SUPER BOWL

POKER PERFORMANCE

PRE-SEASON POWER RANKINGS

FOOTBALL BETTING

SURPRISE, SURPRISE. THE PATS AND STEELERS TOP THE LIST.

POINT SPREADS, PERCEPTIONSAND PREDICTIONS.

PERFORMANCERAISE OR CALL?STEALING BLINDS.

POWER RANKINGSBCS BOWL PREVIEWNFL TEAM-BY-TEAM PREVIEWS

SUPER BOWL

SURPRISE, SURPRISE. ODDSBETTING

POINT SPREADS, 101

2 0 0 9 C O L L E G E & P R O F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W

BLITZ MAGAZINE IS BROUGHT TO YOU COMPLIMENTS OF BETUS.COM

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Dear Readers,

Are you ready for some football? Yeah, so are we!

Another summer of speculation will soon give way to the real “talk” on the fi eld. I can’t believe we’re discussing Favre again this season. And with Tebow returning to Florida, our Heisman discussion may not differ much from last summer either. Doesn’t anyone want to move on?!?

The good news is that action for bettors will be intense, with storylines galore. Owens in Buffalo. Cutler in Chicago. Stafford to Detroit. Taylor in New England (not to mention Mr. Brady). College football should be an absolute scoring fest, with several top QBs (and Heisman candidates) returning to campus. That’s why this issue of Blitz is jam-packed with pre-season NFL power rankings and odds, as well as pre-season college football power rankings.

Football has the most passionate fans, and we strive to make the betting experience ideal for you, with infl uential, up-to-date stats, trends and facts. Don’t follow the crowd to a lame bet on your home team or your alma mater; use this issue of Blitz to make smarter bets more often, and increase your effi ciency in the red zone!

We spend all year getting ready for the opening kickoff of football season. It’s almost here, and we wish you a fast start and consistent performance.

In the words of one infamous NFL defensive coordinator...

When in doubt, Blitz!

Sincerely Yours,

Michael DavidMichael DavidEditor-in-ChiefBlitz Magazine

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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Football is by far the most popular sport for bettors, whether we’re talking about the NFL or the college game. The teams play once a week and have a much shorter season than the NBA, MLB, or NHL and while there are a ton of NCAA football programs, there are far fewer than in college basketball.

With tons of wagers on football, you’ve probably guessed why sportsbooks pay so much attention to the action on the pigskin. It’s where books assign only the best oddsmakers, and it’s where they make the majority of their money.

Because football betting is public in nature – with every American and their neighbor a supposed expert – the market plays an extremely large role in setting the price, or point-spread. That’s the fi rst and most important lesson of football betting 101: Always remember the point-spread is a refl ection of public perception of the quality of the teams in question, and isn’t a prediction on the part of oddsmakers.

When you see the New England Patriots as 7-point favorites for their game against the Miami Dolphins, it means oddsmakers have assessed the public opinion of the matchup. In this particular case, the public expects the Patriots to beat the Dolphins by a touchdown, so in order for bettors to cash in on New England, it has to win by more than seven points. Anything less than seven points and the Dolphins have covered the spread, even if they lose the game outright.

After sportsbooks release a line, or spread, they let the public tell them how accurate it is. For instance, oddsmakers could open the Pats as 7-point favorites, only to receive a vast majority of plays on New England. This means the public thinks the Patriots are going to win by more than seven points, and that’s why they’re putting their money with them.

The ideal scenario for books is to take in equal action on both sides, so as to maximize their profi t regardless of which team wins against the spread (ATS). This way the Dolphins-Patriots game pays for itself; if New England wins against the spread, the house can use the money wagered on Miami to pay the winners, while keeping some juice or vigorish for itself.

Juice is the industry term designated for the commission the house takes for handling a wager. In most cases, sportsbooks take 10 cents on the dollar for bets against the spread, meaning you have to put down $110 to make $100. Knowing this, it’s pretty easy to see why sportsbooks have an interest in hauling in equal money on each side of the ledger.

