2014 NFC North Preview

4. Minnesota Vikings

2013 Record = 5-10-1, Last in NFC North, Missed Playoffs

2014 Schedule = @ Rams, Patriots, @ Saints, Falcons, @ Packers, Lions, @ Bills, @ Buccaneers, Redskins, BYE, @ Bears, Packers, Panthers, Jets, @ Lions, @ Dolphins, Bears

Blue Chippers = HB Adrian Peterson

High Quality Players = C John Sullivan, RG Brandon Fusco, RT Phil Loadholt
Solid Contributors = FB Jerome Felton, WR Cordarrelle Patterson, WR Greg Jennings, DE Brian Robison, DT Linval Joseph, CB Captain Munnerlyn, FS Harrison Smith
Impact Rookies = OLB Anthony Barr (1-9, UCLA), QB Teddy Bridgewater (1-32, Louisville), DE Scott Crichton (3-72, Oregon State)

Good News = They didn’t rehire Brad Childress.

Bad News = Starting in Week 2, they play a five week stretch where they will face Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, and Matthew Stafford. Ouch.

Outlook = With the exception of the improbable Brett Favre year in 2009, Minnesota has featured a mediocre revolving door at quarterback for the last decade. Teddy Bridgewater might be the man to change that, but we likely won’t find that out until 2015, as Minnesota appears set on grooming him on the bench this season. Matt Cassell will be the Week 1 starter, and he could have success with the pieces he has at the skill positions. Adrian Peterson is still one of the elite runningbacks in the game, but one has to wonder how many quality years he has left. Greg Jennings saw his production improve when Cassell was playing as opposed to Christian Ponder. Cordarrelle Patterson has a very long name, and also happens to be one of the most over hyped fantasy assets this season. Matt Cassel isn’t the right guy to take advantage of Patterson’s elite speed. Kyle Rudolph was disappointing last year overall, but like Jennings also performed better without Ponder in the lineup. The offensive line could reach elite status if Matt Kalil continues to improve during his sophomore campaign.

            Defensively is where Minnesota will run into the majority of it’s problems. They gave up more points than any other club in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE last year, and other than defensive guru Mike Zimmer taking over as Head Coach, there isn’t a reason to expect this unit to be any better. Jared Allen left for Chicago, leaving career backup Everson Griffen to fill his shoes. Chad Greenway is a tackling machine when healthy, but it’s unlikely he lasts a full 16 games. Captain Munnerlyn was their key signing for the secondary, but he’s not good enough to transform the entire defense.

Prediction = Peterson will win a game or two by himself, but shoddy quarterback play and poor defense won’t get Minnesota back to the postseason. 5-11

3. Chicago Bears

2013 Record = 8-8, Second in NFC North, Missed Playoffs

2014 Schedule = Bills, @ 49ers, @ Jets, Packers, @ Panthers, @ Falcons, Dolphins, @ Patriots, BYE, @ Packers, Vikings, Buccaneers, @ Lions, Cowboys, Saints, Lions, @ Vikings

Blue Chippers = WR Brandon Marshall

High Quality Players = WR Alshon Jeffery
Solid Contributors = QB Jay Cutler, HB Matt Forte, TE Martellus Bennett, LG Matt Slauson, DE LaMarr Houston, OLB Lance Briggs, CB Tim Jennings, CB Charles Tillman
Impact Rookies = CB Kyle Fuller (1-14, Virginia Tech)

Good News = For the first time since the 1940s, Chicago might finish as the most prolific offense in the NFC.

Bad News = Their defense didn’t get any younger.

Outlook = The Bears are set up to have another dynamic offensive season, but their win total hinges largely on the ability of their defense to at least be average. Last year, they were historically bad, surrendering the most points in franchise history. There were issues at every level of the defense, with the defensive line being the weakest link. Chicago was the worst against the run in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE, and produced the second fewest sacks. Julius Peppers and his bloated salary were released, and Chicago replaced him with Jared Allen and LaMarr Houston. They didn’t do anything dramatic to address the defensive tackle position, which could be an Achilles’ Heal. Lance Briggs was the only linebacker who played with any kind of consistency in 2013, and once again will be asked to anchor the defense. Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings are one of the longest tenured cornerback duos in the league, and Kyle Fuller is an excellent heir apparent who will find plenty of playing time in nickel packages. Both safety spots were considered an open competition heading into training camp, and Chicago desperately needs someone to step up in those roles.

