Week 13: T-Ward's Fantasy Football Advice

By: Tyler Ward

I've been wanting to do this all year, but I always forgot to do it and I guess I was just lazy.

But anyway, I love fantasy football. I currently have six teams, all of which are in the top 3 in every league. I plan to create my own league next season, so send me an e-mail at tylersportsguy@yahoo.com if any of ya'll will be interested in it. And for those who will be, I just want people who will seriously play (i.e. for this season, there is a team in one of my leagues that still has Kenny Britt, Jamaal Charles and Peyton Manning starting). I find it exceedingly annoying, so if you're serious about it and want to play, just let me know.

Okay, but anyway, I'm going to do my best Matthew Berry impression (Berry is a "fantasy guru for ESPN.com).

Players you need to start:

QB Tom Brady, New England - Brady will be facing a Colts defense that has been downright horrible. Their lone bright spot has been linebacker Pat Angerer, who leads the NFL in tackles. The Colts are 29th in overall defense (17th in passing, 31st in rushing). The Colts' secondary is currently giving up about 239 yards per game and opposing quarterbacks have a 108.6 rating against them. Quarterbacks have also thrown 19 touchdowns against the secondary, compared to just five interceptions.

I'm predicting Brady will have a field day against the Colts and will easily surpass the 300-yard mark with three or four touchdowns. The Colts will be lucky to pick him off once and I don't see them doing that. Start Brady.

QB Eli Manning, New York  - The younger Manning will be facing the undefeated Packers this weekend, but the Packers are 31st in pass defense. It's hard to imagine that an 11-0 team is ranked so low in that category, but it is possible. Given good weather conditions, Manning should throw for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns. However, the Packers' secondary has picked off opposing quarterbacks 22 times, compared to just 19 touchdowns (78.0 QB rating).

With Manning's past history, he should get intercepted once or twice in this contest, but he should also have a field day against Charles Woodson and Co. At this point, you're really not going to find a better option, as Manning should get you 15-17 points in most leagues.

QB Cam Newton, Carolina - Newton and the Panthers will be facing off against the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, who rank 27th in pass defense and 30th against the run. As we've seen all year, Newton has been the team's top rusher so it is plausible and almost a given that Newton will get a rushing touchdown or two.

He should also eclipse the 300-yard mark and if not, he will definitely cross the 250-yard plateau. I think this will be a laughable game, as the Panthers should win the game easily. Look for Newton to get you at least 20 points in most standard leagues.

RB Frank Gore, San Francisco - The 9-2 49ers will face off against the St. Louis Rams this weekend, who rank dead last against the run. Gore has consistently been a top-10 fantasy back all season long and he should explode against a horrendous, but talented Rams defense.

Gore has carried the ball 203 times this season for 909 yards (4.5 average). He has also added five rushing touchdowns and he should increase that number on Sunday.

This is also the same Rams defense that gave up a Cowboys rushing record 253 yards to rookie DeMarco Murray, who was also making his first NFL start. And yes, you read that right - a Cowboys franchise record; also better output that some of the best backs in history such as Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. Cardinals running back Beanie Wells also rushed for 228 yards and a touchdown against this defense last week.

Even though he has been struggling lately, I'm looking for Gore to rush for at least 100 yards and a touchdown against the lowly Rams defense. Gore has rushed for just 127 yards in the last three games but a game against this defense could get him back on track. In fact, I'll project what I think he'll do: 21 carries, 137 yards and two touchdowns. Start Gore.

RB Ray Rice, Baltimore - The Browns are currently 29th against the run and it doesn't help that they will be playing the Ravens this week, who have one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Rice should have a great game against the Browns, as the Ravens should easily roll over them by a couple touchdowns. Look for Rice to run for over 75 yards and a touchdown or two, and also surpass the 50-yard receiving mark.

I'm looking for Rice to get at least 18 points this week against Pat Shurmur's Cleveland Browns.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay - It is unknown thus far if Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman will play this weekend against the Panthers, and if he doesn't, they are almost sure to run the ball at least 25-30 times. If he doesn't play, I really don't see backup Josh Johnson passing the ball more than 20 times. That's why I'd start Blount because he will get a bunch of carries regardless.

