2011 NFL Predictions: Each Team's Biggest Offensive Weapon

Every team, no matter where they finish in the standings, has a handful of good players on at least one side of the ball. Some teams, even good ones, have better offenses than defenses and vice versa. The trick is nailing down which individual players are the most essential weapons on each team.

Here's a look at each team's biggest offensive weapon for the 2011 season and three reasons why each fits that bill. As always, if I missed someone or if you feel there's a better answer, let's hear it in the comments!

New England Patriots: Tom Brady, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Trigger Man

Brady makes the offense go. They have some good pieces in Chad Ochocinco and Wes Welker, but they don't succeed unless Brady gets them the ball.

2. Big Play History

Brady has made something out of a lot of guys who've either failed elsewhere (Welker) or who were on the downside of their careers until they hooked up with him (Randy Moss). That's a game-changer.

3. Last Hurrah?

Brady figures to have a big year this year because he's pushing to get as much as he can out of the next year or two before he starts to hit the decline that comes to every quarterback. Brady's been around for awhile and wants to get at least one more ring before he hangs up the cleats.

Honorable Mention: Wes Welker

New York Jets: Santonio Holmes, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Big Play Ability

Holmes has been a force wherever he's played. He made the game-winning catch in Super Bowl XLIII with Pittsburgh and has become Mark Sanchez's favorite target in New York. His work has helped Sanchez develop.

2. Other Option Questions

The Jets spent a lot of time and money courting Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason to play opposite Holmes. Both figure to have big seasons, but Mason is aging and Burress is seeing his first action in two years. Holmes figures to be the go-to guy until a rapport develops.

3. Speed

Holmes has the break away speed that Burress and Mason lack, so he figures to gobble up the long passes and the big yardage plays. He's also good at creating yards after the catch and he can catch the fade in the end zone. That's a good recipe.

Honorable Mention: Burress (if he's in 2007 form again)

Miami Dolphins: Reggie Bush, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Multi-Threat

Bush can run, he can catch, he can be a factor on returns if the team wants to use him there. He can do anything they ask him to do. That usually is the hallmark of a game-breaking player. That's what Bush will hopefully bring to Miami.

2. Quarterback Questions

Chad Henne gets one more chance this year. Behind him is Matt Moore. That's not a scary recipe (except for failure). That makes the receivers' contributions questionable. Bush figures to be the focal point as they try to build around their issues under center.

3. Wildcat Anyone?

Wildcat is the trademark of the Dolphins' offense. Who better to run it than the do it all Reggie Bush? If he's healthy, he could make the wildcat a tough system to defend against.

Honorable Mention: Brandon Marshall, WR

Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Options?

The Bills traded their best receiver in Lee Evans and will continue a youth movement in Chan Gailey's second season. There aren't a ton of options for offensive weaponry right now, although there are some interesting breakout candidates.

2. Running Game Questions

C.J. Spiller was unimpressive last year in his debut. Fred Jackson has the tools, but its still unclear if he'll ever be the feature back the team envisioned previously when Travis Henry was let go. That leaves Fitzpatrick as the guy who must make the offense go.

3. Important Year for Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick got another year as the unquestioned starter when the team didn't draft a quarterback. That's either a statement of faith in his ability or an indication that the team wants Andrew Luck badly enough to wait a year and hope they can get into position to pick him. Fitzpatrick will bet the former and try to show he's the long-term guy.

Honorable Mention: Either Spiller or Stevie Johnson, WR

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Backyard Style

Roethlisberger is a throwback to the rough and tumble days of the NFL's distant past. He isn't afraid of taking a hit or running into someone to make a play. He will do whatever it takes to get the ball down the field. That makes him nearly impossible to defend against.

2. Trigger Man

Like Brady, Roethlisberger makes the offense tick. Mike Wallace is a great weapon, as are the team's other skill players, but it all starts with Roethlisberger, who can buy time for his players to get open or can be a decoy on running plays.

