The Bum's 2011 NFL Previews of Teams !

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NFL Season Preview: Oakland Raiders


OAKLAND RAIDERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 8-8
ATS Record: 8-8
Over/Under: 10-6
Points Scored: 25.6 PPG (6th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 23.2 PPG (20th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win AFC West: 5/1
Odds to Win AFC Championship: 20/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 50/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 7

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Just when the Raiders were starting to make some progress, Al Davis shakes everything up again. Out is head coach Tom Cable, replaced by offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, who proved to be an outstanding play-caller. But along with Cable, the Raiders are losing the zone-blocking scheme that established their running game as one of the best. They’ll switch to Davis’ preferred power-blocking scheme in front of injury-prone backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Veteran QB Jason Campbell should continue to benefit from Jackson’s play-calling, but he no longer has stud TE Zach Miller to throw to.

Defense:
Defensively, the Raiders are losing their best player on either side of the ball as elite CB Nnamdi Asomugha leaves via free agency for Philly. Their front seven has shown promise, and could improve with second-year LB Rolando McClain taking on a bigger role. Oakland’s biggest advantage will likely be in special teams. Shane Lechler is still the NFL’s best punter, perhaps of all-time, and speedy WR Jacoby Ford is emerging as an elite return man.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Trent Edwards (from Bills)
WR Derek Hagan (from Giants)
WR Chad Jackson
TE Kevin Boss (from Giants)
T Stephon Heyer (from Redskins)
S Josh Bullocks (from Bears)
S Matt Giordano (from Saints)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Bruce Gradkowski (Bengals)
WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (Eagles)
TE Zach Miller (Seahawks)
G Robert Gallery (Seahawks)
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (Eagles)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 20.81 (11th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Denver
Week 2 - at Buffalo
Week 3 - New York Jets
Week 4 - New England
Week 5 - at Houston
Week 6 - Cleveland
Week 7 - Kansas City
Week 8 - BYE WEEK
Week 9 - Denver
Week 10 - at San Diego
Week 11 - at Minnesota
Week 12 - Chicago
Week 13 - at Miami
Week 14 - at Green Bay
Week 15 - Detroit
Week 16 - at Kansas City
Week 17 - San Diego

******* Take: The Raiders hope to keep the momentum going on what was their best season in eight years. RB Darren McFadden finally emerged as an elite playmaker, and QB Jason Campbell led the offense to at least 26 points in each of the team’s final five games. This year’s schedule is harder than most with the AFC East and NFC North containing some of the best teams in the league. Oakland has a great chance to rack up wins with five home dates in a six-game stretch, but that evens out with five road tilts in a seven-game span. If the Raiders can keep their key players healthy, they should be able to at least duplicate last year’s 8-8 mark.
Prediction: OVER 7 (+120)

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NFL Season Preview: San Diego Chargers


SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 9-7
ATS Record: 8-8
Over/Under: 8-7-1
Points Scored: 27.6 PPG (2nd in NFL)
Points Allowed: 20.1 PPG (10th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win AFC West: 4/11
Odds to Win AFC Championship: 13/2
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 15/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 10

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Weak special teams and sloppy mistakes at the worst times kept the Chargers out of the playoffs in 2010, but this is still the most talented team in the division. QB Philip Rivers is on the verge of joining the Manning-Brady-Brees-Rodgers class of quarterbacks after keeping the Chargers offense near the top of the NFL despite a series of injuries and holdouts. This year he should have top WR Vincent Jackson and a healthy TE Antonio Gates, as well as LT Marcus McNeill for an entire season. They’re also expecting bigger things out of RB Ryan Mathews, as the 2010 first-rounder struggled through injuries.

Defense:
Defensive coordinator Ron Rivera took the head coaching job in Carolina, but the defense is in good hands under former San Francisco coordinator Greg Manusky. The front seven should be strong against the run. Journeyman Antonio Garay emerged as one of the NFL’s elite nose tackles in 2010, and San Diego added depth to its injury-plagued defensive end rotation with first-round pick Corey Liuget. The Chargers pass rush is a bit lacking aside from OLB Shaun Phillips and Garay. Former 49ers LBs Takeo Spikes and Travis LaBoy are two welcomed additions to the starting lineup, replacing departed LBs Kevin Burnett and Brandon Siler. Long-time Colts safety Bob Sanders will bring leadership to a secondary that led the NFL in yardage (177 pass YPG allowed). The special teams will be rebuilt, as they replaced long-time ST coordinator Steve Crosby with former Tampa coordinator Rich Bisaccia.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
WR Laurent Robinson (from Rams)
LB Takeo Spikes (from 49ers)
LB Travis LaBoy (from 49ers)
S Bob Sanders (from Colts)

SUBTRACTIONS
RB Darren Sproles (Saints)
WR Legedu Naanee (Panthers)
WR Buster Davis (Bills)
LB Kevin Burnett (Dolphins)
LB Brandon Siler (Chiefs)
LB Antwan Applewhite (49ers)
CB Donald Strickland (Jets)
S Paul Oliver (Saints)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 21.00 (8th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - Minnesota
Week 2 - at New England
Week 3 - Kansas City
Week 4 - Miami
Week 5 - at Denver
Week 6 - BYE WEEK
Week 7 - at New York Jets
Week 8 - at Kansas City
Week 9 - Green Bay
Week 10 - Oakland
Week 11 - at Chicago
Week 12 - Denver
Week 13 - at Jacksonville
Week 14 - Buffalo
Week 15 - Baltimore
Week 16 - at Detroit
Week 17 - at Oakland

******* Take: If TE Antonio Gates stays healthy and RB Ryan Mathews recovers from a lackluster rookie season, San Diego’s offense will be as good as any in the league. The biggest question marks are on a defense that lost a slew of players to free agency, particularly among the linebacking corps. The Chargers schedule has its pitfalls with trips to New England, N.Y. Jets and Chicago, but there’s no reason they can’t be 4-1 heading into their bye. They should also end the year strong with five of the final six opponents finishing .500 or worse in 2010.
Prediction: OVER 10 (-115)

