NFC North Preview Part Two

Here is part two of the NFC North preview. To see part one of the NFC North preview or both parts of the NFC East preview just scroll down.

3. Detroit Lions-Projected Record 7-9, third in NFC North.

Quarterback: Jon Kitna is similar in my mind to Jeff Garcia. The guy is good, but by no means great. The difference between him and Garcia is that Kitna will put up better fantasy numbers because he has a couple of great weapons to throw to. But while Jon Kitna may lead your fantasy team to victories, I sincerely doubt Kitna leads the Lions to enough wins stay at 500.

Running Back: Kevin Smith is a guy I am extremely high on for fantasy purposes because he is a rookie so you can draft him late, and rookie running backs are the most likely position players to succeed in their rookie year. Plus, Smith only has to compete with Tatum Bell, who is a talented guy but not a threat to steal many carries. After Bell the team doesn't have another true running back on the roster, so they must think highly of Smith. However, he is still a rookie so this could be a position of weakness for the team.

Wide Receivers: With the amount of draft picks spent on this position by the Lions over the last few years they should have about five pro bowlers. While that isn't the case, I truly believe they will have two this year in Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. If this team makes the playoffs it will be because of these two. Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey are both decent as well.

Tight End: Michael Gaines is a journeyman that has been around the league for awhile, and that is not a good thing. He'll make a few good blocks here and there, but he's not going to catch many balls and he isn't going to win the team any games.

Offensive Line etc...: Honestly, their offensive line could really struggle this year. I truly don't think they have the right mix of guys up front to be competitive against even average defensive lines. As far as their defense, they were better before they got rid of a few players, now they are average at best. As far as special teams, Mike Furrey is expected to return kicks, and he is like a poor mans Wes Welker.

4. Chicago Bears- Projected Record 4-12, last in NFC North.

Quarterback: Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman. Yeah, need I say more?

Running Back: Cedric Benson was their leading rusher (which isn't saying much) and he's gone, which means.... Another rookie running back, as the teams in this division seem to all hoping for the Adrian Peterson experience to work for them. Matt Forte is a decent back, but I'm not as sold on him as Kevin Smith. Fantasy wise he is in a similar situation, there just isn't anyone to compete with him, but I'm just not sure he is as talented. I will admit I still drafted him in a league or two because I am a risk taker, but he is really a wild card at this point.

Wide Receiver: Not only did they lose their leading rusher, but they also lost their leading receiver in Bernard Berrian. Again, that's not saying much, but unless Devin Hester becomes an All Pro (don't count on it, there is a reason he is a corner back) this team is severly lacking options.

Tight End: Here could be the lone bright spot on this offense. I do believe Greg Olsen will do well this year, and he could be the guy that is the key to any type of offense they may muster. Right now he is behind the somewhat talented Desmond Clark, but I don't expect that to stick.

Offensive Line etc...: They have a decent offensive line, but it's getting old. It won't matter much with the talent positions being as weak as they are. Their special teams may outscore their offense this year, it really wouldn't surprise me. That being said, I'm going to say something that will shock and awe here. Devin Hester is overrated as a kick returner. Sure, he makes a few electrifying plays, but he also fumbles away way to many kicks. As far as defense, they are still one of the best, but they are getting old and this could be the year they start to decline.

White Hat Sports fantasy league drafts tomorrow night, stay tuned for the coverage of it. I'll also try to get out the beginning of the NFC South preview this coming week.

~Aaron Jackson

We've seen this before

I just got a text message from my buddy Olderman, saying that The Trade (the Ramirez trade has taken on a life of it's own) is starting to feel like the other huge trade in Red Sox history (the Nomar trade). The trades are very similar, in each scenario the Sox traded a guy who is considered to be the face of the franchise and or a hall of famer candidate for a guys who were considered to be good players, playing on bad teams. Orlando Cabrera have similar make ups, coming from Montreal (perhaps the worst franchise in baseball history) and Pittsburgh (the worst team in baseball right now).

Though it's something else that is giving me the warm and fuzzy's about this team right now and yes their latest string of good fortune does have something to do with it. In each of the Red Sox World Series years, there was a series late in the season (mid-august through the end of the season) where the Red Sox would make the White Sox look second rate, gain a sweep and take a ton of momentum. This series might be it, though it just got a lot tougher because as I am writing this Jim Thome just raked a 2-run home run off Tim Wakefield in the first inning. I still have a good feeling about today, there's something about Dustin Pedroia batting clean up that just makes me feel secure. Plus, has a team ever hit more doubles in a month?

