1. New York Giants (11-5): As an Eagles fan, typing the Giants finishing in first hurts. However, they have the components for a deep playoff run. I'm not a big Eli Manning guy. When pressured, he tends to throw off his back foot and make questionable decisions. However, he is a good caretaker from the quarterback position. I would never have him on my fantasy teams, because its a team predicated on the run. He has an interesting mix of targets to throw to. Wide Receivers Steve Smith and Mario Manningham should be good match plays. Smith is particularly good for PPR leagues. I had Domenik Hixon as my fantasy sleeper this season, but following the first game, it doesn't appear that way. Tight End Kevin Boss is a solid player, and is an intriguing matchup play.
As previously mentioned, the running game is staple in the Giants offense. Brandon Jacobs is the hammer to the offense, and gets spelled Ahmad Bradshaw, who's lightning in a bottle. Jacobs should be a weekly start, and Bradshaw is an intriguing flex play.
The defense is solid, and they have the best pass rush in the NFL. It should be started every week.
Prediction: This team should should finish second in the conference, but lose to New Orleans in the second round of the playoffs.
2. Philadelphia (10-6): My favorite team. I think they should be good. They have a lot of question marks on the defense, which I'll get into later. Plus, the rib injury to Quarterback Donovan McNabb potentially puts backup Kevin Kolb in the lineup. A scary thought. For fantasy purposes, McNabb will be a top ten quarterback, because Coach Andy Reid likes to throw the ball. The targets are numerous and talented for McNabb to throw the ball. The Wide Receivers are DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, rookie Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant. Jackson should be a weekly start. He's developing into a star. Curtis, Maclin, and Avant are best suited as bye week fill-ins. Tight End Brent Celek is a sleeper at the position, and should finish the season in the top twelve in the position.
Running Back Brian Westbrook has been a fantasy superstar for years. He may not be the player he once was, or have as many touches, due to the arrival of rookie Shady McCoy. However, he should be a weekly fantasy starter. McCoy is a good handcuff to Westbrook, and should be played whenever Westbrook is out of the lineup.
As I mentioned earlier, the defense has question marks. Genius Defensive Coordinator passed away this offseason. His replacement is Sean McDermitt, a young coach who's been in the system for a decade. They lost future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins to Denver in free agency. Talented Middle Linebacker Stew Bradley was lost for the season in preseason. They have talent, and should be a good matchup play for fantasy purposes.
Prediction: This team loses to Seattle in Safeco Field in the second round of the playoffs.
3. Dallas (8-8): There's a lot of talent in Dallas. However, their offensive line is not impressive, especially if a starter goes down. Quarterback Tony Romo is a great September player, and should be good for fantasy purposes. His targets are good, especially Tight End Jason Witten. He should be started weekly. The Wide Receivers Roy Williams, Miles Austin, and Patrick Crayton will probably split targets, and are flex plays at best. I trust Williams and Crayton more than Austin.
The group of running backs are among the most talented in the NFL. Marian Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice should have wonderful seasons. Barber should be a weekly start. Jones and Choice are matchup plays, at this point. I expect Jones to be a star by the end of the season.
The front seven of the defense are talented, led by Linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Other than oft-injured Cornerback Terence Newman, I don't trust their secondary. This defense is a matchup play. Plus, Jones returns kicks for them.
Prediction: This is a .500 team that will start strong and fade to end the season.
4. Washington (6-10): This is not a properly built team. Owner Daniel Snyder tries to buy championships through free agency. They have traded away too many draft picks, and haven't built from within. Quarterback Jason Campbell could be a good player, but this is the first time he's played in the same offensive system for two consecutive seasons. Campbell is at best a backup fantasy quarterback. His Tight End Chris Cooley is one of the top players in the position, and should be a weekly start. The Wide Receivers are Santana Moss, Malcolm Kelly, Antwaan Randel-El, and Devin Thomas. Moss is a good flex play. Kelly, Randel-El, and Thomas are matchup/bye week plays.
Running Back Clinton Portis is a stud. However, he's been overused the past couple of seasons, and will probably breakdown by the end of the season.
The acquisition of Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth was a big coup in the offseason. He should strengthen a strong defense. Plus, rookie Brian Orakpo appears to be the real deal as a pass rusher. This should be a good fantasy defense, and definitely good for matchup plays.
Prediction: This team needs an influx of talent to grow to contend in this division.
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