10 Awesome Things That Happened This Weekend (10/17-10/19)

10. Carmelo Anthony Claims It’s Unlikely He’ll Win Scoring Title in Triangle Offense

            Apparently, he’s never heard of Michael fucking Jordan.

9. NBA Tests 44 Minute Game During Celtics-Nets Preseason Tilt

            We’re all for things taking less time, so kudos to the most progressive league in American sports for giving this a try.

8. Penguins Right Winger Patric Hornqvist Puts Up 2 Goals, 1 Assist, and 12 Shots Against the Islanders
            Yours truly is very happy to employ Hornqvist on both of his fantasy hockey clubs this season.

7. Detroit Rallies, Defeats New Orleans
            Like the majority of the league, the Lions have been incredibly up and down on a week-to-week basis, but if they continue to tread water while Megatron gets healthy, they’ll be poised for a deep playoff run in the NFC.

6. Star Players Deliver For Dallas

            DeMarco Murray broke Jim Brown’s record for the most consecutive 100-yard rushing games to start a season. Dez Bryant dominated the Giants secondary in the second half. Both of their efforts contributed to another efficient performance by Tony Romo. It would have been easy for the Cowboys to have a let down after their stunning win in Seattle, but kudos to them for taking care of business in an important division game.

           

5. Florida State Wins Thriller Over Notre Dame

            We’re on board with Jameis Winston and the hate-able Florida State Seminoles. As flawed as they may be, they are the best hope at preventing the SEC from winning a national title.

4. Aided By Awful Call, Rams Earn Upset Win Over Seattle

            This game might have been the best representation of how messed up the NFL is this year.

           

3. Jimmie Johnson Will Not Win a Seventh Title This Year

2. Brad Keselowski Delivers

            It’s a close call on which one of these results gave us more joy, but we’ll give a narrow edge to Johnson being eliminated from championship contention.

1. Peyton Manning Sets All-Time Touchdown Pass Mark

            In case you were wondering, Peyton Manning is really good at football. Even more important in relation to the 2014 Denver Broncos, they are clearly the class of the league.

2014 NFC West Preview

4. St. Louis Rams

2013 Record = 7-9, Last in NFC West, Missed Playoffs

2014 Schedule = Vikings, @ Buccaneers, Cowboys, BYE, @ Eagles, 49ers, Seahawks, @ Chiefs, @ 49ers, @ Cardinals, Broncos, @ Chargers, Raiders, @ Redskins, Cardinals, Giants, @ Seahawks

Blue Chippers = DE Robert Quinn

High Quality Players = LT Jake Long

Solid Contributors = RG Rodger Saffold, RT Joe Barksdale, DE Chris Long

Impact Rookies = G/T Greg Robinson (1-2, Auburn), DT Aaron Donald (1-13, Pittsburgh), CB LaMarcus Joyner (2-41, Florida State)

Good News = St. Louis was once again one of the winners of the Draft thanks to the RGIII trade.

Bad News = You’ve heard about Sam Bradford, right?

Outlook = St. Louis has a roster full of young players with tons of potential, but with the loss of Sam Bradford for the entire season, it will be hard for those players to make a leap in 2014. Sucking might not be a bad way to go for the Rams this year, as they’d be able to reboot their quarterback situation with a high draft pick next year. For now, Shaun Hill is capable enough so the Rams will at least be competitive on a regular basis. 

Prediction = A talented young defense will not be able to hold up thanks to an offense that leaves them on the field too long. 3-13

3. Arizona Cardinals

2013 Record = 10-6, Third in NFC West, Missed Playoffs

2014 Schedule = Chargers, @ Giants, 49ers, BYE, @ Broncos, Redskins, @ Raiders, Eagles, @ Cowboys, Rams, Lions, @ Seahawks, @ Falcons, Chiefs, @ Rams, Seahawks, @ 49ers

Blue Chippers = DE Calais Campbell

High Quality Players = WR Larry Fitzgerald, CB Patrick Peterson, FS Tyrann Mathieu

Solid Contributors = HB Andre Ellington, WR Michael Floyd, LT Jared Veldheer, OLB John Abraham

Impact Rookies = S Deone Bucannon (1-27, Washington State)

Good News = Andre Ellington will be given the keys to a full-time workload.

Bad News = They are running out of linebackers.

