He could be a valuable player in a playoff game. I would expect that someone’s running back is going to get injured, and they will turn to Shaun Alexander to save their season. It is amazing how quickly a guy can go from MVP to out of a job.
9) Are Cleveland and Minnesota playoff teams in 2008?
These were basically the two teams that just missed the playoffs in 2007. These teams are usually the most intriguing the following year. In 2006, Green Bay used its playoff miss to improve from 8-8 to 13-3. Denver and Cincinnati regressed from their near misses in 2006 to play even worse in 2007. It can go both ways.
Minnesota had a great offseason by adding Jared Allen to the defensive line. Bernard Berrian gives them a much better target at receiver. Jackson is developing. With the “retirement” of Brett Favre, the division is in flux, and I expect the Vikings to grab the NFC North. In the extremely unlikely event that the Vikings acquire Favre, they could be a Super Bowl contender.
Cleveland added a lot of talent on the defensive line with Rogers and Williams. They also added Donte Stallworth to the receiver mix. Their offensive core is still young and improving. This could be a very dangerous team in 2008. I am expecting 10 wins and the final playoff spot.
Also, don’t forget New Orleans. They finished 7-9 after making the NFC Championship in 2006. They have added Jeremy Shockey, Jonathan Vilma, Ellis, McCray, and Gay. If their defense can regain its 2006 form, and the offense can mount more of a downfield threat, the Saints will be in prime position to win the NFC South.
8) Who will be the super surprise team of 2008?
I think the team with the best chance to go from the top 10 of the draft to playoff contention would be the St. Louis Rams. They have a lot of offensive talent. Bulger is a solid quarterback. Jackson is a threat as a runner and pass catcher. Holt is still a No. 1 target.
The Rams had a lot of issues on defense and the offensive line last year. Pace needs to stay healthy, and Chris Long needs to have a big year to help bring back the defense.
That said, the Rams don’t play in the toughest of divisions and they draw the AFC East in 2008. I only have them finishing 6-10, but I would not be shocked if they were able to get to 8-8 or 9-7 and contend for either the division or the last wild-card spot.
They need to stay healthy, and they need defensive improvement, but the Rams have a lot more skill-position players than the run of the mill 3-13 squad.
7) Will the San Diego Chargers be healthy to start the season?
How is Antonio Gates' toe? How is L.T.’s knee? How is Philip River’s knee? How much work will they see in preseason? No one doubts that the Chargers have the talent in place to make a run for Tampa. The concern is that they will be hampered by injuries from the get go.
Phillip Rivers has been throwing the ball at camp and appears to be throwing the ball with excellent velocity. The San Diego Union reported that he appeared to be thicker in the upper body. All indications seem to point to him being ready for the opener.
Tomlinson also appears to be a go for training camp. That is important because Turner bolted for Atlanta. The biggest question marks appear to be with Gates’ toe and Jamal Williams' knee.
Gates is a huge part of the Chargers' pass game. While Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson are solid targets, they are by no means superstar, No. 1 caliber players. Gates is the best tight end in football when healthy. His blend of speed, leaping ability, and size make him impossible to defend. If he is not able to go, that will be a huge blow to the Chargers.
On defense, Williams is a big part of the run defense. Without him at full strength, the Chargers will be more susceptible to the run. In a division with Denver, Larry Johnson, and Darren McFadden, that would be a huge blow.
I expect the Chargers to go 12-4 this season and work through their injury issues. This is still a young team that should be able to overcome those issues. However, a few big injuries are enough to derail even the best squads, and the Chargers are starting off the season with some big concerns.
6) Can Pittsburgh survive the toughest schedule in the NFL?
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