NFL 2008 Week 4 Picks

Teamwork is the bedrock of the NFL.

By definition, this collaboration involves each individual in each department of each level of the franchise utilizing their skill sets and talents working together to achieve success every Sunday of every NFL season. But, every team does have key personnel who are the welding spots of that professional structure. They wear that special hat including that of GM, head coach, or starting QB.

When they are removed, it can transfigure the look and momentum of that team on either end of the spectrum. Feast or famine.

In Minnesota, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay, changes at QB already have paid dividends with the Titans going 3-0 while the Vikings and Bucs look more potent after their victories last Sunday.

In San Francisco and Arizona, the switch to J.T. O'Sullivan and Kurt Warner right before the season began is showing to be pure genius as both QB's are playing stellar. The NY Jets and Miami Dolphins started the season with brand new QB's in Brett Favre and ex-Jet Chad Pennington. Both teams are struggling, but their potential this season has increased with the upgrade at that position.

But, you can't say that about the New England Patriots whose structure has been compromised and weakened with the loss of Tom Brady. The Pats barely squeezed by the Chiefs and Jets, and then experienced a phenomenon last Sunday that it hadn't witnessed since Week 14 in 2006 vs. the Miami Dolphins.

New England lost a home game. Ironically, it was at the hands of Miami. Back-up QB Matt Cassel has looked, at best, like a college quarterback and simply isn't in control of the team on the field. All signs point to a very long season ahead for New England as they dog-paddle in unknown waters.

Intelligence and lucidity was finally granted access into the head of Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford on Wednesday as team president and CEO Matt Millen was fired. When Millen was given the job seven years ago, it was like letting a starving film student direct their own motion picture. Humiliation and embarrassment have headlined Millen's regime so his dismissal alone is a monumental stepping stone for this team's psyche and outlook this season.

While no head coach has been fired yet, that very well could change early on this season. Oakland is on the verge of ousting Lane Kiffin any day now while all four coaches from the states of Ohio and Missouri could be unemployed before Week 8 if the wins don't start showing their faces. I do believe that Rod Marinelli will keep his job for at least this season as the Lions' makeshift GM team rides out the rest of this year.

This is a "win-now" league, and patience seems to be wearing thin among NFL owners and coaches so early into this season. Let's see if that erosion continues in Week 4.

• Cleveland Browns (0-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Another possible QB change is looming, and this time it's in Cleveland where the Brady Quinn era is warming up in the bullpen. Derek Anderson has been showing signs of being a one-hit wonder, and he faces a Cincy team that has won the last five contests vs. Cleveland at home. Welcome aboard, Mr. Quinn.
• Denver Broncos (3-0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - These two teams are bitter division rivals, but that animosity won't be prevalent this Sunday as KC fans know what's coming. Denver's high-powered offense arrives to face a pathetic Chiefs team that is rebuilding, can't decide who to start at QB each week, and must be driving the perfectionist Herm Edwards stark raving mad.
• Houston Texans (0-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2): CBS, 1pm EST - I know it's only been two games due to the forced bye thanks to Hurrican Ike, but Houston has allowed an average of 170 yards on the ground. Jacksonville's running attack woke up from a prolonged nap last week and appears quite hungry and persistent. Not a good combo for Houston on the road.
• San Francisco 49ers (2-1) at New Orleans Saints (1-2): FOX, 1pm EST - No, that's not a typo. It seems that the records would belong to the other team, but the Niners are showing signs that they just might not check out as early as in years past. The Saints offense is ranked 4th but not healthy, and their defense is 28th overall. They will have their hands full with the Niners.
• Minnesota Vikings (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (3-0): FOX, 1pm EST - Trench warfare highlights this battle between two defensive-minded teams who seem to have things finally clicking on offense as well. Each team has turned to a crusty veteran QB to lead their squads as Gus Frerotte and Kerry Collins must stay healthy and be mentally sharp against these smothering defenses.
• Arizona Cardinals (3-0) at NY Jets (1-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Speaking of old-fashioned gun slingers. Brett Favre and Co. welcomes Kurt Warner and the high-voltage Cardinal offense to the Meadowlands. It will be fun and interesting to see who stays healthy and upright the most. The Jet secondary has not been playing well so they will have their hands full with Fitgerald and Boldin.
• Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1): FOX, 1pm EST - After an opening week loss to the Saints, coach Jon Gruden handed the reins to Brian Griese who has steered this Bucs team to two straight wins and is looking quite confident. He has never lost to the Packers who are sporting a weak run defense and rattled offensive line right now. The Pack last won in Tampa in 2003.
• Atlanta Falcons (2-1) at Carolina Panthers (2-1): FOX, 1pm EST - This contest has all the elements of being an entertaining game. Atlanta is #1 in rushing offense while Carolina sports a great running tandem of their own. Rookie QB Matt Ryan is playing well and will be facing an inept Carolina pass rush while Jake Delhomme will try and feast on Atlanta's weak secondary. The road team has won the last five meetings.
• San Diego Chargers (1-2) at Oakland Raiders (1-2): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Things are not well in Oakland. The coaching staff can't get along, owner Al Davis likes to play head games, and the team is as solid as the stock market. San Diego enters the Black Hole coming off a thunderous victory over NY last week, and they've beaten the Raiders nine straight times.
• Buffalo Bills (3-0) at St. Louis Rams (0-3): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Rams coach Scott Linehan has benched Marc Bulger in favor of Trent Green who hasn't played since Week 5 last year when he suffered a Grade 3 concussion (the worst) while with Miami. Yes, that's what it has come to in St. Louis.
• Washington Redskins (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0): FOX, 4:15pm EST - There have been some fantastic memories in this bitter rivalry that have occurred in Texas Stadium. This is the last visit to this rusty can for Washington as they look to hand Dallas their first loss of the season. The Cowboys secondary will need to be on top of their game if they want avoid being embarrassed at home.
• Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Chicago Bears (1-2): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - Two of the top five rushing defenses wage war in the Windy City while one of the Philly weapons is on the shelf. RB Brian Westbrook will be out so that makes the Eagles a little more one-dimensional as they face the league's 28th ranked pass defense. Bears QB Kyle Orton has won eight of his last nine home starts.
• Baltimore Ravens (2-0) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you like defense and efficient offense, then look no further than Heinz Field Monday night. Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger was sacked eight times last week vs. Philly and will be facing the league's best pass rushing unit. Rookie RB RB Rashard Mendenhall will get his first start, but didn't do himself any favors this week when he texted a friend who plays for Baltimore and predicted that he was going to have a big game vs. this Ravens defense. Yeah, they know about it.

STANDINGS:

Mark Schlereth: 11-5, 32-15

Chris Mortensen: 12-4, 32-15

Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 30-17

Ron Jaworski: 9-6, 29-15

Mike Golic: 10-6, 29-17

NFL 2008 Week 3 Picks

Thrill-seekers are addicted to their hobby or suicide mission for one thing only -- the immeasurable and limitless rush of adrenaline that surges through their body like a Rocky Mountain river after a thunderstorm. They live for that moment and are willing to risk a limb, brain wave, or their life as long as they experience that exhilarating rashness.

Some of them sky dive. Others bungee jump. There are even some who religiously ride death-defying roller coasters. You will find others who dive off cliffs into water they can't see when their feet leaves the edge. There's even a few brain-deficient folks who enjoy rounding up rattlesnakes.

I watch the NFL.

Week 2 was anchored by a mountain of emotions, and you could savor the explosive taste of unanticipated victory and heart-smashing defeats. Eight teams came from behind to win last Sunday, and they were as diverse as those who snag catfish by noodling.

