AFC NORTH PREVIEW
By Adam Kiefaber
2006 Standings
BALTIMORE RAVENS: 13-3 (won division title)
CINCINNATI BENGALS: 8-8
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: 8-8
CLEVELAND BROWNS: 4-12
2007 prediction NFLonlinewagering.com
CINCINNATI BENGALS: 11-5 (will make playoffs)
- QB Carson Palmer is completely healthy this season and has plenty of weapons on offense. They lost a lot on defense, however the defense got younger and faster. Linebacker Ahmad Brooks will have to step up and become a playmaker. Any thing less than a playoff run will be a disappointment for this talented team.
BALTIMORE RAVENS: 11-5 (will make playoffs)
- The Ravens are aging, but they still have a few years left in that dominating defense. If defense truly wins championships the Ravens would be playing in the Super Bowl this season. You have to be well-balanced, Steve McNair isn’t the same player, but the Ravens upgraded their backfield with the addition of Willis McGahee. McNair loves to toss the screen and dump passes and McGahee’s game fits that perfectly. A lot better than it fitted Jamal Lewis’ game. Like Cincinnati, this team could contend for a Super Bowl.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: 8-8
- The Steelers will have a new head coach in Mike Tomlin after Bill Cowher retired after the ’06 season. You can’t look past this team; they have most of their Super Bowl team intact. They obviously can be better than 8-8, however their coaching staff could clash. Tomlin wants to run, the new OC wants to pass. Tomlin is an expert in zone coverage, DC Dick Lebeau favors the zone blitz. This is a really tough division and Pittsburgh will be in battle with Baltimore and Cincinnati.
CLEVELAND: 3-13
- Poor Brownies, this team might have improved more than any team in the NFL. Granted they couldn’t get much worse, but the record in ’07 isn’t going to show their improvement. Head coach Romeo Crennel has built a solid foundation and could be on the hot seat. It would be a shame if Crennel is fired at the end of year, the AFC North is too competitive for the Browns to have a chance.
2007 predictions Sporting News
CINCINNATI BENGALS: 10-6 (publication has team winning the division)
BALTIMORE RAVENS: 9-7 (publication has team making the playoffs)
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: 7-9
CLEVELAND BROWNS: 3-13
Athlon Sports
1- BALTIMORE RAVENS: (publication has team winning the division)
2- CINCINNATI BENGALS: (publication has team just missing the playoffs)
3- PITTSBURGH STEELERS:
4- CLEVELAND BROWNS:
July 31st, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC NORTH |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC NORTH PREVIEW
Coach on the Hot Seat
CLEVELAND BROWNS
2006 Record: 4-12
Last Year Summary: In 2006, the Browns were terrible and opponents outscored them 356 to 238. The Browns ranked 31st in total offense (averaged only 264.6 yards a game), 30th in points scored (14.9 per game) and 31st in rushing yards (only 83.4 per game). Cleveland’s offense wasn’t much better ranking 27th in total defense (allowing 344.7 yards per game) and 29th in stopping the run (allowing 142.1 yards per game). Basically teams could run all day on the Browns and they couldn’t run it back at them. Last year, RB Reuben Droughns rushed for only 758 yards on 220 carries (3.4 yards per carry) 
and scored four touchdowns. In his defense, the Browns were normally behind in games and therefore had to give up on the run. In Cleveland’s four wins, Droughns totaled 428 yards and in the team’s 12 defeats he totaled only 499 yards. Akron-star QB Charlie Frye struggled throwing 17 interceptions to his only 10 touchdowns, while leading his team to a 4-9 record in his starts. QB Derek Anderson started three games and didn’t fare any better, however those games he went up against three great defenses in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Tampa Bay. One of the positives was the emergence of safety Sean Jones, who finished the year with 111 total tackles and five interceptions. In the ‘06 NFL Draft the Brownies took Florida State’s LB Kamerion Wimbley and Maryland’s LB D’Qwell Jackson in the first two rounds. Both were impressive as rookies, Wimbley played as an OLB and recorded 11 sacks and 62 total tackles. Jackson played inside and recorded 93 total tackles despite missing the last three games.
Additions: OL Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati), RB Jamal Lewis (Baltimore), LB Antwan Peek (Houston), WR Tim Carter (Chicago), CB Mike Adams (San Francisco), OL Seth McKinney (Miami), FB Alan Ricard, DT Robaire Smith (Tennessee), Shaun Smith (Cincinnati) and CB Kenny Wright (Washington).
