The I-Form

A look at what to expect from teams ranked from 1 (San Diego) to 32 (Miami) based on their rankings. LW indicates the team’s rank last week, and key players are the three most important players. ‘Important is based on how much the team’s success depends on that player.

Rank (LW)     Team          Key Players

1 (N/A)         Chargers  LaDainian Tomlinson, RB; Shawne Merriman, OLB; Antonio Cromartie, CB              

The Chargers lost 21-12 to the Patriots in the AFC Championship, but they didn’t have Antonio Gates, L.T, and Phillip Rivers was playing on a torn ACL. The Chargers would have beaten the Patriots if they had been healthy. Look for the Chargers to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

2 (N/A)         Cowboys  Tony Romo, QB; Terrell Owens, WR; DeMarcus Ware, DE/OLB

Drama in the ‘Big D’ this offseason, with the addition of Pacman Jones, and Romo singing to Jessica Simpson. But the Cowboys had a good draft and are going to be featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks: Training Camp. Don’t be surprised if the Cowboys go all the way to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

 

3 (N/A)         Saints       Drew Brees, QB; Deuce McAllister, RB; Jonathon Vilma, ILB

Injuries and an awful defense plagued the Saints all the way to a 7-9 season. But Deuce McAllister is expected to be healthy by Week 1, and Reggie Bush is 100% (he was about 85% throughout the season) and; via the draft, trades, and free agency, the Saints improved their defense 200%

4 (N/A)         Steelers    Ben Roethlisberger, QB; Willie Parker, RB; Troy Polamalu, SS

The Steelers’ offense this year is going to be deadly. By drafting Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd overall pick, Pittsburgh added a compliment to Willie Parker. And by drafting Limas Sweed in the second round, gave Big Ben his big target (6′5, 220 Lbs) This offense paired with the always good defense makes the Steelers a playoff lock.

5 (N/A)         Colts        Peyton Manning, QB; Dwight Freeney, DE; Bob Sanders, FS

Hey! Marvin and Dwight are back! Peyton Manning, who is always good, found out that Reggie Wayne is just as good, if not…ahem…better, than Marvin Harrison. Joseph Addai had a break-out season as well in Indy. And don’t forget, Dwight Freeney got injured in the playoffs, and he’s the best pass rusher in the NFL.

6 (N/A)         Eagles      Donovan McNabb, QB; Brian Westbrook, RB; Asante Samuel, CB

Donovan McNabb & Company were .500 last year, but McNabb had nobody to throw to. Now he has explosive DeSean Jackson. McNabb will greatly profit from the speedy Jackson, who was the target of streaks, slants, and screens in college, because he ran the same system in college at California. Don’t forget Asante Samuel, Lito Sheppard, and Sheldon Brown makes Philly have one of the best Nickel defenses in  the NFL.

7 (N/A)         Patriots    Tom Brady, QB; Randy Moss, WR; Ellis Hobbs, CB

“Randy Moss!” – Randy Moss, in response to who was the best wide receiver on the New England team in a Super Bowl press conference. And he was right, just ask Tom Brady. But this year, the Pats aren’t concerned about their offense, it’s their defense. They lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay to free agency, and their linebacking corps isn’t getting younger.

8 (N/A)         Browns    Derek Anderson, QB; Jamal Lewis, RB; Shaun Rodgers, DT

Derek Anderson was THE surprise of the 2007 NFL Season (I would know, I cut him from my fantasy team at the start of the season) and the Browns reached 10-6 – but missed the playoffs – despite their defense being terrible. But the Browns are a wildcard favorite to start the year with the addition of Shaun Rodgers and other defensive players.

9 (N/A)         Jaguars    David Garrard, QB; Fred Taylor, RB; Rashean Mathis, CB

David Garrard had zero interceptions for a long while into the NFL season (then was picked in a game against Indianapolis) and Fred Taylor is no longer ‘Fragile Freddy’ But! Marcus Stroud was traded and the Jaguars did not have much success in the draft. But the offense looks good and the Front 7 looks good in general as well. If there was ever a time the Jags could vie for the AFC South Divisional Crown with the Colts it is NOW.

10 (N/A)       Vikings    Adrian Peterson, RB; Jared Allen, DE; Antoine Winfield, CB

Tarvaris Jackson is back and has a year of experience under his belt. The offense looks good with new additions at WR and the O-Line – which is arguably the best in the NFL – is back. The defensive line is now the best in the NFL with pro bowl DT’s Kevin Williams and Pat Williams back. And the addition of last year’s leader in sacks, Jared Allen (he had 15.5 in 14 games) acquired in a trade with the Chiefs makes the D-Line the best in the NFL.

