2018 NFC CONFERENCE PREVIEW

NFC EAST

DALLAS: It wouldn't be the Dallas Cowboys without some offseason drama and we surely have been getting it. From their draft pick selection which puzzled most. To the Ezekiel Elliott saga returning off a (6) game suspension handed by the NFL. Defensive end David Irving suspension for the first (4) games this season. Unexpected news of Cowboys legend TE Jason Witten retiring, not to mention the Dez Bryant ongoing soap opera and of course the owner himself Jerry Jones had to be in the news or it would not be BIG D. WR Dez Bryant was released on April 13th and has yet to find a new home but remains bitter and salty over his divorce from the Cowboys. Recent twitter comments have surfaced where Bryant calls out some former teammates and Cowboys VP Steven Jones have been back and forth over Bryant's behavior and performances. Steve and his father, owner Jerry Jones have reiterated the fact that players that put that helmet on with the star on it, "must" stand for the national anthem. Once again Jones is making news and headlines not in a good way by forcing all his players to abide by his calling. Jones continues to single handedly pick and choose what his team will be involved in while he runs a ship full of second chance abusers, and drug users. Not saying all his current or former players are those, but you get the gist. Now to the football side where stud RB Ezekiel Elliott will look to bust back on to the NFL scene. Elliott had to sit out (6) games due to a violation of the leagues personal conduct policy. While just in (10) games, Zeke still racked up (983 yards and 7 touchdowns). That lack of rushing balance proved detrimental for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense. The QB now entering year three, showed signs of missing his backfield mate. More turnovers and a lack of control at the line of scrimmage and you end up with a (9-7) record looking on the outside of the playoffs. Prescott numbers went down from 2016 (23 TDs / 4 INTs) to 2017 (22 TDs / 13 INTs). In 2016 the Cowboys offense was ranked in the top (5) for all offensive statistical categories. Dak did manage to run for (6) touchdowns as he now has a total of (12) rushing touchdowns to begin his career. With Zeke back in the mix, the Cowboys look to get back to the basics of their dynamic rushing attack. Which starts with their all pro impressive offensive line. Dallas locked up (4) time pro bowler right guard Zack Martin as her earned his payday of a (6 year - $84 million) dollar contract making him the highest paid guard in the NFL. Martin hasn't missed a start since being drafted in 2014, he alongside Tyron Smith and Travis Frederick are a force to be reckon with and have been ranked as the top offensive line in the game. Dallas again will be a run first option offense but hopefully that will set up more success in the passing attack. The Cowboys bring in WR Allen Hurns and WR Tavon Austin from Jacksonville and Los Angeles respectively. They also drafted WR Michael Gallup from Colorado State in the third round. Gallup is a great route runner with the intangibles to compete for a position with their wide receivers.  Dallas ranked about the middle of the road defensively. Sean Lee led the Cowboys in tackles with (101). Demarcus Lawrence was hit with the franchise tag after grabbing (14.5) sacks in 2017. Randy Gregory has earned another chance after being reinstated for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. Another chance for Gregory as the Cowboys hopes he makes the best of his opportunity. While David Irving impact will be missed in the beginning of the season due to his suspension for PED's usage. Irving had (7) sacks alone in Dallas final (8) games last season. 8 GAMES? Dallas did draft LB Leighton Vander Esch out of Boise State with the 19th overall pick. Small town kid, small school, however plays big with an ever bigger chip on his shoulder. Medical issues from a neck injury suffered in college made most scouts skeptical of drafting him. Some say the Cowboys see a little class of 2018 Hall of Fame inductee linebacker Brian Urlacher in the kid, but it's too early for those projections. The Cowboys will hope to remain healthy on defense. When LB Sean Lee is able to make plays its when he is healthy and on the field. If DE Randy Gregory can keep his head above water and learn from guys like Demarcus Lawrence and David Irving, makes it seem like too much dependency on Dak/Zeke which is not what the Cowboys need heading into the season. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (7-9)

ARRIVALS - TAVON AUSTIN, ALLEN HURNS, LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH, MICHAEL GALLUP
DEPARTURES - DEZ BRYANT, JASON WITTEN

NEW YORK GIANTS: Just like most we still sit here and wonder how the Giants ended up from a (11-5) team two seasons ago to that disastrous (3-13) season last year? It was their worst season record since 2003. A lot had to do with then head coach Bob McAdoo who started the season (2-10), the teams worst start to a season since 1926. His mismanagement of WR Odell Beckham Jr., OBJ injury, disgruntled locker room and players being critical of McAdoo coaching styles and methods, not to mention the audacity to bench QB Eli Manning. Granite, Manning was not in his best season to date, however to bench him with lack of explanation and to start him the following week was absurd to say the least. Eli Manning the franchises all time leader in wins, passing yards, touchdowns, just about you name it he has done it pretty much for the G-men. Manning who had started (210) consecutive games and was just second behind Brett Favre (297) for consecutive games played. Being said when your offense is (31st) in points (15.4), (26th) in rushing (no running back), and the defense is (28th) in points against; the odds are set against you if your the New York Giants. Assistant coach Steve Spagnuolo takes over as head signal caller for the G-men. Spagnuolo hopes to turn around a defense that ranked (2nd) in total defense in 2016 under his watch as defensive coordinator. Cornerback Janoris Jenkins, Safety Landon Collins, an CB Eli Apple now in his third season anchor a solid secondary. Jenkins had some off field distractions surrounding a murder and his brother. However that story seems to be unfolding as nothing Jenkins related. That front seven watched as longtime Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul was traded of to Tampa Bay. JPP led the Giants with (8.5) sacks a season ago. The Giants front will look to get new leadership under LB Olivier Vernon. Vernon will be joined by newly acquired LB Alec Ogletree (LAR) to help add to his (15) total sacks since joining the Giants back in 2016. The Giants will aim to get back to that 2016 stature where their secondary was some ball hawks, (4th) in interceptions and defense was top (3) against the run. This 2018 New York Giants offense looks to be explosive as ever, at least on paper they do. Odell Beckham seems to be locked on playing and letting his agents and the Giants front office take care of his contract negotiations. OBJ is in his last year of his rookie contract and is set to be paid, especially with other wide receivers this season alone breaking the bank (Evans, Landry, Cooks). OBJ coming off an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for most of the 2017 season has racked up over (4,000) receiving yards and (25) touchdowns within his first (3) full NFL seasons. Last time the Giants had a (1,000) yard rusher was way back in 2012, however that is all about to change. New York drafted rookie RB phenom Saquan Barkley with the #2 overall pick. Barkley looks to be the real deal. His ability to catch the ball out the backfield, vision and cutback ability, physicality between the tackles, with his (4.4) speed he has the intangibles you want in a running back. Especially after drafting a running back this high in the draft, you have to make sure you hit with this type of talent with the second pick. As it seems a running back is as good as his offensive line. Just ask Eli Manning. Over the past few years Manning (19 TDs / 13 INTs) a season ago, has taken the punishment an abuse of a dismantled offensive line. The Giants offensive line has given up (52) sacks since 2016 and that is not including all the hits and knockdowns that Manning has suffered along the way. For the success for both Manning and Barkley, they will rely heavy on that offensive line. The Giants did make some improvements during the offseason. They managed to steal veteran left tackle Nate Holder from the Patriots. Holder signed a (4 year - $62 million) dollar contract to try and retool their offensive line. New York also drafted a guard in Will Hernandez in the second round of the draft. Hopefully with their additions they can hide or erase some of the weakness around Ereck Flowers and the rest of that offensive line. A healthy WR Sterling Shepard (59 rec / 731 yards) and TE Evan Engram (64 rec, 722 yards, 6TDs) in his second season look to help the Giants offense turn the pages of the 2017 season as the New York Giants try to get back into playoff contention. 2018 PREDICTION - (10-6)

ARRIVALS - CONNER BARWIN, JONATHAN STEWART, WILLAIM GAY, SAQUAN BARKLEY, NATE SOLDER, WILL HERNANDEZ
DEPARTURES - JASON PIERRE-PAUL, DOMINQUE RODGERS-CROMARTIE, BRANDON MARSHALL, PAUL PERKINS, JUSTIN PUGH

