) Trending: ↓

21. Oakland Raiders (1-0) Trending: ←

22. Carolina Panthers (0-1) Trending: ↑

23. San Francisco 49ers (1-0) Trending: ←

24. Miami Dolphins (0-1) Trending: ←

25. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) Trending: ↑

26. Tennessee Titans (0-1) Trending: ←

27. Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) Trending: ↓

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32. Cleveland Browns (0-1) Trending: ↓

2011 NFL Predictions

NFC East                                          AFC East 
3 Philadelphia Eagles 11-5                    1 New England Patriots 13-3
6 Dallas Cowboys 10-6                        5 New York Jets 11-5
New York Giants 8-8                           Buffalo Bills 6-10
Washington Redskins 5-11                   Miami Dolphins 5-11 


NFC South                                        AFC South
2 New Orleans Saints 12-4                  4 Houston Texans 10-6
Atlanta Falcons 10-6                          Indianapolis Colts 8-8
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8                 Jacksonville Jaguars 6-10
Carolina Panthers 4-12                       Tennessee Titans 6-10 


NFC North                                        AFC North 
1 Green Bay Packers 12-4                   2 Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4
5 Chicago Bears 11-5                         6 Baltimore Ravens 11-5
Detroit Lions 7-9                               Cleveland Browns 7-9
Minnesota Vikings 6-10                       Cincinnati Bengals 1-15


NFC West                                        AFC West 
4 St. Louis Rams 9-7                         3 San Diego Chargers 11-5
Arizona Cardinals 9-7                         Kansas City Chiefs 7-9
Seattle Seahawks 6-10                      Oakland Raiders 5-11
San Francisco 49ers 5-11                   Denver Broncos 4-12


Wild Card Round 


6 Dallas Cowboys def. 3 Philadelphia Eagles 33-27
5 Chicago Bears def. 4 St. Louis Rams 26-17


3 San Diego Chargers def. 6 Baltimore Ravens 38-24
5 New York Jets def. 4 Houston Texas 36-33


Divisional Round 


1 Green Bay Packers def. 6 Dallas Cowboys 20-16
2 New Orleans Saints def. 5 Chicago Bears 26-17


1 New England Patriots def. 5 New York Jets 30-13
3 San Diego Chargers def. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20


Championship Round 


2 New Orleans Saints def. 1 Green Bay Packers 37-33
3 San Diego Chargers def. 1 New England Patriots 31-24


Super Bowl XLVI


New Orleans Saints def. San Diego Chargers 40-27

NFL Preview: New England Patriots

New England Patriots 


Key Additions: 
T Nate Solder (draft)
CB Ras-I Dowling (draft)
RB Shane Vereen (draft)
WR Chad Ochocinco (trade)
DT Albert Haynesworth (trade)
LB/DE Andre Carter (FA)
DE Shaun Ellis (FA)


Key Departures:
DE Ty Warren 
DE Marcus Stroud 


Report:

MVP Tom Brady is back and ready for revenge and a Super Bowl season. After a 14-2 season they got ousted by Jets at home. Brady is still the league's best quarterback and is looking for another great season. At running back Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis are both starters and do different things. Woodhead is a fantastic receiver out of the backfield and Green-Ellis better as a rusher. Receiver got much better when New England traded for Chad Ochocinco. He will have to fight for a starting spot with Deion Branch and Wes Welker. At TE Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are no longer rookies. The offensive line is all back and all ready to protect their MVP.


Defense is the Patriots' achilles heel. The main focus of the offseason was adding pressure which was nonexistent last season. DT Vince Wilfork is a beast up the middle and around him is Albert Haynesworth, Mike Wright, and Shaun Ellis. The leader of the linebackers is Jerod Mayo. Mayo had 175 tackles leading the team. Around him is Rob Ninkovich, Jermaine Cunningham, and Brandon Spikes. The secondary is also an issure. CB's Devin McCourty and Leigh Bodden are consistent corners, but the players behind them are unproven. At safety Brandon Meriweather is a hard hitter and can jack anybody up. Patrick Chung and James Sanders are battling for the most playing time at safety. 

