NFL Preview

Today is supposed to be a glorious day. The 2011 NFL season is finally here! Unfortunately, the day has been overshadowed by the news that the Indianapolis Colts iron man, Peyton Manning, will miss at least two months of the season while he recovers from neck surgery.

While the sports world has been drowned in Manning's bad news all day, I'll focus on something positive.

The NFL season kicks off with the last two Superbowl champions going to battle. While the Packers are the favorite in the game, I think the Saints have a legitimate chance to win on the road in Lambeau. The Packers were nothing short of spectacular the last time we saw them, and they are now officially healthy. That is bad news for the league. On the flip side, the New Orleans Saints also have an explosive passing attack. They drafted Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram to run between the tackles and signed Darren Sproles to replace Reggie Bush. Their defense is pretty much still in tact from their Superbowl run, so it isn't out of the question to think that they are just as dangerous as Green Bay. Tonight's game should be very entertaining and full of offense. My pick is the Packers. Based on momentum, the Packers have to be anyone's pick for tonight's game.

As for the rest of the season...Whats a season kickoff without predictions. So here are mine.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Julio Jones

Julio Jones has number one receiver talent. He was lucky enough to not only go to a team that already has a Pro Bowl wide receiver in Roddy White but also a team with an up and coming elite quarterback, Matt Ryan. Jones will have the luxury of seeing very few double teams because defenses will be focused on White. He has the potential to have a huge year.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Quinn

Quinn is a huge sleeper. Actually to my knowledge, he isn't even a starter. He actually hasn't in a regular season game in two years. There actually isn't much I can say to back up this pick, but I've liked his game for a while now and think he is an impact player. I look forward to him being one of the sack leaders of this class.

Sleeper: Detroit Lions

Every year I wait for the Lions to improve and they let me down for the most part. This is their year and here is why. Matthew Stafford...Yep, I'm predicting Matthew Stafford will remain healthy for the duration of the season. I know, I know...that is a risky statement but its true. He will not only stay healthy, but he will lead the Lions to the playoffs. Of course he can't do it alone. Defense wins championships...and for the sake of this argument, defense gets you in the playoffs.
Lions decided to build their defense around their defensive line. My only question is what took them so long to realize the secret? The truth of the matter is, they have assembled one of the most physical defensive lines in the league. They bullied their way to a 4-0 preseason record and I expected them to ride the momentum into the playoffs.


Overrated: Chicago Bears

The Bears showed a pulse last year and did very discretely. While no one was paying attention to them, they snuck into the playoffs and were a QB with something in his sack away from getting to the Superbowl. Well this year, they won't surprise anyone. Their defense is still decent but offensively, they only added "has beens". Roy Williams and Marion Barber once were big names but there is a reason the Cowboys didn't need their services any longer. Jay Cutler has the potential to rack up tons of yards in Mike Martz offense but unfortunately for him, tons of yards will likely mean tons of interceptions. I fully anticipate the Bears will be on the outside looking in when the playoffs start.

Superbowl Matchup: Green Bay Packers vs. Jets

I know what your thinking..."Way to go jerk off, you just went with the popular picks."
Hey, your right but these are logical and calculated picks. The Green Bay Packers are down right scary. Most teams either lose in the Superbowl or don't even make it and the first excuse is injuries. The Packers not only went into the playoffs short handed last year, but they won on the road. Aaron Rodgers put himself in an elite class of quarterbacks and the defense established itself as a 3-4 juggernaut. They deserve to be favored as the 2011-12 Superbowl champs.

As for the Jets, many would say talk is cheap. They are always in the headlines...they talk a lot...they are animated...they embraced the villain persona...and their coach makes the game fun. With all that said, they are legit. Everyone, myself included, loves to get on Mark Sanchez and dissect his game. I would never choose Sanchez as my franchise quarterback, but he does show up in the playoffs. The Jets will likely only go as far as he takes them, but as long as they stay healthy, they have as good a chance as any elite team to win the Superbowl.

Superbowl Champion: New York Jets

It's just my gut feeling....