100 Reasons to Be Grateful NFL Football Is Back

I hate to be so cliche but...are you ready for some football?!

Yes, that is right—the start of the 2011 NFL regular season is Thursday night as the reigning Super Bowl champions Green Bay Packers will host the New Orleans Saints, which is one hell of a matchup. 

As we inch closer and closer to kickoff, I am going to give you 100 reasons—that's right, 100 reasons—why you should be grateful that football is back.

Brace yourself, readers—here are my 100 reasons! 

The Lockout Is over and Football Is Back

Just imagine what us football fans would have done if there wasn't an NFL season this year. Wait, scratch that. You know what, I actually have zero interest in imagining how miserable my life would be without football. 

Patriots and Colts Play Again in New England

One of the greatest rivalries in the NFL will continue for yet another season as the New England Patriots will host the Indianapolis Colts during Week 13. 

The game will feature two of the league's best quarterbacks in Tom Brady and Peyton Manning—that is, if Manning is healthy and ready to go by December 4. 

The AFC West Will Be Even More Competitive

All four teams in the AFC West have the potential to walk away with several impressive victories this season. The Chargers and Chiefs are the top dogs in the division with the Raiders looming around ready to make a run at the division while the Broncos are a young and talented team on the rise. 

Whenever these AFC West teams face off against each other, it's sure to be a great, competitive matchup. 

We Can Try Way Too Hard To Imitate Favorite Players in Two-Hand Touch Football

The guy in this video obviously tried a little too hard. However, it was one of the most entertaining things that I've seen on YouTube. 

Feel free to post some other funny videos of fans imitating players a little too hard!  

Larry Fitzgerald Finally Has a Quarterback

If the Arizona Cardinals failed to acquire a legitimate starting quarterback this offseason, I am sure that Larry Fitzgerald would have gone crazy. 

Now, thankfully, the Cards will feature Kevin Kolb tossing the ball to Fitz—a potential recipe for success in the NFC West. 

Madden 12: Fans Can Emulate Their Team Every Week

I have been doing this every year since I was a kid. Every year I have played one game a week in Madden, just like my favorite team the New England Patriots, as I'd do the best that I could to simulate the season as accurately as I could.

I'm sure that a lot of you have done this and can relate to me on this one. 

Fantasy Football

Nothing makes Sundays more interesting than fantasy football. Not only do you have to root for your favorite team each and every week, but now you have to root for your fantasy players. 

There is nothing like fantasy football. 

Monday Night Football

There is simply nothing better than Monday Night Football. You may make the case that now that MNF is on ESPN, it may have lost some of its luster, but it's still an American tradition that will live on in 2011. 

Monday Now Becomes a Part of the Weekend

Yes, that's right—in the world of an NFL fan, Monday is a part of the weekend thanks to Monday Night Football on ESPN. 

Who cares that you have to go to work on Monday? All you got to do is sit back and coast through the day until you're home on your couch enjoying the night's game on your HD TV. 

Cheerleaders

You're fooling yourself if you don't pay attention to the cheerleaders. I know that every single guy enjoys a little eye candy before going to commercial break. 

Utilizing Your Smartphone to the Fullest

If you happened to take a look at my iPhone, the majority of the apps that I have are related to the NFL.

I've got all my fantasy football apps, I've got my NFL.com app and just about any app that you can think of that's related to the NFL, I have it. I even have the new Bleacher Report app, which happens to be my new favorite. 

Going on ESPN Message Boards

There's nothing better than going onto not just ESPN message boards but any message board to taunt and talk smack about your favorite team throughout the week and game day. 

Sadly, I have gotten myself banned from several message boards, including ESPN, simply because I defend my New England Patriots a little too much. 

DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket

If you haven't experienced DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket, then you have yet to live life. I am not joking. 

NFL Sunday Ticket very well could be the greatest thing ever to happen to TV and the NFL. I'm not a big fan of DirecTV, but Sunday Ticket is enough to switch over. That's how good it is. 

