By Dark Horse Sports
Green Bay travels to Minnesota on Sunday in a battle of 4-4 division rivals. One team will lose, and that team will then face a potential two-game deficit to division leading Chicago and a steep uphill battle to the playoffs. These are two playoff caliber teams, Green Bay more so than Minnesota, but playing at the Metrodome could prove to be a tremendous equalizer.
By Dark Horse Sports
The crisp, cold air of November is here, but it wouldn’t truly feel like November if conference championship hopes weren’t on the line. Luckily we get a real dose of November football, as Georgia Tech and Florida State meet on Saturday with ACC Championship Game dreams on the line.
Something tells us that this game will be a turning point in the season for both teams. Cleveland desperately needs a win to get into the playoff hunt. A loss would drop them to 2-5 and effectively eliminate them from true playoff contention. It would take a 7-2 record the rest of the way just to have a shot at the postseason. Jacksonville sits at 3-3. A win, in our minds, would solidify this team as a true playoff contender. A loss makes the rest of the year an uphill battle; an winnable battle, but difficult nonetheless.
Cleveland is coming off a hard fought 11-14 loss at Washington. The offense was unable to find a rhythm, managing only 236 yards of offense. The offense’s performance proved that there is more to an NFL game than turnovers, despite what some may tell you. The offense did not commit a single turnover. Some good that did them. The defense did put together another solid performance though. That unit has improved from last year, and has to be considered at least an average NFL defense. They have the ability to keep the offense in the game.
Jacksonville is coming off of a much-needed bye. A number of players are healing up and are listed as day-to-day. Jacksonville’s defense has not played to their standards thus far, but an extra week of rest and preparation should get the defense headed in the right direction. A strong performance on Sunday should catapult the defense for the rest of the year and send them into the elite category where they belong. Both defenses will show up on Sunday.
Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Take Cleveland / Jacksonville under 42.
By Dark Horse Sports
Dallas travels west on Sunday to take on former NFC East division rivals, the Arizona Cardinals. Dallas is carrying the reputation of an elite team, despite back-to-back shaky performances. Arizona is still a bit of an anomaly. But there is one fact that bettors can count on when dealing with Arizona. They are good at home, and are able to compete with anyone at University of Phoenix Stadium.
By Dark Horse Sports
Ohio State versus Wisconsin is one of the biggest games on the Big Ten schedule annually. Extra emphasis will be placed on the match-up this time around. Wisconsin’s Big Ten Championship hopes will suffer a death nail without a win on Saturday, due to last week’s collapse at Michigan. On Ohio State’s side, this is their first true conference test, and they will have to do it against a Wisconsin team that has never lost a home game under Brett Bielema. Look for that trend to come to an end, though, on Saturday.
By Dark Horse Sports
These two have formed an ACC rivalry over the last couple of years that has shown no signs of slowing. After years of bad play Wake Forest has awaken behind the leadership of Head Coach Jim Grobe. With Florida State experiencing a couple of down years as of late, both teams have become excitingly comparable.
By Dark Horse Sports
There is a reason why this total is one of the lowest on the board. In Buffalo and Jacksonville we have two teams that like to play the game in an old school fashion. On offense they want to run the ball and control the time of possession. On defense they are looking to stop the run first and foremost and hold the opposing team to a low third down percentage.
No team has had worse luck along the offensive line this year than Jacksonville. Despite the injuries, there appears to be no indication that they will adjust their typical game plan. The Jaguars have a makeshift offensive line and that could mean a long day for the offense. Even if they look to open up the playbook a bit, they do not have the personnel to sustain an effective passing game. All in all, look for a close, low scoring slugfest. Buffalo is tough and will keep this game to within a field goal.
Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Take Buffalo and the under.
The game plan for both offenses will be to run the ball, and after that, they plan on running the ball a little bit more. Two extremely talented rushing attacks will take the field on Saturday, led by two explosive starting running backs, PJ Hill for Wisconsin and the aptly named Darius Marshall for the Thundering Herd.
Apart from the ground game, though, both passing offenses have question marks and both got off to a slow start in Week 1. This game will showcase ball control. Both defenses are talented enough to keep major points off the board, but both ground games are good enough to suck devastating chunks of time off the clock.
Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Take Marshall / Wisconsin under the total of 51.
An underrated rivalry hits the big stage on Sunday as Colorado and Colorado State lock horns. Colorado comes in as a double-digit favorite and rightfully so. Colorado’s offense looks strong, with a deep, talented offensive line leading the way. But the offense does appear to lack playmakers, unless superman freshman running back Darrell Scott busts onto the scene in a hurry. The defense will also suffer from mediocre-itis unless playmakers step up to take the place of departed standouts Jordan Dizon and Terrence Wheatly. Defensive tackle George Hypolite has a chance to be that kind of player, so watch for him. All in all, Colorado looks like a good bet to repeat their .500 season from a year ago, and possibly step things up one notch. They have a good enough team to keep them in a game for the long haul, but they lack the playmakers to put away inferior competition.
The real reason Colorado is a double-digit favorite is the possibility of a completely inept team showing up on the other side of the field. Colorado State is in a complete rebuilding faze after last year’s 3-9 campaign. A strong running game will need to pick up the offensive slack, as the passing game is inexperienced. The Colorado State defense could possibly be one of the very worst units in all of college football. Expect major points to be put up against this defense all year long, starting on Sunday. Colorado State has a chance to match those points, though, as Colorado attempts to feel out what they can do defensively.
Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Look for a shootout on Sunday and an easy winner on Colorado and Colorado State over the total of 60.
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By Dark Horse Sports
Christmas comes early this year, as we are bringing you our annual Dark Horse NFL regular season projections. Mind and gut are weighed equally to bring you a series of sleeper teams, over-hyped duds, and the occasional slam-dunk team, whether they be good or bad. Below you will find our projected finish of each team, sorted by division, along with a recommended futures bet based on Vegas’ current regular season over/under numbers. Recommended bets are based on a 5-star scale.
AFC East
1. New England (12-4) - The Patriots will end a long-standing streak of Super Bowl runner-ups who fail to make the postseason the following year. Tom Brady is the only answer you need when it comes to that question. Well, Tom Brady to Randy Moss is the definitive answer. They are the cream of the AFC East crop and are primed for another deep playoff run. They combine a flashy offense, playmaking linebackers, and great trench play into one well-oiled machine. Vegas has their projected win total at 12.5. With a tough schedule and a bull’s-eye on their back, put a 2-star bet on the under. This is a Super Bowl caliber team, but 13 wins will be hard to come by.
2. New York Jets (9-7) - We usually associate off-season free agent spending sprees with front office ineptitude and desperation; but now that the dust has settled we like what the Jets have done. They are a team that will surprise many and make a wildcard push if the quarterback situation sorts itself out, which we think will happen to a degree based on the simple fact that both Pennington and Clemens have the ability to succeed. They have both shown flashes of being good quarterbacks. Odds are that one of the two will step up. Running back Thomas Jones will have a good year running behind a strong, young offensive line. The defense looks rejuvenated and relatively weakness free, despite the loss of Jonathon Vilma. Put a 3-star bet on the resurgent Jets over the total of 7 wins.
3. Miami (6-10) - Miami will return to respectability behind the leadership of Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano. The quarterback situation is strong, if you believe in quantity over quality. Competition should yield at least a competent future starter behind an underrated offensive line. That line will also provide for the return of Ronnie Brown. We like the makings of their defensive front seven, even without Jason Taylor. They have the personnel to be very successful in that area. Don’t get too high on this team’s potential though. It will take a couple of years to fill all the holes and get back to the playoffs. For now, count on Miami to feed off an easy second half to their schedule. Make a 2-star bet on Miami over the total of 5.5 wins.