The Panthers are currently 28th in rush defense and Blount has been on fire as of late. In fact, Blount had arguably one of the best plays in this NFL season a few weeks ago against the Packers as he barreled over half of the Packers' defense. I'm looking for Blount to be too powerful this week against the Panthers, who have struggled all year against the run.

Carolina is one of the worst tackling teams and I'm sure they'll miss quite a few tackles on Blount, as he leads the Buccaneers rushing attack. Watch for Blount to at least cross the 80-yard mark and a touchdown. Freeman has also been feeding him the ball through the air a bit lately, so he could add another 20 to 30 yards receiving.

Blount will at least get you 15 points in most standard leagues.

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, New England - It will be an offensive attack on the 0-11 Colts, as they are currently 31st defensively against the run.

Green-Ellis and Co. should have a great game against a Colts defense that has been despicable all season long.

The Colts' run defense is currently allowing over 150 rushing yards per game and has also given up fifteen rushing touchdowns. If the Patriots can get the ball inside the 10-yard line, "The Law Firm" should be able to easily run the ball into the end zone.

There is no doubt that the Patriots will win this game (and I'm a Colts fan saying this, too) and it will be mainly because of Tom Brady and Green-Ellis. The latter should be able to cross the 75-yard plateau and score a touchdown.

WR Wes Welker, New England - Again, they'll be playing the Colts and if Brady has a big day, Welker will do the same.

WR Laurent Robinson, Dallas - It is unclear if Miles Austin will play this week, but even if he does, he will likely just ease himself back in. Robinson has been quarterback Tony Romo's favorite target in the last five weeks, as Robinson has caught all seven of his touchdowns in that span.

The Cowboys will travel to Arizona this weekend to play the Cardinals, who have given up 2,924 receiving yards this season to their opponents.

In standard leagues, Robinson has scored 16.3, 9.2, 19.3, 9.4 and 19.9 points in the last five weeks, respectively. After trading cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to the Eagles in the offseason, the Cardinals' secondary has struggled against the pass and Romo will more than likely take advantage of that fault.

I'm looking for Robinson to at least go over 60 yards and catch a touchdown in this game. Start Robinson.

WR Victor Cruz, New York - Cruz has been the most consistent Giants receiver all season long and he will likely continue that heading into this week against the Green Bay Packers.

Cruz had a monster game against the Saints last week on Monday Night Football, as he caught nine passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns.

He currently lead the Giants with 55 receptions for 957 yards and seven touchdowns. Cruz has also had four 100-yard games, including the last two weeks (128 and 157, respectively).

The Packers are currently 31st in pass defense and if Manning has a good game, Cruz should be able to benefit from that as well. Cruz should be able to get at least 12 points in standard fantasy leagues.

TE Rob Gronkowski, New England - See Welker, Wes.

Players you should take a look at:

- QB Matt Stafford, Detroit (at New Orleans)
- QB Carson Palmer, Oakland (at Miami)
- QB Tim Tebow, Denver (at Minnesota)
- RB Michael Bush, Oakland (at Miami)
- RB Reggie Bush, Miami (vs. Oakland)
- RB Matt Forte, Chicago (vs. Kansas City)
- RB Maurice Jones-Drew (vs. San Diego)
- WR Michael Crabtree, San Francisco (vs. St. Louis)
- WR Steve Smith, Carolina (at Tampa Bay)
- WR Vincent Jackson, San Diego (at Jacksonville)
- WR Torrey Smith, Baltimore (at Cleveland)
- WR Johnny Knox, Chicago (vs. Kansas City)
- TE Jason Witten, Dallas (at Arizona)
- TE Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit (at New Orleans)
- TE Jimmy Graham, New Orleans (vs. Detroit)

NFL Top 10: The Top Kick Returners In NFL History

By: Tyler Ward

Being one of the most electrifying aspects in football, there have been some great returners since the NFL merger.

