NFC East: Optimism Abounds

Dallas Cowboys

Key Returnees:

• Offense - This offense ranked 11th last season and QB Tony Romo has all the stats to prove he is an elite passer in the NFL, including a whopping 66.3% career completion rate. TE Jason Witten is Romo's favorite target and one of the best pass catchers in the league. WR Dez Bryant appears to be developing into a beast of a performer on the outside. The two should combine for over 150 receptions and 16 TD's this season. Miles Austin and Laurent Robinson are nice targets that fill out Romo's arsenal of weapons. RB's DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones both averaged over 4.5 yards per carry in 2011 and they should combine for over 2,000 yards of total offense for this team. The O-line is a work in progress but second-year player Tyron Smith looks like the real deal after being drafted ninth overall a year ago. 
• Defense - The pieces are in place to have a dominant defense in 2012. LB Sean Lee is the team's top tackler and also had four INT's last year. OLB Demarcus Ware is probably the best pass-rusher in the game right now after posting an incredible 35 sacks over the last two seasons. Anthony Spencer, who plays opposite Ware on the other end of the line, was fourth on the team in tackles and collected six sacks while DE Jason Hatcher got his 300 + lb frame to the QB 4.5 times in 2011. There is enough talent and other veteran role players filling out the lineup on defense to keep this team in any game. 
• Special Teams - K Dan Bailey was fourth in the league last season while the rest of the special teams units are average at worst. They don't lose games for the team but should improve its return game a bit with the influx of some new talent.

Secret Weapon: KR/PR Morris Claiborne - Morris was drafted sixth overall in this past April's draft to help out in two key areas: pass coverage and kick returning. He may not be a starter on defense but should provide a lot of speed and athleticism in nickel and dime packages, which now account for over 60% of defensive schemes these days. Just as much, if Claiborne can do for the Cowboys' return game what he did for LSU's then any problems the team had there should be solved. 

Top Newcomers:

• CB Brandon Carr - I don't know if he is actually an improvement over Terrence Newman but he at least younger. The 26-year old, four-year vet nabbed four INT's last season and looks to be a key player in improving the 'Boys' pass defense. 
• CB/KR Morris Claiborne - See above. Teams avoided Claiborne in the SEC and as a result Tyrann Mathieu saw a lot of action on his side of the field.

Optimistic Fan Says: "This is it! This is the year we finally get over the hump and back into the Super Bowl. Romo is tired of all the naysaying. He is an elite QB that will rise to the occasion when his team needs him most this year while Dez Bryant will challenge the likes of Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson for the title of "best wide receiver in the league". The defense will also be among the NFL's best with Ware pushing to get 25 sacks.

Reality Check: The offensive line is quite green and needs some more players to step up in order for Romo to stay upright all season long. The defense may also have just enough holes for top NFL offenses to exploit as well. Unless some new guys really make names for themselves on this roster the 'Boys could be out of the playoff race before December. Oh, and about Dez Bryant: He needs to screw his head on tight if he plans on having a career in the NFL at all.

Projected 2012 Record: 7-9

New York Giants

Key Returnees:

• Offense - Some people still question whether or not Eli Manning is as good as his brother Peyton was in his prime. The answer is that it doesn't even matter because Eli has two Super Bowl rings, beating Peyton's nemisis Tom Brady and the Patriots both times for the Lombardi trophy. Of course Eli is back for the 2012 campaign after being fifth in the league in passing last season. Also back are RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR's Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, and all the main components of a solid veteran O-line. All of which make up a well-balanced offensive unit.
• Defense - This group was 8th in the league in total yards allowed last season and they really turned up a notch when it came down to crunch time. The D-line leads the way with Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora garnering lots of attention from opposing blockers and QB's. Pierre-Paul had 16.5 sacks in only his second season as a pro. The top five tacklers from last year, including S Antrel Rolle and LB Michael Boley, return.
• Special Teams - Did I mention this  team won the Super Bowl last season? Who gives two cents what the special teams did as long as the team keeps collecting rings?

Secret Weapon: WR Rueben Randle - 

Top Newcomers: 

• RB David Wilson - He was drafted at the end of the first round to help stabalize the backfield and complement Bradshaw. He was one of the best college running backs in the country last fall as the ACC Player of the Year and he doesn't need to be a starter in New York. He just needs to come in for 15-20 plays per game and break off a couple big runs.
• WR Rueben Randle -  The rookie from LSU is ready to contribute in the NFL right away. His stats suffered dearly due to terrible QB play in college but this guy has been doing well in the preseason and could find himself on the receiving end of 30-40 passes. The team needs somebody to step up and take the departed Mario Manningham's position so why not Randle?

Optimistic Fan Says: "Repeat!"

Reality Check: It's funny how we hear all about that other team from New York, the Jets, all season long but in the end the Giants have more to brag about as a team. This year will probably be no different and it's a testament to the coaching and leadership within the organization. They just do it all with more class. Although the odds of getting back into the Super Bowl are a bit slim, there is no team in the league right now that is better at overcoming adversity and putting it all together when it matters most. Despite all that I might be going against the grain a bit here by suspecting the Giants will struggle a little at some point and barely miss the playoffs. It will be a very competitive NFC race with the Cowboys, Eagles, Lions, Bears, Packers, Niners, Saints, and Falcons all having good chances of winning 10 or more gamesl. If the Giants do get in, however, I might just pick them to win it all again at that point.