4. Buffalo (4-12) - Judging by the off-season rumors, the Bills don’t think much of JP Losman anymore, and we haven’t seen much competence out of Trent Edwards yet. The offensive line is average at best, especially on the power right side. The receiver situation behind Lee Evans is bare, as rookies and fringy veterans do not make a solid number two option. The defense seems relatively stout, but they have a serious lack of playmakers. Paul Posluszny and Donte Whitner need to step up their game if this team is going anywhere. We don’t see that happening. They played over their heads last year, which has made expectations high this time around. Put a 5-star bet and a big, gold lock on Buffalo under the total of 8 wins.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh (10-6) - This team is pretty much set with a solid starter at every position. They could use another playmaker on defense and slightly stronger play from the offensive line, as that group has yet be fully ironed out after the loss of Alan Faneca, but these guys are good and will prove to be a strong playoff team once again. Watch out for a breakout year from Santonio Holmes. He could bring the Steeler passing game to all new heights. You will notice that Vegas has the AFC North pegged well. The Steeler total is at 9 wins, but don’t go crazy with this one. The Steelers have a brutal schedule, perhaps the toughest in the league. Put a 1-star bet on the over.
2. Cleveland (9-7) - It all starts up front with this team, and they have the ability to dominate the point of attack on both sides. We’re not sure if Jamal Lewis will repeat his performance from last year, but the offense will be at least above average with Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards heading up the passing game. The stout 3-4 defensive line will be complemented by a good, aggressive linebacking core led by D’Qwell Jackson and Kamerion Wimbley. Their weakness is the secondary, especially the cornerback position. They need to develop some solid starters there for this team to truly contend. Right now they are on the playoff bubble. Put a 1-star bet on the over of 8.
3. Cincinnati (7-9) - The drama will not go away anytime soon in Cincinnati. This team will push forward though and end up with another mediocre season. Even if Chad Johnson fails to play a snap for this team, Carson Palmer will make the offense respectable. TJ Houshmandzadeh and a deep running back unit will help. But could the defense that was so bad last year actually get worse? It’s possible. Keith Rivers and Leon Hall provide serious potential, but they will have to fulfill that potential in a hurry before this team is in the playoff discussion. A large number of players will have had strong off-seasons if this team is in contention for the playoffs, because the Bengals have weaknesses all over the field. Place a 1-star bet on Cincinnati under the total of 7.5 wins.
4. Baltimore (5-11) - No matter who starts at quarterback from their mediocre or inexperienced group, this offense is in trouble. A below average receiving core, an overrated running back in Willis McGahee, and the retirement of Jonathon Ogden will put this team near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories. The defense will be good, but it cannot be relied upon to win games like in previous years. Their lack of a weakness on defense will help keep this team in games, but can Kyle Boller or rookie Joe Flacco make enough plays to put together wins against a strong schedule? Brett Favre, on the other hand, might look good in a Baltimore uniform for one year. Jim Harbaugh was a good choice for head coach, but this team will most likely need to be retooled with younger, hungrier players in future years. Take a 1-star bet on Baltimore under the total of 6 wins.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis (11-5) - This team is still very much a Super Bowl contender with players like Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, and Bob Sanders. Peyton Manning should be back on the practice field in plenty of time to regain chemistry with his receivers. Some may question the offensive line. We don’t. The Colts know how to develop consistent, strong offensive linemen. Some may question the linebackers. Beyond Gary Brackett they may lack playmakers, but the linebackers know what they are doing and are far from a weakness. What does look like a weakness, though, is a tough schedule and a strong division. Vegas hit this one right on the head. Vegas predicts 11 wins, and so do we. We will pass on this bet.
2. Houston (10-6) - This is a spot where we are really torn. So much about this team screams sleeper that we can’t help but predict success. A strong, young offensive line, a quarterback coming into his prime and feeling more comfortable in the offense, a plethora of solid running back options, and one of the brightest front sevens in all of football have us salivating. The cornerback position could be a sore spot if Dunta Robinson can’t return from knee surgery in a timely fashion, but a strong pass rush will help the secondary. Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, and DeMeco Ryans are dangerous. Game plan for these guys or you will pay. Don’t bet the farm on this one, but the Texans looks good. They are our favorite surprise team of the year. Place a 4-star bet on this team going over 7.5 wins. Never put a 5-star wager on any over bet when dealing with regular season wins. Injuries can stack up fast in the NFL.