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NFL Season Preview: Dallas Cowboys


DALLAS COWBOYS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-10
ATS Record: 6-10
Over/Under: 13-3
Points Scored: 24.6 PPG (7th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 27.3 PPG (31st in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC East: 3/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 9/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 15/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 9

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Jason Garrett enters his first full season as head coach after piloting the Cowboys to a respectable 5-3 finish, and he’ll get QB Tony Romo back in the lineup. They’d like to make more of a commitment to the run, especially with a bigger role for RB Felix Jones after the departure of Marion Barber. The O-Line will have different look to it with rookie Tyron Smith replacing fading Marc Colombo at right tackle and the losses of T Alex Barron and G Leonard Davis. But Garrett has run the offense since 2007 and they’re primarily a pass-first team. One thing to watch will be how supremely talented, but high maintenance, WR Dez Bryant works with new receivers coach Jimmy Robinson, who came over from Green Bay. Former receivers coach Ray Sherman had been accused of coddling Bryant. He and Miles Austin form a tremendous WR tandem.

Defense:
Defensively, Dallas has a potentially great front seven, led by pass rushing stud LB DeMarcus Ware. The secondary is a major Achilles heel though. Their collection of cornerbacks struggles in pass coverage and run support, and they have some of the worst safety play in the NFL. The addition of SS Abram Elam from Cleveland will help, but the Cowboys will be hard-pressed to improve on their 26th-ranked pass defense (243 YPG) from last year.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
DE Kenyon Coleman (from Browns)
S Abram Elam (from Browns)

SUBTRACTIONS
RB Marion Barber (Bears)
WR Roy Williams (Bears)
WR Sam Hurd (Bears)
G Leonard Davis (released)
T Marc Colombo (Dolphins)
T Alex Barron (Saints)
DE Stephen Bowen (Redskins)
PK Kris Brown (released)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 18.56 (24th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at New York Jets
Week 2 - at San Francisco
Week 3 - Washington
Week 4 - Detroit
Week 5 - BYE WEEK
Week 6 - at New England
Week 7 - St. Louis
Week 8 - at Philadelphia
Week 9 - Seattle
Week 10 - Buffalo
Week 11 - at Washington
Week 12 - Miami
Week 13 - at Arizona
Week 14 - New York Giants
Week 15 - at Tampa Bay
Week 16 - Philadelphia
Week 17 - at New York Giants

******* Take: The last four games on the 2011 slate are all tough, but this is a pretty easy schedule with the draw of the weak NFC West. The Cowboys defense gave up 30+ points in half of their games last season, but they’ll have the good fortune of playing half their games against the 10 lowest-scoring offenses in the NFL last year (Redskins twice, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Bills, Dolphins and Cardinals). With at least nine wins in five of the past six seasons, Dallas should have little trouble tallying double-digit victories this year.
Prediction: OVER 9 (-115)

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NFL Season Preview: New York Giants


NEW YORK GIANTS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-6
ATS Record: 7-9
Over/Under: 9-7
Points Scored: 24.6 PPG (8th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 21.7 PPG (17th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC East: 3/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 9/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 20/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 9.5

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Giants once again made few changes after a disappointing season, keeping their offensive coaching staff intact. Eli Manning is still maddeningly inconsistent, but does have the raw talent and the weapons to light it up when things are clicking. Hakeem Nicks is now one of the NFL’s elite receivers, and new starting RB Ahmad Bradshaw has provided a little more versatility than long-time starter Brandon Jacobs, now a second stringer. Free-agent pickup David Baas will start at center for New York.

Defense:
The defense has recovered from a nightmarish 2009, with DEs Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora playing at an All-Pro level to highlight a deep and talented defensive line. Umenyiora will miss the start of the season after knee surgery, which will allow talented youngster Jason Pierre-Paul to shine. The secondary is still a weakness though, especially after a shaky year from big-money free agent S Antrel Rolle. He and injury-prone S Kenny Phillips are a risky, but awfully talented combo. They added another cover man in first-round CB Prince Amukamara, but he’ll miss at least the first month of the season after breaking his foot in training camp.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB David Carr (from 49ers)
TE Daniel Coats
C/G David Baas (from 49ers)
G Stacy Andrews (from Seahawks)
DT Gabe Watson (from Cardinals)
S Derrick Martin (from Packers)
PK Rhys Lloyd (from Panthers)
P Steve Weatherford (from Jets)

SUBTRACTIONS
FB Madison Hedgecock (released)
TE Kevin Boss (Raiders)
WR Steve Smith (Eagles)
WR Derek Hagan (Raiders)
C Shaun O’Hara (released)
G Shawn Andrews (released)
G Rich Seubert (released)
DT Barry Cofield (Redskins)
LB Gerris Wilkinson (Jaguars)
S Michael Johnson (Lions)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 19.25 (20th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Washington
Week 2 - St. Louis
Week 3 - at Philadelphia
Week 4 - at Arizona
Week 5 - Seattle
Week 6 - Buffalo
Week 7 - BYE WEEK
Week 8 - Miami
Week 9 - at New England
Week 10 - at San Francisco
Week 11 - Philadelphia
Week 12 - at New Orleans
Week 13 - Green Bay
Week 14 - at Dallas
Week 15 - Washington
Week 16 - at New York Jets
Week 17 - Dallas

******* Take: The first eight weeks of the 2011 schedule is ridiculously easy, with only one team (Eagles) expected to be a legitimate playoff contender this year. New York should be favored by at least a touchdown in its four home games (Rams, Seahawks, Bills and Dolphins) and trips to Washington and Arizona should also be successful ones. The second half of the slate is much more difficult, but the Giants will play in their home stadium in four of their final five contests. This will all add up to New York’s fourth 10-win season in five years.
Prediction: OVER 9.5 (+140)

