NFL Division Previews

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2007 AFC East Division Preview

One new head coach (Cam Cameron), a recycled veteran (Dick Jauron) and a young pup (Eric Mangini) go head-to-head against the winningest coach in NFL history (Bill Belichick) in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the AFC East Division, home of the preseason 2007 Super Bowl favorite (Patriots).

Buffalo:
A tip of the hat for a nice job by Dick Jauron last season. He took over a bunch of underachievers and paid the bills (10-6 ATS), lending promise to the 2007 season. Two huge off-season defections (RB Willis McGahee and LB London Fletcher) were addressed in the first two rounds of the draft when Buffalo secured RB Marshawn Lynch (California) and LB Paul Posluszny (Penn State). Both figure to contribute immediately. Additionally, the selection of QB Trent Edwards (Stanford) looks to be a third round coup. They will be battle-tested right out of the gate this season as their first eight games are against .500 or better opposition. On the flip side, the Bills close out the campaign against only two winning teams in the second half of the season. That’s when we’ll likely strike. Play on Buffalo at home vs. Miami.

Miami:
You did not want to be at a Miami sports bar this off-season when the announcement came. No, we’re not talking about Nick Saban quitting on his team, or the fact that it’s been six years since the Dolphins last made the playoffs. Instead, you’d have thought they had traded the ghost of Dan Marino, for crying out loud, when they passed on QB Brady Quinn in favor of WR/KR Tedd Ginn Jr. (Ohio State) with their first selection in this year’s draft. After all, Quinn was going to be the next Marino (in their eyes, anyway). To soften the blow, new head coach Cam Cameron acquired QB John Beck (BYU) in the second round, but unless they find a capable starting quarterback, the quality of Miami’s 2007 draft is going to be dictated largely by the success or failure of the Mighty Quinn. Play against Miami as a home favorite vs. NY Jets.

New England:
If we didn’t know better, we’d swear Bill was buried in a bunker preparing for the world to end. So it seemed this off-season when he stocked up on all the free agent talent he could muster. That’s probably because Super Bowl Bill was only five points, or one good wide receiver, away from his fourth Super Bowl appearance in six years last season. He proceeded to add WR’s Randy Moss (Raiders), Donte’ Stallworth (Eagles), Wes Welker (Dolphins) and Kelley Washington (Bengals) to the mix. In addition, TE Kyle Brady (Jaguars) and RB Sammy Morris (Dolphins) have befriended Tom Brady this season. Not to ignore the defense, Belichick chose S Brandon Merriweather (Miami) in the first round of the draft and resigned future Hall of Fame LB Junior Seau. It looks like he’s planning a major attack. Play on New England at Buffalo.

NY Jets:
The Jets rolled the dice in this year’s draft when they traded up to get the two players they coveted. It was a costly move. They exited the draft with only four picks, but they believe that quality not quantity will better serve their needs. First round selection Darrelle Revis (CB – Pittsburgh) and second round choice David Harris (LB – Michigan) will likely become starters at need positions. They had better because the Jets were forced to surrender second and third round picks in order to corner them. Head coach Eric Mangini made quite a splash in his rookie debut last year when he led the Flyboys to the post-season after taking over a 4-12 squad. Mangini realizes he needs to improve a weak pass rush in order to remain a playoff contender. We’re betting on the come line. Play on NY Jets at Miami.

[Pennsylvania Punk]

2007 AFC North Division Preview

Life up north certainly has its chilly moments, especially during the NFL season. Life in the AFC has had its moments this decade as all six Super Bowl winners reside inside this now dominant conference, including three-time winner New England in the AFC East, two teams (Baltimore, Pittsburgh) in the AFC North, and Indianapolis in the AFC East. Will it be seven-for-seven in ’ 07? Check out conditions in the AFC North before dipping your toes in the water.