            The better the defense plays, the more opportunities an offense that finished second in total scoring will have the ball even more. Jay Cutler has been much maligned, but actually posted his most efficient season to date in 2013. A second year in Marc Trestman’s system should lead to further improvement. Matt Forte set career highs in receptions and total yards last year, and is the perfect tailback for what the Bears want to do on offense. Brandon Marshall has been established as an elite receiver for many years, but it was Alshon Jeffery’s emergence that pushed Chicago to another level offensively. Martellus Bennett wasn’t as spectacular, but also provided solid production not seen by a Chicago tight end since the days of Mike Ditka. The offensive line showed stunning progress from 2012, and with another year of continuity could make the leap to top-5 status by year’s end.

Prediction = We see Chicago as the Dallas Cowboys of the NFC North. There will be many entertaining games, but a weak defense and erratic quarterback play at the wrong time by Jay Cutler will keep the Bears near .500. 9-7

2. Detroit Lions

2013 Record = 7-9, Third in NFC North, Missed Playoffs

2014 Schedule = Giants, @ Panthers, Packers, @ Jets, Bills, @ Vikings, Saints, Falcons, BYE, Dolphins, @ Cardinals, @ Patriots, Bears, Buccaneers, Vikings, @ Bears, @ Packers

Blue Chippers = WR Calvin Johnson, DT Ndamukong Suh

High Quality Players = HB Joique Bell, RG Larry Warford, MLB Stephen Tulloch
Solid Contributors = QB Matthew Stafford, HB Reggie Bush, WR Golden Tate, C Dominic Raiola, DT Nick Fairley, FS Glover Quin
Impact Rookies = TE Eric Ebron (1-10, North Carolina), OLB Kyle Van Noy (2-40, BYU)

Good News = They fired Jim Schwarz.

Bad News = They hired Jim Caldwell.

Outlook = This will be one team that I spend very little time discussing the roster (you can see the names above, they have talent), because everything here has to do with the Head Coach. I don’t really believe in Jim Caldwell (hard to be inspired by a guy who doesn’t blink or show emotion on the sideline), but there’s a chance that anything is an improvement over Jim Schwarz. Detroit has felt like a team playing playground football the past few years with egregious personal foul calls and awful turnovers at the worst times. Caldwell was the Head Coach when the Colts made the Super Bowl in 2009, and also was the play-caller for the Ravens Super Bowl run in 2012. There’s a chance he provides Stafford with enough structure to increase his efficiency, pushing Detroit into dark horse contender status.

Prediction = Dumping the worst coach in football is worth a three win improvement. 10-6

1. Green Bay Packers

2013 Record = 8-7-1, NFC North Champions, Lost NFC Wildcard Game

2014 Schedule = @ Seahawks, Jets, @ Lions, @ Bears, Vikings, @ Dolphins, Panthers, @ Saints, BYE, Bears, Eagles, @ Vikings, Patriots, Falcons, @ Bills, @ Buccaneers, Lions

Blue Chippers = QB Aaron Rodgers, LG Josh Sitton, OLB Clay Matthews

High Quality Players = HB Eddie Lacy, WR Jordy Nelson
Solid Contributors = FB John Kuhn, WR Randall Cobb, RG T.J. Lang, DE Mike Daniels, CB Sam Shields, CB Casey Hayward
Impact Rookies = FS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (1-21, Alabama), WR Davante Adams (2-53, Fresno State)

Good News = Ha Ha Clinton-Dix fell into their laps at 21, filling their biggest need on the roster.

Bad News = They were unable to adequately replace Jermichael Finley.