3. Step Up Year

The Steelers continue to gear more of what they do on offense to Ben Roethlisberger and his strengths. That should continue in 2011. Roethlisberger is hoping to add another ring and also to prove himself as a member of the elite class of quarterback in the NFL. A big year could accomplish one or both goals.

Honorable Mention: Mike Wallace, WR

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Versatility

Rice is one of the top running backs in the NFL and figures to be set for a 1,200 yard season or better, but he's also a threat to grab a pass in the flat and rack up some yards. He's good enough to be considered a receiving threat on a team that has often lacked talent at receiver.

2. Goal Line Work

Rice figures to get more looks in the red zone now that Willis McGahee is gone. The Ravens do still have some big men, but Rice has developed enough that the team seems comfortable handing him the ball for tough yards as well as the stuff between the 20s.

3. Receiver Questions

I touched on this above, but the Ravens are questionable at receiver once you get over the name recognition. Anquan Boldin is a good possession guy, but he's not a burner. Lee Evans has come from Buffalo and probably will become Joe Flacco's favorite target, but Rice is still the team's best receiving option.

Honorable Mention: Evans

Cleveland Browns: Joshua Cribbs, WR/KR/PR

Three Reasons Why

1. Bigger Offense

Pat Shurmur figures to be installing a more exciting offense in Cleveland. Cribbs has already been a playmaker in some very vanilla systems and without much talent around him. His numbers figure to go up with a better play caller on the sidelines.

2. Quarterback Help

Colt McCoy looks like he's ready to take a big leap forward this year. That should be a big help to Cribbs, who has never before had a good quarterback throwing him the football. If Cribbs' receiver numbers go up, he'll be an even bigger weapon.

3. Doing it All

He can run the wildcat as the quarterback, he can receive, he can return the ball for touchdowns. He is responsible for most of the points the Browns have put up in the past few years. That should continue regardless of what happens around him.

Honorable Mention: McCoy

Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Nugent, PK

Three Reasons Why

1. Bad News on Offense

Rookie quarterback, no experience at receiver. That means that running back Cedric Benson will be doing a lot of the heavy lifting. That makes the Bengals easy to defend against. If they stop the run, they might get shut out completely. That makes a kicker important.

2. Offensive Movement

Teams with inexperienced or one-dimensional offense depend on kickers a lot to put up the points. The Bengals stalled a lot with Carson Palmer. That figures to become protracted with Andy Dalton under center. If he and Benson can get the team close, Nugent should close the deal.

3. Last Chance

Nugent hasn't always been consistent in his career and has played his way off of teams before. If he, their closer in many situations, fails, he'll probably never find another NFL job. He's got a chance to finally lock himself into a team's future. It's got to happen this year or never.

Honorable Mention: Benson. He's the only other scary weapon.

Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. What? Not Manning?

No, Manning can't be here. He's not healthy and there's no telling how that effects the season. If he misses time, he's going to be rusty. That's not good on a team with no threat in the running game. That means a receiver will step up and take the honor this year.

2. Quarterback Effect

Young quarterbacks like Curtis Painter and new veterans like Kerry Collins are going to only read half the field most of the time. They won't have time or knowledge, especially early, to go through every read. The first guy on most plays is going to be Wayne.

3. Big Plays

Wayne is a playmaker who's also developing into a team leader in Manning's absence. He's going to get open and get the ball an awful lot no matter who's playing quarterback. The team uses him in key situations too. That means he's likely to get a lot of touchdowns. 

Honorable Mention: Dallas Clark, if he's healthy again.

Houston Texans: Matt Schaub, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Consistency

Schaub is the most consistent piece of the offense. Arian Foster had a breakout year in 2010, but it's only one year. Steve Slaton did it before him and hasn't panned out since. Schaub has been the guy and will continue to be the guy for a long time.

2. Big Plays

The team has an underrated receiving corps. Still, they need to get the ball from someone. Andre Johnson has experienced a renaissance with Schaub taking the snaps. He was good before, but he's been hard to stop since. Teams are going to pay more attention to him this year, meaning it'll be time to spread the ball around.

