AFC Division Champions
East - *New England Patriots
North - *Baltimore Ravens
South - Houston Texans
West - San Diego Chargers
*Wild-card - Pittsburgh Steelers
*Wild-card - New York Jets
NFC Division Champions
East - Dallas Cowboys
North - *Green Bay Packers
South - New Orleans Saints
West - *San Francisco 49ers
*Wild-card - Philadelphia Eagles
*Wild-card - Atlanta Falcons
Wild-Card Round Games
NFC - Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
winner - Saints
- Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas Cowboys
winner - Cowboys
AFC - New York Jets @ Houston Texans
winner - Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Diego Chargers
winner - Steelers
Divisional Round Games
NFC - Saints @ 49ers
winner - Saints
Cowboys @ Packers
winner - Packers
AFC - Jets @ Patriots
winner - Patriots
Steelers @ Ravens
winner - Steelers
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
NFC - Saints @ Packers
winner - PACKERS
AFC - Steelers @ Patriots
winner - Steelers
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
STEELERS over PACKERS
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Eric's LOCK of the Week
Season Record: 0-0
Week 1 LOCK
Detroit Lions (-6.5) @ Chicago Bears
The Bears hope to reinvigorate their offense year by bringing in Mike Martz. Martz established his reputation as an offensive guru from his days heading up the St. Louis Rams’ "Greatest Show on Turf." That was about 10 years ago and since that time Martz has delivered less than stellar results. Martz’s offense calls for seven step drops, which requires a formidable offensive line, something Bears do not have. Conversely, the Lions added Suh and Vanden Bosch to their defensive front. Cutler is about to take a beating if he does not get the ball out of his hands quickly. Under duress Cutler has a tendency to rely upon his arm to thread the needle with his passes. In 2009, this over-reliance led to 26 interceptions. Offensively, the Lions added Jahvid Best and Nate Burleson to compliment Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford. The Lions are no’t about to set the world on fire, but their stock is rising.
The Bears are 6 ½ point favorites while the games total is 44 ½ . The Lions will cover and I’m taking the under. This pick runs counter to all historical evidence. The Lions have almost got that Matt Millen stink off of them and they're going to win a few games and pull themselves out of the NFC north cellar.
PICK: Lions +6.5 Under 44.5
Week 1 LOCK
Detroit Lions (-6.5) @ Chicago Bears
The Bears hope to reinvigorate their offense year by bringing in Mike Martz. Martz established his reputation as an offensive guru from his days heading up the St. Louis Rams’ "Greatest Show on Turf." That was about 10 years ago and since that time Martz has delivered less than stellar results. Martz’s offense calls for seven step drops, which requires a formidable offensive line, something Bears do not have. Conversely, the Lions added Suh and Vanden Bosch to their defensive front. Cutler is about to take a beating if he does not get the ball out of his hands quickly. Under duress Cutler has a tendency to rely upon his arm to thread the needle with his passes. In 2009, this over-reliance led to 26 interceptions. Offensively, the Lions added Jahvid Best and Nate Burleson to compliment Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford. The Lions are no’t about to set the world on fire, but their stock is rising.
The Bears are 6 ½ point favorites while the games total is 44 ½ . The Lions will cover and I’m taking the under. This pick runs counter to all historical evidence. The Lions have almost got that Matt Millen stink off of them and they're going to win a few games and pull themselves out of the NFC north cellar.
PICK: Lions +6.5 Under 44.5
Friday, September 10, 2010
Week 1 NFL Picks
Season Record: 1-0
DANNY'S LOCK OF THE WEEK-
San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll has much to prove before I will even begin considering the Seahawks as a competive team. The entire Seahawks offensive line is on the injury report, and starting left tackle, sixth overall pick in this year's draft Russell Okung is out with a high ankle sprain. The 49ers looked strong on both sides of the ball during the preseason, and Vernon Davis just landed the most lucrative contract for a tight end in the national football league, $37 million with $23 million guarenteed, so expect him to have some extra "pep" in his step. Overall, this is a great matchup for the 49ers. The defense will shutdown Seattle's no-namers on the outside and Justin Forsett will have trouble running that ball with Patrick Willis barking in here ear all game long. Easy win for the road team. I like this game as my STONE COLD LEAD PIPE LOCK of the weekend. San Francisco 27 - Seattle 10
REST OF THE GAMES
Miami Dolphins (-3) @ Buffalo Bills - The Dolphins come into this game with high hopes due in large part to their major off season acquisition of WR Brandon Marshall. Marshall is the star receiver that the Dolphins desperately need to keep opposing defenses unable to stack the box against the Dolphins stellar rushing offense. Marshall may not be the difference maker in this game, but the Dolphins will demonstrate the offensive fluidity this week that many teams will hope to have by week five. Miami 24 - Buffalo 10.
Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans (-6.5) - This line tells a lot about what Vegas thinks of a west coast team traveling to the east coast to face a team with a good defense. The Titans have a good defense, and tag that along with one of the best running backs in the NFL, Chris Johnson, this team will be hard to beat. The Titans will shutdown the Raiders offense, and Chris Johnson should go off against the Raiders run defense that was pathetic last season. Tennessee 20 - Oakland 10.
Cincinnati Bengals (+4.5) @ New England Patriots -The Bengals will put themselves on the radar once again this season with a huge opening game upset over the Patriots in Foxboro. The Bengals defense is severely underrated, Odom will be playing, and the secondary can sustain the Patriots passing attack. That being said, the Patriots downfall is there defense. And with Cedric Benson balancing out the Bengals offense, Carson Palmer should have the time to sit in the pocket and pass it to Ocho Cinco and TO. Cincinnati 34 - New England 27.
Detroit Lions (+6.5) @ Chicago Bears - The best way to describe the rise of the Detroit Lions this season is to say that they are a .500 team. What I mean is that I think they will lose 8 games but have a legitmate chance to win atleast 8 games. Now they will most likely finish in the 4-6 win category, but the Lions have something nice brewing in their pot. That being said, they'll keep it close in Chicago, but this is a MUST WIN GAME for Jay Cutler. A poor preseason has the Bear fans in a very low frame of mind, and after last season Cutler better be ready to impress the Chicago faithful. Chicago 27 - Detroit 24.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants (-6.5) - Eli had a career year passing the ball last season, but the Giants did not make the playoffs. In order for the G-Men to have success, they must run the football. Bradshaw and Jacobs can handle that dilemma, but can the Giants defense step up this season and take the NFC-East crown away from the Cowboys. Panthers still have some work to gel together on the offensive end of the ball, but they do have serious potential for a good season. Giants score early and never look back. New York 24 - Carolina 16.
Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) - Do not sleep on the Steelers just because Big Ben is out for four games. The Steelers defense is back and better than ever, and Polumalu will cause fits for the Falcons and this game will be won in the trenches. Welcome back to hard-nosed, run the ball up the gut, Steelers football. Pittsburgh 17 - Atlanta 13.
Cleveland Browns (+3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Freeman has been out and missed too much needed practice time. Jake Delhomme has looked very strong all pre-season and the Jerome Harrison show is ready to premier. Browns win in Tampa. Cleveland 20 - Tampa Bay 13.
Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) - Taking the home team in this matchup. Always tough for the west coast team to make the trip east and play well. Orton versus Garrard, I will take Garrard at home. Jacksonville 21 - Denver 16
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (+2.5) - 1-15 against Indy in eight seasons. They had them twice last season but blew it. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will start early, a few stops and hopefully a turnover and the Texans have this one. Look for Houston to use Arian Foster to keep the Colts offense off the field. Foster has looked strong during pre-season and camp, so I expect a somewhat balanced attack from Gary Kubiak and I like Houston outright. Houston 31 - Indianapolis 27
Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles will be a good team this season. Kolb will have his ups and downs, but overall this team is too explosive and very fast on defense to be a bad team. Green Bay, however, is a very good team and even though Aaron Rodgers has been considerably better in Green Bay (14 INT in 19 games), the Packers have too much for the home team. Green Bay 24 - Philadelphia 20
Arizona Cardinals (-4) @ St. Louis Rams - All signs are pointing to Sam Bradford getting an opening day win. Larry Fitzgerald is a little banged up, and Derek Anderson is the starting quarterback for Arizona. Anderson has no played well as of late, so this is a big time statement game for him. For this reason, I like Arizona to get the win and continue the Rams awful streak against them (Rams haven't won at home against Arizona since 2004). Arizona 17 - St. Louis 13
Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) @ Washington Redskins - Donovan McNabb begins his career with the Redskins and unfortunately it is against a team that beat him three times last season. Also, to add to the pessimism for McNabb, the Cowboys returned 20-22 starters from last season. The Cowboys will win a sloppy game here, I believe the Redskins offensive line will have serious issues against the Cowboys front seven. Dallas 20 - Washington 13.