K Stephen Gostowski in one the best kickers in the league, but he got injured last season and is back. P Zoltan Mesko is a classic Patriot pick-up in the late rounds. KR's Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate are consistent returners.


Review:
The Patriots look like a Super Bowl team. They had the best record last season, and added players at positions they needed. Bill Belichick is known for taking talented troubled players making them into key contributors. If the defense can create pressure they will be the total package and obvious Super Bowl pick.


Division Finish: TBA  

NFL Preview: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills 


Key Additions:
DT Marcell Dareus (draft)
CB Aaron Williams (draft)
LB Nick Barnett (FA)
QB/WR Brad Smith (FA)
LB Kirk Morrison (FA)


Key Departures:
LB Akin Ayodele
LB Aaron Maybin
LB Paul Posluszny 
S Donte Whitner 
WR Lee Evans


Report:

The sun is shining a bit brighter on Buffalo this offseason. The Bills coaches and organization believe they have found their quarterback for many seasons in QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick started the last 13 games and passed for 3,000 yards and 23 TD's. At running back Buffalo is starting Fred Jackson who rushed for over 900 yards a season ago. Backing him up is former 1st-round pick C.J. Spiller. Spiller and Buffalo hope that he can play like they expect him to. With the trade of WR Lee Evans, WR Steve Johnson is the clear #1 receiver. The Bills need Donald Jones, Roscoe Parrish, David Nelson, and TE Scott Chandler to step up and give Fitzpatrick more options. Most of the offensive line is back, which is great for them to be used to Fitzpatrick. 

The defensive line should be one the strongest parts of the defense. Marcell Dareus will inserted into the starting line up as DE, but that is only because they already have a Pro Bowler in DT Kyle Williams. LB Shawn Merriman looks like he may have resurrected part of his former self. If Merriman can continue to cause havoc in the backfield that would really help Nick Barnett and Chris Kelsay in the secondary and running game. New pick-up Kirk Morrison is battling with Andra Davis for the last starting linebacker spot. Cornerback looks to be a strong position again for Buffalo. Starters Terence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are a great tandem with Drayton Florence backing them up. They also drafted Aaron Williams from Texas. Replacing S Donte Whitner will be key. It looks like George Wilson will take over the starting sport, alongside Jarius Byrd. 


K Rian Lindell is an average kicker. P Brian Moorman is one the leagues best punters and longtime Bill. Returner is a deep position for Buffalo. C.J. Spiller and Roscoe Parrish took over the duties last season, but free agent pick-up Brad Smith is a good returner. 


Review:
Buffalo seems to be improving. They believe they have found their quarterback, running back, and receiver for the future. The pass defense was great last season, but they need the front seven to stop the run. They may be on their may up, but in the division they are in it will be tough to get wins.


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: New York Jets

New York Jets 


Key Additions: 
DT Muhammad Wilkerson (draft)
WR Derrick Mason (FA)
WR Plaxico Burress (FA)
LB Aaron Maybin (FA)
CB Donald Strickland (FA)


Key Departures:
WR Jerricho Cotchery 
WR Braylon Edwards
DE Shaun Ellis 
DE Vernon Gholston 
QB/WR Brad Smith
LB/DE Jason Taylor 
T Damien Woody 


Report:
Another offseason, Another Rex Ryan guarantee. Ryan is guaranteeing again that the New York Jets are going to win the Super Bowl. The burden is on the shoulders on QB Mark Sanchez. This is the year that many are expecting Sanchez to come out of his shell and become a more reliable quarterback. The running game is headlines by RB's Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson. Greene is looking to improve from a disappointing season, whereas Tomlinson is hoping to have another season like last year. Wide receiver is going to look much different for the Jets. New York grabbed Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason in free agency to help Sanchez. They will join WR Santonio Holmes and TE Dustin Keller as New York's primary options. The offensive line should be sturdy despite the loss of T Damien Woody. T D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold are Pro Bowl performers.


