Special Edition: NFL Preview: Playoff Picks

AFC
1 New England Patriots- Bye
2 Pittsburgh Steelers- Bye
3 New York Jets defeat 6 Kansas City Chiefs
5 Indianapolis Colts defeat 4 Houston Texans
1 New England Patriots defeat 5 Indianapolis Colts
3 New York Jets defeat 2 Pittsburgh Steelers
1 New England Patriots defeat 3 New York Jets
AFC Champ: 1 New England Patriots
NFC
1 Philadelphia Egales- Bye
2 Atlanta Falcons- Bye
3 Green Bay Packers defeat 6 Arizona Cardinals
4 New Orleans Saints defeat 5 Dallas Cowboys
1 Philadelphia Eagles defeat 4 New Orleans Saints
2 Atlanta Falcons defeat 3 Green Bay Packers
1 Philadelphia Eagles defeat 2 Atlanta Falcons
NFC Champ: Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowl: Philadelphia Eagles defeat New England Patriots

Special Edition: NFL Preview: NFC South

1. Atlanta Falcons Projected: 12-4
The Falcons had a breakout season in 2010 reaching the top ranks of the NFC. Matt Ryan is back and keeps improving. He has solid accuracy and is working at improving his deep balls. Michael Turner is a beast who doesn't get tackled easily. Jason Snelling is another power back who will be used as somewhat of a fullback. The receiving core was upgraded thanks to the drafting of Julio Jones. He'll team up with Roddy White to make a lethal receiver combo. Tony Gonzalez is on the decline but is still definitely one of the better tight ends in the league. Tackle Sam Baker leads the decent offensive line. The defense is strong and the line and the secondary should improve. Ends John Abraham and newly-added Ray Edwards will constanly make opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable. The linebacker position has always been a little weak. Young prospect Sean Weatherspoon keeps making plays and Mike Peterson is a threat also. The secondary is still a weak link even with cornerback Dunta Robinson. Kicker Matt Bryant had a good leg and will score points for Atlanta.
2. New Orleans Saints Projected: 10-6
It was kind of a let down season for New Orleans after the team's Super Bowl victory. But they come back with hopes of taking down the Falcons at the top of the NFC South. Drew Brees is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL thanks to his great arm. He has the options to keep his impressive numbers up. The backfield was shaken up when Reggie Bush was removed and the Saints drafted Mark Ingram. Darren Sproles was signed to be the starter but he'll probably split a lot of carries with Ingram and Pierre Thomas. The receiving core is very good with guys like Marques Colston, Robert Meachem and speedy Devery Henderson. Tight end Jimmy Graham will also make plays. The offensive line is very good with Jahri Evans, Olin Kruetz, Alex Barron and many others. The defense is pretty good with a good defensive line. Tackles Shaun Rogers, Aubrayo Franklin and ends Will Smith and newly drafted Cameron Jordan will all do damage. The linebacker unit is okay with Jonathan Vilma making plays in the middle. The secondary is also okay with young guys like Patrick Robinson and Tracy Porter improving.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaners Projected: 8-8
Well, that was quick. The Buccaners were contenders when they were suppposed to be rebuilding. Josh Freeman was the reason. In his first true year as starter he emerged as a threat with his solid arm and big frame. The backfield isn't great but its enough to get by on. LeGarrette Blount and Earnest Graham will fight for carries. The receiving core is also somewhat weak but it is improving. Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Sammie Stroughter are all young and the top options for Freeman along with tight end Kellen Winslow. The offensive line is okay with guys like Jeremy Trueblood, Donald Penn and Jeff Faine. The defensive line is young and is improving. Tackles Gerald McCoy, Brian Price enter their second years while ends Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers are rookies. The linebacker unit is pretty weak due to the loss of Barrett Ruud. Dekoda Watson, Geno Hayes and a number of others must step up for Tampa Bay. The secondary is growing old especially Ronde Barber but is also young at some places. Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson will make plays and rooke Ahmad Black will also play a pretty large role.
4. Carolina Panthers Projected: 4-12
The Panthers found themselves staring down at a 1-15 season and the number one pick in 2010. Cam Newton won't be a traditional quarterback but he'll be the face of the franchise. Newton will likely start but if he doesn't Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson will take snaps. The ground game is the preferred unit with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Williams and Stewart both have good speed and Stewart can run over you if needed. The Panthers hope they have found their number two target finally to Steve Smith whether its Brandon LaFell, David Gettis or tight ends Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen. The offensive line is an underrated unit with guys like tackle Jordan Gross, Jeff Otah and guard Travelle Wharton and center Ryan Kalil. The defensive line is young and improving. Carolina is hoping resigned end Charles Johnson will be the next Julius Peppers. Greg Hardy and Everette Brown will do damage also. The linebacker core is okay with Jon Beason being the top threat. Rookie Lawrence Wilson and Dan Connor must step it up. The secondary is solid with Chris Gamble, Chares Godfrey and Robert McClain making plays.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers Projected: 11-5
