2012 NFL Predictions (AFC South)

1. Houston Texans (11-5): Even though the Texans lost linebacker Mario Williams to free agency, they proved in 2011 that they can succeed without their pro-bowl defender. Brian Cushing and JJ Watts are the two stars up front, where as corner back Jonathon Joseph will shut down any team's number one wide receiver. Matt Schaub will return to this offense, restoring his great chemistry with wide receiver Andre Johnson. Once again, Houston will dominate the AFC South.

Brian Cushing (Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Week 1: Dolphins @ Texans W
Week 2: Texans @ Jaguars W
Week 3: Texans @ Broncos L
Week 4: Titans @ Texans W
Week 5: Texans @ Jets W
Week 6: Packers @ Texans L
Week 7: Ravens @ Texans L
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Bills @ Texans W
Week 10: Texans @ Bears L
Week 11: Jaguars @ Texans W
Week 12: Texans @ Lions L
Week 13: Texans @ Titans W
Week 14: Texans @ Patriots W
Week 15: Colts @ Texans W
Week 16: Vikings @ Texans W
Week 17: Texans @ Colts W




2. Indianapolis Colts (6-10): The new face of Indianapolis has high expectations when entering the 2012 season. Andrew Luck was selected first overall by a team who lost their star quarterback in Peyton Manning. In order to make Luck feel slightly more comfortable, Indianapolis drafted Coby Fleener, a tight end who also attended Stanford. Veteran Reggie Wayne could still be lethal, and will be the number one deep threat for this rookie quarterback. The main problem is defense for Indianapolis, something the Colts struggled to put together in 2011. the organization did not do much to fix their struggling defense, so the offense will be expected to pick up the slack.

Andrew Luck (Michael Conroy/AP)

Week 1: Colts @ Bears L
Week 2: Vikings @ Colts W
Week 3: Jaguars @ Colts W
Week 4: BYE
Week 5: Packers @ Colts L
Week 6: Colts @ Jets L
Week 7: Browns @ Colts W
Week 8: Colts @ Titans L
Week 9: Dolphins @ Colts W
Week 10: Colts @ Jaguars W
Week 11: Colts @ Patriots L
Week 12: Bills @ Colts W
Week 13: Colts @ Lions L
Week 14: Titans @ Colts L
Week 15: Colts @ Texans L
Week 16: Colts @ Chiefs L
Week 17: Texans @ Colts L




3. Tennessee Titans (5-11): Jake Locker has been named starter of the Tennessee Titans over Matt Hasselbeck, a decision I don't necessarily agree with. The season starts off with four extremely difficult games, where a veteran quarterback needs to step in and lead his team to victory. By the time the dust settles in Tennessee, the Titans will find themselves in a hole, and unable to find their way out. Chis Johnson says he gained 10 pounds over the off season, and I believe he has another chance at 2,000 rushing yards. Otherwise, the Titans are out of luck, and will struggle to keep their heads above water.

Kendall Wright

Week 1: Patriots @ Titans L
Week 2: Titans @ Chargers L
Week 3: Lions @ Titans L
Week 4: Titans @ Texans L
Week 5: Titans @ Vikings W
Week 6: Steelers @ Titans L
Week 7: Titans @ Bills L
Week 8: Colts @ Titans W
Week 9: Bears @ Titans L
Week 10: Titans @ Dolphins L
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: Titans @ Jaguars W
Week 13: Texans @ Titans L
Week 14: Titans @ Colts W
Week 15: Jets @ Titans L
Week 16: Titans @ Packers L
Week 17: Jaguars @ Titans W




4. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-15): The Blaine Gabbert experiment in Jacksonville is not likely to succeed, even with targets such as Marcedes Lewis and rookie Justin Blackmon. The worst news of all is Maurice Jones-Drew's holdout, which is currently unfolding. In fact, MJD has made it clear to the media that he is looking for trade options. If Jacksonville were to lose their one and only star of the team, the Jaguars would be many years away from earning a spot in the playoffs.