Defense is the Ryan specialty. He makes his defense as tough and fundamentally sound as any defense in the league. The defensive line is a little flat after the losses of Jason Taylor and Shaun Ellis. The line still should be good with rookie Muhammad Wilkerson starting with DT Sione Pouha and DE Mike DeVito. Linebacker looks very strong. David Harris, Bart Scott, and Calvin Pace all return as starters along with newcomer Bryan Thomas. The secondary is a big strength for the Jets. New York may have lost out of the signing of Asomugha, but they signed CB Antonio Cromartie to pair up with Darelle Revis. S Jim Leonhard is back from injury and will start. At the other safety position Brodney Pool and Eric Smith are in a battle. 


K Nick Folk is a good kicker, especially is the tough weather stadium in New York. P T.J. Conley will be preparing for his first season as a full time punter. KR Jeremy Kerley will have to replace Brad Smith, who was a great returner. 


Review:
The Jets have proven that they are legitimate contender for the Super Bowl for years to come. But, the must get over the hump of the AFC Championship game. If Mark Sanchez can be a more consistent and prolific passer they may make it all the way to Indy.


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins 


Key Additions:
C Mike Pouncey (draft)
RB Daniel Thomas (draft)
RB Reggie Bush (trade)
LB Kevin Burnett (FA)
T Marc Colombo (FA)
QB Matt Moore (FA)
LB/DE Jason Taylor (FA)


Key Departures:
RB Ronnie Brown
RB Ricky Williams 
LB Channing Crowder
CB Al Harris 


Report:

The Dolphins have a controversy on their hands. After a disappointing season from QB Chad Henne many of the fans are begging for them to start Matt Moore or bring in new a quarterback. Whoever does start will not be asked to do much, instead they will rely on thier running game. RB's Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas will be splitting carries. The starting quarterback will have good receivers to throw to. WR Brandon Marshall is an ultra-talented player, but has had a distracting offseason. Other wide receivers Brian Hartline and Davone Bess are reliable players, along with TE Anthony Fasano. The offensive line should be more consistent with the additions and T Marc Colombo and C Mike Pouncey. 


The defensive was the strength for Miami last season. The defensive line is not the most star studded, but they get the job done. Kendall Langford, Randy Starks, and Paul Soliai hope to get more pressure with addition of Jason Taylor. Linebacker was one the strengths of the defense. Karlos Dansby had the season they expected when they signed him from Arizona. Koa Misi had a good rookie year, and Cameron Wake exploded onto the scene with 14.5 sacks. Kevin Burnett now joins them. The secondary is headlined by CB's Sean Smith and Vontae Davis. Will Allen is coming off an injury and looks to provide in the defense. S Yeremiah Bell is one the league's best safeties. He is paired up with Chris Clemons.

K Dan Carpenter had a stretch last season where he on fire, but he is inconsistent from 40+ yards. P Brandon Fields is a good punter, and ranked 5th in the NFL in punting. KR Davone Bess is a shifty returner. 


Review:
Miami has reasons to be positive. The defense looks solid again and they have weapons in the offense. The key for the Dolphins is the quarterback position. If Henne or Moore can produce they should be set. Also Bush needs to stay healthy or produce for the trade to be good for Miami. 


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Additions:
G Danny Watkins (draft)
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (FA)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (trade)
DE Jason Babin (FA)
WR Steve Smith (FA)
DL Cullen Jenkins (FA)
QB Vince Young (FA)
RB Ronnie Brown (FA)
T Ryan Harris (FA)
DT Derek Landri (FA)


Key Departures:
QB Kevin Kolb
LB Ernie Sims
S Quintin Mikell
G Max Jean-Gilles
LB Stewart Bradley 


Report:
The Dream Team looks to be a force on offense. QB Michael Vick, after a spectacular comeback season, will look not to regress. Vick is a dual threat quarterback. The Eagles may need him to be with the holes in the offensive line. In a preseason game against Cleveland there were many holes and the offense couldn't get into rhythm. The running game relies on RB LeSean McCoy and pick-up Ronnie Brown. McCoy is more of a speed and elusive back, while Brown will be asked upon in short yardage situations. Vick has talented targets at his disposal. WR DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are always threats to catch it deep. Third WR Jason Avant is an underrated player and is usually open on the field. TE Brent Celek has good hands, but Vick doesn't use him that much.   

