The Commissioners Annual Predictions

     And finally… now that we have a look at the opening rosters for this season, we can for the first time begin to speculate about who will succeed and fail in 2003. Some of you could care less about the annual predictions, but I know that is not the case with most. While I acknowledge that most of you don't put a lot of stock in my predictions, I always have coaches interested in what I have to say. And this year… back by popular demand, the WRITTEN version of the predictions. Gone is the spreadsheet version of predictions, as you now get to simply sit back and listen to me babble on and on about who will be good and who will be bad this season.

DISCLAIMER:I must remind you once again that these predictions are based on the value that I would personally assign to players. When you draft a player, you do so because you believe in him… and I am no different. I always believe in the people I am acquiring. And so it should come as no surprise that I expect greater things for my team than most other coaches would--- and my predictions usually reflect that. I can only claim a non-biased approach to the other 12 franchises.

COLORADO DIVISION

     The DENVER BAD DOGS are coming off the worst season of their 11-year franchise history, a disappointing 3-11 campaign of a year ago. The BAD DOGS simply do not have a star-studded cast behind Kurt Warner, and so when he struggled so horribly last season it catapulted the DOGS into an abysmal season. Keeping this in mind, it is critical for Kurt Warner to rebound if the BAD DOGS will have any chance at all in 2003. The good news for the BAD DOGS is that I do expect Kurt Warner to return to strong form this year. I would not be surprised at all if Warner wins the FFL MVP this year--- that's how strongly I believe in him. The bad news for the BAD DOGS is that I am fairly unimpressed with the rest of their team. The BAD DOGS are particularly hamstrung at running back. The protection of Jerome Bettis has turned into likely mistake, as the Steelers have decided that he is no longer their starting running back. With that in mind, the BAD DOGS selected a running back with the 2nd overall pick in the draft--- Duce Staley. But I think they could have done much better with that pick. Staley was a holdout for all of the pre-season and is now in the coaches doghouse. Add to that the fact that a healthy Correll Buckhalter is likely to see a vastly increased role, and there is no guarantee that Staley will be anything but a part-time back. With the 21st overall pick the BAD DOGS selected James Stewart--- not a bad pick on the surface, but Stewart has since suffered an injury that will keep him out at least six weeks, and there is no guarantee that he will play at all this year. The other two running backs drafted are perhaps the most talented--- Larry Johnson & Olandis Gary, but this duo will ride the bench and pray for an injury to an established starter. Add it all up, and you can expect the BAD DOGS to bring the worst running game to the FFL this year. And a good running game is critical in this league, as it is usually a great indicator of what separates the good teams from the bad. The receivers are good, but certainly not spectacular--- Torry Holt, Keyshawn Johnson, and Donald Driver expected as the primary contributors. Chad Lewis is a nice tight end. Defensively the BAD DOGS stocked up on what I like to refer to as "Stats-whores". Defensively, a stats-whore would be described as a player that had good numbers a year ago, but will likely SCREW-you this year. Keeping in mind that sacks and interceptions fluctuate greatly among most players, the likelihood that you will see another impressive year from the likes of Rod Coleman, Nate Clements, and Marlon McCree are not good. The one player that may be the exception to this rule is Simeon Rice, who should be just as impressive this year as he was a year ago. In summary--- I expect Kurt Warner to rebound completely and be the driving force in an improved season for the BAD DOGS… but his supporting cast has gotten worse, and Warner can only do so much.