Baltimore:
After the Ravens cracked the 300-yard barrier just once in their first six games of the season last year, Brian Billick showed a lot of stones when he released best friend and offensive coordinator Jim Fassel. Billick took the reins of the offense and accorded himself well with his play calling ability as the Ravens went on to win nine of their ten remaining games, surpassing the 300-yard barrier eight times. The best news they received in the off-season was Pro Bowl OT Jonathan Ogden is not going to retire. They then immediately upgraded the offensive line with the addition of first round pick Ben Grubbs (Auburn). Free agent RB Willis McGahee (Bills) is a huge improvement over the departed Jamal Lewis. Now, if Steve McNair can hold up for another season, Billick will be one happy camper. Play on Baltimore vs. Indianapolis (key as an underdog).

Cincinnati:
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The belief in Cincinnati is an arrest a month keeps the playoffs at bay. The Bengals had nine players arrested in a nine-month period last year and QB Carson Palmer is mad as hell and not going to take it anymore. "If it doesn't stop, we're not going to have any fans left, and I don't blame them. It's ridiculous... We can't get through a month without getting a guy arrested. It happens on another team and they're shocked and surprised to hear about it. With us, you hear about it and it doesn't surprise you. You just shake your head and say, 'Another one?'" It is ridiculous. In what other profession - outside gang-banger, maybe - do 17 percent of the company employees have an arrest record? Play against Cincinnati vs. Miami.

Cleveland:
‘Welcome Joe and Brady, Thank U Phil.’ That was the sign on the billboards posted around town by WMMS, the radio station of the Cleveland Browns, following a heyday in this year’s NFL draft. OT Joe Thomas (Wisconsin) and QB Brady Quinn (Notre Dame) were the choices landed by the Browns when general manager Phil Savage traded picks with Dallas late in the opening round. Cleveland also grabbed talented, but troubled, CB Eric Wright to conclude a strong draft. Just as importantly, free agent pickup Eric Steinbach (G -Bengals) helps solidify a weak offensive line. The key to the season will be the first three home games; all against division opponents in September. Romeo Crennel knows he needs a fast start to save his job. The real question is how long can Charlie Frye hold off the Mighty Quinn? Play on Cleveland as a home underdog vs. Cincinnati (key off a loss).

Pittsburgh:
After a stellar 15-year career (161-99-1) with the Steelers, Bill Cowher elected to step down to take time and smell the roses. Maybe it was the disappointing play of his Super Bowl champions last year, or simply the fact that he needed time away from the rigors of the game. Either way, Mike Tomlin steps in from Minnesota as the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history. A defensive coordinator with the Vikings last season, and former DB coach with Tampa Bay, he brings his ‘Tampa 2’ defense to the Steel City. It is a refinement of the ‘Cover 2’ system designed by former Steelers’ defensive coach Bud Carson. If there’s one thing Pittsburgh fans can relate to it’s a dominating defense. Coupled with a strong running game, and a bounce-back season from QB Ben Roethlisberger, it’s chin-strap tightening time in the Steel city again. Play on Pittsburgh at home vs. Baltimore.

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2007 AFC South Division Preview


It’s “Game Over” for Pacman, while Vince Young hopes everyone remembers the Titans. The Texans have finally traded in an old Carr for a new ride and the Jaguars suddenly have that look of a serious contender. The Colts, however, have what everyone in the league wants: a Super Bowl trophy. Keeping it for another year, though, may be another matter.

Houston:
With nary a winning ride in their five-year history, the Texans decided to terminate the lease on their Carr (QB David) and ride in a different direction with newly acquired Matt Schaub (Falcons). After absorbing more bumps and bruises (read: sacks) than any signal caller in the league, Carr will welcome any and all protection that he’ll receive at Carolina. In addition to Schaub, the Texans inked RB Ahman Green (Packers) and selected DT Amobi Okoye (Louisville) with their first pick in this year’s NFL draft. The most talented player on the team, WR Andre Johnson, is sure to be double-teamed every game. The Texans showed statistical improvement on both sides of the ball in 2006 while closing the season out with a two-game win streak. The next time they win three in a row will be their first time. Play on Houston as an underdog at Tennessee.

