TSF NFL Week 3 Game Picks

Week 1 - Bye (had to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the games)
Week 2- 12-3

My Record: 12-3

Atlanta Falcons beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Buffalo Bills beat the Oakland Raiders

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Chicago Bears

New England Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins

New York Giants beat the Cincinatti Bengals

Washington Redskins beat the Arizona Cardinals

Tennessee Titans beat the Houston Texans

San Francisco 49ers beat the Detroit Lions

Seattle Seahawks beat the St. Louis Rams

Denver Broncos beat the New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles beat the Pittsburgh Steelers

San Diego Chargers beat the New York Jets

Cleveland Browns beat the Baltimore Ravens

UPSET SPECIAL: Minnesota Vikings beat the Carolina Panthers

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Dallas Cowboys over the Green Bay Packers

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Indianapolis Colts over the Jacksonville Jaguars

2008 NFL Previews - NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (7-9 in 2007)

On offense Drew Brees stays productive while slicing his interception rate in half. Reggie Bush can improve big time and have a breakout season, becoming the elite RB that many people expected when he was drafted. Robert Meachem should develop into a great No. 2 option to superstar Marques Colston. And the offensive line continues to play at a high level. I also expect Jeremy Shockey to help out Brees a lot settling down in the middle of the field and putting up big numbers this season. He may develop into the league’s top receiving TE with Brees as his QB.

On D Sedrick Ellis gives them the fiercest pass rushing DT they need, and Jonathon Vilma regains his 2004 and 2005 form back in the 4-3 defense. I also feel like the Saints FINALLY fill the hole at No. 2 CB with the combination of Tracy Porter and Randall Gay. Their D is looking improved and I think that they might have the overall most talented offense in the NFC.

Key Additions: QB Mark Brunell, TE Jeremy Shockey, G/T Carl Nicks, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Bobby McCray, LB Jonathon Vilma, CB Randall Gay, CB Tracy Porter

Key Losses: C Jeff Faine, LB Brian Simmons

Prediction: 12-4

2. Carolina Panthers (7-9 in 2007)

I'm just not sold on the Panthers. I'm not entirely sure of what to think of the Williams/Stewart tandem. They have a lot to prove and I guess we'll find out. I'm also sceptical of Delhomme's durability and the Steve Smith suspension doesn't help either. On other sides of the ball their special teams still aren't very good and their D is lacking the experience they've had in prior years (they lost a lot of pieces this year). A lot of people think this team can compete with the Saints for the division but for these reasons I just have my doubts.

Key Aquisitions: RB Jonathon Stewart, LB Dan Connor, T/G Jeff Otah, DT Darwin Walker, FS Terrence Holt, WR Mushin Muhammad, WR D.J. Hackett

Key Losses: DE Mike Rucker, C Justin Hartwig, DT Kris Jenkins, LB Dan Morgan, DT Kindal Moorehead, LB Dan Morgan, SS Marquand Manuel, WR Drew Carter, RB DeShaun Foster, QB David Carr, G Mike Wahle, WR Keary Colbert

Prediction: 9-7

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7 in 2007)

I don't really know what to think or expect out of Tampa (just like last season). I'm putting them losing the tiebreaker to Carolina right now but I feel like they could just as easily be competing for the division crown.

My main concerns are dealing with Garcia and Galloway's age. They played great last season but will they act their age this year? Also I feel like Ernest Graham has a lot to prove this season so I'm not sure what he'll be like either. I feel like he's in for a sophomore slump.

Their D continues to get older while I think Gaines Adams will continue to improve and Aquid Talib fits right into the Tampa 2. Just as a whole I feel like this team is just a step below the Saints and will lose the tie-breaker to the Panthers.

Key Additions: QB Brian Griese, RB Warrick Dunn, TE Ben Troupe, C Jeff Faine, DE Marques Douglas, LB Teddy Lehman, FS Eugene Wilson, CB Aqib Talib, WR Dexter Jackson, OL Jeremy Zuttah

Key Losses: RB Michael Pittman, TE Anthony Becht, T Luke Petitgout, C John Wade, DE Greg Spires, CB Brian Kelly

Prediction: 9-7

4. Atlanta Falcons (4-12 in 2007)

This was a pretty easy call I'm not gonna lie. Although I think this team is moving in the right direction. On the optimistic side I think Roddy White and Michael Turner can be young stars in the league (even with the rookie starting QB). But that's just the thing. The ROOKIE STARTING QB! This team is rebuilding. They really need to improve their offensive line and go out and get a TE of the future in the next draft/free agency period.