There's an Excuse To Dress the Dog Up in Team Colors

You are a true fan if you dress your dog up in your team's colors. Enough said. 

Josh Freeman Could Have a Breakout Year

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman is on the rise and if you haven't heard of the guy, well you're going to be hearing a lot about him in 2011. Get used to it.

In just Freeman's second year in the league, he tossed a stellar 25 touchdowns while being intercepted only six times. 

Freeman is well on his way into emerging as one of the league's top passers. 

Michael Vick Is the Obvious Starter in Philly

Entering last season, Kevin Kolb was the projected starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles as Michael Vick was his backup. However, now after Vick's Comeback Player of the Year performance last season, he's earned himself the starting job in Philly. 

Vick is arguably the league's most electrifying player and has had an entire offseason to prepare knowing that he is the Eagles starting quarterback.  

More Reason To Have Friends Over, Socialize on Sundays

Who cares what the wife or girlfriend says? Invite all your friends over on Sundays! It's football season.

Have a few beers and some pizza or whatever you want and enjoy the game with your buddies. If the lady doesn't understand, then I suggest moving on without her. 

Excuse To Drink More Beer, Eat More Unhealthy Food on Sundays

Drink up, it's football season! It's the perfect excuse to enjoy more beer and more unhealthy foods every Sunday. 

Matt Ryan Is the Next Elite Quarterback

If everything goes right for Matt Ryan in Atlanta, he should end up being considered an elite quarterback once the season comes to an end. 

Ryan simply has so many weapons in Atlanta, that he's going to produce some huge numbers—take note, fantasy owners. 

A New Head Coach in Dallas

It's always interesting when a team enters the season with a first-year head coach—but it's even more interesting when the team is the Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones is the owner. 

Jason Garrett will be entering his first season as a head coach for "America's Team" and already has high expectations from the entire fanbase and Mr. Jerry Jones. 

2012 Mock Drafts

If you're a hardcore football fan like me, then you're always thinking about the draft and which players you think will be busts and studs. 

With football back, we can now analyze and rank prospects that will be declaring for the draft next April. 

Mood Set for Backyard Football

By just watching this video alone, it makes me want to go out in my backyard and play football.

But seriously, if you haven't eaten too much, there's nothing better than going outside with your buddies during halftime to go toss around the pigskin. 

There Are a Lot of Talented Young QBs To Watch in This League

Let's just think of all the young quarterbacks we'll likely see play this year: Josh Freeman, Sam Bradford, Cam Newton, Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert, Colin Kaepernick and Christian Ponder. 

Who are you looking forward to seeing most? I know I can't wait to see Newton and his Carolina Panthers take on Freeman and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice this season. 

Chad Ochocinco and Bill Belichick Have Teamed Up

I was truly shocked when I found out that Bill Belichick and Chad Ochocinco actually had a solid relationship off of the field and that both equally respected each other.

With that being said, I was even more shocked to find out that the Patriots had traded for Ochocinco earlier this offseason. 

Ochocinco is one of the biggest personalities in the league and now he's playing for a coach that has zero tolerance for that kind of stuff. 

No More Reliance on Pre-October Baseball

Baseball is a great sport and all, as it's my second favorite one, but when it's football season, the NFL is my top focus. 

If I went a year without football, I'm not too sure what I have done. Now I don't have to rely on playoff baseball to get me through the long fall nights. 

Monday Morning Quarterback with Peter King

One of my favorite columns in the world, Monday Morning Quarterback with Peter King, will be able to be enjoyed this year thanks to the NFL lifting the lockout. 

If you haven't read any of King's columns, then I suggest you check it out ASAP! 

Sunday Night Football

I love Sunday Night Football on NBC. Hell, I even like it a million times better than Monday Night Football.

No matter which teams are playing Sunday night and no matter how long the game goes, I will stay up all night enjoying it. 

Cris Collinsworth Will Point out Something About Your Team You Never Noticed

Is it just me or is Cris Collinsworth the best color man in the NFL? 