Baltimore Ravens (+2) @ New York Jets - Do you need a preview for this game? It is going to be low scoring, a lot of physical play, and you can expect these guys to play as hard as they can for the enitre sixty minutes of this game. What a game to start MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL this season. Baltimore 13 - New York Jets 10
San Diego Chargers (-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs - Phillip Rivers is without some weapons, Vincent Jackson and LT, but Gates, Floyd, Crayton, and Matthews will make up for lost weapons. The Chargers are going to be good this season, and they start the season off with KC, Jacksonville, Seattle, Arizona, Oakland, and St. Louis...win streak anyone? Big Phil is a beast and he continues to get better each season. Matt Cassell will enjoy having Charlie Weis as his offensive coordinator, and I think it will go likewise for Ryan and Phillip. San Diego 24 - Kansas City 14
DANNY'S LOCK OF THE WEEK-
San Francisco 49ers (-3) @ Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll has much to prove before I will even begin considering the Seahawks as a competive team. The entire Seahawks offensive line is on the injury report, and starting left tackle, sixth overall pick in this year's draft Russell Okung is out with a high ankle sprain. The 49ers looked strong on both sides of the ball during the preseason, and Vernon Davis just landed the most lucrative contract for a tight end in the national football league, $37 million with $23 million guarenteed, so expect him to have some extra "pep" in his step. Overall, this is a great matchup for the 49ers. The defense will shutdown Seattle's no-namers on the outside and Justin Forsett will have trouble running that ball with Patrick Willis barking in here ear all game long. Easy win for the road team. I like this game as my STONE COLD LEAD PIPE LOCK of the weekend. San Francisco 27 - Seattle 10
REST OF THE GAMES
Miami Dolphins (-3) @ Buffalo Bills - The Dolphins come into this game with high hopes due in large part to their major off season acquisition of WR Brandon Marshall. Marshall is the star receiver that the Dolphins desperately need to keep opposing defenses unable to stack the box against the Dolphins stellar rushing offense. Marshall may not be the difference maker in this game, but the Dolphins will demonstrate the offensive fluidity this week that many teams will hope to have by week five. Miami 24 - Buffalo 10.
Oakland Raiders @ Tennessee Titans (-6.5) - This line tells a lot about what Vegas thinks of a west coast team traveling to the east coast to face a team with a good defense. The Titans have a good defense, and tag that along with one of the best running backs in the NFL, Chris Johnson, this team will be hard to beat. The Titans will shutdown the Raiders offense, and Chris Johnson should go off against the Raiders run defense that was pathetic last season. Tennessee 20 - Oakland 10.
Cincinnati Bengals (+4.5) @ New England Patriots -The Bengals will put themselves on the radar once again this season with a huge opening game upset over the Patriots in Foxboro. The Bengals defense is severely underrated, Odom will be playing, and the secondary can sustain the Patriots passing attack. That being said, the Patriots downfall is there defense. And with Cedric Benson balancing out the Bengals offense, Carson Palmer should have the time to sit in the pocket and pass it to Ocho Cinco and TO. Cincinnati 34 - New England 27.
