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.

Predictions for College Football Games: Week One

3 Oregon vs. 4 LSU Prediction: Oregon, 38 LSU, 27
How to Beat Oregon: Force deep throws. Darron Thomas doesn't have a great arm and Jeff Maehl is gone meaning the Ducks don't have a go-to receiver. Run the ball also. Casey Matthews and Kenny Rowe are gone in the front seven so you can gain a lot of small yardage through out the game.
How to Beat LSU: Make them prove that they can throw the ball. Whether Jordan Jefferson or Jarrett Lee's the starter the Tigers don't have a great passing game. Throwing for effective short passes will beat Morris Claiborne and the rest of the secondary.
5 Boise State vs. 19 Georgia Prediction: Boise State, 28 Georgia, 21
How to Beat Boise State: Cover the wide outs as close as possible. Kellen Moore is accurate but isn't as strong with the deep ball. Throw the ball as much as possible. The secondary is the Broncos' defense weakest link so some big gains in the air would help.
How to Beat Georgia: Pressure Aaron Murray quite a lot. He is still young and every young QB won't make great decisions under pressure. Make him move out of the pocket and throw the ball. A lot of effective 8 to 11 yard passes will weaken the Georgia defense.
South Florida vs. 16 Notre Dame Prediction: Notre Dame, 31 South Florida, 17
How to Beat Notre Dame: Double-team Michael Floyd. Other then Floyd Notre Dame's options aren't very strong. Make Dayne Crist spread the ball around as much as possible. Deep passes will help significantly due to the fact that the Fighting Irish have a weak secondary.
How to Beat South Florida: Make B.J. Daniels stay in the pocket. He is much more effective when he can move around on the run and make throws. He is also effective by scrambling. Power-up your offense. Pass and run the ball confidently. The Bulls defense isn't very great.

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.

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: UCF Knights

41. Central Florida Knights
QB Jeff Godfrey- Sophomore
TB Ronnie Weaver- Senior
WR Quincy McDuffie- Junior
DE Darius Nall- Senior
CB Josh Robinson- Junior
S Kemal Ishmael- Junior
Talent hasn't this high in UCF for a while. Even with the loss of star defensive end Bruce Miller the Knights have enough talent to get to another bowl appearance. Sophmore Jeff Godfrey is the starter at quarterback after starting at freshman. The squad's main weak spot was the QB spot so they might not be so reluctant to bench Godfrey. Tailback Ronnie Weaver is a definite threat. He has sweet speed and finds the holes tgat the offensive line creates. Also in the backfield is fullback Billy Giovanetti, junior Jonathan Davis and Latavius Murray. Godfrey has decent options including senior A.J. Guyton and Khymest Williams. Quincy McDuffie is also a threat thanks to his good hands. Tight end Adam Nissley also can catch balls. The offensive line is okay with junior Theo Goins and Nick Pieschel. Sophomore Chris Martin must replace Jah Reid. The defense is strong even with the loss of Bruce Miller. End Darius Nall is the top player on the line now. He is smart and has great stamina. Sophomore tackle Victor Gray also returns and so does junior end Troy Davis. The linebacker core is very weak returning just middle linebacker Josh Linam. The Knights may be forced to use a defensive end or other options to use at outside linebacker. The secondary is strong with cornerback Josh Robinson and safety Kemal Ishmael. Both are good in coverage and hit hard. UCF's special teams is solid with kicker Nick Cattoi. McDuffie is a fantastic returner also.

Heisman Hopeful: Ronnie Weaver
C-USA Rank: 3rd

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Cincinnati Bearcats

40. Cincinnati Bearcats
QB Zach Collaros- Senior
RB Isaiah Pead- Senior
WR D.J. Woods- Senior
NT John Hughes- Senior
DE-LB Walter Stewart- Junior
LB J.K. Schaffer- Senior
Some people might not like this team but with 16 starters returning including 11 on defense I really like the Bearcats. Cincinnati didn't miss Tony Pike as Zach Collaros had a great first season as starter. He'll be a senior this season and will miss a huge target in Armon Binns. Collaros is more of a threat with his legs which he can use to gain extra yardage. The backfield has Isaiah Pead who also had a fantastic 2010 season. He has good speed and he also has good hands to catch out of the backfield. Wide receiver D.J. Woods emerged as one of the top receivers in the NCAA last season. He has fantastic hands and uses his solid speed to get open. The Bearcats are hoping for sophomore Anthony McClung and senior O.J. Woodard to step it up and replace Binns. Tight end Ben Guidugli was also a big loss so Adrien Robinson must step it up. The offensive line is weak with only two returning starters in guard Randy Martinez and tackle Alex Hoffman, both seniors. Evan Davis might get a chance to start with a hole at the opposite guard slot across from Martinez. The defense is stacked this year thanks to those 11 returning starters. On the line senior nose tackle John Hughes will stop backs from gaining much yards. Coming off the side end Brandon Mills and Dan Giordano will make plays. Walter Stewart is a dangerous defensive end/linebacker hybrid. He'll spend most time at the linebacker position but don't think Cincy won't place him at end. Linebacker J.K. Schaffer excells in the middle while junior Maalik Bomar also makes plays on the side. Schaffer is the bigger threat, one of the best middle linebackers in the Big East. The secondary is strong with junior Drew Frey, Wesley Richardson and Chris Williams all safeties.

