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.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: AFC South

1. Houston Texans Projected: 11-5
Houston will finally gain into the playoffs in 2011. After a strong start the Texans faltered and missed the playoffs once more. I like this team though. Matt Schaub has quietly begun one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and has a huge arm. The ground game surprised everyone last season as Arian Foster broke out, leading the NFL in rushing yards. Steve Slaton and Derrick Ward give the Texans more stability behind Foster. The wide receivers still need a little of work even with Andre Johnson. Johnson has good size and speed and makes big plays. Tight end Owen Daniels is a good red zone threat and has wide out-type hands. End Mario Williams has nice speed and has good moves. Houston also drafted J.J. Watt to develope in a few years. The linebacker core is strong with DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing who are both young and great. The secondary is led by Kareem Jackson and the team added Jonathan Joseph. Joseph will replace Dunta Robinson who was a big gap for Houston.
2. Indianapolis Colts Projected: 10-6
The Colts struggled more than normal in 2010 and may actually beginning to decline. Peyton Manning is back even after an only okay season. Manning may be starting to decline or maybe last season was a hiccup. Whether Joseph Addai starts or powerful Donald Brown the ground game will be solid. The wide outs are strong with Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark. Clark is the teams top option for short gains and long yardage situations. The offensive line is getting old but is still good with center Jeff Saturday. The defensive line has always been strong thanks too Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Tackle Tommie Harris is effective when healthy which he has struggled with. The linebacker unit is also good with Gary Brackett and newly added Ernie Sims. Brackett is getting old but Sims is still relatively young and is improving. The secondary is weak now especially at the cornerback position.
3. Tennessee Titans Projected: 8-8
The Titans certainly look a lot different now after releasing Vince Young and firing long time coach Jeff Fisher. Matt Hasselback was signed this offseason from Seattle to be a bridge quarterback for rookie Jake Locker. The ground game will still get the most plays with speedy Chris Johnson. Javon Ringer is more powerful and also has some speed. The Titans believe they have a franchise wide out in Kenny Britt. Other options include Justin Gage, Nate Washington, Damian Williams and rookie James Kirkendoll. The offensive line is led by tackle Michael Roos. The defense has declined over the years especially the line. End Derrick Morgan is still a pass rushing threat and rookie Jurrell Casey stuffs up running holes. The Titans made a smart move by signing tackling machine Barrett Ruud who will immediately improve the linebacker unit. The secondary is led by hard-hitting Cortland Finnegan and safety Chris Hope.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars Projected: 5-11
The Jaguars made the move they believed was right when they drafted Blaine Gabbert to be their franchise QB. He may start or maybe David Garrard will get the start. Garrard has been criticized for his touchdown to interception ratio. Maurice Jones-Drew is a power back and has good speed. Fullback Greg Jones is going to be used for short-yardage situations. The Jaguars don't really have a top receiving option. Rookie Armon Binns, veteran prospect Tiquan Underwood, Kassim Osgood, Mike Thomas and tight ends Zach Miller and Mercedes Lewis. The offensive line is improving with tackle Eugene Monroe. The defensive line is improving with tackle Tyson Alualu and end Aaron Kampman is a threat. The linebacker core is weaker then it's been in recent years even with rookie Scott Lutrus and Paul Posluszny. The secondary is headed by Rashean Mathis.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers Projected: 12-4
Pittsburgh finally had somewhat of a regular off season this year. No problems with Ben Roethlisberger and no big signings. Roethlisberger is back and had a productive season even though he missed the first four games. The Steelers figured out that they can win without him though. The backfield is underrated led by Rashard Mendenhall. He has good speed and can get powerful when needed. The wide receiver core is a question. Hines Ward is still old but is still psychical and smart. He might have been already replaced as the team's top option by Mike Wallace. Heath Miller is also a serious target and is a decent blocker. The defensive line isn't great but the linebackers are stacked. James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley, James Farrior and Larry Foote are the stars in the middle. The secondary is okay as the Steelers resigned Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu is back and is the best safety in the league.
