NFC West San Francisco 49ers

Finished 2004 season 2-14, last place in the NFC West, last in the NFL

Key returning starters:
Tim Rattay - QB
Julian Peterson - LB
Kevan Barlow - RB
Brandon Lloyd - WR
Eric Johnson - TE

Can the 49ers bounce back from having the worst record in the NFL a year ago? With the first selection in the draft, the 49ers picked up Alex Smith, who clearly has potential to be a star in the NFL, but will need to be groomed into that role. Can the 49ers remain healthy, which was a concern for their defense last season, losing all-pro LB Julian Peterson to injury early on.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 26th overall in offense, #13 ranked in NFC
Ranked 24th overall in defense, #12 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC West St Louis Rams

Finished 2004 season 8-8, 2nd place behind Seattle

Key returning starters:
Marshall Faulk - RB
Stephen Jackson - RB
Marc Bulger - QB
Torry Holt - WR
Issac Bruce - WR

The Rams defense has been the notible problem last year and is still a concern heading into the 2005 campaign. The Rams, had arguably one of the worst run defenses in the league last season hope to improve. Can the explosive Rams offense return to the field? This is one team that could be very dangerous in the post season if their special teams and defense improve dramatically.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 6th overall in offense, #3 ranked in NFC
Ranked 17th overall in defense, #8 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the St Louis Rams this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC West Arizona Cardinals

Finished 2004 season 6-10, 3rd place behind Seattle and St Louis

Key returning starters:
Anquan Boldin - WR
Larry Fitzgerald - WR
Bertrand Berry - DE
Adrian Wilson - S
Larry Croom - RB

The Cardinals have surprisingly had a lot of chatter from around the NFL as a potential playoff team from the NFC West. Will that be the case? Arizona has an explosive defense that could very end up a top 10 defense by years end, but will Kurt Warner shake off two poor seasons in a row and return to the form when he lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 27th overall in offense, #14 ranked in NFC
Ranked 12th overall in defense, #4 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Arizona Cardinals this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC West San Diego Chargers

Finished 2004 season 512-4, 1st place in the AFC West

Key returning starters:
LaDainian Tomlinson - RB
Drew Brees - QB
Antonio Gates - TE
Keenan McCardell - WR
Eric Parker - WR

Probably the most surprising team in the NFL last season, the San Diego Chargers took the AFC West by storm and finished in first. Comeback Player of the Year Drew Brees had a Pro-Bowl season and was awarded such by getting an invite to play in Hawaii. Can the Chargers repeat their performance a year ago?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 10th overall in offense, #5 ranked in AFC
Ranked 18th overall in defense, #10 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the San Diego Chargers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC West Oakland Raiders

Finished 2004 season 5-11, last place in the AFC West

Key returning starters:
Kerry Collins - QB
Jerry Porter - WR
Ronald Curry - WR
Charles Woodson - CB
Warren Sapp - DT

The Raiders appeared to be coming off a rebuilding season even though it was a season with hopes of winning the West before the loss of starting QB Rich Gannon. Poor defensive play and a lack of a balanced offensive attack lead to a 5-11 record. With the addition of Randy Moss and Lamont Jordan, this offense is now balanced with the ability to stretch the field often. But did the Raiders do enough in the off-season to improve their defense?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 17th overall in offense, #9 ranked in AFC
Ranked 30th overall in defense, #15 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Oakland Raiders this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC West Kansas City Chiefs

Finished 2004 season 7-9, 3rd place in the AFC West behind the San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos

Key returning starters:
Trent Green - QB
Priest Holmes - RB
Eddie Kennison - WR
Tony Gonzalez - TE
Dante Hall - WR/Return Specialist

The Chiefs are coming off a very disappointing season, after having won the AFC West and clinching a first round bye just a year earlier to missing the playoffs in 2004. The Chiefs had the best rated offense in the league last season and the 2nd worst defense in the league. With their offseason moves to improve their defense, do the Chiefs have reason to be optimistic?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 1th overall in offense, #1 ranked in AFC
Ranked 31st overall in defense, #16 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC West Denver Broncos

Finished 2004 season 10-6, 2nd place in the AFC West behind the San Diego Chargers, lost to Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card round of playoffs

Key returning starters:
Jake Plummer - QB
Rod Smith - WR
Al Wilson - LB
Champ Bailey - CB
John Lynch - S

The Broncos are coming off two disappointing seasons of exiting the playoffs in the Wild Card round by the hands of the Colts. Can the addition of the Cleveland Browns defensive front help this team get over the next hurdle and go deep into the playoffs, or will the entire defense suffer as a whole? Can Jake Plummer lead this offense to be a high scoring machine, or will red zone struggles continue?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 5th overall in offense, #3 ranked in AFC
Ranked 4th overall in defense, #3 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Denver Broncos this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC South Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finished 2004 season 5-11, last place in the NFC South

Key returning starters:
Brian Griese – QB
Michael Clayton – WR
Simeon Rice – DE
Derrick Brooks – LB
Ronde Barber - CB