3. Playoffs or Bust

With Foster banged up, Schaub is going to be the guy to lead Houston to it's first playoff berth ever. Gary Kubiak is a great offensive guy coaching for his job this year. Schaub had a huge 2010, but it'll take an even bigger 2011 to get the Texans over the hump. I'm betting he can do it and that he'll start the Pro Bowl.

Honorable Mention: Johnson. I'm not sold on Foster yet.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Where are the Receivers?

Jones-Drew is on a team that is starting David Garrard at quarterback and nobody at wide receiver. That means they'll once again lean on him to provide as much offense on the ground as possible. Jones-Drew can catch on occasion too, so Garrard might be looking for him in the passing game a lot.

2. Injuries

Rashad Jennings is out for the year. He's the primary backup. That means that Jones-Drew will get more carries than he already does. He's going to have to produce if the Jaguars plan on going anywhere in what is still a tough division.

3. Quarterback Questions

There's no guarantee the team will stick with Garrard for a whole year. He gets no appreciation, but he'll be expected to make the mediocre receivers great. If he doesn't, the team might elect to go with first round pick Blaine Gabbert. That would make Jones-Drew an even more important weapon.

Honorable Mention: Garrard. Yes, he deserves a lot better treatment than he's ever received.

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Quarterback Issues

Matt Hasselbeck is on the wrong side of his career arc. Anyone who has visions of him returning to his 2005 glory is drinking some powerful stuff. Johnson is the focal point of the offense and will continue to be that way, especially if Jake Locker ends up on the field.

2. Big Money, Big Expectations

Johnson wanted big money, held out for it and got it. That means he needs to perform now. He's come close to shattering records before and hopefully will now have the extra incentive to go big. He could be set up for a 2,000 yard season if he gets loose.

3. No Receivers

It doesn't matter who's under center if they've got nobody to throw to on the edges. Johnson can catch and will have to do it in an offense that doesn't have anything proven at wide receiver. Kenny Britt is looking for a big year and Nate Washington would like to bounce back, but Johnson is the only sure thing.

Honorable Mention: Britt, but that's a long shot. If Johnson disappoints, their season is over.

Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Breakout Year

Charles is looking for another big season. He had a great year last year as a tandem guy with Thomas Jones and will look to take more carries this year in an offense that will throw more than it did in 2010. Charles will likely add another 1,300 or more yards to his career and should improve on his five 2010 touchdowns.

2. Questions at Receiver

Dwayne Bowe is looking for consistency. Jonathan Baldwin is trying to mature. Steve Breaston has never been a go-to guy before. There's a lot of question marks surrounding the team's receiving corps. That means that the team will need Charles, who isn't a bad pass catcher himself.

3. Injuries

Jones isn't young, so he could be hurt at any time. Matt Cassel is the bigger issue, however. Shoulder injuries can linger, especially for a quarterback. If that happens, expect the team to pass less and hand off a lot. The beneficiary would be Charles, who is their best offensive player at this point.

Honorable Mention: Breaston

Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Focal Point

Are you sold on Jason Campbell at quarterback a year after the revolving door? I'm not. Campbell still looks like a career backup in a starting role. There's nothing behind him. McFadden is going to be the guy that makes Campbell look good by keeping his role minimal.

2. Breakout Candidate

The Raiders are still waiting for McFadden to really take off. That could happen this year with offensive guru Hue Jackson calling all the shots. Jackson figures to try to build around the running game with McFadden and Michael Bush.

3. No Receiving Options

The Raiders, like a lot of other teams we've looked at, have no real options at receiver that scare anyone. In those situations, the running back emerged as the offense's biggest weapon. That should be the same in Oakland, where the Raiders look to build off of a 8-8 year and return to the playoffs.

Honorable Mention: Sebastian Janikowski? It's that thin here.