Projected 2012 Record: 10-6

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Returnees:

• Offense - This offense has been exciting to watch over the last couple season. Last season it was the fourth best in the NFL. RB LeSean McCoy rushed for 1309 yards, caught 48 balls, and accounted for 20 TD's. QB Mike Vick averaged 7.8 yards per carry and threw for 3303 yards, complementing McCoy just enough to keep defenses spread out. WR's DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin both have speed and big-play ability while third WR Jason Avant TE Brent Celek is as steady and reliable as they come. Altogether, along with McCoy, they provide the Eagles with an array of weapons to choose from on game day. The O-line only allowed 32 sacks in 2011 and will look to provide more protection for Vick this year. 
• Defense - Another good unit that ranked in the top 10 (8th overall) by only giving up 325 total yards per game. DE Jason Babin came through and lived up to his contract by posting 18 sacks. Fellow end Trent Cole also got 11 and DT Cullen Jenkins was third on the team with 5.5. LB Jamar Chaney led the team with 67 solo tackles. He also nabbed three INT's. SS Kurt Coleman and FS Nate Allen combined for 139 total tackles and 6 INT's. That's pretty good for the young duo. The team will expect more from them in the near future. CB's Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have fine skill sets and they should be one of the better tandems in the East this year.
• Special Teams - The Eagles are relatively piss-poor in this phase of the game.

Secret Weapon: WR Riley Cooper - Although he has only 23 receptions and two TD's in two years, Cooper has averaged nearly 19 yards per catch over that span. If Vick can stay healthy and get more comfortable in the pocket we could see a rise in the fomer Florida Gator's stats. His 6'3" 220 lbs frame provides a some needed size to the offense.

Top Newcomers:

• LB Demeco Ryans - When healthy Ryans has proven that he can rack up tackles and provide some steady play. The Eagles benefit greatly by signing him as he brings some valuable experience and veteran leadership to the defense.
• DT Fletcher Cox - This year's first round pick looks like he'll get  the chance to be a starter right away in 2012. He has the tools to be a destroyer up front.
• LB Mychal Kendricks - Kendricks was one of my favorite players in the 2012 draft. He has top speed and quickness. His fancy footwork suggests he probably would've made one helluva running back as well. I like his upside and look for him to become a fan favorite someday in Philly. 
• QB Nick Foles - His 6'6" 243 lbs body coupled with the fact that he threw for 4,334 yards and 28 TD's, while leading the Pac-12 in total yards of offense per game, suggest he has the ability to become a starter in the NFL some day.

Optimistic Fan Says: "We are going to party and puke our way to the Super Bowl while Vick and company dish out Philly-style ass whoopin's!"

Reality Check: Mike Vick's health and inability to maintain consistency as a passer could hurt the team down the stretch. The lack of any return game or quality field goal and punting units don't help much either. It would take some luck for things to fall in place for the Eagles but if they do this team could be a deadly as any. 

Projected 2012 Record: 11-5

Washington Redskins

Key Returnees:

• Offense - Despite the fact that there aren't any real stars on offense, last year's group managed to put together a fairly good year as far as production goes. WR Santana Moss returns for his 12th season and he has his sights set on 10,000 career receiving yards and 60 career TD's if all goes well. TE Fred Davis isn't real fancy but he is a decent starter and all-around performer. RB Roy Helu led the team in rushing yards with 640 and was also third on the team with 49 catches. Evan Royster looks like he could be a nice compliment in the backfield after averaging 5.9 yards per carry as a rookie. Tim Hightower returns to claim his starting spot however, after missing 11 games due to injury. If the 'Skins get lucky all three guys will become productive contributors and the rushing game will take the pressure off the QB. Rex Grossman returns to compete at QB after starting most of the games last season. 
• Defense - The ageless London Fletcher returns for his 15th season as an NFL linebacker after leading the league in tackles again last season. If he stays healthy over the next couple years he could reach over 2000 career tackles. OLB's Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan are both young guys that have shown good ability on the field. They could be a very dynamic pass-rushing duo for years to come. Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker, and Barry Cofield make up a nice three-man line that helped put pressure on the QB as well. CB DeAngelo Hall was second on the team in tackles and first in INT's. His up and down career has apparently evened out in Washington. 
• Special Teams - K Graham Gano was 6th in the NFL in field goal kicking last season. If it weren't for Dallas this might be the worst division in terms of special teams units.

Secret Weapon: RB Roy Helu - He may not be spectacular but he can do it all as a back and should get plenty of touches in 2012 even if he doesn't start a single game.

Top Newcomers:

• QB Robert Griffin III - It will be interesting to see how this young man's pro career goes. He is an extremely likable guy with some unique physical tools as a QB. I doubted Cam Newton and Andy Dalton would have much of an impact as a rookies last year and I was wrong. It's anybody's guess at this point as to how RG3 will fare. 
• WR Pierre Garcon - Garcon has proven himself worthy as an NFL receiver and will try to make life easier for RG3. Although he's not a great number one option in the passing game, he can catch 70-80 balls and score a half dozen TD's for the 'Skins.
• SS Brandon Merriweather - This former first rounder never really panned out in New England but he will get another chance to show something more here.
• CB Cedric Griffin - Another high-profile college player that has yet to break through in the NFL, Griffin struggled at times in Minnesota but has 379 career tackles and 15 forced fumbles on his career. Better coaching could do hims some wonders and he may upgrade the team's nickle and dime packages.

Optimistic Fan Says: "If Mike Vick and Drew Brees had a baby, and then Tim Tebow and Brett Favre had a baby, then those two babies got together and had a baby, they would end up with RG3. He will bring us back to prominence!"