Collinsworth took over for the legend John Madden and certainly didn't have a difficult time replacing Madden's huge shoes. 

Each and every week Collinsworth points out something interesting that I have never noticed before—that's how good of an analyst he is. 

The Buffalo Bills Have New Uniforms

I don't know about you but I love Buffalo's new uniforms. I really believe that they nailed it with these. I especially like their away white ones.  

What do you think? 

The Combination of Von Miller and Elvis Dummervil

With rookie Von Miller teaming up with Elvis Dumervil in Denver, the Broncos should be able to put tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2011. 

If you're a Broncos fan, this is something that should get you amped. 

The Detroit Lions Should Be Competitive in 2011

If quarterback Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for the Detroit Lions, then they are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

The Lions arguably have the best pass rush in football and the league's best wide receiver in Calvin Johnson. 

There's a real good chance that the Lions can make a run for the NFC North this year. 

Aaron Rodgers Is Now an Elite Quarterback

As Aaron Rodgers led his Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory last season, he proved to the whole NFL that he is an elite quarterback.

Rodgers finished 2010 with an incredible 101.2 quarterback rating while completing 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,922 yards, 28 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

Rodgers now has the stats and a Super Bowl to back him up. 

If You're a Texans Fan: Peyton Manning Is Hurt

This is it for the Houston Texans. If they do not make the playoffs this year then they should seriously rebuild their entire roster. Houston has a perfect shot at winning the AFC South in 2011 thanks to the neck injury of Peyton Manning.

Manning will not be playing in the Colts' season opener against the Texans, and this is going to have to be a statement game for Houston. They have to come away with a huge, convincing victory in Week 1. 

Mario Williams Is Now an Outside Linebacker

As the Houston Texans make a switch to Wade Phillips' 3-4 defensive attack, Mario Williams will be making a switch as well as he'll become the NFL's largest outside linebacker weighing in at 290 lbs.

If all goes well for Houston, Williams should be an absolute beast. 

Green Bay vs. New Orleans

There's no better way to kick off an NFL season with the two most recent Super Bowl champions squaring off on Thursday Night Football in Green Bay at Lambeau Field. 

By the time you're reading this, kickoff to Saints vs. Packers is just only hours away! Get ready! 

Cam Newton Will Be a Starter To Start the Season

There's nothing better than actually seeing the first overall pick start right from the get-go—and we would have not had this opportunity if the season were to be locked out. 

Cam Newton, the quarterback out of Auburn, will be Carolina's starting quarterback to start the season. 

This is going to be a very exciting moment for Panthers fans. 

The NFL Will Honor 9/11

Opening weekend will mark the 10-year anniversary for one of our nation's greatest tragedies, September 11. 

I am sure that all home teams will be preparing a beautiful and memorable honoring of the event this Sunday. It will be a true demonstration of our country's patriotism. 

The Jets and Giants Will Face off on Christmas Eve

The battle of New York will take place during Week 16 on December 24, Christmas Eve. 

Is there more intriguing matchup than Giants vs. Jets? I don't think so. 

A Rematch of Super Bowl XLII

Super Bowl XLII is something that New England fans want to forget and that Giants fans will never forget as the Giants crushed the hopes of New England's undefeated season with a score of 17-14. 

The two teams will face off during Week 9 at Gillette Stadium in New England. 

I am sure that Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Patriots Nation will have revenge on their minds. 

Plaxico Burress Is Back in the NFL

Before being sentenced to a two-year jail sentence back in 2008, Plaxico Burress was one of the league's top wide receivers. 

Now, after serving his sentence, Plax is no longer a member of the New York Giants, but he's a member of the New York Jets. 

Our Twitter Feeds Will Be a Lot More Interesting

If you haven't signed up for a Twitter account, I suggest you do now. 

Tweeting on game day makes the games so much more interesting. You get to check out experts and analysts tweet and comment on the game while you can even talk a little smack with fans on opposing teams. 

Twitter simply makes the NFL a little bit more interesting! 