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NFL Season Preview: Philadelphia Eagles


PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-7
ATS Record: 8-9
Over/Under: 10-7
Points Scored: 27.4 PPG (3rd in NFL)
Points Allowed: 23.6 PPG (21st in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC East: 1/2
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 3/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 7/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 10.5

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Unlike a year ago, Michael Vick enters 2011 as the starter in Andy Reid’s West Coast offense. Vince Young replaced Kevin Kolb as the team’s backup QB. Vick will continue to take a lot of deep shots, especially with field stretchers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin giving him a couple of elite targets downfield. The team also brought in some productive veteran skill players in RB Ronnie Brown, WR Steve Smith and TE Donald Lee. Vick started to break down late last season, as the Eagles fizzled out at the end of the year. They added a powerful run blocker in first-round G Danny Watkins and could rely more on versatile RB LeSean McCoy and the running game to keep Vick out of harm’s way.

Defense:
The defense has a chance to be very good again, especially up front. The Eagles pulled off a mini coup when they lured defensive line coach Jim Washburn away from Tennessee. Washburn was responsible for turning a mediocre Titans group into one of the league’s best pass rushes. He may have also been a big reason that DE Jason Babin also decided to leave the Titans for the Eagles. DE Trent Cole is far more talented than anyone else Washburn had in Tennessee and he’ll have far more talent to work with in Philly. This is especially true in the secondary with the addition of two elite cornerbacks in perennial Pro Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who the Eagles acquired in a trade with Arizona. A lack of athleticism in the linebacking corps is a concern though.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Vince Young (from Titans)
RB Ronnie Brown (from Dolphins)
WR Steve Smith (from Giants)
WR Johnnie Lee Higgins (from Raiders)
TE Donald Lee (from Packers)
G Evan Mathis (from Bengals)
T Ryan Harris (from Broncos)
DE Chris Wilson (from Redskins)
DE Jason Babin (from Titans)
DE Cullen Jenkins (from Packers)
DT Anthony Hargrove (from Saints)
DT Derek Landri (from Panthers)
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (from Raiders)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (from Cardinals)
S Jarrad Page (from Patriots)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Kevin Kolb (Cardinals)
RB Jerome Harrison (Lions)
FB Leonard Weaver (released)
G Max Jean-Gilles (Bengals)
DT Brodrick Bunkley (Broncos)
DT Jeff Owens (released)
LB Stewart Bradley (Cardinals)
LB Ernie Sims (Colts)
LB Omar Gaither (Panthers)
CB Dimitri Patterson (Browns)
S Quintin Mikell (Rams)
PK David Akers (49ers)
P Sav Rocca (Redskins)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 18.50 (25th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at St. Louis
Week 2 - at Atlanta
Week 3 - New York Giants
Week 4 - San Francisco
Week 5 - at Buffalo
Week 6 - at Washington
Week 7 - BYE WEEK
Week 8 - Dallas
Week 9 - Chicago
Week 10 - Arizona
Week 11 - at New York Giants
Week 12 - New England
Week 13 - at Seattle
Week 14 - at Miami
Week 15 - New York Jets
Week 16 - at Dallas
Week 17 - Washington

******* Take: Many pundits are picking Philly to win the NFC, and not just because of its free-spending offseason. The reason the Eagles will win at least a dozen games is their cake schedule. Atlanta is the only tough non-divisional road game for the entire season, with the other trips being to St. Louis, Buffalo, Seattle and Miami. With arguably the most talented team in the NFC and double-digit wins in four of the past five seasons, the play here is the Over.
Prediction: OVER 10.5 (-140)

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NFL Season Preview: Washington Redskins


WASHINGTON REDSKINS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-10
ATS Record: 8-5-3
Over/Under: 6-10
Points Scored: 18.9 PPG (25th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 23.6 PPG (22nd in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC East: 18/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 50/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 100/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 6

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The ‘Skins look directionless as they head into the second year of the Mike Shanahan era. After the confused benching of Donovan McNabb last season, Washington spent this offseason debating between John Beck and Rex Grossman for the starting QB job. Considering their underwhelming receiving corps that added veterans Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth, this will most certainly be one of the NFL’s worst passing offenses again. And despite their train wreck of a passing game, Washington threw it on 65% of their plays last year, the second-highest percentage in the league. One thing that did work out last season was the running game, behind Shanahan’s vaunted zone-blocking scheme. RB Ryan Torain will have to carry a heavy load, though he’ll almost surely break down physically again. Former Cardinals RB Tim Hightower will also get his fair share of rushing attempts.