Reality Check: While RG3 looks great and the defense has made strides, there are still too many holes on this roster to expect anything big in 2012.

Projected 2012 Record: 7-9

AFC East: More than a one pony show? Optimistic fan thinks so.

AFC East Division


Buffalo Bills

Key Returnees:

• Offense - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is smart and savvy but nothing flashy. He should continue to be a steady presence for the Bills. RB's Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller both averaged over 5.0 yards per carry last season and they are beginning to compliment each other well in all phases of the game.WR Steve Johnson is a legitimate number one target in the passing game and David Nelson played well in his first season as a starter. TE Scott Chandler is normally a blocker but he managed to grab 38 receptions in his first season as a starter as well. They should all improve. The O-line lead the NFL in sacks allowed (23) and it should continue to improve with the addition of a few nice-looking rookies.
• Defense - The Bills were a bit green last season with MLB Nick Barnett playing his first season outside of Green Bay and DT Marcel Dareus fresh out of college. Both played very well and the unit should improve around them. The entire unit is stacked with returning veterans and young talent to help take on NFL passing games, including high-prized free agent DE Mario Williams and four-year veteran DB Jairus Byrd.
• Special Teams - Well, there is no masking it as the Bills seriously stink on special teams.

Secret Weapon: RB Fred Jackson - He might not be the best kept secret in the NFL but he continues to sneak under the radar up there in Buffalo. If he can stay on the field he should rush for 1,000 yards and score 10 TD's.

Top Newcomers:

• DE/OLB Mario Williams - There was a lot of hype over this free agent signing after Williams collected five sacks in five games before getting injured in Houston last season. He should fit right in as a pass-rusher in the Bills' defensive scheme, and if he stays healthy he has 15 sack per season potential.
• OG Cordy Glenn - The big Georgia Bulldog looks to have all the tools to become an elite guard in the NFL. The Bills hope he can help open holes for the running backs.
• CB Stephon Gilmore - The Bills' number one draft pick comes in looking to improve the pass defense. In today's NFL you need to load up on these types of cover guys. He doesn't even need to start. If he can help the team field three or four quality corners in nickel and dime packages then he will have been worth the pick. 

Optimistic Fan Says: "Slow and steady wins the race! The Bills may not be flashy but they are as steady as they come on offense and the defense is primed to have a big season. This is the year of Buffalo!"

Reality Check: As long as Tom Brady is in New England it is hard to imagine the Bills taking the division crown any time soon. While the team should be competitive it is highly unlikely they win more than 10 games or win a playoff game if they make it.

Projected 2012 Record: 10-6

Miami Dolphins

Key Returnees:

• Offense - RB Reggie Bush rushed for 1,000 yards and caught 43 passes. He performed better than many expected and he will get a chance to carry this offense. Rookie Daniel Thomas showed some promise as well and the Dolphins ranked 11th in the league in rushing last season. WR's Brian Hartline and Devon Bess are young players that could both be on the verge of breakout seasons. Hartline averaged 15.7 yards per catch, which shows that the guy is capable of making plays. TE Anthony Fasano is a solid, if unspectacular, player that is more of a jack-of-all trades type. He doesn't do anything special but he can score a half dozen TD's for a team in any given year. It is hard to believe that four-time pro-bowl left tackle Jake Long may just be reaching his prime. Before it's all over Long may go down as one of the best all-time. C/G Mike Pouncey also looks like he will be worth the first round pick the team spent on him last year. Returning veteran QB Matt Moore also completed over 60% of his passes and delivered some monster performances at Kansas City and twice against Buffalo last season. His experience is a valuable asset to the team.
• Defense - The Dolphins were third in the league against the run last season. SS Yeremiah Bell, LB Kevin Burnett, and LB Karlos Dansby all had over 100 tackles and 13 different players registered a sack. LB Cameron Wake led the team in sacks with 8.5 and DE Jared Odrick came on strong in his second season to get six. Sean Smith and Vontae Davis are a solid set of do-it-all-type starting CB's. 
• Special Teams - K Dan Carpenter led the 10th ranked kicking units and the Dolphins were second in the league in field goals. The team also ranked 13th in both punting and kick returns.

Secret Weapon: RB Steve Slaton - This guy had a 1200 yard season as rookie in 2008 but has dropped off the map ever since. He was picked up by the Dolphins off waivers last September and the Miami coaches seem to like him. He may get used quite a bit to change the pace and catch defenses off guard. He could just as easily be cut before the season starts though (sorry, the pessimist came out).

Top Newcomers:

• QB Ryan Tannehill - The rookie from Texas A & M will get a year to wrap his head around the pro game but the team is counting on him being a starter eventually. He is a good athlete that could develop into a Brett Favre-type of gunslinger for the Dolphins.
• OT Jonathan Martin - Many people thought Martin was worthy of a first round pick but he fell to the Dolphins in the second round. If Martin can nail down a starting job and help hold the line for whoever is playing QB then this offense should begin to click sooner rather than later. 

Optimistic Fan Says: "The running game will be one of the best in the AFC so the transition from the Big 12 to the NFL should be made a little easier for Tannehill. I believe he has a chance to put up Cam Newton-like numbers if some receivers step up and a winning record is not out of the question, especially when you consider how good the defense and special teams have been in recent years."

Reality Check: If the Dolphins want any chance of making a strong run for the playoffs in 2012 they will need a good season from somebody at QB. It doesn't need to be flashy. That is why Brandon Marshall is gone. The formula is very simple: Rush for 2,000 yards + Hold opponents to 1500 rushing yards = winning football. A nine-win season is reasonable to consider, and I believe they can be a surprise team, but more than that would be asking for a real miracle at this point.