Oddsmakers attempt to achieve this balance by adjusting the line depending on how bettors react to their initial posting. Again, if the Pats open as 7-point favorites, but two-thirds of wagers come in on New England, that’s not optimal for the house. Oddsmakers could then move the line in the Patriots’ favor, making the Dolphins bigger underdogs so it’s easier for them to cover the spread.

The same principle applies to the total or over/under, which is a wager on the combined number of points two opponents will score in a head-to-head matchup. If oddsmakers set the total at 40.5 points for the aforementioned Miami-New England game, it means a wager that plays the “over” needs the teams to combine for 41 or more points for the bet to cash. Any combined score of 40 points or less and the game plays “under” the number listed by oddsmakers.

FOOTBALL BETTING 101

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The NFL has the shortest regular-season schedule of any professional sport, yet it has managed to become the most fascinating year-round product.

Thanks to free agency and the draft, the off-season is almost as compelling as the season itself. And with nine new coaches and potentially 13 teams set to start Week 1 of 2009 with a different quarterback than Week 17 of 2008, bettors have plenty of homework to sift through.

The pre-season favorite is New England at +600. How can a team that missed the playoffs last season, failed to land a marquee free agent and didn’t have a fi rst-round draft pick go from +900 in February to +500 entering training camp?

To be fair, the Patriots were 11-5 last season (9-7 ATS) and only missed out on the postseason in a tiebreaker. And while plugging various holes over the off-season, they also welcome back quarterback Tom Brady, who missed all but two possessions last year.

The 12 playoff teams from last year are all among the top 16 pre-season favorites, but the real money often lies with predicting the up-and-comers.

Knowing last August that Arizona would win the NFC championship would have paid handsomely. Atlanta and Baltimore also made strong runs that few could have predicted.

The early money this year on non-playoff teams from 2008 is understandably Dallas. At +1400, the Cowboys rank fi fth among pre-season favorites.

At 9-7 SU and 7-9 ATS last year, Dallas was unquestionably the NFL’s biggest disappointment. Terrell Owens might be gone to Buffalo, but the drama always remains. The off-season brought the tragic collapse of their practice facility; quarterback Tony Romo attempted to qualify for the PGA’s U.S. Open; and the completion of the team’s new $1.1 billion stadium will be in the national spotlight when the Cowboys play host to the Giants in their regular-season home opener on NBC in Week 2.

The question for the Cowboys will be if their well-

stocked roster can fi nally overcome the circus environment. And Romo, who is 5-10 in his career in December and January, will have his tabloid lifestyle become the story if he doesn’t perform better in the clutch.

Chicago is another team expected to make a strong playoff push on the arm of a high-drama quarterback. With Jay Cutler, the Bears (+1800) should fi nally have a well-balanced offense to complement their defense.

Also at +1800 is division rival Minnesota, a trendy pick to compete for the NFC title. The defending NFC North champs have the league’s leading returning rusher in running back Adrian Peterson, and added a dynamic element to their offense in fi rst-round pick Percy Harvin. Combine that with a defense that allowed just 76.9 rushing yards per game last season, and Minnesota could be among the league’s best on both sides of the ball.

The Vikings don’t play a 2008 playoff team until Baltimore visits in Week 6, with their fi rst fi ve opponents a combined 21-59 last season.

The sleeper in the AFC could be Houston. The Texans have never reached the postseason, but their 8-8 SU record last season was a franchise best. They closed the season on a 5-1 streak, and coach Gary Kubiak has one of the league’s most exciting young offenses led by quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Steve Slaton and wide receiver Andre Johnson. The concern remains the defense, which fi nished 22nd last season, and last year’s minus-10 turnover margin.

Atlanta and Baltimore rode fi rst-year head coaches and rookie quarterbacks into the postseason in 2008. The Dolphins, led by fi rst-year head man Tony Sparano, also reached the playoffs.

The Jets’ Mark Sanchez is the lone rookie quarterback with a strong shot to start in Week 1. If Sanchez wins the job over Kellen Clemens, he could team with Rex Ryan to be the next fi rst-year quarterback/coach combo to make the playoffs.