On D John Abraham quietly puts in another great year, while 2nd year man Jammal Anderson brings additional sacks to his total. I also think that Michael Boley can be a star linebacker in this league. They just are in for a long rebuilding year and you can't forget that. They will (hopefully) continue to get better and find some surprise talent along the way and hopefully be back in contention in 2 years.

Key Additions: QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Harry Douglas, TE Marcus Pollard, TE Ben Hartsock, OT Sam Baker, DT Kindal Moorehead, LB Curtis Lofton, DB Von Hutchins, CB Chevis Jackson, S Thomas DeCoud, S Erik Coleman

Key Losses: QB Byron Leftwich, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joe Horn, OT Wayne Gandy, TE Alge Crumpler, TE Dwayne Blakley, LB Demorrio Williams, CB DeAngelo Hall, S Chris Crocker, CB Jimmy Williams, CB Lewis Sanders

Prediction: 4-12

2008 NFL Preview - NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (13-3 in 2007)

Ok, so what everybody wants to know is will the Favre-less Packers be able to hold off the Vikings. I've been called a homer before but my true and honest opinion is yes. But the playingfield has certainly been evened dramatically.

Although replacing Favre with Aaron Rodgers causes the Packers to take a slight step back, if the young quarterback stays healthy he can complete a high percentage of his passes, and coolly handle the immense pressure he’ll be under from the very beginning of the season to the very end. He's really impressed me with how he's handled everything throughout the offseason and at this point I'm not so worried about his performance as I am his health. With Rodgers bringing those three factors to the table, a strong Packers squad that epitomizes the word “team” repeats as division champions. Favre alone didn't make this team 13-3 last season. The receiving corps is great, they have Grant and Jackson at RB and a quite above average D. I think they can edge the Vikes again. Schedules not too hard and they can beat up on divisional foes Chicago and Detroit.

Key Additions: LB Brandon Chillar, WR Jordy Nelson, QB Brian Brohm, TE Jermichael Finley

Key Losses: QB Brett Favre, TE Bubba Franks, DT Corey Williams

Prediction: 10-6 win tiebreaker over MN

2. Minnesota Vikings (8-8 in 2007)

Much like the Packers' season hinging on Rodgers, the Vikings season really hangs on Jackson. We all know what AP and Taylor can do, but if the Vikings are going to be relevant they have to be balanced. Jackson has made strides in my opinion. People just don't understand how bad he was last year. He had 12 picks, only 9 TDs while completing just 58% of passes when most everyone had the box stacked with 8 or 9 guys! He's better but I feel like he's just not quite there, and the injury bug worries me. Well, it actually excites me because I hate the Vikings but TJack is already running into knee problems and that's a red flag in my book.

Obviously the D is gunna be great and that will keep them in a lot of games. Had this team gotten Favre like so many Vikings fan's shasterbated about, I believe they would be a lock for the playoffs and compete for home-field advantage with the Cowboys. But, to this point they're short a QB and a WR to be great. Lucky for them they have an amazing D and Adrian Peterson to win games for them.

Key Additions: DE Jared Allen, S Madieu Williams, WR Bernard Berrian

Key Losses: FB Tony Richardson, S Dwight Smith

Prediction: 10-6 wildcard bid.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9 in 2008)

Jon Kitna ain’t getting any younger — he’ll be turning 36 in September — but the erratic veteran quarterback is still able to take complete advantage of the deadly receiving tandem of Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. Rookie running back Kevin Smith makes an immediate impact and, along with Tatum Bell, to help balance the offensive attack. The Defense isn't very good however and that will stop this team from coming close to Minnesota or Green Bay.

Don't get me wrong, this team will be bad. They just won't be as bad as the Bears!