Best case scenario: 7-7 Worst case scenario: 4-10 My prediction: 5-9

     The RAMBLIN' GAMBLERS get my award this year for the worst protections. Don't take it hard Steve, it's just one man's opinion. Rich Gannon was an obvious protection at quarterback and our reigning MVP. He has just gotten better each year for the GAMBLERS and I expect more big things from him this year (but not necessarily an MVP award). That being said, Gannon should make the leader board with more than 200 points… just pray he doesn't get injured as Jon Kitna is the only backup and does not provide enough depth. Like the Bad Dogs above, the GAMBLERS will be plagued with running back troubles. I am mystified at the GAMBLERS decision to protect both DeShaun Foster and Mike Anderson. Neither of these backs has any hope of making the leader board, as they are truly just backups to the primary ball carriers. Charlie Garner was the only RB protection worth anything, and the best option on the team… and yet, Garner carries some serious baggage into the season opener. Garner suffered a pre-season injury which may not be healed in time to play the season opener. Even if he does play, Garner is no sure bet to shine in 2003 after the "fade" he pulled last year. Garner had 94 points in his first 4 starts last year (a 23.5 average) and was on top of the world…but Garner had just 22 points in his next 9 starts (2.4 average) and finished with just 116 points for the year. That is quite a major dropoff down the stretch. There are several possibilities as to why, but regardless the reason it certainly has to make a person wonder if he will struggle again this year. I spend so much time talking about Garner because he is critical to the GAMBLERS chances! Trung Candidate and Onterrio Smith round out the RB depth for this team, and it is therefore easy to conclude that the GAMBLERS may struggle at running back terribly this year. Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth were protected to anchor the receiving corps…. Horn is fine, but I'm not sure protecting two receivers from the same team is a good idea. And either way, neither of these receivers will score as many points as Hines Ward will (whom the G-men could have/should have protected). Ward would have scored 136 points for the GAMBLERS a year ago if he were played all year… but he got just three starts and 18 points. In short, the offense for the GAMBLERS this year will be hindered by several players that were protected (and should not have been), and a player that should have been protected (and was not). But the GAMBLERS will find some points to be certain, behind Gannon, Horn, and the ageless Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe is very, very valuable and will help to mask some of the inadequacies on offense for this team. Defensively the GAMBLERS stocked up on the same type of stats-whores that the Bad Dogs did, which will compute out to be average at very best--- but likely worse. The GAMBLERS have not had a winning season since the turn of the century… and I don't expect that to change.

Best case scenario: 8-6 Worst case scenario: 4-10 My prediction: 5-9

     The DAMAGE threw caution into the wind this year, by protecting FOUR running backs and Jake Plummer. That's right… he's the Snake that just won't die. Plummer gets a change of scenery in Denver this year, and that has many believing he can finally excel. Put the DAMAGE on that list, as they could not resist the temptation of taking a chance on him. But give the the DAMAGE the Gold Medal for recognizing the fragility of their QB-decision, as they found a true steal with their first pick in the draft--- taking Kerry Collins with the 28th overall pick. Collins gets better each year, topping out with more than 4000 yards passing last season. He should be ready to step right in for the DAMAGE should Plummer….well…. be Plummer. Protecting four running backs was a decision based on an injury to Michael Bennett which could very well keep him out all season. The Running backs for this team (without Bennett) are good but not spectacular. Curtis Martin is probably the best option, but his days of making the leader board may be behind him. After scoring at least 100 points in his first four seasons, Martin has reached 100 only once in the past four years, and is coming off a career-low 56 points a year ago. The DAMAGE will need him to rebound if they are to contend, as he is the only running back that can potentially keep pace with many of the league's premiere rushers. The DAMAGE did draft plenty of depth at the position, and that should allow them to shuffle accordingly, and their history of working their roster indicates they will manage to find the best option all year. Peerless Price and David Boston were protected to be the starting receivers, and both have a tremendous upside. But there are still question marks there too… Can Price succeed as the primary receiver, without Moulds for defenses to focus on? And how will the injury to Vick affect him early on? And as for Boston--- will Marty-ball in San Diego ruin any shot he has at utilizing his amazing skills? While I don't expect these two receivers to make the leader board, I do expect them to provide the type of production necessary to help the DAMAGE contend--- say 60-80 points apiece. The DAMAGE drafted well defensively, with a nice combo of young studs like Keith Bulluck and Mike Brown, and guys that have proven themselves over time like Ronde Barber and Lawyer Milloy. The injury to Michael Bennett is a serious blow to this team, as he was likely expected to be the DAMAGE team-MVP this year. But the DAMAGE are very active in working their roster, and filling holes, and I expect them to make the most of a tough situation. If things break right, this team could become a back-to-back division winner… but don't bet the house.