Detroit Lions (+6.5) @ Chicago Bears - The best way to describe the rise of the Detroit Lions this season is to say that they are a .500 team. What I mean is that I think they will lose 8 games but have a legitmate chance to win atleast 8 games. Now they will most likely finish in the 4-6 win category, but the Lions have something nice brewing in their pot. That being said, they'll keep it close in Chicago, but this is a MUST WIN GAME for Jay Cutler. A poor preseason has the Bear fans in a very low frame of mind, and after last season Cutler better be ready to impress the Chicago faithful. Chicago 27 - Detroit 24.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Giants (-6.5) - Eli had a career year passing the ball last season, but the Giants did not make the playoffs. In order for the G-Men to have success, they must run the football. Bradshaw and Jacobs can handle that dilemma, but can the Giants defense step up this season and take the NFC-East crown away from the Cowboys. Panthers still have some work to gel together on the offensive end of the ball, but they do have serious potential for a good season. Giants score early and never look back. New York 24 - Carolina 16.
Atlanta Falcons @ Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) - Do not sleep on the Steelers just because Big Ben is out for four games. The Steelers defense is back and better than ever, and Polumalu will cause fits for the Falcons and this game will be won in the trenches. Welcome back to hard-nosed, run the ball up the gut, Steelers football. Pittsburgh 17 - Atlanta 13.
Cleveland Browns (+3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Josh Freeman has been out and missed too much needed practice time. Jake Delhomme has looked very strong all pre-season and the Jerome Harrison show is ready to premier. Browns win in Tampa. Cleveland 20 - Tampa Bay 13.
Denver Broncos @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) - Taking the home team in this matchup. Always tough for the west coast team to make the trip east and play well. Orton versus Garrard, I will take Garrard at home. Jacksonville 21 - Denver 16
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (+2.5) - 1-15 against Indy in eight seasons. They had them twice last season but blew it. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will start early, a few stops and hopefully a turnover and the Texans have this one. Look for Houston to use Arian Foster to keep the Colts offense off the field. Foster has looked strong during pre-season and camp, so I expect a somewhat balanced attack from Gary Kubiak and I like Houston outright. Houston 31 - Indianapolis 27
Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles will be a good team this season. Kolb will have his ups and downs, but overall this team is too explosive and very fast on defense to be a bad team. Green Bay, however, is a very good team and even though Aaron Rodgers has been considerably better in Green Bay (14 INT in 19 games), the Packers have too much for the home team. Green Bay 24 - Philadelphia 20
Arizona Cardinals (-4) @ St. Louis Rams - All signs are pointing to Sam Bradford getting an opening day win. Larry Fitzgerald is a little banged up, and Derek Anderson is the starting quarterback for Arizona. Anderson has no played well as of late, so this is a big time statement game for him. For this reason, I like Arizona to get the win and continue the Rams awful streak against them (Rams haven't won at home against Arizona since 2004). Arizona 17 - St. Louis 13
Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) @ Washington Redskins - Donovan McNabb begins his career with the Redskins and unfortunately it is against a team that beat him three times last season. Also, to add to the pessimism for McNabb, the Cowboys returned 20-22 starters from last season. The Cowboys will win a sloppy game here, I believe the Redskins offensive line will have serious issues against the Cowboys front seven. Dallas 20 - Washington 13.
Baltimore Ravens (+2) @ New York Jets - Do you need a preview for this game? It is going to be low scoring, a lot of physical play, and you can expect these guys to play as hard as they can for the enitre sixty minutes of this game. What a game to start MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL this season. Baltimore 13 - New York Jets 10
San Diego Chargers (-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs - Phillip Rivers is without some weapons, Vincent Jackson and LT, but Gates, Floyd, Crayton, and Matthews will make up for lost weapons. The Chargers are going to be good this season, and they start the season off with KC, Jacksonville, Seattle, Arizona, Oakland, and St. Louis...win streak anyone? Big Phil is a beast and he continues to get better each season. Matt Cassell will enjoy having Charlie Weis as his offensive coordinator, and I think it will go likewise for Ryan and Phillip. San Diego 24 - Kansas City 14
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL PREDICTION
We GOT FOOTBALL ACTION YO!
