NFL: 5 NFC Offensive Studs Who Will Slide in 2012

Last season, the NFC and its fans saw household names and unknown players step up and make their presences feared by opposing defenses. 

However, underachieving teams like the Minnesota Vikings and top-caliber squads like the New York Giants will see a dip in production from some of their stud offensive weapons for varying reasons in 2012. 

It happens every year. A player may play like a god one season, but the next season come back down to earth. That's just the ebb and flow of the game. 

Whether it's more pressure this season than last or a reduction of role in the upcoming year, certain performers will have their numbers and effectiveness slide for their respective teams. 

With that being said, let's take a look at five players destined to slide in 2012. 

Eli Manning, QB (NYG)

As an Eagles fan, it kills me to admit this, but Eli Manning had a stellar season in 2011. 

He didn't really do it with much flash or style, but the younger Manning played with unearthly poise and decisiveness for the Giants last season.

The Ole Miss alum threw for the fourth-most regular season yards in the league (4,933 yds.) along with 29 touchdowns and 8.4 yards per play.

The Giants quarterback played well in the regular season but did major damage in the postseason where he led the team to a Super Bowl victory with 1,219 yards and nine touchdowns over four games.

However, the Giants are losing one key receiver to free agency and one playmaker may not be back for the season opener, which will hurt Manning's production in 2012. 

The first free-agent one is Mario Manningham. While the Michigan product had knee troubles in 2011, he still produced over 500 receiving yards, four touchdowns and this amazing catch in Super Bowl XLVI.

Even though the team drafted former LSU wideout Rueben Randle, Manning is still going to miss the lanky Manningham as a reliable option at wideout. 

Also, the team's second-best wide receiver Hakeem Nicks may not be ready for the season opener or longer with a broken right foot. 

Nicks put up huge numbers, catching seven touchdowns and raking in 1,192 receiving yards. 

With the loss of Manningham and potential absence of Nicks, the Super Bowl MVP quarterback will come down to earth and see his production slide a bit in 2012. 

Victor Cruz, WR (NYG)

Not picking on the Giants here or anything, but who honestly believes that Victor Cruz can repeat what he did last year in 2012? 

The man came out of nowhere in 2011 and killed it as he pulled in 1,536 receiving yards and hauled in nine touchdown grabs. Also, Cruz had the league's second-most plays for 40-plus yards and averaged 96 yards per game.

In 2011, opposing NFC teams were confused on how to defend the Giants' passing attack, considering they had multiple weapons in Nicks, Cruz and Manningham.

However, with Manningham gone to San Francisco and Nicks possibly out for a portion of early next season, Cruz will become Eli Manning's go-to receiver in 2012.

One would think this would improve the wide receivers numbers, but being the only one major pass-catching threat will draw double-teams and other stunts to prevent Cruz's effectiveness on the game.

Cruz will have trouble due to this and also the fact that the NFC East defenses have improved this offseason.

Philadelphia has brought in a slew of new defensive players, and while they basically gave away a top-five corner in Asante Samuel, veterans Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will have a full offseason to gel and the secondary will make strides. 

Also, the Dallas Cowboys addressed a weakness in the secondary by almost cleaning house and making bold moves by moving up to draft Morris Claiborne and signing Brandon Carr.

With stronger secondaries in the NFC East and the loss of surrounding receivers, Cruz will be frustrated with double-teams and see his numbers drop next season.  

Percy Harvin, WR (MIN)

While everyone but fantasy owners might have missed it, Percy Harvin put up incredible numbers for a Vikings team that struggled to find offense in 2011.

Harvin made his impact known in the NFC North after he hauled in 87 receptions, 967 yards and nine touchdowns.

His effectiveness in the ground game also showed with his 345 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, mostly coming from sweep plays to the outside.

What’s most notable in Harvin’s 2011 campaign was the way he stepped up and showcased his abilities in games that Adrian Peterson missed due to injury.

In 2011, Peterson missed four of the Viking’s last six games against Atlanta, Detroit, Denver and Chicago.

In those games, the former Florida playmaker put up monster performances, including eight receptions, 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns against the Broncos on Dec. 4.

However, with Adrian Peterson returning to full strength this season, Harvin’s numbers and impact on the game will slip in 2012. 

Cam Newton, QB (CAR)

There were definitely doubts heading into last season on whether or not Cam Newton could step in his rookie year and perform well for the Panthers in 2011. 

It's safe to say those questions were answered, as the former Auburn Tiger set rookie records and put up 4,051 passing yards and 21 touchdowns.  

Throughout the season, Newton continued to make dazzling plays, putting to use his combination of massive size, athleticism and arm strength.

However, his completion percentage was middle of the road at 60 percent, and he did total the third-most interceptions with 17.

Opposing defenses in the NFC South also did well to bulk up their secondary so far this offseason.

The Falcons got a steal in trading a seventh-round pick for one of the league’s top corners in Asante Samuel. Also, the Buccaneers picked the draft’s best safety in Mark Barron and signed a proven and experienced corner in Eric Wright.

With these moves from teams within the division and the concern over interceptions, it’s a realistic thought that Cam Newton will endure a sophomore slump. 

Matt Forte, RB (CHI)

Don't get me wrong, I love Matt Forte and he did wonders for me in fantasy football last season.

However, when you look at what he's potentially dealing with this upcoming season, his production numbers look like they are going to drop off.

Last season, Forte rushed for 997 yards but was hampered with injury at the end of the season causing him to miss four games of the regular season.

The biggest issue with Forte is the issue of his contract. Because of his stellar performances the past couple of years, the Tulane product has proven that he is in the league’s upper echelon of running backs and deserves a deal.

Despite his production, the back and the Bears remain at a standstill in regards to a lucrative extension, and Forte feels like he’s earned that respect.

Even though he probably won’t hold out, there's always that possibility which would obviously hurt his numbers.

Also, the Bears have brought in more offensive threats this offseason that could potentially take away touches from Forte.

The team signed running back Michael Bush, a tackle-breaker who start would for a third of NFL teams. They also picked up show-stopper Brandon Marshall at receiver to help out quarterback Jay Cutler.

Considering the additions to the offense and a potential hold out, Matt Forte’s numbers may not fall drastically, but they definitely won’t be as overwhelming as seasons in the past.