Some positions of the defense have great depth and should be good. Philadelphia grabbed Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins to put more pressure on the quarterback. They will join Trent Cole and Mike Patterson, and will battle Jaqua Parker and Antonio Dixon for starting spots. Linebacker looks a little low on players and talent. Linebackers Moise Fokou and Jamar Chaney will team up with rookie Casey Matthews. The Eagles are also very deep at cornerback. CB Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie were acquired during the offseason and will join Asante Samuel to make a three-headed monster at corner. Safety is another position they might have to look at. Jarrad Page will have to hold down the position until Nate Allen returns from injury. Kurt Coleman is the other starter, after Quintin Mikell left during free agency. 


The Eagles will send out two rookies at kicker and punter. Alex Henry is going to have to replace longtime Eagle David Akers. P Chas Henry will start in place of one the best punter in the league last year. KR DeSean Jackson showed what he can do in New York when he won the game for them. 


Review:
The Eagles certainly were the winners of the free agency period. Their pick-ups were talk of the time, but people aren't focusing on their weaknesses. The offensive line and run stopping down the middle must step up if a Super Bowl is a possibility. Philadelphia can win their division and a Super Bowl is not out of the realm. 


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins


Key Additions:
DE Ryan Kerrigan (draft)
DT Jarvis Jenkins (draft)
CB Josh Wilson (FA)
S O.J. Atogwe (FA)
RB Tim Hightower (trade)
P Sav Rocca (FA)
T Sean Locklear (FA)
DT Barry Cofield (FA)
DE Stephen Bowen (FA)
G Chris Chester (FA)
WR Jabar Gaffney (trade)


Key Departures: 
CB Carlos Rogers 
C Casey Rabach 
DE/LB Andre Carter
DL Vonnie Holliday


Report:
Mike Shanahan is in year two with the Redskins, and it may be a long one. Washington is still unsure who will be starting at quarterback. The battle is between Rex Grossman and John Beck. Whoever does start, do not expect much as both players are not very talented. At running back they are expected Tim Hightower to take over the bulk of the carries. Rookie Roy Helu should be the back-up, and get a good amount of playing time. WR Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney are projected as the starters, but Anthony Armstrong had a good season last year and could get a starting spot. TE Chris Cooley is back as a consistent receiver. The offense line returns most of its starters and adds more good pieces, which is important when they have instability at quarterback. 

The defense was on of the worst in NFL last year. The defensive line looks better with the additions of Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield. Linebacker is full of consistent players. London Fletcher and Rocky McIntosh are tackling machines. Brian Orakpo is fast player who has a nack at getting to the quarterback. Rookie Ryan Kerrigan will be asked to start at linebacker right away. The defense had its highs and lows last season. CB DeAngelo Hall had a four interception game which propelled him to the Pro Bowl. Josh Wilson is the corner opposite of him, and will asked to replace Carlos Rogers. S O.J. Atogwe is a good safety and a good pick-up for Washington. 


K Graham Gano is an underrated kicker, and newly acquired one of the best punters in the league in Sav Rocca. KR Brandon Banks can take it to the house on occasion.  


Review: 

Washington is in a rebuilding process, and that is tough for Shanahan to say. Quarterback is not a strong position and that is the biggest position on the field. In an increasingly difficult NFC Washington looks to be slipping backwards. Playoffs does not look to be in the plans this season. Winning 6 games may be a victory for this team. 