San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Consistency

Antonio Gates is great, but he's had his shortfalls. Vincent Jackson could have a huge year if Rivers develops a rapport with him again. But it all starts with their big guy under center. Rivers is one of the best pure passers in the NFL. He's not going to wow you with his feet or technique, but he can sure throw it.

2. Rushing Issues

We'll flip the script after a run of backs. This is a team that could use a good back. Ryan Mathews is a question mark. Mike Tolbert was okay last year, but he's not a sure thing yet. Rivers is going to have a big year no matter what and should be in the Pro Bowl once again.

3. Feeling Left Out?

Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, the other big names from 2004's draft class, have won Super Bowls. Rivers is the last guy from that group. This could be the year. Norv Turner needs to show he still has it, so he'll be leaning on Rivers to finally make the leap.

Honorable Mention: Jackson.

Denver Broncos: Kyle Orton, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Job Security

Orton has been on the replacement list since Tim Tebow was drafted. There's no real reason for it beyond the fact that Orton just doesn't have the wow factor attached to him from his college days. Both of his backups were headliners in the NCAA. Orton's going to be starting somewhere if he has a big year this year. He knows that.

2. Developing Targets

Eddie Royal is trying to prove he's a starting receiver. Brandon Lloyd is trying to live up to the hype. Those guys are going to get a big lift from Orton, he can bring it with a good, accurate arm that isn't prone to mistakes. If those receivers continue to work hard, Orton will have a big year.

3. Rushing Problems

Knowshon Moreno isn't a sure thing. Willis McGahee will be good at the goal line and on third downs, but he's old and injury prone. Orton is going to be the centerpiece. John Fox doesn't run a wild offense like Josh McDaniels did, but Orton is a great system guy.

Honorable Mention: Moreno or Lloyd seem to be poised for a big season too.

Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. League-Wide?

Vick might win this award if we were talking about league-wide weapons. He's that good. He's changed the way the position is viewed and has really come on strong since returning to the league. He's looking for a ring, so he will try to step it up. That's a scary thought.

2. Versatility

He's got the strongest arm I've ever seen. His accuracy has improved and his receivers are fast enough and have good enough hands to help him clean up his mistakes. He's also one of the fastest players in the NFL and is strong enough to break tackles.

3. Focal Point

He's the focal point. Make no mistake here. DeSean Jackson is the best receiver and LeSean McCoy is the best runner, but Vick is the best player on the team and makes everyone around him better. This offense doesn't go far with Vince Young or Mike Kafka taking snaps.

Honorable Mention: Jackson. He's got that game-changing speed.

New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Big Step Forward

Nicks started six games in 2009 and 12 in 2010. In three quarters of a full season last year, he put up good numbers (11 TDs, over 1,000 yards) for a full year. He should have a career season if he's healthy this year. So far, he's looked very dangerous.

2. Best Option

Some teams have a ton of weapons on offense. Not here. There are a lot of good players, however. Nicks is the best of that bunch, however, and seems poised for a year where he can put himself securely among the best players in the NFL. He needs help, but he's got the talent to really destroy some defenses this year.

3. Passing Team?

Eli Manning has been looking for a star receiver since Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg. Nicks is that guy. The team doesn't have a ton of other sure things, so Manning will be looking to Nicks to make the big plays. He's talented and will do it. These two could develop into an amazing tandem.

Honorable Mention: Ahmad Bradshaw, RB

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Risky Business

The team is betting on Bryant to become the next Michael Irvin (same number, same big mouth, same potential). They have a good receiver in Miles Austin, but Bryant is the guy that they're betting on for big plays and highlights. He's going to get the majority of the looks from Tony Romo.

2. Finally Healthy

Bryant looks healthy now. If he is, he could step up and have a big year for his second season. He needs to prove himself or risk the whispers about being a first round bust. That's a lot of motivation for a guy who's talked a good game since the minute he was drafted.