Defense:
Defensively, the Redskins finally gave up on DT Albert Haynesworth, who will go down as the worst free agent signing of all-time. They added first-round pick Ryan Kerrigan to the front seven in an attempt to generate more of a pass rush, especially in light of OLB Brian Orakpo’s disappointing second season. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has made S LaRon Landry more of an in-the-box player, which leaves his already thin secondary susceptible to the pass. Free-agent signings FS O.J. Atogwe and CB Josh Wilson will both help improve the pass defense.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Kellen Clemens (from Jets)
QB Matt Gutierrez
RB Tim Hightower (from Cardinals)
WR Jabar Gaffney (from Broncos)
WR Donte Stallworth (from Ravens)
TE Derek Schouman (from Rams)
G Chris Chester (from Ravens)
T Sean Locklear (from Seahawks)
DE Stephen Bowen (from Cowboys)
DT Barry Cofield (from Giants)
LB Keyaron Fox (from Steelers)
CB Josh Wilson (from Ravens)
FS O.J. Atogwe (from Rams)
P Sav Rocca (from Eagles)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Donovan McNabb (Vikings)
RB Clinton Portis (released)
RB Chad Simpson (released)
WR Roydell Williams (released)
C Casey Rabach (released)
G Derrick Dockery (released)
T Stephon Heyer (Raiders)
T Mike Williams (released)
DE/LB Andre Carter (Patriots)
DE Vonnie Holliday (Cardinals)
DE Jeremy Jarmon (Broncos)
DE Phillip Daniels (released)
DE Chris Wilson (Eagles)
DT Albert Haynesworth (Patriots)
NT Maake Kemoeatu (released)
CB Carlos Rogers (49ers)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 18.38 (26th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - New York Giants
Week 2 - Arizona
Week 3 - at Dallas
Week 4 - at St. Louis
Week 5 - BYE WEEK
Week 6 - Philadelphia
Week 7 - at Carolina
Week 8 - at Buffalo (in Toronto)
Week 9 - San Francisco
Week 10 - at Miami
Week 11 - Dallas
Week 12 - at Seattle
Week 13 - New York Jets
Week 14 - New England
Week 15 - at New York Giants
Week 16 - Minnesota
Week 17 - at Philadelphia

******* Take: Although this schedule is the seventh-easiest in the NFL, there just aren’t a lot of games Washington will be expected to win. The Redskins could conceivably be a home underdog in every game, with the possible exception of a visit from the 49ers. There are winnable road contests, such as the Rams, Panthers and Bills in Toronto. However, with a terrible offense and below-average defense, Washington will not duplicate its half-dozen wins from 2010.
Prediction: UNDER 6 (-125)

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NFL Season Preview: Chicago Bears


CHICAGO BEARS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 12-6
ATS Record: 10-7-1
Over/Under: 8-10
Points Scored: 20.9 PPG (21st in NFL)
Points Allowed: 17.9 PPG (4th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC North: 5/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 20/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 40/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 8

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Chicago seemed to be more of a smoke and mirrors team last year, but they did make it to within a win of the Super Bowl. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz, long a pass-happy mad bomber, has turned to the ground game, mostly because the erratic Jay Cutler isn’t a good fit for his system, which requires the kind of anticipatory throws that Cutler doesn’t do well. Offensive line coach Mike Tice worked wonders with this offensive line last season, and the addition of first-round pick Gabe Carimi, the best run-blocking tackle in the draft, indicates that they plan on relying on the ground game again. The signing of bruising RB Marion Barber also signals a dependency on the run.

Defense:
The arrival of DE Julius Peppers made a huge difference on the defensive side of the ball, and Chicago’s bend-don’t-break philosophy led to a number of tight wins. Devin Hester’s prowess in the return game also tips the scales in their favor. Opposing teams had a net punting average of 32.6 against Chicago, lowest in the NFL.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
RB Marion Barber (from Cowboys)
WR Roy Williams (from Cowboys)
WR Sam Hurd (from Cowboys)
TE Matt Spaeth (from Steelers)
C Chris Spencer (from Seahawks)
DE Vernon Gholston (from Jets)
DT Amobi Okoye (from Texans)
P Adam Podlesh (from Jaguars)

SUBTRACTIONS
WR Devin Aromashodu (Vikings)
WR Rashied Davis (Lions)
TE Greg Olsen (Panthers)
TE Brandon Manumaleuna (released)
C Olin Kreutz (Saints)
T Kevin Shaffer (released)
DT Tommie Harris (Colts)
LB Hunter Hillenmeyer (released)
S Danieal Manning (Texans)
S Josh Bullocks (Raiders)
P Brad Maynard (Texans)
P Richmond McGee (Browns)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 21.06 (7th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - Atlanta
Week 2 - at New Orleans
Week 3 - Green Bay
Week 4 - Carolina
Week 5 - at Detroit
Week 6 - Minnesota
Week 7 - vs. Tampa Bay (in London)
Week 8 - BYE WEEK
Week 9 - at Philadelphia
Week 10 - Detroit
Week 11 - San Diego
Week 12 - at Oakland
Week 13 - Kansas City
Week 14 - at Denver
Week 15 - Seattle
Week 16 - at Green Bay
Week 17 - at Minnesota

******* Take: With non-division games against the strong NFC South and improving AFC West, there aren’t a whole lot of easy wins for Chicago here. The season begins against three reigning playoff teams with the Falcons, Saints and Packers trying to put the Bears in an 0-3 hole to dig out of all season. A scheduling quirk has Chicago playing just one division game in an eight-game stretch, which includes four straight versus the AFC West. A strong ground game will be key down the stretch as four of the final five games will be played in frigid temperatures.
Prediction: UNDER 8 (Even)

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NFL Season Preview: Detroit Lions


DETROIT LIONS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-10
ATS Record: 12-3-1
Over/Under: 10-5-1
Points Scored: 22.6 PPG (15th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 23.1 PPG (19th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC North: 4/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 10/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 25/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 8

2011 Preview:
Offense:
Detroit continues to assemble an impressive collection of young talent, and it’s starting to pay off. The Lions won six games last season despite being without their quarterback for most of the season. QB Matthew Stafford looks 100 percent healthy during training camp, and he has some dangerous weapons led by WR Calvin Johnson. The Lions want to utilize big-play RB Jahvid Best as much as they can, but he was unable to stay healthy as a rookie (he entered the league with a reputation for being injury-prone). They drafted bruising big back Mikel LeShoure with a second-round pick to spell Best, but LeShoure suffered a torn Achilles tendon and will not play this year. Free-agent signees Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell will battle with Maurice Morris for back-up RB duties. Detroit also grabbed a deep threat in WR Titus Young in that round to draw attention away from Johnson, and added depth through free agency in WRs Rashied Davis and Maurice Stovall.