Thursday Night Football

I bet that most of you will all agree with me, Thursday Night Football's announcers and presentation and pretty much everything about it is awful. 

However, the only bright side is that it's still football and it's a great way to kick off your weekend. 

Philadelphia Is the Dream Team

The Philadelphia Eagles are the most hyped football team entering 2011 due to their activity in free agency and how well their team looks on paper. In fact, backup quarterback Vince Young labeled his Eagles the "Dream Team" at the start of preseason. 

Will the Eagles live up to the hype in 2011? 

Stadium Atmosphere Is Back

I will bet you one thing: NFL stadiums are going to be rocking this year as fans are going to be so grateful that the NFL is back and there is no lockout. 

In New York, Fireman Ed will be leading the way. 

No More Crappy Local Preseason Announcers

No more tuning into our local channels to watch our team play in preseason; now we actually get to see our teams are real, professional, top-of-the-line stations like CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN. 

Let me ask you this: How awful are your local announcers? I know for sure that I cannot wait to hear the voices of Phil Simms, Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and many more in just a few days. 

SportsCenter's Top 10 Is No Longer All Baseball Highlights

I am a huge fan of baseball, but it just comes a point when you get sick of all the highlights on SportsCenter. It's just that I need a change of scenario. 

Now, SportsCenter's Top 10 will not be only baseball plays, as it's the summer's only sport, but we'll actually get to see a Top 10 loaded with action from the NFL. 

Thank God. 

We Can Start Talking About 2012 Draft Prospects

As the NFL season is well underway, we can now start thinking about the top prospects that will be entering the 2012 draft. For me, I'll be paying more attention on quarterback Andrew Luck than anyone.

Who do you think will win the "Andrew Luck Sweepstakes?" My money's on Washington. 

The Super Bowl

Even if your favorite team isn't playing in the Super Bowl, you still have to tune in and watch it—as Super Bowl Sunday is pretty much a national holiday in the United States. 

What would we have done if there wasn't a Super Bowl in February? Focus in on baseball's spring training? Geesh, that would suck. 

Buying Our Favorite Player's Jersey

If you're a true fan of the NFL, then you have to own a few jerseys and you definitely own your favorite player's jersey. 

One of my favorite players, Aaron Hernandez for the New England Patriots, switched his jersey number when the team acquired Chad Ochocinco. So, I had to go out and grab myself a brand-new No. 81 Hernandez jersey and it is fresh! I am loving No. 81. 

You Get To Break out Your Jerseys Again

Personally, I don't usually wear any kind of sport jerseys—only when it's game day. So, if there wasn't an NFL season this year then my jerseys would have simply sat in my closet and collected dust for a whole year now. 

Thank God that's not the case, as now all NFL fans can break out their jerseys for opening weekend. 

We Can Wear Jerseys To Work on Certain Days

There is nothing cooler than breaking your work's dress code and wearing your jersey to work. It's a great way to get you pumped up for the weekend and it's nice water-cooler material to talk about. 

Who disagrees? 

We Can Shave Our Team's Logo into Our Hair

This guy is pretty hardcore and anyone who actually shaves their team's logo into your hair is pretty hardcore. 

Personally, I like my hair just the way it is. 

College Students Now Have Nothing To Do During Lectures

When I'm in class and my professor is just going on and on and I have zero interest in paying attention, I simply just open a new tab on my laptop and check out my fantasy teams. 

It's a great way to kill time. 

Something for People To Do While at Work

If your day is going by really slowly and you need something to do or simply you just don't want to work, pull up a new tab on your computer and check out your fantasy teams. 

However, make sure that your boss doesn't catch you! 

Bragging Rights Between Your Fans

If one of your close friends happens to be a fan of another team, then this is when football season gets fun: bragging rights.

Let's say that you're a New York Giants fan but your buddy is a Philadelphia Eagle. This is where bragging rights come into play and there's nothing better than rubbing victory in someone's face! 

