Ware's early 08 NFL predictions

It's almost that time again boys. Training camps are starting, every ones getting the details of their Fantasy Football Draft planned out. Football Season is right around the corner and it couldn't come any sooner. There is nothing worse then the 2 month stretch between the End of the NBA finals and the start of Football Season. Regular Season Baseball is about as boring as a Ron Karkovich fantasy Golf thread.

So here we Go boys, the official Mdot AKa Demarcus Ware Aka Team DimE 2008 NFL Football Predictions...With Record Predictions, Players to Watch, Team Weaknesses, all that good stuff.....

***********WARE'S 08 NFL PREDICTIONS**************

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots 13-3

The Patriots had a remarkable season last year. Obviously going undefeated throughout the regular season and up until the Superbowl was a great accomplishment. Will there be a hangover after the Superbowl Loss though? The Answer is No. New England is too talented and has one of the Easiest Schedules in the League. Belichick is a Master Motivator and will have the
Pats playing with a chip on their shoulder in 08 just like they did after the whole spy gate debacle.

Team Strengths - DL, WR, OL
Team Weakness - LB, CB

Player to Watch- Jerod Mayo.

Mayo needs to be an impact player as a rookie. The Pats LBers are older then Dirt and they lost arguably their best LB in Roosevelt Colvin.


2. Buffalo Bills 7-9

The Bills have been one of the most over achieving teams in the few years. During Dick Jauron's first two years they have had alot of injuries and inexperienced players at key positions. Even with all the question marks the bills have been in playoff contention the past few years and seem to play with alot of heart. With some key Free Agent signing(Marcus Stroud, Kawika Mitchell) i see the Bills as a team on the rise in 08.

Team Strengths - ST, DL, RB
Team Weakness- WR, CB

Player to Watch- James Hardy

The Bills Desperately need a big possession WR to go along with Lee Evans. I think the 6'6 Hardy will be a great fit and an Early Candidate for OROY.


New York Jets 6-10

The New York Jets are an Interesting Team. They have some Very Talented players and Added alot of missing pieces during the off season. But they still don't have a QB and missing out on Mcfadden leaves them with a pretty weak running game. Even with all the off season additions i think the Jets underachieve again and miss the playoffs.

Team Strengths- OL, CB
Team Weakness- QB, RB

Player to Watch- Darrelle Revis

Revis Started every game as a rookie last year and showed signs of being a future shutdown corner. Revis and Rhodes are going to be perennial Pro Bowls for the next 5-10 years.

Miami Dolphins 3-13

Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano Bring much needed Toughness to a very soft and thinly talented Dolphin Team. The Dolphins(or the Cowboys B team) have holes at every position and are at least 2 or 3 years away from being even remotely competitive. They do have "hope" though. Nobody is better at taking a terrible team and turning them around then Bill Parcells. Look for the Dolphins to Ship Jason Taylor before the Season starts. BP doesnt do Hollywood...

Team Strengths- GM and Scouting Department
Team Weakness- QB, WR, LB

Player to Watch- Ronnie Brown

IF Ronnie Brown can come back from his ACL tear and be somewhat productive then the Dolphins could win as many as 5 games. If they have to rely on Ricky Williams or some Unknown then they could be looking at another Win less season come week 12 or 13.


AFC North

1. Cleveland Browns 10-6

The Surprise team of 07 is back and they are loading up for a playoff push. Derrick Anderson came out of nowhere and provided the Browns with a much needed lift at the QB position. The Pressure is on Romeo though to get to the playoffs. The Browns Were the "off season winners" so to speak, spending lots of money and draft picks to solidify their DL and WR positions. The Secondary must play alot better though in order to win the Division

Team Strengths- WR, OL, ST
Team Weakness- CB, LB

Player to Watch- Joshua Cribbs

Cribbs was Devin Hester Esq last year and should be the best Return man in the game going into 08. He was maybe the Browns MVP last year and led the league with around 30 yards per return.


2. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6

The Steelers are a very physical team. They run the ball down your throats and play good defense. Its been their trade mark for...well forever. I expect them to have a more dynamic passing game this year to compliment the Running game. Heath Miller will have another big year and The Defense will be really solid as usual.

Team Strengths- QB, RB, LB, TE
Team Weakness- CB, OL

Player to Watch- Rashard Mendenhall

Mendenhall was a steal at #23 and should be a great compliment to Willie Parker. Mendenhall will get you tough yards up the gut and Parker will be more of a home run threat.