Projected 2012 Record: 5-11

New England Patriots

Key Returnees

• Offense - Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady... That is all we really need to know about New England. The guy has simply become one of the greatest passers of all-time and he can lead a roster full of backup material to the Super Bowl on a regular basis. TE's Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are breaking records and redefining how the position is played in the NFL. Gronk is a mismatch just waiting to happen for defenses. WR Wes Welker is a workhorse on the outside. The O-line is a good all-around group of guys that really don't stand out. OG Logan Mankins could play for anybody though.
• Defense - NT Vince Woolfork is the best in the business at plugging up the interior of the line and LB Jerod Mayo will continue be the team's top tackler for the foreseeable future. Kyle Arrington and Devin McCourty are decent corners that make a lot of tackles and 11-year DE Andre Carter had a second-coming last season with 10 sacks. There is a decent mixture of young, talented players and experienced vets to produce a formidable defensive unit. As we saw last season, however, they don't need to be that good to get to the Super Bowl.
• Special Teams - Who cares? Just get Brady back on the field and everything will be fine.

Secret Weapon: RB Stevan Ridley - Averaged 5.1 yards per carry as a rookie last year and should put his 5'11" 220 lbs frame to good use this season as the offense attempts to uncover more diamonds in the rough. If he develops a well-rounded game he could be a very useful cog in the system.

Top Newcomers:

• DE/OLB Chandler Jones - Could immediately help the pass-rush, which is a huge sore spot for the Patriots. Chandlers dimensions (6'6" 260 lbs.) and athleticism might provide the Pats with some big plays.
• LB Dont'a Hightower - One of the best defenders in college football on a great college defense should be a difference-maker. He should be a starter on day one.
• TE Visanthe Shiancoe - Not sure what the Pats will do with Shiancoe but at worst he gives them the best third-string TE in the league and he is probably the fourth or fifth best receiver on the entire roster. Will they go with three TE sets in 2012? Why not?
• LB Bobby Carpenter - Was a decent performer in Detroit the last few seasons and steps into a good position in New England. Even if he doesn't start he gives the team some flexibility and much-needed depth.

Optimistic Fan Says: "There's simply no reason to believe that we will not be back in the Super Bowl again this year."

Reality Check: When you look at New England's roster on paper they really do not look like much. However, the odds of them actually making it back to the Super Bowl is better than any other team in the league. That of course would drastically change if something were to happen to Tom Brady. We shall assume he will stay as healthy as usual and they will be in the hunt once again come January.

Projected 2012 Record: 11-5

New York Jets

Key Returnees:

• Offense - Despite all the criticism QB Mark Sanchez wasn't horrible last season while posting nearly 3500 yards and 26 TD's. TE Dustin Keller led the team in receptions, which actually says a lot more about the players on the outside rather than Keller himself. Don't get me wrong, as I think he's a very good player. I just don't think he should be leading any teams in catches. Santonio Holmes led the wide-outs with 51 catches and eight TD's. Third-year RB Shonn Greene has seen his production increase each year. He will continue to churn out some tough yardage for the Jets. C Nick Mangold and LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson are nice cornerstones to build an O-line around as well. 
• Defense - Ranked number five in the NFL in 2011 and has consistently been one of the best over the last several years. S Eric Smith, ILB David Harris, LB Bart Scott, and OLB/DE Calvin Pace all chipped in at least 54 tackles and 2.5 sacks a piece. Harris, a Michigan alum, may be the best of the bunch with 312 tackles and 13.5 sacks over the last three seasons. He also had four INT's last season with one pick-six. Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and Kyle Wilson form a sound trio of corners to help against the likes of the New England Patriots.  DE Mohammed Wilkerson looks like he was worth the first round pick from a year ago. 
• Special Teams - RB/KR Joe McKnight - has turned into a nice player. He averaged 31.6 yards per return last season and brought one back for six. The team was also 11th in the league in punting.

Secret Weapon: RB Joe McKnight - All eyes will be on him when he's returning kicks but there might be enough of a distraction from other guys on offense to allow him to go unchecked. He has some great skills but hasn't been able to put it together with the starting offense yet. With the lack of depth on the roster and the departure of LaDainian Tomlinson one can only assume that McKnight will get more looks in the backfield. 

Top Newcomers:

• QB Tim Tebow - Oh god, as if we weren't hearing enough about Tebow already he had to get traded to the headline hungry Jets. Is it a match made in heaven or hell? Only time will tell. I believe he will have his moments, but I also believe this will be the year that everyone excepts the fact that he is not a good QB.
• DE Quinton Coples - The team is depending on him to come in and contribute immediately. The more pressure they can muster up against opposing offenses the better it will for everybody.
• WR Stephen Hill - This kid will need some work before he is a capable starter in this league but he possesses some extreme physical ability. With the right coaching he could be stellar in three to four years.

Optimistic Fan Says: "Our running game and defense alone will be good enough to get us 10 wins. Tebow and Sachez will be just fine splitting time and we will win the division and finally get into the Super Bowl. J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! "

Reality Check: We've heard more hype about this team over the last several years only to see them repeatedly fall flat on their faces. I'm just not convinced they have two good teams in New York. It seems the Jets have a lot of good pieces to build a nice offense around but there isn't much depth anywhere. Tim Tebow and another top five defense won't be enough to get them back into the playoffs this year.

