2008 NFL Football Preview

 

Despite a disappointing loss in the playoffs, you can still expect the Colts to be at the top of weekly NFL picks. This team should conquer their division again, especially if wide receiver Marvin Harris returns at full strength. If any team gives Indianapolis a run for their money, it will be the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team had a great record last year and fell short of a division title, proving just how touch it is to play in the AFC South. The Jags return with a hard-hitting defense and QB David Garrad at the helm. Vince Young and his Tennessee Titans remain suspect. It seems as if the team has failed to address their greatest weakness - wide receivers that can catch the ball. The Titans crept into the playoffs last season; they may not be so lucky this time.    

 

 

The Cleveland Browns looked good last season and should do even better this time around. Our NFL predictions have them stepping up and making a playoff berth. The team has strengthened their defensive core with Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers while Derrick Anderson will return to run the offense. You can never count out the hard-nosed Pittsburgh Steelers. They’ve addressed a number of offensive issues by drafting talents like Limas Sweed and Rashard Mendenhall. Don’t get your hopes up on the Bengals this year, especially considering the issues with Chad Johnson. Baltimore shouldn’t make too much noise either as a once dominant defense becomes a year older.   

 

 

The Patriots are in a league of their own in the AFC East. After viewing the 2008 schedule, they actually have a clear path to another perfect season. While that’s quite difficult to count on, look towards New England for reliable weekly NFL picks.

 

 

If you are looking for early Super Bowl XLIII predictions, the San Diego Chargers may be a good choice. Expect L.T. to return with a vengeance, along with QB Phillip Rivers who just may pull out an MVP-like season. The Chargers should not have a hard time conquering this division but others might make a decent run as well. Kansas City made out excellent in the draft with Glen Dorsey and Branden Albert. Don’t forget Larry Johnson who should finally return healthy at running back.   Early NFL predictions aren’t looking so good for Denver or Oakland. Both teams are being led with young quarterbacks and continue to suffer on the defensive end. 

 

 

Look for the Vikings to be ahead of many weekly NFL picks. Jared Allen is a new edition and joins a team who already has one of the league’s best rushers in Adrian Peterson. While young QB Tavaris Jackson showed a bit of inconsistency last season, expect him to come out of his shell and dominant as the best QB in the NFC north. The Packers will make good weekly NFL picks but will it be for winning or losing?   No one knows what to expect without future Hall of Famer Brett Favre on the field. It’s all up to Aaron Rodgers to step behind the shadows and show the league what he’s made of. Just like every season, the Detroit Lions seemed to make out well from the draft. Unfortunately, they still have many issues to address on both sides of the ball.  With so many new editions, it’s hard to see this team making an impact. The Chicago Bears may endure another rough season as they have major issues at QB. NFL predications call for Devin Hester to remain the offensive weapon on their special teams. 

 

 

The NFC East is one of the toughest divisions in the league. This is certainly where you’ll find the most competitive weekly NFL predictions. The Cowboys seem to have become more complex with the addition of Adam “Pacman” Jones.   They certainly will not lack personality when teaming the controversial corner back with Terrell Owens. The Philadelphia Eagles have made a few key adjustments by nabbing corner back Asante Samuel from the Patriots. Their offensive should remain potent with running back Brian Westbrook while injury-riddled Donovan McNabb remains questionable. Despite coming into the season as reigning Super Bowl Champions, the New York Giants could easily be underdogs again. With the retirement of defensive leader Michael Straham, they may have a difficult time containing the bruising NFC running backs. Expect Eli Manning to start off and remain consistent. He just may be the key that makes New York a viable Super Bowl XLIII prediction. 

 

 

The Seahawks should cruise to another division title. Their offensive game remains potent even without former MVP Shaun Alexander.   The Arizona Cardinals are likely to make more interesting NFL predictions this season. This team has strengthened the core of what was already a solid defense. For Arizona, it all boils down to QB - veteran Kurt Warner or golden boy Matt Leinart. Look for the Rams to finish around the 8-8 mark. The defense should be more efficient with Chris Long from Virginia but they’re offense is becoming less effective. With no major moves in the off-season, the 49ers may be this season’s Dolphins at 1-15. 

 

 

The NFC South is another division up for grabs as all four teams have a number of question marks. The Atlanta Hawks are hoping rookie QB Matt Ryan will be enough to bounce back from one of their worst seasons in recent years. With a very favorable schedule, the addition of running back Michael Turner could lead them to the top of the division. Everyone's interested to see how the New Orleans Saints make out in weekly NFL picks. The team remains solid defensively and behind the arm of quarterback Drew Brees. However, the jury is still out on college sensation Reggie Bush who's first two seasons in the league were average at best. Early NFL predictions have the Carolina Panthers as one of the leading teams in the NFC South. They have a light schedule and a much better rushing game with the addition of rookie running back Jonathan Stewart. The Tampa Bay Bucs ran away with the division in 2007 but are rather suspect this year. They got much older by backing veteran QB Jeff Garcia with returning Buc Brian Griese. Their strength definitely lies in the offensive line which is now powered by All- Pro center Jeff Faine and rookie guard Jeremy Zuttah.