When a player scores a touchdown on a kick or punt return, it does more than just put up six points on the board. It excites not only the crowd, but the players, too. It can also provide a spark for the team and possibly make them even better.


Thanks to the guys at the NFL Network, I bring you a list of the top ten kick returners in NFL history.

 Example: Player's name, Team they're most known playing for

10. Dante Hall, Kansas City Chiefs


9. Desmond Howard, Green Bay Packers


8. Eric Metcalf, Cleveland Browns


7. Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears


6. Rick Upchurch, Denver Broncos


5. Mel Gray, Detroit Lions


4. Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys


3. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Houston Oilers


2. Brian Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles/Washington Redskins


1. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears


Courtesy of NFL Network

NFL Week 7: Top 5 Most Intriguing Match-Ups

By: Stephen Patterson

With several teams entering Week 7 in "All-Out Panic" mode, this could be a make-or-break week for some of the struggling teams in the NFL.

Can the Dallas Cowboys begin the daunting task of turning their season around on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants? Will the struggling San Diego Chargers be able to put a stop to their annual slow start and turn things around at home against the New England Patriots?

Perhaps the biggest question of all surrounding this weekends' match-ups is whether or not Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings can put back-to-back wins together for the first time this season against Favres' former team, the Green Bay Packers. Will Favre be able to lead the Vikings back up in the standings? Or will Green Bay finally get a win against the former face of their franchise?

#5: Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears

The Story: Both teams are coming off losses and will look to regroup when they match-up at Soldier Field on Sunday. The Chicago Bears currently control their own destiny in the NFC North, as they would continue their hold on the division lead with a victory. The Washington Redskins are a game behind the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in the NFC East, but a victory would keep them close to the top. Look for this to be a hard fought, low-scoring game with several big plays being the difference in this one.

Key to Victory: Defense. The Redskins head into Chicago allowing an NFL-worst 432.5 total yards per game, a number they hope will drop with a strong performance against a struggling Bears' offense. Chicago, on the other hand, is expecting to turn around their offensive misfortunes. However, if their offensive line can't offer any better protection than they have previously this season, it could be a very rough day for Jay Cutler. If the Bears are going to win this game, they need a solid performance by Matt Forte, who has struggled on the ground this season averaging only 92.3 yards per game rushing.

Prediction: Washington Redskins 17, Chicago Bears 14


#4: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins

The Story: The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense will be hungry to show the league they can still knock opponents silly without getting flagged for "devastating hits", and unfortunately for the Miami Dolphins, they will be on the receiving end of those hits. Ben Roethlisberger is making his second start of the season after sitting out the first four games due to suspension, and he will look to make another strong impression. The Dolphins are coming off a hard fought overtime win at Lambeau against the Green Bay Packers and they will look to build upon that win.

Key to Victory: Brandon Marshall/Mike Wallace. Both teams have solid defenses, but they are also both better at stopping the run. Both teams will be looking for huge games from their star receivers, and the player that has the biggest game might just be the difference in this one. Look for one or both of these guys making huge plays late in the fourth quarter with the game still on the line. Marshall has had a relatively slow start to the season in Miami, having caught only one touchdown pass so far this year. Look for him to break out of that slump with a big game against the Steelers' secondary.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Miami Dolphins 21


#3: New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

The Story: This is almost a must-win situation for the San Diego Chargers, as they are once again off to a painfully slow start to the season. Luckily for them, they are playing at home, where they are 2-0 this season. The bad news? They've lost all four games they've played on the road this season and they can't afford to drop a game of this magnitude at home. The New England Patriots will look to continue developing their offensive and adapting to no longer having Randy Moss. Deion Branch had a nice game last week against the Ravens, and the Patriots will need another big game from him to win this game.

Key to Victory: Special teams. The Chargers have been absolutely abysmal on special teams so far this season, and they can't afford to have those kind of lapses in this game. The Patriots destroyed the Miami Dolphins earlier this season because of special teams' gaffes, and if the Chargers want to avoid the same fate, they will need an all-around effort from everyone involved on special teams. If the Chargers can manage the ball and avoid mistakes, they will be in this game until the final whistle. Sadly, I'm not convinced that can happen for this team.