A lot of eyes will also be on Josh McDaniels in

Denver. The former Patriots offensive coordinator was entangled in the biggest story of the off-season. After being hired to replace Mike Shanahan, McDaniels listened to trade offers for Cutler as he considered ways to land protégé Matt Cassel.

McDaniels believes there are plenty of quarterbacks who can be successful in his offense, and dealt Cutler to Chicago after Cassel wound up with division-rival Kansas City.

Even if McDaniels rolls the dice right and the Broncos’ offense remains at the top of the league with Kyle Orton under center, it’s the 29th-ranked defense that could again be Denver’s downfall.

The Broncos are one of three teams joining the NFL trend toward the 3-4 defense, with Kansas City and Green Bay also making the scheme switch. There are now 11 teams running a base 3-4, with several others incorporating portions of the scheme.

Another trend continuing to gain steam is the “Wildcat” formation fi rst introduced to the NFL last year by the Dolphins. Running back Ronnie Brown produced a team-record fi ve touchdowns - four coming off direct snaps - as Miami snapped New England’s 21-game regular-season winning streak in Week 3 last season, and suddenly teams were scouring their rosters for Wildcat-capable athletes.

Prospects who could run the Wildcat was a theme of the draft. Harvin is expected to take some direct snaps in Minnesota, and Miami (+4500) will expand its package for former West Virginia quarterback Pat White. White could line up at various times at quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

Another rookie to watch is Arizona’s “Beanie” Wells, the former Ohio State Buckeye who slid to No. 31 in the draft due to injury concerns. Arizona fi nished dead last in the NFL at 73.6 rushing yards per game last season, but with defenses focused on containing quarterback Kurt Warner, Wells should fi nd plenty of holes to exploit.

The Cardinals still dropped from +2500 in February to +2800 following the draft. Playing

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in one of the league’s worst divisions, Arizona could be a strong contender to earn a fi rst-round playoff bye and play host to games at home, where it was a combined 8-2 last season.

Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was one of the most controversial picks, taken No. 7 by the Raiders - three spots ahead of Michael Crabtree. Heyward-Bey’s track speed combined with quarterback JaMarcus Russell’s cannon arm could make for some great highlight-reel footage, but Oakland (+10000) is far from being competitive.

Crabtree landed with San Francisco (+5000), which could take advantage of a weak division to contend for a wild-card spot. And in Philadelphia, fi rst-round pick Jeremy Maclin will be worked into the mix as a bigger version of DeSean Jackson, who burst onto the scene as a rookie last year.

At the end of the day, most of the high-profi le rookies and stars who changed addresses landed with teams just hoping to jump into the conversation. It’s the teams with stability and established resumes that dominate the pre-season favorites.

Pittsburgh returns 20 of 22 starters. After winning two titles in four years, the Steelers are +900, behind only New England. Tennessee lost defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, but the Titans (13-3, 12-4 ATS in 2008) return a strong, veteran nucleus.

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That still wasn’t enough to make them the favorite in their own division, with Indianapolis (12-4, 8-7-1) coming in at +1200. With Jim Caldwell replacing Tony Dungy, the Colts are the only team with a new coach within the top 18 pre-season favorites.

The other AFC leader is San Diego. This time last year, quarterback Philip Rivers, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates all had signifi cant injury concerns, and linebacker Shawne Merriman played just part of one game. The Chargers rallied to fi nish 8-8 (7-8-1 ATS) and upset the Colts in the playoffs.

Fast forward a year, and the Chargers’ trio of offensive stars is healthy, Merriman is on track to return and expectations are as high as ever. This, combined with playing in a weak division, has the Chargers tied with the Cowboys as the No. 5 pre-season favorite at +1400.

In the NFC, the Giants (12-4, 12-4 ATS) were an excellent bet last season, and there’s no reason to believe they can’t approach that success again. The defense added several veterans to the rotation, and the Giants (+1000) can still dominate time of possession with their power ground game.

The can-they-win-it-all question is whether rookie wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and/or Ramses Barden can provide a vertical threat. With since-released Plaxico Burress suspended the fi nal four games, the Giants averaged just 18.9 points per game. If they can’t fi nd a weapon to stretch the fi eld, defenses will stack the box against running back Brandon Jacobs.

