Indianapolis Colts 2009 Preview
The Indianapolis Colts head into the 2009 season with a few changes, the biggest one being the loss of their head coach, Tony Dungy. NFL odds makers aren’t sure how to react to the move quite yet. Dungy transformed the Colts from a perennial playoff team to a perennial Super Bowl contender, and some people are wondering how this defense will perform without Dungy around. With Peyton Manning still on the roster, the bottom line is that the Colts are the team to beat in the AFC North and they are a team to respect when it comes to Super Bowl odds.
Offseason Transactions
The Colts were fairly status quo in the off-season but they did make a few tweaks. Gone is Marvin Harrison, whom fantasy players know was no longer of any value to the Colts.
The newest weapon on offense will be first-round pick running back Donald Brown, who could be in line for lots of work. He’ll share carries to start with the injury-prone Joseph Addai, but expect Brown to win the starting job by mid season. …Continue reading Indianapolis Colts 2009 Preview
Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Preview
As the saying goes: the game is played on the field, not on paper.
If there ever was a team that looked great on paper but didn’t reciprocate with the Championships, it would be the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL odds makers know that they haven’t been short on regular season wins this decade but have never won a Super Bowl. Coming close only counts with horseshoes and hand grenades, so if the Eagles want to win it all they’ll have to fix their short yardage game and be more of a threat in the redzone, both could be fixed with smarter play calling.
Off-season Transactions
The Eagles did some renovations in the off season, which should have plenty of fantasy implications. They upgraded their offensive line by acquiring Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, but they will take some time to gel. The Eagles added some offensive depth in the draft with first-round pick Jeremy Maclin and second-round pick LeSean McCoy, but their most underrated acquisition might be fullback Leonard Weaver, who can help in their areas of need in the red zone and 3rd and shorts.
The media is making Michael Vick out to be the greatest weapon the Eagles picked up, but we are still waiting on a decision on when he can play in the regular season; rumors are that the Commissioner will announce a decision on Monday.
…Continue reading Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Preview
Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Preview
The Pittsburgh Steelers endured the toughest schedule in NFL history and came out Super Bowl champs. After a quiet offseason – relative to their last offseason following a Super Bowl win – NFL odds makers are expecting a level of consistency from the Steelers. Except for the Ravens, the NFC North lacks some real competition for the Steelers. With most of their Super Bowl team intact, the Steelers should win the division once more and make another stab at the Super Bowl.
Offseason Transactions
Aside from losing wide receiver Nate Washington and cornerback Bryant McFadden, the Steelers had a very quiet offseason. That’s great news considering the last time they won the Super Bowl, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a motorcycle accident, head coach Bill Cowher retired along with running back Jerome Bettis and Santonio Holmes had some legal problems.
Offense
Minus the loss of Washington, who was a sparingly used wide receiver (40 receptions), the Steelers return the same offense intact. Last year, there 
were concerns about the Steelers makeshift offensive line and they struggled early on, but the fact that they are back together in their second season starting as a unit should mean improved protection.
A lot of fantasy players are keeping their eyes on the running game, in particular 2008 first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall. It’s questionable what type of impact he’ll have but regardless of who is in the backfield, the Steelers will run the ball.
In the passing game, fantasy production is thin simply because the Steelers are a run oriented defensive team. Both Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are a solid tandem in reality but given Ward’s age and Holmes …Continue reading Pittsburgh Steelers 2009 Preview
New York Giants 2009 Preview
As we get ready for Week 1, we take a look at the New York Giants, who have lost in the first round in the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Of course, the year they went further was capped with an unlikely Super Bowl win. Do the Giants have enough to return to the big game?
Offseason Transactions
The Giants released Plaxico Burress due to his legal troubles (Burress received two years in jail for shooting himself in the leg), while Derrick Ward left for the No.1 running back role in Tampa Bay, or at least that’s what he thinks. There were no new major additions to the Giants through free agency, which may hurt with their inability to land a No.1 receiver to replace Burress.