Season Record: (0-0)
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-6)
The defending champions will defend their title mightily. The Vikings are not ready for the season yet. One more week of preparation would have done them good. Farve got a shot of a lubricant in his ankle two weeks ago, and I am not fully convinced he is where he needs to be. The Saints offense is phenomenal. They are the same, more experienced, offense from last year, and they are healthy. Brees should look in mid-season form here, as his three-step-drop passing style will work well against the strong pass rush of the Vikings front seven. Reggie Bush will be a mismatch for the Vikings linebackers, and the deep pass could cause problems as well. Drew Brees has a career 95 quarterback rating at home, and in the past two seasons the Saints are 11-4 at home and Brees has a 43:9 TD to INT ratio. The Saints will light up the scoreboard early, and running the ball in the second half will take the clock away from the Vikings. The Saints win the opening game of the 2010 season, New Orleans 30 - Minnesota 20.
Season Record: (0-0)
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-6)
The defending champions will defend their title mightily. The Vikings are not ready for the season yet. One more week of preparation would have done them good. Farve got a shot of a lubricant in his ankle two weeks ago, and I am not fully convinced he is where he needs to be. The Saints offense is phenomenal. They are the same, more experienced, offense from last year, and they are healthy. Brees should look in mid-season form here, as his three-step-drop passing style will work well against the strong pass rush of the Vikings front seven. Reggie Bush will be a mismatch for the Vikings linebackers, and the deep pass could cause problems as well. Drew Brees has a career 95 quarterback rating at home, and in the past two seasons the Saints are 11-4 at home and Brees has a 43:9 TD to INT ratio. The Saints will light up the scoreboard early, and running the ball in the second half will take the clock away from the Vikings. The Saints win the opening game of the 2010 season, New Orleans 30 - Minnesota 20.
Monday, September 6, 2010
UPDATES
T.J. Houshmanzadeh signs a 1 year deal with the Baltimore Ravens worth $855,000 (to go along with the $6.15 million that Seattle has to pay him) and now solidifies the fact that the Ravens front office thinks this is the year with Flacco, and they are not passing up any opportunity to make the team better. T.J. makes this offense that much better. Ray Rice and Willis McGahee can take over a game running the ball. Boldin, Stallworth, Houshmanzadeh, Mason, and Heap now make the Ravens receiving corps one of, if not the, best in the NFL.
UPDATES
REVIS SIGNS!!! Darrelle Revis signs a 4 year contract with the New York Jets. A 4 year $46 million deal, #32 million guaranteed, and the first 2 years Revis gets $16.25 million per year. Revis is back after his 36 day holdout, his teammates are excited, his Coach's can breath, and the Jets are in for a great potential AFC-Championship showdown on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens at New York.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
NFC WEST
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: (8-8 2009)
The 49ers are entering the 2010 season with one goal; win the division. With Kurt Warner out in Arizona, and the Pete Carroll regime beginning in Seattle, everyone sees the potential for the 49ers this season. With Alex Smith behind center, Smith made great strides last season and hopes to continue the progress, the 49ers will have a well balanced offense that will need a consistent year from Smith. Frank Gore is the heart of the offense, the running back had 229 carries last season for 1120 yards and 10 TDs. If Gore can stay healthy and play all sixteen games this season, and the acquisition of Brian Westbrook helping on third downs, the 49ers ground game will be extremely explosive. The main reason the 49ers running attack will be even better; the receiving corps. The positive progress that Smith has made, the ridiculous talent levels of tight end Vernon Davis and second year stud receiver Michael Crabtree, has this team in great position to win some ball games. And of course we need to discuss the defense. The 49ers defense is strong, fast, and hungry. The 49ers were 6th against the rush last year, 21st against the pass, and 4th in points allowed. Clearly, the issue is the secondary. The combination of Goldson and Lewis at safety should help solidify a much more intense, ball-hawking secondary. If the pass rush stays aggressive, and the secondary can make some plays late in games, the 49ers have double digit win possibilities this season.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: (10-6 2009)