The hapless Niners found their smile by defeating the 'Hawks in Seattle. Washington stunned the Saints. Green Bay swallowed up the Lions in what seemed like seconds. The visiting Bills shocked the Jags. Carolina finally won one at home by slipping past Chicago. Indianapolis pulled a "Houdini" in the Metrodome by leaving with a W. In Denver, the Broncos literally robbed the Chargers of a victory. And, Dallas triumphed over the Eagles in a battle that will go down as one of the most thrilling clashes of the ages.

It was like no other week I have ever witnessed in quite sometime as an NFL fan.Week 3 is right around the corner so stay indoors this Sunday and strap yourself down.

• Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-1): CBS, 1pm EST - When you're ranked 31st in run defense, you really don't want to face a RB like Falcons speedster Michael Turner. Add to the mix that KC is starting second-year QB Tyler Thigpen on the road, and you simply get nauseous.
• Oakland Raiders (1-1) at Buffalo Bills (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - For the first time in over two decades, the Raiders posted a 300-yard rushing attack last week vs. the Chiefs. That will be virtually impossible to repeat with Justin Fargas and McFadden nursing injuries. The biggest difference between these two teams is that Buffalo plays with passion.
• Houston Texans (0-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Hurricane Ike heaped destruction upon the city of Houston and the effects that has played on the Texans is not yet known. Obviously, football comes last in these type of situations so it won't be any surprise if rustiness is present, and the mental edge is a bit dull. This Titans defense is simply tenacious right now.
• Miami Dolphins (0-2) at New England Patriots (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Something tells me that a 22nd-straight regular season win isn't a far reach for the Patriots vs. a Miami team that is quite soft right now.
• Cincinatti Bengals (0-2) at NY Giants (2-0): CBS, 1pm EST - Bengals QB Carson Palmer has never faced the Giants. He'll want to quickly forget them after this blood bath.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) at Chicago Bears (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Spread the news! Chicago has found a running game thanks to rookie RB Matt Forte. Ex-Bears Brian Griese knows what kind of intimidating defense he's facing, but the edge goes to Kyle Orton who has won his last eight starts at home and is 9-1 overall in Soldier Field.
• Carolina Panthers (2-0) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Alterations have been made already in Minnesota as Tavaris Jackson has been benched in favor of Gus "Journeyman" Frerotte. RB sensation Adrian Peterson is nursing a sore hamstring and may not be available either. Carolina has come from behind in each of their first two game, but probably won't have to this time.
• Arizona Cardinals (2-0) at Washington Redskins (1-1): FOX, 1pm EST - They faced an efficient Giants offense in the first week of the season which embarrassed them. Then, they clashed with a more potent Saints offense last week, and barely escaped with a win. This week, Washington faces a lethal squad in Arizona of all places led by none other than a healthy Kurt Warner.
• Detroit Lions (0-2) at San Francisco 49ers (1-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - If you follow Detroit's line of thinking, a loss to the Niners Sunday will probably mean a contract extension for Matt Millen.
• St. Louis Rams (0-2) at Seattle Seahawks (0-2): FOX, 4:05pm EST - It's like an epidemic that has rarely, if ever, been seen before. Six of Seattle's seven WR's are out with injuries for undetermined amounts of time. So, they had to go out and sign two free agents and trade for a third just to give them some starters. It shouldn't matter though as the Rams are ranked 32nd in pass defense.
• New Orleans Saints (1-1) at Denver Broncos (2-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - These are two very talented and solid teams each led by head coaches who attended Eastern Illinois. The Saints secondary is battered by injuries, and that is not good news facing this Broncos offense that is ranked 2nd in passing. Denver is playing gutsy and on a roll.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Oh, this is good. This intra-state rivalry consists of two teams that are convincing from head to toe. QB Donovan McNabb is looking better than he has in three or four years and has this offense clicking. Ben Roethlisberger is nursing a sore shoulder so look for Pitt to rely on the run vs. the #1 ranked rush defense.
• Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - No matter who has the ball in this AFC South matchup, the defensive line should have the advantage due to both offensive lines banged up with questionable depth. This could make running the ball a bit difficult so that would lead to quick short passes. Advantage: Manning.
• Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - It appears that the Ravens have found their next leader in rookie QB Joe Flacco who should find success in leading this offense vs. this dilapidated Browns defense. Baltimore has had an unscheduled two-week break due to Ike and should be rested.
• Dallas Cowboys (2-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-0): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - There is no other place to be Sunday night except in front of your television as Dallas visits Lambeau Field where they are 0-5 in franchise history. QB Aaron Rodgers will be facing a fast and aggressive defense as he faces he first true test of his young career. Green Bay is looking good and has history on their side.
• NY Jets (1-1) at San Diego Chargers (0-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you are looking for a follow-up to last week's thriller, you might find it in southern California. Jets QB Brett Favre (that still doesn't look right) is 5-0 vs. San Diego and thrives on the national stage. The Chargers might be without LaDainian Tomlinson, but Darren Sproles is having a terrific year so far. Enjoy.

STANDINGS

Mark Schlereth: 11-4, 21-10

Chris Mortensen: 9-6, 20-11

Eddie Chinn: 11-4, 20-11

Ron Jaworski: 10-4, 20-9 -- *Jaworski calls MNF and does not predict that winner

Mike Golic: 11-4, 19-11 -- *Golic called the last MNF in Week 1

NFL 2008 Week 2 Picks

Shock and awe.

How else can you describe Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season?

Never in recent memory has the NFL landscape been so drastically altered this early in the season. There were teams that shot so far past or fell so far short of expectations that you wanted to take off their helmet to see who was really under there.

Some battles resulted in surprising ambushes while others were blitzkriegs that scattered enough carnage and debris to cover five city blocks.

No one expected Chicago mauling Indy in their new habitat. Atlanta's mashing of Detroit was eye-opening, but then again...it was Detroit. Buffalo's stampede over Seattle gave the rest of the AFC East notice of their arrival. The state of Pennsylvania enjoyed routs from each side of the state as Pitt and Philly crushed their opponents. And, how about Carolina's last-second TD to edge the Chargers? How thrilling!

Ironically, Brett Favre's new and old team enjoyed victories that were close only by score.

As expected considering the nature of this sport, several conflicts saw many soldiers suffer wounds in the heat of battle. Some of these men will not see the battlefield again this season including one field general from the New England region who suffered a blow to his leg that created a gasp across the whole country when he fell. Tom Brady's absence very well may alter the outcome of the division, but it will also reveal the resolve of this Patriots team and just how good Belichick can coach.

And, how encouraging and exciting was it to see some young privates answer the call of their superiors and fellow soldiers and display their prowess and punch? Atlanta's QB Matt Ryan's first NFL pass was a 62-yard TD as he led the hapless-Falcons to a blowout of Detroit. WR Eddie Royal of Denver hauled in 9 catches for 146 yards and a TD. Dallas' Felix Jones took his first NFL hand-off and blasted 11 yards for a TD in relief of a battered Marion Barber in the Cowboys' rout of Cleveland. Bears RB Matt Forte steam-rolled Indy for 23 carries and 123 yards including a 50-yard TD explosion.

What will this week's warfare bring? How ugly will it get for which platoons? Who will continue their momentum and wake up the league as to their arrival?

Week 2 is just over the ridge...