Division Finish: TBA 

NFL Preview: New York Giants

New York Giants 


Key Additions:
CB Prince Amukamara (draft)
C Davis Baas (FA)


Key Departures:
TE Kevin Boss 
DT Barry Cofield
C Shaun O'Hara
G Rich Seubert 
WR Steve Smith 
CB Terrell Thomas (injury)


Report:
You think New York would like a play redo? If not for DeSean Jackson's "Miracle at New Meadowlands" the Giants would have had a chance to win, go 11-5, and make the playoffs. Playoffs is what the Giants aspire for this season, and it relies heavily on QB Eli Manning. Manning passed for over 4,000 yards last season, but led the league with 25 INT. Making life easier for Manning are running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The duo of Bradshaw and Jacobs is a great combination of smash n' dash. New York lost some depth at wide receiver when Steve Smith left for Philadelphia. Hakeem Nicks proved last season that he can be a number one wide receiver, and Mario Manningham as a number two. They need Victor Cruz and Domenik Hixon to step up be a reliable third receiver. The Giants need to fill a whole after TE Kevin Boss left. They plan to have Travis Beckum to take that role. The offensive line lost some longtime starters, but still looks to be good. The question mark of the line is T Will Beatty. 


Defense was a strong suit for the Giants. The defensive line caused a lot of turnovers and put countless pressure on opponents. DE Justin Tuck is back and DE Jason Pierre-Paul will have to replace Osi Umenyiora until he returns. Chris Canty and Linvall Joseph are at defensive tackle. Linebackers Michael Boley, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Jonathan Goff are a consistent group. The secondary suffered a major blow when Terrell Thomas was injured for the season. Luckily, the Giants have CB's Aaron Ross and Prince Amukamara to fill the void. Kenny Phillips returns at safety along with Pro Bowler Antrel Rolle. 


K Lawrence Tynes has good and bad memories with the Giants. At punter Matt Dodge is battling for his starting spot after his mess up against the Giants. KR's Danny Ware and Jerrel Jernigan will try to make things interesting. 


Review:
The Giants were one game away from making the playoffs last season which gives them reasons to be positive. Eli Manning needs to cut down on his turnovers and the running game need to be consistent. The defense looks good, but how can they replace Osi and will they be able to not have depth at corner. 


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys


Key Additions:
OT Tyron Smith (draft)
LB Bruce Carter (draft)
S Abram Elam (FA)
DE Kenyon Coleman (FA)


Key Departures:
RB Marion Barber 
WR Roy Williams 
DE Stephen Bowen 
T Marc Colombo


Report:
Last season was one the most disappointing seasons that the Dallas Cowboys had in some time. They were hosting the Super Bowl and the possibility was definitely there at the start of the season. If they are to reach that goal they need QB Tony Romo to stay healthy. Dallas also need to find their identity. They hope that RB Felix Jones can become a factor back. Luckily for Romo he has talented players to throw the ball to. WR's Dez Bryant and Miles Austin are explosive players that forces the defense to fear the deep threat. At tight end they have Pro Bowler Jason Witten and talented Martellus Bennett. The offensive line is one the leagues best. They did lose T Marc Colombo, but replaced him with first round pick Tyron Smith. C Andre Gurode is one of the league's best centers. 


The defensive line for Dallas is good one. DL Jay Ratliff, Igor Olshansky, and Keyon Coleman give them a good pass rush and run stop. The main pass rusher is LB DeMarcus Ware. In Ware's five seasons he has produced 80 sacks. The rest of the linebacker corps consists of Bradie James, Sean Lee, and Anthony Spencer. The secondary needs to improve. CB's Orlando Scandrick and Alan Ball look like they will battling Mike Jenkins and Terence Newman for the starting spot. At safety Dallas kept good safety Gerald Sensabaugh and brought in Abram Elam to fit Rob Ryan's scheme. 

K David Buehler has a great leg, but needs to be more accurate. P Mat McBriar is one the leagues premier punters. Dez Bryant is a speedy returner who can take it to the house. 