The Arizona Cardinals "Post Kurt Warner" era will begin this season and the major question mark on this team is at the quarterback position. With Matt Leinart showing no signs of leadership, progress, or command behind center during this preseason, it seems more evident that Derek Anderson will be announced the starter come opening day. Anderson has the big arm that this offense will need, but they will need consistent play more than anything. Will the Cardinals commit to a running game now that they will struggle at the quarterback position, and without Anquan Boldin opposite Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals wide receiver depth has taken a hit. I believe this is a rebuilding year for Arizona. They were 28th in the NFL in rushing, and that will definitely need to be better in order for them to win games. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower can run the ball, consistent four yard gains will open up the play-action passes for Larry Fitz to get some open looks. The departure of Karlos Dansby (to Miami), Antrel Rolle (Giants), Chike Okeafor (FA), and Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh) will significantly effect the defense. The additions of Kerry Rhodes, Joey Porter, and Justin Miller will help the defense, but it takes more than an off-season for a defense to gel together and become formidable. The Cardinals have a lot of question marks this season.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: (5-11 2009)
Pete Carroll takes over as coach in Seattle and he has some work in front of him. The offense was inconsistent all year last season, and the defense was pathetic defending the pass (30th in the NFL). Carroll wants his defense to be fast and play fast, so the additions of Kevin Vickerson, Quinton Teal, Robert Henderson, and Chris Clemons should help him with that. So with the hopes that the defense has improved, let's look at the offense. This will be Matt Hasselbecks team, hopefully his back will hold up, and he has some weapons to use if his offensive line blocks for him. Russell Okung, the tackle out of Oklahoma State, was the sixth pick of the draft this season and the Seahawks are expecting huge things out of him. They also picked up G Ben Hamilton from the Broncos and hope he can bolster up the offensive line as well. Keeping Hassellbeck on his feet is the primary goal for the O-line this season. Out of the backfield the Seahawks have a healthy Leon Washington who is out to prove his knee is good to go, and the work horse, Julius Jones remains a steadfast behind Hassellbeck. Deion Branch, T.J. Houshmadzadeh, rookie Golden Tate, and TE John Carlson will be Hassellbeck's targets this season. Who will take the step up in the receive corps and give Seattle an eighty reception season? The Seahawks will struggle this season, but there is hope for this team. Pete Carroll is the guy for this team.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: (1-15 2009)
The Rams hope to rebound strongly from the one win season in 2009, #1 pick Sam Bradford will be under center on opening day. He has shown that he is a leader, has the intangibles to win in this league, but now he will have to go out there and do it. The first five games will be good for Bradford as the Rams take on mediocre opponents in the Cardinals, Raiders, Redskins, Seahawks, and Lions (3 of those games at home). Steven Jackson is coming off a 1300+ season, but back surgery in April may play an affect on him early in the season. A preseason injury to #1 receiver Donnie Avery will significantly affect this offense, but look for Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola, and Keenan Burton to step up. A.J. Feeley will be a good mentor for Bradford and look for Sam to develop quickly, throw some interceptions, but I think he will have a pretty good rookie campaign. The defense, as head coach Steve Spagnuolo preaches, will be the key to the season. Keep the offense in the game, stop the run, get to the quarter; this is the Rams defensive strategy this season. The additions of Na'il Diggs, Fred Robbins, Kevin Dockery, Kevin Payne, and Bobby Carpenter will help this Rams defense that already has solid play coming from Chris Long, and James Laurinaitis. Too much is needed to make this team a contender, but they will be improved from last season.
The 49ers are entering the 2010 season with one goal; win the division. With Kurt Warner out in Arizona, and the Pete Carroll regime beginning in Seattle, everyone sees the potential for the 49ers this season. With Alex Smith behind center, Smith made great strides last season and hopes to continue the progress, the 49ers will have a well balanced offense that will need a consistent year from Smith. Frank Gore is the heart of the offense, the running back had 229 carries last season for 1120 yards and 10 TDs. If Gore can stay healthy and play all sixteen games this season, and the acquisition of Brian Westbrook helping on third downs, the 49ers ground game will be extremely explosive. The main reason the 49ers running attack will be even better; the receiving corps. The positive progress that Smith has made, the ridiculous talent levels of tight end Vernon Davis and second year stud receiver Michael Crabtree, has this team in great position to win some ball games. And of course we need to discuss the defense. The 49ers defense is strong, fast, and hungry. The 49ers were 6th against the rush last year, 21st against the pass, and 4th in points allowed. Clearly, the issue is the secondary. The combination of Goldson and Lewis at safety should help solidify a much more intense, ball-hawking secondary. If the pass rush stays aggressive, and the secondary can make some plays late in games, the 49ers have double digit win possibilities this season.
