Preseason Power Rankings

     Ever tried to fill out a March Madness bracket? If so, you know what its like to make predictions even before the "games begin." There has been little news since April relating to the NFL, where football takes a backseat to the NBA and NHL playoffs. Now that most of the big names have been signed, we are beginning to get a sense of who will succeed, and who will fail come 2012. With the start of training camp less than two months away, The NFL Report will prepare you for another fabulous year of football with rankings and analysis on each and every team. Be sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!

Three Best Stadiums: Lambeau Field

1. Lambeau Field: The oldest field in the National Football League has been known by fans as a landmark, due to its history and fabulous traditions. Many Hall of Famers have once called Lambeau Field their home. Wether it be Bart Starr, or Reggie White, or present day Aaron Rodgers, some of the biggest names in sports have played on this piece of history. The Packers happen to be the only sports team in Green Bay, which only adds to the emotion from the fans. Cheese-heads are known throughout the league for their devotion towards Packer football, making it extremely difficult for opposing teams to march into Wisconsin and leave with a win. The stadium itself begins with a statue of legendary coach and founder Curly Lambeau, with big, glass windows behind him. The inside of this historic football stadium has a similar structure to a mall because of its arching ceilings and successful pro shop. The field contains the Packers logo at the 50 yard line and the team's name in either end zone. When standing on the grass in Green Bay, it feels as if the fans are on top of you, where the bleachers curve upwards towards the sky. This organization somehow managed to establish a modern stadium while preserving the old fashioned feel.

Three Best Stadiums: Cowboys Stadium

2. Cowboys Stadium: Out with the old, in with the new; the Cowboys may be an old franchise, but they clearly have made attempts to modernize their organization, starting with the stadium. In 2009, Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys spent 1.3 billion dollars on a brand new Cowboys Stadium, a luxurious, breathtaking spectacle. The new arena seats 80,000 people, all packed into one ear throbbing arena. However, what Cowboys Stadium is known for is a 2,100 inch screen at centerfield. It may be   magnificent sight, but this scoreboard has created several problems. For example, in the stadium's preseason debut, Titans punter A.J. Trapasso hit the high definition TV, and made many people second guess wether or not the scoreboard's particular size is necessary. Cowboys Stadium will survive long into the future due to its modern design, and is likely to become one of America's largest landmarks.

Three Best Stadiums: CenturyLink Field

3. CenturyLink Field: The third best stadium in the NFL is awarded to CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. This field has been named the loudest arena in football due to it's architectural structure, which makes the Seahawks a dangerous opponent to pay against on the road. Built in 2002, CenturyLink Field has been used not only for pro football, but for college games and MLS play as well. Initially, the Seahawks home building was simply named "Seahawks Stadium", then to "Qwest Field", and finally, in 2012, "CenturyLink Field." The field itself is just like any other pro field, but it is the location and seating that separates CenturyLink from the average NFL stadium. The upper tier is a unique part of this building, as it shades fans in the higher deck from the sun. Besides a triangular seating arrangement as well as a huge television in the end zone, empty space clearly reveals the Seattle skyline off in the distance. When taking into the account the 12 Man, the building's design, and a beautiful view of downtown Seattle, it is no surprise CenturyLink Field shows up on our list.

Three Best Stadiums: Arrowhead Stadium

Honorable Mention: Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City may not have a "12th Man" on the field, but the sea of red in the stands comes pretty close. Many historical games have been played at Arrowhead Stadium, and will stand as a landmark in this game's history. Unlike the average arena which is more of an oval, the Chief's field is pointed at the ends, appearing from above as a rectangle. Its design along with the devoted fans makes this coliseum one of the loudest in football. With so much history behind it, as well as a beautiful structure, Arrowhead Stadium earns an honorable mention on our list.