Indianapolis:
Not satisfied with sitting around and admiring their new flashy Super Bowl rings, the Colts went to work and piled up nine selections in this year’ draft. At the top of the shopping list was WR Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio State), a receiver with outstanding speed and sure hands. However, thanks to the Super Bowl win, a handicapping dilemma has evolved. That’s because defending Super Bowl champs tend to struggle on the non-division road the following season (49-69-1 ATS since 1980). However, Tony Dungy is at his best on the non-division road (33-23-1 ATS in his career). One thing we know for sure is that every team in the league will make the Colts their top game of the season. Being liked is one thing. Being wanted is another. Play against Indianapolis as a favorite vs. Carolina.

Jacksonville:
While looking to impress a deranged cast of fiscally irresponsible owners, starting quarterbacks playing out the last year of a contract often times have career years. QB Byron Leftwich, in the final year of his rookie contract and fresh off a season ending ankle injury, fits the bill this year. Surprisingly, while missing out on the playoffs with an 8-8 record last season, the Jaguars managed to out-gain twelve of their sixteen opponents. Only San Diego did a better job of that in the stat wars. A Top 10 ranked defense upgraded itself when it plucked S Reggie Nelson (Florida) and LB (Justin Durant (Hampton) with their first two selections in the draft. Like Miami head coach Cam Cameron, Jack Del Rio took a lot of heat for passing on QB Brady Quinn. Unfazed, he obviously prefers the Pill$bury Dough Boy. Play on Jacksonville at home vs. Tennessee.

Tennessee:
Like Tampa Bay, the Titans stockpiled picks in this year’s draft. When the final curtain dropped, Jeff Fisher left with ten new recruits. Included in the group were three WR’s, all of whom will be counted on heavily to replace the production of departed veterans Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade. With CB Pacman Jones out for a year on a strip club tour, a shaky pass defense now appears especially vulnerable. Thanks mainly to the inspired play of QB Vince Young, Tennessee improved dramatically going 8-8 straight up and 11-5 ATS last year, as opposed to 4-12 straight up and 6-10 ATS in 2005. From a statistical slant, however, they deteriorated on both sides of the ball. That is not good news for a team that was two years removed from a winning season before last year’s inside-out results (5-11 in the stats). Play against Tennessee as a favorite vs. Oakland.

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2007 AFC West Division Preview


Two new coaches, one a rookie and the other a retread, join the shootout in the AFC West in 2007. Meanwhile, a gnarled veteran will be on ‘mission’ to return his team back to the playoffs after barely missing out for the first time in four years last season. Who will be the last team standing in the wild, wild West? Stay tuned. Here is my take of teams in the AFC West Division for 2007. Be sure to check out the rest of my 2007 NFL Previews updated throughout the summer. Enjoy!

Denver:
Amazing, but true. With RB Tatum Bell traded to the Lions, Bronco boss Mike Shanahan has dumped his leading rusher four years in a row (Mike Anderson ‘05, Reuben Droughns ‘04, Clinton Portis ‘03). It’s no wonder new RB Travis Henry (Titans) is not looking to buy property in the greater Denver area. Shanahan brought QB Patrick Ramsey (Jets) in as insurance to Jay Cutler, and WR Brandon Stokely (Colts) to aid the passing attack. He didn’t stop there, though. After releasing DE Courtney Brown, in a purge of ex-Browns defensive linemen, Shanahan targeted the trenches in the NFL draft, selecting DE Jarvis Moss (Florida), DE Tom Crowder (Texas), OT Ryan Harris (Notre Dame) and DT Marcus Thomas (Florida) with his only four picks. Running backs? They don’t need no stinking running backs. Play on Denver as a home underdog vs. San Diego.