Heisman Hopeful: Zach Collaros
Big East Rank: 3rd

College Football Preview: The Great Heisman Race

B


Top Contenders:
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
After his return to the college football landscape Andrew Luck looks pretty much like the favorite to claim the Heisman. With Stanford playing in big games on national TV he'll get exposure something a quarterback at Stanford usually would not get. His numbers will be strong and he always has big plays.
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
The speedy James is once more in the Heisman hunt. He has fantastic stats and will make every game exciting. Since the Ducks are also national title contenders he'll also get exposure. He's the best player on a strong Oregon team automatically placing him here.
Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
The problem with Moore has always been playing in the weak WAC. I'm not sure if a move to the Mountain West will necessarily help. He has sweet accuracy and a good arm but the loss of Austin Pettis, Titus Young and Tommy Gallarda will hurt him.
Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
Jones is the top player on atop team and will appear on this list for the first time. Smart and gifted with a good arm Jones will threaten all the top contenders thanks to his chances of winning the BCS championship. His mobility will also help.
Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
When you're as good as Trent Richardson you can technically be a first-year starter and still make this list. Richardson isn't as powerful as Mark Ingram and is in fact the opposite: a speedy, agile back. Thanks to playing in the SEC he'll be on national TV pretty much every single week.
Sleepers:
Case Keenum, QB, Houston: Injury crippled the sixth-year starter. Could pass up NCAA's all-time passing record.
Brandon Jenkins, DL, Florida State: Underrated pass rusher reminds of Ndamukong Suh.
Taylor Martinez, QB, Nebraska: A flashy player on a gritty Nebraska team Martinez being a sophomore may hurt.

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Tennessee Volunteers

39. Tennessee Volunteers
QB Matt Simms- Senior
TB Tauren Poole- Senior
WR Zach Rogers- Junior
DT Malik Jackson- Senior
S Prentiss Waggner- Junior
S Janzen Jackson- Junior
Tennessee has struggled the past few seasons but looks solid in 2011. Quarterback Matt Simms returns for his senior season but he will miss tight end Luke Stocker who was one of his top options. Simms is the starter for now but don't think Tennessee won't give sophomore Tyler Bray a look. He'll likely be the starter next year and they might want to develope him. Simms is smart and has a good arm. He won't wow anyone but he's effective and he gets the work done. The ground game is also strong with senior tailback Tauren Poole. Poole has good speed and can catch out of the backfield. No more fullback Kevin Cooper may hurt but that means Channing Fugate will start. He is powerful like every fullback. Wide out Zach Rogers returns making him the top option. Sophomore Justin Hunter and Da'Rick Rogers are also going to get balls. The offensive line is okay too. Tackle Dallas Thomas, center Darin Gooch and Ja'Wuan James will keep opposing defensive players from attacking Simms and Poole. The defense is good especially in the back. The defensive line is good also with tackle Malik Jackson. Jackson is big in the middle and can pass rush. Montori Hughes will also be strong in the middle after returning. End Corey Miller and Jacques Smith are both sophomores and have to step it up. Herman Lathers is the only returning starter in the linebacker unit. Thanks to Janzen Jackson and Prentiss Waggner the secondary is the strongest part of this Tennessee team. Both are speedy and can hit hard.

Heisman Hopeful: Tauren Poole
SEC Rank: 9th

College Football Preview: Best of the Rest: Miami (Ohio) RedHawks

38. Miami (Ohio) RedHawks
QB Zac Dysert- Junior
WR Nick Harwell- Sophomore
OG Brandon Brooks- Senior
DT Austin Brown- Junior
LB Evan Harris- Junior
CB D.J. Brown- Junior
Miami of Ohio isn't very accustomed to threatening to gain into the Top 25. They have a load of talented players at very important positions including quarterback Zac Dysert. Dysert isn't a top player but he makes the sure play and has sweet accuracy. Sophomore Austin Boucher might also get some snaps but the RedHawks won't be very eager to bench Dysert. Sophomore tailback Tracy Woods didn't start in his freshmen year but will likely start in 2011 with Thomas Meriweather gone. Junior Danny Green will also pressure Woods for the slot. Wide out Nick Harwell is a sophomore down-the-field threat. Dysert will be looking for him on every single play and he'll demand cornerbacks and safeties alike. Junior Andy Cruse and tight end Kendrick Bruton are other options. The offensive line has guard Brandon Brooks who will lead the way for Woods. Matt Kennedy, Josh Harvey and center Brad Bednar will keep opposing defensive players out of the backfield. Defensive tackle Austin Brown is a definite threat on the defensive line. He'll bring down backs and can pressure quarterbacks. Other tackle Jordain Brown will also make plays and end Jason Semmes return. Junior Evan Harris is the best linebacker on the squad. He'll dominate on the side while senior Jerrell Wedge can do things up the middle. The secondary is also very strong. D.J. Brown is the top player in the back and safety Pat Hinkel makes plays.

Heisman Hopeful: Zac Dysert
MAC Rank: 1st