The Bucs are going to face another tough season – strapped tight by the NFL’s spending cap, the Bucs lost Ian Gold which gave the Bucs one of the best LB corps in the league. Their offense has shown great potential, especially with 2nd year pro Clayton who had an absolutely fabulous rookie campaign. Can their draft choice of Carnell “Cadillac” Williams step in and beat Pittman for the starting role to give that offense some balance?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 22nd overall in offense, #10 ranked in NFC
Ranked 5th overall in defense, #2 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC South New Orleans Saints

Finished 2004 season 8-8, 2nd place in the NFC South behind the Atlanta Falcons

Key returning starters:
Aaron Brooks – QB
Deuce McAllister – RB
Joe Horn – WR
John Carney – K
Donte’ Stallworth - WR

The Saints have continued to be the team in the NFL with a lot of talent but any results don’t show their true potential. Surprisingly, Jim Haslett is back again trying to lead this team to the playoffs. If the Saints defense can improve from a year ago and take the momentum of sweeping their opponents in December, we could be in for a big surprise.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 15th overall in offense, #8 ranked in NFC
Ranked 32nd overall in defense, #16 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the New Orleans Saints this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC South Carolina Panthers

Finished 2004 season 7-9, 3rd place behind New Orleans and Atlanta

Key returning starters:
Jake Delhomme – QB
Steve Smith – WR
Julius Peppers – DE
Dan Morgan – LB
John Kasey - K

The Panthers have had a rough off-season, losing All-Pro receiver Muhsin Muhammad and their league-leading punter Todd Sauerbrun. They have a long list of RBs but their primary RB Stephen Davis isn’t looking healthy to start the season. Can the Panthers get past their injury plagued season a year ago and make some noise in the NFC South?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 13th overall in offense, #6 ranked in NFC
Ranked 20th overall in defense, #9 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Carolina Panthers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC South Atlanta Falcons

Finished 2004 season 11-5, 1st place in the NFC South, lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game

Key returning starters:
Michael Vick – QB
Alge Crumpler – TE
Keith Brooking – LB
Warrick Dunn – RB
And again….Michael Vick - QB

The Falcons had a very successful year in 2004 and are looking to build upon their success in 2005. The Falcons, with the best run offense in the league last season are now looking to Vick to put up big numbers through the air. Biggest concern for the Falcons this season is how will their defense perform against the run, their biggest problem in 2004?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 20th overall in offense, #9 ranked in NFC
Ranked 14th overall in defense, #6 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Atlanta Falcons this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC South Tennessee Titans

Finished 2004 season 5-11, last place in the AFC South division

Key returning starters:
Steve McNair – QB
Billy Volek – QB
Chris Brown – RB
Drew Bennett – WR
Andre Wollfork - CB

The Titans were in a rebuilding year after investing so much of their salary cap in previous years, it really took it’s toll on a team that was once a power house in the AFC. Can Jeff Fisher, still facing the same problems with the salary cap, find a way to take this group of players and get this Titans team back on track?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 11th overall in offense, #6 ranked in AFC
Ranked 27th overall in defense, #13 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Tennessee Titans this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC South Jacksonville Jaguars

Finished 2004 season 9-7, 2nd place behind the Colts

Key returning starters:
Byron Leftwich – QB
Fred Taylor – RB
Jimmy Smith – WR
Marcus Stroud – DT
Akin Ayodele - LB

The Jaguars just missed the playoffs in 2004 and head coach Jack Del Rio has this team believing they can be a playoff caliber team in 2005. With a strong defense returning, can Byron Leftwich with a new offensive coordinator start producing and maintaining drives to give their defense a rest?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 21st overall in offense, #12 ranked in AFC
Ranked 11th overall in defense, #8 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Jacksonville Jaguars this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC South Indianapolis Colts

Finished 2004 season 12-4, 1st place in the AFC South

Key returning starters:
Peyton Manning – QB
Edgerrin James – RB
Marvin Harrison – WR
Reggie Wayne – WR
Brandon Stokley - WR

Biggest question from the Colts camp is, can they get over the hump and beat the Patriots? With the core of their prolific offense returning, Peyton Manning and company are setting their eyes on the Super Bowl. How will the Colts defense perform?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 2nd overall in offense, #2 ranked in AFC
Ranked 29th overall in defense, #14 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Indianapolis Colts this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC South Houston Texans

Finished 2004 season 7-9, 3rd place behind the Jaguars and Colts

Key returning starters:
David Carr – QB
Domanick Davis – RB
Andre Johnson – WR
Jabar Gaffney – WR
Dunta Robinson - CB

The Texans are coming off a disappointing season as their defense struggled towards the end of the season. However, new additions to the defense, like CB Phillip Buchanon should improve this defense. With a strong offense led by David Carr, can this team be thinking playoffs in 2005?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 19th overall in offense, #11 ranked in AFC
Ranked 23rd overall in defense, #12 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Houston Texans this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC North Minnesota Vikings