Defense:
The defense is still a work in progress, but the Lions landed first-round DT Nick Fairley, the draft’s most disruptive lineman, to go alongside 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh. Fairley broke his foot on August 1 and his return to the field is uncertain at this point. Detroit also added LB Stephen Tulloch who was second in the NFL with 160 tackles last year. The defensive backfield added CB Eric Wright and S Erik Coleman, but the secondary is still a subpar unit. Detroit was the most penalized team in the NFC last season, and the addition of Fairley, who picked up many personal fouls at Auburn, will only add to that.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
RB Jerome Harrison (from Eagles)
RB Mike Bell (from Browns)
WR Rashied Davis (from Bears)
WR Maurice Stovall (from Buccaneers)
C Rudy Niswanger (from Chiefs)
T Kirk Chambers (from Bengals)
DE Keyunta Dawson (from Colts)
DT Montavious Stanley
LB Stephen Tulloch (from Titans)
LB Justin Durant (from Jaguars)
CB Eric Wright (from Browns)
CB Anthony Madison (from Steelers)
S Erik Coleman (from Falcons)
S Michael Johnson (from Giants)
S Aaron Francisco (from Colts)

SUBTRACTIONS
WR Bryant Johnson (released)
T Tony Ugoh (released)
DE Turk McBride (Saints)
LB Julian Peterson (released)
LB Jordon Dizon (released)
LB Zack Follett (released)
CB Eric King (released)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 21.69 (4th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Tampa Bay
Week 2 - Kansas City
Week 3 - at Minnesota
Week 4 - at Dallas
Week 5 - Chicago
Week 6 - San Francisco
Week 7 - Atlanta
Week 8 - at Denver
Week 9 - BYE WEEK
Week 10 - at Chicago
Week 11 - Carolina
Week 12 - Green Bay
Week 13 - at New Orleans
Week 14 - Minnesota
Week 15 - at Oakland
Week 16 - San Diego
Week 17 - at Green Bay

******* Take: The Lions have the fourth-hardest schedule in the NFL, with really only two easy home games on paper (49ers and Panthers). At least they won’t be affected much by bad weather. Detroit only plays three games in cold climates all season -- Oct. 30 at Denver, Nov. 13 at Chicago and New Year’s Day in Green Bay. This bodes well for QB Matthew Stafford and the passing game. However, the last time the Lions won eight games in a season was in 2000, and this decade-long drought won’t cease in 2011.
Prediction: UNDER 8 (-120)

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NFL Season Preview: Minnesota Vikings


MINNESOTA VIKINGS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-10
ATS Record: 5-11
Over/Under: 7-9
Points Scored: 17.6 PPG (29th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 21.8 PPG (18th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC North: 6/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 20/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 40/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 7

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The post-Favre Vikings will have a much different look in 2011. Leslie Frazier was kept on as the head coach after going 3-3 as an interim coach last year. He’s brought in a new offensive coordinator in Bill Musgrave, who plans on going with a heavily run-based offense this year. All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson is the favorite to lead the NFL in carries. Musgrave’s passing game will be rooted in the West Coast offense, which newcomer Donovan McNabb won’t have much problem adjusting to. Playmaking WR Sidney Rice is gone, and former Atlanta WR Michael Jenkins is a notch below Rice’s talent level. However, McNabb has strong pass-catching tight ends at his disposal in Visanthe Shiancoe and rookie Kyle Rudolph.

Defense:
Frazier had been Minnesota’s defensive coordinator, so the defense will continue to be a Cover-2 base. They might have a couple of holes to fill on the defensive line, as DE Ray Edwards left for Atlanta and DT Kevin Williams has been hampered by a foot injury in the preseason. This D-line will no longer be elite against the run as it has been in recent years. Chad Greenway anchors a solid linebacking corps, but the secondary will be tested more with the depleted front four.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Donovan McNabb (from Redskins)
WR Michael Jenkins (from Falcons)
WR Devin Aromashodu (from Bears)
T Charlie Johnson (from Colts)
G Scott Kooistra
DT Remi Ayodele (from Saints)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Tarvaris Jackson (Seahawks)
WR Sidney Rice (Seahawks)
WR Freddie Brown (released)
T Bryant McKinnie (released)
DE Ray Edwards (Falcons)
DT Jimmy Kennedy (released)
CB Frank Walker (Titans)
FS Madieu Williams (49ers)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 20.81 (11th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at San Diego
Week 2 - Tampa Bay
Week 3 - Detroit
Week 4 - at Kansas City
Week 5 - Arizona
Week 6 - at Chicago
Week 7 - Green Bay
Week 8 - at Carolina
Week 9 - BYE WEEK
Week 10 - at Green Bay
Week 11 - Oakland
Week 12 - at Atlanta
Week 13 - Denver
Week 14 - at Detroit
Week 15 - New Orleans
Week 16 - at Washington
Week 17 - Chicago

******* Take: This schedule is harder than most, but Minnesota catches a bit of break with 10 opponents that finished in the bottom-11 in rushing offense last year (Cardinals, Redskins, Saints, Broncos, Packers twice, Lions twice and Bears twice). On the flip side, five opponents (San Diego, New Orleans, Green Bay twice and Denver) were among the top-7 NFL passing offenses in 2010. Donovan McNabb is not the QB he used to be and he just doesn’t have the weapons to improve this team by two wins in 2011.
Prediction: UNDER 7 (+125)

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NFL Season Preview: Atlanta Falcons


ATLANTA FALCONS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 13-4
ATS Record: 11-6
Over/Under: 10-6-1
Points Scored: 25.9 PPG (5th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 18.0 PPG (5th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC South: 6/5
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 12/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 10

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Falcons caught some breaks during the 2010 regular season, as opponents had the lowest FG percentage against them (65.2%) and the fourth-most penalty yards (62.7 per game). Atlanta wasn’t competitive in its home playoff game against Green Bay. But the Falcons did get another weapon for QB Matt Ryan by trading up to draft big possession receiver Julio Jones to complement All-Pro WR Roddy White. They’ve been a run-first offense in Ryan’s first three seasons, but should go more aggressive with the passing game, especially with RB Michael Turner fading fast.