Best case scenario: 8-6 Worst case scenario: 6-8 My prediction: 7-7

     The ANOREXIC TOADS surprised many teams this year by electing to protect only one player-quarterback Jeff Garcia. Last year's TOADS were just one point per game away from their all-time franchise scoring record, making it all the more surprising that they would protect just one. But despite this, it would be hard to argue against the fact that the TOADS have improved through this process. Two great things happened to the TOADS as a result of their decision to protect just one player. The first great break came when the Gamblers decided NOT to protect Hines Ward. Ward was better than ALL receivers last year, with the exception of Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison. Ward was able to stay under the radar, however, because the Gamblers only started him three times for 18 points. It was a great break to be able to draft a player with that kind of talent… and the TOADS did so with the first overall pick. The 2nd great break came with a phone call from the Menace. The Menace wanted to move up in the draft, and the TOADS had all of the early picks. The Menace asked the TOADS to make an offer for Ahman Green---- and the TOADS did just that. With all of this good fortune, the TOADS were able to walk away on draft night with Jeff Garcia, Ahman Green, and Hines Ward--- a nice trio of stars to build a team around. And then the TOADS surprised some by selecting Matt Hasselbeck with the 3rd overall selection, giving them needed depth at the QB position and a player that some believe is on the cusp of stardom. The depth at the running back and wide receiver positions is a little more suspect, but this is a coach that works his roster very well, and you would expect that he can find someone among his draftees to put some points on the board. T.J. Duckett, Troy Hambrick, and Thomas Jones provide the primary RB depth, with Najeh Davenport waiting in the wings in case Ahman Green gets hurt in Green Bay. Darrell Jackson, Santana Moss, and Ike Hilliard are a few of the other receivers to choose from here--- good, but not great. The tight end spot could be a little weak, with Jeramy Stevens and Anthony Becht--- keep your eye on this one. Defensively, the TOADS stayed with their "M.O." of selecting players that have PROVEN themselves over time, rather than young talent. The TOADS made sure to draft Ray Lewis early enough to bring him back, and his production will be unquestioned if healthy. Add to that Junior Seau, Aaron Glenn, and Ty Law and you have guys that are almost always solid. The advantage that the TOADS have over the other teams in the division is Hines Ward and Ahman Green--- these two players are likely the best at their position in the division considering the injury to Michael Bennett. And so, if the TOADS can get good production from either Jeff Garcia or Hasselbeck, there is no reason to believe this team won't win the Colorado Division.

Best case scenario: 9-5 Worst case scenario: 6-8 My prediction: 8-6

KANSAS DIVISION

     You may look at things differently than I do, but I feel that TONY'S TIGERS had the worst draft of all 12 teams. That's a big statement, I know. I was not very impressed with MANY of their selections, and I feel that their team depth, especially offensively, has them terribly vulnerable. The starting-6 offensively are very, very, good and should be able to keep pace with most any team in the league. Peyton Manning returns at quarterback, Corey Dillon and the youthful Travis Henry will rush the ball, and the receivers are Eric Moulds and Marty Booker. Booker was a nice return draft pick, as was Bubba Franks who will be the starting tight end. That is, indeed, a nice starting lineup. But this isn't the FBL… depth is so important in the FFL. I hate to go through the entire roster offensively, but I think it is important to make my point. Here are the offensive backups: Jake Delhomme and Brock Huard are the backup QB's. At RB the TIGERS have Mike Alstott, James Allen, Travis Minor, and Elvis Joseph. At WR the TIGERS have Reggie Wayne, Travis Taylor, Reche Caldwell, and Marcus Robinson. And Cam Cleeland is the backup tight end. I'm sorry, but that's just not good in my book. And the bye weeks can be killers in this league. It's ok if a bye week hurts your team once or twice because your depth is exposed… but you cannot be in a situation where EVERY TIME a starter is on a bye, a loser enters. It's harsh, but that's what I see in Tigerville. And that means a major drop in production each and every time a bye week comes. And let's not forget that the TIGERS are just a single injury away from being VERY vulnerable at every offensive position. Hey--- Booker and Franks were nice draft picks and they give this team a powerful starting-6. The TIGERS better hope this 6 can be strong enough to compensate for their lack of depth when necessary. Defensively the TIGERS did not draft nearly as bad-I particularly like their starting DB's of Brian Kelly and Lance Schulters… although there is no depth here either because the only other DB, Duane Starks, is out indefinitely with an injury. Martin Gramatica returns as the kicker, and a good one at that. If ever there was a kicker worth protecting, this is the one. All things considered, the TIGERS have a very impressive starting lineup. And they will score a lot of points and be a powerful team as always. But this isn't the Colorado Division. You just can't get away with ZERO depth when playing in the best division in football. The Kansas teams are just too strong, and in the war of attrition, the TIGERS will be exposed. Anyone can win the Kansas Division this year, including the TIGERS. But the TIGERS are the LEAST likely winner.