Outlook = It was somewhat of a minor miracle that the Green Bay Packers were able to make the playoffs after Aaron Rodgers missed seven starts due to a broken collarbone. If you prorate the time he played in 2013 over a full 16 games, Rodgers would’ve been on pace for his first 5,000 yard season. Randall Cobb also missed 10 games due to a broken leg, and his return is vital to provide a stable complement for Jordy Nelson. Jarrett Boykin and rookie Davante Adams will have the first chance to fill the shoes of James Jones, who departed for Oakland. Eddie Lacy proved in his first season that he can be a workhorse, and a full season paired with Rodgers could lead to the most rushing touchdowns in the league. The most glaring hole on the Packers offense is the lack of a receiving tight end, as new starter Andrew Quarless is not a dynamic athlete.

            The Packers defense was exposed last year without Aaron Rodgers piling up points on the offensive side of the ball. They’ve already taken a big hit with B.J. Raji suffering a season ending injury during the pre-season. Veteran Julius Peppers was brought in to play a mix of defensive end and outside linebacker, and should ease some pressure off of Clay Matthews. Tramon Williams was a disaster during the first eight games of the year, but while the rest of the defense crumbled during the second half actually performed closer to his level of play during the Packers Super Bowl run in 2010.

Prediction = Assuming a full 16 games from Rodgers, Green Bay will once again be the class of the NFC North. 11-5

Click here to read about the AFC East

Click here to read about the NFC East
Click here to read about the AFC South
Click here to read about the NFC South
Click here to read about the AFC North
Click here to read about the AFC West

2012 NFC North Preview

            Here’s the NFC North, aka “the worst possible division for the Vikings to play in”.

4. Minnesota Vikings

2011 Record = 3-13, Last in NFC North

2012 Schedule = JAC, @ IND, SF, @ DET, TEN, @ WAS, ARI, TB, @ SEA, DET, BYE, @ CHI, @ GB, CHI, @ STL, @ HOU, GB

Franchise Players = QB Christian Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson, WR Percy Harvin, DT Kevin Williams, DE Jared Allen

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = TE John Carlson
Potential Impact Rookies = T Matt Kalil (USC) 1-4, S Harrison Smith (Notre Dame) 1-29, CB Josh Robinson (Central Florida) 3-3

Outlook = Minnesota has some elite talent, but unfortunately had no one to block for their quarterback or defend opposing wide receivers. This year’s rookie class will help (especially Kalil, who looks like a franchise tackle), but being stuck in the most hellacious division in football doesn’t help their chances of making a surprise playoff run. They should consider the season a success if Christian Ponder establishes himself as a viable NFL starter, regardless of how many games they win.

Ceiling = 6-10

Floor = 2-14
No Credentials Prediction = 4-12

3. Detroit Lions

2011 Record = 10-6, Second in NFC North, Lost in NFC Wildcard Game

2012 Schedule = STL, @ SF, @ TEN, MIN, BYE, @ PHI, @ CHI, SEA, @ JAC, @ MIN, GB, HOU, IND, @ GB, @ ARI, ATL, CHI

Franchise Players = QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson, TE Brandon Pettigrew, DT Ndamukong Suh, DT Nick Fairley, K Jason Hanson

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = S Sean Jones
Potential Impact Rookies = T Riley Reiff (Iowa) 1-23, CB Dwight Bentley (Louisiana-Lafayette) 3-22, LB Ronnell Lewis (Oklahoma) 4-30

Outlook = Other than the Cowboys of the mid-90s, you’ll be hard pressed to find a club that was successful despite numerous off the field distractions. Detroit went for the team record for most off-season arrests (unfortunately, the 2005 Bengals can’t be touched in that department), which puts a damper on all of the hope generated by their wildcard berth last season. Detroit will still be exciting (how could Stafford to Megatron not be?), but look for a few of their 2011 comeback victories to morph into a few gut wrenching losses this season.

