Current

Team

Previous

1

Atlanta Falcons (2-0)

4

“Well, my feet they finally took root in the earth but I got me a nice little place in the stars
And I swear I found the key to the universe in the engine of an old parked car” Growin’ Up  Next:  vs. New England (1-1)

2

Indianapolis Colts (2-0)

6

“Aim your gun, son, and shoot your shot, Everybody wants to be the Man at the Top” Man at the Top  Next:  @ Arizona (1-1)

3

New York Giants (2-0)

3

“Climb in back, heaven’s waiting on down the tracks…”  Thunder Road   Next:  @ Tampa Bay (0-2)

4

Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

10

“Hell, all day they’re busting you up on the outside, But tonight you’re gonna break out on through to the inside, And it’ll be right, it’ll be right and it’ll be tonight!”  Night  Next: vs Cleveland (0-2)

5

Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

15

“Just wrap your legs round these velvet rims and strap your hands across my engines.  Together we could break this trap, We’ll run till we drop, baby we’ll never go back,” Born To Run  Next:  vs San Francisco (2-0)

6

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

1

“You say your momma’s going to meet you when the morning comes.  And your papa’s gonna beat you ‘cause he knows you are out on the run.  I’m gonna live a life of love and tonight you’re the one.  The highway is alive tonight, so do not be frightened.  There’s something about a pretty girl on a sweet summer night that gets this boy excited.”  Seaside Bar Song  Next:  @ Cincinnati (1-1)

7

New York Jets (2-0)

23

“Sunrise come. I climb the ladder, The new day breaks and I’m working on a dream.”  Working on a Dream  Next:  vs Tennessee (0-2)

8

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

5

“Seen a man standin’ over a dead dog lyin’ by a highway in a ditch, he’s looking kinda puzzled pokin’ that dog with a stick.  Got his car door flung open he’s standing out on Highway 31.  Like if he stood there long enough, that’d dog get up and run.  Struck me kinda funny, seem kinda funny sir to me.  Still at the end of every hard earned day people find some reason to believe.”  Reason to Believe  Next:  vs.  Kansas City (0-2)

9

New England Patriots (1-1)

2

“I wanna read your mind to know just what I’ve got in this new thing I found, so tell me what I see when I look in your eyes, Is that you baby, or just a brilliant disguise?” Brilliant Disguise  Next:  @ Atlanta (2-0)

10

New Orleans Saints (2-0)

16

“Well now, I don’t want to be greedy.  But when it comes to love their ain’t no doubt, you just ain’t gonna get what you want, with one foot in bed and one foot out, You got to give it all, or nothin’ at all”  All or Nothin’ At All  Next:  @ Buffalo (1-1)

11

San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

19

“And the kids down here look like shadows, always quiet holding hands.  From the churches to the jails tonight all is silence in the world, as we take our stand, down in Jungleland.  Next:  @ Minnesota (2-0)

12

Green Bay Packers (1-1)

14

“Hey little girlie with the jeans so tight, drivin’ alone through the Wisconsin night, you’re my last love baby you’re my last chance, don’t let ‘em take me to the Cadillac Ranch.” Cadillac Ranch  Next:  @ St. Louis (0-2)

13

Chicago Bears (1-1)

20

“Oh heartbreak and despair got nothing but boring so I grabbed you baby like a wild pitch.  It takes a leap of faith to get things going, it takes a leap of faith you gotta show some guts.”  Next:  @ Seattle (1-1)

14

Tennessee Titans (0-2)

8

“Everybody’s got a hunger, a hunger they can’t resist.  There’s so much that you want, you deserve much more then this, But if dreams came true, oh wouldn’t that be nice.  But this ain’t no dream we’ve been living through tonight”  Prove It All Night  Next:  @ NY Jets (2-0)

15

Washington Redskins (1-1)

13

“I’m a thief in the house of love and I can’t be trusted.  Well I’ll be making my heist In just another roll of the dice.  Move on up, come on seven, roll me baby, in this fool’s heaven.”  Roll of the Dice  Next:  @ Detroit (0-2)

16

Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

11

“You been hurt and you’re all cried out you say, you walk down the street, pushin’ people out of your way, you packed your bags and all alone you wanna ride, you don’t want nothin’, don’t need no one by your side, you’re walkin’ tough baby, but you’re walkin’ blind to the ties that bind.”  The Ties That Bind  Next:  vs. Indianapolis (2-0)