Defense:
Defensively is where the Falcons could struggle, especially because of mediocre personnel up the middle. They had trouble stopping the run at times last year, but former Vikings DE Ray Edwards will be able to take some of the burden off aging vet John Abraham to carry the pass rush. They’ll be asking a lot out of a good-not-great cornerback tandem of Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes, and their sub package personnel is weak in the defensive backfield.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
TE Reggie Kelly (from Bengals)
DE Ray Edwards (from Vikings)

SUBTRACTIONS
RB Jerious Norwood (Rams)
WR Michael Jenkins (Vikings)
TE Justine Peelle (released)
G Harvey Dahl (Rams)
DE Jamaal Anderson (Colts)
S Erik Coleman (Lions)
P Michael Koenen (Buccaneers)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 20.00 (17th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Chicago
Week 2 - Philadelphia
Week 3 - at Tampa Bay
Week 4 - at Seattle
Week 5 - Green Bay
Week 6 - Carolina
Week 7 - at Detroit
Week 8 - BYE WEEK
Week 9 - at Indianapolis
Week 10 - New Orleans
Week 11 - Tennessee
Week 12 - Minnesota
Week 13 - at Houston
Week 14 - at Carolina
Week 15 - Jacksonville
Week 16 - at New Orleans
Week 17 - Tampa Bay

******* Take: With trips to Detroit, Indianapolis, Houston and New Orleans, the Falcons will play 12 games indoors this year. The coldest game Atlanta will play is in Week 14 at Carolina, as its other three outdoor road games (Chicago, Tampa Bay and Seattle) all occur in the first four weeks of the season. This should bode well for Matt Ryan and his talented receivers in the passing game.
Prediction: OVER 10 (-140)

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NFL Season Preview: Carolina Panthers


CAROLINA PANTHERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 2-14
ATS Record: 4-12
Over/Under: 6-9-1
Points Scored: 12.3 PPG (Last in NFL)
Points Allowed: 25.5 PPG (26th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC South: 20/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 100/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 200/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 4.5

2011 Preview:
Offense:
After a nightmare year, the Panthers cleaned house. They have a new head coach in former Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera, and a new franchise quarterback under center in Cam Newton, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Newton has the physical gifts to cover up for a lot of shortcomings, but he’s not known as a cerebral quarterback. He’s dealing with a short offseason to learn an NFL system and doesn’t have a lot of weapons around him. Carolina did sign some solid veteran skill players in WR Legedu Naanee and TEs Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey. The Panthers will almost surely use some non-traditional plays (options, and various quarterback runs) to take advantage of Newton’s rare skill set. The ground game should improve with the healthy return of DeAngelo Williams.

Defense:
The Carolina defense was solid a year ago and should improve under Rivera, one of football’s best defensive minds. The secondary is the strength of the Panthers, and they spent both their third-round picks on defensive tackles (Terrell McClain and Sione Fua) in an attempt to upgrade their run defense. They are still searching for a consistent pass rush since losing Julius Peppers to Chicago last offseason. Star linebacker Jon Beason could miss the start of the season because of tendinitis in his left Achilles.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Derek Anderson (from Cardinals)
WR Legedu Naanee (from Chargers)
TE Greg Olsen (from Bears)
TE Jeremy Shockey (from Saints)
TE Ben Hartsock (from Jets)
DT Ron Edwards (from Chiefs)
LB Omar Gaither (from Eagles)
S Sean Considine (from Jaguars)
PK Olindo Mare (from Seahawks)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Matt Moore (Dolphins)
TE Jeff King (Cardinals)
TE Dante Rosario (Broncos)
C Chris Morris (released)
DE Tyler Brayton (Colts)
DT Derek Landri (Eagles)
LB Hilee Taylor (released)
CB Richard Marshall (Cardinals)
PK John Kasay (released)
PK Rhys Lloyd (Giants)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 21.00 (8th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Arizona
Week 2 - Green Bay
Week 3 - Jacksonville
Week 4 - at Chicago
Week 5 - New Orleans
Week 6 - at Atlanta
Week 7 - Washington
Week 8 - Minnesota
Week 9 - BYE WEEK
Week 10 - Tennessee
Week 11 - at Detroit
Week 12 - at Indianapolis
Week 13 - at Tampa Bay
Week 14 - Atlanta
Week 15 - at Houston
Week 16 - Tampa Bay
Week 17 - at New Orleans

******* Take: The Panthers start their season with four of their first six opponents having made the playoffs last year (Packers, Bears, Saints and Falcons). The schedule thins out with three straight winnable home games (Redskins, Vikings and Titans) before Carolina closes out the season with five road contests in the final seven games. The Panthers will likely win more than two games this season, but five victories is a stretch with the eighth-toughest schedule in the league.
Prediction: UNDER 4.5 (-105)

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NFL Season Preview: New Orleans Saints


NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 11-6
ATS Record: 7-10
Over/Under: 9-8
Points Scored: 24.0 PPG (11th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 19.2 PPG (7th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC South: 11/10
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 6/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 12/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 10

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Saints were shaky on both sides of the ball a year ago, but they were aggressive in upgrading on draft day. Pierre Thomas, who was signed to a significant contract extension in March, is the most comfortable in their offense, but hasn’t been able to stay healthy, which is why New Orleans traded for a second first-round pick to take Mark Ingram. Darren Sproles takes the place of Reggie Bush for the third-down back role. The Saints use a series of different blocking systems up front, and can tailor them to their backs. The passing game should keep clicking with Drew Brees, though they may not be elite any more with No. 1 WR Marques Colston slowed by another knee injury.