Cincinatti Bengals 6-10

The Bengals are trying to Turn the page on there terri-bad 07 campaign and trying to shake the Reputation as the Bad Boys of the NFL. They got rid of a few trouble makers and added some New players to the Mix. But there is too many "ifs" for the Bengals to be competitive. What will Happen with Ocho Cinco? Is Mike Zimmer really the answer to turn around one of the Worst Defenses in the NFL? Even with all the Question marks, the Bengals Still have a chance just because of Carson Palmer but it wont be enough to get them back to the playoffs.

Team Strengths- QB, WR
Team Weakness- LB, CB, S

Player to Watch- Keith Rivers

Rivers is an Athletic OLB that can hopefully cause havoc for the Bengals. Rivers is also know for being a class act off the field, Two things the Bengals Desperately need.


Baltimore Ravens 3-13

The Ravens are in Total rebuilding mode. They have a new Head Coach, New Quarterback and are very thin on the Offensive Line after J. Ogden decided to retire a few weeks ago. They have some Young Talented players on the Defense, but some Aging players as well. Don't Expect much from Baltimore this year but they could be a team on the rise 2 or 3 years from now.

Team Strengths- DL, LB, RB
Team Weakness- QB, WR, OL

Player to Watch- Ray Rice

Rice could be the steal of the Draft and provide a solid 10-15 carries a game behind McGahee. He was a workhorse in College and i expect him to play with a chip on his shoulder all year after being drafted late in the 2nd round.


AFC SOUTH

Jacksonville Jaguars 12-4

This could be the year of the Jags finally win the AFC south and put their stamp on this Division. After losing time and time again to the Colts. The Jags made sure they addressed their few weaknesses by Drafting two Pass Rushers with their first 2 picks in the Draft. They also picked up a few WR's so Gerrard will have a decent passing attack to go along with their Great Running game. This Team is loaded and ready to make a run at the SB.

Team Strengths- QB, RB, DL
Team Weakness- CB, WR

Player to Watch- Mercedes Lewis

After being very Quiet in his First few years with the Jags, Lewis came on late in 07 and should be starting in 08. Expect big things from the Former UCLA Bruin.


Indianapolis Colts 11-5

There is no reason to think that the Colts wont be one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the AFC again this year. This Is Tony Dungy's Last hurrah and the Colts are the same dominate team they have been for the last 5 years. The Big Question Mark for the Colts is if Marvin Harrison will be the same after missing most of the 07 season with a Knee Injury. Even Without Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will continue to give defensive coordinators Fits and Peyton Manning is...well Peyton Manning.

Team Strengths - QB, TE, RB, WR, S
Team Weakness- LB, K

Player to Watch- Joseph Addai

Addai is a Star in the Making and will be a top 5 pick in Virtually every Fantasy Draft.


Houston Texans 7-9

The Texans are another team on the Rise. With a Very Solid and Young Defense i expect the Texans to Continue to Improve. Even though 7-9 is a drop off from their 8-8 record a year ago the Texans will be alot better with a healthy Andre Johnson. The lack of a running game and playing in a great division will prohibit the Texans from making the Playoffs though.

Team Strengths- DL, WR
Team Weakness- OL, RB

Player to Watch- Amobi Okoye

The Youngster got off to a great start last season but faded down the Stretch. Him and Williams are going to be a hand full for OT's and D coordinators.


Tennessee Titans 6-10

The Titans are a team that seems to over achieve every year. But i think there luck runs out this year. Last year the Titans won alot of games they shouldn't have. I think if anything Young has Regressed since his Rookie year and it doesn't help that the Titans have gotten him Zero Weapons as far as WR Goes. A very strong Defense will keep them in games but i don't see the Titans making the playoffs this year.

Team Strengths- DL, OL
Team Weakness- QB, WR

Player to Watch- Chris Johnson

Will Johnson and his blazing 4.2 speed be a home run threat every time he touches the ball? Or is he just a work out wonder? Only time will tell...


AFC WEST

San Diego Chargers 13-3

The Chargers are one of the Most Talented teams in the League. They are loaded on both sides of the ball and its Superbowl or bust for Norv this year. The Chargers should run away with this division and the Only Question mark coming into the season is how Rivers, LT, and Gates come back from Injuries. But the best DL in the league and an unbelievable LB'ing core will get the Chargers to the playoffs even if the offense somehow struggles.

