#19 The New Orleans Saints

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

They really should call this team the Drew Brees'. There really isn't that much else to this team. Reggie Bush has never really panned out the way the Saints would have liked - Leon Washington and Brian Westbrook are still far better game-breakers.

1	Sep 13	DET @ NO	Superdome	1:00 PM
2	Sep 20	NO @ PHI	Lincoln Financial Field	1:00 PM
3	Sep 27	NO @ BUF	Ralph Wilson Stadium	4:05 PM
4	Oct 04	NYJ @ NO	Superdome	4:05 PM
5	Bye
6	Oct 18	NYG @ NO	Superdome	1:00 PM
7	Oct 25	NO @ MIA	Land Shark Stadium	4:15 PM
8	Nov 02	ATL @ NO	Superdome	8:30 PM
9	Nov 08	CAR @ NO	Superdome	4:05 PM
10	Nov 15	NO @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	1:00 PM
11	Nov 22	NO @ TB	Raymond James Stadium	1:00 PM
12	Nov 30	NE @ NO	Superdome	8:30 PM
13	Dec 06	NO @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
14	Dec 13	NO @ ATL	Georgia Dome	1:00 PM
15	Dec 19	DAL @ NO	Superdome	8:20 PM
16	Dec 27	TB @ NO	Superdome	1:00 PM
17	Jan 03	NO @ CAR	Bank of America Stadium	1:00 PM

Drawing the opening game with the Saints could already have Drew Brees on pace to throw for 6000 yards this year. The Saints play the always difficult AFC East (that might be a bit of a homer statement, but I like to think not). Detroit, Buffalo, St. Louis, Tampa x2 are all wins on paper. Past that, one has to look at matchups. I believe it Brees plays well and manages the game, it is not impossible for them to pick apart the once unstoppable Pats secondary. Tom Brady vs Drew Breez? That's going to be a great one.

Should their defense rise up, I can see the Saints winning a total of 9 games, but not that much more. Sadly, this team reminds me of the Bengals of a few years ago, who had a great offense but not much going on defensively.

- Dave

#20 The Denver Broncos

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

Have you seen a team with more off season drama in years? New coach Josh McDaniels and Jay Cutler have had a falling out, and most recently a love fest. Well Kyle Orton better step up. Then of course, there was/is the Brandon Marshall problem.

1	Sep 13	DEN @ CIN	Paul Brown Stadium	1:00 PM
2	Sep 20	CLE @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:15 PM
3	Sep 27	DEN @ OAK	Oakland Coliseum	4:15 PM
4	Oct 04	DAL @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:15 PM
5	Oct 11	NE @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:15 PM
6	Oct 19	DEN @ SD	Qualcomm Stadium	8:30 PM
7	Bye
8	Nov 01	DEN @ BAL	M&T Bank Stadium	1:00 PM
9	Nov 09	PIT @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	8:30 PM
10	Nov 15	DEN @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
11	Nov 22	SD @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:15 PM
12	Nov 26	NYG @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	8:20 PM
13	Dec 06	DEN @ KC	Arrowhead Stadium	1:00 PM
14	Dec 13	DEN @ IND	Lucas Oil Stadium	1:00 PM
15	Dec 20	OAK @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:05 PM
16	Dec 27	DEN @ PHI	Lincoln Financial Field	1:00 PM
17	Jan 03	KC @ DEN	Invesco Field at Mile High	4:15 PM

All of the problems aside, perhaps the Broncos can improve. They don't really have that much going for them though. Last years stars: Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall.

Don't forget folks, Mike Shanahan is now long gone. But they open Bengals, Browns, Raiders so that will gain momentum hosting Dallas. They close the year KC-Colts-Raiders-Eagles-KC. I see win loss win loss win.

I see at best a 7 - 9 campaign from the Broncos this year.

- Dave

#21 The Washington Redskins

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

The NFC East is going to be incredibly interesting this year.

1	Sep 13	WAS @ NYG	Giants Stadium	4:15 PM
2	Sep 20	STL @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
3	Sep 27	WAS @ DET	Ford Field	1:00 PM
4	Oct 04	TB @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
5	Oct 11	WAS @ CAR	Bank of America Stadium	1:00 PM
6	Oct 18	KC @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
7	Oct 26	PHI @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:30 PM
8	Bye
9	Nov 08	WAS @ ATL	Georgia Dome	1:00 PM
10	Nov 15	DEN @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
11	Nov 22	WAS @ DAL	Cowboys Stadium	1:00 PM
12	Nov 29	WAS @ PHI	Lincoln Financial Field	1:00 PM
13	Dec 06	NO @ WAS	FedEx Field	1:00 PM
14	Dec 13	WAS @ OAK	Oakland Coliseum	4:05 PM
15	Dec 21	NYG @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:30 PM
16	Dec 27	DAL @ WAS	FedEx Field	8:20 PM
17	Jan 03	WAS @ SD	Qualcomm Stadium	4:15 PM

