NFC Season Preview

1. The DAWGS

Last year: (6-8), Career: (10-18)

Key Players: Michael Vick, Stephan Jackson, and Miles Austin

Analysis: After just missing out on the playoffs last year, The DAWGS come into 2011 much like they did in 2010. They boast a strong RB core in Stephan Jackson and Knowshon Moreno, along with flex player Beanie Wells. Also, they have duel threat QB Michael Vick who, if he can come close to his stats from last year, could be the missing link to The DAWGS playoff chances. However, like last year this team has question marks at WR. If The DAWGS are to make the playoffs, they’ll need to find a good complement to Miles Austin.

2. THE TACO KINGS

Last year: DNP

Key Players: Phillip Rivers, Arian Foster, and Antonio Gates

Analysis: One of the most shocking revelations in this year’s preseason poll was the fifth place ranking of TACO KING. Being picked ahead of the three NFC playoff teams last year, one being the team with the best SNFL record last year, comes with some lofty expectations. This team has questions at the RB and WR position and will need last year’s Fantasy MVP, Arian Foster, to carry the load. If Antonio Gates  can stay healthy and carry on from his production last year, THE TACO KINGS could very well exceed expectation for this year.

3. Somewhere over Dwayne Bowe

Last year: (12-2), Career: (12-2)

Key Players:  Maurice Jones-Drew, Ahmad Bradshaw, DeAngelo Williams, and Andre Johnson  

Analysis: Last year’s NFC Champion comes into 2011, surprisingly, underrated. Undefeated against every SNFL opponent (save one) in the regular season did not weigh in when voters made this year’s preseason rankings. ‘Bowe (Bowe Bow… How is that not a rhyme?!) has one of the strongest RB cores in the league with three Pro Bowl RBs. Admittedly, there are also injury concerns that could pose a potential roadblock for a team looking to get back to the PWC Championship. Their QB and WR depth leaves something to be desired. Matt Schaub and Plaxico Burress wont scare any opponent, but don’t sleep on this team. There are only three teams that can say they’ve never lost to ‘Bowe… two are expansion teams.

4. The Ox

Last year: (8-6), Career: (15-13)

Key Players: Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis, and Matt Forte

Analysis: In 2009 The Ox won a championship with one of the most dominate RB combinations of all time (Chris Johnson and MJD). Now in 2011, it looks like they plan to try and duplicate this technique. Unquestionably, boasting the best RB core in the league (Along with Charles, Hillis, and Forte; they have BenJarvus Green-Ellis) The Ox won’t lose any RB rankings battles. They would lose a WR beauty pageant, as they have some uncertainty at all there receiving positions (including TE). That’s not to say this team can’t/won’t compete. There is no clear front runner in the NFC, and if Lloyd and Knox can match or even expand on last year’s strong performance, this team will make the playoffs. A serious injury to that WR group however, will severely cripple them.

5. Carnegie PantyRaiders

Last year: (6-8), Career: (6-8)

Key Players: LeSean McCoy and Peyton Manning

Analysis: The season could ride completely on Peyton Manning’s health status. If he misses expended time, PantyRaiders will look to sleeper Sam Bradford to carry this team back into the playoffs. QB aside, this team is deep at every position and possibly the deepest team in the league. However, much of their depth is sleepers and rookies. The season is going to go one of two ways for the PantyRaiders: 1.) Their sleepers play to the level that they are expected to play and this team just makes it into the playoffs. 2.) Those same sleepers turn out to be complete bust and Peyton Manning is out for 5-6 games, forcing the PantyRaiders to play obscure players for the rest of the year resulting in last place. Who knows where this team will stand when it all said and done.

6. themadoompaloompas

Last year: (4-9), Career: (4-9)

Key Players: Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson, and Larry Fitzgerald

Analysis: This owner proved to be much more competent then last year’s Silly Nannies owner (though Tim Tebow still got drafted). Needless to say, themadoompaloompas look much better this year and could very well make the playoffs. With their Big 3 combination at QB, RB, and WR this team could put up some big numbers. With Felix Jones and New York Jets defense added to that, themadoompaloompas won’t find it as hard as last year to get some wins. If they ever have to rely on their bench, that would spell the end to their season. Overall, if this is the weakest team in the NFC… well this will be one competitive year.

-Taylor