Jeff Risdon - Football Analysis

Clarifying comments on the tenure of Ted Thompson, along with full-scale analysis of every game of Week 2. Read more »

The statement win by Joe Flacco and the Ravens, looking deep at Packers/Saints and Jets/Cowboys, Cam Newton, big wins from the Bears and Lions, plus much more. Read more »

Previewing the division winners, big awards and of course every game of Week 1. Read more »

This is at least the third summer in a row that the Texans have been the trendy pick to finally make the playoffs and perhaps even make a little noise once they get there. Here is why this will be the year they get over the hump. Read more »

The Eagles made headlines last month with all their big-name additions, but they just might have the weakest group of linebackers in the entire league. Read more »

For the Ravens to take the next step, Joe Flacco must improve his performance when the spotlight shines brightest; the offensive line must stay healthy and powerful; some of the young defenders must raise their play; Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs must remain dominant forces every week. Read more »

The Bears have a brutal opening three games and their ability to weather that storm will go a long ways in determining how they followup their appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Read more »

If Mark Sanchez can take a big step forward, this team is a legit Super Bowl contender. But that is a big if when there has been so much turnover at receiver and a thin defensive front. Read more »

Perhaps no team in history underachieved as much as the 2010 Chargers, who led the league in both total offense and defense yet failed to make the playoffs. This is a very talented, explosive team with all the pieces in place to make a Super Bowl run. To do that, they need greater attention to detail and more overall maturity and cohesiveness. Read more »

Why the Eagles will regret the Michael Vick contract, how the Colts should handle Peyton Manning, Vernon Gholston, the Longhorn Network, fantasy duds and more. Read more »

The Jaguars finished the 2010 season at 8-8 despite one of the worst pass defenses in NFL history, a team that held its own playoff destiny in its hands until Week 16 when their franchise studhorse running back got hurt. Read more »

The Giants did so many things right, but made far too many costly and untimely errors. We expect Tom Coughlin to fix a lot of the mental mistakes, but the overall offensive talent level is lower than in recent times Read more »

Who are the 103 most valuable players in the NFL today? Factoring in the ability to be the best in the coming season, we have comprised a definitive list. Read more »

With no standout team in the NFC West, eight wins could very well win the division, but it is hard to see that many wins here unless Jim Harbaugh works magic with Alex Smith and the lines dramatically and unexpectedly improve. Read more »

Two weeks of preseason games are now in the books, and Jeff Risdon has had the opportunity to see every team play at least once. These games are a small picture, but some things are too hard to ignore. Read more »

With all the returning players from IR last season, the Packers should be significantly better in the regular season. Should be. But funny things happen to Super Bowl champs, and getting all those players back in the mix and sorting out roles is a complex problem that must be handled carefully by Mike McCarthy and his staff. Read more »

The Steelers have an elite playmaking QB and an elite playmaking defense. That is a tough combination to beat, even though the offensive line is subpar and the team continues to commit too many penalties. Read more »

The playoff loss to Green Bay highlighted a lack of dynamic playmakers. The team made a huge gamble on Julio Jones, one that impacts depth and puts more pressure on the team to win right away. The talent is there, but it will not be easy. Read more »

If Josh Freeman can continue to improve and hold the fragile, testy personalities together, the Bucs could very well finish 10-6 once again, perhaps even adding a win or two. But we are unsure if we are believing the likelihood of that possibility. Read more »

Despite the struggles a year ago and the unceremonious departure of Carson Palmer, there is still enough talent here to threaten a playoff berth. Read more »