Defense:
The defense struggled to create much of a pass rush last year, and added DE Cameron Jordan with their original first-round pick; he’s less of an edge rusher but can slide inside. He’ll fit well in Gregg Williams’ blitz-happy scheme. New Orleans also picked up DT Shaun Rogers to help stop the run. Their secondary is elite when S Malcolm Jenkins is healthy, and free agents CB Fabian Washington and S Paul Oliver add some depth to the pass defense.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
RB Darren Sproles (from Chargers)
RB Patrick Cobbs (from Dolphins)
C Olin Kreutz (from Bears)
DE Turk McBride (from Lions)
DT Shaun Rogers (from Browns)
NT Aubrayo Franklin (from 49ers)
T Alex Barron (from Cowboys, placed on IR Aug. 18)
T Jordan Black (from Jaguars)
T George Foster
LB Will Herring (from Seahawks)
CB Fabian Washington (from Ravens)
CB Trumaine McBride (from Cardinals)
S Paul Oliver (from Chargers)

SUBTRACTIONS
RB Reggie Bush (Dolphins)
TE Jeremy Shockey (Panthers)
C Jonathan Goodwin (49ers)
T Jon Stinchcomb (Released)
DE Jimmy Wilkerson (Seahawks)
DT Anthony Hargrove (Eagles)
DT Remi Ayodele (Vikings)
LB Danny Clark (Released)
LB Marvin Mitchell (Dolphins)
CB Randall Gay (Released)
S Matt Giordano (Raiders)
S Usama Young (Browns)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 19.25 (20th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - at Green Bay
Week 2 - Chicago
Week 3 - Houston
Week 4 - at Jacksonville
Week 5 - at Carolina
Week 6 - at Tampa Bay
Week 7 - Indianapolis
Week 8 - at St. Louis
Week 9 - Tampa Bay
Week 10 - at Atlanta
Week 11 - BYE WEEK
Week 12 - New York Giants
Week 13 - Detroit
Week 14 - at Tennessee
Week 15 - at Minnesota
Week 16 - Atlanta
Week 17 - Carolina

******* Take: The Saints’ pass-happy attack should thrive in ideal playing conditions. This dome-heavy schedule only has one outdoor game for New Orleans after Week 6, which occurs Dec. 11 at Tennessee. With only five fellow playoff opponents on the entire schedule (Falcons twice, Packers, Bears and Colts), the Saints will likely reach 11 wins like they did last season.
Prediction: OVER 10 (-145)

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NFL Season Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers


TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 10-6
ATS Record: 9-5-2
Over/Under: 7-8-1
Points Scored: 21.3 PPG (20th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 19.9 PPG (9th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC South: 9/2
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 15/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 30/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 8

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Bucs gutted out 10 wins thanks to the quick maturation of QB Josh Freeman, who has become one of the top-10 or so quarterbacks in the NFL. He and the young Tampa receivers (Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn are both entering their second seasons) should only get better. The passing game is complemented by a power running game, with RB LeGarrette Blount wearing down defenses between the tackles. Blount does have to sit on passing downs.

Defense:
Defensively, the Bucs still run a Cover-2 base with a smallish front four. They struggled to stop the run all year, especially after DT Gerald McCoy got hurt. Tampa also failed to generate a consistent pass rush, and spent its first two draft picks on DEs this April (Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers). The secondary was the strength of the defense, especially at cornerback. But they are relying on an aging Ronde Barber on one side, and the off-the-field troubles of Aqib Talib (an arrest for his alleged involvement in a shooting) has made him a question mark entering the season. The Bucs also said goodbye to their leading tackler last year, as LB Barrett Ruud signed with Tennessee in the offseason.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
DT John McCargo (from Bills)
CB Ashton Youboty (from Bills)

SUBTRACTIONS
RB Cadillac Williams (Rams)
WR Maurice Stovall (Lions)
TE John Gilmore (Steelers)
LB Barrett Ruud (Titans)
LB Niko Koutouvides (Patriots)
LB Jon Alston (released)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 20.25 (15th toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - Detroit
Week 2 - at Minnesota
Week 3 - Atlanta
Week 4 - Indianapolis
Week 5 - at San Francisco
Week 6 - New Orleans
Week 7 - vs. Chicago (in London)
Week 8 - BYE WEEK
Week 9 - at New Orleans
Week 10 - Houston
Week 11 - at Green Bay
Week 12 - at Tennessee
Week 13 - Carolina
Week 14 - at Jacksonville
Week 15 - Dallas
Week 16 - at Carolina
Week 17 - at Atlanta

******* Take: The Buccaneers will need to start strong because they only play in their home stadium three times in their final 10 games of the season. The bottom-heavy schedule is more favorable for a team like Tampa with a young offense that should keep improving throughout the year. The Bucs have won at least nine games in four of the past six seasons, and they should do it again in 2011, while possibly even contend for a division title.
Prediction: OVER 8 (-105)

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NFL Season Preview: Arizona Cardinals


ARIZONA CARDINALS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-11
ATS Record: 5-11
Over/Under: 10-6
Points Scored: 18.1 PPG (26th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 27.1 PPG (30th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC West: 2/1
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 30/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 50/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 7

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Cards are still reeling in the post-Kurt Warner Era. Former Eagles QB Kevin Kolb is an upgrade from the revolving door last year, but he is still unproven as a long-term starter. They signed superstar WR Larry Fitzgerald to huge money, but there are no other skill players that are major talents. WR Chansi Stuckey will fill the void left by Steve Breaston. Fumble-prone RB Tim Hightower is also gone, and second-round draft pick Ryan Williams is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon. Beanie Wells remains the starter, but he has been largely injured and ineffective for his career. The Cards would like to get their power running game going, but the interior of their offensive line has been underwhelming.