The Three Best Stadiums

     Sadly, due to the popularity of high definition televisions, the architecture of football stadiums has practically become a lost art. Though we catch glimpses of these massive coliseums from afar, it will never be the same as sitting in those seats, watching the game in person. The fan base adds a whole other dimension to the stadium. For example, many compliment Fenway Park due to its aroused fans and how close they are to the field. Training camp is just a few weeks away, as is the regular season. Therefore, in anticipation of football, we will add to our saga name "The Three" by installing The Three Best Stadiums. Once again, we will split our rankings into multiple posts. Make sure to comment, subscribe, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/thenflreport!

     

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Tips & Questions

Tips:
- Before the draft, map out a blueprint involving sleepers, busts and your top players. However, be careful not to fall in love with a certain player (especially in auctions) where you might overspend.
-10 quarterbacks threw for 4,000 yards or more in 2011, and with so many passers to choose from, it will be important to nab those running backs early.
-Many big names suffered injuries in 2011 (Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles, Adrian Peterson), so while some may be conservative and avoid these players, it could be key to take this risk. Like I said in my previous tip, though, do NOT overspend! Also...
-Don't be afraid to take a risk in the later rounds! For example, select someone who you believe will breakout in 2012, not someone who has already broken and on the wrong side of 30.
-Many people make the mistake of taking either a defense or a kicker before the final two rounds. Both categories are too inconsistent that it is not worth spending a valuable draft pick when you could be selecting the next Victor Cruz.
-Once the fantasy draft is over and the season has begun, be active on the waiver wire! By far the most important advice I can give, I highly recommend picking up players who were dominant in Week 1.


Important Fantasy Football Questions:
Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck?... Last April, we saw two quarterbacks taken with the first and second overall picks--Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck. The two are completely different passers; one is a pocket presence QB with record setting accuracy, the other a scrambler capable of throwing deep bombs down field. But with the football season approaching, who is the better option in fantasy football? Quarterback Andrew Luck has been compared by many to all time greats such as John Elway and Peyton Manning due to his extraordinary abilities. However, neither Elway nor Manning were able to do well fantasy wise during their first season. RGIII on the other hand resembles Michael Vick due to his speed and arm strength. Griffin's running abilities make him even more valuable in fantasy football, giving him the upper hand over Luck.

Which player to have a disappointing year in 2011 will bounce back in 2012?... If you were to mention Chris Johnson to any football fan, the first thing that comes to mind his 2,000 yard season. However, since 2009, his statistics have gradually dropped off, from 14 touchdowns, to 2011 touchdowns, all the way down to 4 in 2011. His 40 yard dash time stands at 4.24 seconds, so clearly the speed is there. Sadly, Johnson did not get off to a quick start like he normally does, averaging 2.1 yards per carry in his first three games, and not scoring a touchdown until Week 5. This past offseason, Johnson gained 10 pounds of pure muscle, and is the most undervalued player entering 2012. My second place vote is awarded to Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles, a lethal fantasy weapon when at his best.

Which player to have suffered an injury will return to full form in 2012?...Over the past five years, no running back has been more consistent than Adrian Peterson. Sadly, AP suffered a serious ACL tear on Christmas Eve, and missed all of 2011. His 12 touchdowns in 12 games last season was an absurd accomplishment, but many are speculating on whether or not he will be 100% at the start of the season. Watch closely this August to see how his injury is coming along. Even if Peterson is 90% by Week 1, he can be a top 5 running back by the end of the season.

Thanks for the read!!

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Defense

Defense/Special Teams:

John Abraham

1. San Francisco 49ers: The Golden State's front seven could be one of the best in the NFL; players like Justin Smith and Patrick Willis were able to keep opposing offenses from scoring a rushing touchdown up until Week 14. They may have only scored one defensive touchdown, but with 23 interceptions and Jim Harbaugh at the helm, this defense will stay lethal for the next 5 years.

2. Houston Texans: Many will be wondering how this Houston defense will fare without their star linebacker Mario Williams. Just look at least season's numbers, and you will see that Houston does not have a problem. Fantasy wise, the Texans defense scored almost the same amount of fantasy points with Williams as they did without him. In 2012, Brian Cushing, J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and Jonathan Joseph all need to stay healthy as well as consistent in order for Wade Philips' defense to dominate once again.