We Now Have an Excuse To Dress Up as a Baby

If you really have a huge grudge against Jay Cutler, whether you're a disgruntled Broncos or Bears fan, you now have an excuse to dress up like a baby and mock Mr. Cutler—just like this guy! 

The Steelers and Ravens Play Each Other Twice

Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh is one of the NFL's best rivalries and we're treated every single year as these two AFC North rivals square off against each other twice—or maybe even three times if they meet in the playoffs.

Colt McCoy Is on the Rise

Watch out for Colt McCoy and the Cleveland Browns, they are a team on the rise and could make a run at a playoff spot this year.

I absolutely love what the Browns are doing and I have been extremely impressed with the play of McCoy from last year and throughout preseason this season. 

Overall Cleveland is a solid team that could give teams a lot of trouble in 2011. 

We Get a Distraction from Bad Jobs

You have a bad job? Who cares?! It's football season and every Sunday you get put all of your problems aside while you enjoy some football. 

If you're a real hardcore fan, then football is by far more important than your job. 

We Get To Put Steve Sabol To Work Again

I am a true fan of Steve Sabol's work at NFL Network. Sabol does a tremendous job at documenting and recreating games in NFL Films. 

2011 should be a spectacular season and Sabol will have plenty of material to use moving forward. 

Bill Belichick's NFL Network Documentary

As a Patriots fan, this video gives me the chills and I am so pumped to watch this September 15 on NFL Network. 

It's an entire documentary on Bill Belichick as he was mic'd up for the entire 2009 season—do I really need to say more? If this doesn't interest you, then you are not a fan of the game. 

Another Excuse Not To Care About NASCAR

I'm sorry if you're a NASCAR fan and reading this but I cannot stand the sport—hell, is it even a sport? It's just a bunch of left turns and taking pit stops for gas and repairs. Whooptydoo!

I have never sat in front of the TV to watch an entire race and I never will.

Snow Games

Snow games are pure awesomeness. Yeah, I just said awesomeness. 

If you don't enjoy watching snow games, then you're crazy. Snow games are simply a great part of the sport. 

Simple Bets with Your Friends

Whether if it's betting that Philip Rivers will throw three touchdowns in Sunday's game or betting that the Green Bay Packers will repeat with another Super Bowl victory. It's always entertaining placing a few bets with your friends during the season. 

Tailgating

I love tailgating. It is probably one of the greatest things ever to be invented. Whoever thought of the idea of bringing a grill to the game is a genius. 

Who doesn't love having some nice steak tips before you go sit down and enjoy a football game? 

More Excusse To Grill Out

I don't know about you, but I could actually just grill food every single night of my life and be one happy man. Whether it's steak tips, burgers, chicken or hot dogs—I love taking the grill out and the NFL gives me an excuse to grill every Sunday. 

We Get to See One of the Greatest LBs of All Time in Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is arguably the most intense player in the entire league. Have you ever watched this guy play? He is insane—he reminds me of how Kevin Garnett plays basketball. 

Not only is Lewis so intense, but he's the greatest linebacker of our generation and is one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

This is just another season we get to enjoy watching Ray Lewis lead Baltimore's tough and physical defense. 

Upsets Each Week

Who doesn't love a good upset? Well for starters, the fans of the team that was just upset—but other than that, upsets are a really entertaining part of the game. 

Each and every week in the NFL there's usually an upset and it's a key part of what makes the NFL so much better than every league in the entire world. 

Power Rankings

Each and every week a brand-new set of power rankings is released by ever major media company and they're always a thrill to read. 

Power rankings are a great backing for you when you get into a debate on a message board with a fan from another team. 

We Can Make Fun of Jim Caldwell Press Conferences

Jim Caldwell is one of the most emotionless coaches out there—he's right up there with Bill Belichick.

Not only can we make fun of Caldwell's boring and dry press conferences but we can also make fun of how he has no clue of what he's doing. A perfect example was when Caldwell displayed extremely poor clock-management skills in his team's playoff loss against the New York Jets. 