Ceiling = 12-4

Floor = 6-10
No Credentials Prediction = 7-9

2. Chicago Bears

2011 Record = 8-8, Third in NFC North

2012 Schedule = IND, @ GB, STL, @ DAL, @ JAC, BYE, DET, CAR, @ TEN, HOU, @ SF, MIN, SEA, @ MIN, GB, @ ARI, @ DET

Franchise Players = QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, WR-KR Devin Hester, DE Julius Peppers, LB Brian Urlacher, LB Lance Briggs, K Robbie Gould

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = QB Jason Campbell, RB Michael Bush, WR Brandon Marshall, CB Kelvin Hayden
Potential Impact Rookies = LB Shea McClellin (Boise State) 1-19, WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina) 2-13

Outlook = A promising start to the 2011 season was derailed by season ending injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Caleb Hanie threw together some of the worst starts in NFL history, which makes Chicago’s acquisition of Jason Campbell a wise move. The addition of Brandon Marshall provides Cutler with his best receiver since joining the Bears in 2009. Throw in rookie Alshon Jeffery (who has a bit of Kenny Britt to him, and I’m not talking about on the field), and Chicago should have its best passing attack since the glory days of Erik Kramer, Curtis Conway, and Jeff Graham (editors note: those glory days all happened during the 1995 season). Green Bay has more talent on paper, but the Bears aren’t that far behind.

Ceiling = 13-3

Floor = 8-8
No Credentials Prediction = 12-4

1. Green Bay Packers

 

2011 Record = 15-1, First in NFC North, Lost in NFC Divisional Game

2012 Schedule = SF, CHI, @ SEA, NO, @ IND, @ HOU, @ STL, JAC, ARI, BYE, @ DET, @ NYG, MIN, DET, @ CHI, TEN, @ MIN

Franchise Players = QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, WR Jordy Nelson, TE Jermichael Finley, DT B.J. Raji, LB Clay Matthews, CB/S Charles Woodson

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = C Jeff Saturday, DE Anthony Hargrove
Potential Impact Rookies = DE Nick Perry (USC) 1-28, DT Jerel Worthy (Michigan State) 2-19, CB Casey Hayward (Vanderbilt) 2-30

Outlook = Has there ever been a more disappointing playoff team than last seasons Packers? After rolling through the regular season, Green Bay laid an egg at home against the Giants. Rather than go bonkers adding free agents, Green Bay addressed their defense deficiencies in the draft. If you’re willing to bet that the defense returns to its 2010 level of play, this should be the best team in football.

Ceiling = 14-2

Floor = 9-7
No Credentials Prediction = 13-3

Click here to read about the AFC East
Click here to read about the AFC North

Click here to read about the AFC South
Click here to read about the AFC West
Click here to read about the NFC East
Click here to read about the NFC South
Click here to read about the NFC West

 

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (11/18-11/20)

10. Sidney Crosby Returns With a Vengeance

            Crosby netted a goal and two assists in his first NHL game in 10 months. Even the most avid fans of the Washington Capitals would have to admit that deep down, they are happy that Sid the Kid is back. For the sake of the sport, it’s important that its best player is back.

9. Bears Win, But Lose Jay Cutler

            Chicago has the defense to hold the fort until Cutler returns (the earliest it looks like Cutler will return is the first week of the playoffs), but it’s going to be real tough sledding for Chicago to hang on to a wildcard spot in the NFC.

8. Cowboys Need Overtime to Defeat Redskins

            As pathetic as their play was at times, I guess a win is still a win. Dallas faces suddenly resurgent Miami on Thanksgiving.

7. Eagles Stay Alive (Barely), Win in New York

            It took ten games, but we finally saw the Eagles defense everyone was expecting to see when they made all of their additions. There’s enough talent on that side of the ball to carry them, even if Vince Young is under center.

6. Oklahoma State Loses

5. Oregon Loses
4. Oklahoma Loses
            I wasn’t happy to see Oklahoma St. lose (with the school dealing with the tragic death of their women’s basketball coach and an assistant in a plane crash), but all three of these losses add up to BCS mayhem (cue the All State guy).

