Why the Carolina Panthers can make it to SuperBowl XLIII

Sure the NFC has several great teams that are considered better than the Carolina Panthers. The Cowboys, Vikings, Eagles, and SuperBowl Champion Giants are a few teams that are considered superior to the Panthers. However, in the NFL any given team can win on any given day as evidenced by the outcome of SuperBowl XLII when the Giants beat the then “undefeated” Patriots. All the Panthers need to do is make it to the playoffs and then anything can happen. Here are some reasons why I believe the Panthers can make it to the SuperBowl this season.

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2008-2009 NFL Fantasy Rankings

**Updated - 08/19/2008**            

Underline: Means that the player is recommended highly to be drafted if possible. (Player is in a good situation for success if they can stay healthy.

Asterisk: Means that the player is a high risk/ possible high reward (be careful)

*Note: A player or team can be both.

  Quarterbacks:

1. Tom Brady
2. Peyton Manning
3. Tony Romo
4. Drew Brees
5. Carson Palmer *
6. Derek Anderson
7. Ben Roethlisberger
8. Donovan McNabb *
9. Matt Hasselbeck
10. David Garrard
11. Jake Delhomme
12. Matt Schaub
13. Eli Manning
14. Brett Favre *
15. Jay Cutler
16. Marc Bulger *
17. Aaron Rodgers *
18. Vince Young
19. Phillip Rivers *
20. Matt Leinart *
21. Jason Campbell
22. Trent Edwards
23. Jeff Garcia *
24. Tarvaris Jackson *
25. JaMarcus Russell *

*Updated: Due to the re-instatement of Favre he has been included on the top 15.

Running Backs:

1. Ladainian Tomlinson
2. Brian Westbrook
3. Adrian Peterson
4. Joseph Addai
5. Steven Jackson *
6. Clinton Portis
7. Marion Barber
8. Larry Johnson *
9. Ryan Grant
10. Frank Gore *
11. Marshawn Lynch
12. Maurice Jones-Drew
13. Michael Turner
14. Earnest Graham
15. Willis McGahee *
16. Willie Parker
17. Darren McFadden *
18. Thomas Jones
19. Reggie Bush
20. Selvin Young
21. Jamal Lewis *
22. Laurence Maroney *
23. Jonathan Stewart *
24. Chris Johnson
25. DeAngelo Williams

Wide Receivers:

1. Randy Moss
2. Terrell Owens
3. Andre Johnson
4. Reggie Wayne
5. Braylon Edwards
6. Marques Colston
7. Steve Smith
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh
9. Chad Johnson *
10. Larry Fitzgerald
11. Plaxico Burress
12. Wes Welker
13. Roy Williams
14. Santonio Holmes
15. Calvin Johnson
16. Anquan Boldin *
17. Brandon Marshall *
18. Hines Ward
19. Jericho Cotchery
20. Dwayne Bowe
21. Marvin Harrison *
22. Santana Moss
23. Greg Jennings *
24. Laveranues Coles
25. Roddy White *

Tight Ends:

1. Antonio Gates
2. Jason Witten
3. Kellen Winslow Jr.
4. Tony Gonzalez
5. Dallas Clark
6. Chris Cooley
7. Jeremy Shockey
8. Heath Miller
9. Todd Heap *
10. Owen Daniels
11. Dustin Keller
12. Alge Crumpler *
13. Ben Utecht
14. Tony Scheffler
15. Greg Olsen *
16. Donald Lee *
17. L.J. Smith *
18. Vernon Davis *
19. Zach Miller
20. Benjamin Watson

Defenses:

1. Minnesota
2. San Diego
3. Dallas
4. Pittsburgh
5. Chicago
6. Indianapolis
7. Tennessee
8. New England *
9. Baltimore
10. Jacksonville
11. New York Giants
12. Seattle
13. Philadephia *
14. Tampa Bay
15. Green Bay
16. Washington

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NFC West Preview

This season the NFC West seems poised to be the tightest race in all of the NFC. All the teams in the division are capable of challenging each other in close games. Every team made adjustments this offseason that will give them a completely different look in ‘08.

1) Seattle Seahawks

Record last year: 10-6 / Projected: 10-6

In what could pan out to be a competitive division in 2008, the Seahawks should continue to reign atop the NFC West. They released Shaun Alexander, who was the heart and soul of their offense until a horrid performance last year forced the team to move him. Even after his lackluster season, Seattle still managed to win the division with a 10-6 record. They recently re-signed CB Marcus Trufant to a six-year deal and added Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett to boost their running game. They have a solid offensive line and proven quarterback that can get the job done. The defensive line should get a nudge with the addition of DE Lawrence Jackson drafted in the first round. Their secondary and linebackers are solid and they are a force to be reckoned with on their home field. Playoff appearances from this team have become commonplace and this season should be no different.

2) St. Louis Rams

Record last year: 5-11 / Projected: 9-7

The Rams had a very difficult campaign last season and had trouble getting into a good rhythm. This year they should have an improved defensive line after selecting DE Chris Long in the first round. He will be teamed with last year’s first round pick NT Adam Carriker, DE Leonard Little, and DT LaRoi Glover for what should be a potent defensive line. They should help take some pressure off of the secondary and help the offense gain needed field position. Look for Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson both to have solid numbers in 2008 and bounce back from less than stellar performances a year ago. Speedy second rounder Donnie Avery should be able to contribute using his quickness and ability to make plays to help the team. Also, second year RB Brian Leonard should settle into the offense and provide support for Jackson when he needs a breather. Ever consistent Torry Holt returns for another year of solid production, which is always good news for the Rams. Though the team will miss the veteran leadership of Isaac Bruce, the resurgence of Bulger and Jackson will serve to propel this unit to a competitive year.

3) Arizona Cardinals

Record last year: 8-8 / Projected: 8-8

The Cardinals have a great offense on paper with a slew of offensive talent. They have an improving secondary that is full of playmakers especially first round draft choice Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, the fast and talented cornerback from Tennessee State. Draft choices like DE Calais Campbell and WR Early Doucet will be great additions as well. The Cardinals have a strong offense but Matt Leinart has a lot to prove this year. There will be some pressure on him to perform. In many games last year Kurt Warner stepped in and played well during Leinart’s absence. Leinart needs to show that this is his team and he is capable of taking them to the post-season. Also RB Edgerrin James turns 30 this year and it is tough for backs to continue performing at a high level when they reach that age. It will be interesting to see who steps up for them this season.

4) San Francisco 49ers

Record last year: 3-13 / Projected: 2-14

The 49ers will benefit from playing in one of the weaker divisions in the NFC. Other than LB Patrick Willis on the defense, their isn’t much to be excited about in San Francisco. They added WR Bryant Johnson, DE Justin Smith, RB Deshaun Foster, and WR Isaac Bruce. Not very impressive additions, Bruce turns 36 this year, Deshaun Foster has ball control issues, and Bryant Johnson is a good pickup at WR, however, the 49ers still haven’t addressed their QB situation. Mike Martz has been added to help with the offensive playcalling, but Marshall Faulk isn’t on this team, and they will not be the “greatest show on turf” like his Superbowl champion Rams were in ‘99 -’00. San Francisco just doesn’t have the talent to be a contender, even with a great mind like Martz. They lost offensive lineman Larry Allen, one of the strongest men in the NFL and even though Patrick Willis is a beast on defense, the 49ers will need more help on offense to get it done this year.

Here is our outlook for the NFC West, please feel free to share your thoughts. What’s your call!? 

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