Camp's In Session: A Look at Rising and Falling Teams for the 2008 NFL Season

The best thing about training camp is that you're team, regardless of how bad they may be, is officially undefeated.  You speculate to your friends how many wins they will get this year (usually about 3 or 4 more than reality), but nevertheless you can talk trash about all your new signings and draft picks and how they will help get your team into the playoffs.  However, only 6 teams can make it in each conference and half the league usually has their bubble all but burst midway into the season.  Everybody can count on the Patriots, Cowboys, and Chargers being near the top, but let's look into some of the middle of the road teams that can surge up the rankings or have you looking forward to the 2009 draft.

Falling

Cincinnati Bengals - Just a few years ago, this looked like a team that was developing into a surefire playoff team year in and year out.  However, while the teams around the Bengals are getting better, it's hard to say that the Bengals are.  Off the field issues and distractions are getting to be more common than a  stoned person at a Dave Matthews Concert. 

Chicago Bears - For a while they had rekindled the name "monsters of the midway" but this year they will be more like "the monstars from Space Jam".  Unless Devin Hester can be utilized in a more prominent role, the offense is almost certain to be even worse than previous seasons and the defense continues to age and decline with each passing year.

New York Giants - Really? The defending Super Bowl Champs falling?  Absolutely.  While the Giants might find a way to slide into the playoffs, the ability to repeat last year's success is virtually impossible.  The loss of Strahan will hurt on the field, but just as important in the locker room as a leader and motivator - big keys to the Giants improbable run last season.  Everyone will be out to get the Champs, and it doesn't help that they play in the toughest division in football.

Rising

Cleveland Browns - Possibly the most underrated team in all of football.  The addition of Donte' Stallworth adds speed to take pressure off of Braylon Edwards and open up room in the middle for Kellen Winslow.  Look for the Browns to have a more balanced attack this year as the revamped Jamal Lewis appears to have found a new home in Cleveland.  Joshua Cribbs might be the best return man in the game, and if the defense can come up with some big plays this team can do big things in 2008.

St. Louis Rams - Maybe the most disappointing team in 2007.  However, a lot of that can be contributed to injuries. Bulger, Jackson, and just about every member of the offensive line was injured at one point or another last year.  This truly marks a fresh start for the Rams and they have the talent to win a lot of games.  1st round pick Chris Long will bolster an underrated defense, and a healthy offense along with a weak division could mean a big turnaround for the St. Louis Rams.

Minnesota Vikings - Outside of a quarterback (could we dare to imagine Brett Favre in purple?) the Vikings have the foundation of a Championship team.  Run the ball and stop the run.  The Vikings ranked 1st in the NFL in both categories averaging an astonishing 164 yds a game on the ground last year while giving up a measley 74.  At first I thought no way would I want to see Brett Favre in another uniform then the green and gold #4, but how ironic and exciting would it be to see a Vikings/Packers playoff game with the the #4 at QB...in purple.