3. Dan Henderson Survives UFC 139, Even Wins Against Rua

            A fantastic night of fights was capped off by what Dana White called the UFC’s “Ali-Frazier III”.

2. Lee Corso is the Man

            College football fans sure got a surprise during the end of ESPN’s “College Game Day” this morning. Corso has fired weapons during a live broadcast before, but this was his first career f-bomb on live television. Hopefully he doesn’t get canned over it.

1. Tony Stewart Wins Closest Championship Battle in NASCAR History

            I’ve been watching NASCAR for a long time, and I can’t recall a better performance from start to finish that what we saw from Tony Stewart Sunday. He went to the back twice due to repairs on the front bumper of his car. Stewart passed 116 cars, which unless the track is Daytona or Talladega, is an incredible feat. Even more impressive, his team outwitted Carl Edwards to get out in front for the last green flag run (that actually happened on accident, due to a foolish gamble on fuel mileage by Stewart that only worked because of a caution that came out right after he pitted). Edwards did everything he could (starting on the pole, leading the most laps), but a second place finish wasn’t enough. There isn’t really any other superlatives you can use to describe the battle between Stewart and Edwards during The Chase, so I’ll conclude this analysis with a foolish paragraph written by some idiot blogger before the 10 race playoffs. Please note that this guy ranked both Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart together in his preview piece.

11. Ryan Newman, #39 Army Chevrolet, Stewart-Haas Racing (Preseason No Credentials Rank = 24

10. Tony Stewart, #14 Mobil 1/Office Depot Chevrolet, Stewart-Haas Racing (Preseason No Credentials Rank = 6)
            These two guys should probably share the driver of the year award, as the fact that they were able to pilot their mediocre race teams into the Chase is remarkable. With the exception of the second Chase race at Loudon (where Newman and Stewart finished 1-2), expect both drivers to struggle for top-15s.

            Here’s another excerpt from this same writer's mailbag he did after the first race of the Chase.

            In your Chase Preview you said Tony Stewart would be lucky to run in the top-15 during the final ten races. He went out and won the first race at Chicago. Defend yourself. – Nicole, Augusta, GA
            To the uninformed reader that it may have looked like No Credentials was way off, but the bottom line is a driver who said himself he had no business being in The Chase stole a gas mileage race. He’ll look good in New Hampshire again this week, but it will be all down hill from there. Remember this paragraph when Stewart is hoisting the trophy in November.

            Oh wait, I was the dolt that wrote those two paragraphs! Just more proof that this blog is called No Credentials for a reason.

2011 NFC North Preview

4. Chicago Bears

2010 Record = 11-5, 1^st in Division (Lost NFC Championship Game vs. Packers)

Key Additions = RB Marion Barber, WR Roy Williams, DT Amobi Akoye, C Chris Spencer
Key Losses = C Olin Kreutz, S Daniel Manning, DT Tommie Harris

Schedule = Falcons, @ Saints, Packers, Panthers, @ Lions, Vikings, @ Buccaneers, BYE, @ Eagles, Lions, Chargers, @ Raiders, Chiefs, @ Broncos, Seahawks, @ Packers, @ Vikings

Real-Life Outlook = Chicago was one of the greatest smoke and mirrors team we’ve seen in a long time in 2010. Despite the inability to block for Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, and lack of a number one receiver, the Bears still were able to steal a division championship. They even had the good fortune of getting the Seahawks at home in the divisional round, while top-seeded Atlanta got stuck dealing with Green Bay (we all know how that turned out). The clock finally struck midnight for the Bears against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game, and I’m willing to bet that Chicago will not be so lucky this season. Any team that gives up as many sacks as Chicago is bound for a disastrous season. Everyone likes to rag on Cutler, but it will be the shoddy players blocking for him that will undo this team.

Fantasy Outlook = Cutler has the talent to be an elite fantasy quarterback (he was an elite QB during his last season in Denver), but his supporting cast relegates him to back-up duty in the fantasy game. Matt Forte is a name to consider in PPR leagues, but don’t be shocked if Marion Barber steals goal line carries. All relevant Bears’ wide outs should be drafted, as the potential is there for one of them to break out. So far Roy Williams has been the most impressive in training camp, but also keep an eye on Johnny Knox and Devin Hester.