Offense
Eli Manning signed a massive contract, yet he must be worried about the lack of receiving options. Rookie Hakeem Nicks has all the talent in the world, …Continue reading New York Giants 2009 Preview
Miami Dolphins 2009 Preview
Bill Parcells helped the Miami Dolphins orchestrate one of the biggest turnarounds in NFL history last year, and while the team will be just as good – if not better – personnel wise this year, NFL odds makers aren’t expecting them to win as many games because of their daunting schedule. The Dolphins have done a good job of building their roster in the offseason but the league’s toughest schedule will keep them from making back-to-back playoff appearances.
Offseason Transactions
The Dolphins had a few minor things to accomplish in the offseason and they checked pretty much everything off the list. They needed to rebuild their secondary and they did a good job of cycling out mediocre parts like Andre Goodman and Renaldo Hill, and replacing them with quality talent like Gibril Wilson and draft picks Sean Smith and Vontae Davis.
…Continue reading Miami Dolphins 2009 Preview
Green Bay Packers 2009 Preview
While the Vikings and Bears are the talk of the town, NFL odds makers like a different team in the NFC North: the Green Bay Packers. Having arguably one of the best offenses in the division (even with Farve back), an improved defense, and excellent coaching, the Packers might be able to make the Lambeau Leap back into first place.
Off-season Transaction
The Packers didn’t make a ton of personnel changes in the off-season but they did make a few tweaks. The biggest change will be at defensive coordinator, where Dom Capers takes over and will employ the 3-4 scheme. Newcomers on the team are critically acclaimed draft picks B.J. Raji (first-round) and Clay Matthews (second-round). Aside from that, the Packers roster is very much status quo.
Offense …Continue reading Green Bay Packers 2009 Preview
Seattle Seahawks 2009 Preview
The Seattle Seahawks had a disastrous 2008 season. The good news is that their failures were due to injuries and not deterioration in talent. Many NFL odds makers know that the Seahawks could be in line for a big turnaround this season now that they’re healthy. With the additions of T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Corey Redding and Aaron Curry, the Seahawks could do more than just compete in the NFC West; they could be shaping up to be a real quiet sleeper in the NFC.
Offseason Transactions
The Seahawks had a busy offseason and a lot of their moves made sense.
Signing T.J. Houshmanzadeh was smart as the receiving core in Seattle was pathetic although they might regret overpaying the 32-year-old later on in the deal. Nonetheless, the Seahawks also acquired stud defensive tackle Corey Redding in a deal with the Detroit Lions in which they shipped off Julian Peterson. The Seahawks also signed Ken Lucas who played in Seattle a couple years ago. Lucas struggled outside of Seattle and will be welcomed home. The Seahawks really hasn’t been as strong since both Lucas and Marcus Trufant started together in 2004.
Lastly but not least head coach Jim Mora now takes over for Mike Holmgren, who has since retired. Big shoes to fill but Mora has the know how to succed in this offense …Continue reading Seattle Seahawks 2009 Preview
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Preview
Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl hopes are grim as can be. The Buccaneers lost some crucial defensive leaders and will rely on unproven or ineffective quarterbacking to lead this team. While the Buc’s are young and have potential, this season will be long and hard to watch for fans. Rebuilding can happen over night, but don’t be surprised if the Buc’s are one of the worst team’s in the NFC in 09.
Offseason Transactions
You can’t say Tampa didn’t try this offseason, particularly on offense. There’s nothing wrong with their acquisitions of Kellen Winslow Jr. at tight end and Derrick Ward, who has little mileage on his frame, at running back. The Bucs lost Jeff Garcia, so they signed Byron Leftwich and drafted Josh Freeman in the first round.
Key Position Battles
The most important position battles for the Bucs are on offense. At quarterback, Luke McCown reportedly has the inside track on Leftwich and Freeman. While it’s understandable that Freeman needs time to develop, I wouldn’t count on McCown beating out Leftwich, even though he’s a statue, Leftwich is just a bit more polished and experienced.
…Continue reading Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 Preview