Best case scenario: 9-5 Worst case scenario: 6-8 My prediction: 6-8

     The WASHBURN WILDCATS suffered the first big pre-season blow when Michael Vick suffered a serious injury that will keep him out for the first six weeks or so. Give the WILDCATS credit for holding on to Bret Favre and resisting the temptation of trading him. Favre should have no problem holding down the fort until Vick can return, afterall his 1528 career points sort of speaks for itself. But just in case, the WILDCATS added a nice stable of QB's for some depth-Kelly Holcumb, Tim Couch and Marc Bulger provide great depth and could be trade bait to bring needed talent to this team down the stretch. This could be especially true if Kurt Warner struggles. The WILDCATS protected three running backs of value--- Deuce McAlister, Jamal Lewis, and Eddie George. And although George appears to be on the downside of his career, he is still a VERY strong option for a #3 on your depth chart. The WILDCATS return Rod Smith at wide receiver--- a GREAT decision. It would have been easy to pass up on Smith after his so-so season of a year ago, but I expect a NICE return to the leader board for Smith. Jerry Rice comes in as the #2 option, and the WILDCATS added depth in quantity rather than quality after that, with perhaps Troy Brown being the best backup. Billy Miller comes in as the new tight end and while he may be young and unproven, it's hard to ignore his impressive 56 catches of a year ago. The starting DB's look very sharp--- Darren Sharper and Rodney Harrison have been on the leader board many times in the past. But the D's look a little weak. Dwight Freeney is unproven after just one good year, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila is a situational player likely, and all reports indicate that Terrell Suggs is struggling terribly to beat professional offensive lineman. Suggs set the NCAA record with 24 sacks a year ago, but the big boys are giving him fits and the coaches have become concerned. Nevertheless, the WASHBURN WILDCATS had a nice group of protections, and I thought they drafted very well. With the exception of D, the WILDCATS should be able to contend with their rivals. But I must admit that I think Vick is the key to bringing this team a title--- and missing six weeks is just enough to make me weary about too bold a prediction for this franchise. And because the Wildcats have a long, long, history of losing to the Bullfrogs (7-19), I can't give them the edge in a tiebreak… so I pick them for 3rd place.

