WhoDat205

What lies ahead
Don Banks for SI.com (SI.com - Writers - Don Banks: Good, bad omens for all 32 teams heading into season - Tuesday August 28, 2007 4:35PM)
Good, bad omens for season ahead for all 32 teams
Posted: Tuesday August 28, 2007 4:30PM; Updated: Tuesday August 28, 2007 4:49PM

I've seen enough. Enough training camps, enough preseason games. With less than 10 days remaining until the NFL kicks off its 2007 regular season, the time is now to make some educated guesses about things to come.

First things first, next February's Super Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., will be a three-point win for New England over New Orleans. It'll be a fourth ring for the Patriots, and a historic franchise first for the Saints.

As I first wrote in May, I don't see anyone stopping New England, although the Chargers, Colts, Ravens, Jets and Broncos won't make the Patriots' trek through the AFC easy in the least. In the weaker NFC, I don't see anyone but Philadelphia capable of denying New Orleans. But in the end, the powerful Saints have too much offense for the Eagles to contend with.

Division by division, in order of finish, here's a 32-team look at how I predict the NFL will play out in '07, with playoff projections at the end:

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints

A reason to believe: How can you pick just one? New Orleans' offense has looked scary good the past two preseason games, and there appears to be an embarrassment of riches at most every position. My gut tells me that Sean Payton, one of the league's brightest young coaches, will find new ways to use all those weapons this season.

The thing that makes you nervous: At this point, the only thing the Saints need to guard against is overconfidence and a tendency to believe the Super Bowl hype is right before they go out and prove it. But there are few signs that New Orleans will fall victim to the expectations game.

2. Carolina Panthers

A reason to believe: The Panthers have been labeled a Super Bowl contender the past couple seasons, and only teased. This year, the bar of expectation is set considerably lower, with the playoffs not even approaching a sure thing. If you're looking for a silver lining Carolina fans, head coach John Fox and his Panthers usually do their best work when the odds appear against them.

The thing that makes you nervous: The Panthers still seem to lack the type of No. 2 receiver who can draw coverage away from their No. 1, Steve Smith. Rookie Dwayne Jarrett, Drew Carter and Keary Colbert are the current cast of characters competing to fill the void, but Carolina continues to suffer from a viable secondary threat.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A reason to believe: If they can keep him healthy, Jeff Garcia gives the Bucs their best starting quarterback since Brad Johnson in '02. The position was a nightmare for Tampa Bay in '06, but Garcia will lend stability and professionalism to Jon Gruden's offense.

The thing that makes you nervous: Once again the offensive line has been re-tooled, but it's too early to say it's improved. Luke Petitgout was signed at tackle, but his back has been problematic. John Wade is still the center by default, and rookie right guard Arron Sears has a sore ankle and may not start the season.

4. Atlanta Falcons

A reason to believe: New head coach Bobby Petrino has a track record. The man knows offense, and knows how to build a program. His challenge in Atlanta this season is unlike any he has encountered before, but in some ways, the Michael Vick debacle has removed much of the pressure that would have been on Petrino and his Falcons this year.

The thing that makes you nervous: The quarterback depth chart reads Joey Harrington, Chris Redman and Casey Bramlet. Enough said.

"defence's personal to allwats double team or watch is over, that one reason why the saints or not any good." - Vador101