Maurice Jones Drew (Getty Images)

Week 1: Jaguars @ Vikings W
Week 2: Texans @ Jaguars L
Week 3: Jaguars @ Colts L
Week 4: Bengals @ Jaguars L
Week 5: Bears @ Jaguars L
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Jaguars @ Raiders L
Week 8: Jaguars @ Packers L
Week 9: Lions @ Jaguars L
Week 10: Colts @ Jaguars L
Week 11: Jaguars @ Texans L
Week 12: Titans @ Jaguars L
Week 13: Jaguars @ Bills L
Week 14: Jets @ Jaguars L
Week 15: Jaguars @ Dolphins L
Week 16: Patriots @ Jaguars L
Week 17: Jaguars @ Titans L

2012 NFL Predictions (AFC North)

1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): The loss of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs hurts this glorified defense exponentially. Thirty seven is old for a middle linebacker, but not including the four missed four games, Ray Lewis had yet another extraordinary season. Alongside fellow veteran Ed Reed, this duo must stay consistent and injury free to keep Baltimore in the hunt. Ray Rice is the best all-around running back, and is the clear MVP of this mediocre offense. Joe Flacco's goal should be to reach 4,000 passing yards, as well as a career low in interceptions. Watch out for the Ravens if all goes as planned.

Ed Reed (Boston Globe)

Week 1: Bengals @ Ravens W
Week 2: Ravens @ Eagles L
Week 3: Patriots @ Ravens L
Week 4: Browns @Ravens W
Week 5: Ravens @ Chiefs L
Week 6: Cowboys @ Ravens W
Week 7: Ravens @ Texans L
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Ravens @ Browns W
Week 10: Raiders @ Ravens W
Week 11: Ravens @ Steelers W
Week 12: Ravens @ Chargers L
Week 13: Steelers @ Ravens W
Week 14: Ravens @ Redskins W
Week 15: Broncos @ Ravens W
Week 16: Giants @ Ravens W
Week 17: Ravens @ Bengals W



2. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): The Cincinnati Bengals will be a threat to take down any team in 2012, quite possibly the most lethal opponent for any playoff contender. There is a lot of young players on this roster, which makes me worried about their consistency throughout the regular season. Andy Dalton proved he can carry the weight of the franchise, especially when throwing to star wide out AJ Green. The defense surprising did very well, and will most likely carry over into this upcoming season. Experience is hard to find in Cincinnati, but the youngsters may be the dark horses of 2012.

Andy Dalton

Week 1: Bengals @ Ravens L
Week 2: Browns @ Bengals W
Week 3: Bengals @ Redskins W
Week 4: Bengals @ Jaguars W
Week 5: Dolphins @ Bengals W
Week 6: Bengals @ Browns W
Week 7: Steelers @ Bengals W
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Broncos @ Bengals W
Week 10: Giants @ Bengals L
Week 11: Bengals @ Chiefs L
Week 12: Raiders @ Bengals W
Week 13: Bengals @ Chargers W
Week 14: Cowboys @ Bengals W
Week 15: Bengals @ Eagles L
Week 16: Bengals @ Steelers L
Week 17: Ravens @ Bengals L



3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6): The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quick exit from the playoffs in 2012 after losing to quarterback sensation Tim Tebow. The draft was nothing special either, except for two big offensive lineman in the first few rounds. This defense is not getting any younger, and Pittsburgh is not known for possessing an extraordinary offense. In the competitive AFC North, a spot in the playoffs would be considered a successful 2012 season. Do not be expecting a Super Bowl appearance.

Antonio Brown

Week 1: Steelers @ Broncos L
Week 2: Jets @ Steelers W
Week 3: Steelers @ Raiders W
Week 4: BYE
Week 5: Eagles @ Steelers W
Week 6: Steelers @ Titans W
Week 7: Steelers @ Bengals L
Week 8: Redskins @ Steelers W
Week 9: Steelers @ Giants L
Week 10: Chiefs @ Steelers W
Week 11: Ravens @ Steelers L
Week 12: Steelers @ Browns W
Week 13: Steelers @ Ravens L
Week 14: Chargers @ Steelers L
Week 15: Steelers @ Cowboys W
Week 16: Bengals @ Steelers W
Week 17: Steelers @ Browns W



4. Cleveland Browns (1-15): The Cleveland Browns added two big names in last year's draft; quarterback Brandon Weeden and running back Trent Richardson. An above average defense along with a youthful roster made Cleveland's 2012 campaign look somewhat respectable when entering August. However, the preseason did not start off well after many injuries took place, one to their prized rookie running back. The Browns have by far the most difficult schedule of any team in the NFL. In most years, Cleveland would have a shot at the .500 mark, but if the injuries continue, they'll have to worry about an 0-16 record.