3. Chicago Bears: Any team who has Devin Hester at the punt return spot is bound to be ranked highly in fantasy football. However, what makes Chicago even more lethal is their well balanced defense. The run defense ranked 5th overall last season thanks to star linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. Juluis Peppers was the sole pass rusher on Chicago with more than 10 sacks in 2011, which led to the drafting of defensive end Shea McClellin in April. If there is one thing Chicago might want to improve, it is their mediocre pass defense. Otherwise, the Bears will finish in the top 5 for fantasy defenses once again. 

4. Philadelphia Eagles: The Dream Team may have been unsuccessful in 2011, but the defense still stood strong. Corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie both had off years, and both will need to bounce back if Philadelphia wishes to fill the hole left by Asante Samuel. The defensive line--dominated by Trent Cole and Jason Babin--helped this defense rank 1st overall in sacks last season. Assuming Philly's pass rush can stay healthy and consistent, this defense might give the 49ers a run for their money at number one.

5.  Baltimore Ravens: Baltimore fans everywhere cringed when they heard reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs will miss most of 2012 to a partially torn achilles, as did those who play fantasy football. Baltimore has always finished among the top defenses fantasy wise, but Suggs will clearly affect this team's statistics. A lot of pressure will be put on 37-year-old linebacker Ray Lewis, who is joined by Lance Brigg, Jameel McClain, and Haloti Ngata. Sure, the Ravens defense will put up great numbers week in and week out, but their stock falls slightly without their star outside linebacker.

6. New York Jets: Last season, it seemed as if the New York Jets defense was unable to catch a break, constantly dealing with injuries and disappointing performances from their stars. Antonio Cromartie, Bart Scott, and Calvin Pace were all nonexistent in 2011, which adds to this team's potential for next season. If these three players were to resurrect their game, they could be scary when alongside Darrelle Revis and David Harris.

7. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks defense improved substantially ever since Pete Carroll came to town, and not much should change for the next few years. The Seahawks roster may not contain a superstar defender, but overall, they may have one of the most well rounded group of players in the NFL. Chris Clemons is the dominant force for this pass rush, racking up 11 sacks last season. The run defense is great to start with, and the secondary has shown major improvements. Depending on the scoring system for your fantasy football league, the Seahawks are a great choice when teams such as San Francisco and Houston are off the board.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sure, the Steelers ranked first overall last season in pass defense and total defense, but what will come of Pittsburgh without  linebacker James Farrior and defensive end Aaron Smith in 2012? Obviously players like Ziggy Hood and Cameron Hewyard will fill the holes nicely, but if one of their over-30 players (James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, Ryan Clark, Larry Foote, etc.) were to be injured or suspended (James Harrison), will they be enough to lead this defense? There are to many questions for the Pittsburgh squadron, which is why they top out at number eight.

9. Buffalo Bills: As soon as the season ended, it was clear Buffalo was eager to strengthen their defense. Once Mario Williams became a free agent, Buffalo quickly handed him 100 millions dollars through a six year contract. The Bills were not quite finished, signing Mark Anderson do go along with their star defensive end. A lot of weight will be put on this front-seven, but the Bills are capable of consistently helping your team every Sunday.

10. Atlanta Falcons: The Atlanta Falcons were not ones to gain many headlines this offseason, but they did manage to silently pick up star corner Asante Samuel. Samuel brings to the table a knack for getting interceptions, something Atlanta needed to work on. Up front, we have Curtis Lofton and John Abraham, two aging defenders who have high expectations for next season. The Falcons are not one to finish in the top 5, but for a 10 person league or above, they are not a bad choice.

