NFL Preview: AFC North

This is the fifth of my eight divisional NFL previews.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

With the additions of draft picks Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed, the Steelers have established one of the best offenses in the game today. Ben Roethlisberger has become a true leader and should have one of his best seasons this year. Willie Parker will do well due to having some pressure taken off by splitting carries with Mendenhall. Even though they lost Pro Bowl G Alan Faneca, the line is still strong and will hold up. Their defense is also one of the most elite in the entire league, helped greatly due to the efforts of Troy Polamalu and James Farior. Despite having one of the league's toughest schedules, the Steelers will definitely win the AFC North.

2. Cleveland Browns (8-8)

Derek Anderson had a remarkable year last year, one that he might not be able to repeat. He was aided greatly by Braylon Edwards, who had one of the best seasons at his position last year. Their best player however is not Anderson, Edwards, or even RB Jamal Lewis. It is LT Joe Thomas. Last year's #3 pick, he deserves a lot of credit for their 10-6 record last year. Their defense, is not quite as good. Last year's 3rd-worst defense, they haven't really improved much at all. A great offense, poor defense and a rough schedule spells a .500 record for the Browns.

3. Cincinatti Bengals (7-9)

The Bengals' passing game is pretty much set. They have a great QB in Carson Palmer and 2 outstanding wide receivers (Chad Ocho Cinco and TJ Houshmandzadeh). Now, if they can only get their running game functioning properly, they'll put up a huge amount of points. With the loss of Rudi Johnson, they will rely on Kenny Watson, who did quite well in Johnson's absence, and Chris Perry to split carries. On defense, like Cleveland, they are quite poor. They had the 6th-worst last year and have cut their former Pro Bowl defensive back Deltha O'Neal, so it doesn't seem bright for Cincinatti. A team can't survive on just one side of the ball, so the Bengals will be pretty mediocre this year. 

4. Baltimore Ravens (5-11)

The lack of a definite quarterback poses many questions. Joe Flacco, the man tapped to open the season, is after all a rookie who didn't have a great preseason. The backup Troy Smith really should be the starter as he is far better on his feet than the 6' 6" Flacco. Willis McGahee enters the season not at 100 percent and although I like Ray Rice, he can't survive the starter role for his first season. Their receivers are average at best and are starting to wear down. Despite not giving up too much yardage, they still managed to give up quite a few points (24 per game). Despite several playmakers (Lewis, Suggs, McAlister, Reed), the D won't perform up to their potential. The Ravens are a far cry from the 13-3 they were in 2006.

NFL Preview: NFC West

This is the fourth of my eight divisional NFL previews.

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

The Seahawks are a team that can thrive in this weak division. They have a good but declining quarterback and a 2-man rushing attack that features Maurice Morris and Julius Jones. Deion Branch is their best wideout and will be relied upon greatly, so double-teams are bound to happen. Burleson should take some pressure off, but not enough to make a huge difference. Their defense is passable and should fare well against much of their schedule (especially division rivals). The Seahawks are an average team that will overachieve due to an easy schedule.

2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

The Cardinals certainly made a bold decision when they decided to start 37 year old QB Kurt Warner over their supposed "quarterback of the future" Matt Leinart. Leinart bombed in the preseason and Warner took over. Leinart, who was originally thought of as a steal at #10 is looking like a huge bust. Luckily Kurt Warner has two excellent targets in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Running back Edgerrin James has clearly peaked a long while ago and while still productive, isn't the gamebreaker he used to be. From their D emerged a breakout star: FS Antrel Rolle. Rolle, who was drafted 8th overall in 2005, had 5 picks returning 3 of them for touchdowns. The rest of their defense is pretty lackluster save for another secondary player, Roderick Hood. It should be noted that on special teams they have one of the elite return men in the game (Steve Breaston). The Cardinals will put up a bunch of points this year, but will let up just as many.

3. St. Louis Rams (7-9)

The Rams of late just can't seem to find their way, going 17-31 in their last three seasons, a far cry from the "Greatest Show on Turf" that they previously had. Their season last year was hurt by the loss of running back Steven Jackson for 4 games coupled with QB Marc Bulger having the worst season of his career. If they can stay healthy, then the Rams shouldn't have to worry. On defense, the addition of right end Chris Long and their excellent MLB Will Witherspoon should anchor the defense and take the load off of their teammates who aren't nearly as good. The Rams should keep building through the draft and should seek to contend in 2010.

4. San Francisco 49ers (6-10)

A legendary team in the 80s and 90s has become a failure this decade. After Jeff Garcia left after the 2003 season, they have yet to fill that role properly. As proof of that, they bypassed #1 overall pick Alex Smith for career journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan who has been on 9 different rosters in his 7 year career. Their running back, Frank Gore, has fallen off the big board of RBs due to risk of injuries which sidelined him for a game and hurt his production. Their wide receivers are poor at best, having way-past-his-prime Isaac Bruce and average player Bryant Johnson as the featured players. The majority of their defense is shoddy at best, but has one extremely bright light in OLB Patrick Willis. Willis, last season, led the league in tackles and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Also chipping in on D is Nate Clements, the leftside CB who totaled 4 interceptions and 77 solo tackles. It appears that once again the 49ers are doomed to finish near or at the bottom of the NFC West.