3. Jacksonville (8-8) - This team will not enjoy the same success as last year. The offensive line looks dependable on paper, but not as good as last year’s version. People are praising David Garrard, but we feel he still has much to prove. After all, where would this team have been last year without the strong running game and stout defense? David Garrard is a glorified game manager. His receiving core has a lot of promise, but not a lot of results. Things will not change from that group. The defensive line seems unsettled for the first time in years after letting Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray go. Nothing about this team has us doing cartwheels. But they seem solid enough. Solid enough for a .500 year. Put a 3-star bet on Jacksonville under 10 wins.
4. Tennessee (6-10) - Speaking of overrated, Tennessee, much like Jacksonville, brings nothing exceptional to the table. Vince Young needs to progress in his third year. Alge Crumpler will be a minor help. The receivers will not be any help unless someone, anyone steps up and is able to separate himself. The offensive line looks above average. The running backs combined together should put up strong numbers, but nothing special. This offense needs a playmaker in the worst way. The defense needs one too. Albert Haynesworth was the guy that made this defense exciting last year. And last year just so happened to be a contract year for Mr. Haynesworth, who has had a reputation for underachieving in the past. Last year just may have been his career year. That is bad news for the defense. Put a 3-star bet on Tennessee under 8 wins.
AFC West
1. San Diego (13-3) - This team is good, with depth and talent up and down the board. The passing game is strong, the running game even stronger, and the defense is young, athletic, and just plain mean. These guys will be right there at the end amongst the best teams in the league. Their first place schedule is relatively easy, so 13 wins is more obtainable in San Diego then other similarly strong teams, such as New England and Indianapolis. Vegas doesn’t see it that way for some reason. Put a 4-star bet on San Diego over 10.5 wins. Don’t pawn your grandfather’s gold watch in order to bet this one, though, as we’re talking about a lot of wins in the injury ridden NFL.
2. Denver (8-8) - Jay Cutler will be better this year, and he has developed a strong connection with Brandon Marshall. The running game seems to be in flux with the release of Travis Henry and the implementation of new, young offensive linemen. The line won’t be able to make the running back position as plug-and-play as it used to be because, simply, the line isn’t as good as it used to be due to the inconsistencies of youth. The defense is nothing to write home about, especially along the line, but they combine savvy veterans with youth coming into their prime. Mike Shanahan will have this team battling, but the talent isn’t there for this team to truly succeed. However, Vegas’ win prediction isn’t exactly bullish. Put a 1-star bet on Denver over 7.5 wins.
3. Kansas City (6-10) - Dwayne Bowe and Larry Johnson provide excitement on offense, but Brodie Croyle is still not the answer at quarterback, and inconsistency will ravage the offensive line. The defense has ability, but young guys are going to have to take large leaps forward for this defense to creep past mediocrity. The Chiefs have dedicated a good number of draft picks in recent years to the defense, and it will be fun to see which young players emerge as young, playmaking forces this year. Our bets are on Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, and Jarrad Page, who all have Pro Bowl ability. There is a solid future in Kansas City, but this will ultimately be a learning year. Vegas thinks so as well, as the number is set at 6 wins. Pass on betting the Chiefs.
4. Oakland (5-11) - Meet the most dysfunctional team in football. The head coach is in limbo, veteran leadership is in short supply, many of the young players don’t seem to be the leader type, and there are many players with checkered pasts. There is a short fuse leading to a massive bomb in Raider Nation. Maybe leadership will emerge. Though the odds are just as good that the locker room will become a minefield. The Raiders are hoping that JaMarcus Russell becomes the face of the franchise and the leader on and off the field. We’re not drinking that kool-aid quite yet, as Russell doesn’t seem the type. People point to Darren McFadden as the next impact running back and the guy that will take the pressure off of Russell. But will the offensive line allow that to happen? Money has been spent of the defense, but to what avail? We doubt that the defense has the hunger to succeed like they did in the 2006 season. This team will be fascinating to watch all year, whether it is for just drama purposes only. Take a 3-star bet on Oakland under 6.5 wins.