3. Rushing Issues

The team let Marion Barber go. To me, that signals a shift from inside running to more passing. If they pass more, Bryant is going to be getting more looks along with Austin. The team only really has two big receiving options, so both could post 1,000 yard seasons or better.

Honorable Mention: Austin.

Washington Redskins: Whoever Starts at Running Back

Three Reasons Why

1. Lineage

Mike Shanahan is a running back guru. He's made the careers of guys who might have otherwise slipped through the cracks. He's looking to do it again. Right now, Roy Helu and Tim Hightower are the likely beneficiaries. I'll take Helu since he's more versatile.

2. Quarterback Questions

Rex Grossman is the likely starter. That's not going to be huge. Santana Moss is their best and only consistent receiver unless you believe in Donte Stallworth (I don't unless Tom Brady is throwing the ball). Even if John Beck stepped under center, that's a lot of question marks to be dealing with.

3. Ability

Helu is a versatile back who can make people miss, who can catch the ball, and who can create after he breaks through the line or turns the corner. I think he'll eventually develop into the feature back and that he'll end up being the best playmaker on a bad team, but a guy they can build around.

Honorable Mention: Moss, by default.

Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. MVP

He's steadily erasing the memory of that other guy who used to play quarterback for the Packers back in the 90s and early 2000s. He could start to edge toward some of those records this year and he's the big reason the team won a Super Bowl last season.

2. Running Game Concerns

I can't remember the last time the Packers had a running back that really scared me. Ahman Green comes to mind, but way back in the early part of the century. Ryan Grant scares me if I'm the team doctor. He gets hurt every year and always misses gobs of time. They need someone to step up. Until then, Rodgers will run the show. And he can move his legs too.

3. Leadership

I'm not just talking about his ability to run the huddle and motivate. I'm talking about his ability to make his receivers, a mediocre group for the most part, better than they really are. He's done more with less than a lot of quarterbacks could have. That's the sign of a play maker.

Honorable Mention: I'm not really sold on anyone else here, so we'll go with Greg Jennings.

Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. What's Around Him?

Cutler is the best part of a mediocre offense. There aren't a lot of big names on this team. The biggest besides Cutler is Matt Forte, their running back. The problem there is that Forte doesn't always have a consistent game. Cutler will move the offense. That's a guarantee.

2. Versatility

He's not Michael Vick or Ben Roethlisberger, but he's not Drew Bledsoe either. Cutler can get outside the pocket and make plays, he can also run with the ball if he needs to. That kind of ability can't be taught and is one of the things that makes Cutler an excellent bet for another Pro Bowl.

3. Answering the Doubters

A lot of people rode Cutler hard for what happened in the NFC Championship Game. It's time to move on. Cutler will be motivated to really take his game to another level this year and try to make the most out of his weapons. That's always a good recipe for success. I like him to really erase the doubts this year.

Honorable Mention: Devin Hester or Forte.

Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Maybe the Best?

Johnson might be the best receiver in the NFL today. He just hasn't had a consistent quarterback yet or a player to take the heat off of him. He's likely to have one of those two ingredients this season with Matt Stafford looking healthy. That means we might finally start to see what he's going to become.

2. Solo Act

He's the only bet on the team. Stafford is a possibility, but he's going to be doing the most damage throwing to Johnson. Titus Young could become a great number two receiver, but he's a rookie on a young team. Jahvid Best needs a tandem back. Johnson just needs the ball.

3. Oodles and Oodles of Talent

He's fast, tall, has great hands and gets wide open even though he's double teamed a lot. That's a great player. I think this is his big breakout year. He's probably going to top 1,000 yards and might bring down 10 or more touchdowns. That makes him a guy who's among the top players in the NFL.

Honorable Mention: Stafford is the only other real option right now.

Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. Doesn't Matter Who's Under Center

Brett Favre, Tarvaris Jackson, Donovan McNabb. It doesn't matter. Peterson will make plays and will be the focal point of the offense. Donovan McNabb actually does make him a little more dangerous because he can get out of the pocket and run the ball or make a big play. That could become a lethal combination.