NFL Preview: NFC South

This is the third of my eight divisional NFL previews.

1 (Tie). New Orleans Saints (9-7)

The Saints are a team that always will be a surprise going into a season. Their quarterback is pretty steady, racking up 4000 yds and probably 20-25 TD passes. The situation at running back is the surprise however. Reggie Bush, currently labeled as a bust, needs to have that breakout season soon or else he is doomed to NFL mediocrity. Luckily for him, Deuce McAllister is perpertually hurt, so Bush shouldn't worry about job security. Yet. Their wideout Colston is among the best and their line is decent. On D, their front seven are pretty good, but the secondary is so far unproven and therefore questionable. Playing in a weak division (most notably two games against the Falcons) and having the 5th easiest schedule means playoffs for Nawlins.

1 (Tie). Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

The Bucs are a very good team, but unfortunately for them, most of their team is getting old. A 38 year old QB, 36 and 32 year old receivers and an old D. But, that hasn't really stopped them in the past. Jeff Garcia still posted a 94.6 passer rating and Joey Galloway raked in over 1000 yards again, so they seem to be still at the top of their game. Also, last year's deep sleeper Earnest Graham should do well again. Their line however is young and won't do well against even an average defense. On the other side, LB Barrett Ruud has really hit stride and the secondary starring Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon continues to shine. I see a good year for them, but playoffs will elude them this year.

3. Carolina Panthers (7-9)

The Panthers will be starting the year without star WR Steve Smith who was suspended. Delhomme, though doing well for the few games he played, is injury prone and backup Matt Moore can't carry the team. However the running back duo of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams should take pressure off Delhomme. Their defense is pretty average with no real superstars outside of Julius Peppers. But even his best years are behind him. They should look towards the draft or the trading block for some productive D-linemen to help Peppers get pressure on opposing QBs. The Panthers will almost reach .500 due to their easy schedule, but will fare poorly against the better squads.

4. Atlanta Falcons (3-13)

Definitely the worst team in the NFL, the Falcons only bright light is a guy who had been a backup for his whole career (Turner). Wideout Roddy White is only as good as the man who throws to him. Matt Ryan, despite being an elite college pro is still a rookie and unproven on the big stage. Their line is deplorable which will hurt Turner's stats and cause Ryan to go down quite a few times. The D is poor as well and will rely on John Abraham who had a respectable 10 sacks last year. As special teams go, they acquired Jason Elam whose accuracy will improve in the dome. Final thought: Rebuild through the draft. It'll be a few years before they contend.

Warehouse Worker Defeats LeBron in H-O-R-S-E, Knicks Reportedly Interested in Signing Him

[the legend himself: David Kalb]

Warehouse worker David Kalb, while utilizing a variety of trick shots, manages to defeat LeBron James in H-O-R-S-E. LeBron then asked for best two-of-three and Kalb beat him again. No wonder the Cavs can't win in the postseason.

Now, the Knicks aren't really pursuing him. But it would be kind of believable.

NFL Preview: NFC East

This is the second of my eight divisional NFL previews.

1. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)

A first-rate offense and above average defense makes this a great year for the Cowboys. Their multi-faceted offensive attack will be key to their success. They boast a top-3 receiver, quarterback, and tight end plus a physically dominating offensive line that should provide plenty of holes for Marion Barber to go through. Not that he needs them anyway. Their already solid defense starring OLB DeMarcus Ware (14 Sacks) and safety Roy Williams in enhanced by seasoned veteran Zach Thomas who will provide on-field and off-field leadership. Oh, and did I mention they have one of the best kickers in the game in Nick Folk? Did I even need to? They're just that good.

2 (Tie). New York Giants (10-6)

Fresh off of a Superbowl win, the Giants are energized to do great things this year. While they'll finish with roughly the same record as last year, their postseason dreams just won't come true. Their offense is still fine: They have a strong O-Line and a decent passing/rushing game. However on defense, the loss of Michael Strahan leaves a gaping hole at right end which will either be filled by an unqualified player or someone out of position (probably Mathias Kiwanuka). The G-Men will be lucky to make it out of the first round of the playoffs at all.

2 (Tie). Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

The Eagles are probably better than I give them credit for here, but they play in the 2nd toughest division in the game (AFC South being #1), so it'll be hard. If McNabb can stay healthy, the Eagles, who already have the #2 all-around running back in he game, should thrive. Despite having the 6th best offense and 10th best defense, the Eagles still managed to underachieve. This should be turned around by the addition of Asante Samuel, a very talented CB who totaled 6 picks last season. All in all, things are looking up for the team from the City of Brotherly Love.