Subtractions: WR Dennis Northcutt (to JAC), RB Reuben Droughns (to NYG), S Brian Russell (Seattle), OG Joe Andruzzi, DL Nick Eason (to PIT), DT Alvin McKinley (to DEN) and FB Terrelle Smith (to ARI).
2007 Season Summary: Coach Romeo Crennel enters his third season at the helm of the Browns with a 10-22 record. Cleveland has been terrible ever since getting their team back in ’99 (team moved to Baltimore after the ’95 season). Since ’99 the team has complied a record of 40 wins and 88 losses in the regular season. The team had a wining record once in ’02. In ’99 the team appointed Chris Palmer head coach and he was fired after the ’00 season (his record was 5-27). Then Butch Davis turned around a 3-13 ’00 team to a 7-9 ’01 team. Then a 9-7 playoff team in ’02, but expectations increased and Davis couldn’t improve the club. In ’03, Cleveland went 5-11 and after going 3-8 in ‘04, Davis was fired. If the Browns don’t show improvement in ’07, Crennel could be the next coach to exit Cleveland. However, the next coach would benefit with the good young nucleus that Crennel has built. In the ’07 NFL Draft the team drafted three possible starters, they also have a great linebacking unit and signed a great offensive lineman in Eric Steinbach. Signing RB Jamal Lewis and LB Antwan Peek were great moves. Every game is a tough game for the Browns.
Best Rookie: QB Brady Quinn – I’m not completely sold that Quinn will be a great pro, but all he has to do is beat out QBs Charlie Frye and Derek Anderson. Quinn might not be the starter at the beginning of the season, but I would be surprised if he isn’t by halfway through the season. You know fans will be cheering for him to come in starting this preseason. OT and #3 overall pick Joe Thomas out of Wisconsin will be a great player for a long time. Also, second-round pick CB Eric Wright from UNLV could start right away. The Browns obviously had a great draft.
Big Games of the Year: vs. Pittsburgh (Sept. 9- 1:00pm- Opening weekend), vs. Cincinnati (Sept. 16- 1:00pm), vs. Baltimore (Sept.30- 1:00pm), at Pittsburgh (Nov. 11- 1:00pm), at Baltimore (Nov. 18- 1:00pm), at Cincinnati (Dec. 23- 1:00pm
2007 Projected Record: 3-13
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Browns to win the AFC North are 25/1. The win total betting is set at 6 games. Currently, the Browns odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 100/1.
July 26th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC NORTH, Cleveland |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC NORTH PREVIEW
XL Super Bowl Champs
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
2006 Record: 8-8
Last Year Summary: In 2006, the Steelers won their opener and QB Charlie Batch’s only start against Miami (28-17) while QB Ben Roethlisberger sat out. After the win on opening day, the Steelers went 1-6 to start the season, including a 0-9 loss to Jacksonville. Roethlisberger had a serious motorcycle accident in the preseason and it looked as if he would recover in time to start the season. However, then he underwent an appendectomy. 
Roethlisberger wasn’t the same QB in ’06 as he was in ’04 and ’05. In ’06, he threw a league-high 23 interceptions and was sacked 46 times leading Pittsburgh to a 7-8 record in his starts. In comparison, his record as a starter his first two seasons was 27-4. Pittsburgh finished the year strong going 6-2, which included a 23-17 win in OT over Cincinnati that ended their rivals’ playoff hopes. Steeler fans were worried that RB Willie Parker wouldn’t be able to handle the load himself, but he rushed for 1,494 (third most in club history) on 337 carries and had an impressive 13 touchdowns. LB James Farrior led the defense in tackles with 128.
Additions: RB Kevin Barlow (NYJ), OL Sean Mahan (Tampa Bay)
Subtractions: LB Joey Porter (to MIA), C Jeff Hartings (retired), RB Verron Haynes, WR Sean Morey (to ARI), DE Rodney Bailey (to ARI) and OT Ulish Booker.