Washington might have one of those schedules where you look at every game, and think "loss, win, win, loss" etc. However the actual team itself is one of the most - "either going to be great" or "going to suffer" kind of teams. Jason Campbell only threw for 13 TDs and 6 INT's last year. It's not awful but they need far more. Clinton Portis, a pro-bowler, ran for 1,487 but carried the ball 342 times. That is going to weaken him significantly. In my opinion, the Redskins this year will fall on the shoulders of Campbell. He still has a lot to prove and will either dominate or falter this year.

Cowboys, Eagles, Giants...no easy games.

I can see the Redskins reeling off wins against the Rams, Lions and Tampa with some momentum going into the Carolina game and possibly the Chiefs. After that? The only other win is against the Raiders - but I can see the Raiders beating the Redskins on matchups alone.

This is without question the most difficult team to predict in my opinion. How will Haynesworth impact the division? That could give them HUGE advantages over the Giants which will mean more wins. I hate to say this, but I can see them going anywhere from 6 - 10 to 10 - 6.

I'll say 9-7, but the NFC East is going to be a heck of a division this year.

#22 Houston Texans

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

1	Sep 13	NYJ @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
2	Sep 20	HOU @ TEN	LP Field	1:00 PM
3	Sep 27	JAC @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
4	Oct 04	OAK @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
5	Oct 11	HOU @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM
6	Oct 18	HOU @ CIN	Paul Brown Stadium	1:00 PM
7	Oct 25	SF @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
8	Nov 01	HOU @ BUF	Ralph Wilson Stadium	1:00 PM
9	Nov 08	HOU @ IND	Lucas Oil Stadium	1:00 PM
10	Bye
11	Nov 23	TEN @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	8:30 PM
12	Nov 29	IND @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
13	Dec 06	HOU @ JAC	Jacksonville Municipal Stadium	1:00 PM
14	Dec 13	SEA @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM
15	Dec 20	HOU @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	1:00 PM
16	Dec 27	HOU @ MIA	Land Shark Stadium	1:00 PM
17	Jan 03	NE @ HOU	Reliant Stadium	1:00 PM

Houston has never had a solid option at QB untill Schaub came along, and he threw for over 3000 yards last year, and I sense much improvement. The defense has also come along very nicely for the Houston squad.

With a solid defense, and opening against the Jets, as much as it pains me to say it - I feel the Texans will win that game. Oakland, Cincannati, San Fran, and Seattle should all be wins, but so are their games against Rams, and the Bills.

So when it really boils down to it, I can see the Texans improving a game from their 8-8 campaign last year, moving up to 9-7, but that's about it. The AFC South is a hell of a division and the Texans are ready to put on some heavy gloves.

- Dave

#23 The Green Bay Packers

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

1	Sep 13	CHI @ GB	Lambeau Field	8:20 PM	NBC
2	Sep 20	CIN @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM	CBS
3	Sep 27	GB @ STL	Edward Jones Dome	1:00 PM	FOX
4	Oct 05	GB @ MIN	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome	8:30 PM	ESPN
5	Bye
6	Oct 18	DET @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM	FOX
7	Oct 25	GB @ CLE	Cleveland Browns Stadium	1:00 PM	FOX
8	Nov 01	MIN @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM	FOX
9	Nov 08	GB @ TB	Raymond James Stadium	1:00 PM	FOX
10	Nov 15	DAL @ GB	Lambeau Field	4:15 PM	FOX
11	Nov 22	SF @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM	FOX
12	Nov 26	GB @ DET	Ford Field	12:30 PM	FOX
13	Dec 07	BAL @ GB	Lambeau Field	8:30 PM	ESPN
14	Dec 13	GB @ CHI	Soldier Field	1:00 PM	FOX
15	Dec 20	GB @ PIT	Heinz Field	1:00 PM	FOX
16	Dec 27	SEA @ GB	Lambeau Field	1:00 PM	FOX
17	Jan 03	GB @ ARI	University of Phoenix Stadium	4:15 PM	FOX

Not a giant challenge for the Packers as many folks are expecting them to improve. However with Bengals, Browns, Lions x2 and the Seahawks on the schedule, they will do very well as Aaron Rodgers jumps into the limelight. However, I could be in a minority here assuming the Packers will have a short leash with him if he under performs this year, especially with all of #4's pressure.

All I have to say, is the Pack better win on Nov 1st.

I can see a 9-7 record for Green Bay this year though, and that is a conservative estimate. Expect good things.

