Football Analysis

The Saints will bounce back from a disappointing 2007, thanks to improvement in both the pass rush and special teams return units. This group probably isn?t as dynamic as the 06 version that made it to the NFC title game, but the Saints drew a favorable schedule and have enough firepower to get back into the playoffs and pose a real threat once they get there. Read more »

It?s refreshing to see a team like the Vikings, one that is built around running the ball and stopping the other team from doing the same. They have the personnel to make it work, and the passing game is going to be better than most people expect. Read more »

How quickly JaMarcus Russell is able to translate his physical tools to the NFL game will go a long way towards whether these Raiders challenge for 8 wins or challenge for the 1st overall pick in 2009. Read more »

There?s been talk about a possible Super Bowl hangover for the Patriots. Over the past 10 years, Super Bowl losers have failed to reach the playoffs eight times. Read more »

As much as the Redskins fans want to ignore it, this team was real lucky to be 5-7 before they went on their memorable run behind their backup QB after losing their most talented player. Read more »

The Cardinals are one of those teams like the Lions and Bengals: show me, don?t tell me. We saw a lot of things to like in 2007, particularly on defense. But we also saw a lot of work still to be done, and this offseason did little to immediately improve the team. Read more »

The winner of the Niners starting QB job was the man who knew Mike Martz?s offense the best, and who came out of nowhere to win the starting job ? J.T. O'Sullivan. Read more »

The QB situation in the 49ers locker room, Shawne Merriman's shameless attention grab, why the Panthers could runaway with the NFC South and BCS predictions. Read more »

Jacksonville is a trendy pick as a rising playoff power that could challenge the Patriots, Colts, and Chargers for AFC supremacy, but there are a lot more questions on this team now than one year ago, and that was even when they cut their long-time starting QB. Read more »

This team has the best chance of any Lions team this century to break through and win more than 8 games and secure a playoff berth. Of course, these are the Lions and this long-time Lions fan (my #20 Lions jersey says ?Sims? and it isn?t a throwback) knows better. Read more »

The Indianapolis Colts continued what has been, up to this point, an unsettled and unsettling preseason by taking fans to a new low Sunday night... but by Monday afternoon hope was already creeping back into the picture. Read more »

There is so much talent all over the roster that the Chargers can absorb a slow start by some of the walking wounded and still get a first round playoff bye. Read more »

The Jets will certainly be better, but much of what they did is lipstick on the pig, not growing a prized playoff hog. If Brett Favre still has the magic and all the pricey imports earn their keep, the Jets have a good chance to notch 9-10 wins and earn a Wild Card spot. Read more »

Because the team has publicly committed to rebuilding and has undergone a massive youth movement, the goals and signs of success are much different than for other teams. Read more »

It?s all a question of when--when does Jay Cutler make the next step, when does the young defensive core emerge into a force, when will guys like Eddie Royal and Ryan Clady become above-average starters, when will the special teams get better? Read more »

The impact of Gene Upshaw?s untimely and unfortunate passing could very well change the way the NFL does business. Read more »

Going by Lovie Smith?s best year with the Bears, the quick strike was a big reason why in 2006 Chicago reached Super Bowl XLI, so why are they going with Kyle Orton? Read more »

It?s always hard to tell how a team handles unexpected success, but just as Tom Coughlin was the right fit to lead the Giants to the Super Bowel, he is probably a great fit to give them their best chance to repeat. Read more »

Who is to blame for this summer's Brett Favre saga? If you ask Andrew, it's New York cornerback Corey Webster. Read more »

In addition to our big board of 225 ? a unique number for a unique website ? we have isolated players based on position and broken them down into tiers. Read more »