NFC East
1. Dallas (11-5) - It is hard to find a more complete NFC team on paper. The offensive playmakers are in place, although you could question the receiving core beyond Terrell Owens, and the offensive line is stout. The only offensive question is whether or not Tony Romo takes the next step in his development. The defense does not have a true weak spot, but some questions arise. Will DeMarcus Ware duplicate his All Pro season? Will the bone-jarring hits return for Roy Williams? Does Zach Thomas have another year in him? You can question their playmaking ability, but, bottom line, they have a good group on defense. A tough schedule is in place, but this team will win their division again and be amongst the NFC’s elite. Put a 1-star bet on Dallas over 10.5 wins.
2. Philadelphia (8-8) - The Eagles have an advantage over most teams because of their play in the trenches. The line play is what gives this team a shot week after week. You can question their playmakers on both offense and defense, but you don’t question their blue-collar mentality. Speaking of questioning, you can’t blame anyone for questioning Donovan McNabb’s ability to stay on the field. His throwing shoulder is the latest concern. Philadelphia will be competitive, but we envision injuries to McNabb and Brian Westbrook causing both players to miss time. They are on the cusp of the playoffs, but will need both players for a full season to actually reach that potential. Put a 1-star bet Philly under 8.5 wins.
3. New York Giants (8-8) - The world may never know fully how the Giants made that kind of run all the way to a Super Bowl title. Teams around the league have put an even bigger emphasis on the pass rush though, we’ll tell you that. Don’t expect that kind of dominance again from this team’s defensive line. Michael Strahan has retired and the late season videotapes have been played countless times throughout the off-season. Teams will come prepared. We’re still not sold on Eli Manning, and we probably never will be. Jeremy Shockey has been traded and Plaxico Burress is creating a stink due to his contract. Does anyone outside of the New York metropolitan area really believe Tom Coughlin can control this team enough to make another run? We’re sorry Giants fans, we’re not buying into this team getting it done again. Put a 2-star bet on the Giants under 9 wins.
4. Washington (8-8) - Jason Campbell will be forced to learn a new offense… again. But he is a talented quarterback and should be league average. The running backs are talented and experienced. The wide receivers are talented and not so experienced. Rookies are going to be thrown into the fire behind Santana Moss. The offensive line has the ability to dominate, but health is always a factor for that unit. The number one question on defense is still the pass rush, even with the acquisition of Jason Taylor. It feels like an opposing offense could double team Taylor and not have to worry about the rest of the mediocre line. The other levels on defense look strong on paper, but how strong can any defense really be without the ability to rush the passer on a consistent basis. Not much has changed in the off-season for the first time in a long time. The problem is that Washington played over their heads a bit last year, and they are in the ultra-tough NFC East. Expect a drop off from last year’s production. Vegas is expecting it too. Pass on betting Washington over or under 7.5 wins.
NFC North
1. Green Bay (9-7) - Brett Favre. It’s a sentence all by itself. For all the drama that has gone on and will continue to go on, we simply can’t envision Favre ever playing again for the Packers. All eyes will firmly be on the man left in Favre’s wake, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers seems up to the task. He has everything you look for in a quarterback, including a pocket presence that he has worked hard to develop. He will be at the reigns of one of the best offenses in the NFC. But even if the offense starts the year at a sputter, the Packer defense could keep nearly any team in a game. Watch for a more aggressive, playmaking approach to the defense this year. Ultimately there will be a drop off from last year, though by little fault of Aaron Rodgers. The drop off will happen even if Favre is at the helm. This year’s schedule looks much more daunting, and Green Bay did play a bit over their heads last year. Vegas seems to think that they played way over their heads. Put a 2-star bet on Green Bay over 8 wins.
2. Minnesota (9-7) - Many are predicting an ascent to the top tier of the NFC for the Vikings. We’re not on board with that, but this team is playoff caliber and will provide the best competition for Green Bay. Tarvaris Jackson needs to step his game up two notches for this offense to succeed. The addition of Bernard Berrian will help, but ultimately Jackson needs to help himself. The running game could be elite, but the passing game needs to carry its weight and Adrian Peterson needs to prove he can stay healthy. The defense looks like one of the stronger units in the NFC, that is if the linebackers, mainly Chad Greenway, can step their game up. The defensive line could be one of the best in the league. But we’re not fully buying into Minnesota as a Super Bowl contender until the results are seen on the field. Put a 1-star bet on Minnesota over 8.5 wins.
