AFC West
Somerville Spartans
2007: 9-4, Won AFC West
Lost in Divisional Round
Top 25 Players: 4
The Spartans finally got into the playoffs after falling just short for two years with a strong 9-4 record including a 4 game winning streak going into the playoffs. The Spartans struggled at running back due to injury but the receivers blossomed and could be the strength of this team again despite strong backs again. Quarterback seems the only possible problem area with a less than suitable backup for David Garrard but a mid season trade with the depth at receiver is a possibility just in case.
2008 Outlook: A
Future Outlook: B+
2008 Prediction: 10-3, AFC West Champs
Pirates
2007: 6-7, AFC Wild Card
Lost in Super Bowl
Top 25 Players: 1
The Pirates made a Cinderella run to the Super Bowl last year only to lose the rematch from 2006. While this team had few bright spots during the year, some timely play during the playoffs pushed this team on to the chance for a repeat. Behind Marques Colston and Chad Johnson, the Pirates had enough to make up for injuries to Carnell Williams and inconsistent quarterback play. This year Colston is gone and Carnell is likely lost for the year already. Ronnie Brown and Johnson will have to lead this team but the Pirates do have a pair of sleeper quarterbacks who could make this team a contender for the playoffs again. However, one injury to Brown or Johnson will put this team in the running for next year�s #1 pick.
2008 Outlook: C-
Future Outlook: C
2008 Prediction: 4-9, Miss Playoffs
Patriots Dynasty
2007: 5-8, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 1
With the least creative name in the league, Pats Dynasty sports just one top 25 player. However, that play happens to be LT so anything is possible. But this team still does not look up to the challenge this year with only LT and Drew Brees as top point earners so the Pats Dynasty might be headed to the cellar again this year. There is some cap coming off the books this year which will help for the future, but the bloated LT contract might hurt when trying to build around him.
2008 Outlook: D+
Future Outlook: F
2008 Prediction: 5-8, Miss Playoffs
Georgia Gappers
2007: 5-8, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 1
Rookie owner Spencer joins with already a weak team, but went out and capitalized on the market already by getting Vince Young from the Spartans. Young steps in to start while Matt Ryan waits for his opportunity, but Young has the potential to be far more than a place holder. Despite poor play last year, Young is still a good prospect under a cheap contract for 4 more years. Braylon Edwards also leads this team after being the bread winner last season. The best news for this time is the expiring contracts of Ahmad Green and Julius Jones which will add up to $40 for free agency next season.
2008 Outlook: C
Future Outlook: B
2008 Prediction: 6-7, Miss Playoffs
AFC East
Detroit Wolverines
2007: 10-3, Won AFC East
Lost in Divisional Round
Top 25 Players: 3
The Wolverines were a surprise division winner last year due to the outstanding performance from Adrian Peterson. Other help came mostly from Peyton Manning, Clinton Portis and Derrick Mason. Portis is no longer a Wolverine, but they still have Frank Gore and Mason to carry the load. As the problem with this team has been in the past, the Wolverines are seriously thin all over the field. They only have 14 players, one tight end, 2 active running backs and two quarterbacks with Jeff Garcia as the backup. While this team has a ton of potential, they are one injury from serious struggles.
2008 Outlook: B-
Future Outlook: C+
2008 Prediction: 8-5, AFC Wild Card
Toronto Argonauts
2007: 8-5, AFC Wild Card
Lost AFC Championship Game
Top 25 Players: 5
With 5 top 25 players, the Argonauts will make a lot of teams look bad this year. 8 wins last year was a disappointment especially with the production of Tom Brady and could have won it all if Brady�s Week 15 went well. While Brady will cool off this year, production from guys like Marion Barber and Andre Johnson will pick up the slack. Add in Terrell Owens, Anquan Boldin and Larry Johnson, this team is just scary. Remember, the Argonauts only won 8 games, but did take the scoring title last year. And they are only getting better.
2008 Outlook: A+
Future Outlook: B+
2008 Prediction: 10-3, AFC East Champs
El Paso Bandits
2007: 4-9, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 0
The move to El Paso has been all bad as the Bandits have gone 10-16 after an 8-5 season in Peoria. If that trend continues, consider El Paso haunted because this team is ready for a breakout. With Jason Campbell and Philip Rivers sharing starts and new acquisition Marques Colston joining up with Calvin Johnson and Santonio Holmes. Despite no top 25 players, the Bandits do own sleepers Michael Turner, Lendale White and Jerry Porter. So right now based on rankings things look gloomy, but this team should be able to improve on their 4-9 record at least and probably get over .500 for the first time since 2005.
2008 Outlook: B
Future Outlook: A
2008 Prediction: 8-5, AFC Wild Card
Columbus Liquid Courage
2007: 3-10, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 0
By far the sorriest excuse for a team last year due to complete miss management by the current owner comes into this year looking absolutely atrocious. Actually, this team might have a shot at .500 is things go right. Eli Manning is the only starter at quarterback at the moment and may have been ready for a big year until Jeremy Shockey was traded. Now he still might build on his Super Bowl win, he might need another tool on the field for fantasy purposes. Columbus also has declining receivers in Torry Holt and Marvin Harrison who are a safe bet to miss time this year. Darren McFadden may be the only interesting part of this team as a possible impact player right from the gate. Although, even if he is not, there is still hope as Justin Fargas ensures the Liquid Courage will harness every last point the Raider run game produces.