Prediction: New England Patriots 31, San Diego Chargers 21


#2: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

The Story: If there is a team facing a must-win situation in Week 7, it has to be the Dallas Cowboys. After starting the season as one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl, the Cowboys came out and fell flat on their faces to start the season. Unluckily for them, they are still tumbling and have to find a way to avoid a 1-5 start if they want any chance of even reaching the postseason. The New York Giants started off the season slowly, but they have looked increasingly better over their past three games. If they can knock off the Cowboys in this one, it will make their own run for the postseason a lot easier.

Key to Victory: Pride. The Cowboys must come out and play smart, competitive football for sixty minutes in order to have a chance in this one. If they continue to show poor judgment by celebrating prematurely and getting called for stupid penalties, this game could get out of hand very quickly for Dallas. I think they need to come out early and dominate both sides of the ball if they really want to win this game. If New York strikes first, and the Cowboys get off to a slow start, I think the Giants will be able to control the game and hold off a desperate, late flurry by Dallas.

Prediction: New York Giants 20, Dallas Cowboys 21


#1: Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

The Story: What's not to like about this game? Brett Favre will be going all-out against his former team in an effort to show them they made the wrong choice by letting him go. Aaron Rodgers will look to get his first regular-season victory against his former mentor. There are so many storylines surrounding this match-up that you could literally write a book and still probably miss a few of the smaller stories. Considering this a divisional rivalry and both teams are trying to make up ground in the race to catch the first-place Chicago Bears, I'd expect this game to be one of the most entertaining of the weekend.

Key to Victory: Brett Favre. One way or another, the aging Vikings' quarterback will be directly linked to the outcome of this game. Last season, Favre had two memorable victories against his former team, as the Vikings went 2-0 against the Packers. But, Favre was also playing at a much higher level last season as well. If Favre plans to improve his record to 3-0 against his former team, he better be willing to hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson often and not try to press his luck against a formidable defense by forcing bad passes. Unluckily for the Vikings, Favre usually doesn't pass up opportunities to throw into coverage and turn the ball over.

Prediction: Minnesota Vikings 17, Green Bay Packers 27

NFC East Preview

By: Tyler Ward and Stephen Patterson

1. Dallas Cowboys (Head Coach: Wade Phillips)

Key Arrivals: OT Alex Barron, WR Dez Bryant (draft), LB Sean Lee (draft)

Key Departures: S Ken Hamlin, OT Flozell Adams, CB Adam "Pacman" Jones, OG Corey Procter

SP: The Cowboys are perennially mentioned as a favorite to go deep in the postseason, yet they always fall tragically short for one reason or another. Whether it's been a botched snap on a field goal or a complete and total collapse to end the regular season, Dallas always seems to find a way to let down their fan base. In my opinion, this season is not only key to Wade Phillips keeping his job, but Tony Romo might find himself involved in potential trade talks next offseason if he can't produce for owner Jerry Jones. While he is statistically one of the top quarterbacks in the league, Romo hasn't gotten the Cowboys anywhere near the Super Bowl. With the Super Bowl being in Dallas this season, Jones will surely want to see his team representing the NFC in the championship game. Drafting Dez Bryant may have been a gamble in the eyes of some, but he was definitely one of the most talented receivers in the draft and will compliment Miles Austin very well. The two could potentially be one of the receiving duos in the NFL over the next few seasons if Bryant can stay healthy and stay focused on his game and not the stardom. The defense is pretty decent in Dallas, but someone will need to step up to fill the shoes of Ken Hamlin and bolster a weak secondary. Health will be one of the biggest concerns for the Cowboys, as they are not a very deep team and have several positions that can't afford injuries. One of those positions is the definitely running back, as they will need Marion Barber and Felix Jones to be 100% this season if they want to make an attempt at becoming the first team in NFL to play in the Super Bowl at home.