• Tennessee Titans (1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-1): CBS, 1pm EST - Despite reports that his mental health was fragile and his commitment to football was waning, Titans QB Vince Young insists that he's committed to football and still enjoying living out his dream. That dream is on hold after he sprained his knee last Sunday and will be out about four weeks. Kerry Collins will take over, and as insurance, the Titans ironically signed Chris Simms who succeeded Young at the University of Texas. The Titans running attack and stout defense will cause serious problems with the Bengals who allowed 229 rushing yards vs. Baltimore...without Willis McGahee.

• Oakland Raiders (0-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (0-1): CBS, 1pm EST - This old AFL rivalry features two AFC West foes which feature game-breaking running attacks and struggling defenses. The Raiders got pummeled last week by Denver while KC came close to upsetting New England following Brady's injury. KC suffered a loss themselves when QB Brodie Croyle suffered a separated shoulder and will be out 2-4 weeks. Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell must do a better job if defenses are going to respect him. Both offenses are ugly with the exception of their RB's, and both defenses are quite talented but are sputtering out of the gate.

• Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Minnesota Vikings (0-1): CBS, 1pm EST - When the NFL schedule was first released and Indy saw that they had two NFC North opponents to open the season, I'm guessing that they took it quite seriously. Considering the dynamics of opening on Sunday Night Football in their new stadium, I'm also guessing that they didn't foresee the Bears showing up like they did. Peyton Manning simply did not look good, and the defense could not handle rookie RB Matt Forte. Minnesota came up short vs. Green Bay and hopes that being at home facing a limping Colts team will elevate them to their first win. The Vikes have won their last five games vs. Indy at home.

• Buffalo Bills (1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1): CBS, 1pm EST - The expectations of both teams from outsiders reversed field last Sunday. Jacksonville was favored by many to be a serious candidate to possibly make it to the Super Bowl while Buffalo was viewed as a team on the rise that could make a push for the playoffs. Not so fast. Against Tennessee, the Jags didn't even look like a playoff team while Buffalo stomped the stuffing out of Seattle at home with their complex defensive schemes and flowing offense. Coach Jack Del Rio must get his players refocused and invigorated if they plan on thwarting the Bills on their home turf and avoid an embarassing 0-2 hole.

• Green Bay Packers (1-0) at Detroit Lions (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Well, it appears so far that all is well in Packerland without #4. QB Aaron Rodgers stepped to the plate Monday night and hit one out of the park with his solid performance against a good Vikings defense. Detroit, on the other hand, remained very consistent in the way it went on the road and totally fell apart by giving up 318 rushing yards alone and 478 yards total offense. Detroit coach Rod Marinelli said it best, "It happened, and it was bad." Something tells me that Rodgers won't have much of a fight for his encore.

• NY Giants (1-0) at St. Louis Rams (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - There were some dismal performances last Sunday, but I can't think of any that were as bad as the Rams' annihilation at the hands of the Eagles. I know Philly is a good team and packs a serious punch, but St. Louis played like they were still in pre-season playing their third and fourth-string guys. That kind of output is not going to cut it vs. the Super Bowl champions who looked like they hadn't missed a beat a week ago. Coach Scott Linehan may soon be scanning Craigslist for a job.

• New Orleans Saints (1-0) at Washington Redskins (0-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Last Thursday during the Redskins shoddy performance in NY, one of the TV cameras focused on Skins Executive VP of Football Operations Vinny Cerrato sitting in his luxury seat. He was leaning back in his seat, and had the look of someone who had just been informed that his bank account had a zero balance. His eyes were open as wide as softballs, his mouth was partially open just enough to get air in, and his stare could have have punctured steel. The Redskins played like they had just been handed the playbook a few hours prior to the game, and coach Jim Zorn always looked like he was trying to remember if he set his TiVo for My Name Is Earl while trying to focus on the game. Despite having ten days to prepare, New Orleans isn't exactly a recipe for a rebound based on what was observed last week although the loss of WR Marques Colston is huge.

• Chicago Bears (1-0) at Carolina Panthers (1-0): FOX, 1pm EST - If you find yourself in the mood for some football saturated with exciting running displays and provocative defenses, then this game is for you. The Bears shocked the league with their win last Sunday night vs. Indy, and they did it with a good ole fashioned smash mouth running game and a dominating defense. Carolina scored with two seconds lift in the game to beat a very good Chargers team in San Diego. They utilized a very effective running attack and vigorous defense to hold San Diego in check and pull out a win. Sit back and enjoy.

• San Francisco 49ers (0-1) at Seattle Seahawks (0-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - When I think of the Niners, they remind me of a '72 Ford Fiat with an oil leak, balding tires, and the side mirrors duct-taped to the vehicle. With the exception of RB Frank Gore, this team's talent level has engine lights blinking all over the dash. They travel to Seattle to face their division rivals who have beaten San Francisco eight of the last ten contests and have won 24 of their last 28 games at home. Expect a lot of backfire.

• Atlanta Falcons (1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - I stared at the TV like Vinny Cerrato last Sunday as I watched the Falcons offense, anchored by QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner, dismantle Detroit. But, you do have to consider the opponent and the fact that their defense is non-existent. The Falcons face a much better defense in Tampa, and their defense will be facing QB Brian Griese instead of Jeff Garcia. Bucs RB Warrick Dunn will be facing his former team so the motivation and drive will be there in full force. Atlanta's honeymoon will probably come to an end as reality hits.

• New England Patriots (1-0) at NY Jets (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - One of the highly-anticipated games after Brett Favre landed in Jet country was this showdown vs. the Patriots. Favre vs. Brady. Well, that will have to wait until 2009 after Brady tore both ligaments in his knee last week. Now, Favre will be facing Matt Cassel who was 10 when #4 played his first game with Green Bay.This Patriots defense are a few notches better than that Miami squad last week so Favre will have a challenge on his hands. The Jets defense can't afford to let their guard down vs. this Patriots offense which is still drenched with talent and speed. The crowd is going to be turbulent for this one.

• Miami Dolphins (0-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - There's not a whole lot to say about this one. The expectations were pretty low for Miami this season considering their massive building project that is underway and it showed last week vs. the Jets. The Dolphins arrive in the desert to face a Cardinals team that they've beaten the eight out of the last nine times they've played. But, that was then and this is now. The Cardinals wiped away the Niners last week and face a Miami team that is much better talent-wise, but their blanced offense and maturing defense shouldn't have any trouble giving this Cardinals team an 0-2 start.

• San Diego Chargers (0-1) at Denver Broncos (1-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - If you had told me last weekend that the Chargers were going to get beat by Carolina at home, I would have asked you to go get your head examined. The winning TD drive by Jake Delhomme and Co. was proof that this Chargers defense is going to miss LB Shawne Merriman who is out for the year with torn ligaments in his knee. This Broncos team showed the league last weekend that they are not going anywhere and can't be taken for granted after dismantling Oakland. RB LaDainian Tomlinson did not practice this week with a toe injury, and you can bet this crowd is going to be searing.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) at Cleveland Browns (0-1): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - These two squads put up completely different performances last Sunday. The Steelers played with passion and looked like a well-oiled machine as the mowed down Houston at home. Cleveland had the luxury of welcoming Dallas to the Dawg Pound only to get ravaged beyond recognition. To follow up this disheartening loss with a showdown against their bitter division rival will show exactly what this Browns team is made up of. The Steelers have won nine straight games.

• Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-0): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Many classic battles between these two NFC East power houses have happened on Monday night, and I don't see how this one will be any different. Dallas lived up to it's pre-season hype of being a Super Bowl contender by going into Cleveland and embarrassing the Browns. Philly unleashed its fury and wrath on the hapless Rams. Both teams have offenses that move down the field very quick, and their defenses are intimidating and highly aggressive. The key to this game is simply to contain RB Brian Westbrook while Philly must avoid turnovers. Get out your catheter. You aren't going anywhere.