Best case scenario: 9-5 Worst case scenario: 6-8 My prediction: 8-6

     The BLOATED BULLFROGS are the defending Kansas Division champs after an impressive 10-4 season of a year ago. While last season proves that the BULLFROGS have their 3-10-1 seasons behind them… they are not quite as good as their record of a year ago I don't think. The real keys for this team are quarterback Trent Green and running back Priest Holmes--- two of only three protections on a team that averaged 70 per game a year ago. Both Green and Holmes are big question marks coming into this season, and they will BOTH need to reach their UPSIDE potential this year for the BULLFROGS to contend. Green is a Wildcard because he has never scored more than 128 in a season, which he did last year. Green had a good year last year, and still only averaged 10.7 per game… not bad, but not enough to make you a pro-bowler in the FFL. By all accounts, Green is having a tremendous pre-season and he will have many more weapons around him this year. Call me a KC-optimist, but I believe that Trent Green has the potential to score 160-200 points this year for the BULLFROGS… but I could also see a scenario where he scores just 85-125 points as in the past two years. The same unknown can be said for Priest Holmes. I don't care what you say-if Priest Holmes is totally healthy, he is the best player in this league-hands down. And like Green, I expect big things from Holmes this year again--- I believe he is healthy. But how can we be certain? I don't think even HOLMES knows until he puts his body to the test for an entire game in week one. These two players are the KEY to the whole kingdom for the BULLFROGS. Brad Johnson is the only backup quarterback-good, not great. Tiki Barber was the other protected player, and he gives the BULLFROGS a very nice 1-2 punch at running back. The running back depth is a little suspect here, unless Garrison Hearst continues to get more PT than his running mate in SF--- Kevan Barlow. The wide receivers are all young guns--- Koren Robinson, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, and Jerry Porter… great potential. Alge Crumpler is the starting tight end… and I don't see a backup at all. The defense looks pretty good--- I especially like the selection of Deltha O'Neal, as I wish he was on my roster because he seems to be a proven playmaker. Speaking of players I wish were on my roster-the FFL's all-time kicker, Jason Elam, is also a member of the BULLFROGS. This team has some real talent. But without BIG seasons from Trent Green and Priest Holmes, this will be a very ordinary, vanilla, team. For this reason, the scope between best and worst case scenarios is unusually large. I believe that Green and Holmes have the ability to combine for more than 400 points this year… and if they do this, I could easily see the BULLFROGS winning another division title. Realistically, a 2-man combo of about 300 points is more likely--- and a 2nd place finish.

Best case scenario: 10-4 Worst case scenario: 5-9 My prediction: 8-6

     I hate even saying it. I hate the way it sounds coming off the tongue-"The MIDWEST MENACE are good". It makes me want to puke, and I long for the day when I can say this arrogant team is no longer the force of the Kansas Division. Sadly, that time has not yet come--- however, they do appear a little more vulnerable than in years past. Daunte Culpepper returns as the starting QB, after a rather forgettable season a year ago. While I expect Culpepper to improve on his down season last year, there have to be some questions still lingering about whether he can return to his form the MENACE enjoyed a few years back. And this time, the MENACE don't have Bret Favre, Drew Bledsoe, or Kurt Warner waiting in the wings to play the role of backup. This time the backup is Joey Harrington. Now I must acknowledge that am the current president of the Joey Harrington fan-club. I think he is a STAR waiting to happen. I love his skills, I love his tenacity. But I think he is still maybe a year or two away from achieving the type of statistical consistency that will have him on our leader board--- therefore the MENACE will really, really, need Culpepper to be a force again this year. Bad news for the division--- I think he will. Drew Brees is also on the roster, but I don't think he can overcome the stigma of "Martyball", and will be a so-so fantasy QB. Ricky Williams and Marshall Faulk make probably the best running back tandem in the league, as long as they both stay healthy. They both have a little injury in their past, and that would really hurt the MENACE as well. Stephen Davis & Kevan Barlow are the primary backups at the position… they are good, but a HUGE step down from Williams and Faulk. Receivers are Terrell Owens and Randy Moss--- it just doesn't get any better, and Charles Rogers was a nice acquisition as well. Marcus Pollard was brought in to play tight end. At the time of the trade, I thought it was good for both teams. Now, I'm not so sure. Is Pollard that much better than the tight ends that would have been available in the draft? Pollard's best season produced just 37 points, and he has just 68 career points--- in FOUR years of FFL play. Naturally, he has been a little victimized by his circumstances--- he has backed up Tony Gonzalez and also been part of a 2-tight end combo in Indy. He has never truly been given the full opportunity. But I'm not sure the MENACE are better off with him "upgrading" the position, as they would have been if they had kept Drew Bledsoe to backup Daunte Culpepper. Let's not forget that Bledsoe made 6 starts for a struggling Culpepper a year ago. In a less than shocking development, the MIDWEST MENACE lack any defensive players that automatically strike fear in an opponent. I would have to call this a weakness--- but I must acknowledge (with great despair) that this is a weakness that seems to turn in to pro-bowlers EVERY year for this team. This team fields a starting lineup that can stay with anyone. But there are TWO concerns that make this team a little vulnerable. The first concern is that the MENACE got just 109 quarterback points last year (rank 10th), and they are putting all their eggs in the perverbial Culpepper basket again. The second concern is that this team just does not have the depth at running back they have enjoyed in the past. If Williams and Faulk stay healthy (the key), expect this team to squeak out yet another Division Title.