Back to the original point of this column, Jason Bay is exactly what this team needed when Manny apparently went AWOL at the end of last month. Bay has 30 rbi this month, his first with the team, he has played good defense, he has hit a few home runs and has been a seem less addition. He hasn't been the only one, just like in 2004 when everybody focused on Orlando Cabrera and overlooked the deals that brought Mike Myers and Dave Roberts to Boston. Roberts ended up getting his due as a great addition but for some reason Mike Myers never did the credit that he deserved, he was a terrific weapon in that bullpen. (Has anybody ever looked more uncomfortable than Hideki Matsui did against Myers in the ALCS that year? I say no.) The post trade deadline moves right now look incredible, bringing in Paul Byrd for a wad of cash that John Henry had sitting in the cup holder of his car and then trading a 19-year old for Mark Kotsay look like moves to make this team the deepest contender in the League. Darin Erstad said it best after the Red Sox swept the Angels in the 2004 ALDS:

"Those boys are winning the World Series, that's the deepest team I've ever seen. They have every piece of the puzzle. I don't see anybody beating them."

Key late season additions will do that, and they might be doing it again.

Sterling Pingree

NFC North Preview Part One

Here is the beginning of the NFC North previews. If you want to see the NFC East rankings or the AFC East Rankings just scroll down as Sterling and I are both slacking and they are all on the main page.

1. Green Bay Packers-Projected Record 10-6, first in NFC North.

Quarterback: Brett Favre is still considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the game, and had one of his best seasons last year. While I don't expect him to repeat that for the Packers, I do think...wait, Brett Favre isn't with the Packers? When did that happen? Now Aaron Rodgers is the starter? Oh, well in that case, I really like Rodgers as well. If he can stay healthy (big if) he should be as good as most of the young quarterbacks out there. The defense, not Rodgers and the offense will be the difference on this team though.

Running Back: I'm going to give you guys a fantasy tip here...don't be so sure about Ryan Grant. Sure, he led multiple fantasy teams into the playoffs as a waiver pick up, but he is still completely unproven. I don't think he will be bad, but I do expect Brandon Jackson to steal some carries from him, and he may eventually take over the starters job.

Wide Receivers: Donald Driver and Greg Jennings are both good targets for this team, and it seems as though James Jones is a good red zone option, but none of these guys will overwhelm. Driver has always been consistent but never great, and Jennings so far has been following that mold. For fantasy owners, I expect Jones to steal some TD's while not racking up many yards this year.

Tight End: Donald Lee is average at best, and tight end is a weakness for this team.

Offensive Line etc...: Their offensive line is good, but how good? Will they be able to protect Rodgers in the pocket enough to allow him to build his confidence? Only time will tell. The defense of this team is their key, and while they don't have a lot in terms of household names, they do have a lot of very good talent that just fits well. The special teams is average.

2. Minnesota Vikings-Projected Record 8-8, second in NFC North.

Quarterback: Tavaris Jackson is considered developmental by the Vikings, but I consider him anti-developmental. Realistically he is not the guy to get this team very far, and they need to just accept that. Whether that means taking a chance on a young talent that is benched (Brady Quinn) or try a guy that failed elsewhere ( Alex Smith) or wait until the draft I don't know, but they need to do something. Jackson not only makes the team worse, but he holds back their development in what is otherwise probably a playoff team.

Running Back: I love Adrian Peterson just like everyone else, but he is an injury risk. That doesn't mean you shouldn't draft him in your fantasy leagues (I've drafted him over L.T. this year) but it does mean don't be surprised if he misses a few games. And if he does the team won't win, despite Chester Taylor being a good back up. They have nothing explosive in their offense without All-Day.

Wide Receivers: The signing of Bernard Berrian is not what this team needed. He was an alright and inconsistent guy with the Bears who don't have a lot of receiver depth, why do they think he will be the star of their team when they are in the same situation. I will admit Sydney Rice does intrigue me some, he could be a good player.