17

Miami Dolphins (0-2)

17

“I remember back when we started, my kisses you used to turn you inside out, I used to drive you to work in the morning, Friday night I’d drive you all around, you used to love to drive me wild, but lately girl you get your kicks from just driving me down”  I’m Goin’ Down  Next:  @ San Diego (1-1)

18

Houston Texans (1-1)

18

“Well I’m a little down under, but I’m feeling OK.  I got a little lost along the way.  I’m just around the corner to the light of day.”  Light of Day  Next:  vs Jacksonville (0-2)

19

Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

12

“Now I think I’m going down to the well tonight and I’m going to drink until I get my fill.  And I hope when I get old I don’t sit around thinking about it, but I probably will.  Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture a little of the glory of, well time slips away and leaves you with nothing mister but boring stories of glory days.”  Glory Days  Next:  vs. Carolina (1-1)

20

Washington Redskins (1-1)

13

“I’m a thief in the house of love and I can’t be trusted.  Well I’ll be making my heist In just another roll of the dice.  Move on up, come on seven, roll me baby, in this fool’s heaven.”  Roll of the Dice  Next:  @ Detroit (0-2)

21

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

21

“No one here knows how it started, suddenly everything was just so out of control, now I want some answers, mister, I need to know, I hear all the talk but I don’t know what you’re sayin, but I think I got a good idea the game that you’re playin.’” Roulette  Next:  vs. Pittsburgh (1-1)

22

Denver Broncos (2-0)

25

“Well, surprise, surprise, surprise, Yea, surprise, surprise, surprise.  Well, surprise, surprise, surprise, C’mon open your eyes and let your love shine down.”  Surprise, Surprise, Surprise  Next:  @ Oakland (1-1)

23

Carolina Panthers (1-1)

9

“Well big limousine shiny and black, you don’t look ahead and you don’t look back, how many times can you get up after you’ve been hit?  Well I swear if I could spare the spit, I’d lay one on your shiny chrome and send you on your way back home.”  Seeds  Next:  @ Dallas (1-1)

24

Buffalo Bills (1-1)

24

“And everybody’s wrecked on Main Street from drinking unholy blood.  Sticker smiles sweet as gunner breathes deep, his ankles caked in mud.  And I said “Hey gunner man that’s quicksand, that ain’t mud, have you thrown you senses to the war or did you lose them in the flood?”  Lost in the Flood  Next:  vs.  New Orleans (2-0)

25

Oakland Raiders (1-1)

32

“I’m coming to liberate you, confiscate you, I want to be your man.  Someday we’ll look back on this and it will all seem funny.”  Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)  Next:  vs Denver (2-0)

26

Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

26

“It’s been a long drought baby, tonight the rain’s pourin’ down on our roof, looking for a little bit of God’s mercy, I found living proof.”  Living Proof  Next:  vs.  Chicago (1-1)

27

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)

22

“I watch the sun as it rises and sets, I watch the moon trace its arc with no regrets, My jacket around your shoulders, the falling leaves, the wet grass on our backs as the autumn breeze drifts through the trees.” Kingdom of Days  Next:  @ Houston (1-1)

28

Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)

31

“You’re born with nothing and better off that way, soon as you’ve got something they send someone to try and take it away, you can ride this road ‘til dawn, without another human being in sight, just kids wasted on something in the night.”  Something in the Night  Next:  @ Philadelphia (1-1)

29

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)

27

“How beautiful the river flows and the birds they sing, but you and I we’re messier things.  There ain’t no one leavin’ this world buddy without their shirttail dirty or their hands bloody.””  Big Muddy  Next:  vs NY Giants (2-0)

30

St. Louis Rams (0-2)

28

“You’re born into this life paying for the sins of somebody else’s past; Daddy worked his whole life for nothing but the pain.  Now he walks his whole life for nothing but the pain. Now he walks this empty rooms looking for something to blame, you inherit the sins, you inherit the flames” Adam Raised a Cain  Next:  vs. Green Bay (1-1)

31

Cleveland Browns (0-2)

29

“Mister Trouble come walkin’ this way, Year gone by feels like one long day..”  Real World  Next:  @ Baltimore (2-0)