Josh Cribbs

Week 1: Eagles @ Browns L
Week 2: Browns @ Bengals L
Week 3: Bills @ Browns L
Week 4: Browns @ Ravens L
Week 5: Browns @ Giants L
Week 6: Bengals @ Browns L
Week 7: Browns @ Colts L
Week 8: Chargers @ Browns L
Week 9: Ravens @ Browns L
Week 10: BYE
Week 11: Browns @ Cowboys L
Week 12: Steelers @ Browns L
Week 13: Browns @ Raiders L
Week 14: Chiefs @ Browns L
Week 15: Redskins @ Browns W
Week 16: Browns @ Broncos L
Week 17: Browns @ Steelers L

2012 NFL Predictions (AFC East)

1. New England Patriots (14-2): The New England Patriots have not disappointed since their loss to New York in the Super Bowl, catching lots of headlines with their big signings. Wide receivers Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney are two excellent additions to an already lethal wide receiver corp. The Patriots also drafted two weapons in defensive end Chandler Jones and linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Finally, they added track star Jeff Demps as a running back, concluding their already busy off season. Bottom line: the Patriots have a great chance at that perfect season.

Wes Welker (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Week 1: Patriots @ Titans W
Week 2: Cardinals @ Patriots W
Week 3: Patriots @ Ravens W
Week 4: Patriots @ Bills W
Week 5: Broncos @ Patriots W
Week 6: Patriots @ Seahawks W
Week 7: Jets @ Patriots W
Week 8: Patriots @ Rams W
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: Bills @ Patriots W
Week 11: Colts @ Patriots W
Week 12: Patriots @ Jets W
Week 13: Patriots @ Dolphins W
Week 14: Texans @ Patriots L
Week 15: 49ers @ Patriots L
Week 16: Patriots @ Jaguars W
Week 17: Dolphins @ Patriots W



2. Buffalo Bills (9-7): Right off the bat, the Buffalo Bills signed star linebacker Mario Williams to a mega contract in order to enhance their defense. Rookie corner back Stephon Gilmore is also meant to improve their pass defense, a rookie selected 10th overall. Offensively, Buffalo will get back rusher Fred Jackson from a season ending injury in 2011. Now, the Bills will have both CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson making up one of the best rushing duos in the NFL.

Mario Williams (Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Week 1: Bills @ Jets W
Week 2: Chiefs @ Bills W
Week 3: Bills @ Browns W
Week 4: Patriots @ Bills L
Week 5: Bills @ 49ers L
Week 6: Bills @ Cardinals L
Week 7: Titans @ Bills W
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Bills @ Texans L
Week 10: Bills @ Patriots L
Week 11: Dolphins @ Bills W
Week 12: Bills @ Colts L
Week 13: Jaguars @ Bills W
Week 14: Rams @ Bills W
Week 15: Seahawks @ Bills L
Week 16: Bills @ Dolphins W
Week 17: Jets @ Bills W



3. New York Jets (8-8): Most likely the biggest storyline to come out of New York was the signing of Tim Tebow. Tebow was able to lead Denver into the playoffs, as well as defeat the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers. It will be interesting to see how the Jets incorporate Tebow into this offense when Sanchez will be the Week 1 starter. There will obviously be problems, like if Sanchez were to throw an interception or two, fans would start cheering to put Tebow in the game. There are too many issues for this team to succeed in 2012.