PHILADELPHIA: It's always sunny in Philadelphia, well at least since February 4th when the Eagles celebrated the cities and franchise's first Super Bowl victory. Can finally check that off the to-do list. On to 2018, where head coach Doug Pederson and QB sensation Carson Wentz enter year 3 of their marriage however, Wentz is fresh off ACL surgery with anticipations of starting week 1 when the Eagles host the Atlanta Falcons. A MVP season in the making was Carson Wentz last season and he was well ahead of the race. He had led the Eagles to a (11-2) record, an atop of the NFC East. Wentz had thrown for (33 TDs / 7 INTs) and with a quarter of a season left to play the Eagles were looking unstoppable. That is until an injury, in a week 14 matchup vs the Rams changed everything. Down goes the franchise quarterback with a torn ACL. Done for the season. Now the Eagles and the city of Philadelphia feeling like their season went down the drain. In come backup QB Nick Foles. Foles who had once been a starter in Philly, but now thrown into the fire with a team who has huge Super Bowl aspirations now has a heavy task on his shoulders. His first couple of regular season performances were not that impressive and surely the eye test of title contentions were looking in other directions. A (2-1) record down the stretch end of the regular season was far from impressive but the Eagles had to deal with what they had. Philadelphia with one of the leagues most potent offenses scoring (28.6) per was at a standstill of sorts. However, Doug Pederson catered to Foles strengths within the offense. Foles completion percentage through the playoffs was at (72%), he threw for (971) yards to go with (6) touchdowns and just one interception. After a dogfight in the divisional round, Foles found his groove in route to helping the Eagles capture their first Super Bowl. Foles went on to win Super Bowl MVP after putting together (28/43, 373 yards, 3 TD, INT, 1 rec TD) and will be a legend in Philly hearts forever. However since then the roster has changed on both sides of the ball. Legarrette Blount gone, Jay Ajayi takes his role as the feature back coming over midseason trade from Miami last year. The Eagles also get (13) year vet RB Darren Sproles back who at age (35) still has some flashes of that open field speed he once possessed. Ajayi will take that role as lead running back, coming off a season where the Philadelphia rushing committee ranked (3rd) with (132.1) rushing yards a game. Primary duties in 2018 will go to Ajayi. Offensive tackle Jason Peters looks to bounce back off an ACL injury, that kept the All-Pro sideline last season and during the Super Bowl. Peters will look to help anchor an offensive line that gave up only (2) sacks during the entire 2017 postseason run. Addition of WR Mike Wallace is a nice deep threat option. Wallace averaged around (14.4 ypc) last season and replaces WR Torrey Smith. While (22) of Carson Wentz (33) touchdown passes were spread between the receiving firm of Agholor, Jeffrey, and Ertz. With Wallace in the mix, each wide receiver brings a different dynamic of playmaking abilities to the position which gives tons of versatility in the offense. Jeffrey coming off a torn rotator cuff should be available for week one. Philly ranked (3rd) in offense for the season and finished numero uno in touchdown passes thrown. The Eagles defense lost several players (DE Vinny Curry, DT Beau Allen) but bought back the majority of their roster including DE Brandon Graham (9.5) and DT Fletcher Coz (5.5) sacks respectively. Philadelphia went out and added a couple of Super Bowl vets to the roster (DE Michael Bennett, DT Haloti Ngata) to already sure fire defense. A Jim Schwartz defense that ranked (4th) in yards allowed and (1st) against the run only allowing (79.2) rushing yards per game to opposing opponents. Philadelphia had (19) interceptions last season and brings back continuity to a secondary returning all majority of their starters led by S Malcolm Jenkins, CB Rodney McLeod, and CB Jalen Mills. With former offensive coordinator Frank Reich headed to take the head coaching gig in Indy, the offense may taper off a bit, but I believe if Wentz returns healthy, Pederson will have them back in the top (10) in offensive categories no matter who is the new OC. The road atop of the NFC East won't be as easy as last season for the Eagles. 2018 PREDICTION - (11-5)

ARRIVALS - MICHAEL BENNETT, MIKE WALLACE, HALOTI NGATA
DEPARTURES - VINNY CURRY, BEAU ALLEN, TORREY SMITH, TREY BURTON, LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, BRENT CELEK, PATRICK ROBINSON

WASHINGTON: Goodbye to the Kirk Cousins era, welcome the Alex Smith tenure. The 13 year vet takes his talents to his 3rd NFL team. Smith is coming off his best season of his career. Smith threw for over (4,042) yards and (26) TDs and (5) INTs. Unlike Cousins, Smith is a bit more of a game manager and will likely have less turnovers than Cousins. Smith has proven to be a consistent regular season QB won (50) games in Kansas City over a 5 year career with the Chiefs. Cousins era may have ended and the Jay Gruden era may be over quicker than we think too. Gruden has a less than subpar record with just (1) playoff appearance during his four years in the nations capital. Now he gets a crack at another QB he hopes to change the culture in DC. That would start with the running game first. Washington ranked (28th) in rushing a year ago, so you can see why they drafted RB Derrius Guice out of LSU. Guice who has been injury prone during college, fell to the 2nd round where the Redskins picked him. However when healthy his skills are undeniable. Guice however was injured in the first preseason game tearing his ACL. Besides his (1,251) rush yards and (11) touchdowns last season, while in 2016 starting just in (6) games but playing in all (12) behind Leonard Fournette; Guice led the SEC in rushing, so the raw talent is there. RB Samaje Perrine and RB Chris Thompson will look to split duties in another running back by committee event due to the recent injury to Guice. Washington hasn't had a receiver reach (1,000) yards since Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson did so back in 2016. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder remains from that team and could be the next closest receiver to reach that mark. Paul Richardson comes over from Seattle but his smaller frame poses no major threat but as a deep threat for Washington. Washington signs Richardson over on a ($40 million) dollar contract. WR Josh Doctson led the team with (6) touchdowns and is line for the #2 position at wide out as they hope is in position to make the next leap at receiver. However this isn't taking down Philadelphia in the NFC East nor bring any fear to opposing defenses. Vernon Davis had his best season in 2009 with (13) touchdowns, his QB then - Alex Smith. While word is kept quietly that TE Jordan Reed is feeling better and on his road to recovery from multiple toe surgeries. Reed has now missed 16 games in the last (3) seasons alone. When healthy is a capable of being one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Wasn't to long ago in 2015 when Reed accumulated (87 rec, 952 yards, 11 TDs) for Washington as they won the NFC East that season. Being said the tight end position has always been a vital part of the advancement of Smith's career (Davis - SF / Kelce - KC) and his progression as a quarterback. Offensive lineman Trent Williams is another player who can't stay healthy. The all pro left tackle is one of the best but was limited to (10) games in 2017 due to knee issues. Washington was at the near bottom in total defense and dead last against the run. Washington has went defense over their last (2) first round draft picks. Both defensive lineman from Alabama. DT Jonathan Allen will be back off a foot injury that led him to miss the 2017 season and DT Daron Payne this season, another Tide product. Both players selected (17th) and (13th) over the last two seasons and look to solidify that defensive line. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had nothing to do with those woeful statistics though. The seasoned Kerrigan totaled up (13) sacks last season and now (3) out of his last (4) seasons Kerrigan has posted double-digit sack numbers. Safety DJ Swearinger led the team with (4) interceptions last season. Washington ranked in the top (10) in interceptions in 2017 and (8th) in passing defense allowing just (213.6) passing yards a game. S'ua Cravens tenure is over in Washington as they bring over Orlando Scandrick from divisional rival Dallas to fill in some voids in the secondary. The Redskins is banking on a production spike in CB Josh Norman. Norman who banked in on the Redskins had (0) interceptions following his first season with the team he had (3). Washington is a couple playmakers away on both sides of the ball to be postseason ready. Losing Sean McVay as OC last season was a huge impact in the way Washington handles things offensively. I do not know how much time Jay Gruden has before owner Daniel Snyder reaches into his wallet to pay another head coach to try and lead his Washington team back into contention. 2018 PREDICTION - (5-11)

ARRIVALS - ALEX SMITH, ORLANDO SCANDRICK, PAUL RICHARDSON, DERRIUS GUICE, DARON PAYNE

DEPARTURES - KIRK COUSINS, KENDALL FULLER, TERRELLE PRYOR, S'UA CRAVENS, BASHAUD BREELAND, TRENT MURPHY

NFC EAST ANALYSIS: Ezekiel Elliott will run wild and hard once again for Dallas and may lead the league in rushing, but they will need a lot more help including a decisive option as your number 1 receiver. Defensively they have gaps and off the field distractions are not always a good look. I like David Irving however on defense with that young secondary. Washington will be better defensively but how much with shaky secondary action. The health at running back and the lack of consistency in the receiving core won't help Alex Smith. Jordan Reed health concerns? Remember, Jay Gruden is a good QB developer but he is not the QB whisperer like Andy Reid now. The New York Giants will be tremendously better and will be flirting with a wild card position. Saquan Barkley will be the best athlete on the field is a given, best NFL player each week? I just believe the loss of JPP (8.5) sacks on the defensive line and some faults on the offensive line could be costly but overall they could be in line for a quick turnaround. I picked Philly to win the division again. I believe their depth across the board will prevail again. They plugged in pieces that they lost on both sides of the ball. QB situation after coming off surgery and the backup a SB MVP, makes you ponder. Losing offensive coordinator Frank Reich will hurt, however Philly will be the first team to win the NFC East in consecutive seasons since they ran through the division from (2001-2004).