Miles Austin

- SP's Prediction: 12-4

TW: The Cowboys really didn't do much this offseason, but they did get wide receiver Dez Bryant in the draft. Bryant, along with Miles Austin, forms a very good receiving group - they also have Jason Witten at tiht end, so their passing attack could be very formidable. Tony Romo could be in for another 4,000 yard season. Dallas also has the three-headed beast at running back with Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. The Cowboys will definitely have one of the best offenses in the NFL this season. But, I think the loss of Flozell Adams is going to hurt them more than they think. They did acquire Alex Barron from the Rams, in hopes that he can play as well as Adams did. Guard Kyle Kosier is also expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an injury, so the Cowboys are going to have to think of something for their offensive line. Their defense is also expected to be pretty good - DeMarcus Ware could have another great season in the Cowboys' 3-4 scheme. However, they are very thin at the cornerback and safety positions, so that could hurt them defending the pass. As of right now, Terence Newman and Mike Jenkins are the starters, but the backups aren't great, so both of them are going to have to stay healthy. Jay Ratliff, fresh off a Pro Bowl season, will probably be just as good this season - and possibly make another Pro Bowl appearance. Overall, the Cowboys will stay injury-free and make the postseason. But, with their recent history, who knows what they'll do in the playoffs.

- TW's Prediction: 12-4 

2. New York Giants (Head Coach: Tom Coughlin)

Key Arrivals: LB Keith Bulluck, S Antrel Rolle, S Deon Grant, DE/LB Jason Pierre-Paul (draft), DT Linval Joseph (draft), S Chad Jones (draft)

Key Departures: QB David Carr, CB Kevin Dockery, LB Danny Clark, DT Fred Robbins, S C.C. Brown, WR Domenik Hixon

SP: The Giants definitely added some nice pieces to their defense, but I'm not sure they did enough on the offensive side of the ball to win one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. They could have definitely used another receiver to help fill the void of Plaxico Burress, who is still serving his jail sentence. I think Hakeem Nicks will be one of the top young receivers in the league, but him and Steve Smith are not enough for this team to have a truly threatening passing attack. I'm also not very high on the duo of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. I have always thought Jacobs has been overrated, and his health is also a constant concern for the team. Bradshaw is a pretty decent player, but splitting time with Jacobs lowers his production. The additions of Antrel Rolle, Keith Bulluck, and Jason Pierre-Paul were all solid moves in my opinion. While Bulluck is getting near the end of his career, he is still a very productive player on the field and can provide valuable leadership in the locker room. If New York can stay healthy, they have a chance in this wild division, but I'm just not convinced they have enough offensive fire power to win a division that could legitimately be won by any of the four teams.

- SP's Prediction: 10-6

Eli Manning

TW: I also like what the Giants did this offseason, especially with QB Eli Manning having a breakout season last year. Fresh off of throwing for over 4,000 for the first time in his six-year career, he could very well have another one this season. WR Hakeem Nicks is a budding star, so he will definitely get some passes thrown his way - look for him to do well this year, too. The other receiver, Mario Manningham, is a very talented receiver and TE Kevin Boss has shown glimpses of a new Jeremy Shockey. Along with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw at running back, the Giants may have a high-powered offense this season. However, the one thing that could hurt them is the offensive line. They are all getting older and already, guards Chris Snee and Rich Seubert are injured. This has caused tackle David Diehl to be moved to a guard until Snee and/or Seubert return. The Giants signed former Pro Bowler tackle Shawn Andrews to a six-year contract that could be worth up to $32.5 million (Andrews has not played in a game since early in the 2008 season). New York also upgraded their defense and hoping that Osi Umenyiora can return to his old form. They also added linebacker Keith Bulluck and safety Antrel Rolle through free agency - with their first round pack, they selected Jason Pierre-Paul, a linebacker and a premier pass rusher. Kenny Phillips, their other safety, is looking to return from a season-ending injury last season and if he stays healthy, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Throw any other players like Justin Tuck, Chris Canty, Mathias Kiwanuka, Michael Boley, Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, and Aaron Ross - and you have an awfully good defense. I like what the Giants have done, but at the end of the day, I think the Cowboys will have the better regular season record.