Antonio Cromartie (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Week 1: Bills @ Jets L
Week 2: Jets @ Steelers L
Week 3: Jets @ Dolphins W
Week 4: 49ers @ Jets L
Week 5: Texans @ Jets L
Week 6: Colts @ Jets W
Week 7: Jets @ Patriots L
Week 8: Dolphins @ Jets W
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: Jet @ Seahawks L
Week 11: Jets @ Rams W
Week 12: Patriots @ Jets L
Week 13: Cardinals @ Jets W
Week 14: Jets @ Jaguars W
Week 15: Jets @ Titans W
Week 16: Chargers @ Jets L
Week 17: Jets @ Bills L



4. Miami Dolphins (4-12): Hard Knocks was not short of drama in Miami; in one of the first few episodes, the Dolphins decided to cut wide receiver Chad Johnson from the team after an arrest in August. Then, earlier this morning, head coach Joe Philbin told reporters that rookie Ryan Tannehill will be the starting quarterback during Week 1's season opener. Unfortunately, the Dolphins must overcome a difficult schedule, and frankly, this inexperienced quarterback is not capable of doing so.

Cameron Wake

Week 1: Dolphins @ Texans L
Week 2: Raiders @ Dolphins W
Week 3: Jets @ Dolphins L
Week 4: Dolphins @ Cardinals L
Week 5: Dolphins @ Bengals L
Week 6: Rams @ Dolphins W
Week 7: BYE
Week 8: Dolphins @ Jets L
Week 9: Dolphins @ Colts L
Week 10: Titans @ Dolphins W
Week 11: Dolphins @ Bills L
Week 12: Seahawks @ Dolphins L
Week 13: Patriots @ Dolphins L
Week 14: Dolphins @ 49ers L
Week 15: Jaguars @ Dolphins W
Week 16: Bills @ Dolphins L
Week 17: Dolphins @ Patriots L

NFL Report Update: Ryan Tannehill

Breaking News: Head coach Joe Philbin announced that quarterback Ryan Tannehill will start for the Miami Dolphins in the Week 1 season opener. Tannehill was the third quarterback to be selected in last April's draft, and was not the favorite to win Miami's starting job. However, fellow Dolphin David Garrard underwent an undisclosed knee injury, improving Tannehill's odds dramatically. He will be playing Houston on the road in his first regular season game.

NFL Report Update: Jake Locker

Breaking News: An unidentified source told NFL Network that Jake Locker would be the starter in Tennessee's season opener. After a 9-7 season under Matt Haselbeck in 2011, the Titans decided to play youth over experience. However, a few bad games in the regular season for Locker, and Hasselbeck will regain his starting role.

2012 NFL Predictions

     Football has arrived! Seven long, grueling months have gone by since last February's Super Bowl, and now it is just a matter of weeks until opening kickoff takes place. Big names will be in new cities, and surprising events will take place. It is these twists and turns that make the National Football League great, and we can always expect one or two dark horses each and every season. Last year, our predictions selected the Patriots to win the Super Bowl (who ended up losing to the Giants in the championship game), so hopefully this year our predictions will successfully pick the 2012-2013 winner. 

NFL Report Update: Brian Urlacher

Breaking News: It was announced Tuesday that MLB Brian Urlacher would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but what we didn't know was that this was not his first. Last January, Urlacher underwent the same type of surgery, causing many to worry about his condition. He insists he will be ready for the season opener on September 9th.

Preseason: Players to Watch (NFC West)

San Francisco 49ers: WR Randy Moss: If I had to list my top 5 players to watch this preseason, my number one would be wide receiver Randy Moss. Moss is one of the best receivers in NFL history, and called it quits after an atrocious 2010. This past offseason, coach John Harbough signed Moss to a one-year deal, adding more depth to a struggling passing game. Randy was not the only offensive weapon signed (Mario Manningham, Brandon Jacobs, A.J Jenkins, LaMichael James), but is clearly the most risky. Thirty-five is old for any football player, let alone one who relies so much on speed and agility. How will this one year hiatus affect Moss' 2012 campaign? Keep a close eye on this aging star.

Randy Moss (Paul Sakuma/AP Photo)

Arizona Cardinals: QB John Skelton: The main reason why John Skelton is not the Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback is due to his not so great statistics in 2011. What helps Skelton though is the fact that he was able to go 6-2 when named starter against the St. Louis Rams. If John Skelton were to start racking up fabulous statistics week in and week out, no doubt this organization would play the 24 year-old. The quarterback competition is still up in the air, so it will be an absolute necessity for him to play well in all 4 preseason games.