It was a dream season for the Packers in 2010. But it will certainly be tough to repeat even with the return of many key vets. Aaron Rodgers is back after a memorable '10. He has a strong arm and slick accuracy. With Donald Driver, Greg Jennings back and tight end Jeremichael Finley healthy he has tons of options. Ryan Grant must return to form in order to help the Packers repeat. The offensive line lost a lot of talent this off season and needs prospects Bryan Bulaga and Derek Sherrod to step it up. The defensive line also must coup with losses. Nose tackle B.J. Raji stuffs up running lanes up the middle while Ryan Pickett can do damage on the edge. The linebacker core is pretty much stacked. Clay Matthews, A.J. Hawk and Brad Jones will lead it. Matthews can do damage when he blitzes or can stop the run. The secondary still has cornerback Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams. Others are also improving in the back.
2. Chicago Bears Projected: 9-7
Jay Cutler and the Bears need to prove themselves after both had a horrible NFC championship game. Cutler could be one of the best in the game but he just isn't there yet. One of the problems might be his receiving options, so the Bears signed Roy Williams. The backfield has tons of talent with Matt Forte, Chester Taylor and Marion Barber. Forte has good hands out of the backfield and solid speed while Barber gives Chicago a power back they haven't had for a while. Along with Williams, Devin Hester and Johny Knox are the other top options. Both have great speed but still have to improve at their respective positions. The offensive line is led by Roberto Garza, Chris Williams and Frank Omiyale. The defense has always been the Bears strength. On the line Julius Peppers is still one of the top ends in the league. Vernon Gholston who was a bust in New York will have a second chance in Chicago. Brian Urlacher's golden days are done but he is still effective and Lance Briggs makes plays. The secondary may be a little weak but it will hold up. Kicker Robbie Gould is a beast on special teams and Hester can score whenever he touches the ball in the returning game.
3. Minnesota Vikings Projected: 6-10
I have one question for the Vikings: will new Donovan McNabb really help that much over Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson and Joe Webb? McNabb likely will never return to the form that he was in while with Philadelphia. Christian Ponder will start if McNabb struggles. Luckily Leslie Frazier has an explosive back in Adrian Peterson. He is great after the hit and has an interesting mix of speed and power. He held on to the ball more in 2010. Toby Gerhart must improve as the number two. Sidney Rice is gone but the receiving core is headed by new Michael Jenkins, Percy Harvin and Bernard Berrian. After a bad '10 Berrian's attitude has the Vikings hopeful in 2011. The offensive line is somewhat of a question mark with a lot of young players likely be forced to start. The defensive line has always been a strength for the Vikings and still will be even with the loss of Ray Edwards and Pat Williams. Remi Ayodele was underrated with New Orleans over the years and will help Kevin Williams. Chad Greenway and E.J. Henderson will lead the linebacker slots. Antoine Winfield is a beast in the secondary. With the signing of Ryan Longwell the special teams will be fine.
4. Detroit Lions Projected: 5-11
No question about it: the Lions are improving. Detroit is a pass-first team so Matthew Stafford will be important as ever to the Lions' hopes. Jahvid Best is a dangerous back and Mike Bell is powerful in the backfield. Calvin Johnson has matured into one of the top receivers in the NFL with his speed and size. With Nate Burleson teams won't be too quick to double team Johnson. The offensive line is led by Dominic Raiola, Jeff Backus, Gosder Cherilus and a number of others. The defensive line keeps improving. Ndamukong Suh is a beast and he won't shy away from the pressure. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril make plays on the edge. With Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant the linebacker core is getting better but it still has a lot of holes. The secondary is the weakest position on Detroit but the Lions really like safety Louis Delmas. Nathan Vasher won't start and has definitely declined but he was an interesting pickup. Kicker Jason Hansen and punter Donnie Jones are good.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: NFC West