Outlook = The strength of the Cardinals last year was their top ranked run defense, but without Darnell Dockett and Daryl Washington this year, that’s going to be nearly impossible to replicate. Dockett tore his ACL during training camp, and Washington is suspended for the year due to steroid abuse. Dockett didn’t play particularly well last year, but he still kept some attention away from stud lineman Calais Campbell. The secondary is also more of a question mark, as Tyrann Mathieu might not be himself at all in 2014 after blowing his knee out last December. If Antonio Cromartie can play at a high level opposite Patrick Peterson, that will take pressure off of the Honey Badger.

            Offensively the Cardinals are loaded with talent at the skill positions, but the Achilles Heal is Carson Palmer. Palmer still has a big arm, but has become more and more turnover prone over the years. It wouldn’t be shocking if his career fell off a cliff this season. Andre Ellington projects as a poor man’s LeSean McCoy. Arizona appears bent on using him until he breaks this year. Michael Floyd came on strong at the end of 2013, and is poised to be a near equal to Larry Fitzgerald. The offensive line was a weakness last year, but free agent acquisition Jared Veldheer should bring some stability.

Prediction = Facing a tough schedule with a diminished defense, we expect the Cardinals to take a step back this year. 6-10

2. Seattle Seahawks

2013 Record = 13-3, NFC West Champions, Super Bowl Champions

2014 Schedule = Packers, @ Chargers, Broncos, BYE, @ Redskins, Cowboys, @ Rams, @ Panthers, Raiders, Giants, @ Chiefs, Cardinals, @ 49ers, @ Eagles, 49ers, @ Cardinals, Rams

Blue Chippers = HB Marshawn Lynch, CB Richard Sherman, FS Earl Thomas

High Quality Players = QB Russell Wilson, WR Percy Harvin, DE Michael Bennett, DT Brandon Mebane, DE Cliff Avril, OLB K.J. Wright, SS Kam Chancellor

Solid Contributors = WR Doug Baldwin, TE Zach Miller, LT Russell Okung, C Max Unger, DT Tony McDaniel, MLB Bobby Wagner, OLB Bruce Irvin, CB Byron Maxwell

Impact Rookies = None

Good News = Every vital part of their Super Bowl team is back this year.

Bad News = At first glance, it appears they whiffed on the draft for the first time in years.

Outlook = We’ll keep the write up short and explain why we think the Seahawks will be a wild card team this year. We don’t think there’s a huge talent difference between the Seahawks and 49ers, so minor things like the schedule can make a difference. Last year, Seattle rode a second place schedule to a division title. This year, we think playing a first place schedule is the difference between them having home-field advantage and being forced to take their act on the road in January.

Prediction = 12-4

 1. San Francisco 49ers

2013 Record = 12-4, Second in NFC West, Lost NFC Championship Game

2014 Schedule = @ Cowboys, Bears, @ Cardinals, Eagles, Chiefs, @ Rams, @ Broncos, BYE, Rams, @ Saints, @ Giants, Redskins, Seahawks, @ Raiders, @ Seahawks, Chargers, Cardinals

Blue Chippers = MLB Patrick Willis

High Quality Players = FB Bruce Miller, WR Michael Crabtree, TE Vernon Davis, LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, MLB Navarro Bowman, OLB Aldon Smith

Solid Contributors = QB Colin Kaepernick, HB Frank Gore, WR Anquan Boldin, WR Stevie Johnson, RG Alex Boone, RT Anthony Davis, DE Ray McDonald, DE Justin Smith, OLB Ahmad Brooks, CB Tramaine Brock

Impact Rookies = S Jimmie Ward (1-30, Northern Illinois), HB Carlos Hyde (2-57, Ohio State), C Marcus Martin (3-70, USC)

Good News = Of all the teams that were playoff participants last season, no one improved themselves more through the draft than the 49ers.

Bad News = Their defensive players keep getting arrested.

Outlook = We’re really banking on Jim Harbaugh’s ability to develop younger players in forecasting the 49ers to capture the NFC West, as on paper there are some red flags. Aldon Smith won’t be available until November, and they shouldn’t plan on getting anything out of Bowman after his devastating leg injury in last year’s NFC Championship Game. The secondary was a weakness in 2013, and they are primarily relying on internal developments to improve it. It would be reasonable to expect Eric Reid to make a leap to “High Quality” status by the end of the season.