Team Strengths- DL, LB, CB, RB
Team Weakness- WR, K

Player to Watch- Vincent Jackson

Jackson must be more consistent for the Chargers. He came on strong towards the end of 07 and he really needs to turn the teams only weakness into a strength


Denver Broncos 9-7

The Broncos are a team that is average but will benefit from a weak division. They have a solid QB in Cutler and a up and coming WR in Brandon Marshell. But that's about it as far as the Offense goes. Don't count on Selvin Young and Mike Bell to light it up this year. The Defense is pretty average all around. Expect big things from Elvis Dumervil and Champ Bailey. But they will need a much better pass rush this year if they want to make the playoffs.

Team Strengths- QB, CB
Team Weakness- DL, LB

Player to Watch- Elvis Dumervil

The 5'11 Dumervil should really come into his own in his 3rd season. Seems to always play with a chip on his shoulder and was an absolute steal for the Broncos in the 05 draft.


Oakland Raiders 7-9

The Raiders are going to be an interesting team this year. While making a big splash in the off season and drafting the electrifying Darren Mcfadden you would think the Raiders will be in the Hunt for a playoff berth come December. The raiders have one of the weakest schedules in the league as well. All that being Said Jamarcus Russell is unproven and will have growing pains. The raiders will still win 7 games though because of the super soft AFC West.

Team Strengths- LB, CB, RB
Team Weakness- QB, OL

Player to Watch- Darren McFadden/ Jamarcus Russell

The Success of the Raiders will come down to these two players. Alot of pressure on a bunch of Kids so to speak. Both are top 5 picks and very talented so the raiders expect big things from both.


Kansas City Chiefs 3-13

The Chiefs are another Team that is in complete rebuilding mode. With an unproven Quarterback and and a team that's expected to start 6 rookies i wouldn't expect too much from them in 08. The Chiefs also traded away their best player and arguably the best pass rusher in the game in Jared Allen. The chiefs had a great Draft, Hard to go wrong when you have 13 picks and 6 in the first 3 rounds. Don't Expect much from these rookies right away but watch out come 09 or 2010.

Team Strengths- DL, RB, TE
Team Weakness- QB, WR, CB, LB, K

Player to Watch- The whole 08 Draft

Only time will tell if it was the right move to trade Jared Allen. But Glenn Dorsey should be a monster in the middle and all of the draft picks from 08 have a chance to come in and play immediately.





NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys 11-5

The Cowboys are the most Talented team in the NFL. No question about that. But Talent can only get you so far. The Cowboys lack Mental toughness and a desire to win. But 13 pro bowlers and adding more play makers should be enough to win the NFC East this year. I expect the Offense to have another great year. Romo to Witten is something your going to be hearing alot this year. Should Be interesting to see how MB3 handles the starting Job at RB, but i have a feeling he will be fine.

The Question Marks are all on Wade Phillips and his Defense. Wade Phillips has a history of doing very will his 1st year with a team and going completely downhill from there. I feel like his Defense underachieved big time last year. Look For Chris Canty to have a breakout year and for Demarcus Ware to have around 15-18 sacks and Win DPOY. The Secondary should be better but who knows how much of an impact Adam Jones Will have. Look out for Mike Jenkins though the rookie outta USF.

Team Strengths- QB, WR, RB, TE, LB, CB
Team Weakness- S, Head Coach

Player to Watch- Anthony Spencer

A rookie last year, Spencer had a hard time getting on the field playing behind pro bowler Greg Ellis. But this year he is expected to start and showed some signs of greatness in limited playing time last year. Look for him and Ware to put up 25+ sacks between them


New York Giants 10-6

Some people will say its a slap in the face to not have the SB champs winning there division. But the Giants played out of their minds last year en route to winning a Superbowl. Give D coordinator Steve Spagnola ALL the credit. He came up with a beautiful game plan for both the Cowboys and Patriots games. Holding both these powerhouses to 17 and 14 points. I expect Eli manning to be average again, but I think the Defense will really miss Strahan for both his play and his leadership.

Team Strengths- DL, OL, WR, TE, RB
Team Weakness- QB, K

Player To Watch- Kenny Phillips

Ive head alot of great things about the Safety from Miami, Expect him to come in and start right away for the G-men.


Washington Redskins 7-9

The Skins, like the rest of the Teams in the NFC, have alot of Talent. But Its going to be hard for First year coach Jim Zorn going from a QB coach to Head Coach. There has to be somewhat of a sharp learning Curve there. The Skins loaded up on WR's in the Draft but i think the Jury is still out on Campbell. He has alot of weapons on offense now but learning a new system will take some time. The Defense is solid, not great but solid. Laron Landry should have a pro bowl type season but i think the Skins are still lacking a dominate pass rusher.