2008 Outlook: C-
Future Outlook: D
2008 Prediction: 4-9, Miss Playoffs
NFC West
Anal at Bandcamp
2007: 11-2, NFC West Champions
Lost in Divisional Round
Top 25 Players: 2
Our very own version of the Atlanta Braves gears up for another division title. AABC seems guaranteed 6 wins each year just from divisional play which has been enough for teams to make the playoffs in each of the three years of league existence. AABC has depth at every position this year except quarterback which only has Carson Palmer. Stars at other positions include Brian Westbrook, Earnest Graham, Maurice Jones-Drew, Brandon Marshall, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Jeremy Shockey. AABC always stashes a large group of sleepers in the hopes of one panning out just as Graham did last season. AABC does look to get over the hump this year and past the NFC title game for the first time.
2008 Outlook: B+
Future Outlook: C+
2008 Prediction: 9-4, Win NFC West
N.E. Chowderheads
2008: 9-4, NFC Wild Card
Lost in Divisional Round
Top 25 Players: 0
The Chowderheads came from nowhere and took the first wild card spot every claimed by an NFC West team. Brett Favre�s comeback and Wes Welker�s coming out party were the two most significant events of the Chowderheads season and propelled them into a divisional race with AABC but they dropped both games to AABC which was the difference in their records. Despite falling flat in the playoffs, the Chowderheads still have something to look forward to. While they won�t exceed their record from last year, a weak NFC this year could make them contenders again. They desperately need Favre to get a starting gig somewhere to avoid playing Brodie Croyle every week. Reggie Bush and Welker remain their two best players this year with some forgettable players as backups.
2008 Outlook: C-
Future Outlook: D
2008 Prediction: 6-7, NFC Wild Card
Vilma=God
2008: 6-7, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 1
Despite Vilma�s departure, this staunch Jets fan remains named Vilma=God. Hines Ward and Willis McGahee are the only two who appear to be ready for consistent production this year but there has to be more for a playoff berth. Marc Bluger needs a bounce back season or Aaron Rodgers finally needs an opportunity for this team to have an impact this year. If one happens, then there could be good signs for Vilma, but that is ultimately unlikely.
2008 Outlook: C-
Future Outlook: D+
2008 Prediction: 4-9, Miss Playoffs
Kellen�s Kunt Krushers
2008: 3-10, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 2
Despite a complete lack of depth, this team could be in store for a big improvement. There are strong starters in Donovan McNabb, Laurence Maroney, Jonathan Steward and Randy Moss. Past them, however, there is little, or sometimes nothing. It�s a dangerous game relying on perfect health for a season, but that�s the order for the Kunt Krushers if they have any hope of success.
2008 Outlook: C+
Future Outlook: D
2008 Prediction: 5-8, Miss Playoffs
NFC East
Denver Roncos
2008: 10-3, Won NFC East
Lost in NFC Championship Game
Top 25 Players: 2
The Roncos have done a good job turning this team around from the last place team it once was into a true contender. That has continued as the running back core has filled out with Clinton Portis joining Ryan Grant and Selvin Young. Pepper in Greg Jennings and Tony Romo and the Roncos will enter the race again for the championship. However, depth is also a problem here with only Tavarias Jackson to back up Romo and little help behind Jennings. While still the NFC East favorites, the Roncos still have work to do to get that championship.
2008 Outlook: B
Future Outlook: B+
2008 Prediction: 9-4, Win NFC East
Flaming Stewies
2008: 7-6, NFC Wild Card
Won Super Bowl
Top 25 Players: 2
The Stewies again set out to defend their second title in three years, but with an aging roster and no cap space, the task gets harder every year. This is one team that can boast quantity over quality with plenty of depth but lacks true star power. Ben Roethlisberger leads the quarterback bunch with a pair of sleepers with high bust potential and Joseph Addai is the lead rusher this year. The receivers have always proved successful for the Stewies with Steve Smith, Santana Moss and Laveranues Coles. The Stewies can also boast the best tight end corps in the league with Kellen Winslow and Todd Heap. Some of these sleepers need to come to life if the Stewies want to win, and the players on the roster will have to do with no cap space for any additions.
2008 Outlook: C+
Future Outllok: B
2008 Prediction: 8-5, NFC Wild Card
Capt Acorn
2008: 4-9, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 0
The Captain lost the best player from two years ago in Shawn Alexander, but will still pay $45 for this year. Luckily, the contract runs out at the end of 2008 and then there is a shot a rebuilding through free agency. Until then, if this squad wants to win, they will need another big year from Derek Anderson and Patrick Crayton while getting numbers out of Deuce McCallister and Thomas Jones. A good tight end group lead by Dallas Clark should help, but this team lacks good receivers and reliable running backs to have any success this year.
2008 Outlook: C-
Future Outlook: B-
2008 Prediction: 5-8
Hotsauce
2008: 4-9, Missed Playoffs
Top 25 Players: 1
Hotsauce has a few things going for him, including a potentially great quarterback group and a couple of good receivers, but the running backs will haunt him. Despite a good 2007, Jamal Lewis should not be relied upon as a #1 back as he is here with Edgerrin James at the end of his rope and a couple other lowly backups. Kevin Smith may get him some points, but relying on a rookie running back in a crowded Lions backfield is never a good idea. This group may be carried by the quarterbacks for a few wins, but not much beyond that.
2008 Outlook: D+
Future Outlook: C+
2008 Prediction: 3-10, Miss Playoffs