            Offensively, the 49ers haven’t been this deep since the Steve Young era. Colin Kaepernick has played at a high level whenever he’s had Michael Crabtree healthy, so that should take the offense to new heights. Stevie Johnson adds an extra playmaker to take the top off the defense, which will open underneath routes for Crabtree and Anquan Boldin. Vernon Davis is still around to provide an elite red zone threat. Frank Gore keeps on trucking, but if he finally breaks down rookie Carlos Hyde should be able to fill his shoes. The offensive line is still among the league’s best, with rookie Marcus Martin potentially filling the center spot by the end of the year.

Prediction = We have the 49ers winning the Super Bowl this year, so sorry for the jinx San Francisco. 13-3

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Week 15 NFL Picks

3-10 Washington Redskins @ 3-10 Atlanta Falcons (-7)
            There are very few football teams on Earth that the Falcons should be favored by a touchdown against. Washington is one of them.

FALCONS (-7) over Redskins

 

9-4 San Francisco 49ers (-6) @ 4-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

            Coming off their hard fought division win over Seattle, San Francisco will have a hard time winning by more than a field goal in Tampa.

BUCCANEERS (+6) over 49ers

 

11-2 Seattle Seahawks (-7) @ 5-8 New York Giants

            Playing a pissed off Seaderrall Seahawks team is not an ideal scenario for the sorry Giants.

Seahawks (-7) over GIANTS

     

7-6 Chicago Bears (-1) @ 4-9 Cleveland Browns
            Jay Cutler’s play will have nothing to do with the Browns winning on Sunday, but that’s what everyone will be talking about Monday.

BROWNS (+1) over Bears

 

2-11 Houston Texans @ 8-5 Indianapolis Colts (-6)

            Indianapolis isn’t setting the world on fire, but Houston has no incentive to win, and Coach Wade is heavily involved.

COLTS (-6) over Texans

 

4-9 Buffalo Bills (-1.5) @ 4-9 Jacksonville Jaguars

            Hard to believe we’re saying this, but there’s no way that Buffalo should be favored in this game.

JAGUARS (+1.5) over Bills

 

10-3 New England Patriots (-1) @ 7-6 Miami Dolphins

            We’ve been preparing to pick Miami in this game all week, but Denver hung a pretty big carrot in front of the Patriots by losing last night.

Patriots (-1) over DOLPHINS

 

8-5 Philadelphia Eagles (-6) @ 3-9-1 Minnesota Vikings

            Rumor has it that Minnesota might start Chuck Foreman at runningback this week, which would be cool if it was the 1970s.

Eagles (-6) over VIKINGS

6-7 New York Jets @ 9-4 Carolina Panthers

            Carolina will lay the smack down.

PANTHERS (-11.5) over Jets

10-3 Kansas City Chiefs (-6) @ 4-9 Oakland Raiders

            Kansas City also got some added motivation with Denver’s loss to San Diego, as if they win out they’ll have a shot at the division.

Chiefs (-6) over RAIDERS

 

8-5 Arizona Cardinals (-3) @ 5-8 Tennessee Titans

            Arizona’s defense is one of the more underrated units in THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

Cardinals (-3) over TITANS

10-3 New Orleans Saints (-6.5) @ 5-8 St. Louis Rams

            I have visions of Chris Long and Robert Quinn harassing Drew Brees all day before the Saints rally to kick a game-winning field goal.

RAMS (+6.5) over Saints

 

6-6-1 Green Bay Packers @ 7-6 Dallas Cowboys (-7)

            Dallas used their mulligan game last week. They can’t fall behind by more than a game to the Eagles.

COWBOYS (-7) over Packers

9-4 Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5) @ 5-8 Pittsburgh Steelers

            I wish I could wait on making this pick until after the Patriots game, because if the Pats lose, Cincinnati would be able to put itself in position for the #2 seed in the AFC.

Bengals (-2.5) over STEELERS

7-6 Baltimore Ravens @ 7-6 Detroit Lions (-6)

            Not comfortable laying six points on the back of Jim Schwarz in a coaching battle against John Harbaugh.

Ravens (+6) over LIONS

Last Week = 10-6

Season = 103-96-8
Thursday = 0-1

2012 NFC West Preview

Sick of baseball? Tired of the Dwight Howard saga? Not interested in which country is the best at ribbon dancing? Good news! Training camps have opened, which means football is right around the corner. No Credentials will provide season previews for every team in the league. We'll post the schedule, highlight franchise cornerstones, free agent signings, and potential impact rookies. Look for these posts throughout the month of August.

We'll start with the NFC West, aka "not the worst division in football for the first time in four years".