2007 Season Summary: Coach Bill Cowher quits after 15 seasons. The Steelers will break in their third head coach since 1969. New coach Mike Tomlin has a solid nucleus in his first stint as an NFL head coach. Tomlin has been coaching the Tampa Bay secondary since 2001 and was tutored by Tony Dungy in the cover 2 defense. Tomlin kept most of the coaching staff together except he lost offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who left to be the head coach of Arizona. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is back and will be in charge of the 3-4 zone blitz. If Pittsburgh is to be successful Tomlin will have to stand clear of LeBeau’s defense. Tomlin says he wants to run the ball, but new OC Bruce Arians wants to use the four-WR set more often. It sounds like the coaching staff might clash and will need some time to find a happy medium. If they don’t find it in the preseason, this team could struggle. The only big loss on the roster is LB Joey Porter. Tough road games include Denver (Oct. 21), Cincinnati (Oct. 28), New England (Dec. 9) and Baltimore (Dec. 30). Tough home games include Seattle (Oct. 7), Baltimore (Nov. 5), Cincinnati (Dec. 2) and Jacksonville (Dec. 16).
Best Rookie: P Daniel Sepulveda- I know it’s hard to believe that the Steelers had a good draft class when I name the punter as the best rookie. However, I believe the Steelers had a great draft despite their average grades given by the media. OLBs Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley will play right away. Timmons can play inside and outside while Woodley can play outside and as a pass-rushing DE. Sepulveda, a fourth-round pick, was the only punter ever to win the Ray Guy Award twice. In the last three seasons for Baylor, Sepulveda has averaged over 46 yards per punt. He might be the best punter since Ray Guy himself. Also, third-round pick TE Matt Spaeth is a good receiving target, but has to backup Heath Miller.
Big Games of the Year: at Cincinnati (Oct. 28- 1:00pm), vs. Baltimore (Nov.5- 8:30pm- Monday), vs. Cincinnati (Dec.2- 8:15pm), at New England (Dec. 9- 1:00), at Baltimore (Dec. 30- 1:00pm- Last game of the year)
2007 Projected Record: 8-8
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Steelers to win the AFC North is 12/5. The win total betting is set at 9 games. Currently, the Steelers odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 25/1.
July 24th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC NORTH, Pittsburgh |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC NORTH PREVIEW
Palmer and the Johnsons
CINCINNATI BENGALS
2006 Record: 8-8
Last Year Summary: In 2006, the Bengals won the first three games, which included two road wins at Kansas City and at Pittsburgh. Then New England came into Cincy and rookie Laurence Maroney had his best performance of the season. Maroney rushed for 125 yards on only 15 carries and scored two touchdowns in route to a 38-13 win over the Bengals. That began a horrid streak where the Bengals would lose five of their next six games. 
However, each loss could have easily been a win – Cincinnati got a terrible roughing-the-passer call on a Justin Smith sack in a 14-13 loss at Tampa Bay. Then Michael Vick had his best game of the season in a 29-27 loss to Atlanta. Then the Bengals lost on the road 26-20 to Baltimore when T.J. Houshmandzadeh didn’t get a pass-interference call late in the game. The most heart-breaking game was the home contest against San Diego. The Bengals led 28-7 at halftime only to lose 49-41. With a record of 4-5, Cincinnati turned it around with four straight wins that included wins on the road against New Orleans (31-16) and at home against Baltimore (13-7). Just as it was looking that the Bengals would return to the playoffs, they lost the last three games of season at Indianapolis (16-34), at Denver (23-24) and at home against Pittsburgh (17-23 in OT). Cincinnati lost the Denver game on a poor snap by Brad St. Louis, which would have tied the game after a 90-yard touchdown drive. Then with eight seconds left in the Pittsburgh game, Shayne Graham missed a 39-yard field goal that would have won the game. If the Bengals had won any three of those games they would have made the playoffs
Additions: LB Ed Hartwell (Atlanta), DT Michael Myers (Denver), C Alex Stepanovich (Arizona) and DT Kenderick Allen (Green Bay).
Subtractions: DT Sam Adams (to DEN), CB Troy James (to NE), S Kevin Kaesviharn (to NO), LB Brain Simmons (to NO), DT Shaun Smith (to CLE), OG Eric Steinbach (to CLE), TE Tony Stewart (to OAK), WR Kelley Washington (to NE), LB Marcus Wilkins (to ATL) and QB Anthony Wright (to NYG).
2007 Season Summary: QB Carson Palmer is completely healthy this season and has plenty of weapons on offense. The defense should be better off this season with new upgrades in the secondary and to the linebacking core. The schedule seems to be easier in ’07 than it was last year. Instead of playing the NFC South and AFC West, Cincinnati plays the NFC West and AFC East. You can make the argument, but I believe both divisions are easier this time around. Also, last year Cincy played New England and Indianapolis as the two games added because of their ’05 record and this year they play Kansas City and Tennessee. Right now, the Bengals look to have four primetime games, which includes the home opener against Baltimore (Monday 7pm on ESPN), home against New England (Monday 8:30pm on ESPN), at Pittsburgh (Sunday 8:15pm on NBC) and at San Francisco (8:15pm on NFL Network). I tried to be objective in my prediction of the Bengals ’07 season and it is extremely early to pick games, but there is no reason to believe that Cincinnati shouldn’t make the playoffs in ’07.