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA: The Atlanta Falcons are two years removed from the cusps of a Super Bowl victory are determined to get back. That depends a lot on the arm of newly paid QB Matt Ryan. Ryan signed a (5 year - $150  million) dollar contract extension with $100 million of that contract in guaranteed money. Just when you thought Ryan and the Falcons broke the bank, the Falcons found some more money stashed and gave left tackle Jake Matthews $75 million, safety Ricardo Allen they locked up and ultimately made wide receiver Julio Jones happy by adding $2.9 million to his base for 2018. Falcons owner Arthur Blank reiterates that Jones will remain "A Falcon for life." Good news for Falcon fans, however some better news will be with some better play calling. Atlanta offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian returns in his second stint calling plays for an offense that was breaking records just a couple seasons ago. Atlanta went from (1st) to (15th) in total offense from 2016 to 2017. Matt Ryan had (38) touchdowns in 2016 and look to replicate that this season. History has it, Ryan has been excellent in his second season with a new OC. Matty Ice posted his seventh straight (4,000) yard passing season and has been pretty reliable pertaining to being on the field missing just (2) games in his (10) seasons under center for the Falcons. Durability you cannot take away from Ryan. The Falcons duo of running backs should be back at full strength with their combo of thunder/lightning - Devonta Freeman/Tevin Coleman. Each back provides their own style of play that compliments the other. Freeman due to injury missed rushing for (1,000) yards in three consecutive seasons with (865 yards / 7 TDs). While his compliment Coleman ran for (628 yards / 5 TDs). Their running attack should keep teams honest and help in the receiving game. Atlanta goes from (3rd - pass / 5th - rush) in 2016 to (8th - pass / 13th - rush) in 2017. Same cast just the difference between Kyle Shanahan running the offense and Steve Sarkisan controlling it was like night and day. WR Julio Jones achieved his 4th consecutive (1,000) yard season. However lack of production in scoring as well as ongoing lingering injuries have hindered their star wide receiver. Just (9) total touchdowns over the last two seasons including just (3) total touchdowns a season ago is not ideal for one of the if not top wide receivers in the game. Atlanta drafted WR Calvin Ridley with their first round draft pick. The former Alabama standout racked up (224 rec, 2,271 yards, 19 TDs) during his time with Tide. With Ridley in the fold, who I believe can have a monster season with all the attention going to Julio Jones, Ridley may surpass Mohammad Sanu (703 rec yards / 5 TDs) in 2017, as the teams #2 receiver behind Jones. Tight end Austin Hooper will look to improve heading into this season. Although his stats were more improved from his first season (49 rec / 526 yards / 3 TDs), the tight end has been a vital part of keeping the Atlanta offense rolling and Hooper can help benefit off heavy coverages on their primary pass catching players. Head coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff both received contract extensions and rightfully they should. Behind Dimitroff the Falcons have drafted some all pros on both sides of the ball especially on defense. Big paydays are coming up for the core of youth talent they have. Takk McKinley looks to make his leap in his second season, while moving Vic Beasley to defensive end should propel Beasley into double-digit sack numbers again. Beasley recorded a team and NFL high (15.5) sacks in 2016. Linebacker Deion Jones led the team in tackles (138 - 91 solo)and interceptions (3). While DT Grady Jarrett looks to man the middle with rookie 3rd round pick Deadrin Senat. Beasley moving to the defensive line gives that extra support on that front. Safety Keanu Neal was second on the team in tackles earning his first pro bowl nod. Being said with their secondary returning to full strength and with everyone healthy; (Desmond Trufant) included and looks to get back to the all pro corner that he is. Majority of the defensive is all but returning as starters. Pleasing to defensive coach Marquand Manuel in year two manning the defense. Alongside their youth of talent, Manuel helped elevate a Falcons defense that went from (27th) ranking in 2016 giving up (25.4) points per game to (8th) a season ago allowing only (19.7) points per. On paper the sky is the limit for the Birds. 2018 PREDICTIONS: - (12-4)

ARRIVALS - JUSTIN BETHEL, CALVIN RIDLEY, RON PARKER
DEPARTURES - DONTARI POE, DERRICK SHELBY, LEVINE TOILOLO

CAROLINA: Every time the Panthers have a double-digit win season it never fails for them to have a losing record the following and miss the playoffs. Except that one weird season where three of the NFC South teams were all vying for the title and the 4th playoff seed with the Panthers edging out with the "impressive" (7-8-1) record. What makes this season any different? CAM NEWTON. The Panthers actually will get a different Cam Newton.  From the looks of things. Yes, Cam will still have is effect on the fans and a know how to light up a crowd, but it will not take away from the team, especially if the team is winning. Cam help lead the Panthers to an (11-5) record in a brutal NFC South. Carolina and New Orleans both tied ended the season with at (11-5) with the Saints owning the tie-breaker. Newton comes off a below average passing season by my standards. A little over (3,000) yards passing, (22) TDs but (16) INTs. His ability to use his legs helped Newton lead the Panthers in rushing with (754) yards to go along with (6) touchdowns. The Panthers ranked (4th) in rushing a season ago by averaging (131.4) per game. However with starting right tackle Daryl Williams suffering a torn MCL in practice and offensive lineman Andrew Norwell leaving in free agency, could possibly spell more hits, sacks, and turnovers coming from the Panthers QB with an unstable offensive line. In 2017 Newton accounted for (25) turnovers himself alone. The 2017 season was a turnover prone year and ball security will be a must for the star moving forward. Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is gone, so now the feature back is 2nd year RB Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey the (8th) overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft rushed for (435) yards alongside (80) receptions for (651) yards and (7) total touchdowns. Carolina head coach Ron Rivera was caught saying he wants McCaffrey touching the ball (25-30) times, double his workload of last season. His stature in size and durability will ultimately determine how long and how much the Panthers work him. He alongside newly Panther RB CJ Anderson who comes over from the Broncos, and between the two, they should carry the bulk of the rushing responsibilities in 2018. Two-time SB Champ WR Torrey Smith adds some veteran leadership to the wide receiving core, who has drafted two wide receivers in the first (2) rounds the last 2 seasons including WR DJ Moore this season 24th overall. Devin Funchess I believe will have a (1,000) yard (85)+ reception season for Carolina. Funchess was on the other end of (840) receiving yards and (8) touchdowns in 2017. On defense Carolina was just ranked outside the top ten at (11) in total defense last season. Their defense will begin the season without 14 year veteran and locker room leader LB Thomas Davis. Davis suspended by the NFL the first four games of the season for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. However, LB Luke Kuechly is more than capable of keeping the defense in tact until Davis returns. The once back to back NFL Defensive Player of the Year, (DPOY), led his team in tackles (125) to go along with (3) interceptions last season. Defensive line play was stout as always with DE Mario Addison and DE Julius Peppers both recording (11) sacks each in 2017. Addison has tallied (20.5) sacks over the last (2) seasons as he seems to get better the older he gets. He has increased his sack total each of the last (3) seasons. Meanwhile Peppers in season (17) just keeps adding to his career sack total (154.5) and should catch Hall of Famer Kevin Greene for third this season if all goes well. They ranked (3rd ) against the run which has been a staple over the past several seasons, however secondary play was and still is a little suspect. That is where that front seven should pick up the slack hoping to create enough pressure to where the secondary doesn't have to fail. Speaking of picking up the slack, Norv Turner comes in as the new offensive coordinator which Panthers fans are hoping will bring some stellar play out of their quarterback. Turner aims to get Cam completion ratio at a career high, and with a healthy Greg Olsen at TE; Olsen looks to get back to All-Pro level which includes three consecutive (1,000) yard seasons until last season. The Panthers pride themselves on running the ball well and defense, an upgrade for Cam will just be an extra wrinkle in the offense for opposing defenses. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (11-5)

ARRIVALS - TORREY SMITH, DONTARI POE, JARIUS BYRD, DJ MOORE, CJ ANDERSON
DEPARTURES - JONATHAN STEWART, ED DICKSON, ANDREW NORWELL, STAR LOTULELI, KURT COLEMAN