Work Weeks Go by Quicker

If you're a real hardcore NFL fan then you're always thinking about football and it helps you get through the work week. 

Everybody's working for the weekend! 

Cowboys vs. Jets Opening Weekend

Week 1 features one of the year's most intriguing matchups: the Dallas Cowboys visiting the New York Jets. 

In this game it will be the battle of the Ryans, Rex vs. Rob. Which brother will come up with the best defensive scheme? My money's on Rex. 

No More Spending Sundays Wondering What To Do

How awful would it have been if there actually was no football this year? What would we have done? 

I know I would have probably locked myself in my room every single Sunday and just stared at the wall.

Blaine Gabbert Will Likely Start at Some Point of This Season

With the recent news of David Garrard being waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Luke McCown being named the starter in Jacksonville, it pretty much means that we're going to get to see rookie Blaine Gabbert at some point of this season. 

If you're going to ask me, my guess is that Gabbert will get the starting job following the Jaguars' bye week in Week 9. 

You Can Buy More Chips, Soda at Grocery Store and Not Feel Bad About It

Besides beer, chips and soda are a must for football on Sundays. In order to live the complete Sunday football experience, you need to have plenty of snacks and drinks.

When you're shopping for the big day, forget about your health! It's only one day a week. 

Without NBA Season This Year, What Else Would There Be To Watch?

There's a real good chance that the NBA's lockout will go on for a very long time. Now let me picture you this: Imagine a winter with no football and no basketball. What would we have done? My life would have sucked. 

We Get To See One of the Greatest QBs of All Time in Tom Brady

Call me a homer, but Tom Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game and we could have lost a year with him if the NFL were to have stayed locked out. 

Brady is the reigning MVP and should have yet another amazing season for New England this year. 

Being Able To Paint a Football Helmet on Your Head

If you're bald or have a shaved head, then you might as well take advantage of it by painting the helmet of your favorite team on your head!

I'm not going to lie, but I have a lot of respect for that guy in this picture. 

Michael Vick Returns to Atlanta as a Starter

Michael Vick may have already returned to Atlanta after spending time in jail but now he'll return Week 2 as a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles. 

I know that Vick will be bringing his A-game against his former team. 

Who Will Win the Lowly NFC West?

Arizona, San Francisco, Seattle and St. Louis—they're all pretty average teams, at best, and one of them will be making the playoffs in 2011.

Last season, the Seahawks became the first-ever team to clinch a playoff spot with a losing record of 7-9. This year, the winner of the lowly NFC West is a complete mystery. 

The Silver Crush

Earlier this offseason, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz nicknamed his defensive line the Silver Crush due to their projected ability to put a tremendous amount of pressure on the opposing quarterback. 

The Lions could very well be a winning team in 2011 and the Silver Crush, led by Ndamukong Suh, will be one entertaining group to watch every Sunday. 

Finding a New Favorite Player

Every season there's always one guy that really stands out to me and I grow attached to. Last season, it happened to be Danny Woodhead and now this year, it's starting to become Ryan Mallett. 

Each season I always find a new favorite player or something to simply pay close attention to every week and I'm sure most NFL fans can relate with me on this one. 

A Reason To Watch TV Nonstop Every Sunday

I know that every Sunday, as soon as I wake up, I put on the TV and watch football nonstop—from the pregames all the way to the postgame following Sunday Night Football on NBC.

For all NFL fans, Sunday is football day—a day dedicated to nonstop football. It's almost like Christmas is every Sunday.  

There's Always Something To Talk About

No matter what you're doing, there's always something to talk about. Whether you're at a dinner party, at work, at the bar or even at the doctor, you can always start up a conversation about the latest on Peyton Manning's injury or whatever you may choose. 

Being Able To Paint Your Face

If you're a hardcore fan, then you've probably painted your face a few times in the colors of your favorite team—and it's a legitimate reason to look foolish for the day.

Being Able To Not Wear a Shirt

It's kind of funny: If you're overweight and decide to go to a football game in cold weather and you choose to take your shirt off or even paint your entire body, it's almost guaranteed to get on TV. 