Best Rookie: CB Leon Hall- No one can quite argue the Bengals decision to draft Hall when he fell to them in the middle of the first round. Around draft time, scouts used phrases such as ‘hard worker’, ‘team leader’, and ‘explosive hitter’ to describe him. Due to the injury to CB Johnathan Joseph this spring and to the absence of Deltha O’Neal, Hall has been getting most of the snaps on the #1 defense. I expect Hall to begin the season as the #3 cornerback, but could be starting by midseason. Second-round pick RB Kenny Irons should provide a nice change of pace, but veteran Kenny Watson will be Rudi Johnson’s backup to start the year. Fourth-round pick S Marvin White will be counted on early and often.
Big Games of the Year: vs. Baltimore (Sept. 7- 7:00pm- Opening Monday), vs. New England (Oct. 1- 8:30- Monday), vs. Pittsburgh (Oct. 28- 1:00pm), at Baltimore (Nov. 11- 4:05pm), at Pittsburgh (Dec. 2- 8:15pm) , at Miami (Dec. 30- 1:00pm- Last game of the year)
2007 Projected Record: 11-5
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Bengals to win the AFC North is 3/2. The win total betting is set at 9.5 games. Currently, the Bengals odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 15/1.
July 24th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC NORTH, Cincinnati |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC NORTH PREVIEW
The Defense
BALTIMORE RAVENS
2006 Record: 13-3 (lost in AFC Divisonal Playoff)
Last Year Summary: After going 6-10 in ’05, they signed QB Steve McNair and finished the ’06 season with the club’s best regular season record in their 11-year history as the Baltimore Ravens. McNair didn’t have the greatest season, but he threw for the most yards (3,050) in Ravens’ history since Vinny Testaverde in ’96. 
Running back Jamal Lewis played well rushing for 1,132 yards and nine touchdowns. However, Lewis didn’t blow anyone away like he did in ’03 when he rushed for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns. For Baltimore to be successful, the offense only has to average. The defense led the NFL in allowing the least amount of yards and points (264.1 yards and 12.6 points per game). LB Ray Lewis missed two games, but still led the defense with 103 total tackles. Lewis added five sacks, eight passes defended and two interceptions. LB Adalius Thomas had 83 total tackles and 11 sacks. DE Trevor Pryce added 13 sacks while LB Bart Scott and DE Terrell Suggs each had 9.5 sacks. The secondary helped out, safeties Dawan Landry and Ed Reed combined for 10 interceptions, two touchdowns and 20 passes defended. CB Chris McAlister added six interceptions. Baltimore had a challenging schedule and lost to only three teams: Denver (13-to-3) and Cincinnati (13-to-7) on the road; and Carolina at home (23-to-21).
Additions: RB Willis McGahee (Buffalo).
Subtractions: LB Adalius Thomas (to NE), RB Jamal Lewis (to CLE), DT Aubrayo Franklin (to SF), FB Ovie Mughelli (to ATL), OG Edwin Mulitalo (to DET) and OT Tony Pashos (to JAC).
2007 Season Prediction: The big knock on Baltimore is their age. Of their 22 starters this year nine are 30 or older, which include star players LB Ray Lewis (32), QB Steve McNair (34), WR Derrick Mason (33), CB Samari Rolle (30), CB Chris McAlister (30) and DE Trevor Pyrce (31). The Ravens upgraded their running back position when the team traded their third-round and seventh-round picks in the ’07 NFL Draft (and a third-round choice in the ’08 NFL Draft) for RB Willis McGahee. RB Jamal Lewis left to play in the team’s original home- Cleveland. Lewis looked as if he lost a step ever since he was indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges in ‘03. McGahee is all the team added this offseason and the only big loss was LB Adalius Thomas. The Ravens will still be the team to beat in the AFC North, but Cincinnati and Pittsburgh won’t be too far behind. Tough road games include Cincinnati (Sept. 10), San Francisco (Oct. 7), Pittsburgh (Nov. 5), San Diego (Nov. 25) and Seattle (Dec. 23). Tough home games include Cincinnati (Nov. 11), New England (Dec. 3), Indianapolis (Dec. 9) and Pittsburgh (Dec. 30). The toughest stretch is easy to see: The Ravens play the Chargers, Patriots and Colts in three consecutive weeks in late November into early December.