-Dave

#24 The San Francsico 49ers

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com


The San Francisco 49ers have not seen extreme amounts of glory in quite some time. After Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jerry Rice, they haven't had very much star power. Vernon Davis was going to be great, and maybe some humility was what he needed, however the QB options out west are incredibly limited. Alex Smith never seemed to work out. Head coach Mike Singletary has not yet announced who his starting QB will be, and he has no reason to feel the need to.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, the spotlight has been the fiasco with Michael Crabtree. Their team plays a very moderate schedule - opening with the defending NFC champs.

1 Sep 13 SF @ ARI University of Phoenix Stadium 4:15 PM
2 Sep 20 SEA @ SF Candlestick Park 4:05 PM
3 Sep 27 SF @ MIN Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 1:00 PM
4 Oct 04 STL @ SF Candlestick Park 4:15 PM
5 Oct 11 ATL @ SF Candlestick Park 4:05 PM
6 Bye
7 Oct 25 SF @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM
8 Nov 01 SF @ IND Lucas Oil Stadium 1:00 PM
9 Nov 08 TEN @ SF Candlestick Park 4:15 PM
10 Nov 12 CHI @ SF Candlestick Park 8:20 PM
11 Nov 22 SF @ GB Lambeau Field 1:00 PM
12 Nov 29 JAC @ SF Candlestick Park 4:05 PM
13 Dec 06 SF @ SEA Qwest Field 4:15 PM
14 Dec 14 ARI @ SF Candlestick Park 8:30 PM
15 Dec 20 SF @ PHI Lincoln Financial Field 1:00 PM
16 Dec 27 DET @ SF Candlestick Park 4:05 PM
17 Jan 03 SF @ STL Edward Jones Dome 1:00 PM

In terms of winnable games, they face Seattle week two, and host the Rams week 4. Simply because the game is right after the bye, they should take care of the Texans, but that is no lock. Fortunately, the 49ers play the Seahawks one more time, and of course, the Lions and Rams again.

In a weak division, the 49ers should come in second or third, but an overall record of 8-8 is plausible. Tops.

- Dave

Former Stag Hired at Arizona

Luke Murray, a 2007 graduate of Fairfield University (the proud alma mater of yours truly) has been hired as an assistant basketball coach by the University of Arizona.

The hiring strikes me as a little odd, since Murray didn't play basketball at Fairfield, at least not to my knowledge. At least he does have coaching experience with a Division II school and at Quinnipiac College. Eamon Brennan at Yahoo! Sports writes:

"What does Murray bring to a basketball program? I have no idea. Presumably, neither does he; he only graduated college in 2007 and is still a G.A., meaning he'll be doing quite a bit of quiet learning -- preparing tape, taking notes, keeping the clipboard handy, that sort of thing -- for at least a few more years. But he'll be interesting to watch."

So why is Yahoo! Sports interested in a new assistant coach at Arizona? Well, as other Stags should know, Luke Murray has another claim to fame (besides having gone to Fairfield, that is), because he is also the son of Bill Murray. Yes, that Bill Murray.


- Eric
**Cross-posted at Pseudepigraphic Epistemology**

#28 Oakland Raiders

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

A team with a disastrous history, but I can see what owner Al Davis is trying to do here. He has drafted a talented running back in Darren McFadden, and Justin Fargas is no slouch. The much criticized drafting of Darrius Heyward-Bey may actually be a far better choice THIS year as opposed to the diva Michael Crabtree. Finally, they have a young quarterback in JaMarcus Russell who has the arm to BOMB it down to Heyward-Bey. What do you see Al Davis doing? Remember Aikman, Smith and Irvin?

Also, who should not be forgotten is Nnamdi Asomugha who now plays opposite Justin Miller. The Raiders have actually had well above average defenses the past few years, if that core of players sticks around for a while - don't be surprised to see the Raiders win about 6 games this upcoming season.

1 Sep 14 SD @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 10:15 PM
2 Sep 20 OAK @ KC Arrowhead Stadium 1:00 PM
3 Sep 27 DEN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
4 Oct 04 OAK @ HOU Reliant Stadium 1:00 PM
5 Oct 11 OAK @ NYG Giants Stadium 1:00 PM
6 Oct 18 PHI @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
7 Oct 25 NYJ @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
8 Nov 01 OAK @ SD Qualcomm Stadium 4:05 PM
9 Bye
10 Nov 15 KC @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
11 Nov 22 CIN @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM
12 Nov 26 OAK @ DAL Cowboys Stadium 4:15 PM
13 Dec 06 OAK @ PIT Heinz Field 1:00 PM
14 Dec 13 WAS @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:05 PM
15 Dec 20 OAK @ DEN Invesco Field at Mile High 4:05 PM
16 Dec 27 OAK @ CLE Cleveland Browns Stadium 1:00 PM
17 Jan 03 BAL @ OAK Oakland Coliseum 4:15 PM

It's not that difficult of a schedule. They can beat the Chiefs who will have a QB battle still recently on their tail. They could likely defeat the Texans thanks to the Raiders pass D, and the same goes with Cincy, but that is dependent on Carson Palmer's arm. Considering Denver's potential to be a disaster, I'd chalk that in as a win, and of course, taking out the Browns should be easy.

