2009 NFL Previews - AFC East

The AFC East is filled with intriguing storylines. Can the Miami Dolphins stay atop the division? Especially with a much tougher schedule facing them? The New England Patriots return the best QB in football, Tom Brady and are once again pegged as Super Bowl favorites. The Buffalo Bills made headlines for the first time since the early 90s with the signing of WR Terrell Owens. While the New York Jets brought a flavor of Baltimore to their team, and drafted golden boy QB Mark Sanchez. My friend Omar, a huge Dolphins fan, and NFL expert, has your preview. You can see my predictions for the division immediately below his post.

1. New England Patriots

2008 Record: 11-5, 2nd place in AFC East
Coach: Bill Belichick (10th season New England, 153-90 career)
Schedule: http://www.patriots.com/schedule/
Key Additions: RB Fred Taylor, WR Joey Galloway, WR Greg Lewis, TE Chris Baker, TE Alex Smith, OLB Derrick Burgess, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Leigh Bodden, CB Shawn Springs
Key Losses: QB Matt Cassell, RB LaMont Jordan, FB Heath Evans, WR Jabar Gaffney, OL Russ Hochstein, LB Larry Izzo, LB Mike Vrabel, LB Teddy Bruschi, LB Rosevelt Colvin, LB Junior Seau, CB Ellis Hobbs, CB Deltha O'Neal, SS Rodney Harrison

2009 Outlook: The New England Patriots 2008 season appeared to end before it finished a single half. Coming off a historic 2007 season, the Patriots lost QB Tom Brady to a torn ACL and MCL in Week 1, leaving career college and NFL backup QB Matt Cassel to lead the team. Not surprisingly, the team circled the wagons. By mid-season, Cassel was a competent QB, and the running game was as efficient as it was in past years. In fact, it was the defense that failed that Patriots in 2008. The pass rush was non-existent, and New England was extremely weak over the middle, against both the run and the pass. 2009 sees the return of Brady, but more importantly it will see a re-tooled defense. CB Leigh Bodden, CB Shawn Springs, and rookie Patrick Chung all look to help a secondary that was exposed last year. The Patriots hope that OLB Derrick Burgess can help with improving the pass rush. Burgess is a two-time Pro Bowler, but comes off a disappointing 2008 season with the Raiders. The Patriots will most likely move to a 4-3 based defensive front this year. It makes sense, as most of the pass-rushers they have are better with a hand on the ground. If the defense improves slightly, it will be a scary proposition for the rest of the NFL. Even with Cassel at QB last year, the Patriots were amongh the best offensive teams in the league. Now, with a healthy Brady, all-world WR Randy Moss, and a head coach that spends his summers with Urban Meyer, the Patriots may be even more dominant offensively than in 2007. If that is true, look for the Patriots to make another Super Bowl run.

Prediction: 13-3

2. Miami Dolphins

2008 Record: 11-5, AFC East champs
Coach: Tony Sparano (2nd year Miami, 11-6 career)
Schedule: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-dolphins-schedule-2009,0,612949.htmlstory
Key Additions: OLB Jason Taylor, C Jake Grove, FS Gibril Wilson, DB Vontae Davis, QB Pat White
Key Losses: DE Vonnie Holliday, S Renaldo Hill, CB Andre Goodman

2009 Outlook: The Dolphins made one of the greatest single-season turnarounds in 2008. Winning only one game in 2007, the organization brought in Bill Parcells to handle football operations. As he did in his coaching career, Parcells brough instant success. With Jeff Ireland as General Manager, and Tony Sparano as head coach, the Dolphins took the AFC East crown in 2008. The Dolphins received a lot of attention for their Wildcat formation, but the offense was run through QB Chad Pennington. Pennington, runner up for MVP in 2008, brought leadership to a team that desperately needed it offensively. The biggest improvement on the offensive side is the interior line. Starting guards Justin Smiley and Donald Thomas both missed the majjority of 2008 with injuries. Newcomer C Jake Grove replaces Samson Satele, and the Dolphins return one of the better tackle duos in the NFL, Pro Bowler Jake Long and Vernon Carey. Defensively, the Dolphins hope OLB Jason Taylor can provide another passrusher to work opposite OLB Joey Porter. The Dolphins also brought in FS Gibril Wilson, another in the box safety that will team up with Yermiah Bell. The Wilson signing indicates that the Dolphins will go to a quarters base-coverage scheme. This will be a notable move, as "quarters" is gaining popularity at the high school and NCAA levels as a way to defend the spread offense, which New England employs. If rookie CBs Vontae Davis and Sean Smith can play well, and second year DEs Kendall Langford and Philip Merling can pick up where they left off, this defense can be among the best in the league. Couple that with an offense that is quietly efficient, and the Dolphins have a shot at winning the divisioin again.

Prediction: 11-5

3. New York Jets

2008 Record: 9-7, 3rd place in AFC East
Coach: Rex Ryan (1st year New York, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/schedule?team=nyj
Key Additions: QB Mark Sanchez, DE Marques Douglas, LB Bart Scott, LB Larry Izzo, CB Lito Sheppard, SS Jim Leonhard
Key Losses: QB Brett Favre, WR Laveraneus Coles, TE Chris Baker, TE Bubba Franks, DE Kenyon Coleman

2009 Outlook: The 2008 Jets come off an awkward and disappointing season. At times, the Jets appeared to be a contender, at others they looked uninspired. A promising start to the season was eventually overshadowed by the Jets losing four of fives games to close the season, causing them to miss the playoffs. Something had to change, and that something was coach Eric Mangini. The Brett Favre experiment is over, and new head coach Rex Ryan hopes to bring a new attitude to the Jets. Ryan takes over a team with plenty of talent. The defense features Kerry Rhodes, Darrell Revis, Kris Jenkins, Calvin Pace, as well as Jim Leonhard, and Bart Scott. Leonhard and Scott defected from Baltimore to the Jets with Ryan. The personnel is there, as the Jets tout a number of players that will be worthy of Pro Bowl consideration. The offense features a talented offesnive line and run game, but will be relying on a rookie QB in Mark Sanchez. Calling Sanchez a rookie may even be an understatement. At USC, he started just 16 games. The Jets WRs won't offer Sanchez much assistance. WR Jerricho Cotchery leads the group, which also features Chansi Stuckey and Brad Smith. Look for TE Dustin Keller to be Sanchez's safety valve. Keller was impressive as a rookie, and has the ability to flex out wide. The Jets will try to get the ball in the hands of RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. If they can manage to run the ball effectively, it will allow them to protect Sanchez. Even then, the Jets my be lacking the play makers to provide the defense much help. Controlling the clock, limiting turnovers, and allowing the defense to carry the team are the blueprint for the Jets to have success in 2009.