Kansas City:
Despite making the playoffs in his first year with the Chiefs, Herm Edwards realizes that his offensive and defensive woes are mounting and he needs to purge an aging roster. The offense, especially the OL, needs retooling (Willie Roaf and Will Shields retired; Jordan Black opted out as a free agent, and John Welbourn was suspended last season), and QB Trent Green’s salary and age are no longer appealing. On the defensive side of the ball, starting DE Jared Allen is suspended for the first four games of the season (substance abuse). In addition, the Chiefs are terribly thin at cornerback behind aging Ty Law and Patrick Surtain. Surprisingly, they failed to address this need on draft day. Instead, they snagged WR Dwayne Bowe (LSU) in the first round. Bowe reported to camp tardy and overweight. Sheesh! At this rate Edwards may wash out before his players do. Play against Kansas City at home vs. Oakland.

Oakland:
One of seven new head coaches in the NFL this season, Lane Kiffin is also the youngest at 32 years of age. The son of former coach Monte, Kiffin made his mark developing wide receivers at USC before taking over offensive coordinator responsibilities. Although failing to win a national championship, the Trojans were 23-3 under his lead. As bad as the Raiders were last season (and they were awful) the bright spot was a Top 10 ranked defense. Because of it, that defense managed to out-stat seven opponents despite winning only two games. The league’s No.1 overall draft choice, QB JaMarcus Russell played in a pro-style offense at LSU but will likely bide his time behind Andrew Walter. Meanwhile, underachieving WR Mike Williams (Lions) is the best option to replace underachieving WR Randy Moss. Sometimes, things never change. Even when they do! Play on Oakland vs. Miami.

San Diego:
So long Marty, we hardly knew ye. We’re not sure what it is about Marty Schottenheimer but it’s apparent he’s become the Larry Brown of NFL head coaches. He goes into a program, takes over, turns it into a winner, and then disappears. It happened in a one-year stay at Washington in 2001 and it happened again after four good years with San Diego. Taking his place is Norv Turner, a former retread with the Raiders and Redskins (we’re still having a hard time figuring this one out). Turner has been a chalk-eating money burner in his career, having gone 1-10 ATS as a division favorite of more than five points; a role in the Chargers will frequent this season. We don’t question the level of talent, just the coaching switch. Pass.

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2007 NFC East Division Preview



They say some things never change, even when they do. That’s life in the NFC East where veteran head coach Bill Parcells opted for retirement (again) has been replaced by veteran head coach Wade Phillips. Meanwhile, the three other veteran coaches in the conference are beginning to feel the seat warming after disappointing seasons in 2006. Like we said, some things never change, even when they do. Here is my take of teams in the NFC East Division for 2007.

Dallas:
Team owner Jerry Jones was a genuine “stealers wheel” in the off-season when forced to make one deal after another. After the loss of Bill Parcells to yet another retirement, Jones settled on former NFL head coach and San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as his new head coach. He remained busy in the free agent market, signing QB Brad Johnson (Vikings), OT Leonard Davis (Cardinals) and big-hitting SS Ken Hamlin (Seahawks) before stocking up in the draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper feels first round pick Anthony Spencer (DE from Purdue) has a chance to be the league’s Rookie of the Year. Word on the street is that WR Terrell Owens is more intent than ever on having a career year. If he does, and if QB Tony Romo can put a season-ending botched snap behind him, the Cowboys just might become America’s team again. Play on Dallas as a road underdog at Philadelphia.

NY Giants:
It was mission accomplished in Jerry Reese’s first NFL draft as a general manager. First round pick Aaron Ross (CB from Texas) has a real nose for the ball and figures to double as a punt returner, while second round selection Steve Smith (WR from USC) is good insurance for Amani Toomer (torn ACL). In addition, Reese filled holes by adding speed and depth to the defense with his other five picks. The main question at hand is the job security of head coach Tom Coughlin. A 2-7 finish last season nearly finished him with the Giants. Instead, they’ve opted to bring him back for another go-round. QB Eli Manning, whose best role is 10-5-1 ATS in division games, needs to accelerate his growth in order for Coughlin to survive. Otherwise, both of them may be goners. Play on NY Giants as an underdog vs. Buffalo (key if an underdog of 3.5 or more points).