- TW's Prediction: 10-6

3. Washington Redskins (Head Coach: Mike Shanahan)

Key Arrivals: QB Donovan McNabb, RB Willie Parker, RB Larry Johnson, DT Ma'ake Kemoeatu, QB Rex Grossman, DE Adam Carriker, OT Jamaal Brown, WR Joey Galloway, LB Chris Draft, DE Vonnie Holliday, WR Mike Furrey, OT Trent Williams (draft)

Key Departures: OT Chris Samuels, CB Fred Smoot, QB Jason Campbell, WR Antwaan Randle El, RB Ladell Betts, QB Todd Collins, RB Rock Cartwright, QB Colt Brennan

Brian Orakpo

SP: The Redskins are looking to begin a new era under new head coach Mike Shanahan, and they have actually made the moves to potentially move out the cellar in this division. While they haven't been one of the absolute worst teams over the past few seasons (see St. Louis and Detroit), Washington hasn't lived up to the expectations of their fans after consistently having one of the biggest payrolls and the NFL. The team always seems to bring in a marquee name each offseason, and somehow, they always seem to find a way to disappoint. Well this time the team took a slightly different approach, adding so many big name players that they can't possibly all turn out to be bad moves. Donovan McNabb is an obvious upgrade over Jason Campbell, but he is on the wrong end of his career to wait a few years while this team gets everything together. The Redskins currently have a short window to make a deep run at the postseason behind McNabb and some of the other aging stars on this roster. Their running game will also be a big key for them this season, with Clinton Portis and Larry Johnson expected to get most of the carries, while Willie Parker could potentially be released. Personally, I'd keep him on the roster as insurance policy in case one of the other two gets injured, as you can never have too many quality running backs in the NFL. The defense will likely determine how far this team goes this season, and considering they are relying on one of the laziest players in the league (Albert Haynesworth), I'm not sure I like where that might take them. They are switching to a 3-4 defense, one of the main reasons Haynesworth threw his highly-publicized temper tantrum that included a holdout and trade demands. While Washington will definitely improve from last season, I think they will come up a few victories short of the postseason.

- SP's Prediction: 9-7

TW: I think Dan Snyder may actually know what he's doing now...well, maybe. Fix the Haynesworth fiasco and then I think he's got it on lock. But, anyway, their biggest acquisition of the offseason was not a player -- but a coach. After parting ways with ex-Seawhawks quarterback Jim Zorn, they went out and hired two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan. A guru of running backs, Shanahan will help the offense, which has absolutely struggled since the Steve Spurrier era (Joe Gibbs had them fairly decent, but no where close to the top). The acquisition of quarterback Donovan McNabb immediately adds consistency and leadership to the team - the Redskins really haven't had a solid QB since 2000 when they had Brad Johnson at the helm (they have since used quarterbacks like Tony Banks, Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, and Jason Campbell). McNabb could also have a big season, as the Redskins' offense better suits him than the Eagles' attempts of the past. The Redskins also added ex-Pro Bowlers Willie Parker and Larry Johnson through free agency and along with Clinton Portis, they literally have a three-headed best at running back. Their biggest weakness, however, is their receiving core. Outside of Santana Moss and tight end Chris Cooley, they really have no receivers that have showed something in the NFL. Devin Thomas is penciled in as the #2 receiver, with other unproven players like Malcolm Kelly, Terrence Austin, and Roydell Williams following suit. They added veteran Joey Galloway, but it is unclear how much he will actually play. If the Redskins want to succeed, they will have to have a healthy defense - they cannot afford their $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth, to miss time due to injuries or just not wanting to play. Players like Phillip Daniels, Kedric Golston, Fred Smoot, and Reed Doughty also have to do well if the Redskins want a top-tier defense. Linebacker Brian Orakpo could also have another great season, so watch for his sack totals to be somewhere around the same he had last season. Even though it seems like they've gotten better, I don't think they will be a threat to make the playoffs and they will finish with an 8-8 record. I do like what they're doing, but they're just not going to be a top team after going through so many changes. Shanahan will get this team better and they could very well regain their old form in the next few seasons.