Key Additions: S Dwight Smith, CB Leigh Bodden, CB Brian Kelly, OT Gosder Cherilus

Key Losses: DT Shaun Rogers, RB Kevin Jones, LB Boss Bailey, DE Kalimba Edwards

Prediction: 6-10

4. Chicago Bears (7-9 in 2007)

The losses of Berrian and Muhammad prove to be a setback for the passing game, and both Orton and Grossman fail to solidify his status as the starting quarterback. The defense is forced to completely carry the team, and although it performs better than it did last season, a one-dimensional Bears squad is too inept to climb out of the cellar.

I mean for real, I consider the Bears to possibly be the least talented at the "talent" positions in the entire NFL. Think about it. At QB they have Grossman and Orton. At RB they have Forte, Peterson, and Kevin Jones. At WR they have Devin Hester & Brandon Lloyd(YAY!), Rashied Davis, Mike Hass, and Brandon Rideu. This team is BAD! Orton throws for 200 yds. +/- 5 times this year. Lemme know with a comment.

Key Additions: WR Marty Booker, WR Brandon Lloyd

Key Losses: WR Bernard Berrian, WR Mushin Muhammad, QB Brian Griese, RB Cedric Benson

Predictions: 5-11

2008 NFL Preview - NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6 in 2007)

The team does not miss a beat from the 2007 season, and Julius Jones becomes the featured back that replaces Shaun Alexander. They don't lose too much there. The wide receivers display consistency, and the defense continues to be really underrated and one of the league’s best. This team will be good but not great. Good enough to win the division yet again however.

Key Additions: RB Julius Jones, RB TJ Duckett, G Mike Wahle, K Olindo Mare, DT Larry Tripplett, TE Jeb Putzier

Key Losses: RB Shaun Alexander, K Josh Brown, WR DJ Hackett, DT Chuck Darby, T Tom Ashworth

Prediction: 9-7, 1st place; loses in wild card round of playoffs again

2. Arizona Cardinals (8-8 in 2007)

Kurt Warner leads the aerial attack for the Cardinals who balance it out with an ok running game. Rookie Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie makes an instant impact on an improving defense. However, the running game still struggles to pose a significant threat in my opinion and the offensive line fails to protect the quarterback. And in Anquan Boldin can't stay happy you can expect it to be a big distraction.

Key Additions: CB Michael Adams, LB Clark Haggans, DE Travis LaBoy, DL Bryan Robinson, QB Brian St. Pierre, LB Matt Stewart, TE Jerame Tuman

Key Losses: DL Rodney Bailey, P Mitch Berger, LB Darryl Blackstock, DT Chris Cooper, S Terrence Holt, LB Brandon Johnson, WR Bryant Johnson, LB Calvin Pace, QB Tim Rattay, OT Oliver Ross, G Keydrick Vincent

Prediction: 8-8, same crap, different year

3. San Francisco 49ers (5-22 in 2007)

Quite simply put, it doesn’t matter who is the quarterback — as long as he can lead the offense. The offense will show significant improvement under Mike Martz and the defense will be pretty good. I personally think that if Alex Smith starts this team cannot do any better than 3rd in the West. J.T. O'Sullivan has played real well this preseason and I think if he is the starter he can help the 9ers flirt with 2nd place in the West. The 9ers need another year or two.

Key Additions: DE Justin Smith, WR Bryant Johnson, WR Isaac Bruce, LB Takeo Spikes, QB J.T. O’Sullivan, RB DeShaun Foster, KR Allen Rossum, LB Dontarrious Thomas

Key Losses: DT Bryant Young, G Larry Allen, G Justin Smiley, LB Derek Smith, T Kwame Harris, QB Trent Dilfer, DE Marques Douglas, RB Maurice Hicks, WR Darrell Jackson

Prediction: 6-10

4. St. Louis Rams (3-13 in 2007)

Marc Bulger is going to continue to get majorly pressured. And who really knows is Stephen Jackson is going to step up and earn the big bucks so the run game may never reallydevelop. The defensive line cannot apply enough pressure to opponents, and the Rams give up numerous big plays. They just won't be good.

