1. Green Bay Packers. There are big expectations for the Packers this upcoming season. Can they deliver? They were the second ranked defense — number one against the rush and fifth against the pass — in the league last season behind only the New York Jets. No matter how dominant their defense is this season, its the Packers offense that’ll be the talk of the town. It all starts with QB Aaron Rodgers. He is poised to put up bigger numbers this year than last.

Rodgers is a top 5 quarterback now but it’s all based on potential. All the hype surrounding the Packers will be just that — hype, if they don’t win now. A season that’ll end with a loss in the first round playoffs will be a disappointment. They have an easy first half schedule but will face the Patriots, Vikings (again), Hawks, Giants and Niners in the second half.

2. Minnesota Vikings. Now that Brett Favre is done with the drama, the Vikings are ready to play football. He’ll be one great target short because Sidney Rice needs six weeks to recover from hip surgery. Favre’s numbers will take a dip from last season. Minnesota has its core defense intact with Jared Allen. If not for Favre’s tendency to take big risks, the Vikings would’ve been in the Super Bowl last year.

Adrian Peterson’s presence will help the Vikings pass offense during Rice’s absence.

3. Chicago Bears. QB Jay Cutler wasn’t really good to begin with. Mike Shanahan’s offense really hid his inaccuracy issues. Cutler was terrible during the preseason. But it’s not all Cutler’s fault. The Bears O-line is inconsistent and Chicago has done nothing to improve it during the offseason.

The Bears were ranked 23rd against the run last year but Brian Urlacher’s return will help the Bears resolve that issue.

4. Detroit Lions. It’s hard not to like Matt Stafford’s game. His improvement is a good sign of things to come for a franchise that’s been suffering for too long.

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1. New Orleans Saints. The defending Super Bowl champs have a fairly easy second half schedule. They know that it’s going to be hard to repeat as champs but the Saints embrace the underdog role. Winning home field advantage will be very important to them because it’ll mean spending the entirety of the playoffs playing in front of the “Who Dat” crowd.

The Saints are determined to defend their title and proved it by inviting NBA champion Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers to give them an idea of how hard it is to win back-to-back championships. Retaining safety Darren Sharper is huge for the Saints. It was their defense that was key in last year’s Super Bowl match against the Colts.

There are many doubts if the Saints have what it takes to win their second straight title and that’s exactly what they want.

2. Atlanta Falcons. RB Michael Turner is ready to go after suffering an injury plagued season last year. QB Matt Ryan struggled in his sophomore year so expect him to bounce back. But it’s not the offense the Falcons are worried about, it’s their defense. They finished 26th in the league in sacks last year. DTs Trey Lewis and Corey Peters plan to remedy that. Both had strong training camps and plan to deliver in the season.

The Falcons have a weak secondary and head coach Mike Smith is implementing a coverage defense to mask it. They’ll make the playoffs but will get ousted in the first game.

3. Carolina Panthers. They may have lost Julius Peppers but their defense is as solid as ever. They were the top defense during the preseason. Jimmy Clausen will get time on the field this season after starter Matt Monroe stinks up the joint. For fantasy leaguer’s out there, stay away from Steve Smith. His QB’s aren’t going to be able to deliver him the ball consistently.

Panther fans better hope that their defense is as good as the preseason version because it has to win games for the offense.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs are in the middle of rebuilding with QB Josh Freeman as its centerpiece. It’s going to be a long season for Raheem Morris but Tampa Bay is taking the right steps.

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1. San Francisco 49ers. The Niners defense has improved to be one of the toughest in the league under head coach Mike Singletary and defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Of course, it also helps that one of your linebackers is rising star Patrick Willis.

Singletary worked hard during the offseason to improve the team’s offense. The Niners offense gave up an average of 50 sacks a season for the past three years. No offense is effective without a strong offensive line. San Francisco made it a point to draft talented offensive linemen Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati. With a beefed up O-line RB Frank Gore may run more than the 80 yards he averaged last season. Former No. 1 pick Alex Smith has this season to prove his high drafting. He is certainly not short of any weapons because Michael Crabtree is as talented as they come and TE Vernon Davis is already one of the best in the league at his position.

2. Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals finally grew tired of Matt Leinart’s high school QB mentality and cut him when they couldn’t find a team that would trade for him. QB Derek Anderson takes over his spot. They still rank ahead of the Seahawks because of young, talented players like WR Early Doucet and RB Beanie Wells. Not to mention Larry Fitzgerald. Anderson will have no shortage of talent around him.

Their defense looked great during the preseason but they’ll struggle in their last four games and fail to make the playoffs.

3. Seattle Seahawks. Seattle struggled during the preseason and its understandable since Pete Carroll just took over in January. They traded for QB Charlie Whitehurst in hopes that he’ll eventually develop into a starter but Whitehurst has been a huge disappointment so far.

They lack talent, but the former USC coach is optimistic that the Seahawks have what it takes to eventually compete with Arizona and San Francisco. WIth an easy schedule Carroll will be welcomed nicely in the NFL.

4. St. Louis Rams. No 1. pick Sam Bradford will be the starting QB for the Rams in Week 1. With a weak O-line, Bradford better be ready to take a lot of hits against the Cardinals.

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1. New England Patriots. Tom Brady is the best QB in the division and it’s the only reason why the Patriots are top in the AFC East. Their defense has slowed down, especially their secondary. Coach Bill Belichick is still undecided on player rotation. New England has not been shy when it comes to committing penalties. Against the Rams in the preseason, they committed seven penalties for 72 yards.

Wes Welker’s return is definitely going to benefit the Patriots especially if they have to outscore their opponents now. Laurence Maroney is a solid RB but in order for the Patriots to dominate ball time they’re going to need a better RB.

2. New York Jets. The Jets have worked hard in the offseason. They’ve drafted Kyle Wilson to address their deficiencies in the secondary. The pass-rush didn’t need that much improvement but coach Rex Ryan knew that after losing to the Colts last year in the playoffs their secondary was unable to slow down Peyton Manning. Signing Darrelle Revis would be the next best step for the Jets.

Mark Sanchez looks ready to play a larger role on offense. With LT present, they’ll be less pressure on him. He has played terrific thus far in training camp. The Jets will go as far as Sanchez takes them.

3. Miami Dolphins. Chad Henne is the second best QB in the division and with the signing of Brandon Marshall the Dolphins are very dangerous on offense. Their defense seems to have improved but remains inconsistent. With a tough schedule ahead, the Dolphins are not going to overtake the Jets anytime soon.

4. Buffalo Bills At best QB Trent Edwards is a serviceable back-up. Rookie RB CJ Spiller looks like a stud though.

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1. Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been killing it on offense in the preseason. Their defense, despite its age, is still one of the most feared in the league. Led by 35-year-young linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens are allowing only 8 points a game in the preseason. Their offense has shifted from run heavy to pass happy. Joe Flacco has responded by throwing for 229 yards and two touchdowns in their recent outing against the New York Giants.

Coach John Harbaugh has implemented a quick-huddle offense and so far it’s been working great. Watch out NFL, Baltimore is beginning to look like a two way team.

2. Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals signed Antonio Bryant last March but cut him in August. They threw away $8 million in guaranteed money with nothing in return. Bryant was not lazy or uncooperative its just that the guy never recovered from his knee injury.

Despite Bryant’s loss, the Bengals still have Terrell Owens. Owens has been solid in the preseason. Carson Palmer has an opportunity to add his name to the list of elite QB’s. Cedric Benson is a workhorse and will allow defenses to back off the Bengals passing game.

Their offense may be loaded but Cincinnati’s defense still needs to find consistency.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers offense will struggle without Ben Roethlisberger but Big Ben’s meeting with NFL commish Roger Goodell is something to hope for. Big Ben’s four to six game suspension may be reduced.

The heart of Pittsburgh’s defense, Troy Polamalu, is healthy. The Steelers defense was lost last season without Polamalu. Byron Leftwich has not been looking great. The first few games of the season will be pretty testy for coach Mike Tomlin.

4. Cleveland Browns. Jake Delhomme is playing like the former Pro Bowler he once was but the Browns need 2 more seasons to be relevant. Hiring Mike Holmgren is a step in the right direction.

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1. Indianapolis Colts. The Colts were an onside kick away from winning the Super Bowl last season. Expect them to be much hungrier and determined this season. They’ve lost three preseason games so far because of their inability to stop other teams, which should be an area of concern this year. Looking at Manning’s performance this preseason the repositioning of officials on the field has not affected their no huddle play calling. Obviously, the Colts offense is not a problem but their corners are pretty thin.