• Baltimore Ravens (1-0) at Houston Texans (0-1): CBS, 8:30pm EST, MNF - When a hurricane strikes, it has a habit to throw a wrench (literally and figuratively) in plans and schedules. This game was previously scheduled to air on CBS in the 4:15pm time slot EST, but is now going to air on Monday night at the same time as the Dallas-Philly game. It will now be televised on local CBS stations in the primary and secondary markets of the Texans and Ravens. Baltimore looked good vs. Cincy last week, and I believe the Ravens have found a QB in Joe Flacco. Houston was demolished by the Steel Curtain last Sunday, but I expect the Texans will pull themselves back together just fine in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and will feed off their fans -- that is -- whoever is able to show up.

TEAMS IN BOLD ARE THE PICKS.


Four of the sports personalities that I compared my picks record with were on Inside The NFL on HBO. That show is now on Showtime with different faces, but they haven’t started posting their picks. I have not been able to find any sites besides ESPN that posts their picks as well.


STANDINGS
Chris Mortensen (NFL behind-the-scenes guru): 11-5
Ron Jaworski (former Eagles QB; MNF color guy): 10-6
Mark Schlereth (former Skins and Broncos OL): 10-6
Eddie Chinn: 9-7
Mike Golic (former Eagles and Dolphins DT): 8-6

NFL 2008 Week 1 Picks

It's been 214 days since the gun sounded ending Super Bowl XLII. Over these last thirty weeks, teams have been plotting and shifting their strategies for the upcoming season through the draft, trades, free agency, and getting healthy athletes back. Contracts were finalized and signed, and some players even got reinstated from The Commish.

This season should not fall short of being thoroughly entertaining and historical including the ushering in of new eras while saying good-bye to old ones.

New regimes are beginning in Atlanta, Washington, Miami, and Baltimore.

Mike Holmgren will be leaving the city of Seattle where he transformed the Seahawks into a winner during his 10 year tenure. Ex-Falcons head coach Jim More Jr. will succeed him in 2009. Indianapolis head coach Tony Dungy will also be coaching his last season with the Colts with assistant coach Jim Caldwell waiting in the wings and the team ushering in their new home, Lucas Oil Field.

It's hard to believe, but this is the last year that the Dallas Cowboys will play their home games in Texas Stadium. This rustic antique has housed some of the greatest moments in team and NFL history, but it will soon be an empty and eerie shell. Next year, Dallas will play in their breathtaking coliseum that could seat the whole city of Roanoke, Virginia.

What about those coaches who may not realize that this is their last season? Heading into Week 1, hot seats will already be warm for St. Louis' Scott Linehan, San Francisco's Mike Nolan, Tampa Bay's Jon Gruden, Oakland's Lane Kiffin, and the Bengals' Marvin Lewis. A non-winning season and/or a missed playoff berth just might cause these coaches to seek employment...maybe sooner than later.

Also this season, all eyes will be on the Patriots to see if they can go undefeated again while many wonder if the Giants can repeat or at least go deep in the playoffs to prove that last season wasn't a hoax.

Who will be the Cinderella team of 2008? Which rookie will catch everyone's eye and play like he's a veteran? Which team(s) will think they are operating on a solid foundation only to realize that they're on a thin sheet of ice as the losses just keep piling up?

No one knows the answers, but the journey to find them out begins September 4th.

• Washington Redskins at NY Giants: NBC, 7pm EST, Thursday Night - The NFL scheduling committee didn't show Jim Zorn much hospitality by bringing him to New York for his first game as an NFL head coach and facing the world champions. His offense will face a Giants defense that is banged up, but still aggressive and smothering. EDDIE'S PICK - NY GIANTS
• Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons: FOX, 1pm EST - When you first glance at this vomit-inducing contest, Detroit would be the default choice given Atlanta's recent history of being a disabled franchise. But, I chalk this one up to the 12th man. The crowd should be out in full force with the throttle all the way forward as new coach Mike Smith and QB Matt Ryan look to start the year on the right foot. EDDIE'S PICK - ATLANTA
• Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills: FOX, 1pm EST - Airline miles are going to pile up for these Seahawks players as they will be traveling east eight times this year, and it starts with a visit to Buffalo to face a Bills team that appears to have finally found their future general in Trent Edwards. This battle has the elements to be very entertaining to watch. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints: FOX, 1pm EST - Or, will it be in Tampa? Reports are surfacing that this opener will be in Tampa due to Hurricane Gustav, and that the next game between these two divisional foes will be in New Orleans. Either way, the Saints are more talented than the Bucs going into 2008, and I don't think it will matter where they play. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• St. Louis Rams at Philadelphia Eagles: FOX, 1pm EST - There's a renewed sense of expectancy in Philly as McNabb and Westbrook appear to be quite healthy. Only the Super Bowl will satisfy and the first challenge to get there are the Rams who have a happy RB in Steven Jackson to go along with an aging offense, and a defense that is still quite suspect. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Carolina Panthers at San Diego Chargers: FOX, 4:15pm EST - When the Panthers' top weapon, WR Steve Smith, clocked his team mate, that pretty much sealed the outcome of this game. Smith was suspended by the team for the first two games which means defenses can now stack the box and contain Carolina's running game. The Chargers should roll at home. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers: FOX, 4:15pm EST - What can you say? San Francisco is like that collection of guys in the old black-and-white film clips that keep trying to fly by jumping off of roofs and running down mountain sides with wings of tin foil. They keep trying different materials and approaches, but nothing is working. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns: FOX, 4:15pm EST - Yes, Dallas has problems at wide receiver as well, but Terrell Owens is still on the playing field. The rest of the Dallas offense including Tony Romo, Jason Witten, and their two-back assault will be facing a Cleveland defense that has weaknesses at cornerback and pass rushers. Not a good combo. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: CBS, 1pm EST - If you enjoy games that maintain high levels of physicality, then this battle is for you. Both defenses enjoy brain-altering hits that leave you disillusioned, and both offenses are grounded by the running game. Last year, Tennessee opened the year with a win in Jacksonville. Let's see if the Jaguars can return the favor. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• NY Jets at Miami Dolphins: CBS, 1pm EST - There's a unique level of expectancy and excitement when Bill Parcells moves into your neighborhood. This Dolphins team now has a brand new identity and level of discipline that should put a much better product on the field. They open the year welcoming their division rivals who have a new QB in Brett Favre while their old field general, Chad Pennington, leads the Miami charge. EDDIE'S PICK - MIAMI
• Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots: CBS, 1pm EST - Everyone in New England can breathe a sigh of relief. Tom Brady is going to start this home opener vs. a Chiefs team that ranked in the top five in nine different defensive categories last season. It's been eighteen years since the Chiefs won in New England. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers: CBS, 1pm EST - When you look at the talent level of each team, you don't need much time to realize that this is like picking up a grizzly cub with the mom 10 feet away. Ironically, when the Texans were an expansion team in 2002, they beat Pitt in Heinz Field 24-6. This game will be much different. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens: CBS, 1pm EST - This pre-season has been bizarre for rookie Joe Flacco who started out on the bench as the #3 QB. One shoulder injury and stomach flu later, Flacco was thrust into the #1 role and hasn't let go. He faces a Cincy team that is porous on defense, but will go to the air often against this Ravens secondary that gave up 27 TD's last season. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts: NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - I think we all remember what happened the last time these two teams met. The Colts begin their quest for another world championship in their brand new home, Lucas Oil Field, as Tony Dungy's farewell tour begins as well. It will be very hard to puncture through this atmosphere. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: ESPN, 7pm EST, MNF - Remember back in the day when this match-up would make your blood simmer? The Aaron Rodgers era begins in Lambeau vs. a Vikings team that very well be primed to make a Super Bowl run. This game was to feature a half-time presentation retiring Favre's #4. Yeah, that's not happening. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: ESPN, 10:15pm EST, MNF - Yes, you're reading that right -- a second MNF game that will end on Tuesday. The Raiders hope they have a rejuvenated and healthy JaMarcus Russell to quarterback this team whose offense has the firepower to rack up some long-awaited points. They face the much-hated Broncos who are 8-2 vs. the Raiders since 2003. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER

I will post the STANDINGS next week.