4. Washington Redskins (6-10)

Look, I'm not saying they're a bad team. They just are unfortunate that they have to play the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants a total of 6 times this year. They'll most likely go 2-4 in division and have a .400 record outside of it. They have a great back in Clinton Portis and three respectable targets in Randle El, Moss and TE Chris Cooley. The quarterback, Jason Campbell is another story. He's injury prone and a bit shaky but shows signs of promise and should do well in the west-coast offense scheme which he utilized at Auburn Their defense is good on paper, but is really starting to get old. They have the stars of yesterday who may serve as off-the-field leaders, but their big three (Jason Taylor, London Fletcher, and Shawn Springs) are all at least 33 years old, a time when NFL players start showing huge signs of wear and tear. The Skins are an okay team, but they have a rough schedule.

Tatum Bell: Out of a Job in the NFL, Takes Up New Career as Petty Thief

[Tatum's future mugshot]

In a strange turn of events, a former Bengal is stolen from. While Rudi Johnson, the new running back for the Detroit Lions, was negotiating his contract in CEO Matt Millen's office, his bags were swiped by an unknown person. After reviewing the security footage, the thief in question was none other than replaced RB Tatum Bell.

The bag was said to contain $200 in cash, several credit and ID cards, and Johnson's clothes. Bell, who was cut shortly after Johnson was signed, denies any wrongdoing. Johnson doesn't seek to press charges, as the bags (now empty) have been returned.

In a seemingly unrelated story, boxer Floyd Mayweather has reported $7 million worth of jewelry missing. Check with Tatum Bell.

NFL Preview: NFC North

Today begins the first of eight entries for my NFL Preview. We tackle the NFC North today.

1. Minnesota Vikings (11-5)

The Vikings will definitely be improved coming into the 2008 season. They have one of the league's top running backs in 2nd-year starter Adrian Peterson, plus a vastly-improved passing attack, helped largely by the acquisition of Bernard Berrian which gives Tarvaris Jackson a second target along with Sidney Rice. The defense is anchored by what I believe to be the top defensive player in the game: Jared Allen. Allen, a defensive end who spent his whole career with the Chiefs, exploded onto the scene last year totaling 15.5 sacks. All in all, I see great things for the Vikings.

2. Green Bay Packers (7-9)

The Packers will be free of the Favre headache this season, but are unsure of how Aaron Rodgers will do in the starting role. Expect Ryan Grant to carry the team in the beginning until Rodgers becomes comfortable. If Rodgers has a decent year, then the Packers can rest easily and look to improve for next season, this being a transition year for them. On the other side of the ball, they have an adequate defense highlighted by Aaron Kampman and AJ Hawk.

3 (tie). Chicago Bears (6-10)

Chicago is truly a team that has lost their way. It was just February of last year that they were in the Superbowl. Now, they're a team that can't even scratch out a .500 record. The departure of Thomas Jones and the downfall of Rex Grossman killed them last season and they haven't improved much. Kyle Orton, who we mentioned last week, has been given the reins to the franchise and I can't see him being a lot better than Grossman, but at least there's that bit of improvement. The rookie Matt Forte will start at running back and will have average performance at best. The Bears will just meander through the season and hope to get a good draft pick which they should use on a quarterback.

3 (tie). Detroit Lions (6-10)

The Lions have a decent offense, bolstered by the addition of Rudi Johnson and the reliable arm of Jon Kitna. The two main receivers, Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams should prove to be worthy downfield threats. Rudi will split carries with rookie Kevin Smith this year and it should be a good running back by committee system. However, their defense is truly awful. There are no real stars on the defensive side and they gave up the most yardage of any team last year. It's not looking good this year for the Lions, that's all I can say. 

Rookie of the Year Picks (AL and NL)

The season is near the end, playoff contenders start to emerge, and it becomes easier to see which young players have postively affected their respective club.

In the AL, the player that is head and shoulders above all other rookies is Evan Longoria. Evan, the considerably less hot of the two Longorias has been tearing up American League pitching posting numbers of 22 HR, 71 RBI and a .278 batting average in a mere 108 games (Longoria has missed the last month due to a broken bone near the wrist). Even if he doesn't play another inning, he should still have the honor locked up. Also, look out for White Sox rookie Alexei Ramirez. He should be a good contributor for years to come and may be the only challenger to Longoria.

As the National League goes, Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto is my ROY pick. Soto, as well as Longoria both made the All-Star team as rookies, with Soto hitting 16 HRs before the break with a .288 average. His power has tapered off since then (4 HRs) but his average is an even .300 after the All-Star Game. His teammate Kosuke Fukudome is another rookie that has acheived modest success, but pales in comparison to Soto.

Tomorrow: My NFL Preview (NFC North edition)