Key Additions: K Josh Brown, G Jacob Bell, TE Anthony Becht, QB Trent Green, QB Bruce Gradkowski, WR Reche Caldwell

Key Losses: K Jeff Wilkins, WR Isaac Bruce, LB Brandon Chillar

Prediction: 4-12

2008 NFL Preview - NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys (13-3 in 2007)

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn’t rest on his laurels after a 13-3 season. Unexpected playoff losses cause that. Jones added speed to his offensive backfield with Felix Jones and moxie to his defense with Zach Thomas. Adam Jones and Mike Jenkins round off what is the best defensive backfield and have skills for man-to-man. Marion Barber and Felix Jones don't miss a beat from the old Jones-Barber combo. They'll probably be even better. Tony Romo holds his performance in the passing game, and the pass defense gets better. I don't see how this team doesn't repeat as division champs.

Key Additions: LB Zach Thomas, CB Adam Jones, RB Felix Jones Jr., CB Mike Jenkins. OL Flozell Adams signed to six year contract extension.

Key Losses: RB Julius Jones, WR Terry Glenn

Prediction: 12-4

2. New York Giants (10-6 in 2007)

Granted the defense lost a few key players but rookie Kenny Phillips has Giants fans excited. He reminds them of other Miami Hurricanes safeties: Ed Reed and Sean Taylor. Eli Manning enters his peak years as a NFL Quarterback and I must say that the season really rests on his shoulders, or arm. He won't really miss Shockey too much as I think Kevin Boss will be a more than adequate replacement and young WR Domenik Hixon has been mighty impressive thus far. The Giants defense held the potent Patriots offense to 14 points in the Super Bowl. Perform at that level and another playoff run is certain, but probably only as a wild card.

Key Additions: Extended head coach Tom Coughlin’s contract. S Sammy Knight, S Kenny Phillips, CB Terrell Thomas

Key Losses: DE Michael Strahan, TE Jeremy Shockey, LB Kawika Mitchell, LB Reggie Torbor, S Gibril Wilson, P Sean Landeta (1985-’93) retired as a New York Giant.

Predicted Finish: 10-6 again

3. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8 in 2007)

DeSean Jackson “the perfect slot guy” who will take defensive pressure off of RB Brian Westbrook. QB Donovan McNabb lamented the team’s lack of a playmaker and Jackson may be that guy, though he shows as a return man on the depth chart. This could be McNabb’s last year with Philly and he goes out with a flourish. Eagles secondary features Asante Samuel, Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard. Whoa! But I still feel like this team is too dependent upon Mr. Westbrook and one injury could possibly give this team a bellow .500 record! Andy Reid once dominated this division. The Eagles are not any worse. The problem is that everyone else is better.

Key Additions: CB Asante Samuel, WR DeSean Jackson

Key Losses: LB Takeo Spikes, DE Jevon Kearse, FB Thomas Tapeh

Prediction: 9-7 contend for wildcard

4. Washington Redskins (9-7 in 2007)

Transitioning to the West Coast for a rookie coach is no easy task. It doesn’t help that rookie receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly missed significant training camp time and will be minor contributors in the front half of the season.Redskins will likely be 4-5 at the week 10 bye. They have to run the table against the Cowboys, Seahawks (in Seattle), Giants and Eagles for a shot at post-season play. They’ve done that sort of thing before, but it’s a bigger challenge with a rookie coach and the East is just so tough this year I don't see it happening for them.

Key Additions: Head coach Jim Zorn, DE Jason Taylor, WR Devin Thomas, WR Malcolm Kelly, TE Fred Davis. LB Rocky McIntosh and CB Carlos Rogers return from IR.

Key Losses: S Sean Taylor

Prediction: 7-9

2008 NFL Preview - AFC North

1. Cleveland Browns (10-6 in 2007)
The Browns have more talent on both sides of the ball than any other team in the division, and a dominant offensive line - maybe the best in all of football. This will help Anderson (add Quinn in case he gets hurt) and running back Jamal Lewis replicate their 2007 success. They are explosive all the way around on offense and their defense has continued to improve. This put them just about on par with the Steelers talent-wise.

