NFL Returns After Chaotic Off-season

This spawned a week-long period that included over 600 player transactions, an unprecedented amount in NFL history, which made it even more difficult for teams to get organized in the already shortened off-season. 

In addition, there have been new rules imposed against special teams and defense to ensure player safety. This season, kickoffs will be moved from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, players cannot form wedges on special teams and hits on defenseless receivers will be disciplined more harshly. 

The hectic off-season was capped by an incredible amount of fans purchasing tickets as soon as the lockout was lifted. According to stubhub.com, there was a 300 percent increase in ticket purchases from last season. Now that all pieces are in place, the ensuing NFL season is sure to be an interesting one. Here is a look at projected results by conference:

 

 

NFC North- Chicago Bears (1-0), Detroit Lions (1-0), Green Bay Packers (1-0), Minnesota Vikings (0-1)

 

The Super Bowl XLV Champion Green Bay Packers are expected to claim their division this season. With a powerful offense unit and a hard-hitting defense, the Packers are poised to dominate yet again. Despite recent struggles, the Detroit Lions, who boast a gritty defensive line, are likely to have a breakout season. Pending team chemistry and the success of recent acquisitions, the Minnesota Vikings could bounce back from a rough 2010. Rounding out the group is last year’s division champion Chicago Bears, who did not have an impressive preseason and therefore are on the bubble and a possible wild card watch. 

 

NFC South- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1), Atlanta Falcons (0-1), Carolina Panthers (0-1), New Orleans Saints (0-1)

 

The Atlanta Falcons silently won this division last year. Their play in recent years has been impressive under quarterback Matt Ryan and is going to continue into this season, taking them from silent victors to proven contenders. The New Orleans Saints have been dominating the league as of late; however, after a lackadaisical off-season, their reign might be on the decline. Both the Saints and the Falcons will be forces to be reckoned with this season and should take the top two spots in this division. The Carolina Panthers were the worst team in football last year, winning only two games and this season showing few signs of improvement aside from the addition of Cam Newton, last year’s Heisman Trophy winner from Auburn University who led the Tigers to a victory in the National Championship. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should improve upon last year’s season, bringing in players who can make them the division sleeper but a likely wild card contender.

 

NFC East- Dallas Cowboys (0-1), Philadelphia Eagles (1-0), New York Giants (0-1), Washington Redskins (1-0)

 

The Philadelphia Eagles are the team to watch this season in the NFC East. After acquiring a roster full of Pro Bowlers this off-season, they have been called the “Dream Team” by players and analysts alike and are looking to establish their dominance. This year has been rough on the New York Giants, who had a preseason riddled with injuries. However, they still have a strong unit and will likely be competitive as the season goes on. The Washington Redskins had a losing season last year and have virtually nothing going on for 2011. Likewise, the Cowboys are looking to come back from their shaky season last year but always seem to struggle in the clutch.

 

NFC West- San Francisco 49ers (1-0), Arizona Cardinals (1-0), Saint Louis Rams (0-1), Seattle Seahawks (0-1)

 

Last year the NFC West was the weakest division in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks won the NFC West last season with a losing record. The Seahawks will again be competitive in this division, but the Saint Louis Rams will prove to be an equal competitor with a strong quarterback at the helm. The Arizona Cardinals have a few strong players, but no one to bring the team together and work magic, which explains why they had the worst record in the worst division last season. The San Francisco 49ers are not showing any signs of improvement this season and should make major adjustments in order to end their streak of mediocrity.

 

AFC North- Cincinnati Bengals (1-0), Cleveland Browns (0-1), Baltimore Ravens (1-0), Pittsburgh Steelers (0-1)

 

 

Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens made post-season appearances last season with the Steelers claiming the division crown. As usual, both these teams will flex their muscles at the top of the division with versatility on both sides of the ball. The Cincinnati Bengals had a terrible off-season and preseason and will probably continue to be unimpressive through the season. The Cleveland Browns have a strong rookie quarterback in Colt McCoy and have the tools to vastly improve. While they do not have what it takes to overtake the Ravens and Steelers for one of the top spots, the Browns may be a wild card surprise.

 

AFC South- Indianapolis Colts (0-1), Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0), Houston Texans (1-0), Tennessee Titans (0-1)

 

The Indianapolis Colts have been extremely dominant in recent years and won the AFC South in 2010. However, with the loss of Pro Bowl quarterback Peyton Manning and no backup plan, their season is looking dismal.  The Titans are looking as though they are going to be the top of the division this year, unless the Colts can make due with new quarterback Kerry Collins. The Jacksonville Jaguars are struggling across the board after the front office’s questionable release of quarterback David Garrard, leaving them with no players ready to step up and make a difference. The Houston Texans have not done anything in recent years, but might finally have the tools to weigh in on this division in 2011, especially considering the unique circumstances in the South this season.

 

AFC East- Buffalo Bills (1-0), Miami Dolphins (0-1), New York Jets (1-0), New England Patriots (1-0)

 

As usual, the New England Patriots are looking as though they are going to clinch the division, as they return with most of their Pro Bowl roster. The New York Jets made huge off-season moves and are looking like solid competition. They could once again earn themselves a trip to the post-season. Although the Miami Dolphins have upgraded their backfield, they still have little to work with and are probably going to land in the bottom half of this division this year. The Buffalo Bills, who finished in the cellar in 2010, are showing no signs of life and will join the Dolphins at the bottom.

 

AFC West- Denver Broncos (0-1), San Diego Chargers (1-0), Kansas City Chiefs (0-1), Oakland Raiders (1-0)

 

The Kansas City Chiefs edged out the San Diego Chargers by one game last season and captured the AFC West. However, the Chargers had a much more productive off-season
and preseason, making them the team to beat in the AFC West.  After many years of success, the Denver Broncos have seemingly reached a plateau, which was reflected in its sub-par record last season. The Oakland Raiders, who have played musical quarterbacks in recent years, will once again land in the bottom half of their division, having not shown any signs of improvement.