32

Detroit Lions (0-2)

30

“Well, my soul checked out missing as I sat listening, to the hours and minutes tickin’ away.  Yeah, just sittin’ around waitin’ for my life to begin, while it was all just slippin’ away.”  Better Days  Next:  Vs. Washington (1-1)

Current

Team

Previous

1

Pittsburgh Steelers

12-4

The Steelers won it all last year, and didn’t really lose anyone major to think they don’t have a good chance of repeating.  Now, that’s not to say it isn’t extremely difficult to repeat, but until we have reason to knock them off the perch, they stay at the top.  If Rashard Mendenhall can become a feature back, the offense will become even harder to stop, but Willie Parker isn’t done just yet.  Will the transition from Hines Ward to Santonio Holmes as the no. 1 receiver continue?  Holmes picked the right game for a potential breakout performance, the Super Bowl.  No real worries on the defensive side of the ball, unless injuries pop up. Key player for 2009:  Willie Parker

2

New England Patriots

11-5

The return of Tom Brady to the fold can easily make the Patriots the number one team on many people’s boards.  In my case, I’m going to make the Patriots earn the no. 1 spot.  That being said, this team still looks extremely talented.  Similar to past years, they have added to their talent pool by bringing in vets like Joey Galloway, Fred Taylor and Shawn Springs amongst others.  Let’s also not overlook the Belichick coaching factor, he should have this team in top form, and perhaps even motivate Randy Moss for a big season to celebrate Brady’s return.  Key Player for 2009:  Tom Brady

3

New York Giants

12-4

Yes, I know the obvious question that jumps out is the number one wide receiver position.  However, I think the Giants are extremely deep and talented in the trenches on both sides of the ball.  Their defensive line rotation is second to none at this point, and with stars Tuck and Umenyoria leading the way, opposing quarterbacks will have their hands full.  The offense should produce enough to overcome any thoughts to missing Plaxico Burress, and I expect a big season from Kenny Phillips at the safety position.  On offense, I think Steve Smith will be a big help to Eli Manning this season.  Key Player:  Steve Smith (or whatever receiver might step up to replace Burress)

4

Atlanta Falcons

11-5

Expecting the Falcons to continue their sudden rise is asking a lot.  Especially if you believe in sophomore slumps.  If Matt Ryan falters, the Falcons could potentially crumble.  Adding TE Tony Gonzalez to the mix only gives the Dirty Birds another offensive weapon, and there already is a lot of talent in place with Michael Turner, Roddy White and Jerious Norwood.  Will the defense miss the departure of Keith Brooking?  Probably not as much as people would’ve thought a year ago, especially with the arrival of Mike Peterson.  The secondary here could also potentially be an issue they will have to deal with.  Key Player:  Matt Ryan

5

Philadelphia Eagles

9-6-1

The three biggest question marks for the Eagles this year are the health of Brian Westbrook, how will the team overcome the tragic death of defensive coordinator Jim Johnson, and will the arrival of Michael Vick create a distraction in the locker room?  I’m not certain that any of these three will become a real problem at all, although in my opinion the loss of Johnson will be the hardest to overcome.  Look for LeSean McCoy to help carry the load at running back, and give the Eagles hopefully another option besides Brian Westbrook to run the ball.  That is, if you don’t want to include the potential Michael Vick factor in the Wildcat formation.  The development of players like WR Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson will also be a key, as QB Donovan McNabb needs to develop a reliable #1 target.  Key player:  Jason Peters

6

Indianapolis Colts

12-4

Yes, they’ve lost some of their brain trust and also Marvin Harrison, both key factors to their string of success. However, Peyton Manning still remains in place and Donald Brown could add a nice jolt to the running game when paired with Joseph Addai.  This is a team that has to show the ability to stay healthy on the defensive side of the ball, but if they do, they will surely be a team to be reckoned with.  Playmakers like Bob Sanders, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney must not only stay healthy, but produce on the defensive side if this team is going to put together a long playoff run.  Thus far, Sanders is out for the early part of the schedule, and Mathis and Antoine Bethea are banged up.  Not a good start for the defense, but there certainly is time to recover.  Key Player:  Dwight Freeney