1. Arizona Cardinals Projected: 8-8
After acquiring Kevin Kolb the Cardinals are ready to go back to the playoffs. Kolb will definitely help but he came at a high price: the team had to give up star cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Kolb has one of the top wide receivers in the league in Larry Fitzgerald. The question is who will be the number two option. Early Doucet and many others will compete for the number two slot. Tight end Todd Heap was a smart move as he'll be somewhat of a security blanket for Kolb. Chris Wells is a power back that won't have to split carries with Tim Hightower anymore. The offensive line is led tackle Levi Brown and Duece Lutui. Defensive tackle Darnell Dockett isn't just the star on Arizona's defensive line he's one of the best tackles in the NFL. Due to the fact that centers and guards aren't great pass blockers he easily gets in the backfield. Linebacker Joey Porter is declining but is still dangerous while the addition of Stewart Bradley will help. Patrick Peterson was drafted to give the team a new look at cornerback.
2. St. Louis Rams Projected: 7-9
The Rams are for sure on the rise after a strong 2010 season. Sam Bradford was better than the Rams could have expected going in his rookie year. He has sweet accuracy and has the smarts to continue improving. Steven Jackson takes a lot of pressure off Bradford. He's still one of the best backs in the league thanks to sure speed and good power. Danny Amendola had a surprisingly strong year at wide out. Donnie Avery, Mardy Gilyard, rookie Austin Pettis and new Mike Sims-Walker will help Bradford a lot. Like most of the team the Rams offensive line is young headed by Roger Saffold and Jason Smith. The defensive line is strong with end Chris Long, Justin Bannan and John Henderson. Henderson's best days are behind him but he'll still stuff up running lanes. James Laurinaitis is underrated and will make plays. Ben Leber was added to make plays and coach the young players on the squad. The secondary is definitely weak.
3. San Francisco 49ers Projected: 6-10
I consider San Francisco a definite mystery. After a strong 2009 year many thought they would win the NFC West but the 49ers struggled to a very bad season. Alex Smith was resigned this year but the thought was clear- this was his last chance. Colin Kaepernick was drafted and he will likely get snaps. Luckily the 49ers still have back Frank Gore and powerful Anthony Dixon. Michael Crabtree has excelled at wide out during his NFL career. He has good speed and won't be double-teamed anymore thanks to the signing of Braylon Edwards. Vernon Davis has had effective seasons but he isn't very flashy. Ted Ginn struggled in Miami and wasn't amazing in his first year with San Francisco but he may be an option. Young tackles Joe Staley, Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati head the O-Line. The defensive line doesn't have a true end but Justin Smith is somewhat of an end. Linebacker Patrick Willis is dangerous in the middle and Aldon Smith makes plays. The secondary is led by Donte Whitner but it is still very bad.
4. Seattle Seahawks Projected: 5-11
Sure the Seahawks made the playoffs but they lost their franchise QB in Matt Hasselback and they have a weak defensive line. The Seahawks are young and inexperienced at the quarterback position now as Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst compete for the job. Neither really has an edge here. Sidney Rice was brought in and Seattle thinks he'll be great with Jackson but they were never great with each other. Golden Tate and tight end John Carlson are the two other top options. The offensive line is also really young with tackle Russell Okung and John Moffitt. Robert Gallery is an electric guard brought in from Oakland. The defensive line isn't strong what so ever. The Seahawks have no indication where the pressure will come from. Linebacker Aaron Curry has had a great career. Lofa Tatupa is one of the better 'backers when healthy which is becoming rare. The secondary is improving but still isn't elite. Marcus Trufant is aging but is still effective while Earl Thomas keeps improving.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles Projected: 14-2