4. Seattle Seahawks

2011 Record = 7-9, Third in NFC West

2012 Schedule = @ ARI, DAL, GB, @ STL, @ CAR, NE, @ SF, @ DET, MIN, NYJ, BYE, @ MIA, @ CHI, ARI, @ BUF, SF, STL

Franchise Players = RB Marshawn Lynch, WR Sidney Rice, T Russell Okung, S Earl Thomas

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = QB Matt Flynn, DT Jason Jones, G Deuce Lutui
Potential Impact Rookies = LB Bruce Irvin (West Virginia) 1-15

Outlook = Before Marshawn Lynch’s recent DUI, I was much higher (pun intended) on their chances to crack .500 this season. A previous offender of the NFL’s conduct policy, Lynch is likely facing at least a four game suspension. With little else behind him on the depth chart, former Packers backup Matt Flynn (I’m assuming that he wins the starting job over Tavaris “The Virus” Jackson, but assuming Pete Carroll will do something that makes sense is a dangerous proposition) transition to full-time starter that much more difficult. They’ll be a pain in the ass to play in Seattle (watch out Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots fans), but expect a long season in the great northwest. 

Ceiling = 10-6

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


3. St. Louis Rams

2011 Record = 2-14, Last in NFC West

2012 Schedule = @ DET, WAS, @ CHI, SEA, ARI, @ MIA, GB, NE, BYE, @ SF, NYJ, @ ARI, SF, @ BUF, MIN, @ TB, @ SEA

Franchise Players = QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson, DE Chris Long, DE Robert Quinn

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = CB Cortland Finnegan
Potential Impact Rookies = DT Michael Brockers (LSU) 1-14, CB Janoris Jenkins (North Alabama) 2-7, CB Trumaine Johnson (Montana) 3-2

Outlook = St. Louis was the most aggressive team in accumulating future assets (click here for some praise for their fleecing of the Washington Redskins). They’ll have two first round picks for each of the next two seasons (think about how awesome that is for a second, especially when both picks have a great chance of being in the top 10 next year ). Trading down with Dallas (a minor fleecing, but it should be worth it for the Cowboys) and ending up with Michael Brockers solidifies their defensive line. Young cornerbacks Janoris Jenkins and Trumaine Johnson each have the potential to be shutdown corners who will have a chance to learn behind Cortland Finnegan. The only thing that will hold back St. Louis is their miserable offensive line and lack of playmakers at wide receiver. Assuming the Rams address those two holes in the 2013 draft, expect big things for them in 2016.

Ceiling = 8-8

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

2. Arizona Cardinals

2011 Record = 8-8, Second in NFC West

2012 Schedule = SEA, @ NE, PHI, MIA, @ STL, BUF, @ MIN, SF, @ GB, BYE, @ ATL, STL, @ NYJ, @ SEA, DET, CHI, @ SF

 

Franchise Players = RB Beanie Wells, WR Larry Fitzgerald, DT Darnell Dockett, CB Patrick Peterson, S Adrian Wilson

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = None
Potential Impact Rookies = WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) 1-13, T Bobby Massie (Mississippi) 4-17

Outlook = The success of the Arizona Cardinals hinges entirely on the success of Kevin Kolb (editors note: I’m aware that Kolb is in a position battle with John Skelton. However, No Credentials believes that Kolb has way more upside than Skelton, and choosing Skelton over Kolb guarantees a 6-10 record or worse). He was a tick below average last season, but that won’t cut it in (cue Ron Jaworski’s voice) THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE. If he puts it together, he has one of the two best wide receivers on Earth in the form of Larry Fitzgerald, and a potential stud across the field from him in the form of rookie Michael Floyd. Throw in a serviceable running game, an adequate defense, and Kevin Kolb has all the pieces to succeed. Wouldn’t bet on it happening though.