Defense:
Defensively, the Cards use a 3-4 front but still lack a perimeter pass rusher in their linebacking corps. OLB Joey Porter has 97 career sacks, but only tallied five last season. What little pass rush they get usually comes on the interior. CB Patrick Peterson, the Draft’s No. 5 pick, should upgrade a secondary that struggled badly last season. Peterson will fill the shoes of the departed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Kevin Kolb (from Eagles)
WR Chansi Stuckey (from Browns)
TE Todd Heap (from Ravens)
TE Jeff King (from Panthers)
G Daryn Colledge (from Packers)
T Floyd Womack (from Browns)
DE Vonnie Holliday (from Redskins)
DE Nick Eason (from Steelers)
LB Stewart Bradley (from Eagles)
CB Richard Marshall (from Panthers)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB Derek Anderson (Panthers)
RB Tim Hightower (Redskins)
WR Steve Breaston (Chiefs)
TE Ben Patrick (retired)
G Alan Faneca (retired)
DT Gabe Watson (Giants)
DT Alan Branch (Seahawks)
LB Gerald Hayes (released)
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Eagles)
CB Trumaine McBride (Saints)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 16.31 (31st toughest in NFL)
Week 1 - Carolina
Week 2 - at Washington
Week 3 - at Seattle
Week 4 - New York Giants
Week 5 - at Minnesota
Week 6 - BYE WEEK
Week 7 - Pittsburgh
Week 8 - at Baltimore
Week 9 - St. Louis
Week 10 - at Philadelphia
Week 11 - at San Francisco
Week 12 - at St. Louis
Week 13 - Dallas
Week 14 - San Francisco
Week 15 - Cleveland
Week 16 - at Cincinnati
Week 17 - Seattle

******* Take: Only the 49ers have an easier schedule than Arizona does this year. The Cardinals only face four teams that posted a winning record in 2010 (Giants, Steelers, Ravens and Eagles), and none of these teams show up in the final seven weeks of the season. This bodes well for a team with a new quarterback, as Arizona should improve greatly throughout the year. The Cardinals had three straight seasons of .500 or better records before last year, and they should finish with at least eight wins in 2011.
Prediction: OVER 7 (Even)

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NFL Season Preview: San Francisco 49ers


SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2010 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-10
ATS Record: 7-9
Over/Under: 9-6-1
Points Scored: 19.1 PPG (24th in NFL)
Points Allowed: 21.6 PPG (16th in NFL)
2011 Odds:
Odds to Win NFC West: 3/2
Odds to Win NFC Championship: 25/1
Odds to Win Super Bowl XLVI: 50/1
Regular Season Wins Over/Under: 7.5

2011 Preview:
Offense:
The Niners went local with their head coaching search, bringing former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh over from Stanford University. Harbaugh will bring the same offense he ran with the Cardinal: a West Coast offense built around the power running game (and an emphasis on the running game will be a necessity with the Niners’ shaky quarterback Alex Smith. Free agent WR Braylon Edwards gives Smith a huge target to throw to, and talented WR Michael Crabtree (out indefinitely with a foot injury), figures to play a more prominent role in the offense when healthy. TE Vernon Davis continues to be one of the best at his position offensively. San Francisco has the necessary size on the offensive line, and a bell cow running back in Frank Gore.

Defense:
Harbaugh brought defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with him and they’ll retain the 3-4 scheme the 49ers used under Mike Singletary. They drafted Aldon Smith seventh overall to try and generate an outside pass rush. Smith is making the switch from defensive end to outside linebacker, so he’ll have to learn to play in space before he can see significant playing time. They have a good defensive line led by the NFL’s best 3-4 lineman, DE Justin Smith, who creates pressure and plays the run well. And the team will continue to funnel opposing ball carriers to All-Pro ILB Patrick Willis. The secondary was their biggest weakness last year, but free agents CB Carlos Rogers and hard-hitting SS Donte Whitner should make for a more respectable pass defense this year.

Key Offseason Moves
ADDITIONS
QB Josh McCown
WR Braylon Edwards (from Jets)
C Jonathan Goodwin (from Saints)
LB Antwan Applewhite (from Chargers)
LB Blake Costanzo (from Browns)
CB Carlos Rogers (from Redskins)
SS Donte Whitner (from Bills)
FS Madieu Williams (from Vikings)
PK David Akers (from Eagles)

SUBTRACTIONS
QB David Carr (Giants)
C Eric Heitmann (released)
C/G David Baas (Giants)
NT Aubrayo Franklin (Saints)
LB Takeo Spikes (Chargers)
LB Travis LaBoy (Chargers)
LB Manny Lawson (Bengals)
CB Nate Clements (Bengals)
PK Joe Nedney (released)
PK Jeff Reed (Seahawks)

2011 Schedule:
2011 Schedule Strength: 16.00 (Easiest in NFL)
Week 1 - Seattle
Week 2 - Dallas
Week 3 - at Cincinnati
Week 4 - at Philadelphia
Week 5 - Tampa Bay
Week 6 - at Detroit
Week 7 - BYE WEEK
Week 8 - Cleveland
Week 9 - at Washington
Week 10 - New York Giants
Week 11 - Arizona
Week 12 - at Baltimore
Week 13 - St. Louis
Week 14 - at Arizona
Week 15 - Pittsburgh
Week 16 - at Seattle
Week 17 - at St. Louis

******* Take: Although this is the easiest schedule on paper for the entire league, the 49ers don’t figure to beat any team in the NFC East, as they have to travel to Philly and the division-cellar-dweller Redskins. They strangely play all three division road games in the final four weeks of the year. Although this club appears to have improved this offseason after a 6-10 campaign, the 49ers have reached eight wins just once in the past eight seasons (2009). Uncertainty at the quarterback position will prevent San Francisco from posting a .500 record or better this year.
Prediction: UNDER 7.5 (Even)