3. Detroit (6-10) – Is this the year the Lions finally put the pieces together and return to respectability? No. The wide receiving core is the only plus unit on the entire team. Unfortunately that group’s effectiveness will be limited by average play from Jon Kitna, a poor offensive line that is learning a new system and simply reaching and praying to be average, and a running game that is destined for failure. The defense has one standout player, Ernie Sims, and a whole lot of question marks, even with the additions of veterans Brian Kelly and Dwight Smith. Bottom line, Ernie Sims will need to have an All-Pro year and someone on the defensive line has to provide a consistent pass rush for this defense to be even below average. That’s not good. But there’s always next year, Lions’ fans. Put a 2-star bet on Detroit under 6.5 wins.
4. Chicago (5-11) - Lion fans may have something to cheer anyway. They won’t be dead last this year. That privilege goes to Chicago. No other team in the league has such an inept offense. They infused talent into their offensive line with rookie left tackle Chris Williams, but, bottom line, the Bears will be starting a rookie at left tackle, which rarely results in positive production. Quarterback, wide receiver, and running back are all bottom feeder positions for the Bears. The only bright spot may be the development of tight end Greg Olsen. Superior defensive success, and thus respectability, hinges on one player, Brian Urlacher. Setting the contract dispute aside, Urlacher’s play and the mounting list of injuries over the last couple of years scream “end of his prime.” This could be the year when we can say that Urlacher is past his prime and no longer All-Pro material. The defense is merely average with a past his prime Urlacher. The secondary is especially concerning if Mike Brown is unable to stay healthy and productive. Put a 5-star bet on Chicago under 8 wins. The only way you lose is if Chicago wins 9 games. Do you honestly envision the Bears winning 9 games?
NFC South
1. New Orleans (11-5) - The passing game is in the capable hands of Drew Brees, but it was the running game that took a back seat to that passing attack last year. Deuce McAllister should be ready to go in training camp, Reggie Bush is entering his prime and ultra-important third year, and a strong offensive line is ready to pave the way. Couple that with the addition of Jeremy Shockey and it becomes clear that this offense is ready to rejoin the NFC’s elite. The defense received a shot in the arm this off-season with the acquisition of linebacker Jonathon Vilma. The Saints say he will be ready for training camp after a knee injury limited him last year, and that is good news for a team looking for playmakers on defense. With a healthy Vilma, a weakness free defense, a superior offense, and an easy schedule, look for New Orleans to be on top of the surprisingly tough NFC South. Place a 4-star bet on New Orleans over 8.5 wins.
2. Tampa Bay (10-6) - Tampa may be the epitome of a team that plays the game the right way. They are far from flashy, but they have all the parts in place to be successful. Jeff Garcia to Joey Galloway is one of the best passing combos in the league. Warrick Dunn will provide another running back option. The offensive line is good and most of the components are in their prime. The defense is ready to join the NFL’s elite. Gaines Adams, Barrett Ruud, and Tanard Jackson are the young studs that will bring the defense to the next level. They may fail to win the division, but this team is better than last year and much more primed to make noise in the playoffs. Put a 3-star bet on Tampa over 8 wins.
3. Carolina (9-7) - Carolina faced a lot of question marks last year, most notably inept quarterback play after Jake Delhomme went down, and they survived well enough to put together a 7-9 record. Everyone needs to trust in John Fox. Jake Delhomme will be back and is reportedly feeling great. The running game gets a boost from the addition of Jonathan Stewart. The offensive line is going through a game of musical chairs, but they employed the zone-blocking scheme for the first time last year. Things will eventually be settled this time around. And lets not forget that the Panthers have Steve Smith at their disposal. The defensive line looks questionable for the first time in a while with the departures of Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker. Look for Julius Peppers to bounce back and have a good year, supporting the young linemen playing around him. The linebackers and the secondary seem pretty well set. Watch out for linebacker Jon Beason, a stud in the making. Carolina is playoff caliber and aided by a weak schedule. Put a 3-star bet on Carolina over 7.5 wins.