ARIZONA CARDINALS: (10-6 2009)
The Arizona Cardinals "Post Kurt Warner" era will begin this season and the major question mark on this team is at the quarterback position. With Matt Leinart showing no signs of leadership, progress, or command behind center during this preseason, it seems more evident that Derek Anderson will be announced the starter come opening day. Anderson has the big arm that this offense will need, but they will need consistent play more than anything. Will the Cardinals commit to a running game now that they will struggle at the quarterback position, and without Anquan Boldin opposite Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals wide receiver depth has taken a hit. I believe this is a rebuilding year for Arizona. They were 28th in the NFL in rushing, and that will definitely need to be better in order for them to win games. Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower can run the ball, consistent four yard gains will open up the play-action passes for Larry Fitz to get some open looks. The departure of Karlos Dansby (to Miami), Antrel Rolle (Giants), Chike Okeafor (FA), and Bryant McFadden (Pittsburgh) will significantly effect the defense. The additions of Kerry Rhodes, Joey Porter, and Justin Miller will help the defense, but it takes more than an off-season for a defense to gel together and become formidable. The Cardinals have a lot of question marks this season.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: (5-11 2009)
Pete Carroll takes over as coach in Seattle and he has some work in front of him. The offense was inconsistent all year last season, and the defense was pathetic defending the pass (30th in the NFL). Carroll wants his defense to be fast and play fast, so the additions of Kevin Vickerson, Quinton Teal, Robert Henderson, and Chris Clemons should help him with that. So with the hopes that the defense has improved, let's look at the offense. This will be Matt Hasselbecks team, hopefully his back will hold up, and he has some weapons to use if his offensive line blocks for him. Russell Okung, the tackle out of Oklahoma State, was the sixth pick of the draft this season and the Seahawks are expecting huge things out of him. They also picked up G Ben Hamilton from the Broncos and hope he can bolster up the offensive line as well. Keeping Hassellbeck on his feet is the primary goal for the O-line this season. Out of the backfield the Seahawks have a healthy Leon Washington who is out to prove his knee is good to go, and the work horse, Julius Jones remains a steadfast behind Hassellbeck. Deion Branch, T.J. Houshmadzadeh, rookie Golden Tate, and TE John Carlson will be Hassellbeck's targets this season. Who will take the step up in the receive corps and give Seattle an eighty reception season? The Seahawks will struggle this season, but there is hope for this team. Pete Carroll is the guy for this team.
ST. LOUIS RAMS: (1-15 2009)
The Rams hope to rebound strongly from the one win season in 2009, #1 pick Sam Bradford will be under center on opening day. He has shown that he is a leader, has the intangibles to win in this league, but now he will have to go out there and do it. The first five games will be good for Bradford as the Rams take on mediocre opponents in the Cardinals, Raiders, Redskins, Seahawks, and Lions (3 of those games at home). Steven Jackson is coming off a 1300+ season, but back surgery in April may play an affect on him early in the season. A preseason injury to #1 receiver Donnie Avery will significantly affect this offense, but look for Brandon Gibson, Danny Amendola, and Keenan Burton to step up. A.J. Feeley will be a good mentor for Bradford and look for Sam to develop quickly, throw some interceptions, but I think he will have a pretty good rookie campaign. The defense, as head coach Steve Spagnuolo preaches, will be the key to the season. Keep the offense in the game, stop the run, get to the quarter; this is the Rams defensive strategy this season. The additions of Na'il Diggs, Fred Robbins, Kevin Dockery, Kevin Payne, and Bobby Carpenter will help this Rams defense that already has solid play coming from Chris Long, and James Laurinaitis. Too much is needed to make this team a contender, but they will be improved from last season.
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