Tight End: I'll be honest, I don't even know who they have at tight end. As a reporter that works in T.V. sports and a guy that works in radio sports on the weekends I like to think I know my sports. Never mind the fact that I am an avid fantasy sports player. Lets just move on here and consider this a weakness.

Offensive Line etc...: This is one of the best offensive lines in the league. They have the veteran talent in guys like Steve Hutchinson and Bryant Mckinnie, but also have decent youth. Their defense is also one of the best in the league, as they have probably the best defensive line. If their secondary does well they could sneak into the playoffs, but I think they are a little too weak there. Their special teams is, once again, average.

Second half of the NFC North preview to come.

Also, don't forget our fantasy league drafts Monday night, and Sterling and I be doing some ground breaking things in our coverage for it. Make sure to stay tuned.

~Aaron Jackson

Breaking It Down: NFC East Part Deux

2. Washington Redskins-Projected Record 9-7, tied for second in the NFC East.

Quarterback: Jason Campbell continues to show flashes of what he could be, but those flashes are surrounded by mediocrity. Meanwhile, Colt Brennan has shown nothing but brilliance as far as I can see. I'm not saying...I'm just saying. Regardless, Campbell will continue to be the starter for the time being, despite what I think, and I can see them doing well. I don't know if they or the Giants make the playoffs though, I think (call me crazy) the wild card will come from the NFC South, but they will be right there when it's all said and done. While starting Brennan may make them worse short term, I do think it would make them better long term.

Running Back: Clinton Portis still is a consistent running back, and Ladell Betts will continue to be a viable back up. They aren't going to wow you most games, but they will provide the most consistent part of the offense.

Wide Receiver: Santana Moss is good, but exactly how good? It seems like he either has a great game or a terrible game, and lately it's been more terrible games than good ones. After that they have a bunch of talent, but none of them seem to be capable of putting it together well enough to actually contribute.

Tight End: Chris Cooley is a very good tight end, and if they actually use him like they should he will provide a valuable piece to their offense. Unfortunately he gets under-used in their offensive sets. He is definitely one of the many very good young tight ends though.

Offensive Line Etc...: Their offensive line is, as are most, fairly average. They have some areas where they excel and some areas where they fail. Their special teams I consider to be full of potential, but often times that potential seems to go unused. Their defense is what I consider their biggest strength, but losing Jason Taylor could certainly change that.

3. Philadelphia Eagles-Projected record 7-9, last in NFC East.

Quarterback: I still think McNabb is a good QB. but he has slowly fallen out of the elite level. He has games where he is great, but he also has games where he throws the ball too hard, and it seems like he doesn't have any faith in most of his wide receivers.

Running Back: Brian Westbrook is, and will continue to be, an elite playmaker in the NFL. He is what Reggie Bush should strive to be. That said, it seems only a matter of time till he gets injured. Until that happens he is their biggest strength.

Wide Receivers: They don't have much at this position anymore. Reggie Brown is decent, and Kevin Curtis is what I like to call "white Jesus" on Madden, but in real life he is way to streaky. DeSean Jackson will be the key to this team. If he can come in and perform well they will be in contention, but it's tough to expect that from a rookie receiver.

Tight End: L.J. Smith is one of those guys that has tons of potential but has problems staying healthy. He seemed to break through two years ago, but this past season put him a few steps back. If he can come back strong he will be their best option in the passing game.

Offensive Line Etc...: They have a good offensive line, but again, nothing great. Their defense is good, but not as good as it used to be, and they seem to be hit with injuries a lot. As far as special teams, they are alright, but not great.

NFC North will come next week.

~Aaron Jackson

AFC East Preview

For nearly a week I have been checking in on this website and each time I have been scared away from writing my preview of the AFC East this season. Why?

Eli Manning holding up a football with the Super Bowl logo on it. It opens up wounds that I have tried to put behind me, but after having my first fantasy football draft last night (first of four this week) and listening to Hank Williams Jr's "Are you ready for some football?" on a loop, I can finally answer, yes I am.

1. The New England Patriots: Projected record, 15-1

Did you really want me to do it? Did you want me to predict that this team could go undefeated this season? I know that it's not outside the realm of possibility though, the running game which was suspect at times last season due to the injury of Sammy Morris in the Dallas game, is back to what it was at the beginning of last season and has probably even improved. The offense last year that became almost one dimensional last season with the exquisite passing attack, now has a stable of backs (Maroney, Morris, Lamont Jordan, Kevin Faulk and Heath Evans) that can beat up the front four of anybody in football.