Seattle Seahawks: QB Matt Flynn: Matt Flynn has been a popular topic so far for The NFL Report, and we will finally see him start in his first NFL exhibition game as number one on the depth chart. Hopefully, the Seahawks will not have wasted $26 million over a three year span on this quarterback who has started just two NFL games. Seattle went 7-9 last season, and if Flynn were to play as he did against the Lions, the Seahawks are looking at a spot in the playoffs.

St. Louis Rams: CB Cortland Finnegan: Finnegan was the second biggest defender to be on the market this past off season, and the St. Louis Rams were the highest bidders. The St. Louis defense ranked 26th overall in points allowed per game, and they figured Finnegan will be able to repair their problems on the defensive side of the ball. He has gained respect throughout the league from opposing quarterbacks, and if he continues to play the way he's been playing, the Rams record might see one or two more wins in 2012. 

Preseason: Players to Watch (NFC South)

New Orleans Saints: LB Curtis Lofton: What...a...MESS! The recent bounty charges have suspended two current Saints defenders; linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith. No doubt this defense will struggle in 2012, but the organization went out and acquired linebacker Curtis Lofton. While playing for Atlanta, Lofton managed 492 total tackles, 142 of those came in 2011 (5th in the league). It will be difficult for Lofton to replace the three-time pro-bowler in Jonathan Vilma, so it will be important for him to play his best football yet. Hopefully, he will start 2012 on a high note by doing well in his four preseason games.

Curtis Lofton (Derick E. Hingle/US Presswire)

Atlanta Falcons: CB Asante Samuel: The Atlanta Falcons ranked 20th overall in passing yards allowed last season, so they went out and signed Asante Samuel. Problem solved, right? Sure, Samuel has made a name for himself in the National Football League, but the star is showing sings of aging. Since his extraordinary 2006 season with the Patriots (10 interceptions, 65 tackles, 24 putdowns), Samuel's stats have dipped, where last season was quite possibly the worst of his career. The 31-year old has been lucky injury wise, even though he has played just three complete seasons. Will his age catch up with him, or is Samuel going to lead the Falcon's defense back into the top ten?

Carolina Panthers: LB Luke Kuechly: In my opinion the single most talented defender to come out of last April's draft, Luke Kuechly has high expectations on this Carolina Panthers defense. His accomplished college career (ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, First-team All-American) got him drafted 12 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by Carolina. The Panthers defense struggled immensely last year, so drafting a linebacker helps there defense in almost every category. Kuechly is one of the favorites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and it all starts with his first few games in the NFL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman: The worst defense of 2011 was awarded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and newly drafted safety Mark Barron won't be able to fix all of their problems. This means head coach Greg Schiano will have to rely heavily on their offense. However, if the 2011 Josh Freeman were to show up instead of the one we saw in 2010, the Bucs will be eyeing yet another season below the .500 mark. It was rumored the quarterback might be traded in 2012, so where he plays next season relies on how he plays in 2012. 

Preseason: Players to Watch (NFC North)

Green Bay Packers: RB Cedric Benson: Yesterday, running back Cedric Benson became a Green Bay Packer. Because Benson is past his prime, and also due to several legal issues in the past, Cincinnati did not want to re-sign this free agent. Obviously Green Bay was willing to take the chance with Cedric, otherwise their lack of a running game would hurt their Super Bowl chances once again. At age 29, Benson's best years are behind him, or so we think. The rusher says he feels great, so if Benson dominates in his upcoming preseason game, then the Green Bay Packers can be even more lethal in 2012.

Brandon Marshall (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings: QB Christian Ponder: The Minnesota Vikings did a complete 180 since Brett Favre's playoff run. Last year, the Vikings went 3-13, the third worst record of 2011. This organization has decided to start quarterback Christian Ponder, who will have 4th overall draft pick Matt Kalil protecting him. Ponder is forced to compete in one of the league's most competitive divisions, where three teams are all serious contenders for a playoff spot. Last year, Ponder thew just as many picks as he did touchdowns (13), so he will need to work on his consistency when throwing the ball. This preseason will show the progress made by Christian Ponder, and if he is capable of resurrecting a franchise.