Call it an optimistic outlook, but the Raiders could finish 7-9.

- Dave

#25 Buffalo Bills

Since the AFL's inception in 1959, the Buffalo Bills have consistently been one of the league's proudest franchises with an extremely loyal fan base. This year has seen an outpouring of affection for their 90 year old owner Ralph Wilson, as well as their prolific Defensive End Bruce Smith; for they were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Wilson played a crucial role in the NFL-AFL merger in 1966 as well as led his team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early nineties. Smith on the other hand is only the NFL's all-time sack king with 200 career sacks.

After a promising 5-1 start to 2008, the Bills stumbled down the stretch to a third consecutive 7-9 season. They were an abysmal 0-6 versus AFC East opponents, which will obviously need to be addressed if they want to make a playoff run. You cannot go 0-6 in your division and expect to go anywhere. That said, the Bills stirred up some controversy by acquiring the oft-controversial, yet talented WR, Terrell Owens.

Offense:

Week one in 2008 saw the Bills pound the Seahawks to the tune of 34-10, and although they started 5-1, their offense slowly collapsed and they finished the year ranked 25th in the league. The addition of T.O. will provide Buffalo with significant depth at the WR position, which in my humble opinion could turn out to be one of the better WR corps in the NFL. T.O. will be opposite veteran WRs Lee Evans and Josh Reed. These 3 receivers should provide QB Trent Edwards ample opportunity to improve upon his paltry numbers last season in which he had 2,699 yds and 11 TDs in 2008. The Bills rushing attack however is a little more suspect. Their main back, Marshawn Lynch will remain suspended for his violation of the leagues' personal conduct policy, and will be out the first 3 games of 2009. They will likely need him as the Bills face the Patriots Week 1, the Buccaneers in Week 2, and the Saints in Week 3. Their backups Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes need to step up for the Bills in order to survive these games. Jackson provided a spark for the struggling offense last season and in a short period of time gained over 500 yds rushing on 5 yds a carry as well as catching 37 balls for 317 yards. If Lynch does not produce when he returns look for Jackson to carry the load.


Defense:

Two words: Paul Posluszny. The Bills' linebacker had a fine rookie season, piling up 110 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. Look for him to improve this season on a Bills defense that still includes Kawika Mitchell and Aaron Schobel. The defensive unit was ranked 15th in the NFL and it will likely get better when their first round pick Aaron Maybin finally signs. Maybin, a DE out of Penn State, was the 11th pick overall and will add some versatility and athleticism to the bills defensive line. He'll be a fun player to watch this year.

The Verdict:

While their defense and offense look to be improved, I still do not see the Bills anywhere but the basement of the highly competitive AFC East that now has a returning Tom Brady. They must figure out a way to win a game in that division if they want to make a playoff run. Also here's a few quick stats you might find interesting:

- 49-63 overall and 16-26 in the AFC East since 2002 (the first year of the 4 division format)
- 60-84 overall and a measly 19-39 within the division since 2000
- One winning season since 2000: in 2004 and they went 9-7
- Two .500 seasons since 2000: 2002 and 2000

Their schedule outside of AFC East opponents this year include games against the Colts, Falcons, Titans, Panthers, Saints, and Bucs. Good Luck.
2009 outlook: 6-10. It's going to be a rough year for the Bills.

~ Ash

Cincinnati Bengals - #27

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

Cincinnati Bengals offense last year:

Last in yards
Last in points
Last in passing yards

They were just horrible. It is pretty simple. However, this upcoming year, they have a healthy Carson Palmer. He hasn't been the same since his knee was destroyed in the 2006 playoffs, but have hope Bengals fans. Laveranues Coles comes over from the Jets and provides a nice speedy veteran out of the backfield. He'll certainly miss T.J. Housh-man-whateva, but for all the negative press he gets from his attitude, Chad Ochocinco (yes, that's his name on the Bengals website) will be a solid target. Andre Smith should be great for blocking. It all sounds very nice and promising until we view the schedule.