Projected 2012 Record: 7-9

AFC South: What Can You Say about the Worst Division in Football?

Houston Texans

Key Returnees:

• Offense - So what if RB Arian Foster is now a vegan. Get that man some rice, beans, and hemp seeds pronto and he will be just fine. He and Ben Tate should combine for another 2,000 yards on the ground even if they become airatarians. QB Matt Schaub looks like the best QB in the AFC South now that Peyton Manning has left Indy. As long as he can stay healthy this offense should be high-flying. Luckily  the team has a young, capable backup in T.J. Yates, who came in for six games last year and completed 61% of his passes for over 900 yards. WR Andre Johnson is a potential all-pro every year and TE Owen Daniels should catch 60+ passes. The O-line gave up 33 sacks last year and they did just fine opening up running lanes despite not having any real standouts. At any rate, the offense was 13th in the league last season with Schaub missing lots of time so look for them to get back into the top 10 with him back. \
• Defense - This unit improved greatly last season with the addition of rookies J.J. Watt at DE and Brooks Reed at OLB. MLB Brian Cushing led the team with 114 tackles, four sacks, and two INT's while OLB/DE Connar Barwin paced the team with 11.5 sacks. Look for all four of these guys to be stars in Houston for the next few years. The team ranked third in the NFL in pass defense so it really doesn't matter that the Texans do not have any bona fide stars in the secondary. The whole groups is greater than the sum of all its parts. In other words: they play as a team.
• Special Teams - K Neil Rackers was fourth in field goals last year and the team ranked seventh in kick returns with a committee of guys, including starting S Daniel Manning. 

Secret Weapon: RB Ben Tate - All eyes will be on starter Arian Foster and his diet as the season opens but Tate has the size (5'11" 214 lbs.) and ability to take over games if needed. His 5.4 yards per carry is a whole yard more than Foster's and he added another six runs of 20 or more yards compared to Foster's seven, and he did it on 103 less carries.

Top Newcomer: C Ben Jones - It's not often an offensive lineman makes this list, especially a rookie fourth round center, but Jones has a good chance to come in and nail down a starting job. Not only that, but the Texans just simply didn't do much in free agency or add any real head-turning standouts through the draft. If all goes well, however, the Texans should have a top-end rushing attack and Jones will be right in the center of it all.

Optimistic Fan Says: "Now that Peyton Manning is out of the division we should have no problems taking the title and possibly getting a first round bye in the playoffs. With Schaub back we definitely have a shot at making it to the AFC Championship. Mario Williams who? Oh, that guy and his nine sacks per season are overrated. Good luck to him in Buffalo."

Reality Check: There simply is not enough proven depth at receiver to have another top ten passing offense and the loss of both Williams and LB Demeco Ryans on defense may just be too much to maintain a top five defense. However, a spot in the playoffs does seem likely as the rest of the division appears to be fairly weak.

Projected 2012 Record: 10-6

Indianapolis Colts

Key Returnees:

• Offense - RB Donald Brown averaged 4.8 yards per carry and scored five TD's in just 134 carries. WR's Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon combined for over 1900 yards and 10 TD's while Austin Collie also chipped in another 54 catches. The Colts have some decent young pieces to build an O-line around, including OT Anthony Castonzo.
• Defense - LB Pat Angerer totaled 143 tackles in 2011 and looks to be the future leader of this squad. DE Robert Mathis collected 9.5 sacks while fellow end Dwight Freeney chipped in another eight. Both guys are playing fairly well after 10 longs seasons in the NFL. 
• Special Teams - The Colts are one of the best teams in terms of kick and punt coverage.

Secret Weapon: None. 

Top Newcomer: QB Andrew Luck - The Colts won the "Suck for Luck" sweepstakes and they drafted the guy who many believe is the best QB prospect to come out in the last two decades. I may not be as sold on him as most but he will be an upgrade over the guys they have now. He should be a decent pro.

Optimistic Fan Says: "We still suck with Luck!"

Reality Check: With no return game, no running game, and no beef up front on defense, the Colts will be lucky to win four games this year. I expect them to be picking in the top five again in next year's draft, which won't be so bad I guess. RB Marcus Lattimore, LB Manti Te'o, S Eric Reid, DT Johnathan Hankins, and WR Robert Woods will all be possibilities there.

4-12

Jacksonville Jaguars

Key Returnees:

• Offense - RB Maurice Jones-Drew is a handful for defenders to tackle and he racked up 1600 yards on the ground. QB Blaine Gabbert threw 12 TD's during his rookie campaign and the team gave him a vote of confidence by not trading for the polarizing, and home-town hero, Tim Tebow. TE Marcedes Lewis and WR Mike Thomas are nice options in the passing game who should see an increase in their productivity as Gabbert develops. The O-line is young but they've been getting better at blocking for the run. OT Eugene Monroe is one of the Jags best players.
• Defense - LB's Paul Posluzsny and Daryl Smith both made over 100 tackles and combined for 5.5 sacks three INT's for the NFL's sixth ranked defense in terms of yards allowed. S Dawan Landry was third on the team in tackles and also snatched two INT's. Overall, this unit doesn't have many stars but they hold up their individual assignments and flow to the ball well.
• Special Teams - The Jags also have great kick and punt coverage units, just like most other teams that spend more time on the field playing special teams than they do offense. 

Secret Weapon: RB Rashad Jennings - As a backup Jennings has a 5.4 yards per carry average over his three-year career. With MJD holding out for a new contract he should see his playing time increase significantly. If given the chance he could have some nice moments that lead to a big payday. So far he has been having a very good training camp.