Best Rookie: WR/KR Yamon Figurs- Figurs moved up draft broads when he ran a 4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Currently, he has to be in KR/PR plans, but the Ravens already have B.J. Sams. Also, Figurs will be the team’s fourth wide receiver behind Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. First-round pick OG Ben Grubbs could eventually start this season, but isn’t ready now. Sixth-round pick QB Troy Smith might turn out to be the best deal in the long run if he gets a chance to start after McNair is out of the picture. Figurs was one of the team’s third-round selections at 74th overall.
Big Games of the Year: at Cincinnati (Sept. 7- 7:00pm- Opening Monday), at San Diego (Nov. 25- 4:15pm), vs. New England (Dec. 3- 8:30pm- Monday), vs. Indianapolis (Dec. 9- 8:15pm) and vs. Pittsburgh (Dec. 30- 1:00pm- Last game of the year).
Projected Record: 11-5
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Ravens to win the AFC North is 5/4. The win total betting is set at 10 games. Currently, the Ravens odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 10/1.
July 20th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC NORTH, Baltimore |
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By Adam Kiefaber
2006 Standings
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: 12-4 (won division title)
NEW YORK JETS: 10-6 (made playoffs)
BUFFALO BILLS: 7-9
MIAMI: 6-10
2007 prediction: NFLonlinewagering.com
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: 12-4 (will win division) 
- QB Tom Brady finally has some wide receivers, the team signed Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Kelley Washington and Wes Walker in the offseason. Also, the team got the best linebacker on the market in Adalius Thomas. Currently, New England is odds on favorite to win the Super Bowl at 5/1.
MIAMI DOLPHINS: 7-9
- Miami continues to try to find the next Dan Marino. Dante Culpepper out, Trent Green in. I think that the Dolphins are one of the few times in the AFC that is hard to predict. They have an easier schedule than everyone in their division and have the best defense. The team added LB Joey Porter to go along with stars LB Zach Thomas and DE Jason Taylor.
NEW YORK JETS: 7-9
- The Jets had a very easy schedule in ’06 and made the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Other previews have the Jets improving, but I just don’t see it. The team added RB Thomas Jones, which is a huge upgrade and they didn’t lose that much talent in the offseason. The schedule will challenge the Jets and we shall see how good this team really is.
BUFFALO BILLS: 5-11
-Poor Buffalo, I believe that this team is getting better, but it will have a worst record this season. They lost a bunch of talent this offseason in CB Nate Clements, LB London Fletcher, RB Willis McGahee and LB Takeo Spikes. However, the Bills upgraded their offensive line and that should improve the good young core this team already has.
2007 predictions: Sporting News
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: 14-2 (publication has team winning the Super Bowl)
NEW YORK JETS: 9-7 (publication has team just missing the playoffs)
BUFFALO BILLS: 5-11
MIAMI DOLPHINS: 5-11
Athlon Sports
1- NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (publication has team winning the Super BowL)
2- NEW YORK JETS (publication has team making the playoffs)
3- MIAMI DOLPHINS
4- BUFFALO BILLS
(Click on AFC EAST or Team’s City under Categories on right side of screen to see team-by-team breakdowns from nflonlinewagering.com)
July 19th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC EAST |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC EAST PREVIEW
The Questionable
MIAMI DOLPHINS
2006 Record: 6-10
Last Year Summary: Last offseason, the Dolphins traded for QB Dante Culpepper. In ’04, Culpepper had one of the greatest seasons a QB has ever had- throwing for 4,717 yards with 39 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions (he completed 69.2% of his passes). Culpepper injured his knee in ’05 and struggled into the ’06 season with Miami. 
Culpepper started the first four games and led Miami to a 1-3 record including a disappointing 16-6 loss at home against Buffalo and a 17-15 loss on the road to the Houston Texans. QBs Joey Harrington and Cleo Lemon filled in and didn’t do much better. RB Ronnie Brown had another solid season rushing for 1,008 yards and five touchdowns in his second NFL season. Due to the QB problems, WR Chris Chambers had a down year with 59 catches for 677 yards and four touchdowns (compared to 82 catches for 1,118 yards and 11 touchdowns in ’05). The Dolphins defense was strong last year allowing the fourth least amount of yards in the NFL. LB Zach Thomas finished with an NFL-leading 165 total tackles and three sacks while Pro-Bowl DE Jason Taylor had 13.5 sacks.