Sun., Sept. 13, DENVER, 1 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 20, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 27, PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 4, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 11, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 18, HOUSTON, 1 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 25, CHICAGO, 1 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 1, — BYE —

Sun., Nov. 8, BALTIMORE, 1 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 15, at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 22, at Oakland*, 4:15 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 29, CLEVELAND*, 1 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 6, DETROIT*, 1 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 13, at Minnesota*, 1 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 20, at San Diego*, 4:05 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 27, KANSAS CITY*, 1 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 3, at N.Y. Jets*, 1 p.m.

That schedule seems downright harsh. There are six winnable games on that schedule as far as it looks on the surface.

6 - 10 with a hope for that random win in there. Good luck Bengals.

- Dave

#28 - Seattle Seahawks

Honestly, it shocks me to see this team ranked this low. Are there really only four teams in the NFL who are worse than the Seattle Seahawks?

Last season, that might have been true. A long, long, list of injuries conspired to give Mike Holmgren the worst kind of send-of imaginable, as Seattle managed only four wins.

For an offense that is built around the passing game (now that Shaun Alexander is gone), they were screwed from the very start. Before the first game of the season Seattle was missing the top four receivers on the depth chart, and QB Matt Hasselbeck played only seven games before a series of injuries forced him to finish the season on the bench.

The young defense was also a problem last year, as injuries piled up on that side of the ball as well.

As Seattle heads into the new season, the biggest question is the off-season coaching change. Holmgren had been the head coach since 1999, and he had guided Seattle to six playoff appearances, including four consecutive division titles (2004-2007), during his time there. Although new head coach Jim Mora has been an assistant under Holmgren for years - meaning there should be minimal changes to the system - there might still be an adjustment period.

Offensively, Seattle needs Matt Hasselbeck to be healthy. Remember, this is a guy who threw for more than 3,000 yards in five of six consecutive seasons before all the injuries last year. He has also completed more than 60 percent of his career passing attempts, and, at 34, he might still have a few good seasons left. Having targets like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Deion Branch, along with underrated Nate Burleson, to throw to should help him regain his place as one of the top QBs in the NFC.

The running attack is going to be shared between Julius Jones and T.J. Ducket, so there isn't much there to scare defenses off the passing game. However, I'd personally love to see the Seahawks incorporate back-up QB Senaca Wallace into the offense a little more. He's lined up at wide receiver on occasion during his career, but I wonder if there is a second string signal caller anywhere in the league who would be a better fit for a wildcat offense. With him and Hasselbeck in the same backfield, you could force teams to lay off the blitz, guard Wallace for his scrambling abilities, and keep all your normal offensive options open.

Oh, and just in case you don't know what Wallace can do with his legs, you should see this.

The defense is still going to be a work in progress, but the biggest key will be a healthy group of linebackers. Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill were immediate impact guys a few years ago, and they need to get back to that level.

The schedule is mostly favorable, thanks to the fact that Seattle still plays in the NFC West. They also get to match up with the sub-par NFC North, and they will also host Tampa Bay. The tough part of the schedule includes trips to Indy, Dallas, and Minnesota, as well as a home game with Tennessee to close the season. Getting off to a good start will be essential, as they have four of their first six at home, including a crucial date with Arizona on October 18.

The bottom line: If they stay healthy at key positions, this team should be able to win 8 games this year (which is all it took to win the division last year). There is only one other team (Arizona) that could realistically win the division, so the Seahawks will open the season feeling like this season is a chance to redeem themselves after a pathetic showing in 2008.

- Eric

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

#29 Kasas City Chiefs

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

Year	Passing
	Att	Comp	Yds	TD	Int
2008	516	327	3,693	21	11
Career Total	555	349	3,946	23	13

Guess who?

Those are the stats from Matt Cassell, the likely starting QB out of KC this upcoming season. His numbers are fantastic from 2008, that cannot be argued. However, the passing totals and career totals are incredibly identical. Meaning, he was a one hit wonder in the right system. No matter who played in the Pats system has been fantastic. However, Scott Pioli, the former Pats GM brought Cassell over to the Chiefs. It's a well known fact that GM's tend to stick with their guys in order to 'prove everyone wrong.'