Ceiling = 13-3

Floor = 3-13
No Credentials Prediction = 5-11

3. Minnesota Vikings

2010 Record = 6-10, 4^th in Division

Key Additions = QB Donovan McNabb, T Charlie Johnson
Key Losses = WR Sidney Rice, DE Ray Edwards, QB Brett Favre, T Bryant McKinnie, LB Ben Leber, S Madieu Williams

Schedule = @ Chargers, Buccaneers, Lions, @ Chiefs, Cardinals, @ Bears, Packers, @ Panthers, BYE, @ Packers, Raiders, @ Falcons, Broncos, @ Lions, Saints, @ Redskins, Bears

Real-Life Outlook = Minnesota’s 2010 campaign was just like Chicago’s, except it was the exact opposite. It’s a shame the 2010 Vikings weren’t around eight years ago, because ESPN could’ve saved money on filming “Playmakers” and just followed the Vikings around for four months. Fortunately for Vikings’ fans, things are looking up. Gone is quarterback Brett Favre (and Brett Favre’s cellphone). Gone is Brad Childress and his horrendous play-calling, decision making, and creepy look of a guy that could show up on one of NBC’s “To Catch a Predator” specials. Gone is the hole in The Metrodome’s roof (watch this video to see how excited Jared Allen is to play there again). I’m expecting the Vikings to be a much more run oriented football team this season, which will mean big things from Adrian Peterson. Depending on how well the defense plays (their secondary still appears to be a major concern), this could be a team that makes a surprise run at a wildcard spot. I wouldn’t bet on it, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.    

Fantasy Outlook = With the offense getting lost in the hands of Brett Favre the past two seasons, it seemed like Minnesota forgot they employed arguably the most talented back in the NFL. No Credentials is expecting a huge year from AP (as evidenced by his status as the first pick in the No Credentials Fantasy Football Mock Draft, sponsored by Prompto. Need an oil change? Go to Prompto Baby!). Unless the league you’re in awards points for hand-offs, don’t rely on Donovan McNabb as your regular starter. Percy Harvin has been migraine free for months now, and is the clear #1 receiver going into the season. If he can stay healthy, don’t be shocked if catches 80 passes for 1,100 yards.

Ceiling = 11-5
Floor = 4-12
No Credentials Prediction = 7-9

2. Detroit Lions

2010 Record = 6-10, 3^rd in Division

Key Additions = LB Stephen Tulloch, LB Justin Durant, CB Eric Wright, RB Jerome Harrison
Key Losses = LB Julian Peterson

Schedule = @ Buccaneers, Chiefs, @ Vikings, @ Cowboys, Bears, 49ers, Falcons, @ Broncos, BYE, @ Bears, Panthers, Packers, @ Saints, Vikings, @ Raiders, Chargers, @ Packers

Real-Life Outlook = No beaten down fan base should have more reason for optimism than the fans of the Detroit Lions. After nearly a decade of futility under Matt Millen (remember Millen taking a wide receiver in the first round three straight seasons?), the franchise finally looks like it has a sense of direction. Their defensive tackle tandem has a chance to be the best interior line pair for the next decade. Behind the two behemoths, the Lions have shored up their linebacking corps. Detroit is one solid corner away from having a top-5 defense.

            Offensively, the success of this team hinges entirely on whether or not the offensive line can help keep Matthew Stafford’s shoulders in their sockets. Stafford has suffered three separated shoulders so far during his NFL career. He flashed tremendous upside when healthy last season (6 touchdown passes to only one interception), so keeping him healthy and upright is of utmost importance. All in all, while I expect Detroit to be a tough team to play week in and week out, look for 2012 to be the year the Lions bust into the playoff picture.
Fantasy Outlook = Calvin Johnson is the one sure-fire fantasy stud employed by the Lions. A healthy Stafford for 16 games should propel Megatron to a career season, and maybe even the best fantasy year for a wide receiver in 2011. Stafford is a great player to target if you plan on using two quarterbacks (and picking the one with the best match-up week to week) throughout the season. Jahvid Best has the talent to deliver a similar statistical line to what LeSean McCoy put up last season, but be prepared for an injury or two to keep him out of action. He’s a very risky option as your second runningback.