Top Newcomers:

• WR Justin Blackmon - The team was in serious need of a number one receiver and they may have gotten just the guy they need in Blackmon. He has the size (6'1" 210), hands, and body control that is needed to play the part. The big downside is that it just might take him a year or two to get it all together, especially if Gabbert is slow to develop. If that happens, then QB Chad Henne could turn out to be the best addition to the team in end.
• DE Andre Branch - The defense is pretty solid and the only piece really missing is a game-changing pass-rusher. Branch may just have the skills to help fix that problem. 
• QB Chad Henne - Henne never really fit in down in Miami and the jury is still out on his potential as a professional passer. He has all the physical tools but seems to lack confidence, which leads to inconsistencies in his play. I don't know if Jacksonville is really the place to try to gain any confidence in one's self, but at least the expectations are not very high there.

Optimistic Fan Says: "With the Colts down we have one less team to worry about in our division and our running game and defense should be enough to put us in the mix for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs."

Reality Check: This is simply one of the most unwatchable teams in all of American sports at the moment. They definitely lack any real pizzazz to be considered prime-time material for the NFL. Gabbert looks more like backup material to me and Henne will probably start some games early this season. I'd be surprised if this team wins eight games and they'll probably only make it onto the national stage only once this year, unless something totally unexpected happens. At this point they are one of the top candidates of teams to move to L.A. if the league rules against more expansion, so maybe they have at least that to talk about.

Projected 2012 Record: 4-12

Tennessee Titans

Key Returnees:

• Offense - The big question is whether or not RB Chris Johnson can return to the form that allowed him to rush for 2,000 yards a couple years ago. When healthy and motivated he is unique talent that can outrun most defenders in the league. Backup Javon Ringer is decent but more talent is needed here for the future. 13-year veteran QB Matt Hasselback has enough in the tank to guide the offense through the season and second-year passer Jake Locker will look to improve his fundamentals. Locker did throw four TD's and no INT's in his rookie season so the team has high hopes for him. WR Nate Washington caught 74 passes last season for 1023 yards. He will be counted on to help guide an immature Kenny Britt and form perhaps the best receiver tandem in the division. Lavelle Hawkins and Damian Williams combined for 92 catches and six TD's as well so this should be a deep group as well. TE Jared Cook is hoping for more chances to improve upon his three TD's last season but with all the other talent around him it might be tough. The O-line was second in the league in sacks allowed last season so the time should be available for the QB's to find an open target.
• Defense - CB Jason McCourty led the team in tackles (103) and rookie DL Karl Klug led the team in sacks (7). Those numbers need to change. Corners should not be leading the team in anything but INT's. The organization is confident that things will improve though. This defense is very young but still wasn't all that bad last year. Rookie LB Akeem Ayers was third in tackles and also nabbed a pair of sacks while another rookie LB, Colin McCarthy, started the last half the season and finished with 68 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an INT. With a full year of off-season training this duo could be primed for a breakout season. 
• Special Teams - Third-year WR Marc Mariani helped the team form a stout return game last season and K Rob Bironas is one of the best in the AFC. Both guys could be pro-bowl material again in 2012. 

Secret Weapon: WR Damian Williams - Caught 45 passes and five TD's in his second season and looks to be the number two or three receiver on the depth chart this year. He is a smooth athlete with double-digit TD potential that could get forgotten about by defenders if other key offensive players show up on Sundays. 

Top Newcomers:

• WR Kendall Wright - Wright brings a lot of big-play potential to the table and should get an opportunity to contribute as a rookie, despite the fact that the team already has a lot of talent at the position. If he performs well the team might just cut ties with the troubled Britt altogether. 
• OG Steve Hutchinson - Although he might not be the player he once was, Hutch can still throw his weight around with the best of them. He joins an already well-knit unit that doesn't have any real standouts but gets the job done well on Sundays. The running game should improve upon its 31st ranking of last season.
• LB Zach Brown - More of an athlete than a ball-player at this point. IF he can get the mental aspect of the game together in his head his natural physical skills could take him and this defense to a new level of success. Might be too much of an underachiever but was worth the risk in the second round of the draft.
• DT Mike Martin - A quick, strong athlete that fits the mold in Tennessee. He has legit 4.9 speed, can bench 400 + lbs, and was a leader on an 11-2 Michigan team. He might not be a starter in the NFL this year but he should be a guy that's heavily involved in the rotation and a steady presence in the locker room.

Optimistic Fan Says: "There's no reason to think that this team can't win the division and get a first round bye in the playoffs."

Reality Check: This team looks like a 9-7 team on paper but the talent is there to put together a big season. If Chris Johnson can get a least 1200 yards on the ground and the defense matures a little more then this team could win the division. They will benefit from playing in one of the worst divisions in football.

Projected 2012 Record 11-5

The NFC South: Always Gettin' Dirty!

Atlanta Falcons

Key Returnees:

Offense - QB Matt Ryan is about as steady as they come and the combination of WR's Roddy White, Julio Jones, and TE Tony Gonzalez makes for a great trio of targets. RB Micheal Turner rushed for 1340 yards last season as the team's featured back and the O-line is solid enough up front to help this be one of the most prolific offenses in the NFC.
Defense - LB Sean Weatherspoon rose up to the occasion last year and made 115 tackles along with four sacks. FS Thomas Decoud and SS William Moore were third and fourth on the team in tackles and they combined for six INT's. The organization expects more from this young duo in the near future. DE John Abraham once again led the team in sacks and will probably lead the way this season as well. The defense was 6th in the NFL against the run and 12th overall in yards allowed. Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are decent starters at CB, but the addition of Asante Samuel, who was acquired in a trade with the Eagles, should solidifiy the secondary and provide more insurance in coverage against today's passing games.
Special Teams - K Matt Bryant doesn't miss many attempts and was a perfect 2-2 beyond the 50 yard mark.

