Top-Five NFL Surprises in 2008

Thank you for reading the inaugural addition of my new weekly article that will include my thoughts on the 2008 NFL season. Since it's the preseason, I decided to start out with first installment predicting the top-five surprises of the 2008 NFL season.

5. The success of Aaron Rodgers

Seriously, Rodgers is jumping into a role for which Brett Favre and Mike McCarthy have been molding him for the past three years. He knows the playbook like the back of his hand. He has a great offense. I believe that, by the end of the season, Rodgers will accrued 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a rating of 98.5. The Packers will go 9-7 and claim the NFC Wildcard.

4. The failure of the Philadelphia Eagles

OK, I will admit they have the most underrated running back in the NFL in Brian Westbrook, but they have a now-mediocre Donovan McNabb and now a below-average defense. The Eagles will go 6-10 and fail to make the playoffs.

3. The NFL-leader in jerseys sold will be...(drum roll please)...Jason Cambell

He will have a magnificent season this year. With Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El as two of his receivers and tight end Chris Cooley already on board, the team spent its three second-round picks on wideouts Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly and tight end Fred Davis and its third-rounder on offensive tackle Chad Rinehart. Campbell will throw for 3,400 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 101.3 rating.

2. The Oakland Raiders will have some success

I should say a bunch of success. The Raiders really improved this offseason, mainly with the drafting of Darren McFadden. With a rapidly developing Jamarcus Russell and the addition of former Denver Bronco Javon Walker, he should have a great season as long as his arm stays healthy. I think the Raiders will go a surprising 10-6 and win the AFC Wildcard.

1. How far the Redskins will go

My most surprising pick, and the most controversial, is my prediction for Washington's season. I say they will go 11-5, win their division, and go to the Super Bowl. They have a fairly underrated defense that will do even better this season with the addition of Jason Taylor on the defensive line. The NFL's surprise of the season.