Review: 
After a bad season Dallas looks forward to good year. New coaches Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan are tough coaches that Dallas needs. Romo looks to have another season like 2009 with a more consistent running game. The defense should improve with new DC Rob Ryan. This team has a fantastic chance to make the playoffs, but must get through a tough NFC.


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens 


Key Additions:
CB Jimmy Smith (draft)
WR Torrey Smith (draft) 
WR Lee Evans (trade)
FB Vonta Leach (FA)
S Bernard Pollard (FA)
RB Ricky Williams (FA)


Key Departures: 
OL Chris Chester 
T Jared Gaither 
NT Kelly Gregg 
TE Todd Heap 
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh 
WR Derrick Mason 
S Dawan Landry 
RB Willis McGahee
CB Fabian Washington 
CB Josh Wilson 

Report:
Baltimore's one weakness the last couple of years has been the offense. QB Joe Flacco has made the playoffs in his first three seasons, but has yet to come out of his shell. RB Ray Rice is there to make it easier. Rice is an elusive back that get explode outside the numbers and is a great receiver out of the backfield. Baltimore tried to get a more physical by picking up Ricky Williams. Receiver is a position that is lacking for the Ravens. WR's Anquan Boldin and newly acquired Lee Evans are the starters, but behind there is little to no experience. Fighting for the positions are David Reed, Marcus Smith, Justin Harper, Tandon Doss, and Torrey Smith. They will also need to find a new tight end. Longtime starter Todd Heap is gone and they will need Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta to provide a solid target. The offensive line is good with stalwarts T Michael Oher, C Matt Birk, and G Marshal Yanda.

Defense has been the calling card for the Ravens for over a decade. Leading the rush is future hall of famer LB Ray Lewis. Lewis continues to put up great numbers accounting for 145 tackles last season. By his side are sack master Terrell Suggs, Jameel McClain, and Jarret Johnson. The line is anchored by All Pro DT Haloti Ngata. The defensive line also includes Cory Redding and newcomer Terrence Cody. The dark spot of the defense was the secondary. CB's Chris Carr and Dominique Foxworth must step up or will possibly be replaced by rookie Jimmy Smith. The key is S Ed Reed, who led the league in interceptions in spite of only playing 8 games. At the other safety position Tom Zbikowski and Bernard Pollard are battling for the starter spot. 


K Billy Cundiff is reliable kicker along with P Sam Koch. The Raven's kick returners are David Reed and Lardarius Webb. 


Review:
The Ravens have been one the most consistent teams in the NFL the last 5 years. The defense once again is sound, but need the secondary to improve. The offense has a good line and great running game. The wild card is Flacco. If he can have a good season with his corp of inexperienced receivers they should advance deep into the playoffs.   


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers


Key Additions:
DE Cameron Heyward (draft)
OT Marcus Gilbert (draft)
WR Jerricho Cotchery (FA) 


Key Departures:
T Max Starks 
TE Matt Spaeth 
DE Nick Eason 


Report:

Can the Steelers reverse the Super Bowl loss curse? My guess is, yes. The reason, QB Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben is one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the league. He may not have the best footwork are arm strength, but when it counts put your money on Roethlisberger. One player that fits the mold of the Steelers is RB Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall is a powerful runner who can finish in short yardage situations. A deep position for Pittsburgh is wide receiver. Hines Ward and Mike Wallace head up the starters, while Jerricho Cotchery, Emmanuel Sanders, and Antonio Brown round up the deep position. Also catching passes is reliable target TE Heath Miller. The offensive line may be an issue though. Last season it was below league average, and in this preseason Roethlisberger has gotten roughed up a bit. 

The bread and butter of Pittsburgh is their defense. At linebacker the posses 4 Pro Bowl players in LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior, James Harrison, and Lawrence Timmons. The defensive line is not flashy and does not apply great pressure to the quarterback, but is experienced and stops the run. Aaron Smith, Casey Hampton, and Brett Kiesel are line pluggers and that is what they look for. Secondary is the biggest question mark for this team. S Troy Polamalu is the reigning defensive player of the year, but outside of him it is just average. S Ryan Clark and CB's Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden need to step it up if they want to win in a significantly more passing league.  