Chicago Bears: WR Brandon Marshall: Brandon Marshall, once a Denver Bronco, struggled while playing for the Miami Dolphins, where he did not reach 100 receptions in either season. In 2009, Marshall had one of the league's best chemistry's with quarterback Jay Cutler. After Cutler moved to Chicago, Marshall soon joined him in the Windy City just two years later. The Bears went from the number two seed in the playoffs in 2010, to missing the playoffs entirely in 2011. If the magic is still there, than this quarterback-wide receiver duo will be unstoppable in 2012.

Detroit Lions: OT Riley Reiff: The Detroit Lions relied heavily on their passing game last season, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson. In order to keep Stafford healthy, as well as give him more time in the pocket, the Lions drafted offensive lineman Riley Reiff. Reiff stands at 6'6", 313 pounds and showed he can overpower college stars while playing for Iowa. But can he overpower NFL defenders with more experience and in some cases, more skill? We will see this preseason, for if he is not capable of blocking a defensive lineman, Matthew Stafford may not be able to play all 16 games like he did in 2011. 

Preseason: Players to Watch (NFC East)

New York Giants: RB David Wilson: With the loss of Brandon Jacobs still fresh in the minds of New York fans everywhere, rookie David Wilson must fill the void left by the two time Super Bowl champion. Wilson was selected with the 32nd overall draft pick out of Virginia Tech because of a spectacular combine and accomplished college career. His numbers led all running backs in broad jump and vertical, while posting a 40-yard dash time of 4.40. Wilson won ACC Player of the Year, not only because he ran the ball well (1,709 rushing yards, 5.9 yards per carry), but also because of his flashes of brilliance when it came to catching the football. Ahmad Bradshaw remains the definite starter, but Wilson is the face of New York's future running game.

Robert Griffin III (Bill Wippert/AP)

Philadelphia Eagles: LB DeMeco Ryans: Five years ago, DeMeco Ryans won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year thanks to his 156 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and lone interception. However, his statistics gradually worsened each year until 2010, when Ryans suffered a season ending Achilles tear. By the time he returned for all 16 games in 2011, Ryans was clearly not the same defensive player, only racking up 64 combined tackles. The Texans did not want to deal with their once rising star, and traded him away to Philadelphia. Ryans will clearly start by the time Week 1 rolls around, but it is a matter of whether or not he can get back to the player he once was.

Washington Redskins: QB Robert Griffin III: Like Andrew Luck, RGII is one of several rookies that everyone will be eyeing when it comes time to their regular season debut. Many have compared this Heisman winner to the likes of Michael Vick; arm strength, mobility, and accuracy are all apparent attributes among the two. Washington Redskins fans are calling RGIII "the guy," meaning he is supposed to be their savior, hopefully giving them a shot at the playoffs. Can he succeed in the NFL even though Baylor didn't make it to a major bowl game? If he begins to struggle in the preseason, maybe it wasn't such a bad move in drafting quarterback Kirk Cousins last April.

Dallas Cowboys: WR Dez Bryant: Jerry Jones and wide receiver Dez Bryant have clearly shown their differences over the course of the off season, starting with Bryant's arrest last July. Jones was quoted as saying Bryant needed to grow up, otherwise the Cowboys will move on. The big question is how Bryant will be affected by these problems in the past. Supposedly the two have come to terms, but it is never a good sign when a team owner and a player get into a scuffle. 

NFL Report Update: Cedric Benson

Breaking News: Running back Cedric Benson has reportedly signed with the Green Bay Packers. Benson was an unsigned free agent as of Monday, and will add depth to a struggling running game. At age 29, Benson is passed his prime, but says he is still able to be key in Green Bay's success.

Preseason: Players to Watch (AFC West)

Denver Broncos: QB Peyton Manning: Quite possibly the most dominant quarterback of the 21st century is no longer a member of the Indianapolis Colts, but instead a Denver Bronco. It will be odd to see Manning wearing orange and blue on Sundays, after 14 years of playing under the Lucas Oil lights. Peyton missed all of 2011 due to a neck injury, and though he feels 100%, we will not be sure until Manning plays in a few preseason games. Nearly 41,000 fans showed up to watch Manning scrimmage, so clearly he is on every one's mind in Denver. It will be interesting to see how Manning plays in the final three competitions.