That is what the Chiefs are going to focus on during this rebuilding year. With Tony Gonzalez, a sure fire Hall of Famer, departing, the number of targets dropped in KC. Dwayne Bowe is an underrated receiver in the NFL, but he cannot do it alone. Personally, I believe Larry Johnson still has enough left in the tank for one more good year as a productive football player. However the rest of the Chiefs are a huge question mark. Actually, it's a startlingly untalented team but they have a lot of potential. This team is going to be one of those units that will either work very well together or fall apart. There are no "me me me" athletes, but very few who can take over a game. The 2009 Chiefs are not looking good, but I can see them winning a surprise game here or there:

1	Sun, Sep 13	@ Baltimore	1:00 PM	M&T Bank Stadium
2	Sun, Sep 20	Oakland	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
3	Sun, Sep 27	@ Philadelphia	1:00 PM	Lincoln Financial Field
4	Sun, Oct 4	NY Giants	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
5	Sun, Oct 11	Dallas	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
6	Sun, Oct 18	@ Washington	1:00 PM	FedEx Field
7	Sun, Oct 25	San Diego	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
8	BYE WEEK
9	Sun, Nov 8	@ Jacksonville	1:00 PM	Jacksonville Stadium
10	Sun, Nov 15	@ Oakland	4:05 PM	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
11	Sun, Nov 22	Pittsburgh	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
12	Sun, Nov 29	@ San Diego	4:05 PM	Qualcomm Stadium
13	Sun, Dec 6	Denver	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
14	Sun, Dec 13	Buffalo	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
15	Sun, Dec 20	Cleveland	1:00 PM	Arrowhead Stadium
16	Sun, Dec 27	@ Cincinnati	1:00 PM	Paul Brown Stadium
17	Sun, Jan 3	@ Denver	4:15 PM	Invesco Field at Mile High

• The Chiefs have the fortune of hosting the Raiders early and I expect that to be a good game.
• Anyone who plays the Browns has a chance to win this year, especially with the Browns awful defense.
  
• I can see the Bengals falling flat at the end of the year, but it depends on how Palmer is playing.
• Considering the Chiefs will be breaking out a new system and Dallas is a mess, I can see that being a surprise game.
• Best case scenerio for the Chiefs? Don't be surprised to see them go 7-9, but I think a 6-10 is very likely for this installment.
  

#30 - Cleveland Browns

You have to feel for Cleveland fans.

They haven't seen a championship team in 45 years, since the 1964 Cleveland Browns won the NFL Championship. They have seen way more than their fair share of painful playoff losses (The Drive, The Fumble, Jordan's buzzer beater, Game 7 of the 1997 World Series). They had to endure watching their beloved Browns leave town after 1995, and then they had to watch that same team win a Super Bowl only a few years later.

Through it all, they have handled the pain and heartbreak without trying to blame the losing streak on long dead sluggers or goats with supernatural powers.

Unfortunately for members of the Dawg Pound, that streak is going to continue, at least until next June's NBA Finals.

But that's not to say that this team is not going to be interesting to watch this year. The Browns have brought in Eric Mangini -- who was run out of town by the Jets when Brett Favre's arm fell off last December -- as the new head coach. Mangini replaces another former Bellicheck disciple, Romeo Crinnel. In 2006, his first season with the Jets, Mangini guided New York into the playoffs only one year after they had finished 4-12. Coming off a 4-12 season last year, Cleveland is hoping for a similar turnaround.

Offensively, this could be a season of transition for the Browns. After using a total of four starting quarterbacks last year, the team is letting Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn compete for the starting job in camp. When Quinn was drafted in 2007, he was going to be the future of the team, but then Derek Anderson won ten games that season and was rewarded with a huge contract. It seems unlikely the Browns would want to pay him that much money to hold a clipboard, and Quinn didn't exactly impress in his three starts last year (0-3, completed less than 50 percent of his passes, 2 TD, 2 INTs).

Losing Dante Stallworth to a suspension (for a DUI manslaughter) won't help the passing attack, but at least they still have Braylon Edwards, who is coming off a dissapointing season where he led the league in drops. However, he did have more than 1,200 yards and 16 TDs in 2007, so you know what he is capable of.

Jamal Lewis, coming off his sixth 1,000 yard season in the last seven years, is going to be the primary rushing threat. As good as his numbers have been throughout his career, last season he averaged nearly a full yard less than his career average per rush; and he will turn 30 later this month. The Browns need him to be productive to take pressure off whoever emerges as the starting QB.

Defensively, this is a team that ranked 16th in points allowing in 2008, but they allowed more yards per game than any team in the AFC that wasn't playing in the West Division (where the idea of defense just doesn't exist). They also allowed a 3rd down conversion rate of 46 percent, which was near last in the league. This offseason, the secondary was completely revamped, and Mangini brought in a number of former Jets to fill some other holes. Among the additions are Rod Hood, Hank Poteat, and Abram Elam, but defense is still going to be a question mark heading into the season.

Aside from having to play Baltimore and Pittsburgh twice each, the schedule is not all that difficult. Four of the first five games (Minnesota, at Denver, Cincinnati, at Buffalo) seem win-able, and they get to finish with four of their last five at home. Also helping matters is the fact that Cleveland gets to play the NFC North and the AFC West this season.