Best case scenario: 10-4 Worst case scenario: 7-7 My prediction: 9-5

CONTINENTAL DIVISION

     We officially welcome the ANGIOD STREAKS to the league…by raking them over the coals again, and again, and again, about selecting Terrance Newman so early. Ok, I cannot defend the pick (especially that early), but the STREAKS did not do all that bad in their first FFL draft. Aaron Brooks, Antowain Smith, and Todd Heap were the protections… I would have made the same decisions. Brooks still seems to have untapped upside in his game, and he is already good enough to contend at making our leader board. The backup quarterbacks are somewhat weak, with Mark Brunell and Chris Simms-so Brooks needs to stay healthy for anything positive to happen with this franchise. As I said earlier, I would have protected Antowain Smith--- but don't interpret that to mean I think he is a solid running back. The other three teams in this division each have at least TWO running backs that I would rather have than Antowain Smith, which puts the STREAKS behind the 8-ball at perhaps the most important position in the game. And there must be something about the name "Smith" at running back for this team, because the STREAKS decided to draft the following backups: Emmitt Smith, Lamar Smith, and Musa Smith (and toss in Ronney Jenkins for good measure. The bottom line is that this franchise does not have a hope of getting a running back to the leader board, and it is tough to contend with that formula in place. The wide receivers are an unspectacular bunch, but I think they all have potential--- Amani Toomer, Andre Johnson, Joey Galloway, and Quincy Morgan. As a group they look pretty good… but do you really expect ANY of them to make the leader board? No chance in hell. I have a lot of respect for Todd Heap at tight end, and I think he could become the best in the business, either this year or next. And I thought that the STREAKS drafted impressively on defense with proven names like-Zach Thomas, LaVar Arrington, London Fletcher, Hugh Douglas, and Sammy Knight. This is particularly impressive because I think it is more difficult for a rookie coach to draft on defense than anywhere else--- so kudos to the STREAKS for this achievement. Sebastian Janikowski returns as the kicker, and he finally looks ready to reach the potential the Raiders had expected of him when they drafted him years ago. There are some nice players on this team (Brooks & Heap are particularly nice building blocks), but there just isn't nearly enough to contend. If you were reading closely above, you'll see that I don't expect ANY of the running backs or receivers to reach the FFL leader board at season's end… in fact, I'd be surprised if any scored more than 70 points. When you lack any established talent at BOTH running back AND wide receiver--- it will be a difficult road. Mix in a little rookie inexperience, and I expect a tumultuous first season for the ANGIOD STREAKS.