The passing game brings almost the exact same compliment of weapons that it had last season, minus Donte Stallworth who left for Cleveland. I think that Jabar Gaffney though will be able to step up into that 3rd receiver role with no problem, because he held that spot for almost all of last season. Randy Moss is Randy Moss, I will be interested though to see how Wes Welker does this season. I am expecting big things out of him this coming season, as evidence by the fact that I drafted him in the 4th round last night and was my first wide receiver taken. But I feel like teams aren't going to be surprised by him anymore, but he is a hustler and plays hard all the time he is on the field and (if Brady has one) is Brady's security blanket.

The defense is older, but they did get a little bit younger at linebacker with the addition of Jerod Mayo, but the loss of Asante Samuel and Randall Gay could spell trouble for a secondary that people saw as vulnerable last season. They did add John Lynch, who coupled with Rodney Harrison brings another big hitter to the secondary and could push teams to go towards the side lines more instead of having their receivers going across the middle and taking a smack from two of the biggest hitters since Ronnie Lott.

2. New York Jets ( 10-6 )

This team will be better this year, because they finally have a quarterback. (Yes, I am saying that they are much better with Brett Favre than they are Kellen Clemens or that Pennington kid.) They have pretty good receivers, they have a decent running game, I think the talent around him is comparable to what he had in Green Bay last year, a lot of names you haven't really heard of that can be productive, an undefined running game with a plethora of backs in the backfield that is supposed to be anchored by Thomas Jones.

The difference between Favre's situation in Green Bay and the one he's stepping into in New York is the defense on the team. Last year's Packers defense was one of the most surprising in the NFL and is projected as a top ten defense in football this time around. The Jet's defense is good, but not as good as it was last season. The loss of Jonathan Vilma is huge for this team. One of the leading tacklers in the league left for New Orleans in the off season, which will hamper this defense as many of their recent draft picks have come up empty leaving a core group of players that aren't what they were projected to be.

3. Buffalo Bills ( 6-10 )

I really want to pick this team to do better this season but I really can't. I like the call of playing Trent Edwards over JP Lossman, which for some reason I just hated since the day he was drafted. Edwards was good and very underrated coming out of Stanford. When he took over the Bills had a boost that last a few weeks but didn't last because of their overall lack of talent. They will be better this year, with a little more upside, but Edwards has been hurt some this preseason and if he is out it could be bad for this team. Not because he's irreplaceable, but I don't see much behind him with things like J.P Losman, Gibran Hamden and Matt Baker lurking in the wings. Add in the fact that Marshawn Lynch might need to attend driving school or something at some point, this team has a few obstacles.

4. Miami Dolphins ( 3-13 )

Bill Parcells has made some interesting moves with this team in the off season and I really wanted to say that they were going to show a big improvement over where they were last season, but I just don't see how they are going to do it. They lost their best overall player (Jason Taylor) and have no way to replace him. Houston, Oakland and San Francisco all at home, might be the only chances this team has to win games this season. Their quarterback has improved, I think they are finally passed the Cleo Lemon era, but Chad Pennington? What's the matter, Patrick Ramsey wouldn't return their calls? They do have Chad Henne behind him and probably Josh McCown who could see time this season and that might be the best thing for the Fins.

The reason I'm going to be paying some attention to the Dolphins this season is to see what Matthew Mulligan can do on this team this season. The graduate of the University of Maine (and dominant wiffle ball pitcher) was signed by Miami as a priority free agent directly after the NFL draft ended. There were several teams interested in the 6-4, 265 lbs monster's services including the Ravens, Patriots and Cowboys. He has been working out at tight end and could be a monster on special teams as well.

The Patriots will once again be the class of the division, but I do believe that the Jets could sneak into the playoffs this year. That being said, I don't for see the Patriots losing a game within the conference, though their toughest test will be taking on those Favre led Jet's in New Jersey. Though if Favre doesn't perform early, there could be a backlash for the Riverboat Gambler and if that happens the Jets season could be a wash.

Only time will tell.

Sterling Pingree