2. Baltimore Ravens Projected: 10-6
Baltimore has an interesting mix of young stars and seasoned veterans. Joe Flacco still isn't an elite quarterback but he'll be good enough for the Ravens. Ray Rice has become one of the best backs in the NFL. The team signed Ricky Williams as an interesting change of pace back. Baltimore cut Derrick Mason but still has Anquan Boldin and traded for former Bill Lee Evans. Young tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson are talented. The offensive line is headed by Michael Oher and Ben Grubbs. The defense is still dangerous even without Kelly Gregg up the middle. Huge Haloti Ngata is intimidating on the end and Ray Lewis is still good at the linebacker position. Lewis has lost some speed and won't make the tackles he used to but he can be a mentor to some younger players. Terrell Suggs and Sergio Kindle lead the rest of the linebacker unit. The secondary was a question last year but should improve with rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith and Ed Reed and Domoniquue Foxworth fully healthy.
3. Cleveland Browns Projected: 5-11
The Browns feel pretty good about the 2011 season after a 5-11 mark in 2010 in which they beat some strong opponents. Colt McCoy is now for sure the team's starter with Jake Delhomme out. He won't change games just yet but has pinpoint accuracy. The ground game was the preferred mean of gaining yards for the Browns in '10. Peyton Hillis had a strong year and instantly became the face of the franchise. Rookie Owen Marecic is interesting at fullback. The receiving core still isn't great but is getting better. Josh Cribbs, Mohamed Massaquoi, Brian Robiske and tight ends Ben Watson and Alex Smith are the top options. Tackle Joe Thomas leads the line. The defense is very weak on the line but the rest if okay. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson makes plays and the secondary is led by Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden.
4. Cincinnati Bengals Projected: 2-14
The Bengals horrible 2010 was followed up by a bad offseason leaving the team at the bottom slot in the North. Carson Palmer retired because he wasn't traded leaving the quarterback position uncertain. Andy Dalton was drafted in the second round and might get the start. The Bengals signed Bruce Gradkowski and he has experience form Oakland and Tampa Bay. Cedric Benson was resigned this offseason and will get many carries. The wide outs aren't great now since Chad Ochocinco was traded to New England. A.J. Green was drafted and the rest of the unit has untested players like Jordan Shipley, Andre Caldwell, Quan Cosby and Jerome Simpson. The defense is now looking better than the offense something not normal with the Bengals. Ends Carlos Dunlap, Robert Geathers and tackle Domata Peko are respectable. The linebacker core is headed by Keith Rivers, Rey Maulaluga and Manny Lawson all young. The secondary lost Jonathan Joseph but still keeps Leon Hall luckily. Adam Jones got into more trouble this offseason and won't even give the Bengals that much on the field.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: AFC West

1. Kansas City Chiefs Projected: 9-7
The Chiefs division title in 2010 was a great organizational triumph. Matt Cassel a great passer but he is still improving. The backfield though is the preferred mean of gaining yards on offense. Jamaal Charles is a game-changer and Thomas Jones is effective. An underrated move made by Kansas City this offseason was bringing in former Ravens fullback Le'Ron McClain. The receiving core is headed by Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and Dexter McCluster. All aren't typical wide outs but are all talented. The defense is strong also and has stars in every unit. Glenn Dorsey switched to end but is better up the middle and the squad signed tackle Kelly Gregg for depth. Tamba Hali has excelled at linebacker since moving there from end and Derrick Johnson is solid. The secondary is headed by safety Eric Berry and young cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Javier Arenas.
2. San Diego Chargers Projected: 8-8
With Phillip Rivers excelling at quarterback gives the Chargers chances no matter what the circumstances. San Diego is hoping that Ryan Matthews may end up being even better than speedy Darren Sproles. Fullbacks Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester will give the team short yardage options. Rivers has fantastic accuracy and a decent arm and performs even without many options to throw too. Vincent Jackson has good hands and plays psychical but he isn't a number one target. Patrick Crayton, Richard Goodman and Malcolm Floyd are other great receivers. Antonio Gates is the best at his position. Nick Hardwick, Marcus McNeill and Kris Dielman. Defensive end is a pretty weak position for the Chargers and the D-Line is also weak. Linebacker Shaun Phillips and Larry English give the team strength in the middle. Takeo Spikes was added to give the team depth.
3. Oakland Raiders Projected: 6-10
In the wake of somewhat of a successful season Oakland is very hopeful for 2011. Quarterback Jason Campbell had one of his best seasons in the league and excells even without any top options. The ground games is very strong with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. They're complete opposites, McFadden being speedy and agile, Bush being more of a power back. The Raiders have tons of young upcoming receivers like Darius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens. Oakland moved out Zach Miller and replaced him with tight end Kevin Boss. The offensive line is also young with tackles Bruce Campbell, Khalif Barnes and Jared Veldheer. The defensive line is led by end Richard Seymour who is declining but is still strong. Rolando McClain and Kameron Wimbley are stoppers in the middle. Without Nnamdi Asomugha the secondary isn't anything to speak of.