2. Houston Texans. QB Matt Schaub was good last year and continues to improve. In two preseason games he has been very accurate. Defensive end Mario Williams will be very disruptive for opposing offenses this season. The Texans plan to run the ball more but there are doubts to how good Arian Foster really is. Jacoby Jones has been playing good in the preseason.

3. Tennessee Titans. With Chris Johnson developing into one of the best RBs in the league, Vince Young will have an easier time on offense. He made some strides last season but let’s hope that he doesn’t decline again just like in his sophomore year. Their recent preseason loss to the Panthers was telling though because Johnson and Young both struggled against a Julius Peppers-less defense.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars bad fortunes started after failing to draft hometown kid Tim Tebow. Now David Garrard has to one last chance to prove that he belongs in the NFL. Besides their roster shortcomings, the Jaguars are rumored to move after this season. Winning is one thing but filling the seats are another.

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1. San Diego Chargers. This team is one step away from becoming the league’s top 3 teams. It will be a big blow to the team if receiver Vincent Jackson leaves but with Philip Rivers competitiveness he can still make it work. The Chargers’ first round pick Ryan Matthews has looked impressive in preseason games. If he is indeed the real deal the Chargers should find themselves in the AFC Championship game.

2. Denver Broncos. With all the Tim Tebow media attention, fans aren’t noticing how good of a preseason Kyle Orton is having. Orton has thrown accurately in recent games and his focus has never been this great. Corner Champ Bailey is still one of the elite defensive backs in the league despite being 32-years-old. If their defense holds up in the second half of the season, they’ll be a dangerous team.

3. Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are going through a RB situation with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles battling for the no. 1 spot. The team can’t decide which player to go with. Matt Cassel needs to prove himself this year.

4. Oakland Raiders. The Raiders organization finally hit their heads hard and released DeMarcus Russell in the offseason. But that didn’t solve their problem at QB because is Jason Campbell really any better than Bruce Gradkowski?

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Victor Cruz looks like a legit player. Jets linebacker Bart Scott summed up Cruz’s performance the best by saying he didn’t know who Ortiz was “but he looked like Randy Moss out there with those three touchdowns”. Cruz caught six passes for 145 yards. He scored three TD’s including a one-handed catch. Not bad for an undrafted player.

Mark Sanchez is ready to throw more. Many thought that Sanchez was accurate last season because he didn’t throw as much. In this game, he proved everyone wrong. Sanchez showed his accuracy by completing 13 of his 17 passes. He led the Jets on three scoring drives. He did throw one interception but overall he played great. Even Sanchez himself was satisfied with his performance.

LT didn’t look like he lost a step. LT looked fresh and nimble on his eight attempts. Of course it will be a different story once the season starts and he feels the wear and tear. No doubt that Rex Ryan will limit his touches to keep him fresh at the end of games.

Jets need Darrelle Revis back quickly. Revis is holding out hoping for a more lucrative contract offer. His absence was noticeable based on how Jets secondary played.

Preseason games usually mean nothing but fans need something to keep them excited for the NFL season.  Still, preseason games get starters comfortable on the field.

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1. New Orleans Saints

With the return of veteran Sharper, the Super Bowl champs have kept the defense virtually intact.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts didn’t draft a running back to solve their rushing issues. Peyton Manning sure could use a reliable weapon in the backfield

3. Minnesota Vikings

Favre’s impending return has the Vikings ranked this high — don’t worry he’ll be back before the season starts.

4. San Diego Chargers

Lucky for the Colts they didn’t meet San Diego in the playoffs last year. The Chargers are the Colts kryptonite.

5. New York Jets

Rex Ryan’s defensive philosophy and toughness (or lack thereof because of all the crying) brought the Jets to the AFC Championship last season.

6. New England Patriots

We know Tom Brady will be ready to play but are the Patriots improved defensively?

7. Dallas Cowboys

Good sign for the Cowboys: they finally got past the first round. With Dez Bryant, Tony Romo has no more excuses this season for not getting past the second. No Jessica Simpson jokes please.

8. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay played a classic against the Cards in last years playoffs. The Packers bunkered up their protection for Aaron Rodgers in the draft.