Ceiling = 12-4

Floor = 4-12
No Credentials Prediction = 9-7

1. Green Bay Packers

2010 Record = 10-6, 2^nd in Division (Won Super Bowl)

Key Additions = None
Key Losses = DE Cullen Jenkins, LB Nick Barnett, G Daryn Colledge

Schedule = Saints, @ Panthers, @ Bears, Broncos, @ Falcons, Rams, @ Vikings, BYE, @ Chargers, Vikings, Buccaneers, @ Lions, @ Giants, Raiders, @ Chiefs, Bears, Lions

Real-Life Outlook = It would’ve been more accurate for me to list all of the players that the Packers won the Super Bowl without last season because of injuries as key additions. Green Bay was without Ryan Grant, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finley, and Charles Woodson by the time the Super Bowl ended. Green Bay is still one of the youngest teams in the league, with a core that is poised to enter it’s prime. The best thing that’s happened for the Packers is all the hoopla surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles and their off-season additions. It’s not often that a defending Super Bowl champion gets to fly under the radar.

Fantasy Outlook = Aaron Rodgers will be the second quarterback taken in your fantasy draft (unless you’re league is full of dog lovers, then he will probably go first). He’ll come off the board sometime before pick 10. 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns is not an outlandish prediction for a quarterback of Rodgers talent combined with the resources he has to work with. Greg Jennings should come off the board anywhere from picks 21 through 30. Jermichael Finley had his breakout 2010 campaign shut down by a knee injury, but appears fully healthy coming into this season. Finley is ranked as the second best tight end in fantasy by No Credentials. Jordy Nelson and James Jones should also be drafted as bye-week subs.
            The most interesting battle in Green Bay’s training camp/pre-season is the competition between Ryan Grant and James Starks for the starting runningback gig. Grant was a workhorse for the Packers ever since assuming the starting role halfway through the 2007 season, but blew his knee out in the first game of 2010. Starks was used sparingly until week 15, but was a monster during Green Bay’s improbable Super Bowl run. If you can, it would be wise to draft both of them and see which one emerges as the most productive player. Green Bay will have plenty of red-zone scoring opportunities. Personally, I would prefer to take Starks in round 9 or 10 as opposed to taking Grant in round 4 or 5.

Ceiling = 15-1

Floor = 11-5
No Credentials Prediction = 14-2

the AFC North
the AFC South
the AFC West
the NFC East
the NFC South
the NFC West

Comparing Carson to Cutler

           To say Jay Cutler has been heavily scrutinized the last few days would be like saying Glenn Beck hates liberals. I don’t feel like writing the 645,712,921,515,339,196^th column about whether Cutler should’ve kept playing or not, although I will reference him in regards to another quarterback story that came out.

            As first reported by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Bengals QB Carson Palmer has told the team that if he is not traded this off-season he will retire. Palmer, who has never been the same since he tore his ACL in a playoff game against Pittsburgh in 2006, has every right to be frustrated with the plight of Cincinnati. I can’t fault him for requesting the team to explore trade possibilities, but what message does it send when he is threatening retirement? To me, it sounds like a guy who no longer has the desire to play unless he is in an ideal situation.

            The general public’s acceptance of Palmer is curious. The majority of folks have crushed Cutler for not staying in the game on a torn MCL, but at least Cutler gave it a go for one series before getting the hook. There has been little backlash to Palmer’s “trade or retire” mentality. Why are the masses accepting a guy who has relatively good health hanging it up because he’s tired of losing? Apparently not wanting to play is okay if you’re on a losing team, but not playing because you have a bum knee isn’t.