Ceiling = 12-4

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

1. San Francisco 49ers

2011 Record = 13-3, First in NFC West, Lost in NFC Championship Game
2012 Schedule = @ GB, DET, @ MIN, @ NYJ, BUF, NYG, SEA, @ ARI, BYE, STL, CHI, @ NO, @ STL, MIA, @ NE, @ SEA, ARI

Franchise Players = RB Frank Gore, TE Vernon Davis, T Anthony Davis, T Joe Staley, G Mike Iupati, LB Patrick Willis

Key Free Agent Acquisitions = RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Randy Moss, WR Mario Manningham
Potential Impact Rookies = WR A.J. Jenkins (Illinois) 1-30

Outlook = See how many offensive lineman are in the 49ers franchise players list? That’s why a team that was quarterbacked by Alex Smith only missed out on the Super Bowl due to a couple of mistakes by Kyle Williams. Unfortunately, they were unable to upgrade from Smith to Peyton Manning, but Smith is been beaten down enough in his career that he shouldn’t be impacted by his team’s failed pursuit of an upgrade. He’ll have a few more weapons to play with on the outside, although it remains to be seen how much they’ll get out of Randy Moss. Mario Manningham presents a reliable third down option to take some pressure off of Vernon Davis. The schedule is significantly tougher than last years (week 15 at New England should be a great one), but they still have an elite defense that can keep them in any game. I don’t expect a repeat of their 2011 13-3 record, but barring a career year from Kevin Kolb, 10 wins will be enough.

Ceiling = 12-4

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




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 North
Click here to read about the NFC South

2011 NFC West Preview

This is the first of eight NFL division previews. With each team, I will type a brief synopis of their outlook in both real life and in terms of fantasy football. We'll also set a ceiling and a floor, and just for yucks, I'll post a video that is related to each team (some videos from the past, and some from the present). Without further ado...

4. Seattle Seahawks

2010 Record = 7-9 (1^st in Division, Lost in Divisional Round @ Bears)

Key Additions = WR Sidney Rice, TE Zach Miller, G Robert Gallery
Key Losses = QB Matt Hasselbeck, LB Lofa Tatupu

Schedule = @ 49ers, @ Steelers, Cardinals, Falcons, @ Giants, BYE, @ Browns, Bengals, @ Cowboys, Ravens, @ Rams, Redskins, Eagles, Rams, @ Bears, 49ers, @ Cardinals

Real-Life Outlook = It’s been a strange off-season for Seattle so far. Head Coach Pete Carroll said after last season that resigning Matt Hasselbeck was the team’s top priority, yet he signed with the Titans (word on the street is Hasselbeck really wanted to play for Tennessee, so perhaps Seattle didn’t have a chance to retain him anyway). Then they dole out $41 million to Sidney Rice, but have no one competent to throw him the football (I knocked down Seattle’s ceiling by 2 wins after reading Tavaris Jackson has been named the starting quarterback over Charlie Whitehurst). Sidney should be pulling for the Seahawks to tank this season and get a crack at Stanford QB Andrew Luck in next year’s draft.
Fantasy Outlook = Since Shaun Alexander’s hey-day ended, Seahawks have been very difficult to carry on fantasy rosters. This year is no different Sidney Rice is their only player that should be drafted to fill a starting spot (and that spot should only be your 3^rd receiver), but you shouldn’t get to excited about him. Seattle has killed recent free agent additions (examples: Deion Branch, Nate Burleson, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh).  Inconsistent quarterback play will destroy any consistent fantasy value. On a positive note, while the Seahawks defense should also not be drafted, keep them in mind for a couple of spot starts when they host Cincinnati and Washington. Their home-field advantage will be enough to earn you some cheap fantasy points (assuming the fans haven’t turned on the Tavaris/Whitehurst poop sandwich that will be handling the quarterbacking duties).

Ceiling = 7-9

Floor = 2-14
No Credentials Prediction = 3-13

3. San Francisco 49ers

2010 Record = 6-10 (3^rd in Division)

Key Additions = WR Braylon Edwards, K David Akers
Key Losses = DT Aubrayo Franklin, LB Manny Lawson, LB Takeo Spikes, CB Nate Clements

Schedule = Seahawks, Cowboys, @ Bengals, @ Eagles, Buccaneers, @ Lions, BYE, Browns, @ Redskins, Giants, Cardinals, @ Ravens, Rams, @ Cardinals, Steelers, @ Seahawks, @ Rams

Real-Life Outlook = If it seems like San Francisco already waved the white flag by resigning Alex Smith, that’s because they pretty much did. Throw in the loss of four starters on defense, and you have a very difficult first year for Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. If the 49ers don’t come out of their first three games with a record of at least 2-1, it’s going to be a long, long, LONG season.   