9. Baltimore Ravens

Anquan Boldin will help the Ravens ugly passing game.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals were surprising last season. Let’s hope Chad Ochocinco continues to keep his mouth shut for the benefit of us all.

11. Atlanta Falcons

Falcons barely missed the playoffs last season. They’ll improve this year with the drafting of Sean Weatherspoon.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

With McNabb out and Kolb in, I wonder how long ’til Michael Vick sulks until he is named the starter.

13. Houston Texans

Ben Tate will not make a sudden impact for the Texans but give him time and he’ll be a gamer.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Matt Leinart showed us a glimpse of how far he has come. Now he needs to show us he can be good consistently.

15. Tennessee Titans

Vince Young almost rallied the Titans to the playoffs last season. Instead of trying to play underdog and rally late, how about trying to play hard the rest of the way.

16. New York Giants

Jason Pierre-Paul is a long term solution to the Giants nagging problem with their pass-rush.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Without Ben Roethlisberger for six games? Don’t fear because Byron Leftwich is more than capable to hold the fort together.

18. San Francisco 49ers

The Niners look promising on paper. Wasn’t it too early to give LB Patrick Willis a five-year $50 million deal?

19. Miami Dolphins

The addition of Brandon Marshall was great. But it’s still not enough for the Dolphins to make the playoffs.

20. Chicago Bears

Interceptions should be a thing of the past for quarterback Jay Cutler. Oh yeah, they were also suckered into signing Julius Peppers.

21. Washington Redskins

Mike Shanahan and Donovan McNabb will face the biggest challenge of their careers trying to revive the Redskins franchise.

22. Carolina Panthers

Good news: Jake Delhomme finally out. Better news: Jimmy Clausen battling Matt Moore for the starting job.

23. Denver Broncos

Josh McDaniels better hope his defense doesn’t get figured out in the second half of the season again.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville had a great draft. Persistent rumors of moving the team should die down temporarily if they can win.

25. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks also had a great draft. Matt Hasselbeck is an underrated gunner.

26. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders still haven’t given up on JaMarcus Russell. May I ask why? (Yes I know he lost some pounds. It’s not like it’s gonna help him throw accurately)

27. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are completely lost having no quarterback, running back and O-line.

28. Cleveland Browns

Great move by the Browns to trade Brady Quinn and add Mike Holmgren.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Picking up Eric Berry is a long-term project. Well, so are the Chiefs

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman looks promising. This season will be a learning experience for the young QB.

31. Detroit Lions

The Lions won two games last season — an achievement by itself. Ndamukong Suh should make an instant impact. It’s gonna be fun watching Matthew Stafford continue his progress.

32. St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford has an experienced teacher in Pat Shurmur.

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Week 1: Denver at Jacksonville

Denver causes a stir in the NFL draft by picking Tim Tebow in the first round. Tebow will be third in the depth chart but his presence on the Denver sidelines against the team that was supposed to draft him will make national headlines.

Week 1: Minnesota at New Orleans

The Vikings will get a chance to save face after their heartbreaking loss to the Saints last year in the playoffs. Only problem is Minnesota has to play in the loudest stadium in the NFL again. Drew Brees vs Brett Favre. Doesn’t get any better than this. And yes, Favre will be back this season.

Week 4: Washington at Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb will undoubtedly be rained with boos in his return to Philly despite McNabb being the statistical leader of every QB record in Eagle history. That’s just how it goes — no Super Bowl championship, no mercy. It’s also a great coach match-up between Andy Reid and Mike Shanahan.

Week 6: Dallas at Minnesota

The Cowboys were blown out by the Vikings last year during the divisional playoffs. The Vikings pass D completely shut down Tony Romo. It’ll be interesting to see how Romo prepares for the Vikings.

Week 11: Indianapolis at New England

Peyton Manning vs Tom Brady at Foxborough finally. The best QB’s of the last decade face off. Brady leads their head to head match-up as well as Super Bowl rings. How is Manning better than Brady again? Endorsements I guess.

NFL Merchandise

It just might be time to show your support for your favorite team with our selection of NFL merchandise. Your kids’ bedroom need a major sports makeover? Check out our NFL bedding for their favorite team. Flaunt your love for your NFL team by checking out our NFL watches and NFL jewelry. To see some great football merchandise, head on over to the NFL store.