Additions: LB Joey Porter (Pittsburgh), QB Trent Green (Kansas City), DE Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (San Diego), FS Cameron Worrell (Chicago), OT Mike Rosenthal (Minnesota), FB Cory Schleslinger (Detroit), TE David Martin (Green Bay) and K Jay Feely (NYG).
Subtractions: QB Dante Culpepper, OL Bennie Anderson, RB Darian Barnes (to NYJ), DE David Bowens (to NYJ), DE Kevin Carter (to TB), OG Toniu Fonoti (to ATL), QB Joey Harrington (to ATL), OG Jeno James, WR Eric Kimble, K Olindo Mare (to NO), OT Damion McIntosh (to KC), OL Seth McKinney (to CLE), TE Randy McMichael (to STL), RB Travis Minor (to STL), RB Sammy Morris (to NE), WR Wes Welker (to NE), DT Jeff Zgonina (to HOU) and P Donnie Jones (to STL).
2007 Season Prediction: This year Miami is losing a bunch of players that shouldn’t hurt them that much. The biggest losses include, WR Wes Welker, TE Randy McMichael and a lot on the offensive line. The Dolphins could either be very good or terrible. The team did acquire two key players this offseason. LB Joey Porter should help out what already is a good defense. Most of Miami’s success depends on the play of QB Trent Green. Last year, Green wasn’t himself after being knocked out by Bengals DE Robert Geathers in Week One. However from ’02 through the ’05 season, Green has been spectacular. Dolphin fans wanted their team to pick Brady Quinn with the ninth overall pick in ’07 NFL Draft, but Miami went with WR Ted Ginn Jr. Miami did draft QB John Beck from BYU with the 40th overall pick and will be groomed as the QB of the future. The tougher road games this season include Philadelphia (Nov. 18), Pittsburgh (Nov. 26) and New England (Dec. 23). The tougher homes games will be Dallas (Sept. 16), New England (Oct. 21), Baltimore (Dec. 16) and Cincinnati (Dec. 30).
Best Rookie: RB Lorenzo Booker- Ronnie Brown figures to the starter, but Booker feels like he has a lot to prove after dropping all the way down to the third round of the ’07 NFL Draft. Personally, I don’t think Ted Ginn Jr. is ready to have a breakout season as a rookie (good returner- but not as a WR). And second-rounder John Beck will ride the bench this season. Booker will be able to step in right away and be a solid third-down back.
Big Games of the Year: vs. NY Giants (Oct. 28- 1:00pm in London), at Pittsburgh (Nov. 26- 8:30pm-Monday), at New England (Dec. 23- 1:00pm) and vs. Cincinnati (Dec. 30- 1:00pm)
Projected Record: 7-9
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Dolphins to win the AFC East is 12/1. The win total betting is set at seven games. Currently, the Bills odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 75/1.
July 16th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC EAST, Miami |
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By Adam Kiefaber
AFC EAST PREVIEW
The Rebuilding Project
BUFFALO BILLS
2006 Record: 7-9
Last Year Summary: Head Coach Dick Jauron did a solid job in his first year with the Bills. Buffalo improved their record to 7-9 from 5-11 in 2005. In ’06, J.P. Losman was the full-time starting quarterback for the first time and performed better than I expected. Losman finished the year with 3,051 yards and with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19-14 (also, completed 62.5% of his passes). WR Lee Evans became his favorite target (82 catches for 1,292 yards and 8 touchdowns). Evans’ previous high for yards and receptions was in ’04 (with 48 for 843 yards). Last year, RB Willis McGahee had his worst season as a Bill and rushed for 990 yards and six touchdowns. Rookie safety Donte Whitner performed well finishing the season with 105 tackles. 
The Bills exceeded expectations with wins over Miami (twice), NY Jets, Green Bay Packers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bills fans should be happy with the direction of this team.
Additions: OG Derrick Dockery (Washington), DT Darwin Walker (Philadelphia), OT Langston Walker (Oakland), OL Jason Whittle (Minnesota) and RB Josh Scobey (Seattle).
