Ray Lewis will lead his Ravens to the Superbowl. |
Matt Forte will lead his Bears over the Ravens in the Superbowl. |
It's back. The sport that we've all been waiting for. The best five months of the year. A time of tailgating, endless pizza deliveries, and many moments shouting "Oh no, and Oh yes!" have finally arrived. It is time for the NFL 2012.
But wait, first let's recap the summer. Mario Williams signed with the Bills, who now have one of the best defenses in the NFL, Terrell Suggs tore his ACL, and is questionable for the rest of the season, the Patriots added a deep ball threat to complement their tight ends, in Brandon Lloyd, and finally, the Jets traded for Tim Tebow. Also, Mike Wallace and MJD each had holdouts, but eventually went back to their teams.
Now, let's get to the preview. There are many different ways this NFL season could pan out, especially with replacement refs for at least Week 1. Ten different questions are going to be asked, all ten are going to be answered. These questions are going to be about players, teams, coaches, and just anything NFL. So sit back with some chips and salsa. These should be interesting.
Question 1: Who will win each of the divisions?
The most common question. First the East Divisions. AFC: Patriots, who have arguably the easiest schedule in the NFL, will cruise to be Division champs yet again. NFC: The defending champion Giants have some quirks that they need to fix, but they will still be able to win the Division. AFC North: The Ravens will win, despite the loss of Terrell Suggs, but the Bengals will be fierce challengers. NFC North: The Packers will win the division again, even with the addition of Brandon Marshall to the Bears. AFC South: In one of the weakest divisions in football, Houston led by its defense, will win a second consecutive division title. NFC South: With the Saints in trouble because of the bountygate, the Falcons, led by a fantastic offense will win the division. AFC West: The addition of Peyton Manning may help, but it will be the Chargers, not the Broncos who will surprise everyone and win the division. NFC West: In what was once a division where a 7-9 team made the playoffs, the 49ers will win an extremely weak division.
Question 2: Who are some teams that could sneak up on people?
The Kansas City Chiefs. With Jamaal Charles healthy, this was a team that was able to make the playoffs a couple years ago. If Dwayne Bowe can repeat his 2011 season, the defense can hold up, these guys could win the division. The Philadelphia Eagles. The "Dream Team" was unfortunately unable to reach the playoffs, and Mike Vick, and LeSean McCoy want to keep Andy Reid's job. If DeSean Jackson "tries" this season, they have a chance. The Detroit Lions. Matt Stafford and Megatron. Those two are one of the best WR-QB combinations in the NFL. If the defense gets better, don't be surprised if they win a wildcard spot.
Question 3: How will Peyton Manning do?
Manning will not be wearing the familiar Blue and White of the Indianapolis Colts. He is with a new team, and a new coach. Manning will be solid, but will not be what he once was. It won't be like the Brett Favre on the Vikings and Jets, but it won't be the Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison.
Question 4: Will Maurice Jones-Drew play?
MJD is slated to start as a third down back during Week 1, as he has just ended his holdout. Rashad Jennings will get the majority of the carries, and depending on how he does, will effect MJD's playing time. Remember, this is the same MJD who led the league in rushing last year.
Question 5: Will the Madden Curse affect Calvin Johnson?
When Calvin Johnson was announced as the cover of Madden '13, fantasy owners everywhere were worried. Why? Because of something called the Madden curse. Shaun Alexander, Vince Young, these are just two players who have been on the cover of Madden, and were never the same. Megatron will be different. Johnson has a fantastic quarterback throwing to him, and will still score plenty of touchdowns.
Question 6: Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III
These two rookie quarterbacks went 1-2 in the draft last April. Who will have a better rookie season? It will be the man who went number two, RG3. Griffin is a fantastic quarterback, and has better talent around him than Luck does. Though Luck does have his college teammate Coby Fleener, RG3 has speed, and new acquisition Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis.
Question 7: Which Chris Johnson will we see?
Chris Johnson ruined many fantasy owners lives last season, with his horrible year. Many people were hesitant to take him. But why? It could've just been a down year. He has a chance to bounce back, and be a great back again. Though he may not be as good as 2010, he still will be able to have a solid year.
Question 8: Who will be the MVP?
Last year it was Aaron Rodgers. This year? It's a tight race. There are the three elite quarterbacks, as well as the running backs, and of course Calvin Johnson. But this year, the NFL MVP will go to Arian Foster. Foster is being hyped as the running back in the game, and he will be this season. If Andre Johnson gets injured, as he hasn't played a full season in two years, which will cause the passing game to be scaled back. Expect Arian to win the rushing title.
Question 9: Who will win tomorrow's game, Giants vs. Cowboys?
The Cowboys will try to start off their 2012 campaign strong after a disappointing last season. Led by Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray, and a much improved secondary, the Cowboys could be hard to beat. However, the Giants have a great team of their own. Filled with salsa dancers, and Superbowl winners, the Giants have a versatile team. The Cowboys fixed their secondary this offseason, and who knows, Victor Cruz might cool down from last season. The pick: Cowboys
Question 10: Finally, who will win the Superbowl?
This season, there are a surplus of teams who can contend for the Superbowl. It is all about who has the best luck, as the Patriots and the Giants learned last year. The Chicago Bears, one of the most improved teams of the offseason, with one of the league's best defenses, and best running backs, will make a run to the Superbowl. Their opponent, will be the Baltimore Ravens. Led by Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and an old but stellar defense, the Ravens will avenge their AFC championship loss. The Bears however, will conquer the Ravens.
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