Peyton Manning (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) 

San Diego Chargers: LB Melvin Ingram: The 18th overall pick is in my top 5 for the most talented defensive players coming out of the 2012 draft, and the San Diego Chargers are lucky to have him on their roster. San Diego was smart in moving him to the linebacker position over defensive end, for he has size identical to Patrick Willis and Ray Lewis. At DE, Ingram's height and weight would put him at a disadvantage when squaring off against a 6'5", 300 pound offensive lineman. Ingram set the school record for the most sacks in a single season while a Gamecock, and should improve San Diego's struggling pass rush. I have high hopes for Ingram in 2012, and I recommend keeping an eye out for this future star.

Kansas City Chiefs: NT Dontari Poe: Many, including myself, were skeptical about nose tackle Dontari Poe. Out of Memphis, Poe was not expected to be taken ahead of the third round, let alone the first 32 picks. However, after a monster draft combine, he got scouts everywhere in a tizzy. Kansas City were the buyers of Poe's draft day stock, and were later disappointed by his mediocre play. Head coach Romoeo Crennel said about Poe, "He needs to work on technique, he needs to work on understanding the system, he needs to get the calls correct all the time. He's got a ways to go." Dontari Poe isn't even a starter entering the regular season, unless he is able to change that in the preseason games.

Oakland Raiders: RB Darren McFadden: The raiders running back has had extreme difficulty staying healthy throughout the duration of a season. McFadden averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011, on track to get 1,403 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs, both career highs. At age 24, McFadden has the potential to be one of the league’s best backs. All four of his season’s spent in the NFL were incomplete due to injury, and the preseason will show if he has enough in the tank to play all 16 games.

NFL Report Update: Chad Johnson

Breaking News: It is reported that wide receiver Chad Johnson was arrested for a domestic violence charge earlier this evening. The police report states Johnson head-butted his newly-wed, reality star Evelyn Lozada. Obviously Miami will take actions of some sort in terms of disciplining Johnson, who they recently signed this past offseason.

Chad Johnson (Steve Mitchell/US Presswire)

Preseason: Players to Watch (AFC South)

Houston Texans: QB Matt Schaub: For the first time since November of 2011, Matt Schaub will put on a helmet in tonight's game against the Carolina Panthers. Schaub suffered an injury to his right foot in a Week 10 game, and missed the remainder of the season. He was on track to throw for 3,966 yards with 24 touchdowns. Sadly, the Texans starting quarterback has two sides when it comes to his play quality. For example, in 2009, Schaub led the league in passing yards with 4,770, but, like I said before, did not have the start he would have liked in 2011. Worst of all, Schaub has difficulty staying healthy for all 16 games, with just two complete seasons under his belt. Hopefully, this upcoming preseason game will give us an idea on what type of Matt Schaub will show up to play in 2012.

Jake Locker (Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Indianapolis Colts: QB Andrew Luck: Who else would occupy this slot? Andrew Luck most likely will have the highest expectations of any rookie since Peyton Manning, and rightfully so. The Colts struggled enormously last season, and drafted the best prospect in the nation. Now, we will see if the first overall pick can live up to the hype, and lead the Colts back to the Super Bowl within his 10-15 year career. His first game Sunday night will be in front of a jam-packed stadium, which is strange considering it is a Colts-Rams game. Alongside fellow rookie Coby Fleener (a tight end out of Stanford), Luck will take the stage in an attempt to "woo" the audience.

Tennessee Titans: QB Jake Locker: It appears that at the moment, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has the lead over youngster Jake Locker due to an increased number of snaps. Jake Locker will have to prove he is worthy of the starting job within the next four preseason games. A passer rating of 99.4% last season in only five games gives him the opportunity to win the starting job. What he needs is to amaze his coaches and managers, whereas veteran Matt Hasselbeck will have to play some of the worst football of his career.

Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Rashean Mathis: Similar to Leon Hall, Rashean Mathis is an ex-Pro Bowler who had recently suffered an injury (torn ACL). Mathis will be 32 by the time opening kickoff takes place on September 9th, old for any player in the National Football League. Jacksonville's most valuable corner back in franchise history was recently signed to a one year, $5 million contract, for he owns four of the organization's defensive records. All may change, however, now that he has suffered an injury, and the preseason shall do a good job of showing his condition.