- TW's Prediction: 8-8 

4. Philadelphia Eagles (Head Coach: Andy Reid)

Key Arrivals: CB Marlin Jackson, LB Darryl Tapp, LB Ernie Sims, RB J.J. Arrington, WR Kelley Washington, RB Mike Bell, DE Brandon Graham (draft), WR Riley Cooper (draft), S Nate Allen (draft)

Key Departures: RB Brian Westbrook, QB Donovan McNabb, LB Will Witherspoon, S Sean Jones, WR Reggie Brown, WR Kevin Curtis, OT Shawn Andrews, DE Chris Clemons, CB Sheldon Brown, LB Chris Gocong

SP: While Kevin Kolb played two amazing games last season in place of an injured Donovan McNabb, I'm not completely sold on him being the new face of this franchise. It was imminent that McNabb's time in Philly was coming to an end, and apparently the team feels comfortable enough with Kolb that they moved McNabb to division-rival Washington. Considering he has one of the best groups of receivers in the NFC, including lightning fast DeSean Jackson, the expectations are definitely high for Kolb in his first season as the team's starter. I think LeSean McCoy could be one of the best running backs in the NFC this season in his second year, but if he can't produce and struggles this season, this team will fall along with him. If they can't move the ball on the ground, it doesn't matter how good their QB's arm is. Their defense is also a big question mark for me, as many of the positions are pretty weak on Philly's roster with the exception of cornerback, where they have the duo of Asante Samuel and Ellis Hobbs. Unless Kolb has an unbelievable season and puts up MVP-type numbers, don't expect the Eagles to make a serious run the division this season. Given another season with the offense and adjusting to running the show, Kolb could potentially lead this team deep in postseason over the next few seasons.

DeSean Jackson

- SP's Prediction: 7-9

TW: With key players like Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook gone elsewhere, the Eagles are on the decline. Personally, I don't think Kevin Kolb is that great of a quarterback and will not be a good fit as McNabb's successor. He hasn't had enough playing time to even be considered a very good quarterback. I can see him struggling and thus, the Eagles will follow right behind him. A brightspot for Kolb, though, is a very young offense that could be top of the class in the next few seasons. RB LeSean McCoy is a talented athlete and with Westbrook gone, McCoy will receive the bulk of the carries. Although he's not as versatile as Westbrook, he can still possibly be an "elite" running back in the NFL. DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin form a good combination at wide receiver, along with Jason Avant, who had a fairly good season last year (41 catches, 587 yards, 3 TD's). Tight End Brent Celek showed glimpses of promise in 2009 and could be a top-notch tight end for the 2010 campaign - Celek caught 76 passes for 971 yards and 8 TD's last season. He may not exceed those numbers, but he could come close if Kolb looks for him a lot. Like their rival Giants, the Eagles may have a problem at offensive line and that could spell doom for the newly-assigned Kolb. Philly does have a solid defense, however, after adding safety Nate Allen in the draft - currently, Allen is the starting free safety. Cornerback Asante Samuel is a premier cornerback in the NFL and immediately provides depth and leadership at that position - along with Ellis Hobbs, the Eagles have a very talented secondary. They also added LB Ernie Sims in the offseason, acquiring him from Detroit in a trade. Since coming into the league in 2006, Sims had posted at least 100 tackles for his first three seasons, but missed five games in 2009 (he also only totaled 49 tackles, by far a career low). Look for their defensive line to be the key to a few of their wins - they have perhaps the most depth at the defensive line in the entire league. But, like I said earlier, I think the Eagles are on the decline and will fall below the .500 threshold. They could be an elite team in a few seasons, but they just have to let Kolb develop, along with their wide receivers, Jackson and Maclin.

- TW's Prediction: 7-9