A Reason To Watch NFL Network Nonstop

To me, the NFL Network is like the Bible and I am sure that most NFL fans can relate to me on this one. 

Whenever there's nothing on TV, I'm always watching NFL Network as I'm staying up to date for all the latest news in the NFL world. 

Nnamdi Asomugha Signing with Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles reeled in this year's prized possession in free agency by signing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha.

Asomugha is considered to be one of the NFL's best cornerbacks and he'll be teaming up with Asante Samuel and Dominique Rogers-Cromartie to create the league's most talented cornerback tandem. 

No More Wasting Sundays Away Sleeping In

No more lying in bed all Sunday—it's football season. It's time to wake up, go out into your living room and enjoy the world's best sport! 

Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints' High-Powered Offense

Let's put it this way: The New Orleans offense is very impressive and is at times unstoppable.

Watching Drew Brees throw the ball left and right in Sean Payton's offense is a real treat to watch every Sunday. 

If Eli Manning Can Prove That He's in the Same Class as Tom Brady

Earlier this offseason, Eli Manning boldly stated that he's in the same class as Tom Brady. I am sure that most of us can agree that Eli is nowhere near TB12. 

However, Eli will do the best he can do to prove that he is in the same class as Brady and the other elite quarterbacks of the league. 

Rematch of Super Bowl XLIV

Another rematch of a recent Super Bowl will be featured on this year's schedule as the New Orleans Saints will host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 7 in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV. 

If Indy doesn't have Peyton Manning at this point, then the Saints are going to walk all over the Colts. 

If Casey Matthews Can Live Up to the Hype

Casey Matthews will enter 2011 as Philadelphia's starting middle linebacker—however there are still some major concerns regarding the rookie out of Oregon.

Casey is the younger brother of Clay Matthews, linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, and there have been some unfair expectations placed on Casey as he's only a rookie. 

Let us just keep this in mind: Casey may be Clay's brother, but that doesn't mean he'll be as dominant as him. 

Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice Will Team Up in Seattle

Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice both played with each other in Minnesota and now will be leading the Seahawks offense in Seattle.

Jackson has a lot to prove as he'll have to get the ball to the playmaker Rice more often than not if he wants to be successful in Seattle. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Super Bowl Contenders

When it comes to football, the Pittsburgh Steelers fanbase is one of the most loyal and purely the best and it's always good to see that the Steelers are competitive.

Entering 2011, not only will the Steelers be competitive, but they'll be a Super Bowl contender as they're coming off of a Super Bowl loss against the Green Bay Packers and they'll look to redeem themselves. 

Battle of the Harbaughs

As the only two brother head coaches in the NFL, Jim and John Harbaugh will face off against each other during Week 12 of this year as the San Francisco 49ers will pay a visit to the Baltimore Ravens.

I'm just going to put it this way: John's team is much better than Jim's. 

Terrell Owens Is Still Available

At some point of the season, wide receiver Terrell Owens is going to join a team. He's too much of a talent to just sit on the open market.

If your team is in need of a wide receiver, you should be very grateful that T.O. will be available. 

Jay Cutler Will Return to Denver

If you're a Denver Bronco fan and happen to be attending the Week 14 matchup against the Chicago Bears, then you're probably foaming at the mouth as you can't wait to boo Jay Cutler. 

We Can Look Forward to Skip Bayless Saying More Laughably Stupid Things

How can I say this nicely? Skip Bayless is a moron. End of story. 

Just take a look at some of the idiotic things that he's said over the years and you'll understand real fast. 

Brett Favre Is Still Retired

Thank the lord: Brett Favre is still retired and there have yet to be any "concrete" rumors of him potentially returning for another go with a new team.

The 41-year-old Favre should have retired years ago, but decided to embarrass himself and really make his name laughable. At this point, I really have lost all respect for Favre and I believe that he's the most egocentric person in the entire history of the NFL.

Please stay retired, Brett.