4. Denver Broncos Projected: 3-13
The Broncos faltered to a 2-14 2010 season and have many weak prime positions. Despite possibilities of Kyle Orton being moved to Miami the Broncos decided to keep him. He is still effective and gets the job done. Both Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn will be waiting in the wings. The backfield has tons of decent options to pass too. Knowshon Moreno, new veteran Willis McGahee and power man LenDale White are solid. Wide outs include Demaryius Thomas, Eddie Royal, Eric Decker and aging Brandon Lloyd. The offensive line is young and good with Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris. Elvis Dumervil is injury prone but is still one of the best ends in the NFL and stuffer Brodrick Bunkley. With linebacker Robert Ayers and Von Miller Denver is getting younger in the middle. The secondary is aging but Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins still make plays.

Special Edition: NFL Preview: AFC East

1. New England Patriots Projected: 14-2
New England had a strong 2010 and added two big names in defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. They return Tom Brady who gets a different long ball option now that Randy Moss is gone in Ochocinco. The backfield is underrated and has former Jets wide out Danny Woodhead. The small, speedy Woodhead is an electric game changer. BenJarvis Green-Ellis isn't a flashy name but he is an effective, gritty player. Along with Haynesworth the Pats defensive line added ends Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter. Ellis is still dangerous but Carter will likely be past his prime. The rest of the defense is headed by linebacker Jerod Mayo and young cornerback Devin McCourty. He's an all-star caliber threat who quarterbacks would be stupid to pass too.
2. New York Jets Projected: 11-5
The Jets are creating one of the games best teams as Mark Sanchez enters his third year and the Jets enter their third season of contention. Sanchez is hoping to take more of a role and has the options to do it but the ground game is still the preferred option. LaDanian Tomlinson was better than expected in his first year in New York. He has lost a lot of speed but is still a threat in the red zone and good at finding lanes. Santonio Holmes was brought back this season and the Jets made sure to bring in Plaxico Burress. Burress will help more down near the end zone and will likely be Sanchez's security blanket. The offensive line is head by Nick Mangold who is likely the best center in the league. On defense New York is lethal especially at linebacker where Bart Scott and David Harris roam. Antonio Cromartie, Darrelle Revis, Kyle Wilson and Eric Smith lead the secondary.
3. Miami Dolphins Projected: 6-10
The Dolphins faltered to the point last year where they decided to fire coach Tony Sparano and start a somewhat of a rebuilding process. It is yet to be known who will start at at quarterback. Chad Henne looks like the favorite but former Panther Matt Moore and rookie Pat Devlin will get looks. They have a top notch target to throw too in Brandon Marshall. The Dolphins decided not to retain Ronnie Brown but instead signed Reggie Bush. The loss of power back Ricky Williams will hurt more than you might think. The offensive line is under appreciated with tackle Jake Long heading it. The defense is stocked with talent but is still weak in some areas. The D-Line is weak as Miami will be leaning on Jared Odrick, Phillip Merling and Kendall Langford. Karlos Dansby was as good as hoped in his first year with the squad. The secondary isn't strong but Vontae Davis and Yeremiah Bell are bright spots.
4. Buffalo Bills Projected: 4-12
Buffalo looks a little different going into the 2011 season but is met with the same problems: bad quarterback play and a mediocre defense. Ryan Fitzpatrick, second year Levi Brown, Tyler Thigpen, rookie Josh Nesbitt and wide receiver-quarterback hybrid Bard Smith will battle for the QB slot. The backfield is strong and is the number one option led by Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. The Bills were pleasently surprised by Steve Johnson who showed great hands and consistentcy. Lee Evans is back also to give the Bills an option. The defensive line is led by Dwan Edwards and Torell Troup. Buffalo drafted Marcell Dareus to buff up the line even more. Nick Barnett joins the team from the Packers. He is pychical and smart. Shawne Merriman is still a valued pass rusher and Aaron Maybin is hoping to live up to his potential. Jairus Byrd is a difference maker in the secondary. Aaron Williams will do things as a rookie.