NEW ORLEANS: 10 SECONDS. That is all it took for the Saints Super Bowl aspirations to disappear. Marcus Williams missed tackle, Stefon Diggs 61 yards to the house, and NO TIME REMAINING. That is how the New Orleans Saints 2017 season ended. Being said, the Saints had a season for the ages. After three consecutive losing seasons at (7-9) they managed to win the NFC South in a tight race that came down to the final weeks with a (11-5) record. New Orleans got back to the formula that helped them win a Super Bowl in 2009. They mixed up the pass/run which leaned on some talented youth on both ends of the ball. 10th overall draft pick CB Marshon Lattimore and the 3rd round steal of RB Alvin Kamara, solidified spots at running back and cornerback. Lattimore led all rookies with (5) interceptions in only 13 games. Kamara seemed to be on video game mode during the season. Kamara racked up (1,554) total scrimmage yards and (14 TDs - 8 rush/5 pass). Both Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore took rookie honors of top offensive and defensive rookie during 2017. Goes to show you how well New Orleans drafted in 2017. Kamara added his punch with RB Mark Ingram who will be serving a 4 games suspension to begin the season very well. Ingram earned a Pro Bowl nod on his way to (1,124) yards and (12) TDs. The Saints flirted with Adrian Peterson but it didn't work, but this combo of toughness and speed deemed well for the Saints. Both running backs bring their own version of splash into a fire power Saints offense. New Orleans was (4th) overall in total offense scoring (28.0) points per game. That balance of run/pass keeps defenses on honest and keeps sustainability in their aging but aging gracefully quarterback. The Saints dominated nearly all offensive categories including We been almost the whole subject without mentioning the future HOF'er at QB Drew Brees. Brees now (39) years old in his 18th season (13 with NOLA) had his highest completion percentage of his career while only throwing for (23 TDs - 8 INTs) and a personal low (4,334) passing yards. Sometimes less is best, especially at this juncture in Brees career. Those backs to go with WR Michael Thomas back to back (1,000) yard seasons are a huge reason New Orleans ranked (4th in points, 2nd in total off, and 5th in run/pass offense) in 2017. Besides Lattimore on the defensive side, New Orleans did draft CB Marcus Williams in the 2nd round a season ago. Don't let Williams blunder in the NFC Divisional Round make you forget he was second in tackles on the team in his first full NFL season. Defensive end Cam Jordan is as polished as ever, with his (13) sacks he led the Saints in that category. Only downfall the next closest Saints player in sacks had just (4.5) so additional pressure on the QB will be needed. One thing I did find out that the Saints were tied for (7th) with 42 sacks on the season even with Jordan leading the way with sacks. LB Demario Davis comes over after the Jets let him go. Davis will help to bring some more help in the sack column as he tallied up over (120 tackles / 5 sacks) last year during his time in New York. With that in consideration, that is why I can only assume the Saints moved up 13 spots to take DE Marcus Davenport out of UT-San Antonio. Felt like they may have reached but Davenport a hybrid type at (6'6, 264 lbs) has upside and with his (4.58- 40 yard dash) time and that size, it is what New Orleans needs to keep up with these gun slingers in the NFC South. That is a task in itself. To keep this 10 theme going. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (10-6)

ARRIVALS - CAM MEREDITH, KURT COLEMAN, SHANE VEREEN
DEPARTURES - KENNY VACCARRO

TAMPA BAY: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have been one of the more aggressive teams during free agency this year. Optimism in the air until a (3) game suspension handed to the franchise QB to begin the season. Jamies Winston allegedly groped an Uber driver in a sexual or inappropriate manner back in March of 2016. Winston now faces his consequences of his actions, yet again. Winston only played in 13 games a season ago due to injuries but as the franchise QB he has lacked the leadership you would want on/off the field. Now QB Ryan Fitzpatrick who went (2-1) last season under helm will start the season at quarterback for the Bucs. Fitzpatrick is a journeyman but Tampa seemed to respond well to Fitz play last season. Opening with a brutal schedule (@NOLA, PHI, PIT) to begin a season is not what the doctor ordered. QB Jameis Winston passed for (3,504) yard and (19 TDs / 11INTs) in 2017. Even though Winston interceptions are going down he has still thrown for (18 - 2016 / 15 - 2017, 11 - 2018). However offensively they finished (4th) in the NFL in passing yards averaging (272.9)  passing yards per game. While their running game has been absolute. The Bucs running attack ranked (27th - 2017 / 24th - 2016) and hopefully a run by committee will improver this category. Tampa Bay offense is ready for the next level while their are some questions on their defense. Especially on the defensive end where the Bucs ranked 23rd in total defense but dead last in total yards given up (378.1) and passing yards given up (260.6) per game. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul a South Florida native brings his talents and leadership qualities to a Bucs team in need of it. JPP may be getting on the downward end of his career however still managed (8.5) sacks last year, which led the team. DE Vinny Curry and DT Beau Allen bring over a championship mentality a year removed from winning it with Philly. Their additions should help improve on the defensive front. A healthy Kwon Alexander and Lavontae David at linebacker could be lethal. The duo combined for (146 tackles, 3 INTs, 6 forced fumbles, and TD) in barely (12) games of play last season. They could easily be noticed as one of the top tandems at LB on a winning team. Most were thinking safety Derwin James was the move to draft given the Bucs horrific secondary, however they stacked the defensive line more with Vita Vea out of Washington. Vea is a huge defensive tackle to plug in the middle beside All Pro Gerald McCoy. McCoy now in his (9th) season led the Bucs with (6) sacks, meanwhile Tampa had a league low (22) sacks as a team. The Bucs defensive line also gets back defensive ends William Gholston off injury and Noah Spence who has yet to breakthrough like the team expects. That secondary needs some major help. CB Brent Grimes returning on a one year deal should help. Grimes about the only consistent player on the Bucs secondary but is an aging veteran and a lot of his best years are long past him. Tampa Bay drafted two secondary players in the top (3) rounds. After drafting defensive tackle in round 1 they looked ahead to the secondary and added depth there. The Bucs took care of TE Cameron Brate (6 year - $40 million) and WR Mike Evans (5 year - $82 million) dollar contracts respectively. Evans will be making $16 million annually after putting up four straight (1,000) yard seasons to open his career the stats back it up. However Evans has only had one (100) yard receiving game in his last (20) starts while he is streaky in touchdowns, as every even year he goes double-digits; this in 2018. Brate has totaled (14) touchdowns in 3 seasons and last years 1st round draft pick OJ Howard can be red zone mismatches for opponents. Another area Tampa needs improvement is in the red zone area. Points left on the board due to poor execution offensively and special teams problems will cause the loss column to add up quickly. On a positive note the Bucs did lose (5) games by five points of less and (3) games by three points or less. Bucs 2nd round draft pick RB Ronald Jones should provide a much needed spark to the rushing department which loss RB Doug Martin to the Raiders and should be collective effort rushing in 2018. Winston has shown he is capable of delivering for the Bucs, it's whether the consistency follows. Tampa Bay still have too many questions and are still about a year away in a tough NFC South. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (6-10)

ARRIVALS - JASON PIERRE-PAUL, VINNY CURRY, BEAU ALLEN, RYAN JENSEN, CHANDLER CATANZARO, MITCH UREIN
DEPARTURES - DOUG MARTIN, ROBERT AYERS, JR SWEEZY, TJ WARD, CLINT MCDONALD

NFC SOUTH ANALYSIS: Tampa Bay has so much going on before the season starts which is never a good sign. The coaching staff is a cancer and the franchise QB may be one too. Toughest schedule in the NFL including that brutal first 3 games. Big seasons for individual stars such as Mike Evans and Kwon Alexander won't be enough, but the Bucs are a coach and player away. New Orleans won the division last year but no one has repeated ever as division champs in the South except for Carolina. Alvin Kamara will be lights out once more and I see Michael Thomas having another big season. I believe their defense is capable of getting better on each level. Drew Brees seems not to be in any decline. However a stretch of 4 games in 5 weeks (@MIN, LAR, PHI, ATL) will determine their postseason fate. Carolina defense has always been strong, I think the offense finally counters that. If the offensive line can hold up majority of the season, that will be a major factor to their success. McCaffrey in his second season, Norv Turner effect on Cam Newton progression and a healthy Greg Olsen could have Carolina sniffing the playoffs yet again. Across the board Atlanta looks like the best team in the division and maybe the conference. Impact players at every level on both sides of the ball as well as continuity. All due respect to the champs, Philadelphia but another set of birds are aiming to take their claim at the top. Drafting well over the past few seasons will pay dividends long term.


