FIYA NFL Rankings
**'08 SEASON PREVIEW** |
Rank |
Team |
FIYA Analysis |
1 |
Patriots
 |
They didn't really need Maroney last year when Brady and Moss were playing catch on the league, but with the golden mystery ankle still in question, king stiff arm needs to step his game up. LaMont Jordan should push him and Showtime's number one Weeds fan, Kevin Faulk for carries. Fernando Bryant and rookie Terrance Wheatley at corner will get tested early and often much like the aforementioned Faulk. |
2 |
Cowboys
 |
This team is stacked, Pacman is but a side note. No reason Dallas shouldn't be Tampa-bound, but it's all about chemistry; players figuring their roles and adjusting. For example: even with the exit of Julius, Coach Phillips should probably go back to Barber as the second back and start rookie Felix Jones. Marion got gassed quicker than Yung Berg after a hit single against the Giants and got knocked on his ass too. Hey, that's The Bizness. |
3 |
Jaguars
 |
Prediction: "No mistake-Dave's" interceptions will go up with Jerry "Only if I feel like it" Porter and Troy "No Hands" Williamson out there giving EA the proof they need to continue the ridiculous tips and drops resulting in picks on Madden. The defense and stellar running game will still carry them into the postseason. In fact, this team is one of those receivers away from reaching the big game. |
4 |
Colts
 |
Has Peyton really started getting old or is he just saving it for the regular season?
Is gun toting Marvin on his last leg?
Will the defense remain legit?
Goddamn, they lucky they won that joint two years ago. |
5 |
Chargers
 |
|
6 |
Steelers
 |
Big Ben is bout to kick some ass and get back into them Playboy parties, you watch. Coming off their great draft which included two playmakers at skill positions (Mendenhall and Sweed at RB & WR), their offense shouldn't be so dependent on Willie and Hines. |
7 |
Giants
 |
In just a matter of months, the G-Men's biggest asset has become one of their biggest questions. That being their defensive line. But on the flipside, receiver and secondary have become stronger, so it's not like they're totally fucked. Their key is what it's always been, Eli playing well because the pocket isn't crumbling around him. Watch out for Kenny Phillips, Sean Taylor has been said to channel his Hurricane brother from time to time. |
8 |
Seahawks
 |
Simply put, their division is ass and they have three running backs to do what an unhealthy Shaun Alexander couldn't do last season, and they still made the playoffs. Aint shit changing. |
9 |
Saints
 |
Bounce back year? Hopefully, since the turd they released on the league last year is still fresh on our nose follicles. New Orleans did a good job in the off-season taking pressure off two of their most often maligned sources of ridicule: they drafted Sedrick Ellis, grabbed Jonathan Vilma, Aaron Glenn and Randall Gay to revamp their defense, then traded for Shockey to free up Reggie Bust...errrrr, Bush. |
10 |
Packers
 |
Here's my question: does the Madden Curse get passed on to Favre and the Jets or the Packers because he's wearing their uniform on the cover? This influences my stance on picking Green Bay to win the NFC North. Good offensive line, running game and defense made this team last year, not gun slinging, so I see no reason why they shouldn't win just as many games this season...that is unless Ryan Grant and Greg Jennings had fluke years or that curse is in fact owned by them. |
11 |
Browns
 |
Speaking of flukes, the skeptics are out in mid season form already in regards to Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards. Especially Anderson, by Brady Quinn's endorsement dealers who are anxiously waiting for him to get on that field so he can really sell some supplements and Hummers. This team is solid, but the ultimate question for them is can they get a big win over the Steelers before we completely switch from oil to hydrogen fuel. |
12 |
Eagles
 |
Is DeSean Jackson McNabb's next big weapon? Philly fans better hope so, because all these high hopes for the Eagles depend heavily upon their passing game. Personally, I don't see it. I also don't see how much longer Reid can expect to depend on Westbrook so much without him developing Buckhalter disease. (Injuries people, come on, keep up). That secondary is stacked though. Might be better than Denver's. |
13 |
Panthers
 |
Despite how good Jonathon Stewart has looked, Carolina's season ultimately rests upon an old ass QB coming off an injury and a lunatic receiver coming off an unofficial UFC bout held in training camp. Julius Peppers has to do what he was good at after football season at UNC: being strong and rebounding. |
14 |
Bears
 |
Just like New Orleans' defense, I expect Chicago's to return to form this year. I like Orton better than Growthlessman, but with Chris Simms on waivers, they should snatch him up immediately. They'd have a shot at the division with him. Couple that with a revitalized Brandon Lloyd and dangerous Devin Hester and...oh yeah, they'd still have a shitty running game. |
15 |
Vikings
 |
I just don't get why Minny's stock is so high with an inconsistent QB and running back who's high risk-high reward factor makes the stock market look as steady as Acai picking season in South America. Do people really believe their defense is THAT good? Or maybe its those superstar wideouts in Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade they got from the Bears... |
16 |
Jets
 |