The Giants don’t have much margin for error considering the next two NFC favorites reside within their division. Just behind the Cowboys are the Eagles (+1600).

After scrambling to fi nish 9-6-1 and then reaching the NFC Championship Game, the Eagles retooled their offensive line, let free safety Brian Dawkins leave in free agency and used their fi rst-round pick on Maclin. With only one 2008 playoff team (at Carolina, Week 1) on their schedule in the fi rst six games of the season, the Eagles are primed for a quick start if running back Brian Westbrook’s ankle is healthy.

A common thread among the pre-season favorites is dominating defense. Of the top 10 offenses from 2008, only half reached the playoffs, while six of the top seven defensive teams tasted the postseason. And it’s refl ected in the 2009 favorites, with top 10 defensive teams occupying seven of the top nine spots.

That certainly doesn’t mean offensive powerhouses can’t be moneymakers. The Saints (+2200) fi nished last season 8-8, but went 10-5-1 ATS with the league’s No. 1 offense and 23rd-ranked defense. Arizona, fourth in offense with 365.8 yards per game, fi nished 9-7 ATS with the 19th-ranked defense, while the Colts went 8-7-1 ATS with the 24th-ranked run defense.

So while defense might win championships, offense can still bring home a winning ticket in 2009.

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS +600 -400 +300

PITTSBURGH STEELERS +900 -225 +450

NEW YORK GIANTS +1000 +165 +450

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS +1200 +155 +550

DALLAS COWBOYS +1400 +250 +500

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS +1400 -300 +650

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES +1600 +210 +650

TENNESSEE TITANS +1800 +240 +900

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS +2000 +180 +1200

MINNESOTA VIKINGS +2000 +160 +1000

CAROLINA PANTHERS +2000 +225 +900

CHICAGO BEARS +2000 +190 +900

BALTIMORE RAVENS +2200 +320 +900

ATLANTA FALCONS +2500 +230 +1200

ARIZONA CARDINALS +2800 +140 +1200

GREEN BAY PACKERS +3000 +200 +1400

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS +3000 +400 +1600

WASHINGTON REDSKINS +3000 +600 +1500

DENVER BRONCOS +4000 +400 +2000

NEW YORK JETS +4000 +700 +1800

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS +4000 +450 +1800

HOUSTON TEXANS +4000 +325 +2000

MIAMI DOLPHINS +4500 +800 +2200

BUFFALO BILLS +4500 +800 +2000

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +5000 +210 +2200

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS +5000 +230 +2800

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS +6000 +800 +2800

CLEVELAND BROWNS +7000 +900 +3300

OAKLAND RAIDERS +10000 +1000 +5000

CINCINNATI BENGALS +10000 +800 +5000

ST. LOUIS RAMS +15000 +1100 +4500

DETROIT LIONS +20000 +1400 +10000

The Patriots are back at the top of the odds list after going 11-5 (9-7 ATS) without Tom Brady for 15 3/4 games.

Now the most decorated franchise in NFL history, the Steelers’ vaunted defense could get them back to the big game.

The Giants need to prove they can get it done without Plaxico Burress; they couldn’t after releasing him last season.

Always overvalued by the betting public, the Cowboys need Roy Williams to step into Terrell Owens’ shoes right away.

Sooner or later, the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb era will end. But why now, after the Eagles came within a whisker of the Super Bowl?

Drew Brees is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Too bad the Saints don’t have much else in terms of elite talent.

With Jake Delhomme in the fi nal year of his contract, this could be the last kick at the can for this version of the Panthers.

Joe Flacco probably got too much credit last season, but the reality is the young quarterback can handle the pressure.

50-to-1 to win the Super Bowl outright at this time last year, the Cardinals chopped that nearly in half with their improbable run last season.

Judging by the prices on the Jaguars, oddsmakers expect them to bounce back after a dismal 5-11 (4-12 ATS) campaign.