2. Versatile

Peterson is probably one of the best runners in the NFL. He's also a great receiver on a team that's looking to give Percy Harvin, their top receiver, some breathing space. McNabb worked wonders with Brian Westbrook, so it's reasonable to think that Peterson could team up well with him.

3. Pressure Removal

Peterson will take the pressure off of McNabb and off of Christian Ponder if the team chooses to move to the rookie quarterback as the season progresses. He's going to be the top performer on the offense, especially given that McNabb is coming off a bad year.

Honorable Mention: Harvin, who's poised for a big year, or McNabb, who isn't as washed up as you think.

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Big Offensive Numbers

Brees is looking for not only another ring, but some big numbers again this year. I think he's one of the few guys who could truly challenge for the single season yardage mark or at least top 5,000 yards. He's that good and they throw a lot.

2. Contract Year

This is a big year. The extension that's coming for Brees could rival that of Peyton Manning for the biggest in history. He's that important to this team and he's going to be motivated to earn every cent he can on a new deal. He won't make it easy with his play on the field, that much is certain.

3. Leadership

This is the same story as with Aaron Rodgers. Brees makes an average crop of receivers look like game changing guys. Why? He does it because he's got the best arm and accuracy package in the NFL (yes, I'm putting him at the top of that grouping). He's going to continue that this year.

Honorable Mention: Marques Colston, WR.

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Not Roddy White?

No. I thought about it. I even had him penciled in. But then I looked back and realized that Ryan's arrival and White's career years coincided. That, to me, means that White is becoming a bigger name in the NFL because he's got a big-arm quarterback throwing at him regularly.

2. The Year

Ryan had a solid rookie year. He had a decent 2010. He's looking for that year that sets him apart from other people at the position. He now has two big receivers to go with a solid running game. That should be the recipe for his success. He has the talent to become the third or fourth best quarterback in the conference.

3. Super Bowl Aspirations

The Falcons fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders. They're not far off if things break right. They need a guy to keep pace with the Saints. They've got that in Ryan, who's got a lot of motivation after some playoff disappointments.

Honorable Mention: White and running back Michael Turner

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LeGarrette Blount, RB

Three Reasons Why

1. What About That Quarterback?

Josh Freeman? Yeah, he's my runner up right now. It's nothing personal. I just get the feeling from the statistical breakdowns that Blount is going to have the bigger season and the bigger impact overall. Freeman is going to have a harder time now that teams know what he's about.

2. More Carries, More Results

Blount had 201 carries last season in a somewhat-crowded backfield. I feel like he's going to get at least 30-40 more touches this year, not to mention what he gets in the receiving game. He's on a team without a lot of proven receivers, so he could end up being an integral piece on every snap. He did well last year and should expand on that this time around.

3. Running and Defense

That seems to be what Raheem Morris is trending toward. If you remember 2004 and 2005, Ben Roethlisberger played on a similar team. I see the team using Blount to take the pressure off of Freeman and, in turn, giving Blount the chance to really have a breakout campaign.

Honorable Mention: Freeman, just like I said. He's going to have a good year too.

Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Wait! A Rookie?

Yes, a rookie. Don't get me wrong, I think it's going to be a rough year for Newton and the whole Panthers franchise, but I see Newton having a more wide-ranging offensive impact than their solid running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, who are going to be the guys defenses focus on.

2. Little Michael

He's not there yet, but if there's anyone who reminds people of Michael Vick, it's Newton. He's got a cannon for an arm and some fast feet. He can hurt you no matter what your plan is too. Once he gets up to game speed in the NFL, he's going to be dangerous and scary. He exploited the Pittsburgh blitz for a big run last week. That's a sign of things to come.

3. He Doesn't Know Any Better

Rookie quarterbacks who can run and throw often end up making more big plays out of broken plays. I submit Ben Roethlisberger as exhibit A and Michael Vick as exhibit B. They didn't know any better sometimes and just went with instinct. That can add an unpredictable factor to a game.