NFL 2008 Season Preview

AN EXCELLENT SEASON

I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business.

- Michael J. Fox

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins became the first team to win all 14 regular-season games, both playoff games, and then Super Bowl VII to go 17-0. To date, that was the best season any team had played. It was pure excellence, but not perfection.

In 2007, the New England Patriots put on a show for the ages after going 16-0 in the regular season. Then, they breezed through the playoffs beating Jacksonville and San Diego. But in Super Bowl XLII, the Pats were humbled by the New York “Cinderella” Giants. New England’s season was fantastic and made history, but they fell short of the standard set by Miami despite winning two more regular-season games.

What made New England's undefeated regular season so special was that they did it in a time of free agency, injuries, and celebrity culture. Accomplishing such a feat was like a 12-year-old kid with asthma reaching the top of Mt. Everest. But, even when it's attained, it's rarely ever going to be perfect.

Vince Lombardi once said, "Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence."

What are we to expect in 2008? Where will excellence find a home this year? Will anyone even sniff the aroma that seeps out of that realm created by Miami and New England? Will we see another undefeated regular season?

Welcome to the 2008 NFL season.

AFC EAST

• NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: When a man of Bill Belichick's demeanor and proficiency is your head coach, expectations are at a paramount level. If his QB is Tom Brady who leads an offense that gives opposing coaches sleepless nights, then success is right around the corner. But, this criteria doesn’t guarantee them reaching their mission if they have a suspect defense especially in the secondary. That proved to be their pitfall six months ago in Super Bowl XLII. Through the draft and free-agency, New England hopes that it has addressed that fault while shoring up their linebacker corps as well. There is also a mystery surrounding General Brady's foot injury during this pre-season. Belichick has always been misleading about injuries, but this is something worth watching as the regular season approaches although I fully expect Brady to be out there Week 1. Barring a nuclear holocaust, expect to see the Pats in late January.

• BUFFALO BILLS: The last time Buffalo was in the playoffs many of this year's players were teenagers hanging out in arcades. Despite a slew of injuries last year, these youngsters underachieved especially on offense with QB Trent Edwards at the helm. Their defense also seemed to gel while RB Marshawn Lynch, who pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run incident during the off-season, proved that he's the real deal. Buffalo also drafted well by getting the best CB in the draft, Leodis McKelvin, and a great red-zone target in 6-foot-6 WR James Hardy. This city is hungry for a return to the glory years of the Jim Kelly era, and Edwards can take them there. This team is stocked with talent on both side of the ball, and they must get the most of each one of them plus stay healthy all year. If these two dynamics can happen, there's no reason to believe that the Bills couldn't be a dark horse playoff candidate.

• NY JETS: Expectations for this season mushroomed on August 6, 2008 when Jet Favre landed in the Big Apple. Not since the days of Broadway Joe has a QB of this stature worn the green and white. The soap opera in Green Bay is now over, and the Jets now have a new leader. Brett Favre will operate behind a revamped offensive line and target a nice group of receivers, but it won't be what he had in Green Bay. Despite a shaky state-of-affairs on defense, the key to this team is now how soon Favre can grasp the offense and how well he can get in shape. If the pre-season has been any indication, Favre will not have a problem running this Jets offense, but can he continue his impeccable history of avoiding injuries? New York also has a history of being inhospitable to athletes, like Randy Johnson and Isiah Thomas, who didn't meet their standards and were eventually run out of town. If Jet fans don't see W's soon, Broadway Brett may wonder why he wasn’t home hunting boar.

• MIAMI DOLPHINS: Wayne Huzienga may be the owner, but this is clearly Bill Parcells' team. When he took over late last season, you could see the thunder clouds forming on the horizon. Big Bill wears discipline and grit like a birth mark, and what has transpired this off-season is an overhaul with that type of blue-collar mentality dripping all over it. Along with ex-Cowboys Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland, who were hired as head coach and GM respectively, Parcells has conducted intense personnel moves via free agency (once again, thank you, Dallas), the draft, and trades. Thanks to the Favre adventure, Miami was also able to fill a critical need by signing Parcells' former #1 draft pick in Chad Pennington to be their QB this season. Losing Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor to the NFC East is probably going to leave a void on defense which won't be filled right away with that same level of skill and talent. This is going to be a fun team to watch if you like watching a new born calf trying to run.

AFC NORTH

• PITTSBURGH STEELERS: If you thought the two losses to Jacksonville at home towards the end of 2007 was brutal, then you haven't seen the Steelers 2008 schedule. Besides their divisional foes, Pitt faces the likes of Indy, NE, San Diego, the NFC East, and the Jags. In order to master these teams, the Steelers are going to need to win the battle in the trenches and that won't be easy with an offensive line that lost Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca and is now left with a group of mammoths who move like they have cement blocks for shoes. That's not to say though that this Pitt offense isn't going to continue to scare some defensive coordinators, especially after drafting RB Rashard Mendenhall and WR Limas Sweed. Defensively, this unit faltered late last season and then took some costly hits via free agency, but didn't do anything to plug the holes. Despite these weak welding spots, coach Mike Tomlin does have a solid structure and a weak division to be thankful for.

• CLEVELAND BROWNS: Cleveland fans have been through hell and back over the last few decades, but last season, they saw a light in the midst of darkness. Their offense burst forth like a hyena that had been caged for years thanks to the Cinderella season by QB Derek Anderson and the break-out performances by RB Jamal Lewis, WR Braylon Edwards, and TE Kellen Winslow. Anderson appears to be the front-runner to lead this offense again this year despite hometown favorite Brady Quinn waiting in the wings, so he must prove that he wasn't a one-year wonder if he wants to stay on the perch. The defense also matured, and Cleveland posted a 10-6 record and barely missed the playoffs. They proceeded to have a good draft, and Coach Crennel signed a two-year extension. If they can stay healthy and focused, this team has a great chance to stop the presses two years in a row.

• BALTIMORE RAVENS: A new era has arrived in Raven Land as languid head coach Brian Billick was drop-kicked in favor of the spirited John Harbaugh who served as the Eagles' special teams and defensive backs coach for the last nine years. Go figure. Then, Steve "Evel Knievel" McNair finally listened to his body and hung up his cleats leaving the QB position open for grabs. Troy Smith and rookie QB Joe Flacco are the front runners to win the starting job with Kyle Boller hurt right now. The task won’t be fun behind a line that lost left tackle icon Jonathan Ogden to retirement. The Ravens running attack is anchored by Willis McGahee, but he must stay healthy which is not likely considering his past and the depth behind him is shallow. Throw in a defense that is either aging or green, and you have a team which is in transition looking for its identity.