11 (N/A)       Packers    Aaron Rodgers, QB; Ryan Grant, RB; Al Harris, CB

Brett Favre is gone and it’s time to see what Aaron Rodgers can do. Basically the entire team is intact except for the loss of Favre. With Ryan Grant’s breakout season at running back last year, the only question on offense is Rodgers. Yes, the defense is older this year, but they are one of the best with Charles Woodson and Al Harris playing Bump’N'Run on the outside.

12 (N/A)       Giants      Eli Manning, QB; Michael Strahan, DE; Kenny Phillips, FS

Champs! After upsetting the then undefeated New England Patriots, the only question is whether Michael Strahan is coming back. Plax showed he is still one of the most legitimate vertical threats in the NFL. And Brandon Jacobs showed he can run anyone over. But, Eli Manning has to show that he is going to live up to his great playoff performance.

13 (N/A)       Redskins  Clinton Portis, RB; Devin Thomas, WR; LaRon Landry, SS

The tragic death of Sean Taylor was the story of the year last year for the ‘Skins. After their loss in the NFC Wildcard round to the Seahawks, Washington looks good this year. They added two rookie WR’s with high expectations: The explosive Devin Thomas, and the tall Malcolm Kelly. Fred Davis, a TE out of USC, should be able to compete for the TE job. But Jason Campbell must step up and lead this team, manned by new head coach Jim Zorn.

14 (N/A)      Seahawks  Matt Hasselbeck, QB; Julian Peterson, OLB; Marcus Trufant, CB

They cut Shaun Alexander! They cut Shaun Alexander! But have no fear, Julius Jones is here! Jones is a speedy back that wasn’t resigned by the Cowboys. So, Seattle picked him up and cut Shaun Alexander. The defense is a very good unit, and the Seahawks seem to be poised for another NFC West Championship.

15 (N/A)      Bucs          Jeff Garcia, QB; Carnell Williams, RB; Ronde Barber, CB

Cadillac is back. Carnell Williams is no longer injured. And the offense seems very steady with him back. They also added Warrick Dunn, so perhaps they could pair them together to make a pretty good duo. Even though Jeff Garcia isn’t very happy, the offense looks good. And, with the addition of shutdown rookie corner Aqib Talib, the defense is still very good. 

16 (N/A)      Cardinals  Matt Leinart, QB; Darnell Dockett, DT; Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB

Leinart is the starter in The Desert. Or, so Ken Whisenhunt says. The offense looks great with Edgerrin James at RB, and Fitzgerald-Boldin is the best wide receiver combo in the NFL, period(.) However, a bad loss on the defense occured, as DE/OLB Calvin Pace slipped to the Jets in free agency. But, DRC, cousin of Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie, was drafted and should help out the secondary.

17 (N/A)      Panthers   Jake Delhomme, QB; Steve Smith, WR; Julius Peppers, DE

Jake Delhomme is back in the house people! After coming back from Tommy John surgery on his elbow. Jake Delhomme seems to be the pre-season starter and looks to lead a dangerous offense. DeShaun Foster was cut. This lead to powerful Jonathon Stewart being drafted. Paired with the electric DeAngelo Williams, they should be a good duo. However, on defense, Dan Morgan and Kris Jenkins are gone. And DE Mike Rucker retired.

18 (N/A)      Broncos    Jay Cutler, QB; Brandon Marshall, WR; Champ Bailey, CB

After being diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes, Jay Cutler looks to lead the Denver Broncos to an AFC West title. And it’s actually a possibility. Even though Travis Henry was cut, Brandon Marshall looks outstanding at WR. And on the defensive side of the ball; Champ Bailey, John Lynch, and Elvis Dumervil seem poised to be a shutdown D.

19 (N/A)      Bills          Marshawn Lynch, RB; Lee Evans, WR; Marcus Stroud, DT

The Bills should improve to a winning record this year. They added pro-bowl DT Marcus Stroud to the defense for basically nothing in a trade with the Jaguars. They also have a great LB corps too. But with the drafting of Leodis McKelvin, the secondary and special teams unit will improve. But, questions still remain with a shaky Buffalo offense.

20 (N/A)      Raiders     Jamarcus Russell, QB; Darren McFadden, RB; The D-Line

With the arrival of many free agents, the defense looks great. Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall makes a great CB tandem, and the secondary further improved with the addition of Gibril Wilson. And, the D-Line also looks great. But, on the offense, questions rise about Jamarcus Russell and the WR corps. Even though D-Mac is in Oakland, he isn’t expected to be the starter. Why?

21 (N/A)      Titans       Vince Young, QB; LenDale White, RB; Albert Haynesworth, DT

He who drafted Chris Johnson is an idiot. Who is Vince Young gonna toss the rock to? Alge Crumpler is good, but he can’t do it by himself! They needed to get a WR. LenDale White proved he could do it on his own and the defense proved to be a stable unit. It’s a shame that Vince Young didn’t get a WR. One hadn’t even been drafted yet! They could have had anyone they wanted.