The Eagles have put themselves in the Super Bowl chase thanks to tons of moves this off season. Michael Vick was so good that the Eagles decided to trade away their "franchise" quarterback Kevin Kolb. He is beginning to look like the player he was in Atlanta. The backfield is improved with the signing of Ronnie Brown. LeSean McCoy will get more carries but Brown will be a nice compliment. The receiving core for Vick is strong. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, newly added Steve Smith and tight end Brent Celek. Jackson is a deep threat while Maclin and Smith do damage near the line of scrimmage and will be somewhat of a security blanket for Vick. The defensive line will improve now with ends Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins coming over. Trent Cole has become a serious pass-rushing threat over the years. The linebacker situation might be the biggest question on this Eagles squad. They have three rookies that may be forced to start in Brian Rolle, Casey Matthews and Greg Lloyd. The secondary is now stacked with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie coming over. Philadelphia is loaded, they're my pick to win the Super Bowl.
2. Dallas Cowboys Projected: 10-6
After a rough season in 2010 in which Tony Romo went down with a collarbone injury and the team struggled to a 6-10 mark. With Romo back the Cowboys definitely have a playoff shot. Even without Romo the Cowboys felt that Jon Kitna did a decent job replacing him. The backfield doesn't have a power back as Marion Barber was cut but has explosive Felix Jones. The wide outs include Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. All have good size and are dependable. The offensive line is headed by center Andre Gurode. Doug Free did okay replacing Flozell Adams. The defense is good on the line and has strong linebackers. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and ends Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are good. DeMarcus Ware is probably the best linebacker in the league. Keith Brooking is declining but is still effective. Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins will have to lead the secondary.
3. New York Giants Projected: 8-8
Eli Manning may never be as good as Peyton but New York still wins with him. He has a decent arm and okay accuracy but he'll miss Steve Smith. The Giants managed to both resign speedy Ahmad Bradshaw and powerful Brandon Jacobs. But without Smith the receiving crops are pretty weak. Kevin Boss will be missed also but the Giants are hoping that Mario Manningham will breakout this year. Hakeem Nicks and Rameses Barden are big options for Manning but don't have Steve Smith's speed. Tight end Travis Beckum is the favorite to replace Boss. The offensive line is weak now without some key starters. The defense is good on the line and in the secondary. Mathis Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umeniyora are strong on the line. The linebacker core is the weakest part of the squad. Both Greg Jones and Mark Herzlich were brought in to help its depth. Both Phillip Dillard and Jonathan Goff will have to step it up. Prince Amukamara was a first-rounder and will make plays. Kenny Phillips is still with the team and Antrel Rolle will also keep offensive players from getting past them.
4. Washington Redskins Projected: 3-13
The Redskins enter the 2011 season as one of the worst teams in the NFL due to their current quarterback situation. John Beck and Rex Grossman are the top two favorites but Kellen Clemens might also get looks. The backfield isn't very strong either as the Redskins are looking between Tim Hightower, Ryan Torain and youngsters Evan Royster and Roy Helu. The receiving core is okay as Washington improved it with Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. Tight end Chris Cooley is one of the top players at his position and like every tight end, is a threat in the red zone. Trent Williams is improving at the tackle positon on the line. The defensive line isn't flashy but is still okay. Adam Carriker is hard-working and will make plays. The linebacker core is led by Brian Orakpo and London Fletcher. DeAngelo Hall isn't the best but he gets the job done. O.J. Atogwe and LaRon Landry will also makes plays in the secondary.

SE:Saints and Vikings Downed

The undefeated Saints were beaten by the Dallas Cowboys 24 to 17. Drew Brees struggled but the more important thing was DeMarcus Ware. Ware wasn't expected to play but still dominated the Saints.

Still if the NFC the now 11-3 Vikes got beat by the Panthers 26-7. The Vikings were up 7-6 at the start of the 4th. Philedelphia now has a shot to get a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Vikes still clinched the NFC North, though.