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Kickers

Kickers: 

1. David Akers: Un-contested #1 in 2011, offense more lethal in 2012 = more PATs

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 44/52 total FGs, 34/34 PATs, 182 fantasy points)

2. Stephen Gostkowski: Recovered well from torn quad, one of most reliable kickers in NFL

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 28/33 total FGs, 59/59 PATs, 149 fantasy points)

3. Mason Crosby: A whopping 68 PATs in 2011, guaranteed 55+ PATs in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 24/28 total FGs, 68/69 PATs, 143 fantasy points)

4. Sebastian Janikowski: Best kicker from 40 yards out, SEVEN 50+ field goals in 2011

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 31/35 total FGs, 36/36 PATs, 149 fantasy points)

5. Dan Bailey: Proved to be a top 5 kicker last season, not much should change in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 32/37 total FGs, 39/39 PATs, 144 fantasy points)

6. Alex Henery: Sophomore season in NFL, did not miss field goal after Week 5

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 24/27 total FGs, 46/46 PATs, 121 fantasy points)

7. Garrett Hartley: Missed all of 2011, will have many PATs next season if he wins starting job

(2010 Stats: 14 games, 20/25 total FGs, 40/40 PATs, 105 fantasy points*)

8. Robbie Gould: 6/6 from 50 yards or more, offense improves thanks to Brandon Marshall

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 28/32 total FGs, 37/37 PATs, 135 fantasy points)

9.  Rob Bironas: Most skilled kickers in league, struggles due to weak Titans' offense

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 29/32 total FGs, 34/34 PATs, 139 fantasy points)

10. Matt Bryant: Great accuracy with lots of extra point opportunities

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 27/29 total FGs, 45/45 PATs, 133 fantasy points)

Sleeper: Connor Barth

Bust: Neil Rackers

*injured in 2011

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Wide Receivers

Wide Receiver:

1. Calvin Johnson: Improved hands, quick, and unmatched jumping abilities

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,681 yards, 16 TDs, 254 fantasy points)

2. Larry Fitzgerald: Floyd takes away double coverage, great hands

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,411 yards, 8 TDs, 181 fantasy points)

3. Greg Jennings: Great all-around, reliable receiver

(2011 Stats: 13 games, 949 yards, 9 TDs, 143 fantasy points)

4. Wes Welker: Brady's number one receiver, Lloyd and Gaffney hurt statistics

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,573 yards, 9 TDs, 206 fantasy points)

5. Roddy White: Consistent 100 receptions & 1,000 yards; Julio Jones affects statistics

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,296 yards, 8 TDs, 172 fantasy points)

6. Hakeem Nicks: Injury problems, Cruz might not stay reliable which helps Nicks' numbers

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,192 yards, 7 TDs, 154 fantasy points)

7. AJ Green: Young, fast, and will only get better

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,057 yards, 7 TDs, 144 fantasy points)

8. Brandon Marshall: Reunited with Jay Cutler, increase in productivity

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,214 yards, 6 TDs, 149 fantasy points)

9. Andre Johnson: If healthy, possible top 5 receiver

(2011 Stats: 7 games, 492 yards, 2 TDs, 58 fantasy points)

10. Victor Cruz: Figured out by 49ers, might not put up same statistics

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,536 yards, 9 TDs, 198 fantasy points) 

Sleeper: Malcom Floyd

Bust: Jordy Nelson

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Running Backs

Running Back:

1. Arian Foster: Great in the playoffs, extremely consistent

(2011 Stats: 13 games, 1,224 yards, 12 TDs, 238 fantasy points)

2. Ray Rice: Good hands, lots of carries, and will dominate the league

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,364 yards, 12 TDs, 283 fantasy points)

3. LeSean McCoy: Breakout star, Vick might have more attempts

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,309 yards, 17 TDs, 270 fantasy points) 

4. Chris Johnson: A great chance at 2,000 yards in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,047 yards, 4 TDs, 157 fantasy points)

5. Maurice Jones-Drew: Passing game higher priority, consistent 1,000 yards each year

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,606 yards, 8 TDs, 249 fantasy points)