New kid in town Josh McDaniels fi gures to be a great head coach, but the Broncos already had one in Mike Shanahan.

The Buccaneers cleaned house in the off-season, and they’re better off for it because the players tuned out Jon Gruden long ago.

It’s easy to back Tony Sparano’s Dolphins. They play hard, they force turnovers, and they hardly take any penalties.

The Seahawks need to stay healthy and get something more out of their running backs under new head coach Jim Mora.

Matt Cassel and new head coach Todd Haley will soon be yearning for the good ol’ days in New England and Arizona respectively.

The Raiders are set to improve, but they probably won’t just because of who they are. At least Oakland can run the ball.

After losing Orlando Pace and Torry Holt, you can make the argument the Rams are the worst team in the NFL heading into ‘09.

As much as Peyton Manning is the face of the Colts, as Bob Sanders goes, so goes Indianapolis. He has to stay healthy.

This could be the last season for LaDainian Tomlinson in a Chargers uniform; LT will be on the wrong side of 30 by this time next year.

The Titans have serious issues at quarterback, with Kerry Collins over the hill and Vince Young unprepared to be the guy.

If Tarvaris Jackson fi gures it out, or Gus Frerotte has anything left in the tank (or Brett Favre shows up), the Vikings could be very dangerous.

Hello, Jay Cutler. The Broncos’ loss is the Bears gain. The pressure is on in Chicago, which has a franchise quarterback for once.

Just when bettors thought the news couldn’t get any better in Atlanta, the Falcons went out and got Tony Gonzalez.

The Packers took a step back last season, and it had nothing to do with losing Brett Favre. Aaron Rodgers was exceptional.

Clinton Portis has to stay healthy for the Redskins to get to the playoffs. Otherwise there’s too much pressure on Jason Campbell.

No. 5 overall pick Mark Sanchez has his work cut out for him in New York, which should have made the playoffs after starting 9-3 in 2008.

Unless the Texans spend a boatload of money or uncover some gold in the draft, they’re destined to be average for the next few seasons.

Anyone got an over/under on number of games before T.O. trashes Trent Edwards on the sidelines? Odds are good it will happen soon.

Shaun Hill fi nally gets his chance to be the man after going 7-3 SU as a starter the past two seasons. Frank Gore should rebound.

Shipped Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay and discussed trading Braylon Edwards in the off-season; Eric Mangini is in tough.

The key is Carson Palmer beginning the season healthy. There’s no way the Bengals start the season 0-8 (2-6 ATS) again.

Despite last season’s 0-16 record, the Lions went a respectable 7-9 ATS. That could get even better if Matt Stafford is ready to go.

TEAM COMMENTSODDS TO WIN SUPER BOWL

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ODDS TO WIN CONFERENCE

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NFL PRE-SEASON POWER RANKINGS

The pre-season NFL power rankings are a different beast than they were prior to last season. Much of the predominant thinking from a year ago was turned on its head during 2008, which started with Tom Brady going down for the season in the fi rst game and fi nished with the upstart Arizona Cardinals pushing the Pittsburgh Steelers to the brink in Super Bowl XLIII.

*2008 regular season SU and ATS records in parentheses

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12-4, 9-7 ATS)

The Steelers won their record sixth Super Bowl on the back of one of the best defenses in NFL history. What’s also impressive is they also did it with signifi cant injuries to the offense, including to Ben Roethlisberger.

going 8-0 SU (5-2-1 ATS). Then they ran into Arizona and lost in the NFC Divisional Round. Consider the defeat an aberration with running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart here to stay.

NEW YORK GIANTS (12-4, 12-4 ATS)

The best bet in the NFC isn’t the same team without Plaxico Burress, but that doesn’t mean the Giants won’t remain profi table. If Brandon Jacobs remains completely healthy, he could lead the conference in rushing.

TENNESSEE TITANS (13-3, 12-3-1 ATS)

It’ll be tough for the Titans to make as much money as last season with Albert Haynesworth

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-7, 8-8 ATS)

Don’t sleep on the Buccaneers, who brought in Kellen Winslow at tight end. Tampa Bay is the only team to fi nish with a winning record over the past two seasons but fail to make the playoffs.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (8-8, 10-5-1 ATS)

The Saints were a .500 football team who were really close to fi nishing 12-4 SU. Their stellar record at the window drives them up a few notches on the list, as does having Drew Brees under center.