7

San Diego Chargers

8-8

Will Head Coach Norv Turner finally put it all together and have a team live up to its expectations?  Up until now, Turner has struggled in the spotlight, specifically in the post-season.  Has LaDanian Tomlinson finally fallen some? Darren Sproles should help overcome any potential drop-off from LT.  The Bolts also welcome back the injured Shawn Merriman to the fold, and his playmaking abilities could drive quarterbacks crazy, assuming he can remain off the police blotter.  Merriman’s return could make the Chargers defense that much better, but even without Merriman, there are still enough playmakers in place for them to stop their opponents regularly.  Key player:  Antonio Gates

8

Tennessee Titans

13-3

Will the Titans be able to replace the $100 million man?  There are candidates available to share the load to replace Albert Haynesworth.  Overall though, a lot of things went right for this team last year, on their way to a 13-3 season, and will they be able to repeat that same success?  Will Kerry Collins be able to repeat his great performance from last year?  Will the RB tandem of Chris Johnson and LenDale White be able to repeat their success?  These are some of the fair questions to bring up, and I think the defense will at least take enough of a hit by the loss of Haynesworth to come up short in trying to repeat last year’s record, but should still garner a playoff invitation.  Key player:  Kyle Vanden Bosch

9

Carolina Panthers

12-4

The Carolina Panthers feature some superstar players like DeAngelo Williams, Steve Smith and Julius Peppers.  They also have a sly coach in John Fox.  Is there enough depth to support their superstars, and does quarterback Jake Delhomme have enough left in the tank after injuries to lead the offense to produce?  In my opinion, this is a tough team to get a read on, as I can easily see them being 11-5 or 5-11 depending on how things play out and who is able to stay healthy, etc.  Utilizing secondary passing targets beyond Smith will certainly be imperative.   Key player:  Jake Delhomme

10

Baltimore Ravens

11-5

The Ravens seem to be in a very similar situation to the Falcons, as their second year quarterback will definitely have a huge impact on their prospects for 2009.  However, where the situation differs greatly from the Falcons, are they have a defense led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.  Those two sure-fire Hall of Famers lead what is perennially one of the toughest, if not THE toughest defense to play against.  As long as Flacco can help lead the offense to put points on the board on a somewhat consistent basis, the Ravens should be in the mix.  Key player:  Terrell Suggs

11

Arizona Cardinals

9-7

I guess this year will tell us how magical their run was last year.  Was it for real?  Time will tell, as the offense should still put up points on a consistent basis.  Can Kurt Warner stay healthy?  That has often been difficult for Warner in the past.  Based on his track record, you can expect an injury for Warner to deal with this year, and then it would come down to Matt Leinart and his development.  Beanie Wells should be a nice addition to the backfield if he too can stay healthy.  The defense should be pretty comparable to last year’s squad, so overall, I’d expect Arizona to be pretty good, but unable to match last year’s Super Bowl run.  Key player:  Kurt Warner

12

Dallas Cowboys

9-7

A very talented team that unfortunately seems to lack discipline and passion.  Look at the last two weeks from last year’s disappointing season:  a huge letdown against Baltimore in the last game in the history of Texas Stadium, and then a 44-6 drubbing against the hated Philadelphia Eagles in the finale, a game that had they won, would’ve put them in the playoffs. Subtract Terrell Owens from that squad, and many are trying to argue whether that is addition by subtraction.  I’m not that convinced, because other then Felix Jones, there isn’t any clear and consistent game breaker on offense.  The defense should be solid, as long as DeMarcus Ware stays healthy, so it comes down to Tony Romo and what performance he leads the offense to.  Make no mistakes about it; this is a key season for the quarterback.  Key player:  Tony Romo

13

Washington Redskins

8-8

It’s time for this team to finally put it together and start producing.  Bringing in Albert Haynesworth in the off-season obviously gives a huge lift to the defense.  Of course, that’s assuming Haynesworth comes mentally ready to play.  Ask the Cowboys’ Andre Gurode, as Haynesworth sometimes leaves his brains and effort on the sideline.  If Haynesworth tries to show the worth of his new contract, the Redskins defense should be a lot better then in recent years.  Jason Campbell will have to show that the Redskins were silly for wanting to replace him in the off-season, but he has the weapons in place to produce.  Will Jim Zorn finally put it together for owner Daniel Snyder?  Key player:  Jason Campbell

14

Green Bay Packers

6-10

Aaron Rodgers showed last year he is the real deal.  Expectations remain high for Rodgers in 2009.  I also expect a big season from RB Ryan Grant, who had a healthy training camp and seems destined to return to his 2007 success.  There is a lot of depth with the pass catchers, as Greg Jennings and Donald Driver lead the way.  Remember the name Jermichael Finley, who may turn out to be a find at tight end.  The switching to a 3-4 defense will be key for the Packers, as the secondary should be fine.  It’s in the front seven of the defense where some of the question marks need answering and may be the key to the Packers season.  Key player:  Aaron Kampman (who moves to outside linebacker.