Prediction: 7-9

4. Buffalo Bills

2008 Record: 7-9, last place in NFC East
Coach: Dick Jauron (4th year Buffalo, 57-77 career)
Schedule: http://www.buffalobills.com/schedules/game-schedule.html
Key Additions: WR Terrell Owens, DE Aaron Maybin, C Eric Wood, CB Drayton Florence, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, RB Dominic Rhodes
Key Losses: OG Derrick Dockery, QB J.P. Losman, TE Robert Royal, LT Jason Peters

2009 Outlook: The Bills continued their run of mediocrity in 2008, finishing 7-9 for the third consecutive season. The team has gone nowhere under Dick Jauron, and most likely will finish 2009 in last place in the AFC East. The Bills strength is at the skill positions. Free agent acquisitiion WR Terrell Owens joins fellow wide receivers Lee Evans, Josh Reed, and Roscoe Parrish. To go along with a strong group of receivers are RBs Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, and free agent pickup Dominic Rhodes. Trent Edwards is the quarterback, and while has not been terrible, he has been nothing more than average. The biggest change over the offseason was the offensive line. The starting lineup features 5 new starters, two of which are rookies. The Bills think that the best way to maximize their talent offesnively is by running a no-huddle offense. With an offensive line that will be struggle protecting Edwards, this may end in disaster. The other side of the ball isn't much more promising. There are some good young players such as Donte Whitner, Keith Ellison, and Paul Posluszny, but they didn't do anything to improve the defense in the off-season. In order for the Bills to get on the right side of .500, Jaruon will have to do a great job maximizing the talent he has, which is a skill that as of yet, he has not displayed.

Prediction: 2-14

Chris' AFC East Predictions

1. New England Patriots, 14-2

2. Miami Dolphins, 7-9

3. Buffalo Bills, 7-9

4. New York Jets, 5-11

2009 NFL Previews - NFC East

The NFC East is considered by most to be the best division in the NFL. In 2008, not one of the four teams finished with a record under .500. The New York Giants rode a fast start to the division title last year. This year they face question marks on offense, more specifically at Wide Receiver. The Philadelphia Eagles made plenty of headlines with the signing of QB Mike Vick. The Dallas Cowboys canceled the TO Show and as a result have been making far less headlines. The Washington Redskins got back to doing what they know best, making a splash in free agency. Which battered and bruised team will survive and win the division this year?

1. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 record: 9-6-1, 2nd place in NFC East
Coach: Andy Reid (11th season Philadelphia, 107-69-1 career)
Schedule: http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gameday/schedule.asp
Key Additions: QB Mike Vick, WR Jeremy Maclin, RB LeSean McCoy, OT Jason Peters, OT Stacy Andrews, CB Ellis Hobbs
Key Losses: S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Sheppard, WR Greg Lewis, RB Correll Buckhalter, OT Tra Thomas, OT Jon Runyan, TE L.J. Smith

2009 Outlook: In 2008, Tthe Eagles had one of the most dramatic seasons in recent memory. QB Donovan McNabb and the Eagles playoff chances both seemed to be finished. McNabb was on the verge of getting benched permanently and the Eagles were just 5-5-1. However, coach Andy Reid stuck with McNabb and the Eagles closed the season winning 4 of 5 and snuck into the playoffs. Then they won at Minnesota and New York before running into the Cardinals buzz saw in the NFC Championship. This off-season the Eagles decided that they needed to get younger. They said goodbye to longtime veterans like S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Sheppard, RB Correll Buckhalter, OT Tra Thomas, and OT Jon Runyan. In the draft the Eagles took exciting young WR Jeremy Maclin and RB LeSean McCoy. They traded for OT Jason Peters and signed OT Stacy Andrews. During training camp bad luck hit the Eagles hard. Longtime Defensive Coordinator Jim Johnson passed away, and they lost LB Shawn Bradley for the season. The defense is the Eagles biggest question mark entering the season. With a new coordinator, the loss of a leader like Dawkins and a starting linebacker, there is no telling if the Eagles defense can remain strong. The Eagles seemed good to go on offense but shocked everyone by taking the ultimate chance and signing Mike Vick. Vick will be reinstated by Week 6 at the latest and is expected to be listed as the number two QB. McNabb already expressed displeasure after last week's preseason game about not feeling comfortable with the flow of the offense. This was due to the shuttling in and out of Vick. That is something the Eagles will have to get worked out if they are to stay together as a team and be the Super Bowl contender they can be.

Prediction: 10-6

2. New York Giants

2008 Record: 12-4, NFC East champs
Coach: Tom Coughlin (6th year New York, 123-100 career)
Schedule: http://www.giants.com/gameday/schedule.html
Key Additions: WR Hakeem Nicks, DT Rocky Bernard, DT Chris Canty
Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress, WR Amani Toomer, RB Derrick Ward, RB Reuben Droughns, S James Butler, S Sammy Knight, CB Sam Madison

2009 Outlook: At 10-1, the Giants look primed to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2008. Then Plaxico Burress shot himself, and pretty much killed the Giants chances when he did it. The Giants would finish the year just 2-4 without him, and despite having home-field advantage in the NFC were knocked out by the Eagles in the Divisional Round. The Giants rid themselves of Burress and also decided to let longtime WR Amani Toomer go. They broke up Earth, Wind, and Fire by letting RB Derrick Ward go to Tampa. The running game should be fine with the beast Brandon Jacobs leading the way, but the Giants have major question marks at wide receiver. They will be relying on Steve Smith to be the number one, after having been the number three, and counting on Hakeem Nicks to produce early. The Giants will have a struggle all year on offense, as teams will learn that they can put 8 in the box because the passing game won't be strong. QB Eli Manning is good, but he isn't good enough to compensate for not having many weapons. The defense will be what get's the Giants into the playoffs this season. They should be even better than last year, as DE Osi Umenyiora is now healthy, and they signed DT Chris Canty away from the Cowboys. They did lose Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo but I think the talent is so immense that it won't prove to be much of a factor.

Prediction: 9-7

3. Washington Redskins

2008 Record: 8-8, 4th place in NFC East
Coach: Jim Zorn (2nd year Washington, 8-8 career)
Schedule: http://www.redskins.com/gen/games/schedule.jsp
Key Additions: DE Brian Orakpo, DT Albert Haynesworth, OG Derrick Dockery
Key Losses: OT Jon Jansen, CB Shawn Springs, LB Marcus Washington, DE Jason Taylor

2009 Outlook: Dan Snyder looked like a genius. Snyder took a chance when he hired Jim Zorn as coach and after a 6-2 start it looked like a great call. Zorn brought some imagination to the offense, and QB Jason Campbell was playing mistake free football. Then it seemed that the league figured out Zorn's offense and he was unable to adjust. RB Clinton Portis wore down after an amazing start and the offensive line began to break down. All of that led to a 2-6 finish and no playoffs for the Redskins. The way the season ended made the questions about Campbell even louder. The Redskins flirted with trading for QB Jay Cutler and drafting QB Mark Sanchez, but ultimately will go into 2009 with Campbell at quarterback. I am not a Campbell supporter, not because I think he is a bad quarterback but because he is a mediocre one. I don't think we will see any more out of Campbell then we already have, and don't buy into all the excuses that are made for him. The only reason people defend Campbell so heavily is because of how much the Redskins gave up to get him. Campbell and Zorn are tied to each other this year, they will either both be back here next year or they both won't be. The maturation of Wide Receiver's Devin Thomas and Malcom Kelly will play a huge role in the Redskins becoming a competent offensive team. If those two don't step up it will be the same stagnant offense for Washington. RB Clinton Portis is expected to have another strong year, but the Redskins will have to watch his carries. He noticeably slipped as the season wore down, so much so that the Redskins announced that RB Ladell Betts would be the third down back this season. TE Fred Davis might also be ready to produce and would give the Redskins another much needed red zone weapon. The defense was strong for Washington last year but didn't create enough turnovers or quarterback pressure to be a game changing defense. The Redskins hope that the signing of DT Albert Haynesworth, and drafting of DE/LB Brian Orakpo will help to create the pressure and turnovers. The Redskins will also have a full season of CB DeAngelo Hall this year, which depending on your point of view is either a good thing or a bad thing. The schedule lends itself to a fast start, but just like last year, I expect the Redskins to fade at the end.