K Shaun Suisham and P Dan Sepulveda are good special team players. KR Antonio Brown has great speed, but has not put that into effect yet. 


Review:
Pittsburgh is an organization that knows what they are doing. They don't go after flashy free agents, but re-sign players that led them to the Super Bowl. Big Ben and the defense are what the Steelers are all about, and Mike Tomlin has them heading to another Super Bowl run.


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals 

Key Additions:
WR A.J. Green (draft)
QB Andy Dalton (draft) 
TE Bo Scaife (FA) 
LB Manny Lawson (FA)
G Max Jean-Gillis (FA)
LB Thomas Howard (FA)
CB Nate Clements (FA)
S Taylor Mays (trade)


Key Departures:
DE Antwan Odom
QB Carson Palmer
CB Jonathan Joseph 
WR Terrell Owens


Report: 
A Sports Illustrated title summed it up the best by asking the question, "Are the Bungles back?" It isn't more imminent then with the offense. Rookie QB Andy Dalton will be forced into the starting line-up right away. In his preseason games he hasn't shown any ability to make plays with his arm. At running back Cedric Benson was re-signed to provide stability. Receiver may be an iffy position for Cincinnati. First round pick A.J. Green and Jerome Simpson are the starters and are very unproven with an already unproven quarterback. TE Jermaine Gresham had a successful rookie season, and looks to improve. Offensive line is good for a team that may be so bad. The only unproven piece is T Andre Smith. 


The Bengals defense may not be any better. The defensive line fails to apply pressure on the quarterback. Second year player Carlos Dunlap was the bright spot last season recording 9.5 sacks. Cincinnati will be relying on pick-ups Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard to be a force at linebacker. Lawson and Howard had disappointing seasons last year. They will join Rey Maualuga who had a good rookie year. Secondary is another issue. CB Jonathan Joseph left for Houston and broke up a great cornerback duo with Leon Hall. Hall will now try to merge with newly acquired Nate Clements. At safety Reggie Nelson and Chris Crocker have been disappointments over the last couple of seasons.  


K Mike Nugent is an average kicker and P Kevin Huber is a below average kicker. Cincinnati's returners Quan Cosby and Bernard Scott are average returners. 


Review:

This is a team in turmoil. QB Carson Palmer knows as he is refusing the play. They have inexperienced quarterbacks and receivers. Positions that are experienced lack good talent. This team does not have a chance for the playoffs this season and many ahead. A 0-16 season is a real possibility.  


Division Finish: TBA

NFL Preview: Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns


Key Additions:
DT Phil Taylor (draft)
WR Greg Little (draft)
DE Jabaal Sheard (draft)
G John Greco (trade)
CB Dimitri Patterson (FA)
S Usama Young (FA)
RB Brandon Jackson (FA)


Key Departures:
DE Kenyon Coleman
QB Jake Delhomme
S Abram Elam
LB/DE Matt Roth 
WR Chansi Stuckey 
FB Lawrence Vickers 
G Floyd Womack 
CB Eric Wright 




Report:
Cleveland experienced another lousy season, and Cleveland fans are used to it. Luckily, they have their quarterback for the future. QB Colt McCoy dropped in the draft because of his height. He fell to Cleveland and they are excited to have him. RB Peyton Hillis had a surprising season last year. The Madden cover athlete is trying not to be a one year wonder. Receiver is not a deep position the Browns. Brian Robiskie and Joshua Cribbs are the expected starters on opening day. Rookie Greg Little is a tall receiver you can get the jump balls. WR Mohamed Massaquoi will be entered in the line-up once he returns from injury. TE Benjamin Watson had his best season last year, and is a great target for McCoy. The offensive line a sturdy, especially Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. 