Fantasy Outlook = One of the riskier plays this season is runningback Frank Gore. He’s coming off of a fractured hip he suffered late last season, and is now holding out for a new contract. For any of you who have a draft in the first few weeks of August, I’d suggest passing on him until the middle of the 3^rd round if you are in a standard league. Point-per-reception leagues are a different story though, as Gore is capable of chipping in with 50 receptions. He’s currently going around the 20^th pick in Yahoo! drafts, which would be the appropriate time to gamble on him in a PPR format.
            As for the rest of the team, Vernon Davis is the only other elite fantasy starter San Francisco has to offer. He should go not later than the 6^th round in a 10-team league. Michael Crabtree is a potential breakout candidate, but probably won’t be ready to go Week 1 due to an ankle injury suffered during a workout in June. Braylon Edwards does have the potential to be this year's Brandon Lloyd of the fantasy game, but I wouldn't bet on it. Defensively, Patrick Willis is enough of a force on his own to make the ‘Niners an interesting plug-and-play possibility. Week 1 will be the best home match-up they have all season, so if you are the last person to draft a defense in your league, scoop up the 49ers.  

Ceiling = 7-9

Floor = 1-15
No Credentials Prediction = 5-11

2. Arizona Cardinals

2010 Record = 5-11 (4^th in Division)

Key Additions = QB Kevin Kolb, LB Stewart Bradley, G Daryn Colledge
Key Losses = CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, WR Steve Breaston

Schedule = Panthers, @ Redskins, @ Seahawks, Giants, @ Vikings, BYE, Steelers, @ Ravens, Rams, @ Eagles, @ 49ers, @ Rams, Cowboys, 49ers, Browns, @ Bengals, Seahawks

Real-Life Outlook = One of the more notable boom or bust candidates in the league, Arizona’s fate is tied entirely to the play of their new quarterback. Fortunately for newly acquired Kevin Kolb, the bar was set so low last season by Derek Anderson that he won’t have to play all that well to be considered an upgrade.

Fantasy Outlook = Even if Kolb isn’t able to lift the Cardinals to new heights, he will at least be competent enough that Larry Fitzgerald will be a viable #1 fantasy receiver. His current average draft position is 19.6, which to me seems like a bargain. I wouldn’t have a problem with anyone taking him ahead of Calvin Johnson or Roddy White (especially in PPR leagues). Kolb can also be an interesting option that you should target late. He would be a great backup for Michael Vick, or a good match-up option if you pair him with a guy like Eli Manning. Feel free to gamble on any of the Cardinals runningbacks at any point after round 10, but quickly discard them if they don’t show any value early. Arizona has an opportunistic defense that is capable of putting up big fantasy points against poor quarterbacks. You would be wise to start them against Carolina in Week 1.

Ceiling = 12-4

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

1. St. Louis Rams

2010 Record = 7-9 (2^nd in Division)

Key Additions = S Quintin Mikell, G Harvey Dahl, WR Mike Sims-Walker
Key Losses = None

Schedule = Eagles, @ Giants, Ravens, Redskins, BYE, @ Packers, @ Cowboys, Saints, @ Cardinals, @ Browns, Seahawks, Cardinals, @ 49ers, @ Seahawks, Bengals, @ Steelers, 49ers

Real-Life Outlook = St. Louis hasn’t been talked about much, but the additions they have made should push them to the top of the NFC West. Quintin Mikell fills a gaping hole at safety (I’m going to guess that none of you remember the epic battle to decide the division winner of the NFC West last year, but Seattle roasted the Rams with bomb after bomb down the middle of the field). The sneakiest pick up was former Jaguars wide-out Mike Sims-Walker. He hasn’t demonstrated on a regular basis that he has an abundance of functioning brain cells, but did at times flash potential #1 receiver ability. At the very least, he’ll be an upgrade over Danny Amendola.

            The only thing that could destroy St. Louis is a brutal first half schedule. They face the entire NFC East (which other than the powder-puff team in Washington, won’t be fun), Baltimore and New Orleans at home, and a road trip to Lambeau Field. If St. Louis can get through the first eight games with a 4-4 record, I like their chances to finish 6-2 and take the division title. 
Fantasy Outlook = Stephen Jackson is currently going in the early 3^rd  round of 12-team leagues, which is an appropriate place to take him. An improved passing game will help him out immensely. Sam Bradford should be considered a bye week sub at best. He’s a year and one stud receiver away from fantasy relevance. Sims-Walker is the sleeper on this club. If he emerges, don’t be surprised to see him put up a line of 75-1150-8 (for those not in the know, that’s receptions-yards-touchdowns).

Ceiling = 10-6

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

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