DALLAS COWBOYS (9-7, 7-9 ATS)

It’s addition by subtraction in Dallas, with

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (11-5, 9-7 ATS)

Bettors forget Matt Cassel hadn’t started since high school before taking over for Brady in the fi rst game of the season. The Patriots were the best team since 1990 to miss the playoffs anyway, and now Brady’s back.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-5, 12-4 ATS)

If it weren’t for their inability to beat the Steelers, the Ravens would have likely won the Super Bowl. Joe Flacco now has the experience of a playoff run under his belt, and the vaunted defense isn’t going anywhere soon.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (12-4, 7-9 ATS)

Tony Dungy is retired, but his right-hand man is now in charge. Remember, the Colts won nine of their last 10 games to end the regular season before their stunning loss at San Diego in the AFC Wildcard Round.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (12-4, 9-6-1 ATS)

The Panthers were lethal at home last season,

in Washington. That, and Jeff Fisher has no idea what to do with Kerry Collins and/or Vince Young at quarterback.

ARIZONA CARDINALS (9-7, 9-7 ATS)

A pedestrian regular season led to a spectacular playoffs for the Cardinals, who should have little trouble cashing the NFC West once again. Let’s hope 38-year-old Kurt Warner has another year left in that arm.

CHICAGO BEARS (9-7, 6-8-2 ATS)

The question isn’t to what extent Jay Cutler will help the Bears, it’s if he’ll play well enough to offset the points they’ll give to opponents at the window because of his arrival. We think he’ll do just fi ne.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (8-8, 7-8-1 ATS)

This might be a little high for the Chargers, but they did fi nish the season on a high note. Philip Rivers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and Shawne Merriman is set to return to the lineup.

Terrell Owens landing in Buffalo following his unexpected release. Handicap the Cowboys to be more profi table this season, unless Tony Romo misses three games to injury again.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (9-6-1, 10-6 ATS)

The Eagles always seem to overachieve, or are they underrated? Philadelphia has made it to fi ve of the last eight NFC Championship games, only to lose four times with the Andy Reid-Donovan McNabb duo.

ATLANTA FALCONS (11-5, 9-7 ATS)

We’ll need to see another season like this to truly believe the Falcons have turned it around, but they appear to be headed in the right direction. The addition of Tony Gonzalez is just what the doctor ordered.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (10-6, 6-10 ATS)

The Vikings have the best running back (Adrian Peterson) and best run defense in the league. Usually that translates to big-time success in the NFL, but when you don’t have a quarterback, it doesn’t add up. Is Favre the answer?

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS (8-8, 6-8-2 ATS)

With a good record in a very tough division, the Redskins made out okay last season. Problem is, it’s diffi cult to see how they get beyond this point, the acquisition of Haynesworth notwithstanding.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (11-5, 8-8 ATS)

The Dolphins benefi ted tremendously from Brady’s injury, although New England pounded them once anyway. Miami is back in the mix after a wholesale culture change following the arrival of Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (6-10, 7-8-1 ATS)

Better than their record indicated, the Packers clearly made the right move by going with Aaron Rodgers over Brett Favre. The Pack should be a much better wager in the early going this year.

BUFFALO BILLS (7-9, 7-9 ATS)

The Bills made big strides despite not moving an inch in the standings, and they still had serious trouble with winning teams. Owens’ arrival should benefi t Buffalo backers initially, with the key word being ‘initially.’

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (7-9, 7-8-1 ATS)

5-2 (4-2-1 ATS) in their last seven games under Mike Singletary, the 49ers are a team to watch in 2009. Snagged Michael Crabtree in the draft after their counterparts across the Bay seemingly fl ubbed the seventh overall pick.