Prediction: 8-8

4. Dallas Cowboys

2008 Record: 9-7, 3rd place in NFC East
Coach: Wade Phillips (3rd year Dallas, 70-53 career)
Schedule: http://www.dallascowboys.com/gameday/schedule.cfm
Key Additions: LB Keith Brooking, DE Igor Olshansky, QB Jon Kitna
Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens, LB Zach Thomas, S Roy Williams, DT Chris Canty, LB Greg Ellis, CB Adam Jones, DT Tank Johnson, CB Anthony Henry

2009 Outlook: The Dallas Cowboys were the sexy pick to make the Super Bowl in 2008. After starting off at a blazing 3-0 start that faith look justified. Then QB Tony Romo got hurt and things were never the same. Romo would return but WR Terrell Owens was pouting and the defense was playing poorly. The 2008 season was captured perfectly in the Cowboys last two games. At 9-5, all they had to do was win one more game, but instead they closed out Texas Stadium by getting embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens, and then were demolished in Philadelphia in a win and you're in game. Changes were expected but the change that ended up being made surprised many. Coach Wade Phillips was retained but WR Terrell Owens, a Jerry Jones favorite, was released. Earlier in the season the Cowboys had given up a kings ransom for WR Roy Williams. Williams was virtually non-existent last year but the Cowboys are now counting on him to pick up Owens slack. I think if they had gotten the Williams from three years ago they made the right move, but lately Williams has looked unmotivated and a shell of his former self. The Cowboys still have a loaded backfield with RB Marion Barber, RB Felix Jones, and RB Tashard Choice. TE Jason Witten is perhaps the best tight end in the game and Romo is assured of playing well, at least until December. The defense struggled mightily last year, despite having one of the best players in the game, DE DeMarcus Ware. The secondary saw massive changes in the off-season with the release of CB Adam Jones, S Roy Williams and the trade of CB Anthony Henry. The Zach Thomas experiment was a failure, and the Cowboys have replaced him with another veteran LB, Keith Brooking. The good news for the Cowboys has been that without Owens things have been relatively quiet. However, they are going to miss Owens presence on the field a ton, and I don't think Phillips is the coach to lead the Cowboys back to the playoffs. A last place finish will seal Phillips fate.

Prediction: 8-8

2009 NFL Previews - AFC North

The AFC North is the home of the reigning NFL Champion, Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers biggest rival in the division is the Baltimore Ravens, a team looking to avoid a sophomore slump for its quarterback and coach. The Cincinnati Bengals generated some buzz this off-season, and this time it wasn't for player arrests. The Cleveland Browns are starting over...again. I'm changing things up a little for the AFC North. My cousin Josh, a diehard Steelers fan, was kind enough to provide a preview. You can see my predictions for the division immediately below his post.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

2008 Record: 12-4, AFC North, AFC and NFL Champions
Coach: Mike Tomlin (3rd year Pittsburgh, 25-11 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/pittsburgh-steelers.html
Key Additions: DE Evander "Ziggy" Hood, WR Shaun McDonald, CB Keiwan Ratliff
Key Losses: WR Nate Washington, CB Bryant McFadden, ILB Larry Foote

2009 Outlook: The Pittsburgh Steelers finished 2008 at the pinnacle of their profession, as Super Bowl Champions. They had a dominating defense and a deceptively effective offense. A status quo team never repeats, so the question for 2009 is can they be better? Last year's defense was almost perfect, and while the personnel has only seen two changes, the loss of ILB Larry Foote could make the run defense a little more vulnerable. The offense and special teams should be better than last year, and that could be enough to bring a seventh shiny football on a stick to the City of Champions.

Prediction: 11-5

2. Baltimore Ravens

2008 Record: 11-5, 2nd place in AFC North
Coach: John Harbaugh (2nd year Baltimore, 13-6 career)
Schedule: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Schedule.aspx
Key Additions: C Matt Birk, RT Michael Oher, TE L.J. Smith
Key Losses: Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan, OLB Bart Scott, FS Jim Leonhard, CB Chris McAllister, FB Lorenzo Neal

2009 Outlook: The Ravens are looking to boost themselves from dangerous sleeper to scary contender in QB Joe Flacco's second year. During the off-season the Ravens defense was ransacked by the New York Jets, who took two starters and their Defensive Coordinator, Rex Ryan. The Ravens are getting old in multiple areas and now have lost two of their best young players, but they will still have one of the leagues top defensive units. Baltimore should be improved on offense, with Flacco having a year under his belt, RB Ray Rice giving more help in the run game, and C Matt Birk and RT Michael Oher helping the offensive line.

Prediction: 11-5

3. Cincinnati Bengals

2008 Record: 4-11-1, 3rd place in AFC North
Coach: Marvin Lewis (7th year Cincinnati, 46-50-1 career)
Schedule: http://www.bengals.com/schedule/preseason09.html
Key Additions: WR Laveraneus Coles, SS Roy Williams, DT Tank Johnson, OT Andre Smith, LB Ray Maualuga
Key Losses: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, OT Stacy Andrews

2009 Outlook: The Bengals are a tough team to grasp this year. They were awful last season but Carson Palmer's seemingly never ending return from injury has made the Bengals a potential sleeper team. While predictions of Cincinnati stunning both the Ravens and the Steelers and making the playoffs are wildly exaggerated, they should be significantly better with some of their additions and the return of Palmer. WR Laveraneus Coles will be an adequate replacement at receiver for the departed T.J. Housmandzadeh, and while both are overrated, CB Roy Williams and DT Tank Johnson should improve the defense. Just like every year under Marvin Lewis, the Bengals will be good if the ego's and personalities on the team remain in check. If not, it will be another year of bags over heads in Cincinnati.

Prediction: 8-8

4. Cleveland Browns

2008 Record: 4-12, last place in AFC North
Coach: Eric Mangini (1st year Cleveland, 23-26 career)
Schedule: http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/gameday/schedule.php
Key Additions: C Alex Mack, WR Brian Robiskie, ILB Eric Barton, RG Floyd Womack, WR Mike Furrey, CB Rod Hood, WR David Patten
Key Losses: TE Kellen Winslow Jr., WR Donte Stallworth (1 year suspension), WR Joe Jurevicius, S Sean Jones

2009 Outlook: Last year the Browns, like they have been most seasons, were a disaster. Their run defense was relatively nonexistent last year, as was their decision on a starting quarterback. This season the Browns problems begin, but certainly don't end, at finding a solidified starting QB between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. They also need to figure out who the QB will throw to. With both Winslow and Stallworth gone and Braylon Edwards consistent inconsistency, the Browns passing game is in dire straights. Despite a new, and probably better coach, and a smarter approach to the 2009 draft, the Browns are still a team of woeful possibilities.