Team Strengths- TE, RB, S
Team Weakness- DL, K, QB


Philadelphia Eagles 6-10

The Eagles Success in 08 will come down to Donovan Mcnabb. I think the Eagles Days as contenders in the NFC are done. Even if Mcnabb does turn the Corner i don't think they have enough Weapons on Offense to compete in a very loaded division. Not getting a game changing WR really turns them into a 6 or 7 win team opposed to 9 or 10 win team with a guy like Chad Johnson or Anquan Boldin. Westbrook is still a top 3 rb and Samuel should help out an already good Secondary. But i just don't think it'll be enough to have a winning record in the NFC East, the toughest division in football.

Team Strengths- RB, DL, CB
Team Weakness- OL, WR, LB

Player to Watch - Trent Cole

A monster last year with 14 sacks. Cole Should have made the Pro Bowl and had to go against some very tough LT's. Expect another great year from Cole.


NFC NORTH

Minnesota Vikings 11-5

The Paper Champs in the NFC so far this year the Vikings are absolutely loaded on the Defensive side of the Ball. One of the Best Defenses last year adds Jared Allen to an already sickening good Defensive Line. The Vikings have the best RB in the league and the Best OL in the league as well. But they also have Tavaris Jackson as their QB, If the Viks had a really good QB i think they could win 14-15 games this year. But Jackson has shown nothing in his first 2 years and i don't expect him to just all of the sudden become an all pro.

Team Strength- RB, DL, OL, LB
Team Weakness- QB, WR, CB

Player to Watch- Sidney Rice

Steve Spurier said he was the best WR he ever coached in college. Rice came on big last year but Im not sure how well he will handle being the #1 option.


Green Bay Packers 11-5

The Aaron Rodgers era Begins and Green Bay and while the Jury is still out on Rodgers the Rest of the Team is very Solid and should get GB back to the playoffs. Rogers should have alot of Help on offense with a really good young WR core. On Defense the Packers have a great pass rush and CB play, along with some really good young linebackers. The Defense should be top notch next year and if Rodgers plays well the packers could win 13-14 games next year.

Team Strengths- OL, DL, CB, WR
Team Weakness- QB, TE

Player to Watch- Ryan Grant

IF Grant plays anything like he did last year then the Packers have found themselves a hell of a running back. But i need to see one more solid season out of him before i get out the anointing oil.

Detroit Lions 6-10

The Lions started out Blazing last year, but limped past the finish line and finished 7-9. I don't expect them to improve upon that mark this year. John Kitna is still there QB and they still have a terrible running game. CJ and Roy should put up some good numbers but they Lions just have too many holes to fill to be competitive in 08. The Defense is terri-bad and i don't see them improving at all this year.

Team Strengths - WR
Team Weakness- The Whole Defense

Player to Watch- Kevin Smith

Ill continue my Draft pick trend for players to watch. The Lions desperately need to catch lightening in a bottle with Smith. He was a gamer in college but dropped in the Draft because of his 40 time.


Chicago Bears 4-12

Alot of people disagree with me here. But i think the Bears are going to be very very bad this year. They have NO QB, NO RB and i literally cant name a WR on their Team. Their OL got abused last year and they will have to rely on Defense and Special Teams again this year. I think Urlacher's play will see a big decline this year. The Secondary could be better if Mike Brown is able to come back, but i just don't see it being enough. Devin Hester should be exciting to watch as always though.

Team Strengths- DL, LB, S, ST
Team Weakness- The whole offense

Player to Watch- Matt Forte

With no Cedric Benson Forte is the guy now and there will be alot of pressure on him to be productive as a rookie.


NFC SOUTH

New Orleans Saints 12-4

The Saints will be the Bounce back team in 08. They have a great QB in Brees, Solid RB's and some good young WR's. Sean Payton is a great coach and will have that offense clicking early on in the season opposed to late like last year. The Saints have a great Defensive Line. Charles Grant needs to be healthy but Will Smith is a Stud and will have another pro bowl type season. They will need alot better play from their Secondary though

Team Strengths- QB, WR, DL
Team Weakness- CB, S

Player to Watch- Johnathan Vilma

The Saints need Vilma to be healthy and play well. If he does a weakness in this team could turn into a strength.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7

The Bucs will benefit from having a bad division. But i don't think they will wow us by any means. Garcia is Solid and will keep the Bucs in Games. But they are in Desperate need of a big Play maker on offense. Joey Galloway is an ageless wonder but he didn't show up at all in the playoff game vs NY. The Defense should be solid again and Barrett Rudd is one of the better young LBers. Jermaine Phillips is another player to look out for and should have made the pro bowl over Roy Williams.

