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Handicapping the AFC (Part 2 / 1-8)
Story URL: http://jac.scout.com/2/762874.html
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Charlie Bernstein
JagNation.com | Jun 17, 2008 |
With OTA’s and mini-camps finished for most teams around the league, we have a bit of a lull for the next six weeks or so until training camp begins. A month ago we posted some AFC Rankings. Now we are going to handicap each team’s chances of winning the AFC.
8. Buffalo Bills- Vegas odds: 35/1
What’s good: Buffalo is a well coached team that has a star receiver in Lee Evans. Good offensive line and a solid defensive line.
Question marks: Is Trent Edwards a solid NFL starting quarterback? Will Marshawn Lynch be able to play at a high level? Will the secondary get better in 2008?
7. Cleveland Browns- Vegas odds: 9/1
What’s good: Great outside weapons in Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Donte Stallworth, and a rejuvenated running back in Jamal Lewis.
Question marks: Quarterback controversy brewing between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn; Will their defensive acquisitions at tackle (Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers) work out? Secondary looks bad.
6. Houston Texans- Vegas odds: 30/1
What’s good: Great wide receiver in Andre Johnson, premiere pass rusher in Mario Williams, great middle linebacker in DeMeco Ryans. Matt Schaub looks like a solid quarterback when healthy.
Question marks: Can Schaub stay healthy? Underachieving offensive line, not much depth anywhere, need a good, young running back.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers- Vegas odds: 11/1
What’s good: Premiere quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, solid running backs in rookie Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker. Troy Polamalu is a top safety, James Harrison is a playmaking linebacker. Heath Miller is a very good tight end.
Question marks: Both offensive line and defensive line are under repair. Is Santonio Holmes a legit deep threat? Corners are average.
4. San Diego Chargers- Vegas odds: 9/2
What’s good: Best running back in football in L.T., best tight end in football in Antonio Gates, great defense led by Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, and Jamal Williams.
Question marks: Is Philip Rivers a big time quarterback? Is L.T. going to remain healthy? Depth is somewhat questionable.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars- Vegas odds: 8/1
What’s good: Depth everywhere, ascending quarterback in David Garrard, loaded backfield with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, great linebacker corps, solid secondary, very good offensive line. Good depth at wide receiver.
Question marks: Will they be able to get a pass rush? Can they beat Indianapolis?
2. Indianapolis Colts- Vegas odds: 4/1
What’s good: Hall of fame quarterback in Peyton Manning, Defensive Player of the Year in Bob Sanders, great receiver in Reggie Wayne, great tight end in Dallas Clark, offensive line that doesn’t get their quarterback touched.
Question marks: Age and injuries. Will Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney be effective? Depth is not fantastic.
1. New England Patriots- Vegas odds: 13/8
What’s good: Tom Freakin’ Brady, the best quarterback in the game. Pats offense was the best in the history of the game a year ago, and they should be almost as good in 2008.
Question marks: Will there be any lasting effects from the Super Bowl loss on the offensive line? The Pats lost both corners, Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, as well as wide receiver Donte Stallworth.
(ODDS COURTESY OF BODOG)
Charlie Bernstein is the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Media Interactive, covering multiple teams in the National Football League, NCAA, and National Basketball Association. Charlie is a regular syndicated contributor to FoxSports and Sirius NFL Radio, and has been featured on the NFL Network. Charlie is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Feel free to contact him -HERE- with questions or comments.
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