Favre signing has taken focus off of the Vernon Gholston pick, when Darren McFadden was on the board. They should have a nice offense though with Coles and Cotchery finally being able to run more than 15 yards without the wall from The Truman Show turning them back because Chad had no chance of throwing farther than that. New York's schedule is easy also, just like it was two years ago when Eric was still a genius and not a snitching ass penguin. |
17 |
Bills
 |
Got Marshawn Lynch in fantasy? Ok, good. Now, I don't care how good their defense is, they still don't have a QB and the two teams they're fighting in the AFC East have two of the greatest, so you figure it out. |
18 |
Buccaneers
 |
Despite their 18 QB's, defense is still what makes Tampa a contender and you've got to ask yourself, how long can Brooks, Barber and those guys keep playing at a high level. Never mind "Forever Young Joey" on the offensive side of the ball. Shit, Warrick Dunn is back too. These niggas are old as fuck. |
19 |
Redskins
 |
You think that presidential campaign is going to be hot this fall, just wait for Jason Campbell to slip up in the most notorious "QB Controversy" city in the world. Collins finished the season on a high note, got a new contract and Colt Brennan has looked like former Colt, Johnny Unitas in the preseason. Grab some of T.O.'s popcorn and see how this one turns out. Also, their defensive backfield is thin due to age: Carlos Rogers fault. |
20 |
Ravens
 |
6'6, 230, cannon arm and his last name isn't Boller; start him...oh, you like Troy Smith better? Fine, start him. Just understand that this team goes nowhere but to dinner at Morton's with Kyle Boller starting. Look no further than Todd Heap who was once one of the greater TE's in the league. Now he's a heap of averageness. It'll be interesting to see how the defense looks this year. They got ass punched a few times, last year. |
21 |
Cardinals
 |
QB is still an issue which will ultimately make Arizona a non issue towards the end of the season. Seriously, this is worse than me going between my baby's mama and my girlfriend. I know I should just stay with one, but it all depends on who's acting right at the moment. On a happier note, Rodgers-Cromartie and Roach should develop into great players in the secondary. |
22 |
Titans
 |
They didn't get Vince any damn receivers, and so their best receiver's name is still Roydell. I don't want to talk about it. |
23 |
Broncos
 |
Can Selvin Young and the defense cover for Jay Cutler's mishaps? Hey, if you replace Selvin with one of their interchangeable backs of the past and Jay with Jake, this looks a lot like past Broncos season previews. The only thing that doesn't match up is Coach Shanny's job security. |
24 |
Lions
 |
Kevin Smith has to be able to step right in and play well. Their Barry Sanders hangover has been like a decade now. Enough! Kitna, Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson could benefit from a running game. Either way, Millen aint losing his job, so whatever. |
25 |
Bengals
 |
This fool actually changed his name to Ocho Cinco, for real. It's incredibly stupid and all, but you've got to take your hat off to a guy that's willing to go to those "Mak'em mad" lengths. It's just amazing how quickly Cinci's great receivers core has disappeared. Shit went quicker than Obama's momentum two days after the DNC. In other news, the Bengals' defense still can't stop anyone. Carson should be the one requesting the trade. |
26 |
Texans
 |
Let's see if their sack total goes down this year since they nabbed a lineman in the first round. Let's also see if anyone has the nerve to say Matt Schaub is still better than Mike Vick, even in his cell. |
27 |
Rams
 |
Chris Long may not make an immediate splash, but think Mario Williams here for the long term. I dunno why, but I expect this offense to continue to put up great numbers...oh yeah, now I remember why, they have the best back in the NFC and Torry Holt |
28 |
Raiders
 |
With an underrated receivers core, a year under JaMarcus' belt and incredibly talented rookie with the greatest nickname this side of AK-47, don't be surprised to see them compete with Denver for second in the division. Remember they played some good teams very tough, last season. |
29 |
49ers
 |
I know what you're thinking right now, "Should I have really gambled on Gore, his knee is funky." If you're reading down this far though, odds are you're a 9ers fan and you should be thinking, "Small hands Alex is entering Cade McNownville. One more underwhelming year and he'll be sitting next to Tim on his Couch." |
30 |
Chiefs
 |
It might be even worse than last year. Croyle has done anything but "emerge" and I still don't understand why you draft Dorsey, but let go of Allen to end up with what you started with. Freshen up that resume, Herm dogg. |
31 |
Dolphins
 |
They would have been better off going with McCown, Beck and Henne. Pennington is fools gold with his arm and everyone that believes in it playing the part of the fool. Ted Ginn Jr. has looked good in preseason, but he's one good hit away from snapping in half. The only sure thing for this team is that Ricky will take Ronnie Brown's spot, then give it back when he gets busted for weed. |
32 |
Falcons
 |
All Falcons fans can do is hope Ryan doesn't get his ass kicked into mediocrity like Carr and Harrington did. Arthur Blank should be vilified and tried after this. I mean, starting this kid, this early is like throwing him in a ring full of rabid dogs, who smell fear and are forced to fight for their lives because the owner...you got me, Mike sent me this a few days ago. Promised him I'd include it. |