Prediction: 4-12

Chris' AFC North Predictions

1. Pittsburgh Steelers, 13-3

2. Cincinnati Bengals, 10-6

3. Baltimore Ravens, 9-7

4. Cleveland Browns, 3-13

2009 NFL Previews - NFC North

A lot of drama in the NFC North this off-season.
The Chicago Bears finally got a good QB in the form of petulant Jay Cutler. The Minnesota Vikings are hoping 39-year old Brett Favre has one last year of glory left in him, and the Detroit Lions drafted QB Matthew Stafford, while ignoring other pressing issues, ensuring that Stafford might be dead by Week 7. The Green Bay Packers were quiet on the QB front, but improved their defense considerably.

1. Minnesota Vikings

2008 Record: 10-6, NFC North champs
Coach: Brad Childress (4th year Minnesota, 24-25 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/minnesota-vikings.html
Key Additions: QB Brett Favre, QB Sage Rosenfels, WR Percy Harvin
Key Losses: C Matt Birk, QB Gus Frerotte, S Darren Sharper

2009 Outlook: Last season, the Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North and made it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2004. However, they were beaten at home by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round. The blame for that loss was pinned on QB Tavaris Jackson, who has continually underperformed since being the starter. Word came in June that recently released QB Brett Favre and the Vikings were talking. Months of speculation and over coverage ensued until Favre told the Vikings that he didn't trust he could up for a 16 game season and was going to stay retired. However, three weeks later here we are, with Brett Favre as the starting QB for the Vikings. Favre played well last season for the New York Jets for the first 11 games, then imploded and was the main reason for the Jets late season collapse. With his recent surgery the Vikings are counting on having the Favre from those 11 games. What Favre has in his favor in Minnesota is the running game he inherits. The Vikings have one of the most fearsome one-two combination in the league, led by Purple Jesus Adrian Peterson, and backed up by Chester Taylor. Peterson is not infallible, as he has a fumbling problem. Favre will likely throw a high amount of interceptions so the Vikings will need Peterson to cut down on the fumbles so they avoid being a turnover machine. The Vikings drafted WR Percy Harvin in April and his skills and the many ways the Vikings could use him is enticing. Hopefully WR Sidney Rice can finally start to live up to some of the potential he has. TE Visanthe Schiancoe is a very good target and I expect Favre and him to become a potent combo. The Vikings defense is a major reason many think they could be Super Bowl contenders. Led by DE Jared Allen and DTs Pat and Kevin Williams the Vikings are almost impossible to run against. The Vikings weakness had been their pass defense but they improved last year, led by CB Antoine Winfield. I don't think Favre will be amazing but he doesn't have to be. He will be a noticeable improvement over Jackson, the defense will continue to get better and the Vikings will ride it to another division title.

Prediction: 11-5

2. Green Bay Packers

2008 Record: 6-10, 3rd place in NFC North
Coach: Mike McCarthy (4th year Green Bay, 28-22 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/green-bay-packers.html
Key Additions: DT B.J. Raji, LB Clay Matthews, S Anthony Smith
Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

2009 Outlook: 2008 was a strange season for the Packers. The nervousness about QB Aaron Rodgers replacing Favre turned out to be unfounded. He had a fantastic season and helped the Packers be very successful on offense. However, Ryan Grant and the running game were almost non-existent and the defense was atrocious. All of that led to a disappointing 6-10 season. The Packers knew they had to improve the defense to get back to the playoffs and they addressed it in the draft. The drafting of DT B.J. Raji and LB Clay Matthews will go a long way towards a Packers revival this year. It frustrates me to no end that the 49ers had a chance to draft Rodgers and passed on him. Rodgers will have another prolific year throwing to WRs Donald Driver and Greg Jennings. Grant needs to stay healthy this year and when he plays actually be productive. The defense was decimated by injuries last year CB Al Harris, S Atari Bigby, LB Nick Barnett, and DL Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. I don't believe they will suffer the same fate two years in a row and with those players back healthy I think the Packers have the potential for a top ten defense. I hate the Packers but I really expect them to be much improved this year.

Prediction: 11-5

3. Chicago Bears

2008 Record: 9-7, 2nd place in NFC North
Coach: Lovie Smith (6th year Chicago, 47-37 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/chicago-bears.html
Key Additions: QB Jay Cutler, OT Orlando Pace, OT Kevin Shaffer
Key Losses: QB Kyle Orton, QB Rex Grossman, OT John Tait, OT John St. Clair

2009 Outlook: The Chicago Bears were 9-7 last year and narrowly missed out on the playoffs, but they didn't really feel like a team going anywhere. The defense had faltered drastically from its dominance in 2006, and while QB Kyle Orton played pretty well, no one in Chicago was convinced that he could lead them to a Super Bowl. With this in mind the Bears boldly traded away most of their draft this year to get Broncos QB Jay Cutler. For the first time in what seems like forever the Bears have someone who could be a franchise quarterback. Cutler is very young and has shown a ton of promise in his first few years. He put up some huge numbers with the Broncos and is an exciting player to watch. He joins a world class RB in Matt Forte. The Bears catch a lot of grief for their poor draft history but the pick of Forte last season proved to be tremendous. Forte was a threat not only as a back, but as a receiver out of the backfield. He is the main reason the Bears were even able to win 9 games. The wide receiving corps is a major concern for Chicago. WR Devin Hester played his first full season at the position last year and while he looked good at times, he looked terrible at others. Beyond Hester the Bears don't have much else, which means TEs Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark will have to have big seasons. On defense the Bears have showed their age in recent years and have become mediocre to almost downright bad. The Bears didn't address the defense in the off-season and they will now be a year older, which means a year slower, and a year worse. The move for Cutler was a necessary one even if I think the Bears gave up too much. They have more talent this year but I expect them to be far worse. I think the defense will be a huge weakness, Cutler's lack of receiving options will lead to a less than stellar year from him, and an 0-3 start will contribute to a highly disappointing season in Chicago.

Prediction: 6-10

4. Detroit Lions

2008 Record: 0-16, last place in NFC North
Coach: Jim Schwartz (1st year Detroit, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/detroit-lions.html
Key Additions: QB Matthew Stafford, TE Brandon Pettigrew, RB Maurice Morris, WR Bryant Johnson, OT Jon Jansen, LB Julian Peterson, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, LB Larry Foote
Key Losses: QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun McDonald, G Edwin Mulitalo, CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding

2009 Outlook: 0-16. That's about all that needs to be said for the Detroit Lions and the 2008 season. With their winless season the Lions cemented themselves in history as the worst team ever to play in the NFL. The Lions made a head coaching change, bringing in Titans Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz. The new regime led to a mass exodus of players, however, none were really valuable. Many felt the Lions should address their offensive line in the draft but instead they chose to take the riskiest route and draft QB Matthew Stafford. Stafford is competing with QB Daunte Culpepper for the starting job and might have lost his grip on it following a poor performance against Cleveland on Saturday. The Lions also drafted TE Branndon Pettigrew, and signed RB Maurice Morris. The only new addition to the offensive line was Washington Redskins cast off Jon Jansen. Despite their ineptness the Lions do possess one of the top wide receivers in the game, Calvin Johnson. Johnson is an absolute beast and seemingly can thrive no matter what lousy quarterback is throwing him the ball. The Lions are hoping that Schwartz can help to improve a defense that was comically bad last season. They added a ton of new pieces to the defense, LB Julian Peterson, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, LB Larry Foote all will be counted on to make the defense competitive. I definitely think the Lions will win a game this year, with Cleveland and St. Louis being their greatest chances.