Philadelphia:
We like Andy Reid, and because we do we can only empathize with him and his personal plight of late. After enduring an appalling period baby-sitting child-like Terrell Owens, troubled times plagued his two sons this off-season necessitating a two-month personal leave of absence. Reid is back and is looking to guide his team to the playoffs for the seventh time in his nine-year career with Philadelphia. The Eagle faithful appeared stunned when he grabbed QB Kevin Kolb (Houston) in the first round of the draft. We think it was a brilliant move. Incumbent QB Donavon McNabb has gone down with season ending injuries three times in the past five years and Kolb, who started 50 straight games with the Cougars, has played every game of his career (including high school) in a spread offense. Besides, the Eagles have a way of parting with popular older players. Play on Philadelphia vs. New Orleans.

Washington:
Despite having their hands cuffed with only five available selections, the Redskins managed to fill an area of need when they secured the services of LaRon Landry (LSU), college football’s best defensive back. Strong-armed QB Jordan Palmer (UTEP, Carson’s brother) followed later in the draft. Meanwhile, this is Joe Gibbs’ second term as a head coach with Washington, and he continues to struggle in division games (1-5 SU last season). In fact, when favored against division opponents, he is just 47-68-4 ATS, including 3-16 ATS laying doubles. A closer look at last year’s record shows that half of Washington’s games were decided by four or less points (or overtime). They went 2-6 in those affairs. Like Gibb’s auto racing team, they need to learn how to get to the finish line faster than the competition. Play on Washington as an underdog vs. Chicago.

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2007 NFC North Division Preview


With all of three years experience, Lovie Smith is the suddenly the senior resident in the coaching fraternity in the NFC North Division. He’s also the defending Super Bowl runner-up, and that’s not the most desirable position to be in, especially in a division filled with hungry teams on the come. Here is my take of teams in the NFC North Division for 2007. .

Chicago:
You have to love Lovie. He stood by Turnoverasaurus Rex Grossman even after it became apparent that the Bears were never going to grab the brass ring with Rex at QB. They did manage to land TE Greg Olsen (Miami) with their top pick in the NFL draft, and he should pay immediate dividends. Unfortunately, they will carry the burden of Super Bowl loser into the 2007 season. We mention that because only one of six teams, the past six years, has managed to return to the playoffs the next year after losing a Super Bowl. These teams are also terrible ATS propositions standing at 8-24 ATS with rest, and 35-68-3 ATS as road favorites. Play against Chicago as favorites vs. Oakland.

Detroit:
Yep. They did it again. After spending three of their previous four No. 1 draft picks on a wide receiver, the Lions just couldn’t help themselves when their turn came. “With the No.2 pick in the 2007 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions select Calvin Johnson, wide receiver from Georgia Tech,” uttered commissioner Roger Goodell. Only this time, folks, they may have landed the best player in the entire draft. At 6’ 5”- 240 lbs, with Jerry Rice-like moves, he appears a virtual lock in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme. Besides, head coach Rod Marinelli loves positional flexibility. With Roy Williams lining up at opposite receiver, he and Johnson have the makings of becoming the best tandem in the league. More importantly, this team hasn’t had a winning season since 2000, going 24-72 under four coaches since. It’s about time. Play on Detroit as a home underdog vs. Green Bay.

Green Bay:
The handwriting is on the wall and Packers’ fans don’t like what they’re reading. When Green Bay failed to acquire WR Randy Moss from Oakland, in a done-deal, as far as QB Brett Favre was concerned, management sent a message. "I know what we could have signed him for," Favre told a Memphis television station. "We could have gotten him for less money than New England did. He wanted to play in Green Bay and for the amount of money we would have paid him. It was well worth the risk." After hearing of Favre’s outburst, management insisted on and received an apology. “I want to be in Green Bay. I want to finish my career as a Packer. Sometimes when I get frustrated I let my emotions get the better of me,” responded Favre. The bottom line is the finish line. It’s in sight. Play on Green Bay at home vs. Detroit.