Subtractions: CB Nate Clements (to SF), London Fletcher (to WAS), Willis McGahee (to BAL), Takeo Spikes (to PHI), WR Andre Davis (to BUF), OG Mike Gandy (to ARI), QB Kelly Holcomb (to PHI), OG Chris Villarrial, OG Tutan Reyes, S Matt Bowen, and Daimon Shelton.
2007 Season Prediction: The Bills are losing a lot of their talent that was acquired during the Gregg Williams and Mike Mularkey tenures. Clements, Fletcher, McGahee and Spikes are proven stars. However, the team is younger and those players had to be eventually let go. Buffalo had an interesting draft where they got RB Marshawn Lynch, LB Paul Posluszny, QB Trent Edwards and RB Dwayne Wright in their first-four draft choices. Also, the Bills added one of the top free-agent offensive guards in Derrick Dockery, who signed a seven-year contract. “I think we’re better on offense and defense,” said Jauron. “We’re better athletically. I think we’re faster. We’re bigger and better up front on the offensive side. I believe we have improved ourselves there. That should help us both running and passing and should give J.P. a chance to keep improving.” I think the Bills are improving their team for the long run, but it is hard to imagine them being able to complete in a tough AFC East this season. Add to that, the Bills have an extremely hard schedule this year. Challenging road games include Pittsburgh (Sept. 16), New England (Sept. 23), Jacksonville (Nov. 25) and Philadelphia (Dec. 30). Some highlighted home games include Denver (Sept. 9), Dallas (Oct. 8), Baltimore (Oct. 21), Cincinnati (Nov. 4), New England (Nov. 18) and NY Giants (Dec. 23).
Best Rookie: RB Marshawn Lynch- In the spring, Lynch has been taking the bulk of the reps with first-team offense. Lynch left the Cal Golden Bears after his junior season. He needed only 167 more yards to break the school’s rushing record. He should split carries with Anthony Thomas this season, but figures to be a front-runner for the AFC rookie of the year. Keep an eye on fourth-round pick RB Dwayne Wright out of Fresno State. Wright has been impressive this spring and could end up being a great running back.
Big Games of the Year: vs. Denver (Sept. 9- 1:00pm- opener), vs. NY Jets (Sept. 30- 1:00pm), vs. Dallas (Oct. 8- 8:30pm- Monday) at NY Jets (Oct. 28- 4:05pm) vs. NY Giants (Dec. 23- 1:00pm)
Projected Record: 5-11
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Bills to win the AFC East is 15/1. The win total betting is set at six games. Currently, the Bills odds to win the Super Bowl are set at 75/1.
July 16th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC EAST, Buffalo |
no comments
By Adam Kiefaber
AFC EAST PREVIEW
The Mangini Surprise
NEW YORK JETS
2006 Record: 10-6
Last Year Summary: First-year Head Coach Eric Mangini turned around a 6-10 ’05 Jets team to a 10-6 playoff team. Mangini used to be part of the Bill Belichick coaching staff, but unlike Romeo Crennel (HC of CLE) and Charlie Weis 
(HC at Notre Dame), Belichick didn’t think Mangini was ready to be a head coach. Mangini proved him wrong by beating the Patroits 17-14 on the road, earning him the nickname ‘Mangenius’. That win began a streak where the Jets won six of eight to end the season, which allowed the young team to clinch a playoff berth. However in the playoffs, New England got their revenge by crashing the Jets 37-16.
Additions: RB Thomas Jones (Chicago), DE Kenyon Coleman (Dallas), DE David Bowens (Miami), DE Andre Wadsworth (comeback), QB Marques Tuiasosopo (Oakland), RB Darian Barnes (Miami), and DE Michael Haynes.
Subtractions: QB Patrick Ramsey (to DEN), RB Kevin Barlow (to PIT), DE Dave Ball (to CAR), FB B.J. Askew (to TB), RB Derrick Blaylock and OT Trey Teague.
2007 Season Prediction: The best part about going 6-10 in ’05, is that your schedule will be much easier the following season. Some argued that the main reason for the Jets success last year was the easy schedule. Well, we will find out this year- tough road games include Baltimore (Sept. 16), Cincinnati (Oct. 21), Dallas (Nov. 22), New England (Dec. 16) and Tennessee (Dec 23). Tough home games include New England (Sept. 9), Philadelphia (Oct 14), Pittsburgh (Nov. 18) and Kansas City (Dec. 30). The Jets biggest weakness last year was not having a go-to running back. Welcome Thomas Jones from Chicago. Jones rushed for 1,210 yards and six touchdowns last year for the Bears. Also, he had 36 receptions out of the backfield. I expect the Jets to struggle against a very tough schedule. However, they have a good young team and could compete for one of the last wild-card spots.