Rookies are going to be called upon early. Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard are going to start on a below average defensive line. Linebacker is another position that lacks talent and depth. Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong are stable players at linebacker. D'Qwell Jackson is listed top on the depth chart, though he has only played 6 games in the past two seasons. Secondary, on the other hand, is young and full of potential. CB's Joe Haden and Sheldon Brown are a good pair. Haden had a fantastic rookie year intercepting 6 passes. T.J. Ward had a great rookie year making that class good. 


K Phil Dawson is a longtime NFL kicker. P Richmond McGee was picked up from the Chicago Bears. KR Joshua Cribbs is one of the league's top returners, but with the new kickoff rule its not sure how much his impact will be. 


Review:
The Browns are a team that is building for the future. They may not have won much last year, but they showed they can beat quality opponents by defeating New Orleans and New England in consecutive weeks. If McCoy can develop into a good quarterback and Hillis continues what he did last season they should be able to contend in every game. They just won't have any shot at winning the division. 


Division Finish: TBA   

NFL Preview: Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears


Key Additions: 
T Gabe Carimi (draft)
DT Stephen Paea (draft) 
WR Roy Williams (FA)
RB Marion Barber (FA)
DT Amobi Okoye (FA)
TE Matt Spaeth (FA)
C Chris Spencer (FA)
DE Vernon Gholston (FA)


Key Departures:
TE Greg Olsen 
C Olin Kreutz 
DT Tommie Harris 
TE Brandon Manumaleuna 
S Danieal Manning 


Report:
For a team that made it to the NFC Championship game last season, they didn't get much respect and they still aren't getting it from the media this offseason. The leader of the offense is QB Jay Cutler, who is still getting beef from his injury in the championship game. He had a Grade 2 tear of his ACL and there was noway for him to return. Cutler should have a much better year in his season season in the Mike Martz offense. The cornerstone of the offense though is RB Matt Forte. Forte is a do everything back that is great in the Martz offense. The wide receiver position is now very deep. The Bears signed Roy Williams who will join Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Earl Bennett. Impressing coaches in camp is undrafted rookie WR Dane Sanzenbacher. Tight end is an interesting position for Chicago. They traded away Greg Olsen to the Panthers, but signed Matt Spaeth. They already have Kellen Davis, who is a 6-7 tight end who seems to score every time he enters the game. The big problem last season was the offensive line. It looks to be much improved after they drafted Gabe Carimi. Carimi will play RT. LT is occupied by J'Marcus Webb. Webb is strong as anyone and is having a good camp. Chris Williams and Lance Louis at guards are question marks for consistency. Roberto Garza is starting at center at the moment, although many expect Chris Spencer to take most of the snaps. 

The defense is the strength for this team. DE Julius Peppers is a monster for opposing offensive lines. Israel Idonije is playing the other side of Peppers, and is underrated. Defensive tackle is a deep position for Chicago. Anthony Adams and Matt Toeaina started last season, but could be uprooted by rookie Stephen Paea or more like Henry Melton. Linebacker, on the other hand, lacks depth. Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs are Pro Bowl talents, and Nick Roach plays on the outside. If one of them gets injured there are not any experienced back-ups. At cornerback there is a battle for the second starting position. Charles Tillman has the number one spot locked up. Tim Jennings, D.J. Moore, Joshua Moore, and Zachary Bowman all have a chance to start. Safeties Chris Harris and Major Wright have been performing great in camp. Back-ups Craig Steltz and Chris Conte are playing great too, but lack natural talent.


Special teams has been a facet of the game that Chicago has owned against teams. K Robbie Gould is one the most consistent kickers in the league. Brad Maynard is gone and they have signed P Adam Podlesh. KR Devin Hester is the best returner in the league, and possibly of all time.

Review:
This team that no one gave any chance won the NFC North last season. They didn't seem to get any respect, because of their sloppy offensive line. This team looks more talented that last, but can they keep the same bill of health. This team can win the division, even though nobody is talking about them. Chicago probably would like to keep it that way. 


Division Finish: TBA