NFC WEST

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Rams made it to their first postseason appearance in over a decade and posted an (11-5) record and their first winning season in over a decade as well. This largely due in part to first year head coach Sean McVay. McVay bought over his style of offense from Washington where he was the offensive coordinator for (3) seasons to the west coast and has revamped this Rams offense from worst (32nd - 2016) to (1st - 2017). That tremendous improvement earned McVay NFL coach of the year honors in his first season as head coach. McVay became the youngest head coach at age (31) and with no experience as a head coach, the gamble for the Rams paid off rapidly. His upbeat no huddle, quarterback friendly offense helped transform (2nd) year QB Jared Goff into an all-pro overnight. Goff threw for (3,804) passing yards and (28 TDs to 7 INTs). The Rams added some depth to their offensive line drafting offensive line within their first (2) of their total (11) draft picks. That offensive line led by left tackle Andrew Whitworth is sure to keep Goff upright but as well be the focal point in the evolution of fourth year RB Todd Gurley. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year totaled (2,093) yards from scrimmage and (19) total touchdowns. Gurley was (2nd) in the league in rushing and definitely bounced back from a sophomore slump he experienced in 2016. His performance last season earned him a nice payday for the next few years (4 year - $60 million). Goff also found a nice vibe with fellow wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. The two combined for (1,650) rec yards and (10) touchdowns. They loss Sammy Watkins who led the team in touchdowns a year ago with (8) to Kansas City but picked up WR Brandin Cooks in the process. Cooks more of a reliable wide receiver than Sammy Watkins signed a (5 year - $80 million) dollar extension himself that locks him in LA for some seasons. Cooks can become the first player in NFL history to achieve (1,000) yards seasons with (3) different teams in three consecutive seasons( 2016 - NO [1,173], 2017 - NE [1,082]). Which is easily possible under McVay's offense which Cooks should strive in. How about Wade Phillips defense? Seven of their (11) draft picks were on the defensive side especially in the interior. Los Angeles ranked 28th against the run in 2017 but (12th) overall in total defense. Largely due in part to the large man anchoring the middle DT Aaron Donald. Donald probably the best interior lineman in the NFL is coming off an (11) sack season with (5) forced fumbles has been an all pro (3) out of his first (4) years in the league. They lose DE Robert Quinn (Miami) and LB Alec Ogletree (NYG) in free agency, however added DT Ndamukong Suh from the Dolphins via trade. Many have been critical of Suh and his play or lack their of. Questions arose when the Rams brought over Suh and took on his $14 million dollar hit while paying some other players before taking care of the heart and soul to their defense. Donald is expected to make northward of $100 million when all the dust settles. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips reunites back with CB Aqib Talib. Both Talib and CB Marcus Peters were traded over from Denver and Kansas City respectively. Also adding veteran CB Sam Shields helps solidify the back end of that secondary who lost CB Trumaine Johnson to the Jets. RB Todd Gurley and DT Aaron Donald became the first set of teammates to win NFL offensive and defensive Player of the Year in the same year since Ray Lewis and Jamaal Lewis did it back in 2003 with Baltimore. Good chance for the Rams to repeat, first (4) games all in the sunshine state of California including (3) of them being home games. A stretch in late October early November will test them (@SF, GB, @NOLA, SEA), however this team is loaded and not just with personalities. The Rams have the makings of a repeat as division champs in a much improved NFC West. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (11-5)

ADDITIONS - AQIB TALIB, MARCUS PETERS, BRANDIN COOKS, NDAMUKONG SUH, SAM SHIELDS
DEPARTURES - ALEC OGLETREE, SAMMY WATKINS, ROBERT QUINN, TRUMAINE JOHNSON

SAN FRANCISCO: Act II of the Jimmy Garoppolo show begins with a full season of Jimmy G. Jimmy Garoppolo after a midseason trade, started week 13 for the 49ers and the rest is history. A (5-0) finish for the Niners including, (1,560) passing yards (7 TDs / 5 INTs) and a lofty (5 year - $137 million) for incentives. Nice incentive after a five game sample in the Bay but he seemed to not just won the QB job, but commanded the locker room, won with the fans, and won the hearts of Jon Lynch and the 49ers franchise. Apparently he is winning over hearts outside of football which opened up the flood gates of media attention. Garoppolo learning still, that in becoming the man, the franchise QB, the money involved, that sometimes the limelight isn't as set out as you think it is. Especially your personal life. Back to the football field. Kyle Shanahan will see what he can get out of his QB with a full offseason to work with. Shanahan who had led that Falcons offense soaring in 2016, hopes to resemble something of the stature with this 49ers team. RB Carlos Hyde is off to Cleveland Browns so they bring in RB Jerick McKinon from Minnesota to take over those duties. McKinnon not your typical every down back however may be put into that role this upcoming season. They also added RB Alfred Morris late. Morris who has been a (1,000) yard rusher in his earlier stages of his career with the Redskins, should give San Francisco some type of balance in the backfield. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin led the team with (962) receiving yards and WR Pierre Garcon and TE Garrett Celek look to be the main focal points in the offense. Garcon if he can stay healthy is a viable #2 option for Jimmy G as well as Celek. Celek could have big numbers as Shanahan likes to incorporate the tight end a ton in his offenses. Garoppolo completed (67%) of his passes a year ago during his (7) starts. San Francisco added offensive line help by drafting OT Mike McGlinchey out of Notre Dame with the (9th) overall pick. They also gave Garoppolo another well needed weapon drafting Dante Pettis in the second round. The speedster WR can also be used in special teams. A bit undersized, Pettis was (7th) in the FBS in touchdowns a year ago, but his hands and great route running could make up for minor blemishes. The 49ers offense ranked about middle of the pack when it comes to total offense, but with Jimmy G under center for an entire season, possibilities remain optimistic with a full season under Kyle Shanahan's offense. General manager Jon Lynch and the San Francisco 49ers has been building this defense from the core out. DeForest Bucker, Soloman Thomas, and Rueben Foster lead a talented group of pass rushers in the front seven. Foster finally able to participate in team activities after a long season/offseason of problems. Ranging from illegal weapons charge, marijuana possession, and the latest which the allegations were dropped because of the other woman lying; domestic violence. All but allegations that were soon dismissed, Foster road back to redemption can start on the football week 1, but he has a long ways to go. The Niners also added Richard Sherman to their secondary. Sherman who has spent his entire 7 year career with the Seattle Seahawks brings over the name on the back of the jersey, experience, locker room leader, but most of his skills are diminishing. Coming off an Achilles injury in 2017, Sherman now at the age of 30 probably still has a lot to prove but will be limited. The 49ers secondary gave up (235.2) passing yards per game, (11th) worst in the NFL. Longtime 49er linebacker Navarro Bowman is no longer with the team so Sherman presence will be vital on and off the field for young and coming San Francisco squad. Garoppolo will be good though. Once he got the nod as the starting quarterback for the Niners, their offense went from a bottom tier offense to top (3) during the five game span where he led the 49ers to a (5-0) record. Besides Garoppolo, what do you have? A mediocre running game, no dominant force at receiving and a young crop on defense. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (7-9)




ADDITIONS - JERICK MCKINNON, RICHARD SHERMAN, ALFRED MORRIS
DEPARTURES - CARLOS HYDE, NAVARRO BOWMAN, ELVIS DUMERVIL, ANTOINE BETHEA, ERIC REID