Best case scenario: 6-8 Worst case scenario: 3-11 My prediction: 4-10

     It has been an absolutely brutal pre-season for the NUKEVILLE ANNIHILATORS, as they have been crippled by so many critical injuries. The expected starter at quarterback, Chad Pennington, suffered a broken wrist and will likely miss the entire season. Wide receiver Jimmy Smith was suspended for the first four games this year because of yet another violation of the league's substance abuse policy-and there is no guarantee he will be back after four weeks at all. Tight end Jeremy Shockey suffered an injury to his ribs that could potentially keep him out at the start of the season. Truth is that Shockey expects to play from the word "go" this year… but a RIB-injury is the kind of thing that can stick with you all year long and, more importantly, severly limit your effectiveness even if you do take the field. So that's three protected players who are severely injured. And the ANNIHILATORS did not help themselves much in the draft by selecting James Thrash, Eric Johnson, and Brian Griese. James Thrash suffered a pre-season injury that is expected to keep him out for a long time. Johnson has a collarbone injury and will be out for at least 12 weeks. The ANNIHILATORS also drafted an injured quarterback to go with Pennington, as Brian Griese is listed as out "indefinitely". So where do the ANNIHILATORS go from here? Well, the truth is that they still have some talent left. David Carr was also protected at quarterback, albeit he is not ready to take the reigns and the ANNIHILATORS would be foolish to play him. They are more likely to play either Patrick Ramsey or Kyle Boller--- both are unproven but bring a lot of upside. Any scenario where the ANNIHILATORS contend will require one of these two QB's to step up and score more than 100 points! At running back the ANNIHILATORS bring LaDainian Tomlinson, Fred Taylor, and Anthony Thomas. Tomlinson is a near shoo-in for the leader board, as is Fred Taylor IF he stays healthy all year.. which he rarely does. The A-Train is running out of time to prove himself in Chicago, but he is not a bad #3 option at the position. And the ANNIHILATORS also bring back Isaac Bruce at receiver… he may past his prime, but he could still get perhaps 80 points. The backups (healthy, that is) are Josh Reed and Dennis Northcutt, and the ANNIHILATORS also will need a good season from one or both of this duo. The defense is fairly sound, thanks to Mr. All-everything Brian Urlacher. Urlacher is a pure DEMON on the field and the ANNIHILATORS are lucky to have him. David Akers is also solid at kicker, one of the very best in the game. The ANNIHILATORS have a solid nucleus… but injuries have sure taken their toll. If my instincts are right, one of the Ramsey/Boller QB's could actually do MORE than what this franchise would have received from Pennington, so it may not be that bad at quarterback this year. However, Jimmy Smith and Jeremy Shockey are pretty important to the success of this franchise. This team has no shot to win the division, and only an "outside" shot at sneaking out a Wildcard.

Best case scenario: 8-6 Worst case scenario: 4-10 My prediction: 5-9

     I expect big things this year from THE RESISTANCE, as I believe they are much improved. The one glaring weakness I see is at quarterback, where they are still looking for that proven signal caller. Steve McNair and Tommy Maddox were BOTH protected which, in my opinion, was a mistake. Neither QB is a proven FFL commodity, and for that reason I believe THE RESISTANCE should have made a choice between the two and protected just that one. For my money, I think Tommy Maddox was the guy to go with. I speak from experience when I say that McNair is a wonderful NFL quarterback… but a very average FFL QB. They just don't let McNair throw enough and this year he has fewer weapons to throw to than ever before. Tommy Maddox, on the other hand, has ALL the weapons to throw to. He has perhaps the league's best receiver duo, and now a TRUE tight end in Jay Riemersma. Protecting just Maddox would have been the smarter play (in my opinion), but THE RESISTANCE still has enough weapons to contend for a playoff spot THIS year. If Maddox can do ANYTHING at the top of the lineup, the names look good further down the sheet. Clinton Portis was a real coup last year for THE RESISTANCE, scoring 119 points in his rookie season… and he didn't even play a FULL season at that. Expect even bigger things from Portis this year, as he helps to anchor a nice offense for this team. But THE RESISTANCE also protected another pair of very nice young running backs in William Green and Amos Zereoue-and they deserve a lot of credit for doing so. Green struggled in his first year with the Browns, and Amos Zereoue was still the expected backup to "The Bus" in Pittsburgh. But I expect a better sophomore season from Green, and Amos Zereoue has supplanted Bettis in the starting lineup and is ready to ROCK for the Steelers this year. I think Zereoue will be a star and is less likely to fail than William Green. Either way, when you put these two alongside the amazing Clinton Portis, THE RESISTANCE should be very, very, strong at this critical position. Plaxico Burress and Lavernues Coles were the protected receivers and I think the sky is the limit for both this year. Don't be surprised to see either OR BOTH of them on the leader board. And THE RESISTANCE added Doug Jolley at tight end, and although my excitement about him is tempered, the rest of the worldwide "guru's" seem to think he is all that AND a bag of chips. I also like the defense on this team a great deal, although I think protecting Jason Taylor was another mistake. Taylor is good and I like him… just wouldn't protect him. That being said, you mix him with Julius Peppers and Jamie Sharper, and toss in DB's like Roy Williams, Adam Archuletta, and I think the talent is fine defensively. Despite a couple of mistakes (in my opinion only) with protections, this is a very strong team. The chips are all in play for this team to contend now, and I think THE RESISTANCE is only a quarterback away from being an ANNUAL contender. But until that QB arrives… winning the division will be difficult. This year, a Wildcard spot is more likely.