Minnesota:
The Vikings appeared to take a step backward under new head coach Brad Childress last season. A closer look under the microscope, though, shows a different picture. It was a case of two different seasons for Minnesota in 2006. The first season was the 4-2 SU & 5-1 ATS start. The second came just two weeks after their bye week when they finished up 2-8 SU & ATS. Through it all Childress managed to improve the offense 21 YPG and the defense 22 YPG. Those are good building blocks and we feel the Vikings will improve in 2007. Minny had “an outstanding weekend” during the draft, commented ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper. RB Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) adds huge playmaking ability and should co-exist nicely with Chester Taylor. We like the Vikes. Play on Minnesota at home vs. Green Bay (key as an underdog).

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2007 NFC South Division Preview


If defense floats your boat, then welcome to the waters of the NFC South Division. It’s where a pair of NFL Top-10 defenses resides, and two other teams knocking on the door. Don’t get too comfy, though, as the league’s newest gunslinger, Atlanta head coach Bobby Petrino, enters looking to sink a ship or two in his maiden season. Here is my take of teams in the NFC South Division for 2007.

Atlanta:
Bobby Petrino, one of seven new head coaches on the scene in the NFL this season, left a lofty perch with the Cardinals (40-9 in four seasons with Louisville) to fly over to the Falcons for a lot of reasons. Surely, the lure of a boatload of dead presidents was a huge reason for the move, but the desire to make super scrambler Michael Vick a super QB, had the biggest impact on his decision. Uh oh. Now, the Falcons’ receivers Michael Jenkins, Joe Horn (free agent from New Orleans) and Roddy White are going to need career years. Suddenly, the onus is all on the arm (yikes) of Vick to redeem himself, in more ways than one. He’d better bring a clean, fresh water bottle. Play on Atlanta as an underdog at New Orleans.

Carolina:
On the heels of a coin-flipping 8-8 effort last year, the Panthers were active during the off-season. After extending star WR Steve Smith’s contract for an additional three years, they acquired the services of former Texan QB David Carr. He figures to keep the heat on Jake Delhomme. Lest we forget, Delhomme remains the absolute best underdog of all starting QB’s in the NFL (12-6 straight up and 15-2-1 ATS in career starts). Three heads-up picks in the NFL draft, LB Jon Beason (Miami), WR Dwayne Jarrett (USC) and DE Charles Johnson (Georgia) all figure to contribute. The return of MLB Dan Morgan, out most of last season with concussion problems, will be a huge plus provided he remains healthy. John Fox’s tendency of alternating playoff appearances makes him due this season. Play on Carolina as an underdog at Tampa Bay.

New Orleans:
If they gave a Rookie of the Year trophy in the NFL for coaches, Sean Payton would have won the award in a landslide. Inheriting a 3-13 squad that was last seen in the playoffs in 2000, Payton took his team to the NFC championship game before finally bowing out to the Bears. And the truth of the matter is they were better on the field than on the scoreboard winning the stats in fourteen of the eighteen games they played in 2006. The offense received a real shot in the arm last year with the addition of Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees and top draft pick RB Reggie Bush. This year they selected WR Robert Meachem (Tennessee) in the first round of the draft along with RB Antonio Pittman (Ohio State). They are building for the future. Play on New Orleans at Carolina.

