Summary of the 2006 predictions

This year was perhaps the most difficult, as there are certain defined tiers of talent. It seems as if the top 3 are very close in talent, then 4 all the way to 11 or 12 all have the same holes, the same star level. 13 and 14 are in for long seasons, though. Click HERE to check on what your peers thought about your chance at a championship finish this season

The NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks play on the other side of the ball, trying to retain the magic that led to their super bowl run. The team didn't go for big named individuals, but have a solid group who can make plays.

Weaknesses: Last flex position should be a turnstyle all season until he strikes gold, some think Seattle could fall victim to Super Bowl hangover after coming out of nowhere last season.

The Defense is Baltimore, so the organization hopes for a bounce-back year from Ray-Ray, Ed, and company. The defense still has a few holes, as the team finishes paring down its offensive bench and continues to scan the wire for players to step in and lead. Defense wasn't a priority in Londberg's draft, so time will tell if the base that was assembled will be enough to keep the team on top.

Weaknesses: Lack of Top-end young talent, overall age on offense. Could pose a durability problem as the season wears on, and players wear down.

The Tampa defense is one of the strongest and most consistent in the league, so Crimmins has little to worry about on this side of the ball. A decent group of defenders, as we've said about almost every squad.

Weaknesses: If a back goes down (his story last year), there's zero depth behind him. QBs could be inconsistent.

Pittsburgh's Defense should never be a question mark, so the team is more than confident on that side of the ball. Having Polamalu and a trio of Pro-Bowl IDP Linebackers, the team has tried to solidify all parts of the game.

Weaknesses: Wali Lundy, Bryant Johnson, and Tony Scheffler are major starting uncertainties, though with the lack of depth backing them up, they'll be leaned on heavily.

They shockingly carry the Bills team defense, a defense looking to rebound from a mediocre 2005. Their success depends a great deal on their quarterback play,

Weaknesses: Tight ends are questionable, last flex position was poor (before trade)

Jacksonville's defense is steady and dependable, though the Jags carry one of the tougher schedules in the NFL in '06. Keith Bulluck and London Fletcher will almost certainly end the season as two of the NFL's top tacklers, and they find themselves playing beside each other. Quite the.....attack.

Weaknesses: Two likely starting running backs, though neither (Gore and Barlow) will be in the top-10 backfield producers when the season ends. This team lacks a superstar, so needing a big game or two on a given week may be a tough task.

On defense Carolina has been outstanding for a few years, and will continue to be this year. Jeramie has also brought together a solid bunch of IDPs, headlined by one of the league's strongest secondaries.

Weaknesses: Mike Bell may not get enough carries to be effective, Jurevicius and Randle El are unlikely to be anything more than average.

Philly's defense should be improved this year, as their struggles began in '05 after the complete implosion of the offense. Turnover and poor field position make it difficult on even the toughest of defenses. The team also has some individual playmakers, namely Takeo Spikes, DeAngelo Hall, and Lance Briggs.

Weaknesses: 4th keeper (Bell) may not start, weak bench, little depth.

The Miami Dolphin defense should be improved this year, assisted by a much improved offense to take some pressure off of them. Johnathan Vilma is arguably the #1 Linebacker in all of football, and should continue to grow as he acclimates himself with the league. The others are solid weekly contributors.

Weaknesses: Battle and Marcus Robinson can't stay healthy, and Vernand Morency isn't a dream #2 RB.

The New York Football Giants were the #2 fantasy defense last year, and will look to pass rush their way to the top spot in '06. The improved play of Eli Manning should help the defense to stay off the field, and the team hopes Michael Strahan and the gap have one more good season left in the tank. Plenty of playmakers on defense, should be one of the strongest IDP units.

Weaknesses: all 3 flex positions, may have the weakest #2 RB in the entire league.

The Chicago Bears defense is the best in the game, and the Muffins are perhaps the only team to have 3 actual defensive linemen IDPs, but they're three of the best. Look for a lot of feast or famine weeks, depending on the sack numbers.

Weaknesses: Very little talent at the flex positions, tight ends are questionable.

The Washington defense is expected to be strong, though they have a history of being a bit enigmatic in recent years. The individual players aren't household names, but can make plays. Enough to get the job done, but they aren't likely to win many games on their own.

Weaknesses: Flex positions are poor, plenty of health issues all over the offense. 

Denver's defense is one of the best at home, but they have been known to struggle when they lose the Mile-high advantage. The team does boast one of the stronger IDP groups in the league, with Urlacher up front and Roy Williams patrolling the secondary. The defense will have to carry the squad, because the offense doesn't exactly strike fear in the league, as it stands now.

Weaknesses: Health risks on O where there is talent, Lots of luck likely needed for the other starters to be productive.

The Indy defense will score some points for the team, though we believe they played a bit over their heads last season and will come back to Earth as this season wears on. The names on defense, if nothing else, may give this team the most impressive defense, but that may not be enough to get the team 5 wins.

Weaknesses: No depth, a lot of wishful thinking throughout the offense.