Prediction: 3-13

2009 NFL Previews - AFC South

The Indianapolis Colts had reigned supreme in the AFC South every year until last season. The new kings are the Tennessee Titans. The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to rebound after a dreadful season, while the Houston Texans will try to finally climb above the .500 barrier.

1. Indianapolis Colts

2008 Record: 12-4, 2nd place in AFC South
Coach: Jim Caldwell (1st year Indianapolis, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/indianapolis-colts.html
Key Additions: RB Donald Brown
Key Losses: WR Marvin Harrison, RB Dominic Rhodes

2009 Outlook: The Colts started the 2008 season very slowly, getting off to a 3-4 start. Then Peyton Manning finally got fully healthy from offseason surgery, and the Colts reeled off 9 wins in a row. Despite their winning streak, they had dug themselves too big a whole to start the year, and had to settle for the #5 seed and a road game in the Wild Card round. After a back and forth game against the Chargers, the Colts eventually lost in overtime, prematurely ending their season. This offseason didn't see many personnel changes for the Colts, the release of WR Marvin Harrison was the most significant move, and he had become the Colts #3 receiver anyway. Where the Colts did see major changes was in their coaching staff. Tony Dungy retired to teach Mike Vick how to be a dog lover, and his handpicked successor Jim Caldwell takes over. Caldwell had an awful record while coach at Wake Forest, but he also didn't have the obscene amount of talent that he gets to coach now. The Colts will also have new Offensive and Defensive Coordinators this season. The amount of overhaul on the staff is concerning, but Colts fans can stay calm because they have the best quarterback in the game. While not the official Offensive Coordinator, Manning has been coaching the offense for virtually his entire career. The Colts also bolstered their running game with the drafting of RB Donald Brown out of UCONN. Starter Joseph Addai has struggled with injuries the last couple of seasons, and was also quite ineffective last year. It might help to have someone push Addai. WR Anthony Gonzalez should seamlessly replace Harrison, while WR Reggie Wayne and TE Dallas Clark figure to be the reliable targets they have always been. The defense has playmakers in DE Dwight Freeney and S Bob Sanders, although Sanders spends far too much time on the injured list. The defense doesn't need to be great, just competent. The schedule is challenging but not overwhelming, and the Colts will roll to another double digit win season and division title.

Prediction: 11-5

2. Houston Texans

2008 Record: 8-8, 3rd place in AFC South
Coach: Gary Kubiak (4th year Houston, 22-26 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/houston-texans.html
Key Additions: LB Brian Cushing, DE Antonio Smith, LB Cato June, QB Dan Orlovsky
Key Losses: S Will Demps, QB Sage Rosenfels, RB Ahman Green

2009 Outlook: 2008 was a lot like 2007 for the Houston Texans, as in another 8-8 finish. The Texans have yet to have a winning record since joining the NFL in 2002. I picked them as my sleeper team last year, but the Texans got off to a slow start and never fully recovered. QB Matt Schaub remains a question mark, when healthy he has been decent, but he has had a lot of trouble staying healthy. RB Steve Slaton was a great find in the 2008 draft and has the running back job all to himself, with the departure of Ahman Green. At wide receiver the Texans have one of the most overrated underrated guys in Andre Johnson. Johnson is always talked about as being underrated, and honestly, I don't think anyone truly underrates him at this point. The Texans also boast one of the best TEs in the AFC, the truly underrated Owen Daniels. Defense was the point of emphasis for the Texas this offseason. Once blasted for the pick, the drafting of DE Mario Williams over RB Reggie Bush in 2006 looks more and more brilliant each season. The Texans overhauled their linebacking corps with the drafting of Brian Cushing, and the signing of Cato June. The offense is in pretty good shape, if the Texans defense can become a top 10 defense then they have a great chance at finally having a winning season. However, I expect another familiar finish for Houston.

Prediction: 8-8

3. Tennessee Titans

2008 Record: 13-3, AFC South champs
Coach: Jeff Fisher (16th year Tennessee, 133-108 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/tennesee-titans.html
Key Additions: WR Kenny Britt, WR Nate Washington, CB DeMarcus Faggins
Key Losses: DT Albert Haynesworth, WR Brandon Jones

2009 Outlook: The Titans surprised everyone by jumping out to a 10-0 start last season. However, they faltered down the stretch, and were knocked out of the playoffs in the AFC Divisional Round at home by Baltimore. The Titans had some key decisions to make in free agency, and they decided to bring back QB Kerry Collins as their starter, while letting dominant DT Albert Haynesworth move on. Collins took over for Vince Young midway during the first game of last year and kept a stranglehold on the job. He was never amazing, but he didn't have to be and that is because of the Titans impressive running game. RBs Chris Johnson and LenDale White were both forces, with Johnson serving as the speed guy and White the bruising goal line back. Wide receiver has been an issue in Tennessee ever since Derrick Mason left, and the Titans finally seemed to address it with the drafting of Rutgers WR Kenny Britt. The Titans also signed Nate Washington away from the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think Washington could really blossom as their #1 guy, as he was a very reliable deep threat for the Steelers. The defense was dominant for the Titans last year but I think they will greatly miss Haynesworth. Haynesworth definitely made the other players around him better, especially DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. I don't know what it is about the Titans but I just find them boring and continually expect them to fail. Maybe it is their boring offense, or the fact that coach Jeff Fisher is about to start his 16th season in Tennessee. This team just seems stale and bland, and I think a 2-4 start will lead to us seeing Vince Young sooner, rather than later.

Prediction: 7-9

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008 Record: 5-11, last place in AFC South
Coach: Jack Del Rio (7th year Jacksonville, 51-48 career)
Schedule: http://www.profootball-fans.com/nfl-schedule/jacksonville-jaguars.html
Key Additions: OT Eugene Monroe, OT Tra Thomas, WR Torry Holt, S Marlon McCree
Key Losses: RB Fred Taylor, WR Matt Jones, WR Jerry Porter, WR Reggie Williams, LB Mike Peterson, DE Paul Spicer, S Gerald Sensabaugh, CB Drayton Florence

2009 Outlook: Disaster. That is the only word needed to describe the Jacksonville Jaguars 2008 season. Following a 11-5 2007 season that saw them push the New England Patriots to the limit in the playoffs, expectations were very high for Jacksonville last year. The team hovered around .500 to start the year and then the bottom fell out. Coach Jack Del Rio was spared but major changes were made to the team. It was felt that a cancerous atmosphere had spread in the locker room and because of this many guys were cut or allowed to walk. One player that was tough for the Jags to let go was longtime RB Fred Taylor. The Jaguars are putting all their faith behind RB Maurice Jones-Drew, who has certainly impressed during his short career, but I have my doubts about him being able to sustain a full season as the number one back, due to his small stature. QB David Gerrard had a forgettable 2008 after signing his huge contract extension, but he also didn't have very capable targets to throw to last year. The Jags are hoping that WR Torry Holt has something left and can be their number one receiver. Beyond that, the Jags have question marks at that position, especially after getting rid of Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, and Jerry Porter. The Jags were killed by injuries to their offensive line last year, so they drafted Eugene Monroe, and signed away Tra Thomas from the Philadelphia Eagles. The defense also saw a huge turnover in the offseason, and will be a huge question mark coming into 2009. Getting pressure on the quarterback was the Jags biggest problem last year, and they didn't really do much to address that problem. I like Jack Del Rio as a coach, but he will be given his walking papers after another sub .500 season.