4. Atlanta (4-12) - The rebuilding project has begun in Atlanta, but at this pace it will take a few years before this team even sniffs the playoffs. We’re only concerned about this year though. Many young players will be thrust into the spotlight at prominent positions, including quarterback, left tackle, and nearly the entire cornerback depth chart. Roddy White and Michael Turner provide some solid, young playmakers on offense, but if Matt Ryan and Sam Baker play like the rookies they are, inconsistencies will be the name of the game on offense. The defense will need young underachievers to step up their games, as well as the rookie class to make some kind of impact, especially linebacker Curtis Lofton and his run stopping prowess. There will be bumps and bruises for sure. We don’t think the draft class will do enough initially to help this team, which is something the Falcons are counting on. And if you’re counting on multiple rookies you’re also counting on a long season. We will pass on betting Atlanta over or under 4.5 wins.
NFC West
1. Seattle (10-6) - Will this be the year that Seattle relinquishes their long-standing monopoly atop the NFC West? Don’t count on it. No one else seems ready to challenge Seattle’s crown yet again. The offense looks set. The additions of RB Julius Jones and LG Mike Whale will help in the pursuit of a respectable running game, which was lost last year in the Shaun Alexander debacle. The defense was inconsistent at times last year, but they have a strong unit on paper. Playmakers Julian Peterson, Lofa Tatupu, Marcus Trufant, and Deon Grant are balanced nicely with a stout defensive line. They are still the class of the NFC West. Put a 2-star bet on Seattle over 8.5 wins.
2. St. Louis (7-9) - Forget last year’s 3-13 season. This team is better than that. The offensive line was patched together with questionable talent due to multiple injuries. That pourous offensive line led to major health and performance struggles from Marc Bulger and Stephen Jackson, two normally good players at their respective positions. All the makings are there for a resurgent line, which will lead to a resurgent Bulger and Jackson combo. Al Saunders has been brought in to try to reshape the offense into the next “Greatest Show on Turf.” The talent is there for that to happen. On defense, this could be the breakout year that Rams’ fans have been waiting for. Young guns Adam Carriker and Chris Long provide superior effort and explosive ability from the defensive line. Defensive success always starts up front. The other pieces of the puzzle will be helped along by a stout unit up front. Put a 1-star bet on St. Louis over 6.5 wins.
3. Arizona (7-9) - Will Arizona finally push through and into the playoffs after years of bad teams? No. The Cardinals will be floundering in mediocrity once again, but we usually have less preseason respect for Arizona Cardinal teams. This team is being built the right way, and we will be forced to change our preseason tune in the next couple of years if they keep it up. For now, they have potentially standout units coupled with the usual glaring holes. But those glaring holes seem to be reducing. Much of the offensive success will hinge on the development of Matt Leinart, but lets not forget about Edgerrin James. Does he have any gas left in the tank? The improving offensive line’s efforts could be wasted if a capable running back does not step up. The defensive secondary has all the talent in the world and could be a breakout unit this year. If the front seven, headed up by Karlos Dansby, can provide more pressure, the Arizona defense could creep out of the bottom feeder basement. The team has promise, but the puzzle is not complete. Put a 2-star bet on Arizona under 8 wins.
4. San Francisco (5-11) - Mike Martz is creating a lot of buzz around a retooled offense. Do the 49ers have a good enough quarterback who can keep cool under pressure to run a Martz offense? The receiving core looks awfully flimsy. Are the receivers good enough to run a Martz offense? Frank Gore is a plus running back that can seemingly do anything on the football field. Here the question gets flipped. Is Mike Martz good enough and progressive enough to figure out a way to employ Gore effectively? Martz doesn’t seem to be the right fit in San Francisco. The defense added a strong piece to the line in Justin Smith. He combines with Patrick Willis, Nate Clements, and the aging Walt Harris as good parts to the defense. The rest of the defense is a giant question mark. That’s seven question marks compared to four proven commodities. That ratio isn’t so good. Another retooling project will begin at the end of the season. It may be a project that Head Coach Mike Nolan has no say in. Put a 3-star bet on San Francisco under 6.5 wins.