ARIZONA: So long to former head coach Bruce Arians and former QB Carson Palmer. The Arizona Cardinals have moved on from the Bruce Arians tenure where Arians was (49-30) over five seasons in the desert. Now welcome new head coach Steve Wilks and incoming rookie QB Josh Rosen. Wilks known as a defensive minded coach takes over as head man in charge with the Cardinals. Arizona is coming off an (8-8) season, somehow managed to balance (3) quarterbacks due to injuries and other circumstances into a (.500) win season. A lot goes to Arians for holding his team together. Arizona started quarterbacks Carson Palmer, Blaine Gabbert, and Drew Stanton at some point in time throughout the season last year. Not the best way to develop continuity. Not to mention all-pro RB David Johnson season ending during the 3rd quarter of week 1. Johnson dislocated his wrist and was put on season ending IR. This coming off a 2016 season where he led the league in yards from scrimmage with (2,118). This included (1,239) rushing yards and (16) touchdowns. Johnson was posting video game and fantasy stud numbers with his stats in 2016. With Johnson back in the fold this season, it should help take some pressure off whoever is at quarterback. The Cardinals bought in journeyman QB Sam Bradford. Bradford will make $20 million this season, so all likelihood is that he will be the starter week one. QB Mike Glennon comes over from Chicago as well. Glennon more than likely will be the (3rd) string quarterback. With Bradford comes off a knee injury (2 previous ACL surgeries), played just two games a season ago with Minnesota, and Arizona is his 4th team in (8) seasons. Bradford had his best season in 2016 with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing (20 TDs / 5 INTs) while completing (71.2%) of his passes. That season he finished second in QB completion percentage. Being said, he has only played in (80) out of (128) games during his career. So Arizona waited patiently at (10th) overall and on the draft board as they watched QB Josh Rosen out of UCLA fall in totheir lap. Some say Rosen was one of the most pro ready quarterbacks entering the draft. He has a strong arm and very precise with the ball. Rosen comes off as very intellect with a high quarterback IQ. Rosen won't begin the season as the starter however with Bradford's history, he will find himself starting sooner than later. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald returns for his (15th) season and doesn't seem to be slowing down. With the difficulties of last season, Fitz remained the professional that he was and still managed to post (1,156) receiving yards and six touchdowns. This was his 3rd straight (1,000) yard season and productivity will continue to increase for the aging vet. WR Christian Kirk the 2nd round draft pick out of Texas A & M should grab a ton of knowledge from Fitzgerald. Kirk is prime to make a difference on the field as he racked up over (2,800) yards and (26) touchdowns during his time in College Station. Those two alongside WR Bryce Butler from Dallas should be a decent wide out core for the Cards. Defensively the Cardinals did taper off a bit, but DE Chandler Jones didn't. The star defensive end grabbed a league high (17) sacks in 2017, almost half of the teams sack production total. Players like DE Robert Nkemdechi who was a high first round draft pick back in 2016 but has not shown any signs that he has improved nor worth the pick knows he must pick up the slack. Safety Tyrann Mathieu is gone and they lost Tramon Williams who goes back to Green Bay. Seven time Pro Bowler cornerback Patrick Peterson still maintains the stability in the secondary alongside S Budda Baker in year two return to a secondary and defense that lost some key components in one offseason. With inconsistent QB play to begin the season, I see it being hard for the Cardinals bouncing back in a tougher NFC West. David Johnson in the backfield is a plus, but a lot will rely on his shoulders coming off injury. Losing Mathieu and Karlos Dansby, the teams leading tackler a season ago will place Arizona a decline, for at least this upcoming season. 2018 PREDITCIONS - (5-11)

ADDITIONS - SAM BRADFORD, MIKE GLENNON, JOSH ROSEN, CHRISTIAN KIRK, JOSH PUGH
DEPARTURES - TYRANN MATHIEU. KARLOS DANSBY, ADRIAN PETERSON, CARSON PALMER, JARON BROWN, JOHN BROWN, TRAMON WILLIAMS

SEATTLE: After five consecutive seasons of making it to the playoffs, that streak ended last season for the Seattle Seahawks. A (9-7) record, is not the norm for the fans of the great northwest, however it may become it. An overhaul of recognizable faces on a team that predicated itself on defense and the running the ball have changed directions. The team has focused their priorities around quarterback Russell Wilson. QB Russell Wilson heading into year seven knows that a lot of the Seahawks success will ride on the back and shoulders of #3. Wilson has had a busy offseason with that has had nothing to do with football but more of his frequent sightings in the public with wife, singer Ciara. Wilson had career highs in touchdowns (34) and rushing yards (583) during the 2017 season. However his completion percentage was at its lowest in his career. He led the team in rushing which is telling you a lot about a non existing rushing game. Behind an atrocious offensive line, no clear cut running back the whole season made Seattle more predictable then in years past. More times than none, Wilson had to force a throw or make up a play on his own using his legs. So Seattle decided to go offense in the NFL draft and help out their franchise QB by adding a running back, Rashaad Penny. Penny was drafted (27th) overall out of San Diego State. Penny led the nation in rushing (2,248) rushing yards, average (30.6) yards per return on special teams, and was (5th) in the Heisman Trophy race in 2017. At 5'11 he and Wilson stand small behind the line of scrimmage, Penny may lack some explosiveness but he evades defenders with ease and finishes runs strong. For a team that ranked (23rd) in rushing a season ago, Penny should give some new light for Seattle. WR Doug Baldwin was just (9) yards short of his third straight (1,000) yard season. Baldwin's connection with Wilson over the years has been displayed as the two have connected for (29) touchdowns over the past (3) seasons. They added offensive lineman DJ Fluker to assist all pro Duane Brown on the opposite end of the offensive line. Seattle welcomed back JR Sweezy as well who was a Seahawk from (2012-2015) and helped that offensive line battle during the Marshawn Lynch years. Sometimes Seattle used a tight end as an extra blocker to give Wilson as much pass protection as one needed. One tight end that won't be there in 2018 is TE Jimmy Graham. Graham never really paned out the way the Seahawks wanted him to during his tenure with the team. Last season he scored (10) touchdowns, the most he has had since leaving New Orleans. A defense that was (6th) versus the pass a year ago, has nobody but S Earl Thomas who remains, barely. Thomas who is looking for a new contract has been on hold out and is either looking for "pay me or trade me. He is entering the final year of his contract which he is set to be paid ($8.5 million) in 2018 as he seeks a long term extension either in Seattle or some team that wants him. Thomas is last remaining leg of the "Legion of Boom". CB Richard Sherman coming off an Achilles injury departed for San Francisco, S Kam Chancellor retired, and DE Michael Bennett who led the team in sacks is a Philadelphia Eagle. The likes of linebacker Bobby Wagner who led the team in tackles for consecutive seasons and KJ Wright are just about the only remains of that Super Bowl caliber defense and will man the linebacker position. DE Dion Jordan will look to fill the void left by Bennett. Jordan was traded from Miami to the Seahawks last year as he will try to add to his sack total from a year ago. Seattle ranked (13th) in defense. As well as the emergence Shaquill Griffin the older brother of Shaquem Griffin. Shaquill will start at corner this season while his brother, drafted in the 5th round coming off an undefeated and career season at UCF, Shaqueem looks to overcome his disability of his left arm being amputated at the age of 4. No tears for Griffin as his road to endure adversity and take it one with all smiles is the feel good story the NFL needs. Seattle still has a lot of work on its plate for the upcoming season. Keeping Russell Wilson upright and not scrambling for his life is to begin with. Improving that 23rd rank rushing attack, as they have not had a (1,000) yard rusher since Marshawn Lynch in 2014.  Tough sledding for the rookie Penny. Secondary is unknown and besides the linebacker core. Pete Carroll tenure running out? Who will get pressure on the QB? Dynasties don't last forever . 2018 PREDICTIONS - (6-10)

ARRIVALS - JR SWEEZY, DJ FLUKER,ED DICKSON, JARON BROWN, MARKEVIOUS BINGO 
DEPARTURES - JIMMY GRAHAM, MICHAEL BENNETT, KAM CHANCELLOR, RICHARD SHERMAN, PAUL RICHARDSON, LUKE WILLSON, SHELDON RICHARDSON, CLIFF AVRIL

NFC WEST ANALYSIS: Arizona comes out of the gates with concerns at QB and offensive line. Granite they do have David Johnson to hand the ball off too, you don't want to rush him back to early either coming off injury. Defense will take a decline. Inconsistent play at QB will be noticeable. The Seahawks are in the midst of a decline. An era over unless they try to salvage it over the next two seasons. Leadership and proven voices in and out the locker room are gone from the Seattle team. Once feared Century Link Field used to be a nightmare for opposing QBs and teams, not anymore with a suspect defense and lack of run game. San Francisco sure did drink the Jimmy G juice up fast, did you taste it? Reality now as a full year will be under his belt at starting QB, where the verdict will definitely be out? A young defense with a weak rushing attack to go with an abysmal of wide outs, keeps you middle of the pack. The Rams are looking to good on paper. Revitalized defensive front and secondary. New toys for Jared Goff disposal. Nice contract extensions for incoming and current players on LA roster. Big concerns for Aaron Donald pay day. Some big names that bring star power would only be fit for the Rams to bring the talent and drama to Los Angeles. Tougher this year for the Rams but I see them taking the division once more.


NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY: When QB Aaron Rodgers is under center it is a good look for the NFL but most importantly for the Green Bay Packers. The moment Vikings LB Anthony Barr slammed QB Aaron Rodgers into the turf on October 15th, Packer Nation all but died. A broken collarbone was the diagnosis and (8) straight postseason appearances for the Packers snapped, as well as their first losing season since 2008, which was Rodgers third season in the league. Rodgers is coming off a career high, throwing (40) touchdowns in 2016 was prime to lead Green Bay deep into the postseason for 2017. WR Jordy Nelson has accounted for (27) touchdowns over the last two seasons, however the Packers let Aaron Rodgers favorite target just go into free agency. Nelson was coming off three straight seasons recording (1,000) yards receiving joins the Raiders. The likes of WR Davante Adams will look to be Rodgers #1 target in 2018. Adams still searching for his first (1,000) yard season of his career but has accumulated (22) TDs in the last two seasons and has a way of finding the end zone. This also may help with WR Randall Cobb find his light back in this Packers offense again. Cobb will look to see at least (100) targets thrown his way. In a season which should be his most productive yet. With the departure of Nelson, Green Bay did steal away TE Jimmy Graham who I believe will salvage the last bit of his career if healthy. Graham on the back end of his career now, has another QB that can get him the ball and I like Graham's opportunity to capitalize from that (10) touchdown season a year ago with Seattle by having a similar season with the Packers. As Green Bay looks to get back to scoring (27.0 ppg), seven points higher in 2016 than last season abysmal (20.0 ppg). A collective bunch of backs last season spearheaded the Packers rushing attack. No clear cut favorite as they were converting WRs to RBs. Second year player Jamaal Williams seems to be the leader of an undermanned rushing attack. Hopefully more balance from this group in 2018 will give Rodgers more time in new offensive coordinator Joe Philbin's offense. A offense that without Rodgers was ranked (21st) in 2017, with Rodgers under center the Packers have never been worst than (15th). Clay Matthews now a wildly vet, still has some dog left in the tank. The 32 year old led the team in sacks with (7.5), however a constant battle with injuries has limited Matthews time on the field. He alongside safety Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix who was (2nd) on the team in tackles will hope to upgrade and elevate a modestly decent defense. No flashy names just a group that needs to improve. CB Tramon Williams returns back to Green Bay, where he spent his first (8) seasons of his career at. The Packers have been trying to revamp that secondary and have a core of youth that seems to have a optimism in the tundra. Last year Green Bay drafted CB Kevin King 33rd overall and S Josh Jones in the second round. While this season drafting CB Jaire Alexander and CB Josh Jackson 18th and 45th respectively shows the direction the team is headed. A nice mesh between veteran and young players for newly defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Pettine takes over for Dom Capers who led the Packers defense as DC for nine seasons. With veterans like Williams and Clinton-Dix mentoring and assisting the new players this should be a better overall defense that ranked (22nd) versus the pass and (25th overall) while only forcing (10 fumbles and 11 interceptions) a season ago. Aaron Rodgers back and healthy means the whole league needs to watch out. Granite Green Bay is still a work in progress between the running game and new pieces on defense. However, Green Bay has won (5) of the last (7) NFC North crowns, lets make that (6) of the last (8). 2018 PREDICTIONS - (12-4)

ADDITIONS - JIMMY GRAHAM, DAVON HOUSE, TRAMON WILLIAMS, MARCEDES LEWIS, DESHON KIZER
DEPARTURES - JORDY NELSON, TJ LANG, SAM SHIELDS, MARTELLUS BENNETT, MORGAN BURNETT

MINNESOTA: Fresh off their 2nd NFC North title in 3 seasons, the Minnesota Vikings look to keep progressing in a division where they have recently found ways of knocking on the Packers heels. Luck and fortune has been on their side including the "Minneapolis Miracle" - the 61 yard TD heave from then Vikings QB Case Keenum to WR Stefon Diggs to beat New Orleans in the divisional round. Then, Aaron Rodgers got hurt last season, but you can't take away from the defense 5th year head coach Mike Zimmer has masterpiece in Minneapolis. Same defense that knocked Rodgers out for the season. The past (3) seasons the purple people eaters have ranked in top 10 in total defense. Coming off a conference title game appearance, the time is now for the Vikings to win. Last season alone, they ranked 1st in scoring defense (15.8 ppg), 1st in total yards given up, just (275.9 ppg), 2nd in pass defense giving up (192.4) passing yards per game while only allowing just (83.6) rush yards per game which was 2nd in the NFL. That is outrageous for a defense that is young and clicking on all cylinders. Defensive end Everson Griffin led the team in sacks with (13). Safety Harrison Smith had (5) interceptions alongside CB Xavier Rhoades who took on most all elite receivers they played each Sunday locked down the leagues best defense. With the Vikings defense looking to continue their steady production, the offense has a few new wrinkles in it. After starting week 1 with Sam Bradford then transitioning to Case Keenum after Bradford went down due to injury, eventually paned out well for Minnesota at quarterback. QB Teddy Bridgewater was still rehabbing and Keenum took full advantage of the opportunity at hand. Keenum posted career numbers with (22 TDs / 7 INTs - 67% completion rat) in route to his first pro bowl and which we then thought could be a tenure with the Vikes. However Keenum is what he is, a glorified backup who now has been given to reigns to prosper as a starter. Just not in Minneapolis. In come Kirk Cousins over from Washington. Cousins a 3 year starter was (26-30-1) over his time in the nations capital. Cousins signs a massive (3 year - $84 million) dollar deal after a subpar season with the Redskins. His contract is fully guaranteed. Cousins has more weapons at his disposal than in Washington. The return of RB Dalvin Cook is one. Cook had rushed for (354 yards / 2 TDs) in 4 games before going down to season ending ACL surgery. Cook will look to prosper off a Vikings rushing attack which ranked (7th) even without Cook. Largely due in part to the combo backs of returning RB Latavius Murray (842 rush yards / 8 TDs) and RB Jerick McKinnon who departed for San Francisco. Cook countered with Murray should definitely see instant success. Stefon Diggs fresh off his touchdown that saved and rocked US Bank Stadium agrees to a (5 year - $72 million) extension. Though Diggs has not recorded a (1,000) yard season not (100) catches in a season, the Vikings assumed now was the time to give him this extension. Diggs with WR Adam Thielen (91 rec / 1,276 yards) and TE Kyle Rudolph (8 TDs) helped propel Minnesota offense to a top 10 caliber. Minnesota has (13) players under contact until 2020, (Cousins, Cook, Griffin, Rhoades, Smith). However the Vikings have not been to consecutive playoff appearances under Zimmer during his tenure. The defense will be full throttle again, placing Kirk Cousins with Case Keenum looks good from afar, yet time will tell if Cousins and company will gel fast enough in year one. I just do not like Cousins as the man in Minnesota, he has came up short when it has mattered most in clutch moments. For that, no Minneapolis Miracle this year. 2018 PREDICITIONS - (10-6)

ARRIVALS - KIRK COUSINS, KENDALL WRIGHT, TREVOR SEIMIAN, SHELDON RICHARDSON
DEPARTURES - JERICK MCKINNON, CASE KEENUM, SAM BRADFORD, TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, TREMAINE BROCK