Prediction: 6-10

2009 NFL Previews - NFC South

Worst to first has been the story for most of the NFC South's history. Does that mean the New Orleans Saints will take the division crown? Not if the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their say.

1. Carolina Panthers

2008 Record: 12-4, NFC South champs
Coach: John Fox (8th year Carolina, 68-52 career)
Schedule: http://www.docsports.com/schedules/nfl/Carolina.html
Key Additions: C Justin Geisinger
Key Losses: CB Ken Lucas

2009 Outlook: The 2008 regular season couldn't have gone any better for the Panthers. They finished 12-4, earned a first round playoff bye, and won the NFC South. However, any good feelings their fans had quickly dissipated in the NFC Divisional Round, when the Panthers suffered an embarrassing home loss against the Arizona Cardinals. One major effect of the game was that QB Jake Delhomme became a question mark not just to Panthers fans, but to NFL fans everywhere who witnessed his disastrous performance against the Cardinals. Rather than try to find a new QB, the Panthers instead decided to give Delhomme, 34 years old, a contract extension. However, with the two-headed monster that the Panthers have at running back they may not need a great quarterback. RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 28 TDs and over 2,300 yards rushing last season. The Panthers also have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Steve Smith. Smith was suspended last year to open the season after punching former teammate Ken Lucas in the face, but that didn't stop him from putting up big numbers. WR Mushin Muhammed returned to Carolina last season and proved to be a very effective number 2 option. The Panthers only have one real star on the defensive end, DE Julius Peppers, but still played very well for most of the year. They did collapse a bit as the season wore on, and will need to be at their best if Delhomme still makes his usual mistakes. Peppers is the highest paid player in the game and unless something changes significantly this will be his last year in Carolina. The NFC South draws the NFC East and AFC East this year, meaning their schedules will be one of the most difficult in the league. 10 wins should be good enough to win the NFC South and that is exactly what the Panthers will do.

Prediction: 10-6

2. New Orleans Saints

2008 record: 8-8, last place in NFC South
Coach: Sean Payton (4th year New Orleans, 26-24 career)
Schedule: http://www.neworleanssaints.com/Game%20Day/Seasons/2009%20Schedule.aspx
Key Additions: DB Malcom Jenkins, FB Heath Evans, S Darren Sharper, S Pierson Prioleau, DE Paul Spicer
Key Losses: RB Deuce McAllister, LB Dan Morgan, CB Mike McKenzie, FB Mike Karney, DT Hollis Thomas

2009 Outlook: If the Saints defense could have been at least mediocre than New Orleans would have made the playoffs. QB Drew Brees was just one completion away from setting the record for most yard passing in a season, as seemingly whoever lined up at wide receiver for the Saints became an All-Pro. Despite having a prolific passing game, the running game wasn't really up to par, which led to the Saints not being able to control the clock. Because of this their defense was on the field often and wasn't up to the task of getting stops. The offense remains mostly the same this year, with only a new fullback in Heath Evans, and the ascension of RB Pierre Thomas to the number one spot. WR Lance Moore had a huge season for the Saints but the Saints are really hoping that WR Marques Colston can stay health for an entire season. Also, TE Jeremy Shockey completely disappeared last season, not even scoring a touchdown. If he can even return to half the level of his Pro Bowl days it would be a huge boost for an already loaded Saints offense. The defense made wholesale changes, first hiring Gregg Williams and bringing in free agents Darren Sharper and Paul Spicer, and drafting Malcom Jenkins. Williams has a history of producing top notch defenses, but saw his Jacksonville defense struggle mightily last year. The Saints also will be without starting defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant for the first four games of the season, a huge loss. I still see the Saints as the same team they were last year, one half good, one half bad, all leading to a mediocre finish.

2009 Prediction: 8-8

3. Atlanta Falcons

2008 record: 11-5, 2nd in NFC South
Coach: Mike Smith (2nd year Atlanta, 11-6 career)
Schedule: http://www.atlantafalcons.com/Schedule/Schedule.aspx
Key Additions: TE Tony Gonzalez, C Jeremy Newberry, LB Mike Peterson, DT Peria Jerry
Key Losses: LB Keith Brooking, DT Grady Jackson, CB Dominique Foxworth

2009 Outlook: The Atlanta Falcons were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2008. Teams with a rookie coach and a rookie quarterback are supposed to be awful, instead the Falcons won 11 games and a playoff berth. QB Matt Ryan was fantastic, and looked like he could be a future Peyton Manning. RB Michael Turner was a free agent pickup that paid off fabulously, as he was one of the league leaders in rushing. WR Roddy White also had a breakout season, earning himself a huge new contract in the off season. The Falcons figure to be even better on offense this year, as they have added perennial Pro Bowler, TE Tony Gonzalez to the fold. Things won't be as smooth on the defensive end as the Falcons saw quite a few changes. Longtime Falcon LB Keith Brooking is now in Dallas, and Grady Jackson and Dominique Foxworth have also gone elsewhere. The Falcons drafted DT Peria Jerry to hopefully take the place of Jackson. Ryan will still be a question mark despite his brilliant rookie year. People still think that Ryan may have been more lucky than good last year, and what he showed last season was his best. History is also working against the Falcons, as they have never had back-to-back winning seasons. I think the Falcons are still a good team, but the schedule is unforgiving this year, and will be their downfall.