6. Marshawn Lynch: Stunning 11-week span, great at finding the end zone

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 1,204 yards, 12 TDs, 203 fantasy points)

7. Ryan Mathews: Mike Tolbert gone; health concern

(2011 Stats: 14 games, 1,091 yards, 6 TDs, 173 fantasy points)

8. Michael Turner: Extremely consistent, 30 years old

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 1,340 yards, 11 TDs, 203 fantasy points)

9. Adrian Peterson: 12 touchdowns in 12 games, major injury

(2011 Stats: 12 games, 970 yards, 12 TDs, 181 fantasy points)

10. Darren McFadden: Beast, has yet to play full 16 game season

(2011 Stats: 7 games, 614 yards, 4 TDs, 100 fantasy points)

Sleeper: CJ Spiller

Bust: Matt Forte

Fantasy Football Preview 2012: Quarterbacks

Quarterback:

1. Aaron Rodgers: Mobile, consistent, and the obvious number one fantasy quarterback

(2011 Stats: 15 games, 4,643 yards, 45 TDs, 385 fantasy points)

2. Tom Brady: New weapons, has potential to top Rodgers in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 5,235 yards, 39 TDs, 352 fantasy points)

3. Cam Newton: Young, talented, and will only get better

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 4,051 yards, 21 TDs, 352 fantasy points)

4. Drew Brees: Fabulous in 2011, bounty hurts his stock

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 5,476 yards, 46 TDs, 380 fantasy points) 

5. Matthew Stafford: Might not duplicate numbers, possible health problems

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 5,038 yards, 41 TDs, 333 fantasy points)

6. Michael Vick: Health key, possible star next season

(2011 Stats: 13 games, 3,303 yards, 18 TDs, 222 fantasy points)

7. Tony Romo: Wide receivers improve = top 5 quarterback

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 4,184 yards, 31 TDs, 265 fantasy points)

8. Eli Manning: Very consistent, statistics might drop off in 2012

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 4,933 yards, 29 TDs, 273 fantasy points)

9. Philip Rivers: Lost Vincent Jackson, still has Floyd, Meachem and Gates

(2011 Stats: 16 games, 4624 yards, 27 TDs, 246 fantasy points)

10. Peyton Manning: Top quarterback before injury

(2010 Stats: 16 games, 4,700 yards, 33 TDs, 287 fantasy points*)

Sleeper: Matt Flynn

Bust: Ben Roethlisberger

*injured in 2011

Top 10 NFL Logos: Detroit Lions

2. The Detroit Lions' logo is very straightforward; an intimidating lion on its hind legs, ready to do battle. Minor details were added in 2009 to this logo, which clearly makes the logo look more realistic. Though I am sure there is no such thing as a blue lion living in the wild, the "honolulu-blue" mixed with white makes this logo a tasteful masterpiece. The minor changes in 2009 helped this logo sky-rocket upwards in terms of popularity, and with only one logo left to be named in our countdown, the Lions organization should be happy with a number two ranking.

Top 10 NFL Logos: Pittsburgh Steelers

3. In 1969, a Republic Steel based in Cleveland recommended to the Steelers organization that they adopt the industry logo. This logo features three astroids, where the three different colors represent the the ingredients needed to make steel; red for iron ore, blue for scrap steel, and yellow to make coal. The original industry logo had the word steel inscribed inside, but Steelers gained permission to add E-R-S to their brand new logo. Unlike other logos in the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a complicated story behind the symbol of their franchise, which is why the Pittsburgh Steelers logo ranks number three on our list.

Top 10 NFL Logos: Minnesota Vikings

4. For the first time since 1966, the Minnesota Vikings organization has decided to modify their logo. Though the changes are rather small, the bold black streaks through theViking's hair adds a certain crispness to this logo. Purple and gold is a unique color tandem in the National Football League, and the designer of this particular logo had some creativity in order to successfully include both colors into the design. Though I like the current Minnesota helmets that just feature two horns on either side, these logos are too good to not be seen on every helmet.