Secret Weapon: WR Harry Douglas - While being overshadowed by the stars on offense, Douglas possesses some ability that has yet to be fully utilized. He did have 39 receptions last season but the team would love to see that number up around 50. Don't be surprised to see him haul in several TD's this season if the offense gets rolling.

Top Newcomer:

• CB Asante Samuel - Samuel is an experienced vet with a Super Bowl ring that became expendable in Philly due to the presence of a couple other younger, high-profile players at the position. There's still plenty of gas in the tank to help the Falcons defend against the likes of Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Eli Manning in the NFC.
• C Peter Konz - This former Badger was the best center in the draft. He will at least help the depth along the front line and could be a starter very soon in the ATL. Current starter Todd McClure is 35 so the addition of Konz makes a ton of sense.

Optimistic Fan Says: The offense is potentially elite and it's reasonable to believe that the Falcons can score over 30 points per game this year. If the 49ers can make it the NFC Championship game with mediocre QB play and the Patriots can make it to the Super Bowl with no defense, then there is no reason to believe that Atlanta can't win it all. The turmoil in New Orleans possibly makes the road a little easier to navigate through the NFC South Division."

Reality Check: I'll give you three reasons that the Falcons will fall short of a Super Bowl appearance: 1) There is no leadership (Matt Ryan has yet to win a playoff game as the team's starting QB and the team as a whole seems out of their element in postseason games). At this point it's a big question mark as to who can take this team on his shoulders. 2) LB Curtis Lofton left the team in free agency for the Saints after leading Atlanta in tackles. I believe he leaves a bigger hole than most people realize. 3) The organization has not done a very good job of drafting prospects over the last four years, especially in the later rounds, so depth on the roster will be a bit shaky. One injury to any one of a few key players and the season could be toast.

Projected 2012 Record: 9-7

Carolina Panthers

Key Returnees:

• Offense - This unit ranked 7th in the NFL last season and QB Cam Newton has the attention of everybody in the football world after winning the BCS Title at Auburn and then throwing for over 4,000 yards for the Panthers all in one calendar year. RB's The combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart at RB can be a handful for opponents, especially late in tough games. WR Steve Smith has been one of the league's biggest playmakers over the last decade and the team believes he still has enough in the tank to lead a young group of pass-catchers. TE Greg Olsen is developing into one of Newton's favorite targets and a rise in his production is expected after catching at least five TD's in his last four seasons. Although the O-line is a bit green in spots, it has enough overall talent to help stabilize another top-10 offense. 
• Defense - This will be one of the most improved units in the NFL in 2012. After ranking 28th in yards allowed last season, the team drafted MLB Luke Kuechly with the ninth overall pick. He should team up with Thomas Davis and Jon Beason to form a strong trio of tacklers that are all capable of playing all three downs. That is an important key it today's pass-crazy league. Also, with the offense capable of eating up time off the clock and scoring lots of point, the defense shouldn't be under as much pressure as they have been in recent years. 
• Special Teams - This team can return kicks and kick the ball. Sorry, but that is about as positive as it gets in the Special Teams categories. 

Secret Weapon: WR Joe Adams - The rookie was a productive pass-catcher for two different QB's in Arkansas' high-powered offense and he has all the tools to be a reliable number three receiver and possibly a number two down the road. Look for him to quietly catch 40 balls in 2012 while opposing defenses worry about the trio of fine leg-work in the backfield. 

Top Newcomers:

• MLB Luke Kuechly - This rookie could quickly become the best middle linebacker in the division. The team desperately needs him to produce ASAP if they want any chance of challenging any elite teams this season. He has all the tools to be an elite three-down, do-it-all player on defense.

Optimistic Fan Says: "Cam Newton is the real deal and he alone guarantees the team will win at least eight games every year. Also, both Williams and Stewart could start at running back for any other team in the league. They are gonna run all over people and I guarantee we will be division champs!"

Reality Check: Although Newton and company provide a lot of food for thought, the special teams and defense are still too much of a liability that will keep them from reaching the playoffs.

Projected 2012 Record: 5-11

New Orleans Saints

Key Returnees:

• Offense - The team finally gave QB Drew Brees a new contract after slapping the franchise tag on him. He is one of the elite passers in the league and should throw for another 5,000 yards and 40 TD's.  Overall, the team rushed for over 2,000 yards and led the league in passing. RB Darren Sproles was a great addition last season and quickly made everybody forget about Reggie Bush. He will team up once again with Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, and Chris Ivory in the backfield. TE Jimmy Graham has established himself as one of the best pass-catchers in all of football and Marques Colston leads a deep group of solid receivers. The OL produced some pro-bowlers and should be good enough once again.
• Defense - The Saints are one of the best in the NFC at stopping the run and they ranked 12th in the league. S Roman Harper led the team in tackles and sacks (7.5) and DE Will Smith was second (6.5). The secondary is deep and talented. LB Jonathan Vilma is a steady performer in the middle but he will be suspended for the season due to the "Bounty-gate" controversy. 
• Special Teams - Sproles is a homerun-hitter as a return man. The punting is the only glaring weakness on special teams but the Saints don't do much of that anyway.