That - and the slightly easier schedule than Pittsburgh’s - will be enough to get Cleveland over the hump in ‘08. Although the Browns and Steelers have identical schedules, the x-factor will be their two games against the AFC East and West - Pittsburgh hosts San Diego and goes to New England while the Browns host Denver and travel to Buffalo. That’s a huge difference, and after a season where they got shut out of the postseason despite a 10-6 record, Cleveland might be able to ride that past the Steelers and to the AFC North title.

Key Additions: DT Shaun Rogers (trade, Detroit), DE Corey Williams (trade, Green Bay), WR Donte Stallworth (free agency, New England)

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden (trade, Detroit)

Predicted Finish: 10-6

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6 in 2007)

I feel like Mike Tomlin is going to have this squad just good enough to lose this tossup division. The Steelers will have a great 2back system with Mendenhall and Parker. Also Hines Ward will be good, but he'll be 32 years old this year! I'm not too worried because I think Limas Sweed and Santonio Holmes will be a great young tandem for years to come. Plus throw in Heath Miller at TE...this team will have the ability to outscore anyone in a shootout! That is if Big Ben survives. The offensive line is the biggest question mark for this team and if anything costs them talent-wise it will be the O-Line for sure. The D will be just a hair below what many would consider your standard Steelers D. Overall I think they have better all-around talent than the Browns. However their O-Line and schedule will be the reason why the Browns win the division.

Whatever struggles they have this year will have a lot more to do with their brutal schedule than the talent in Pittsburgh. Winning more than 9 games in a schedule that includes New England, San Diego, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Dallas, the Giants, and Philadelphia - as well as each division team twice - is asking way too much.

Key Additions: RB Rashard Mendenhall (first round pick, Illinois), WR Limas Sweed (second round pick, Texas)

Key Losses: OG Alan Faneca (free agency, New York Jets), DB Al Rossum (released, San Francisco), FB Dan Kreider (free agency, St. Louis), LB Clark Haggans (free agency, Arizona)

Predicted Finish: 9-7 wildcard playoff birth

3. Cincinatti Bengals (7-9 in 2007)

The Bengals have replaced the Ravens as the league’s biggest outlaws, and the number of legal issues facing this team has overshadowed on-field expectations. On top of that, the defense - even under defensive mastermind Marvin Lewis - is still subpar and not equipped to handle the better offenses in the league. The Bengals may have the offensive weapons to trump the Steelers and Browns, but can their own defense stop Cleveland’s offensive fireworks on the other side of the ball? As of now, the answer is no, and that could spell a long, frustrating season in Cincinnati.

Their D looks vulnerable to me (horrible tackling against GB in their 1st preseason game) and Rudi Gay is unable to carry the load anymore (although I think Chris Perry will come in and do a good job). The Chad Johnson thing is also pure chaos. Does he want to play on this team, or doesn't he? Seems like a locker room mess and major distraction. I mean come on! This guy asked his QB for help out of Cinci!

You know what they say about talent: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” Cincinnati has Pro Bowl talent at a lot of key positions, but they’ve had that same talent the last several years. It hasn’t won them anything. I think they are an improved team by getting rid of the troublemakers. I also think that Ben Utech will make a huge difference for Palmer and their offense. I just don't think they can win. This really looks to be Cleveland's and/or Pittsburgh's year.

Key Additions: LB Keith Rivers (first round pick, USC), WR Jerome Simpson (second round pick, Coastal Carolina), DE Antwan Odom (free agency, Tennessee)

Key Losses: Madieu Williams (free agency, Minnesota), DE Justin Smith (free agency, San Francisco), LB Landon Johnson (free agency, Carolina), LB/DE David Pollack (paralysis injury, retired), WR Chris Henry (legal problems, released), LB Odell Thurman (violation of league substance abuse policy)

Predicted Finish: 7-9

4. Baltimore Ravens (5-11 in 2007)

The Ravens have history of sneaking up on the league and being competitive when nobody expects them to. They did it in 2002 after a salary cap purge decimated the core from their 2000 Super Bowl run, and that’s the only way they can do it in 2008.