22 (N/A)      Texans     Matt Schaub, QB; Andre Johnson, WR; Mario Williams, DE

Houston is a very bland team overall. They don’t have a consistent running back, and Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson got hurt last year. But, they found a good safety valve in Owen Daniels, the TE. However, on defense, Mario Williams is a beast on passing downs, and they actually had a few pro-bowlers. But the secondary still looks like it needs help. 

23 (N/A)      Ravens     Willis McGahee, RB; Jonathon Ogden, LT; Ray Lewis, ILB

They almost beat the Patriots and they lost to the terrible, terrible Dolphins. However, their pro-bowl tackle Jonathon Ogden was hurt last year. Joe Flacco was drafted, but their is no clear-cut #1 WR. Willis McGahee did what he did in Buffalo: run all over the place. McGahee was the only source of offense the Ravens consistently had.

24 (N/A)      Jets          Chad Pennington, QB; Vernon Gholston, DE/OLB; Kerry Rhodes, SS

They got Gholston with the 6th overall pick, and TE Dustin Keller with the 30th overall pick. So, they had a ‘B’ draft. But, there are questions about who is the starter. And whether or not Thomas Jones can have a good year at RB. But, at WR, Coles was hurt, so we’ll see how he comes back this year.

25 (N/A)      Lions        Jon Kitna, QB; Kevin Smith, RB; Ernie Sims, ILB

Brett Favre is gone, so Jon Kitna is the best QB in the NFC North. But he can only be so good because the O-Line is terrible. They allowed the most sacks in the NFL the past two years. But, Kevin Smith was a great pick in the third round. He should start. BUT! Shaun Rodgers was traded to the Browns, a dumb decision. Matt Millen is an idiot. But at least they didn’t draft a WR.

26 (N/A)      Rams       Steven Jackson, RB; Torry Holt, WR; Leonard Little, DE

The Rams could have been NFC West champs, but they didn’t protect Marc Bulger. The defense is a steady unit. Very quietly success has come to the St. Lou’ D. But on offense last year they failed expectations miserably. They should have been a .750 team last year. Let’s hope that they can improve this year.

27 (N/A)      Bengals   Carson Palmer, QB; Chad Johnson, WR; Keith Rivers, ILB/OLB

Will he stay or will he go?…to the AFL. That is the question entering training camp in Cincinnati. He, of course, is Chad Johnson. The star wideout said that if he wasn’t traded, he would play in the AFL. But, the Bengals’ front office stood its ground and declined trade requests for Johnson. But on the other side of the ball, it is NOT looking good. Even though the Bengals drafted linebacker Keith Rivers with the ninth pick of the draft, the overall situation on defense is bad.

28 (N/A)      49ers      Alex Smith, QB; Frank Gore, RB; Patrick Willis, ILB

Patrick Willis was the Defensive Rookie of the Year last year – he had an astonishing league leading 172 tackles in ‘07 – and with the addition of Kentawn Balmer, the defense looks…g-g-okay. The offense should be good if Alex Smith performs well, because with the addition of Isaac Bruce, he has a go-to guy this year. A legitimate one.

29 (N/A)      Bears      Rex Grossman, QB; Cedric Benson, RB; Brian Urlacher, ILB

Turnoversaurus Rex is the starter, so that means Lovie Smith is still an idiot. But, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, and Brian Urlacher are not happy at all on the defensive side of the ball with their contracts. The situation at wide receiver does not look good at all either, and we all know the Cedric Benson boat story. So, it looks like the Bears are in trouble again in the NFC North.

30 (N/A)      Falcons   Matt Ryan, QB; Michael Turner, RB; Keith Brooking, OLB

In a desperate P.R attempt to rid the Falcons of Michael Vick’s namesake, Atlanta took Matt Ryan with the third overall pick in the draft. Michael Turner was the biggest RB in the free agent market and they signed him too. But they made dumb off-season trades and releases. Such as cutting Alge Crumpler, releasing Rod Coleman, and trading cornerback DeAngelo Hall. The offense looks fine, but the defense seems to be in trouble.

31 (N/A)      Chiefs     Larry Johnson, RB; Tony Gonzalez, TE; Glenn Dorsey, DT

L.J was injured for the majority of the season., so lots of pressure was on Tony Gonzalez to perform. But, if you look three years down the line, the Chiefs look pretty good. They had the best draft in the NFL this year, so they are stacked with fresh rookie talent. However, the defense is still one of the worst in the NFL and they need to fix that.

32 (N/A)      Dolphins  Ronnie Brown, RB; Jake Long, OT; Jason Taylor, DE

Jason Taylor has angered the Big Tuna by Dancing With The Stars. The Fins were the worst team in the NFL last year with just one win. But, in all fairness, Ronnie Brown was injured, Ricky Williams got injured, but that’s no excuse. I still don’t think the Dolphins are going to improve that much. They cut pro-bowler Zach Thomas. But they’ve bolstered the line and they should win four games this year.