HOUSTON TEXANS (8-8, 9-7 ATS)

Poor Mario Williams. First he gets ripped for being taken before Reggie Bush in the ’06 draft. Now, the Texans’ pass rush isn’t good enough. It’s not his fault, because Houston needs more depth at the position.

NEW YORK JETS (9-7, 7-9 ATS)

The Favre experiment blew up in the Jets’ face after they couldn’t get to the playoffs despite starting 9-3 SU. New York is likely to do even worse for bettors this season, with Mark Sanchez being thrown into the fi re.

DENVER BRONCOS (8-8, 4-11-1 ATS)

The Broncos were a horrible bet with Cutler running the show, so maybe they’ll get more points with him out of town. Playing in the AFC West also helps soften the blow for Josh McDaniels, who goes to battle with Kyle Orton instead.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (4-12, 7-8-1 ATS)

If the Seahawks can stay healthy, they could bounce right back and contend for the division they dominated until last season. They’ll also need better play from the defense, which was embarrassingly bad in ’08.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-12, 7-9 ATS)

The most disappointing team in the NFL last season, the Browns have nowhere to go but up. Losing Winslow hurts, and so would the potential trade of Braylon Edwards, Cleveland’s top player.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-11-1, 7-9 ATS)

Any team that has a player with the digits eight and fi ve in Spanish as their last name needs to go in a different direction. At least Carson Palmer starts the season healthy, so Chad Ochocinco can get back to catching touchdowns.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (5-11, 7-9 ATS)

The Raiders made some progress last season, and that was the most bettors could expect through all the silver-and-black smoke and mirrors. If JaMarcus Russell gets going, Oakland becomes a sharp play.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (5-11, 4-12 ATS)

With the Jaguars talking about an AFC title at this time last year, the fact they’re listed behind the Oakland Raiders in these rankings says all you need to know about the state of affairs in Jacksonville.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-14, 8-8 ATS)

You play to win the game. Not for Herm Edwards, who was let go following the season. Cassel is the new quarterback, and it’s too bad he won’t have Gonzalez to throw to,

because there’s not much else.

ST. LOUIS RAMS (2-14, 6-10 ATS)

With their two best players gone from last season, it’s hard to see how the Rams can improve. St. Louis should remain playable for bettors just because of the gaudy spreads they’re going to see.

DETROIT LIONS (0-16, 7-9 ATS)

Welcome to the NFL, Matt Stafford. At least the No. 1 overall pick has Calvin Johnson at his disposal, because he’ll have to go to him early and often if the Lions are going to win half their games ATS.

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BUFFALO BILLS2008 RECORD: 7-9PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, AFC EAST

The Bills have to be competitive within the division if they want to break a streak of three consecutive 7-9 seasons. Buffalo was 0-6 against the AFC East last season, and took an aggressive approach during the off-season by signing WR Terrell Owens. But for Owens to be a strong complement to Lee Evans, an offensive line that changed all fi ve starting positions must gel quickly. And with RB Marshawn Lynch suspended for the fi rst three games of the season, Fred Jackson is charged with carrying the running game. QB Trent Edwards completed 65.5 percent of his passes, but has struggled mightily to read 3-4 defenses - and there are seven on the 16-game schedule.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 8-8; 3RD, AFC EAST

MIAMI DOLPHINS2008 RECORD: 11-5PLACE LAST YEAR: T-1ST, AFC EAST

The Dolphins could improve on the fi eld and still

struggle to match their 2008 win total. They had nine games decided by seven points or less, and now face a schedule with an opponents’ combined ‘08 winning percentage of .594. The offense will again be ball control-oriented with QB Chad Pennington, who helped Miami lead the NFL with a plus-17 turnover margin. Rookie QB Pat White was also drafted with the expectation of running the Wildcat formation. The defense has questions at the corners, so someone needs to step up to provide a pass rush opposite 32-year-old Joey Porter, who had 17.5 of the team’s 40 total sacks last season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; 2ND, AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS2008 RECORD: 11-5PLACE LAST YEAR: T-1ST, AFC EAST