Finished 2004 season 8-8, 2nd place in the NFC North behind the Packers

Key returning starters:
Daunte Culpepper – QB
Nate Burleson – WR
Marcus Robinson – WR
Jermaine Wiggins – TE
Michael Bennett - RB

The Vikings are now Moss-Less, having traded the most athletic WR in the NFL to the Raiders in order to cut the controversy Moss causes in the locker room. Also the loss of Ontario Smith for the season for a violation of the leagues substance abuse policy – how will this affect the Vikings offensively? The off-season moves the Vikings made only improved their weak defense and hope the combination of players will give them the edge in the NFC North.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 4th overall in offense, #2 ranked in NFC
Ranked 28th overall in defense, #15 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC North Green Bay Packers

Finished 2004 season 10-6, 1st place in the NFC North Division

Key returning starters:
Brett Farve - QB
Ahman Green – RB
Donald Driver – WR
Javon Walker – WR (Maybe)
Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila - DE

The Packers head into the 2005 season with a lot of questions that need to be quickly addressed before they have any hopes of repeating as NFC North champions – thankfully Farve is returning for atleast 1 more season in hopes to lead his team back to promise land. How will the Javon Walker situation play out? Can the Packers improve defensively?

2004 Stats:
Ranked 3rd overall in offense, #1 ranked in NFC
Ranked 25th overall in defense, #13 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Green Bay Packers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC North Detroit Lions

Finished 2004 season 6-10, behind the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings

Key returning starters:
Joey Harrington – QB
Kevin Jones – RB
Roy Williams – WR
Charles Rogers – WR
Dre’ Bly - CB

The Lions coming off a disappointing season now hope that head coach Steve Mariucci can turn this team around. This is the year Harrington either steps up or gets replaced – on paper; this team is just too good to be finishing below .500. The Lions, probably having one of the best drafts in the off-season, picking up standout WR Mike Williams from USC, Shaun Cody DT from USC, which gives Harrington a lethal 1-2-3 punch at WR with Rogers, R Williams and M Williams, even their 4th WR in Eddie Drummond and the addition of Marcus Pollard TE from Indianapolis.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 24th overall in offense, #12 ranked in NFC
Ranked 22nd overall in defense, #11 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Detroit Lions this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

NFC North Chicago Bears

Finished 2004 season 5-11, last place in the NFC North

Key returning starters:
Rex Grossman – QB
Thomas Jones – RB
Brian Urlacher – LB
Mike Brown – S
Muhsin Muhammad – WR (Off-season pick up from Carolina)

The Bears came off a rough season, losing starting QB Rex Grossman early in the season. However, with some strong off-season moves (Muhammad) and a solid draft picking up RB Cedric Benson from Texas, the Bears are looking to turn some heads in the “Black-n-Blue” division.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 32nd overall in offense, #16 ranked in NFC
Ranked 21st overall in defense, #10 ranked in NFC

Your thoughts on the Chicago Bears this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers

Finished 2004 season 15-1, 1st place in the AFC North, lost in AFC Championship game to eventual Super Bowl Champions New England Patriots 41-27

Key returning starters:
Ben Roethlisberger – QB
Hines Ward – WR
James Farrior – LB
Joey Porter – LB
Troy Polamalu - S

The Steelers finished with the best regular season record in the NFL last season by winning 14 straight games with rookie sensation QB Ben Roethlisberger. With a top notch defense and power workhorses on offense, the Steelers are hoping for another successful year.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 16th overall in offense, #8 ranked in AFC
Ranked 1st overall in defense, #1 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC North Cleveland Browns

Finished 2004 season 4-12, last place in the AFC North

Key returning starters:
Andre’ Davis – WR
Lee Suggs – RB
William Green – RB
Antonio Bryant – WR

The Browns had a tough season last year and are looking to a rebuilding year in 2005. With new head coach Romeo Crennel, this team has made a lot of off-season moves in the free agent market, as well as had a decent draft.

2004 Stats:
Ranked 28th overall in offense, #14 ranked in AFC
Ranked 15th overall in defense, #9 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Cleveland Browns this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.

AFC North Cincinnati Bengals

Finished 2004 season 8-8, 3rd place in the AFC North behind Pittsburgh and Baltimore

Key returning starters:
Carson Palmer – QB
Rudi Johnson – RB
Chad Johnson – WR
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – WR
Justin Smith - DE

The Bengals coming off a .500 season, have completed two seasons back-to-back @ .500, the first time in a while that NFL fans are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Can Marvin Lewis take this team to the next level? Carson Palmer is looking promising, Chad Johnson is an exciting receiver and a great draft defensively; the Bengals can turn some heads!

2004 Stats:
Ranked 18st overall in offense, #10 ranked in AFC
Ranked 19th overall in defense, #11 ranked in AFC

Your thoughts on the Cincinnati Bengals this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.