The parade of Pro Bowlers this team enjoyed in the early part of this decade are either retired, in other uniforms, or on the downside of their careers. Ray Lewis is no longer the most feared defender in football, Jamal Lewis isn’t running for 2,000 yards, Jonathan Ogden isn’t manning the blind side for his quarterback, and Peter Boulware isn’t racking up sacks anymore. On top of that, the Ravens have never had stability at the most important position in football: The quarterback position. Banking on Flacco to bring that stability is reminiscent of when Kyle Boller was supposed to do the same, and we all know how that turned out.

Now, Troy Smith has been starting for them in the preseason to this point so maybe they'll try to start the year off with him and fall to Flacco when he struggles. Who knows really. Either way though I think this isn't going to work out for them this year. This team will be near the bottom in the NFL again giving GM Ozzie Newsome more to work with. This is a new coaching staff and young team that will have to start off by taking their lumps early and often.

Key Additions: Head coach John Harbaugh (DB coach, Philadelphia), QB Joe Flacco (first round pick, Delaware), RB Ray Rice (second round pick, Rutgers)

Key Losses: OL Jonathan Ogden (retirement), QB Steve McNair (retirement), C Mike Flynn (released)

Predicted Finish: 4-12

2008 NFL Preview - AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (13-3 in 2007)

They are famous for drafting well and developing from within, they had no first round pick this year and took a guard from the Pac-10 in the 2nd. They re-signed Dominic Rhodes. Basically, they did nothing but lose Rob Morris and Rocky Boiman. Marvin become a gangster at age 35. The secondary is brutal (especially if Bob Sanders has injury problems) and if Freeney can't stay healthy, the may give up points in bunches. Of course they have the "other" Manning, he's still pretty good.

As if the Colts’ offense isn’t already potent enough, they can be even better if Marvin Harrison returns to form after missing nine games last year and if Anthony Gonzalez makes the expected improvement from his rookie campaign to his sophomore season. Getting Dominic Rhodes back is gravy because you can expect Addai to be great. Indy once again has a good chance of playing in late January and beyond. Look for them to go 5-1 in the South. I also see them losing @Minny, @Pitt, New England, @ SD, and maybe @Clev.

Key Additions: Mike Pollak (draft), RB Dominic Rhodes (Oak), LB Phillip Wheeler (draft)

Key Losses: G Jake Scott (Ten), TE Ben Utecht (Cin)

Predicted Finish: 11-5

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5 in 2007)

Contrary to popular opinion the Jags DO NOT have a great D. People run their mouths and have no idea what they are talking about. Teams ran all over them last year to the tune of 4.1 ypc, and 4 of their games were against the Colts and Texans, not exactly running juggernauts. Now Stroud has left for Buffalo. I loved Drayton Florence in San Diego, but playing corner on that D may have made him appear better than he is.

Garrard played well, you have to be impressed by the 18/3 ratio. However his receivers are dog shit, so he never threw the ball more than 20 yards. The ratio is nice but Garrard is gunna hafta throw more than 18 this year for the Jags to be relevant. Fred Taylor is getting old but that other guy with all the names is pretty damn good. Big problems at WR in my opinion. Porter and Williamson were their big pick-ups and they both have as many 1000-yard seasons as I do! Also Matt Jones' cocaine thing is a problem. Overall though, even if the new guys don't work out this is a good ball club.

Key Additions: CB Drayton Florence (SD), DE Quentin Groves (draft), DE Derrick Harvey (draft), DT Jimmy Kennedy (Chi), WR Jerry Porter (Oak), DC Gregg Williams (Was), WR Troy Williamson (Min)

Key Losses: CB Terry Cousin (Cle), CB Aaron Glenn (NO), S Sammy Knight (NYG), DE Bobby McCray (NO), G Chris Naeole (released), DT Marcus Stroud (Buf)

Predicted Finish: 10-6 with a wildcard appearance

3. Houston Texans (8-8 in 2007)

Are they the Tampa Bay Rays of football in 2008? Perennial doormats to division winners? No. But they will continue to improve and the d-line is sick. They have very good receivers and and when Schaub is upright he can deliver. The o-line has improved from the days they used to let Carr get pounded. The defensive backfield is the worst this side of Indy. Slow and lacking play makers, they do not get enough turnovers to win tight games. I think if the O-Line can get it's act together, Andre Johnson plays the entire year healthy, and Slaton comes up big in the running game they will be able to contend for the wildcard for most of the season.