• CINCINNATI BENGALS: The circus has arrived in Cincinnati, and its ring leader is the Bengals brass. WR Chris Henry was arrested on assault charges and then cut from the team by coach Marvin Lewis (along with LB Odell Thurman who frequented the police blotter as well) and then suspended by Sheriff Goodell for four games. The charges were dropped so Cincy re-signed Henry (at the urging of owner Mike Brown) to help bolster their injury-ravaged receiving corps. This includes the cancerous Chad Johnson who demanding to be traded in the off-season and then publicly trash-talked Lewis when he refused. He now has a torn labrum in his shoulder -- but is refusing to have surgery. On draft day, Cincy allowed the Saints to leap frog in front of them and pick USC DT Sedrick Ellis who they coveted for a long time. Instead, they picked DT Jason Shirley...who was in and out of trouble his senior year due to legal issues. Cincy also has serious issues at RB as Rudi Johnson has lost his luster and is now on the trading block leaving them with the often-injured Chris Perry and Kenny Watson. Also, the Bengals underachieving defense has miles to go before they will allow Lewis and the coaching staff to sleep. It's going to be a long year.

AFC SOUTH

• INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Stability, honor, and excellence are not alien influences when you have a coach like Tony Dungy. His faith and respect in his players and the game are brought to life on and off the field. Controversy and distractions are about as common as seeing Britney Spears at a M.A.D.D. convention. As Dungy enters his final year as the Colts' head coach along with the beginning of a new era in Lucas Oil Stadium, you can expect this Indy squad to pay homage to their leader by putting a product on the field that will keep you riveted...as usual. Both sides of the ball are stocked once again with talent with twenty of last year's twenty-two starters returning. The only area of concern right now is the health of QB Peyton Manning who has missed all of training camp after having surgery to remove an infected bursa sac in his left knee on July 14th. While he has nothing to prove in his final year along the Colts sidelines, wouldn't it be fitting for Tony Dungy to coach his final game on February 1, 2009 in Tampa Bay?

• JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: It's hard to stay focused on the hike and your destination when you get a rock in your shoe. It's small and moves around, but you know its there and it becomes annoying and just a bit painful. It's hard to describe the renewed sense of comfort and purpose you feel when you're finally able to remove it. For Jacksonville, Byron Leftwich was that pebble and is now in Pittsburgh. This team is now David Garrard's, and he has a sterling cast with the likes of a punishing and explosive running game and a receiving corps that will finally be intimidating to opposing secondaries. This Jaguars defense was already stout, but after a defense-laden draft, look for this unit to be stellar. The elements are there. If everyone plays to their potential, and Jack Del Rio can keep this team focused and passionate, there's no reason to keep this team's name out of the drawing to be hoisting the Lombardi.

• TENNESSEE TITANS: There's no doubt that there's restlessness in Music City. Fans of the Titans (and former Oilers) were spoiled for many years as they rode the legs and arm of an iron-kettle QB in Steve McNair. Those days are over as McNair has moved off into the sunset, and Vince Young has taken the reins. While the Titans did make the playoffs last year, it wasn't due to the rocket arm and coolness of VY. He struggled last year throwing almost twice as many INT's as he did TD's. The running game was weak, and he had a hard time finding receivers especially in the pocket. Tennessee's success was the direct result of their defense which should be just as dominant this year if not more. This is a unit that offensive coordinators do not want to mess with, and it must be complemented by an improved offense. Trust me, Young can run like the wind and looks like a young Michael Vick, but he must master his pocket presence for this team to be a threat this year. It is vital that he erase those sophomore blues and prove to the city of Nashville that he's serious about winning.

• HOUSTON TEXANS: Things aren't going well in Houston. They had their best season as a team last year going 8-8, but the forecast is dismal for this squad which didn't do much in the off-season. Having ranked near the bottom in pass and total defense, one would think that they would be pretty focused and active in free agency and conduct a smart draft. Neither happened. On offense, it's all about injuries. QB Matt Schaub, RB Ahman Green, and talented receivers anchored by Andre Johnson must stay away from the operating table and rehab. If this can miraculously occur, then Houston has an outside chance of winning nine games which still won't be enough to make the playoffs. Defensively, the Texans have two people who can scramble your radar, but all you have to do is design a play that stays away from them and you're fine. Needless to say, Houston has a problem as it can't seem to gain much traction since its inaugural 2002 season.

AFC WEST

• SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: When Norv Turner was hired before last season, many wondered if it was the right hire. Four weeks into the season, San Diego was 1-3 and had scored 68 points while giving up 102. I'm sure Turner went home a couple of nights wondering if he should have rented. The Bolts then went on a 10-2 run and found themselves in the AFC Championship Game where they lost to New England. As the Chargers head into 2008, the players now know Turner's system, and the coach knows his players. One of the great things about Turner is that his game-calling is unpredictable, and he has 20 of 22 starters returning this year who are more mature and prepared for playing in this environment. QB Philip Rivers and L.T. appear 100% healthy, and the receiving corps should be able to spread out the defenses and keep them from stacking the box vs. Tomlinson. All these elements should lead to Turner opening up his offense more than last year. Combined with this stifling defense, look for the Chargers to be serious contenders in January.

• DENVER BRONCOS: This past off-season for Denver was an avalanche. Everyone's fear became reality when K Jason Elam left Mile High country after fifteen years and signed with Atlanta. GM Ted Sundquist was fired, and QB Jay Cutler was diagnosed with diabetes. WR Rod Smith said good-bye. WR Brandon Marshall suffered a bizarre injury to his hand, and was suspended for the first three games of this season for violating the league's personal conduct policy. RB Travis Henry was cut after testing positive for marijuana twice and losing the team's trust. They went on to also lose seven more player to free agency while welcoming twelve new faces not including a very strong draft class including OL Ryan Clady and WR Eddie Royal. This team has a lot of new faces and some uncertain dynamics swirling around the locker room entering the regular season, but as long as Mike Shanahan is in control, you can't completely rule them out of being a playoff contender.

• OAKLAND RAIDERS: Inspiration has been, at times, a catalyst for athletes and teams all throughout sports history. The jury is out on how the death of Gene Upshaw will affect the performance of Al Davis' Raiders this season. Upshaw was an oak in the Raiders family, and his void, while not as monstrous as it is at home, will be felt throughout the league. As far as the product on the field, this Oakland team is not void of immense talent, but the lack of maturity and confidence could be the Achilles' Heel for this team once again as it looks to improve it's 4-12 record last year. They have one of the deepest RB units in the league with the emergence of Justin Fargas into the #1 slot backed up by LaMont Jordan and rookie sensation Darren McFadden. QB JaMarcus Russell is still a bit green after only playing in a few games last season, but he's had a very good training camp and looks comfortable. Rebuilding is a word that Davis despises, but that is what this team is going through, and they seem to have the right pieces in place to be a threat in a couple of years.

• KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Entering this off-season, KC was at the pinnacle of creating significant progress considering the ample amount of cap space to sign free agents. But, a quick turnaround was apparently never the plan as they chose to sacrifice the hopes of 2008 by concentrating on the draft and using what they already had. They even traded their best player, Jared Allen, to Minnesota for a vat of draft picks which were used to grab three outstanding athletes in DT Glenn Dorsey, G Branden Albert, and CB Brandon Flowers who should provide instant help on defense and the offensive line. RB Larry Johnson should be nice and rested after spending most of last season healing from a broken foot and having his contract issues settled. The rest of the offense is just horrible. QB Bradie Croyle is very inconsistent and unreliable, the receiving pool is quite shallow besides Tony Gonzalez, and the line is a patchwork quilt. The defense will take a step back with Allen gone. Coach Herm Edwards' conservative approach to football should benefit with this team.