The bottom line: A lot will hinge on the QB situation. If that gets resolved, and whoever wins the job proves capable, this team could win a few games. More likely, Quinn will win the job, but won't be anything special. Derek Anderson will get another chance to prove himself elsewhere. Anything less than 5 wins would be a huge disappointment, and they should aim for a .500 season, but the AFC is too good for Cleveland to even think about the playoffs.

- Eric

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

#31: The St. Louis Rams

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It was 10 years ago, when the Rams won their Super Bowl, but it feels like the team will never recover. Over the past few years the Rams have seen their number fall apart. Offensive ranks and defensive ranks for points per game are as follows:

Offense Defense
2003: 2 17
2004: 19 25
2005: 11 31
2006: 10 28
2007: 28 31
2008: 30 31
(source: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/)

Last year was the farthest they've fallen, and the Rams have added...well not that much. They still have Marc Bulger who never really panned out as their starting QB. Their running back, Steven Jackson, has been to one pro-bowl but that was back in 2006. In 2008, he started 11 games and barely broke 1000 yards. Although he does have some good receiving numbers, you need a good running back. The Rams offensive line still has a bit of a distance to go.

Gone are the days of Holt, and in are Laurent Robinson, Donnie Avery and Randy McMichael (at tight end). The only star power on this team is the previously mentioned aging Jackson. The defense has solid starter Leonard Little on the end, and the linebackers are good enough, but not great.

The schedule is decent, as they go to Seattle - but Seattle is never a good trip no matter where you are from.

They get a game against the Lions on Nov 1st, and then head into a bye - so that is a feasible win. The Rams also host the Seahawks again, that would work, and I can see them beating the 49ers in St. Louis.

As always in the NFL there will be that extra win or two - so I can see a best-case scenerio for the Rams at about 6-10, but look for something closer to 5-11.

- Dave

Quick hit on the Yankees-Sox series.

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For Red Sox fans: The New York Yankees sweep over the Boston Red Sox which concluded with the Yanks comeback should not be considered an updated version of the Boston Massacre. During the four game series, the Bombers outscored the Sox 25-8. They held the Sox scoreless for over 30 innings straight at one point, including a near no-no by CC. AJ Burnett silenced the bats, but honestly, the Sox were slumping anyways.

For Yankee fans: 31-10 in your last 41 games? That's ridiculous. They have been on a tear which is unheard of since A-Rod came back. Remember a few years ago when he was the greatest choke artist? I don't care if it's April, August or October, you hit a walk off against the Red Sox in the bottom of the 15th in a pivotal series - you're clutch. Mark Tex is the reason this defense is any good. With no stats other than this writers eyes to back this up, but I'd say a good 10% of the throws he fields would have gotten by Giambi - now unemployed. All in all the starting pitching looks brilliant, the team is hitting on all cylinders - from small ball to mammoth home runs, and the bullpen is holding their leads.

- Dave

Team 32: Detroit Lions

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The Lions have made NFL History, but the wrong kind. That is what the Detroit Lions fans heard a lot last year, as their team went an unprecedented 0-16. The 76 Buccaneers went 0-14, but it wasn't just losing, but the way the Lions lost. Well, Matt Millen has moved on to ESPN where he will do just fine. He's very similar to Isiah Thomas actually - great athlete, great sportsman, horrible executive. Regardless, the Lions drafted Matthew Stafford out of Georgia with the first overall pick. He brings a renewed life to a city that rides it's Red Wings everywhere, has the Tigers finally back to annual contention, and the Pistons have a recent NBA title.

How does the team look for this year?

Veteran Daunte Culpepper is listed as the starting QB this year. However, we're all just waiting to see how this kid with a monster arm performs. Stafford did not play an incredibly difficult defense during College, but he also didn't play anyone that was that weak. It seems his maturity is another huge piece that the Lions have not had in years - a mature leader. For Lions fans, the face of the franchise was the aforementioned Matt Millen. Maybe Stafford can throw it to one of the many WR's on that roster.

Last year the Lions finished 30th in Offensive YPG
Last year the Lions finished 27th in Points per game
Last year the Lions finished 32nd in Yards allowed per game
Last year the Lions finished 32nd in Points allowed per game, and by a margin of 3 points worse than the Rams.

They didn't really do anything right, but the Lions are renewed with new energy, and a slew of new talent will be brought on. This year? They will march on to 3 wins. One against the Browns (whom they play twice). They will beat the Bengals, and I can see an upset of St. Louis in week 8, right after their bye week.

As we all know, the night is darkest just before dawn. There is nowhere to go but up for the Lions.