Team Strengths- LB, QB, S
Team Weakness- WR, RB, DL

Player to watch- Gaines Adams/ Aquib Talib

Adams didn't live up to his top 5 draft status but i hear hes improving. Aquib Talib better show the Bucs they made a smart decision drafting him over local- home grown CB Mike Jenkins who said he really wanted to play for Tampa. Carolina


Panthers 7-9

I think the Panthers are somewhat in a rebuilding mode. They need to give up on Delhomme and start the rebuilding process completely. If not i think Fox's job may be on the line this year. The Panthers had a good Draft and have alot of good young players. But i think lack of a solid RB and QB will prohibit them from making the playoffs this year. Julius Peppers really needs to have a bounce back year otherwise that defense will really Struggle.

Team Strengths- WR, LB
Team Weakness- QB, RB, TE

Player to Watch - Jon Beason

Beason is an absolute "beast" and i expect him to have a great sophomore season to go along with his 140 tackle rookie season.


Atlanta Falcons 2-14

Too many New faces for the Falcons to even be remotely competitive. New head coach, New QB, new D Coordinator. There really arnt that many expectations going into this year for the Falcons. I think they just want to put the Whole Mike Vick thing behind them and move forward with their new franchise QB Matt Ryan. Micheal Turner should help out a little. Roddy White is also turning into a Solid WR. The O-line and D-line need alot of help though, Gotta win the battles up front if you want any kinda chance at winning more then 3 games this year

Team Strengths- RB, LB
Team Weakness- OL, DL, CB, S

Player to Watch- Matt Ryan

Ryan is the Face of the Franchise now and like any other top 5 QB selected, hes going to be expected to come in and produce immediatly.



NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks 11-5

Another year, another NFC WEST tittle for the Seahawks. Hard to really tell how good the Hawks really are considering they play in a D-2 Division. But Hassellbeck is a very good QB and will carry the Seahawks once again. I don't think Julius Jones will be an upgrade at all over Alexander. The Seahawks do have a great pass rush and i think Kearny will have another monster year. The Seahawks might have the best LB core in the NFL too. Julian Peterson is a top 3 LB IMO.

Team Strengths- QB, LB, DL
Team Weakness- RB, S

Player to Watch- Darrell Tapp

Tapp is another solid pass rusher who should have a field day playing behind guys like Kearny who will be seeing constant double teams.


Arizona Cardinals 8-8

Every year the Cardinals seem to have hopes of making the playoffs. Every year they seem to disappoint. I think The Cards will put together a pretty good Squad this year.They will have a decision to make on who is there starting QB. I honestly think Warner gives them the Best chance at winning if he doesn't turn the ball over(which is obv a big "if"). The Defense must improve this year in order to take the next step. Everybody knows Boldin and Fitzy are dominate so i don't elaborate more on that.

Team Strengths - WR, LB, CB
Team Weakness- QB, DL, OL

Player to watch - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Cousin of Chargers Antonio Cromartie the Cardinals Expect big things from their First Round Draft pick. Although i heard he came into camp 15 pounds over weight. DRC has all the skill sets to be a shut down corner though.


St Louis Rams 6-10

The Rams could surprise everyone and actually win this Division. IT all depends on how Bulger Bounces back and how Steven Jackson Plays. Even with those two guys healthy the Rams are so Bad on Defense i cant imagine them breaking .500. I wont even try to grade their Defense because i honestly don't know half the players on their D. They also need Offensive Line Help big time.

Team Strengths- QB, RB, WR
Team Weakness- The Whole Defense

Player to Watch- Chris Long

Gotta go with Long as the player to watch. Only time will tell if they made the right choice picking Long over Dorsey


San Fransisco 49ers 4-12

I live In Utah and went to plenty of Utah Ute games when Alex Smith was the QB. Let me say this, he had no business being the #1 pick in the draft. He was strictly a product of Urban Meyers system and at this point is a complete bust in my minds. The Niners haven't helped smith out though, He really needs a big time WR to go along with Gore who is a great RB. The Defense should be a little better this year with the signing off Justin smith. But they still need Secondary help and an OLB to compliment Willis.

Team Strengths- RB, LB
Team Weakness- QB,WR, CB, S

Player To Watch- Patrick Willis

After an absolute monster Rookie year i expect Willis to Put up similar Numbers and show everyone why he was named DROY last year.