NFC EAST

• DALLAS COWBOYS: Love him or hate him, you can't argue one point about Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones. He loves to win. His passion for victory and success on the football field is the fiery force that propels this man each and every season. He doesn't care what anyone thinks of his maverick style or bizarre strategies if he believes that they will allow him and his team to be on the threshold of a world championship. So, you can imagine how despondent last season's playoff loss left him. It happened to the eventual Super Bowl champs, and was the 11th straight season without a playoff win. What transpired was the assembly of a more aggressive coaching staff, a trade for CB Pacman Jones, and a masterful draft including RB Felix Jones who will an excellent counterpart to Marion Barber. The rest of the offense is spectacular anchored by Tony Romo and T.O. while the defense is built on speed and thirst to break jaws. Both sides also have fantastic depth while their only crux appears to be special teams coverage. If Big D can stay healthy, there's no reason to doubt that Jerry might need to make room and dust a space in the team's trophy case.

• NY GIANTS: You can't stop or cheat destiny. The G-men learned that last year as they stayed the course and literally took it one game at at time. Coach Tom Coughlin kept his guys focused as they stuck to the same strategy each game by blitzing the QB, wearing down the defense with the running game, and protecting Eli Manning. The result was a world championship as New York capped off one of the most incredible seasons by the team and the NFL by defeating the undefeated Patriots. When the ball stuck to WR David Tyree's helmet like Velcro in mid air, you knew that it was simply their year. Heading into 2008, the Giants still have the firepower to shake the earth this year especially considering their weak schedule as they face only four playoff teams from 2007. A couple of familiar faces will be absent this year as DE Michael Strahan retired and TE Jeremy Shockey was traded to the Saints. The Big Blue still has their pulverizing defensive line, but they'll be without DE Osi Umenyiora all season after he tore his knee last week vs. the Jets. Despite this critical loss, the Giants should still be in the mix if they can avoid further misfortunes and keep attitudes in check.

• PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Football in Philly is more than just a game. It has the magnetism to trigger the state of the city's economy, rush-hour traffic on Monday, and the suicide rate. Eagles fans will be pacing the floor and taking their heart medication as they enter this season considering that QB Donovan McNabb will be playing for his Philly career. For the last four years, injuries have kept him from playing more than 14 games in a season, and when he has played the results have been below average. He enters this year healthy and full of vigor as he focuses on his first legitimate championship run since 2004 with really only one lethal target in RB Brian Westbrook. His receiving corps are consistently average, but keep an eye on rookie DeSean Jackson who could become the deep threat that this team has been lacking for years. On defense, coach Jim Johnson will continue his technique of applying pressure and creating turnovers which could get a large boost with the signing of CB Asante Samuel from the Pats. The key for this year is simply McNabb who must return to form if he wants to remain the golden child in the eyes of the Brotherly Love denizen.

• WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Something has happened to Daniel Snyder. His mannerisms over the last few years do not reflect the same impulsive owner who purchased the team in 1999. Maturity has brought more tolerance and meekness, but he's still a bit fickle. Upon Joe Gibbs' retirement in January, Snyder settled on Jim Zorn who has no head coaching experience and has never even called plays. He also put a harness on his Monopoly money-spending ways and only inked one free agent. This bizarre strategy will eventually show whether someone has been spiking his iced tea, or whether he's been to The Mountain and returned with stone tablets on how to lead the Skins back to the promised land. On paper, the elements are there. QB Jason Campbell and this offense appear to be the right weapons for Zorn's West Coast offense which has never been seen in Washington. The switch to Greg Blanche as defensive coordinator should keep this defense honest and aggressive especially with the acquisition of DE Jason Taylor. Time will tell if Snyder is on the right path, but the first year under Zorn could get pretty rough.

NFC NORTH

• MINNESOTA VIKINGS: On the flip side of the patience scale, you have Vikes owner Zygi Wilf who bought the team in 2005 and has watched this franchise flounder each of the last three seasons and miss the playoffs. After landing his prized possession in RB Adrian Peterson last year, Mr. Wilf decided to unlock all the safes and go on a shopping spree this off-season to make Minnesota a legitimate Super Bowl contender. What's transpired is a hungry platoon with a new identity after bringing in a cavalcade of fresh talent that vastly improved their nagging weaknesses on both sides of the ball. This included a trade for DE Jared Allen from KC who will greatly enhance the Vikings pass defense. QB Tarvaris Jackson has been under scrutiny since he took over two years ago, and he now has a chance to prove the naysayers wrong by better decision-making, avoiding turnovers, and staying healthy. Having more dangerous targets including the explosive A.P. won't hurt either. With Favre leaving the division, this also makes for a great opportunity to knock Green Bay off its perch from last year.

• GREEN BAY PACKERS: For the first time in sixteen years, Packers fans won't see #4 under center in Lambeau with a "G" on his helmet. Brett Favre and his legacy are woven into this city like high school football in west Texas, but the Packers brass decided it was time to start the Aaron Rodgers era even after Favre exercised his American right to come out of retirement. This team missed the Super Bowl by a minute last season, most of the starters are coming back, and the city's most beloved legend wanted to come back and give it another shot. But, GM Ted Thompson emphatically said no, and now his job hangs in the balance as Rodgers attempts to fill an icon's shoes and continue Green Bay's addiction to winning which began in Week 14 of 2006. Since then, the Packers have gone 19-4 including playoffs. Despite old age tickling the secondary, the Packers defense is young and prevalent and will have its work cut out for them the first three weeks of the season as they tackle Minnesota, Detroit, and Dallas. On offense, it will be interesting to see how the dynamics change with Rodgers leading the troops as he tries to escape the shadow of #4.

• DETROIT LIONS: Why do polar bears eat their young? What's behind the logic of making so many prices end in .99? How is Steven Seagal still being cast in movies? Why is Matt Millen still in Detroit? There are many mysteries that mankind will never answer, but the most baffling one in the NFL refers to the CEO and GM of the Lions. Since his arrival in 2001, Detroit is 31-81 including 8-48 on the road. He has also conducted horrendous drafts and ignited numerous protests around the city. And, he's the second highest paid GM in the league. Millen is also a huge defense guy along with coach Rod Marinelli, yet the Lions defense has been suspect at best for a long time now. QB Jon Kitna is an above-average QB with excellent targets at WR but no running attack, and both sides of the line need life support. While this has been the state of affairs for many years now, owner William Clay Ford seems infatuated with Millen which means that the chances of Detroit winning a Super Bowl during his tenure are about the same as meeting an Amish hacker.

• CHICAGO BEARS: Since their loss to Indy in Super Bowl XLI, Chicago has struggled and fought in every facet of the game except special teams which has been dominated by Devin Hester. Defensively, they are top-notch group, but their depth is shallow and the injury bug has been having a party especially in the secondary. On offense, where do you start? Kyle Orton is their starting QB over Super Bowl starter Rex Grossman. How bad do you have to be with this lackluster offense to be beaten out by Orton who scare no one. Their receivers are about a double bogey while the running back situation keeps falling in the lake. The Bears drafted Matt Forte, and then he won the starting job when Cedric Benson was cut so having an unproven back in this league can be tough especially if your offensive line is already in heavy transition. It doesn't get easy for the Windy City as their offense will be put to the test right away their first four games against Indy, Carolina, Tampa, and Philadelphia. I feel bad for coach Lovie Smith, but if stability and consistency can't find a home in Soldier Field, then the spiral will continue.