15

Minnesota Vikings

10-6

I find the Vikings to be another difficult team to get a read on.  You start with Adrian Peterson, who is the best running back in football.  Sprinkle in the un-retired Brett Favre at quarterback, with Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin at the wide out position, and there definitely are enough playmakers on the offense.  On defense, you have Jared Allen, Antoine Winfield, the Williams “brothers” and Chad Greenway leading the way, so there is talent there too.  Can coach Brad Childress put it all together?  I see the Vikings doing better then this ranking, but they’ll have to earn their way up the ladder, as Favre has to show what he has left in the tank.  Key player:  Brett Favre

16

New Orleans Saints

8-8

A team that is comparable to the Arizona Cardinals, as there is a lot of offense in place.  Weapons like Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Lance Moore lead the way.  But, the big question is, how will they stop opponents?  Defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith must produce and a lot will be expected from MLB Jonathan Vilma in his second season with the Saints.  There is enough talent on both sides of the ball that this will be a key season for Head Coach Sean Payton.  Key player:  Jonathan Vilma

17

Miami Dolphins

11-5

The huge surprise of last year, will they be able to repeat last year’s performance? That remains to be seen, as the Wildcat formation shouldn’t be a surprise to their opponents any longer. Also, will Chad Pennington and Joey Porter be able to repeat their performances of last year?  Many questions like these remain about the Dolphins, not to mention, they won’t have the luxury of a last place schedule this time around.  Expect a one step back type of year for perhaps two steps forward next year as some of the young talent in place continues to progress.  The schedule should also be tougher this year, as they won’t have the benefit of a last place schedule to help them.  Key player:  Ronnie Brown

18

Houston Texans

8-8

A former laughing stock of the league, the Texans have finally put together a pretty talented squad. Leading the way is QB Matt Schaub and super stud WR Andre Johnson.  Steve Slaton is coming off a breakout rookie season and there are second-tier talents like Kevin Walter, Owen Daniels and Andre Davis to add potential production.  The key here is also the defense as guys like Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, Dunta Robinson and DeMeco Ryans lead the charge.  A significant improvement from this unit should put the Texans in playoff contention.  Health and a good start will certainly be a key.  Key player:  Matt Schaub

19

San Francisco 49ers

7-9

My one potential sleeper team this year is the 49ers.  Head Coach Mike Singletary leads the charge and will hope to rally his team around a few different unusual circumstances.  First, it appears first round pick Michael Crabtree’s holdout will continue into the season.  Second, unheralded  and underrated Shaun Hill takes over as the first string quarterback, taking over for former #1 overall pick Alex Smith.  There is good depth elsewhere in the backfield with Frank Gore leading the way and the emerging Glen Coffee.  The defense is led by super stud LB Patrick Willis and CB Nate Clements.  In the end, this team will only go as far as Shaun Hill is able to take them, but I expect Hill to do a good job “driving the bus.”  Key player:  Shaun Hill

20

Chicago Bears

9-7

The big acquisition was bringing in Jay Cutler to man the quarterback position.  While you certainly have to expect him to be an improvement over Kyle Orton, the question is will the rest of the team around him be able to improve as well?  You could argue the defense is in a bit of decline, as guys like Brian Urlacher and Tommie Harris may have declined just a bit.  Will Matt Forte be able to repeat last year’s excellent rookie season?  With the acquisition of Cutler leave the Bears not even needing Forte to match that production?  Who will consistently catch the ball; will it be Devin Hester, Greg Olson or Earl Bennett, or some combination of the aforementioned?  Time will tell, but the defense must take charge for the team to even repeat last year’s record.  Key player:  Brian Urlacher

21

Cincinnati Bengals