Best Rookie: CB Darrelle Revis- The Jets traded up to get the DB from Pittssburgh. The debate going into the draft was- Who is the best cornerback available, Revis or Leon Hall? Revis has already impressed his HC- “I like the way Darrelle jams the line of scrimmage,” Mangini said. “He’s a very physical player. I like his competitiveness. He’s consistently working toward the ball. He’s trying to work with the older guys to understand some of the things they’ve learned through time. You like to see that proactive approach that he has.”
Big Games of the Year: vs. New England (Sept. 9- 1:00pm-opener), at NY Giants (Sept. 30- 1:00pm), at New England (Dec. 16- 1:00pm) and vs. Kansas City (Dec. 30- 8:15pm- last game of regular season)
Projected Record: 7-9
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Jets to win the AFC East is 4/1. I would consider that a bad bet because you have to figure the Pats will win the East. If you like the Jets, you might as well bet them to win the Super Bowl (odds @ 25/1) Also, the win total betting is set at 8.5 games.
July 13th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
AFC EAST, New York Jets |
no comments
By Adam Kiefaber
AFC EAST PREVIEW
The Favorite
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
2006 Record: 12-4 (AFC East Champions)
Last Year Summary: The Pats entered the playoffs with a rematch against divisional foe New York. The Pats won the first meeting in NY 24-17, but lost the second matchup at home 17-14. As expected, New England took care of business in the postseason by crashing the Jets 37-16. In the divisional playoff game at San Diego, the Pats won a nail biter 24-21. Then NE blew a giant lead to the Indianapolis Colts in what turned out to be one of the better AFC Championships of all time. 
Five minutes into the second quarter, CB Asante Samuel intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and ran it back 39 yards for the touchdown, making the score 21-3. However the Colts came back and won the game 38-34 on their way to a Super Bowl title.
Additions: WR Randy Moss (Oakland), LB Adalius Thomas (Baltimore), WR Donte Stallworth (Philadelphia), WR Kelley Washington (Cincinnati), TE Kyle Brady (Jacksonville), CB Tory James (Cincinnati), RB Sammy Morris (Miami), CB Eddie Jackson (Miami) and WR Wes Walker (Miami).
Subtractions: LB Tully Banta-Cain (to SF), Corey Dillon (retired?), TE Daniel Graham (to DEN), DE Marquise Hill (deceased), LB Don Davis (retired) and P Todd Sauerbrun (to DEN).
2007 Season Prediction: The past six seasons, the Pats have been the best team in the NFL compiling a record of 70-26 and winning three Super Bowls. They are the favorite to win it all because of how close they came in ’06 and because of the offseason additions of WR Randy Moss and LB Adalius Thomas. The Pats biggest need last year was the WR position and they added four new wide outs for QB Tom Brady. The Pats have tough road games against Cincinnati (Oct. 1), Dallas (Oct. 7), Indianapolis (Nov. 4) and Baltimore (Dec. 3). The Pats toughest home games include San Diego (Sept. 16), Philadelphia (Nov. 25) and Pittsburgh (Dec. 9). However, I feel the Pats should be able roll into the playoffs with a bye.
Best Rookie: S Brandon Meriweather- He could have been the best defensive back available in the NFL Draft. However, he slipped to New England with the 24th pick overall in the first round because of character issues. Last year, he served a one-game suspension for that ugly fight in October against Duke. Last summer, his Miami teammate Willie Cooper was shot in the butt. In response, Meriweather pulled out a gun and fired three times at the butt attacker. Nonetheless, Meriweather has been compared to Ed Reed over and over again. And if you don’t know, he is good.
Big Games of the Year: vs. San Diego (Sept. 16- 8:15pm), at Cincinnati (Sept. 23- 8:30pm), at Indianapolis (Nov. 4- 4:15pm)
Projected Record: 12-4 or 13-3
Futures (Bets): The current odds for the Patriots to win the AFC East is 1/6. That doesn’t pay much, but it is close to what gamblers call a lock. However, one would have to bet $1,000 to earn any thing back. Also, the win total betting is set at 11 games. Currently, the Patroits are favored to win the Super Bowl (odds @ 5/1).
July 13th, 2007
Posted by
adam |
New England, AFC EAST |
no comments