NFC SOUTH

• NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Every NFL season typically has a Cinderella team that grabs low expectations, chews them up, and then spits them out at the feet of the media and naysayers. While last season belonged to the NY Giants, 2006 was the year of the Saints who defied odds on the heels of tragedy and stunned the world by making it to the NFC Championship game and losing to Chicago. The tidal wave of that emotional high came to a crashing halt last season after RB Deuce McAllister tore his ACL for the second time in the last three years. This gave the load to the versatile Reggie Bush who struggled mightily and led to a partially torn knee ligament keeping him out the last four games last season. McAllister is looking strong in training camp which should free up Bush and give QB Drew Brees the target he's needed to go along with his potent receivers. The defense also crumbled as the pass defense allowed 30 points or more six times. Coach Sean Payton and Co. focused on the defense this off-season and brought in a slew of talent via free agency and the draft to strengthen this unit. Barring significant injuries, look for the Saints to prove that last season was simply a fluke.

• CAROLINA PANTHERS: Disappointment doesn't even come to close to describing how coach John Fox and Co. felt after last season's 7-9 record. If the first two weeks were any indication, Carolina looked poised to make some noise especially with the way QB Jake Delhomme had played. Then, it all stopped when J.D. hurt his elbow and three QB's carried the team the rest of the season. The offense lacked no punch ranking 29th in total yards, and the defense was average. For the first time in Fox's tenure, the Panthers failed to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. After a very busy off-season, this team will basically have a new look all the way around. Delhomme is back and looks excellent. WR Steve Smith will miss the first two regular season games for punching a team mate, but he will benefit greatly with the return of Delhomme and having a lethal running assault in DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. The defense got a total makeover and became younger so look for a fast and aggressive group anchored by Julius Peppers. This season should be a nice turn around year for Carolina -- if Delhomme can stay healthy.

• TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Could this be the end? Is the Jon Gruden era drawing to a close? During Chucky's tenure, the Buccaneers have never experienced two straight winning seasons. After going 9-7 last season, history would say that Tampa fans are in for disheartening year. Their offense is led by QB Jeff Garcia who is getting up there in age and injuries, but is playing behind an improved offensive line. RB Warrick Dunn is back in the pewter and red and will lead a decent running corps to go along with a receiving unit that is old and ineffective. Defensively, the front line is getting better while the secondary is not in real good shape depth-wise. The linebackers are solid as granite but as humble as pie. You won't hear from these players in the spotlight, but you'll hear them pretty good if you have the ball. This squad has a lot of talented athletes on both sides of the ball, but every year there seems to be something that holds back their potential. It is going to be Gruden's job this season to keep this team on fire and motivated if he wants to have another winning season... and a job.

• ATLANTA FALCONS: Last season, the Atlanta Falcons were 4-12. If they match that record this year, new coach Mike Smith could win Coach of the Year. While Michael Vick was making license plates this off-season, Atlanta owner Arthur Blank stripped and gutted the Falcons and gave them a new identity. He hired Thomas Dimitroff from the Patriots to be his GM and then jettisoned many veterans including Pro Bowlers along with conducting a very good draft to add to the foundation. Smith comes over from Jacksonville with a strong conviction that running the ball down an opponent's throat is the only way to go. Ex-Charger backup Michael Turner along with third-year RB Jerious Norwood will lead the charge, and they should see plenty of carries due to the pitiful offensive line. This can't be good news for rookie starting QB Matt Ryan who appears to have the savvy and tools to take this team far. The defense is also going to need time under a new defensive coordinator to become cohesive and find their chemistry. Look for wins to become about as easy as beating Michael Phelps in a breast stroke race.

NFC WEST

• SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: In Seattle's first 23 years as a franchise, they won one division title, three playoff games, and posted a winning record eight times. Then, they hired Mike Holmgren ten years ago. Since then, the Hawks have five division titles, four post-season victories, seven winning records, and a Super Bowl appearance. This team owes a lot of gratitude to Holmgren who is coaching his last season so their challenge now becomes how to put together a season that sends their coach out in style. QB Matt Hasselbeck returns and now has a new RB in Julius Jones on the heels of the Shaun Alexander era coming to an end. The offensive line has struggled with establishing continuity but that should change under a new coach. While the receiving corps is very subject to injuries and has shallow depth, Hasselbeck has always found a way to put up points and keep them in the game. Seattle's defense is excellent and will be the difference in a division where points are plentiful and smothering defenses are scarce. Secondary coach Jim Mora Jr. has already been named Holmgren's successor for 2009, but Seattle wants to add to Holmgren's legacy.

• ARIZONA CARDINALS: After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2005 and then being the #1 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the road ahead looked refreshing, vibrant, and full of success for Matt Leinart. It now looks like all of that may be a mirage for the young QB in this desert city. In the last two years, Leinart has put up feeble numbers while fighting injuries including last year's fractured collarbone. It was so bad that he was photographed at a party guzzling out of a beer bong and in a hot tub (not the rehab kind) with several young women who could have taken their swimsuits and collectively sewn one sock. He has done many TV ads, movie cameos, and talk shows while being a lukewarm QB for Arizona. His parents must be proud, but coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't as he has named Kurt Warner the starting QB heading into this season. Warner shined in the last eleven games of 2007 and his leadership is what this team needs right now anyway. Warner will continue to have the most dangerous receiving duo in the league plus RB Edgerrin James behind him along with a revamped offensive line. Add an exciting young defense, and Leinart will have plenty of time to think what he wants to do with his life.

• ST. LOUIS RAMS: I was in St. Louis on business after Week 6 when the Rams dropped to 0-6 and looked like a high school team. RB Steven Jackson and the offensive line were battling injuries, the defense was getting shredded every game, and coach Scott Linehan was making decision that made one wonder why he chose this as a career field. It was bad. The city's mood was dark and gloomy, traffic moved like they were driving in syrup, and fans were starting to cut holes in paper bags for their eyes. Entering 2008 carries a sense of hope and anticipation for every club, but not near to the degree as it will in Ram Country where the fans pray that last season was just a fluke. Jackson and the O-line are healthy, QB Marc Bulger and his squad have a new offensive coordinator in Al Saunders who is exceptional, and the defense is going still be a bit shaky but rookie DE Chris Long adds a nice dynamic to a line that ranked 21st in total and pass defense. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, if injuries can be avoided and the coach can prove that last season was just the sophomore blues, then there is enough talent on this team to be increasingly better than 2007.

• SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Besides the Golden State Warriors being a sound basketball team, it is not a pleasant experience these days being a San Francisco fan considering how bad things are with the lowly Giants baseball team and the Niners quagmire. Last season, they were 5-11 but looked much worse as their offense scraped the barrel in every category and the defense looked horrible at best. Heading into 2008, things look worse. They had a really sad QB battle going on between J.T. O'Sullivan and the very disappointing Alex Smith who is entering his fourth NFL season and still looking like a rookie. O'Sullivan has won the job and will have his old offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, who coached him in Detroit last season. The Niners running attack of Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster will be very good and probably get overworked considering the QB void and the tepid receiving corps. On defense, this unit should become more cohesive and aggressive as they benefit from a nice influx of youth and athleticism. Barring a miracle in the same context as Roger Clemens pitching again, coach Mike Nolan will probably not be around after his fourth straight losing season.

PLAYOFF TEAMS:

AFC DIVISION WINNERS - New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Diego

AFC WILD CARD WINNERS - Jacksonville and Denver

NFC DIVISION WINNERS - Dallas, Minnesota, New Orleans, Seattle

NFC WILD CARD WINNERS - Green Bay, NY Giants

SUPER BOWL XLIII - Dallas over Jacksonville