Key Additions: T Duane Brown (draft), C Chris Myers (Den), CB Jacques Reeves (Dal), RB Steve Slaton (draft)

Key Losses: C Mike Flanagan (released), CB Von Hutchins (Atl), C Steve McKinney (Mia)

Predicted Finish: 9-7

4. Tennesse Titans (10-6 in 2007)

Vince Young is not good. But he wins. I get that. I like that. But in the NFL one trick ponies get figured out and then beaten. Fisher is very good coach, but the lack of talent will catch up with him this year. The D-line is very good, we all know that, but that's it. The rest of the league will dink and dunk them to death. All you need to do is score 17 and you have a good shot at beating them (unless Bironas' bionic leg can kick 6 field goals a game!). The secondary is pretty good, but is an injury or two away from being exposed. The new kid Chris Johnson is supposed to be a big play maker on a team that lacks them. We shall see. The schedule is tough, and I just don't see them having a good year.

Key Additions: TE Alge Crumpler (Atl), OC Mike Heimerdinger (Den), RB Chris Johnson (draft), DE Jevon Kearse (Phi), WR Justin McCareins (NYJ), G Jake Scott (Ind)

Key Losses: G Jacob Bell (StL), CB Adam Jones (Dal), DE Travis LaBoy (Ari), DE Antwan Odom (Cin), G Benji Olson (retired)

Predicted Finish: 7-9

2008 NFL Preview - AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers (11-5 in 2007)

The last we left the Norv Turner led San Diego Chargers, they were flailing away haplessly against the Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The game was best remembered for the heroic actions of QB Phillip Rivers playing on one leg and Superstar RB LaDanian Tomlinson on the bench and not heroically playing on one leg.

A look at this year's team shows very little has changed from last year. They are still a strong contender with a douchey QB and a bad coach. A lot of this teams success depends on the health of their stars. Everything I've read says Rivers is doing well but I have my doubts that he'll be able to be as effective as he was at the end of last season. LDT also has questions hanging over his head. How is his knee with all the mileage he put on it and is he tough enough to carry the load when it counts? Maybe trading Turner was a bad idea! Antonio Gates foot issues were also a big loss for them at the end of last season. If he is healthy, he changes the dynamic of the offense. If he is hurt forget it. A full season with Chris Chambers along with a healthy Gates give the Chargers a legit passing game. With all that said this team is head and shoulders above the rest of the division and possibly the most all-around talented team in the NFL....the 2nd easiest schedule in the league doesn't hurt either!

They started 1-3 last year and still managed to win the division by 4 games. In any other division I'd have more concerns but I think the Bolts are fine in the AFC West this year.

Predicted Finish: 12-4

2. Denver Broncos (7-9 in 2007)

The Bronco's were retooling last year and have a good young nucleus back for this season. Cutler knows that he's diabetic now, and knows how to deal with it. You would think he would have a better year. Psychotic WR Brandon Marshall is suspended 3 games but I think should still put up good numbers this season, but obviously the team would fair better with him for the whole year. The problem is that the run defense collapsed overnight. Denver went from 12th against the run in 2006 to 30th in 2007. The Broncos really haven’t done anything to fix that problem. In a division with Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and Darren McFadden, that is a risky proposition. All the teams in this division would love nothing more than to stay committed to the running game.

I think the Broncos will compete with the Browns and Titans for the final playoff spot. I think Cutler, Marshall, and Young will all have nice years. I also think the Broncos have too many issues with their running game. I look for the Broncos to better their 2007 record, but miss the playoffs by a game to the Browns. The Browns’ defense is nothing to write home about, but their offense is a lot more explosive.

Predicted Finish: 8-8

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12 in 2007)

Things are getting better for Oakland. They are getting a young nucleus of players on offense and are starting to bring some talent in on defense. The Raiders and Jets were the most active teams in free agency and fans are going to be excited that a winning season is near.
They still have a few problems. San Diego has a young nucleus in place and is not ready to surrender the division to Oakland. Denver also has a young nucleus on offense and while they have their own troubles on defense, they have better receivers, offensive line, and secondary. It is going to be hard for the Raiders to break through that in 2008.