Tampa Bay:
Jon Gruden bit the bullet and remained steadfast when he declined an opportunity to move up two slots in the draft to select WR Calvin Johnson. With too many holes to fill, he chose DE Gaines Adams (Clemson) with the No. 4 choice in the first round rather than giving away extra picks. By the end of the draft, Gruden had selected ten players that will become the focal point of the team’s future. Sure, they still need help at wide receiver and running back positions but at least they are solid footing for years to come. Addressing another need, Gruden signed free agent QB’s Jeff Garcia and Jake Plummer. Together, with incumbent starter Chris Simms, they form an experienced cast of signal callers. After being smoked in division play last season, look for revenge to be a driving force for the Bucs this year. Play on Tampa Bay at home vs. New Orleans.

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2007 NFC West Division Preview

Following the dominating, glory days of the 49ers and Rams of yesteryear, the NFC West Division has suddenly applied a facelift, and the new look is beginning to look good. Three relatively new head coaches are on the scene and it appears this division has come full circle. Here is my take of teams in the NFC West Division for 2007.

Arizona:
Dennis Green’s Cardinals proved to be a not-so-wise guys pick among the experts last season. After concluding the 2005 campaign on a promising note, out-gaining every opponent in their final nine games of the season, they quickly reverted to their losing ways in 2006. Green was given the pink slip and was replaced by Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. In addition, former Steelers assistant coach Russ Grimm, with a chip on his shoulder, joins him in the desert. Their first priority was to revamp the offensive line with first round draft choice Levi Brown (Penn State). Given protection, QB Matt Leinhart has a ton of ability and a lot of talent at his disposal. A strong off-season conditioning camp rapidly got the team refocused. Now it’s up to coach Ken to put all the pieces together and get Arizona back into the hunt. Play against Arizona at San Francisco.

St. Louis:
Under first-year head coach Scott Linehan, the Rams made the kind of progress owners like to see. If not for a five-game slump at mid-season, they may have made it to the post-season. A deeper look inside last year’s 8-8 campaign shows the Rams were 11-5 ITS (In The Stats), with three of the five stat losses by a mere nine yards each. With the right personnel, those are the kind of building blocks that can make strong foundations. Speaking of personnel, former Pro Bowl TE Randy McMichael (Dolphins) signed on as a free agent and reunites with Linehan. He’ll join a huge, talented offensive line that averages 310 lbs per man. Together they hope to form an impregnable wall for QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson, themselves Pro Bowlers. Playoff tickets look to be in order this year. Play on St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh (key as a pick or underdog).

San Francisco:
The Niners enjoyed one of the league’s best off-seasons this year. Aside from hitting a home run in the draft for the second year in a row, first round pick LB Patrick Willis (Mississippi), the SEC defensive player of the year, they reeled in some impressive talent via the free agent market. CB Nate Clements (Bills) and S Michael Lewis (Eagles) will make immediate impacts in the defensive backfield, while WR’s Darrell Jackson (Seahawks) and Ashley Lelie (Falcons) will certainly aid in the maturation of QB Alex Smith. Head coach Mike Nolan hopes third round selection Ray McDonald (Florida) will replace 13-year veteran DE Bryant Young sooner than later. Frisco made huge strides on both sides of the ball in 2006, offense plus 79 YPG; defense plus 48 YPG, and looks to be rounding the corner. Play against San Francisco vs. Pittsburgh.

Seattle:
Thanks to four fourth quarter game-winning field goals in the final minute of play last year, the Seahawks snapped a skein of five consecutive Super Bowl losers that had failed to make the playoffs the following season. Not satisfied with that feat, and in an effort to improve the team, Seattle stayed busy in the off-season recruiting new personnel. A new safety tandem, Deon Grant (Jaguars) and Brian Russell (Browns), had coaches gushing in spring camp. The new person with the most impact, however, will be Jim Mora Jr. The former Falcons’ boss, and defensive coordinator with San Francisco, becomes Mike Holmgren’s first assistant coach and figures to have a strong impact on the team’s defense. Now that they have overcome the dreaded Super Bowl Losers jinx, look for the Seahawks to stave off the Rams for supremacy in the West. Play on Seattle as an underdog at Carolina.