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How do you see things unfolding for the 2008 season? Here's my early take on a few of the teams (For Super Bowl odds, check us out at www.rabidporcupine.com):
My top 10 teams for 2008:
1. San Diego – The Chargers are the most balanced and complete team in the NFL. Philip Rivers, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Antonio Gates will once again lead a very talented offense, and their defense is just as complete. This team just can't seem to get over the hump. Maybe this is the year.
2. Dallas – The Cowboys are the most talented NFC team, and they improved in the draft with Felix Jones & Mike Jenkins. While I don't like the Pac-Man trade, he can make them better if he learns to behave himself. But can they finally win another playoff game?
3. New England – The Patriots lost the Super Bowl because the Giants believed they could beat them with a physical game, and gave just that to them. The Patriots are getting older on defense and will not come close to winning 16 games, but 12 is still a strong possibility. Tom Brady still has many good years of football left to play. The secondary could bring them down.
4. Indianapolis – The Colts will be at the top of this list as long as Peyton Manning is still their QB. Even if Marvin Harrison is somehow involved in legal issues and misses time, the Colts are still very talented and solid on defense. Peyton should be motivated after watching his little brother take this last Super Bowl.
5. New York Giants – The defending Super Bowl Champs were my surprise team of 2007, and they came through big-time. I picked them to make it to the NFC Championship game, but they went all the way. Can they do it again? Definitely. But it'll be even tougher this time around. Eli will attempt to meet his older brother in the big game.
6. Jacksonville –The Jaguars are unfortunate to be in the Colts division, but they are capable of making a Super Bowl run also. With a good young QB, a solid running game, and a hard-hitting defense, the Jaguars will make their way back to the playoffs in 2008.
7. Pittsburgh – Their running game will be back in full force with the addition of Rashard Mendenhall, and Big Ben now has that big receiver he asked for in Limas Sweed (6-4, 217). The defense is still solid.
8. Philadelphia – With draft additions Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson, along with the signing of Asante Samuel, the Eagles have climbed back into the NFC East race, which is the toughest in the league. Look for McNabb to lead Philly back into the playoffs.
9. Minnesota – Adrian Peterson leads a potent running attack, and they improved their defense with the trade for DE Jared Allen of the Chiefs. Will compete for the division title.
10. New Orleans – The Saints fell back to earth after a magical season in 2006. The defense was terrible, so they concentrated their efforts on the pass rush and the secondary. The draft brought in DT Sedrick Ellis and CB Tracy Porter to go with free agent signings Randall Gay (CB), Bobby McCray (DE), Dan Morgan (LB), and Aaron Glenn (CB). They also acquired LB Jonathon Vilma in a trade with the Jets. The offense looks to remain of the best in the NFL.
Falling:
1. Seattle – The Seahawks are in the weakest division and should be able to win it again, but is that really an accomplishment? Will their running game be re-born now that Shaun Alexander is gone? The Cardinals may be able to overtake them this season.
2. Tennessee – They are simply in a very tough division. All 4 teams are good, even the Texans. But Indy & Jax are poised to keep the Titans in 3rd place.
3. Green Bay – The Packers go as Bret Favre goes, and he's gone. Look for Green Bay to struggle without their indestructible leader at the helm. Aaron Rogers hasn't even been able to stay healthy while Favre started every game. Now he has to start? Trouble in Green Bay.
4. Tampa Bay – The Bucs won the division, but they just don't have enough at the skill positions to make another run at it. QB play will do them in once again. Chuckie needs a new young QB to take over.
5. Cleveland – The Browns defense is still questionable. They are still talented on offense, but it won't be enough if they can't hold their opponents' scoring down. It's back to reality in Cleveland in 2008.
Bottom 5 teams for 2008:
1. Atlanta – Finally, a new season, with a new beginning. But much of the same results as they struggle with Matt Ryan. But they will get better with time.
2. Cincinnati – Here's a team with too much turmoil in the locker room. With Chad Johnson whining, and having to cut Chris Henry, the offense will take a serious blow. Oh, and the defense is still horrible. They've had better days in Cincy than what's ahead.
3. New York Jets – Watching as both Matt Ryan and Darren McFadden were taken ahead of them let the air out on draft day. But that may have been a good thing....or maybe not. A lot will depend on newcomers Vernon Gholston and Dustin Keller. Can this team rebound from an awful 2007 season?
4. Baltimore – Have they done anything to getter better quickly? Doesn't look like it. Could be a long season.
5. Miami – Hey, they've already moved up from #1 on this list. It'll just take a little time, that's all.
You can find more at www.rabidporcupine.com. We're getting ready for the upcoming season, including releasing the Porcupine's Fantasy Sports Book!
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