Prediction: 7-9

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 record: 9-7, 3rd place in NFC South
Coach: Raheem Morris (1st season Tampa Bay, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://www.buccaneers.com/team/schedule.aspx
Key Additions: QB Josh Freeman, QB Byron Leftwich, RB Derrick Ward, TE Kellen Winslow
Key Losses: LB Derrick Brooks, CB Phillip Buchanon, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway, QB Jeff Garcia, LB Cato June, WR Ike Hilliard, TE Alex Smith

2009 Outlook: The Buccaneers suffered an epic collapse to end the 2008 season. Once 9-3, the Bucs look primed for a playoff run. Instead they lost their final four games of the season, including getting beat by the sorry Raiders in their home finale. The Bucs missed the playoffs and then saw longtime head coach and Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden get fired. The young Raheem Morris was hired and the Bucs tore apart their team piece by piece. Longtime players such as Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn, Joey Galloway, Ike Hilliard, and Alex Smith were shown the door. 2 year starting quarterback Jeff Garcia was also allowed to leave via free agency. The Bucs did have a couple nice pickups, bringing in former Giants RB Derrick Ward, trading for former Browns TE Kellen Winslow, and signing former Steelers backup QB Byron Leftwich. Leftwich is currently competing with First Round draft pick Josh Freeman, and Luke McCown for the starting job. That is the Bucs biggest problem, when you can't differentiate between your first and third quarterback, you're in trouble. The Bucs do add Ward to an already loaded backfield of Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams. However, the addition of Ward was necessary as Graham and Williams haven't been able to stay healthy the last few years. Winslow should add a nice complementary weapon for whoever starts at QB to go with WR Antonio Bryant. Bryant has always had the talent but has never seemed to have his mind right. He had it right last season and had a breakout year. The defense will be a huge question mark due to all of the turnover. In addition to all the player turnover, longtime Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin left to join his son Lane in college at Tennessee. CB Ronde Barber is the only real hold over from the glory days, but the Bucs do have the talented DE Gaines Adams, and 2nd-year CB Aqib Talib. The Bucs do have some talent, and Morris seems like he will be a fresh voice and a good motivator, but its the amount of changes to the team that should have Bucs fans concerned. A lot of parts will have to learn how to play with each other, and with such a tough schedule it will prove to be a disaster.

Prediction: 3-13

2009 NFL Previews - AFC West

Over the next four weeks I will be previewing and predicting each division in the NFL. This edition is the putrid AFC West.

1. San Diego Chargers

2008 Record: 8-8, AFC West champs
Coach: Norv Turner (3rd year San Diego, 81-98-1 career) Schedule: http://www.chargers.com/schedule/
Key Additions: DE/OLB Larry English
Key Losses: G Mike Goff, C Jeremy Newberry, DE Igor Olshansky

2009 Outlook: In 2008, the Chargers went from 4-8 and the biggest disappointments in the NFL, to an 8-8 finish. 8-8 was good enough for a division title in the sorry AFC West, and then the Chargers earned an upset playoff victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The off-season saw little change for the Chargers, who were able to restructure RB LaDainian Tomlinson's contract, after questions arose about their commitment to the suddenly faltering star. Norv Turner is still an awful head coach, but the Chargers have too much talent to allow his awfulness to overtake them. QB Philip Rivers is a top 5 quarterback, RB Darren Sproles is a big play waiting to happen, and WR Vincent Jackson is severly underrated. On the defensive side, the Chargers seemed to hit their stride when former Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera took over mid-season last year. LB Shawne Merriman will be back this year, after missing all but the regular season opener last year. The Chargers could easily go 6-0 in the division, and won't have any problem surpassing last year's 8 wins.

2009 Prediction: 12-4

2. Kansas City Chiefs

2008 Record: 2-14, last place in AFC West
Coach: Todd Haley (1st year Kansas City, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://www.chiefswarpath.com/news/2009/04/14/chiefs-schedule-set-for-2009/
Key Additions: QB Matt Cassel, DE Tyson Jackson, WR Amani Toomer, LB Mike Vrabel
Key Losses: TE Tony Gonzalez, LB Donnie Edwards, CB Patrick Surtain

2009 Outlook: The Chiefs completely bottomed out last season, finishing 2-14 and leading to the departures of long-time GM Carl Peterson, and head coach Herm Edwards. Peterson was replaced with highly touted former New England Patriot executive, Scott Pioli. Pioli hired hotshot Arizona Cardinals Offensive Coordinator, Todd Haley, and then proceeded to bring over some major parts from his former team. Those parts were QB Matt Cassel, and LB Mike Vrabel. Cassel shocked everyone last year when he took over for Tom Brady and led the Patriots to 11 wins. Plenty of people still doubt Cassel, wondering if he is really a bona fide star QB or a product of the dominant Patriots system. In addition to bringing in some new parts, the new regime got rid of most of the old guard. They said goodbye to longtime TE Tony Gonzalez, and LB Donnie Edwards. The Chiefs have some playmakers on offense, especially if RB Larry Johnson can return to his old form. WR Dwayne Bowe has shown flashes of potentially being a top flight wide receiver, and the addition of veteran Amani Toomer should help the passing game. The defense was a major weakness last season, especially its inability to effectively rush the quarterback. That led to the drafting of DE Tyson Jackson from LSU. I think Haley and Cassel can return the Chiefs to their perennial playoff status, and will make a giant leap of improvement this season.

2009 Prediction: 7-9

3. Oakland Raiders

2008 Record: 5-11, 3rd place AFC West
Coach: Tom Cable (1st year Oakland, 4-8 career)
Schedule: http://www.raiders.com/gameday/schedule.aspx?id=11662
Key Additions: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, FB Lorenzo Neal, QB Jeff Garcia
Key Losses: S Gibril Wilson, WR Ronald Curry, FB Justin Griffith

2009 Outlook: It seems implausible that it was earlier this decade that the Raiders were contenders, and just one win away from being Super Bowl champions. Over the last couple of years they have become a laughingstock, led by their senile owner Al Davis. The drafting of JaMarcus Russell as the number one pick a few years ago is looking like it might be a bust, with the Raiders almost admitting as much, by signing veteran Jeff Garcia. The Raiders also shocked everyone when they took WR Darrius Heyward-Bey in the draft over Michael Crabtree. One addition that might go largely unnoticed but could be huge, was the signing of FB Lorenzo Neal. Neal is one of the best fullbacks to ever play the game, and has blocked for countless 1,000 yard rushers. This season, Neal hopes to do that for RBs Justin Fargas or Darren McFadden. Quietly over the years, the Raiders have actually had a very competent defense. If the defense can maintain its quality play, led by CB Nnamdi Asomugha, they have a chance to remain competitive. Tom Cable takes over as head coach, after going 4-8 last season as the interim coach. Cable is definitely an unproven commodity, but despite their poor record under him, the Raiders definitely showed much more of a fight under Cable last season. I think the Raiders are a team that is about a year or two away, so it will be another forgettable season in Oakland.

2009 Prediction: 5-11

4. Denver Broncos

2008 Record: 8-8, 2nd place AFC West
Coach: Josh McDaniels, 1st year Denver, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/schedule?team=den
Key Additions: QB Kyle Orton, RB Knowshon Moreno, DE Robert Ayers, S Brian Dawkins, WR Jabar Gaffney
Key Losses: QB Jay Cutler, CB Dre Bly, RB Selvin Young, DE Dewayne Robertson

2009 Outlook: The 2008 Denver Broncos will be remembered as the team that choked away the AFC West and a playoff berth. Sitting at 8-5 with three games remaining, the Broncos had to win just one game to clinch the division. They couldn't do it and concluded the season with an embarrassing loss in a must win game against the Chargers. That loss led to some massive off-season changes, including the surprising firing of long-time head coach, and 2-time Super Bowl winner Mike Shanahan. The Broncos hired Patriots Offensive Coordinator, Josh McDaniels as his replacement, and McDaniels immediately tried to bring over QB Matt Cassel with him. This did not sit well with QB Jay Cutler, who demanded a trade, which the Broncos eventually acquiesced to. Star WR Brandon Marshall also demanded a trade, but the Broncos finally have seemingly drawn a line in the sand, and taken a hard stance with Marshall. To replace Cutler the Broncos traded for former Chicago Bears QB Kyle Orton. Orton was serviceable in Chicago last year, and the hope is he will flourish under the leadership of McDaniels, and with talented WRs in Marshall, and Eddie Royal. RB Knowshon Moreno was the Broncos surprise First Round draft pick, and hopes to continue the Broncos long line of successful running backs. However, the defense was a mess and despite the signing of S Brian Dawkins, will remain a mess. The Broncos will continue to give up 20-30 points a game, and with so many new pieces on the offensive end will take quite a while to gel together. You can't have an off-season with as much upheaval as the Broncos have had and be successful during the season. I think that eventually the Josh McDaniels era can work, but it will be a nightmare this season.