Secret Weapon: WR Devery Henderson - Henderson is usually the fourth or fifth option in the Saints' passing game but he still managed to catch 32 passes for over 500 yards and two TD's. With all the attention going to other players and Robert Meachem leaving for San Diego one should expect Henderson to get more looks in 2012.

Top Newcomers:

• DL Akiem Hicks - The 325 lbs Hicks could be the plugger that Shaun Rogers was for the team last year. He is a bit raw but he could develop into a fulltime starter.

Optimistic Fan Says: "Even with Sean Payton suspended for the season this roster has the potential to outscore anybody in the league and we will make history come January as the only team ever to win a conference championship without its head coach at the helm."

Reality Check: There will be stumbles this season as the Saints' franchise has taken some brutal hits from the league and they seemingly lost more in free agency than they gained. Only time will tell if the loss of WR Robert Meachem and OG Carl Nicks will hurt the offense at all and the competition throughout the NFL is just too strong for them to run the table. Having said that, I wouldn't count them out of the playoffs just yet either.

Projected 2012 Record: 10-6

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Returnees:

• Offense - Third-year QB Josh Freeman has thrown 41 TD's over the last two seasons and he has the natural arm strength to make all the throws. With a little maturation he could be among the top 10 passers in the game today. RB LaGarret Blount has averaged 4.6 yards per carry over the last two seasons and he will be expected to be a significant player in a stable of backs that also includes first round pick Doug Martin out of Boise St. WR Mike Williams is a smooth athlete with natural receiving skills and he has led the team with 63 receptions each of the last two seasons. Preston Parker and Arrelious Benn combined for 70 catches and six TD's last season and both will be expected to improve in their third seasons as well. The O-line is young and loaded with talent. The Bucs expect them to be one of the best units in the league as LT Donald Penn and RG Davin Joseph have both been to the pro-bowl as Bucs. Adding Carl Nicks to the mix should only make them all better.
• Defense - DE Adrian Clayborn emerged as a rookie at right end and produced 7.5 sacks. He is a good run-defender that should see an increase in production with a full season under his belt. Rookie LB Mason Foster played every game as well and was second on the team in tackles behind S Sean Jones, who is now in Detroit. Those two also combined for three sacks. DT Gerald McCoy is back from injury and he is in great shape. The franchise is expecting a breakout season from him. CB Aqib Talib also returns and has apparently put his personal problems to rest. If he can concentrate on football he could be one of the best corners in the NFC. Overall there is a ton of youth on this side of the ball but the talent is there for new HC Greg Schiano to forge a mighty defense.
• Special Teams - K Connar Barth is among the top 10 kickers in the league and P Michael Koenen is capable of putting up all-pro numbers but the coverage units stink. Sorry, but it's true.

Secret Weapon: RB/FB Earnest Graham - Over his eight-year career Graham has averaged 4.3 yards per carry and can catch the ball effectively out of the backfield. He is primarily used as a utility-type of back that can lead block or be the featured runner in a pinch. In 2007 he rushed for 898 yards and 10 TD's. He will be forgotten about by many defenders and the Bucs will look to take advantage every now and then.

Top Newcomers: 

• WR Vincent Jackson - The 6'5" 230 lbs pass-catcher is a three-time 1,000 yard receiver with a career 17.5 yard per catch average. He should instantly help the Buc's move the chains down the field.
• OG Carl Nicks - This road-grader was the second big free agent signing for the Bucs after making the pro-bowl for New Orleans last season. The team hopes it made their running game stronger while weakening the rival Saints' offense. 
• CB Eric Wright - The Bucs got criticized for this move as Wright got big-time money while only collecting 13 INT's over his five-year career. He is a good tackler though and the team puts a high priority on that phase of the game.
• S Mark Barron - Barron was simply the best defender in the draft, period. He can tackle and hit well and he has the athletic ability to make huge plays. He was a true leader on and off the field at Alabama and was one of the best players for one of college football's greatest defenses.
• RB Doug Martin - Martin is the type of do-it-all back that most NFL teams want to fill their stables. He may not be super-flashy but he is strong, hard-working player that looks natural both running the ball and catching passes. He should team up with LeGarret Blount to give the Bucs a solid pair of pounders with slightly different skill sets to help control the game.
• LB Lavonte David - The Bucs needed a lot of help on defense, especially at linebacker. David fits the mold as he is a speedy player with sound tackling abilities. His lack of size and flashy numbers dropped him into the second round. He should be an immediate starter and an upgrade at the position.
• DT Amobi Okoye - This 25-year old Nigerian already has 78 career games under his belt as a Texan and a Bear. He joins a team that desperately needs help up front. With the right situation Okoye has the talent to put up nice numbers. I think he will do fine somewhere in the rotation with Roy Miller, Gerald McCoy, 

Optimistic Fan Says: "This division has a history of seeing the previous year's worst team making the playoffs the following season. We were 10-6 two years ago with a younger roster so we can do it again and make the playoffs. Hell, I can see this team challenging for a conference championship like the 49ers did last season. Anything can happen!"

Reality Check: Optimistic fan is right. Anything can happen but with all the additions and subtractions of players toppled on top of an entirely new coaching staff makes it hard to predict how this team will do. There is a ton of talent though, so the sky could be the limit for this team. However, a lot of growing up needs to happen on both sides of the ball before they go anywhere. At the very least I see this team being better than its 4-12 record of last year.

Projected 2012 Record: 8-8