- Dave

NFL Preview: Hecklers Rankings. 32 Team breakdown

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What is below is the first ever Heckler Ratings. I asked the five main contributors to come up with a preseason ranking, and here is how it shaped up:



With all apologies to the sloppy format, the content leaves us many questions about fan-dom.

A few bulletpoints:

• There are only two teams that were unanimous decisions, the Steelers and the Patriots at 1 and 2 respectively.
• Tom Brady wants to play every game of the preseason. However, it could be a case of Brady just doing what he does - saying "I want to do it all" before his coaches step in and say, "Don't kid."
• The second best team last year - well at least losers of Super Bowl XLIII, are tied with the Bears, but since their variance was lower, they slotted in with the middle spot at 16.
• Despite many saying LT is past his prime, he has had an impressive camp and looks to bounce back from the foot injury that has plagued him recently.
  
• According to NFL.com's fantasy rankings, LT isn't even in the top five. In the top five? Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte. The Bears, as mentioned before, are in the middle of the pack. Yet, word out of Bears camp is that newly acquired QB Jay Cutler has made his receivers look fantastic. Fantasy freaks, look for Greg Olson to make huge plays this year.
• The Lions will be horrible, but the worst ever? Not so much, that was last year.

These are just some quick hits, but with the NFL season starting in about a month, and the Hall of Fame game being this upcoming Sunday. I am proud to announce that over the coming month, We Are The Hecklers will heckle and break down all 32 teams. That's right, every single team will be analyzed. The order will be the reverse order of the Heckler Ratings. Look for the Steelers to be heckled this coming Monday.

- Dave

USA vs. Mexico: worth more than your average World Cup qualifying match

Americans everywhere, even a few of the 90 percent who don't care about soccer, were captivated by the United States' run to the final of the Confederations Cup a little over a month ago.

The US advanced to the semi-finals out of Group B, ahead of the defending World Cup champions (Italy), then shocked the #1 ranked team in the world (Spain), and then led Brazil 2-0 at halftime in the final before a heart-wrenching second half collapse sent the Americans home with silver medals.

Last month, the US rolled to the final of the Gold Cup (The regional championship for North and Central America) before getting smashed by Mexico, 5-0, in the championship match. To be fair, the Americans used few of their regulars at any point in that competition, and the line-up was full of reserves for the final with Mexico.

Now, with a summer of great surprising successes and painful what-could-have-beens behind them, the United States men's national team (ranked 12th in the world) turns its full attention to the remaining five games in their qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. Halfway through the final round of qualifying, here is how the standings look:

(top 3 teams advance to the World Cup automatically, 4th place team will have a play-off with the 5th place team in South America - currently Ecuador - and the winner will qualify)

1. Costa Rica: 4-1-0, 12 points
2. United States: 3-1-1, 10 points
3. Honduras: 2-2-1, 7 points
4. Mexico: 2-3-0, 6 points
5. El Salvador: 1-2-2, 5 points
6. Trinidad & Tobago: 0-3-2, 2 points

Costa Rica has been the surprise of the final round, and they are quickly moving towards being a lock for South Africa 2010. The United States has been inconsistent so far, but after how well they played this summer, it's hard to imagine they will fall short of qualification. Mexico, long considered the best team in the region on the international stage, has struggled, particularly away from home, where they are 0-3 and have been outscored 2-7.

So when the United States travels to Mexico City next week (August 12), there will be plenty riding on the line.

For the United States, who are 0-18-1 all time in Mexico City, there is the chance to finally win a game on the road against their biggest rivals. With the way Mexico has been playing lately, this might be the best chance the US will ever have to steal three points from Estadio Azteca.

A loss would not be all that harmful (or particularly unexpected) to the United States' World Cup hopes, provided they don't stumble through the four games that follow, but a victory in Mexico would have major ramifications.

First, and most importantly, it would move the US one step closer to qualification for the World Cup.

Second, it would put Mexico in serious jeopardy of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1982. After the game with the Americans, Mexico has to go on the road to play group-leaders Costa Rica, and its not difficult to imagine Mexico losing that game as well. Wednesday could be the beginning of the end for Mexico if the US can get the win.

Third, it would help settle the debate about which team (Mexico or the United States) is the best in the CONCACAF region. Though the US has consistently beaten Mexico at home over the past decade, their inability to win in Mexico gives the perception that the red, white, and blue are still the second-class citizens of the region. If they can finally break through in Mexico City, on the heels of that fantastic showing at the Confederations Cup, the world's opinion may be changed for good.

The bigger question still remains: Is the United States finally ready to be considered a legitimate contender for the World Cup? On Wednesday, the US will have all their big names in Mexico City, and if this team can use the momentum and confidence they have gained from their games this summer, this match could go a long way towards answering that question.

-Eric

www.WeAreTheHecklers.com

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