2009 Prediction: 4-12

2009 NFL Previews - NFC West

Over the next four weeks I will be previewing and predicting each division in the NFL. First up, the NFC West.

1. Seattle Seahawks

2008 Record: 4-12, 3rd place in NFC West
Coach: Jim Mora Jr. (1st year Seattle, 27-23 career)
Schedule: http://www.seahawks.com/schedule/season-schedule.html
Key Additions: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, LB Aaron Curry
Key Losses: RB Maurice Morris, WR Bobby Engram, FB Leonard Weaver, DE Julian Peterson

2009 Outlook: I picked the Seahawks to make the Super Bowl in 2008 but little did I know that almost their entire receiving corps would be decimated by injuries, or that QB Matt Hasslebeck would miss most of the season. Instead of reaching the Super Bowl, the Seahawks limped to a 4-12 record in Mike Holmgren's final season. This year, Jim Mora Jr. takes over and the Seahawks are expected to have a recovery season. Part of the optimisim comes from the signing of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Houshmandzadeh will be their number one receiver and it will be interesting to see if he can be just as effective when is the number one, as he was as the number two guy. The Seahawks are also counting on a full season from Hasslebeck, as they would like to avoid having to turn to Seneca Wallace again. The Seahawks defense was also a major issue in 2008, which they hoped they addressed with the signing of DT Colin Cole, and the drafting of LB Aaron Curry. Hopefully, they don't make me look silly for a second straight year, but I see the Seahawks taking back their throne as NFC West champs.

2009 Prediction: 9-7

2. Arizona Cardinals

2008 Record: 9-7, NFC and NFC West champions
Coach: Ken Whisenhunt (3rd year Arizona, 20-16 career)
Schedule: http://www.azcardinals.com/gameday/schedule_2009_final.php
Key Additions: RB Beanie Wells, CB Bryant McFadden, TE Anthony Becht, S Keith Lewis
Key Losses: DE Antonio Smith, LB Monty Beisel, CB Rod Hood, RB Edgerrin James

2009 Outlook: The Cardinals shocked everyone last year when they made their run from Wild Card team to NFC Champion. I picked against the Cardinals in every single one of their postseason games and finally got it right, when they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. History is not on the Cardinals side as a trend has started where the Super Bowl loser goes on to not make the playoffs. Many people are thinking the Cardinals will be one hit wonders and go back to their usual awfulness. I think the Cardinals are a good, not great, team that got hot at the right time. The Cardinals will be in every game because of their prolific offense led by QB Kurt Warner and WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, and might get even better this year with the drafting of RB Beanie Wells. The Cardinals defense really stepped up their play in the playoffs and are the biggest question mark for Arizona. Bertrand Berry blossomed into a star in the postseason, as did CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

2009 Prediction: 9-7

3. San Francisco 49ers

2008 Record: 7-9, 2nd place in NFC West
Coach: Mike Singletary (1st year San Francisco, 5-4 career)
Schedule: http://www.49ers.com/gameday/season-schedule.html
Key Additions: WR Michael Crabtree, WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris
Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, CB Donald Strickland, QB J.T. O'Sullivan

2009 Outlook: Usually journalists are supposed to be objective, but I am no journalist and I will proudly state that the San Francisco 49ers are my favorite team. Last season was an up and down year for San Francisco. The Niners got off to a 2-5 start and fired head coach Mike Nolan, replacing him on an interim basis with Hall of Famer Mike Singletary. The team would lose its first 2 games under Singletary but then finish the year with wins in 5 of their last 7 games. You could tell the team really took to Singletary's no nonsense but always honest approach. Expectations are high for San Francisco this year but one problem is the most important position in the game, QB. Despite leading the Niners to a hot finish last year, QB Shaun Hill finds himself in a competition with former number one pick, Alex Smith. The talk this off-season has been that Smith has shown a renewed focus and is looking to prove himself, especially after taking a pay cut to stay in San Francisco. While Smith winning the job would make me feel better about my purchase of his jersey a couple years ago, I think Hill should be the starter. He is not brilliant but he has shown he can lead the team to wins, while Alex has not. The other story dominating headlines for the Niners is the continued holdout of 1st round pick WR Michael Crabtree. Crabtree's idiot cousin came out and said Crabtree was willing to sit out the entire season to get the deal he wanted. I take it with a grain of salt since Crabtree didn't say it, but I am losing patience with him. WRs have major adjustments going from college to the NFL. Unless Crabtree is as good as Randy Moss, which I doubt, he needs to get his butt into camp and get to work. The Niners continue to have a dependable running game behind RB Frank Gore. The 49ers defense really came through towards the end of the season, led by Pro Bowler LB Patrick Willis. CB Dre Bly was added in the offseason, and hopefully CB Nate Clements can start to live up that huge contract he signed. I hope the Niners can finally make the playoffs this year but they have a difficult schedule. I was hoping for a division title this year but it looks like it could end up being another season of disappointment.

2009 Prediction: 8-8

4. St. Louis Rams

2008 Record: 2-14, last place in NFC West
Coach: Steve Spagnuolo (1st year St. Louis, 0-0 career)
Schedule: http://www.stlouisrams.com/schedule/
Key Additions: OT Jason Smith, LB James Laurinaitis, SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney
Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

2009 Outlook: The Rams were absolutely dreadful last year, where aside from a two week stretch against the NFC East, they were as bad as the Detroit Lions. They fired coach Scott Linehan in the middle of the year, and replaced him with former New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. We will find out just how great a defensive coach Spagnuolo is when he doesn't have the talent the likes that Giants had. The Rams were atrocious on defense last year. FS Oshiomogho Atagwe was just about the lone bright spot for the defense, although defensive lineman Chris Long did show some promise. The Rams drafted LB James Laurinaitis in the second round and will expect him to contribute early. Once the Greatest Show on Turf, the Rams offense is in shambles. QB Marc Bulger is almost there by default, as ever since he signed his huge contract, he has been terrible. Bulger can blame some of his struggles on his porous offensive line, which the Rams hoped to have fortified with the drafting of Jason Smith. The Rams have almost nothing at WR, especially with the recent injury to Donnie Avery, which could have him miss the beginning of the season. RB Steven Jackson is the Rams lone bright spot and even he can't really be counted on, due to his constant injuries. I expect the Rams to be just as bad, Spagnuolo won't make a difference.

2009 Prediction: 3-13