The Raiders have a few pieces to the puzzle on both offense and defense and I think you can expect to see it take shape a little more. The hardest thing to find is the quarterback. The Chiefs don’t look like they have found their quarterback, which is worse than the Raiders who are still determining if they have found theirs. As it stands right now, though, they will play teams competitively, probably win some games against the likes of Baltimore, Kansas City, Miami, NY Jets, Buffalo, Atlanta. They're on the upswing!

Predicted Finish: 6-10

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12 in 2007)

I thought the Chiefs had a great draft. In my opinion, it was the best in the NFL. That said, I also maintain the Colts and Patriots could have had the best draft in the NFL had they traded Brady or Manning. The only reason the Chiefs had the best draft is they traded their best player in Jared Allen. While that may turn out to be a great move for the future, it doesn’t necessarily translate into winning a lot of games the following year.

The Chiefs just don’t have a lot of good things going for them now. They used to have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. They don’t anymore! Johnson used to be the second best back in football. He is barely a top 10 back right now. Croyle and Huard are below average quarterbacks. The defense is rebuilding. This is a team in transition.

I look for Gonzalez and Bowe to have good seasons. I think Johnson will have a rebound year (1,000 to 1,100 yards and 7-9 touchdowns). However, what gains they make on offense are going to be offset by a rebuilding defense that lost its best player. This is a 3-win team in my opinion. However, the lack of strength in their division and their relatively easy schedule should get them to five wins.

Predicted Finish: 5-11

2008 NFL Preview - AFC East

1. New England Patriots (16-0 in 2007)

Sadly, the miracle of last year will be nearly impossible to replicate. But with the easiest schedule on paper, it may not be as tough as some might think. This division should be locked up by Nov. 13th, when the Pats finish their 4th home game in 5 weeks. Two losses come from (one of) either Indy or Pitt, and one lost-focus/rest week after home field is decided. We can only hope that Favre can help the Jets make a run at the division. I'm hoping, but I'm not counting on it.

Key Aquisitions: Jerod Mayo, Lamont Jordan

Key Departures: Asante Samuel

2008 Predicted Finish: 14-2

2. Buffalo Bills (7-9 in 2007)

Lynch is an absolute beast. Edwards is settling in. I think it's going to be really interesting to see how the Bills do with both these two getting all the snaps. If a few things bounced their way in 2007 (and they ditched the Losman experiment earlier), the Bills might've had 9 or 10 wins and a wildcard spot. Playing the AFC/NFC Westies will give the bills 6 wins in 8 tries, the Jets and Miami will contribute the other 4. The bills will lose to the Chargers, Rams, Jacksonville, Cleveland and New England x2.

Key Aquisitions: McKelvin (CB), Hardy (WR)

Key Departures: none

2008 Predicted Finish: 9-7

3. New York Jets (4-12 in 2007)

Favre changes the dynamic of this team. For the good? We'll see. Clemens is the new Rodgers, and can't possibly be happy about it. But even a crusty Favre is a better option than these Clemens and will give them an extra couple wins. AFC Westies will smack around this team, as will New England, and Buffalo for sure. Also look for a possible surprise loss (Maybe Dolphins at home but probably not).

Key Aquisitions: Brett Favre, Vernon Gholston

Key Departures: Chad Pennington.

2008 Predicted Finish: 8-8

4. Miami Dolphins (1-15 in 2007)

They should be able to secure a high pick in the 2009 draft fairly quickly. They are the sacrificial lamb this season (again). With Pennington at quarterback and no defense, they'll be competitive in each game for about a half. Signing Pennington will not increase their 2008 win total, unless he hands them the entire Jets offensive playbook. I think that they can grab 2-3 cheap wins, but I can't find a team that I can honestly say they can beat. With a gun to my head, I'll take the Fins over the Ravens. They'll carry a 10 game losing streak into 2009.

Key Aquisitions: Jake Long, Bill Parcells

Key Departures: Jason Taylor

2008 Predicted Finish: 2-14