DETROIT: Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes over as head coach for Detroit and replaces Jim Caldwell who had been there the last 4 seasons. Patricia leaves New England after six successful seasons in Foxbourough. Patricia bought over his own baggage to the Motor City as allegations of sexual assault re-surfaced from 1996. Most of it remained quiet, however the laundry still lingers. Detroit brings over offensive lineman TJ Lang from rival Green Bay to help solidify that offensive line. Lang who has been hobbled by a hip injury should bring some more toughness to the Lions offensive front. An offensive line that has been mediocre over the last part of a decade. He alongside fellow newcomer RB Lagarrette Blount look to change a rushing culture in Detroit where they were dead last in rushing with (76.3) yards per contest in 2017. The Lions went offense in the first 2 rounds of the draft, with center Frank Ragnow and running back Kerryon Johnson. Johnson who has proven he can carry the load at running back in a tough SEC conference during college will get his chance with the Lions, just durability concerns me. While Ragnow will get plugged right into that center position opening week. They also bring back  RB Theo Riddick and RB Ameer Abdullah back for lots of depth at the position. A position that really hasn't seen much success for the Lions since Reggie Bush ran for (1,006) rushing yards back in 2013. Franchise QB Matt Stafford now in his 10th season, controlled the ball better with limiting his turnovers over the past two seasons. Stafford threw for (4,446) yards and (29 TDs / 10 INTs). Offensive coordinator Jim BobCooter now in his third season continues to have his hand on grooming Stafford post Calvin Johnson era. Stafford has now thrown for at least (4,000) yards in (7) of his (9) NFL seasons. The Lions were tanked (7th) in total offense scoring (25.6) points per game a season ago. A lot of that credit is due to their aerial attack ranking (6th) in passing offense. Detroit had their second tandem at wide receiver to both eclipse (1,000) yards receiving in a single season. Golden Tate (1,003 / 5 TDs) and Marvin Jones Jr. (1,101 / 9 TDs) were the first Detroit Lions players to do that since Tate and Calvin Johnson achieved it in 2014. Both Tate and Jones Jr. are an underrated talent at wide out that helped the Lions to a (7th) ranked offense. Also the development of their 3rd wide receiver Kenny Golladay could push this passing offense to new heights. They added depth to the tight end position with TE Luke Willson from Seattle. Willson will emerge as the top tight end entering the season Especially after the Lions lost both TE Darren Fells and long time Lion TE Eric Ebron. Detroit had (19) interceptions which was 4th in the NFL in 2017. First time pro bowler CB Darius Slay was a ball hawk, tied with a league leading (8) interceptions on the season. Glover Quin at safety was a havoc in the secondary as well. Being said they ranked (27th) against the pass, something Patricia will hope to erase in his first season as head coach. Defensive lineman Sylvester Williams joins the Lions defensive front after losing DT Haloti Ngata to the defending world champion Eagles. Williams will help DE Ezekiel Ansah improve from his (12) sack season a year ago. Ansah is something to figure out as he has a big year than taper off the next. So a decline in numbers seems eminent in 2018, however the Lions hope not. With Patricia taking over, I believe a new culture is in place for the future for the Lions as they look for their first postseason win since the NFL-AFL merger. Being said two consecutive seasons at (9-7) has been good but I slight decrease in 2018 for Detroit. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (7-9) 

ADDITIONS - LAGARRETTE BLOUNT, TJ LANG, LUKE WILLSON, LEVINE TOILOLO, SYLVESTER WILLIAMS
DEPARTURES - HALOTI NGATA, ERIC EBRON, DARREN FELLS, DJ HAYDEN

CHICAGO: Former Chicago Bears head coach John Fox just won only (14) games during three seasons as the Bears head coach so a change was necessary. Under Fox the offense ranked in the bottom half while some of his late game mismanagement watch the Bears lose five games a season ago by a touchdown or less. No consistency under the Fox tenure made Chicago front office staff make the change bringing in Matt Nagy, the former Chiefs offensive coordinator. One consistency with the 2017 Chicago Bears team was their approach on defense. The Bears defense ranked (8th) overall a season ago. Most of their statistics were in the top 10 the whole season. Green Bay tried to steal cornerback Kyle Fuller away. At the last minute the Bears gave Fuller a (4 year - $56 million) dollar extension which keeps one of their primary secondary defenders locked in for the future. Fuller as well as last years draft pick Leonard Floyd look to get this Bears defense ahead of the curve once more. Floyd managed (4.5) sacks in just (10) games of action last season due to a knee injury. Chicago once more went defense in the first round, while taking another Georgia Bulldog in LB Roquan Smith. The linebacker is smart, gifted athletically, and can cover in the open field. Smith is at odds with negotiations with management and trying to protect himself and his earnings with the new NFL helmet rule. Smith has already missed part of training camp which is not a good look for all parties concerned. Smith has finally locked in his rookie deal with the Bears apparently this weekend. Linebacker Danny Trevathan led Chicago in tackles on a Bears defense that should have a lot of continuity to go with their consistent scheme for the upcoming season. There (42) sacks ranked 7th in 2017. The Bears gave up a lot reaching for second year QB Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky was drafted 1st overall in 2017. He started (12) games last season going (4-8), however a lack of playmakers and of course rookie mistakes were seen in year one. Trubisky earned his first start in week 5 after the Bears moved on from QB Mike Glennon after taking on a pricey contract to grab him just the year before. The young Trubisky does have optimism on his side with who he is handing the ball off too. Running back Jordan Howard in his 3rd season rushed for (1,122) yards and (9) touchdowns. He alongside 2nd year RB Tarik Cohen (370 rush / 370 rec) yards were a nasty 1-2 punch in the windy city. Cohen a North Carolina A & T product was a kick return and punt return specialists dream. As for Howard, he reeled off back to back (1,000) yard rushing seasons to begin his NFL career. Lack of production from the wide receiving core doomed the Bears offense. They was dead last (32nd) in passing yards per game. Additions of WR Allen Robinson, TE Trey Burton, and WR Taylor Gabriel should help out the young QB this season. Robinson when healthy can put up huge numbers like in 2015, (1400 rec yards / 14 TDs). Robinson provides a true number one receiver for Trubisky. While Burton provides flexibility and a security outlet for Trubisky and Gabriel's speed should keep catch some defenders by surprise. Chicago offense will improve under Nagy compared to Fox and drastically in his first season as head coach. The Bears ranked (23rd - 2015), (28th - 2016), and (29th - 2017) under Fox and the only way is up for the Bears. How far up? Patience is a virtue Bears fans. 2018 PREDICTIONS - (5-11)

ADDITIONS - ALLEN ROBINSON, TREY BURTON, TAYLOR GABRIEL
DEPARTURES - CAM MEREDITH, MIKE GLENNON, KENDALL WRIGHT


NFC NORTH ANALYSIS: Detroit is trying to bounce back after a couple (9-7) seasons. Jim Caldwell calm demeanor has been replaced by Matt Patricia more vocal approach. Hopefully that will translate on the field. Detroit brought in help for the offensive line and rushing. Defense will be ok but not as good as last season. The Bears are still growing into the contender they are trying to be behind the young franchise QB in Mitchell Trubisky. Tandem at running back should keep defenses honest, however options to at receiver are a mystery in their new starting roles. Bread and butter will be defense. Defense will keep them in games. Minnesota won the division without Aaron Rodgers around but that's a tall task with Rodgers back healthy. Vikings top caliber defense will keep them in every game. As long as Cousins keeps the turnovers down, Minnesota will be in the mix at the end. Green Bay has given Rodgers and that offense some more availability on defense. Hopefully with this young core on that side of the ball will take less pressure of Rodgers. Lack of running back stability won't stop them from winning the North, just more production of Rodgers may be needed come playoff time.




NFC: 1 - GREEN BAY (12-4) - Aaron Rodgers back means the offense will be humming. Jimmy Graham gives them a guaranteed red zone target while their growth in the secondary will be key for 2018. Rodgers gives them a huge chance once into the postseason. Lack of running attack and defensive pressure could hurt late January.
          2  - ATLANTA (12-4) - On paper they seem to be hands down due for a huge season. Barring any injury Atlanta could be playing for the Super Bowl in their own backyard. Keeping their recent draft picks in lock for the future raise concerns, however for 2018, the Falcons have a possibility to go all the way.
         3 - PHILADELPHIA (11-5) - Depending on the time table for Carson Wentz return could determine what the Eagles have in store. Addition by subtraction on the defensive line doesn't change much. A full season of Jay Ajayi takes over as lead back. For the most part they are returning their same team. Just will they still have that same energy to repeat, once in the playoffs anything is possible.
         4 - LOS ANGELES RAMS (11-5) - The Rams look like the prototype of a Super Bowl winning roster. Led by a strong defense, complimented with the running game, solid QB play and a young head coach who gets the best out of his players and yet they still may not be Super Bowl form mentally. Aaron Donald ongoing saga must end sooner rather than later. 
      5 - CAROLINA (11-5/10-6) - Norv Turner implements his offense on the Panthers in hopes of a better Cam Newton. Cutting down turnovers and raising his completion percentage is agenda numero uno. Complimented by his running backs and his receivers back healthy, if defense plays like their capable, another postseason run for riverboat Ron Rivera and company.


***** IN THE HUNT *****




WILD CARD - NY GIANTS (10-6) - Manning, OBJ, Shepard, Engram, Barkley. Sounds like an offensive arsenal. Defense still intact from that dominant 2016 season. Healthy Giants could mean postseason Giants.




WILD CARD - NEW ORLEANS (10-6) - Alvin Kamara should definitely not see a sophomore slump, while their defense should be formidable versus the heavyweights within the division, let alone conference. A good dose or run and pass should keep New Orleans in the mix all season




WILD CARD - MINNESOTA (10-6) - Kirk Cousins is a different type player than Case Keenum. Being said whether that will be good or bad? Time will only tell. Dalvin Cook back full strength to go with that tenacious defense gives any decent QB a chance to make it to the playoffs.