Honorable Mention: Williams, who figures to get a lot of carries in this system.

St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB

Three Reasons Why

1. Breakout Candidate

Here's another guy who's set up for a big season. The Rams went out and got him some new options at receiver and have tried to give him a better defense too. Bradford had an excellent rookie campaign and seems like a guy who's only headed up as the Rams aim for a division title this season.

2. Not Steven Jackson?

That was a struggle. Jackson is a great player, but I just feel like Bradford is going to be more important this season. Jackson will get the carries and catch some passes, but I don't think he's got the impact factor that Bradford has. He couldn't put the Rams in the playoffs before Bradford came, but he can be part of it this year.

3. New Targets

Mike Sims-Walker will help tremendously because he's a possession guy who's going to bring down a lot of passes in tough situations. He'll cover some typical quarterback mistakes when he's in coverage and still is targeted. That will improve Bradford's already-stellar numbers.

Honorable Mention: Jackson

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Remember When?

Do you remember when Kurt Warner made Larry Fitzgerald the most dangerous receiver in the NFL? Those days might be back now that the team has a credible quarterback in Kevin Kolb. I'm not saying Kolb is in Warner's class (yet), but I am saying that Fitzgerald is going to be dangerous again.

2. He Makes Everyone Else Better

He still had a good year in 2010 even though he no longer had Anquan Boldin or Kurt Warner to help him. That says a lot. He'll make Kolb look better than he probably is by himself. That's the kind of player who makes an offense or breaks it. Fitzgerald is, right now, the best receiver in the NFL.

3. Great Expectations

The fans expect Arizona to return to glory. Ken Whisenhunt is the perfect offensive mind to get them there. He's going to build a lot around what Fitzgerald can do. That means that Kevin Kolb is going to be looking his way a lot, especially as the other receivers grow up. I'd say 1,500 yards isn't out of the question.

Honorable Mention: Kolb and Todd Heap are good candidates to have big seasons.

San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis, TE

Three Reasons Why

1. Don't Tight Ends Do Blocking?

Yes, but they also can be big receivers. Davis is great at both. He's also the most consistent receiver on the team right now. Michael Crabtree has more flash, but he's no guarantee to make the big catch. Davis will catch anything in his vicinity and has that receiver mentality of wanting the ball every play.

2. The Alex Smith Connection

Most players would shy away from being connected closely with Alex Smith, but Davis shouldn't be. Smith loves him. He's a favorite target in the red zone, which means he'll catch a lot of touchdowns (from among the few that are likely to be thrown) and he'll also get a lot of looks in the middle of the field while Crabtree draws the coverage.

3. Running Questions

The 49ers don't have a legitimate quarterback and they have a running back who's injury prone. The receivers are underwhelming as well. It's a recipe for disaster, but it also means that they'll likely be balanced and that Alex Smith will throw to a sure-handed veteran like Davis a lot more often than most guys would.

Honorable Mention: Crabtree is set up for a big year. He needs to take ownership of this offense no matter who's throwing the ball.

Seattle Seahawks: Mike Williams, WR

Three Reasons Why

1. Default

Not much else to pick from here. The quarterback is dicey at best and I think they picked the wrong starter. Marshawn Lynch is up and down at running back and will likely regress with the quarterback issues. Williams is the best of a lean bunch.

2. Chemistry

Williams brought his career back from the brink with a nice season under his college coach. Pete Carrol is trying to coax that game-changing ability out of his former star receiver. Williams is responding to that and might end up having a better year than anyone thinks he can.

3. Hunger

Williams also knows that this is it. If he fails now, with his coach on his side, he won't get another look. I thought it was already over before this, but he made it back last year and proved he did have the talent to compete. He needs to build on that. Motivation will be high and he'll get a lot of chances.

Honorable Mention: Sadly, I'm going to go with the streaky Jeff Reed. He'll be kicking a lot with this offense.