Best case scenario: 10-4 Worse case scenario: 6-8 My prediction: 9-5

     The Continental Division has known only ONE division winner in it's four year history, and that's not likely to change just yet. The STONE COLD LIONHEARTS are still the class of this division, and it would be quite a surprise if they didn't close the deal again in 2003. You start with Donovan McNabb at quarterback who scored 173 points last season despite making just 10 starts--- and the scariest part about McNabb is that he is getting better each and every year. The LIONHEARTS also traded away backup tight end Marcus Pollard to bring Drew Bledsoe into the fold, and he will be a perfect failsafe for the franchise this year. Shaun Alexander and Edgerrin James are still the running back tandem for the LIONHEARTS. Alexander is one of the most explosive RB's in football, and the offense he is featured in just gets better and better in Seattle. James is somewhat of a Wildcard, as he scored just 40 points in 10 starts last year, and I'm still not convinced that he will EVER be the same running back he was before his major injury two years ago. He will be very important to the LIONHEARTS this year, as Correll Buckhalter and Kevin Faulk provide the only backup at the position. Buckhalter looks good, but has no guaranteed carries to his statsheet. If Edgerrin James can't improve on his 40 points of a year ago, that could be a KEY to trouble on the horizon. The wide receiver position is anchored by the best in the game--- Marvin Harrison. I know that Terrell Owens outscored Harrison last year--- I don't care! Marvin Harrison caught 143 passes. Let me say that again, Marvin Harrison caught 143 passes--- are you KIDDING ME?? He is so automatic even without anyone else catching the ball in Indy. The 2nd receiver slot is not so dependable for the LIONHEARTS, featuring Rod Gardner, Antonio Bryant, Ed McCaffrey, and Tim Dwight as the primary options. So this means that the LIONHEARTS could struggle just a little with the #2 running back AND the #2 receiver. But that is quickly forgotten when tight end Tony Gonzalez takes the field. One of the very best in the league, Gonzalez seems to make up for any slight deficiencies the LIONHEARTS may experience on offense. Gonzalez did hurt his knee toward the end of pre-season… it doesn't look serious, but it is certainly something to keep an eye on, as the LIONHEARTS truly need Gonzalez in the mix. Defensively, I expect the LIONHEARTS to be among the VERY best in the entire FFL. Derrick Brooks and Donnie Edwards provide all the punch this team will need at the D position, and Rod Woodson and Patrick Surtain are solid DB's. And make no mistake--- the backups are also very good on the defense. To win in this league, you need a handful of Stars and the depth to patch any holes. The LIONHEARTS have a nice list of names, and have shown a real aptitude for working the roster. But the LIONHEARTS are no stronger this year than in years past, and The Resistance is hot on their tail. However… not yet.

Best case scenario: 11-3 Worst case scenario: 8-6 My prediction: 10-4

     So that's it! As for the post-season, I expect the Anorexic Toads to roll over and fall prey to the Midwest Menace in the first round, while on the other side of things I see an upset ready to happen. Don't be surprised if The Resistance become this year's surprise and take care of the Lionhearts in the first round and move on the Superbowl. In the Superbowl it's hard to pick against the Menace and their talent. If The Resistance have come this far, the run is likely to end on the ultimate stage. So chalk me up for another Championship banner in the MM-Dome! (yuk!)