All signs indicate QB Tom Brady will be ready for training camp to resume his role leading the Patriots’ high-octane offense that fi nished fi fth in the NFL with Matt Cassel at the helm last season. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is now the head man in Denver, but not much will change with the scheme. The Patriots will again have

a running back by committee approach, which yielded 142.4 yards per game last season. Aging CBs Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, and rookie Darius Butler were added, and the secondary will have to be strong, with the team failing to add another pass rusher in the draft.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 12-4; 1ST, AFC EAST

NEW YORK JETS2008 RECORD: 9-7PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, AFC EAST

After just missing out on the playoffs in 2008, the Jets underwent major changes. Gone are coach Eric Mangini and QB Brett Favre, replaced by Rex Ryan and a battle between holdover Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez. Favre wasn’t comfortable with a lot of motion, but offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will bring back more this year in an attempt to create mismatches to make up for a lack of game-breaking speed. The rushing attack generated 4.7 yards per carry in ‘08, but RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington entered the off-season program in touchy contract situations. Defensively, Ryan will keep the 3-4, but his is far more aggressive

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than Mangini’s read-and-react scheme.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 6-10; 4TH, AFC EAST

BALTIMORE RAVENS2008 RECORD: 11-5PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, AFC NORTH

QB Joe Flacco was asked to manage the offense as a rookie, and he did an excellent job as the Ravens ranked third in the NFL with a plus-13 turnover margin. That allowed the league’s fourth-ranked running game to control the clock and wear defenses down. This season, Baltimore is expected to open the offense a bit more and try to take advantage of Flacco’s big arm when opponents overplay the run. The defense lost two big infl uences in coordinator Rex Ryan and LB Bart Scott, but 20 of 22 starters return overall. One underrated change could be veteran PK Matt Stover being replaced by Steve Hauschka or rookie Graham Gano.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; 2ND, AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI BENGALS2008 RECORD: 4-11-1PLACE LAST YEAR: 3rd, AFC North

The Bengals have their fi ngers crossed on a quartet of important developments that need to happen for the offense to be successful. QB Carson Palmer must prove he’s past last season’s elbow problems; RB Cedric Benson has to continue his career re-birth; a reworked offensive line needs to come together; and WR Chad Ochocinco has to rebound from a poor ‘08 now that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is gone. The defense brought in a slew of newcomers to increase depth and competition for the league’s 12th-ranked unit that managed just 17 sacks.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 6-10; 3RD, AFC NORTH

CLEVELAND BROWNS2008 RECORD: 4-12PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, AFC NORTH

New GM George Kokinis and coach Eric Mangini turned over a great deal of the roster, and they might not be done, with WR Braylon Edwards and QBs Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn constantly involved in trade rumors. Cleveland is building for the future while hoping a stout offensive line can help keep the team competitive in ‘09. Anderson and Quinn will compete if they’re both

on the team come August, and coordinator Brian Daboll wants a run-based, quick-strike offense. The Browns desperately want to improve a run defense that allowed 151.9 yards per game last season and a pass rush that produced just 17 sacks.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 5-11; 3RD, AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH STEELERS2008 RECORD: 12-4PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, AFC NORTH

The Steelers lost just two starters from their Super Bowl team, and strengthened their depth by drafting DL Ziggy Hood and getting RB Rashard Mendenhall back from the shoulder injury that ended his rookie season after just 19 carries. The offensive line surrendered 51 sacks, but the Steelers hope to drastically improve that number by focusing more on the ground game with Willie Parker and Mendenhall. QB Ben Roethlisberger won’t take nearly as much punishment as last season if he can work off more play-action - and get rid of the ball quicker. But the real strength is a defense that fi nished No. 1 in total yards and rushing yards allowed and second against the pass. LB Lawrence Timmons is being counted on to step in for Larry Foote, who was released.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 13-3; 1ST, AFC NORTH

HOUSTON TEXANS2008 RECORD: 8-8PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, AFC SOUTH

The Texans are confi dent they have the offense to become a playoff contender. The question is whether they have the defense to follow suit. Hence the change to coordinator Frank Bush after Houston fi nished 22nd in yards allowed last season and struggled to generate a pass rush from anyone other than DE Mario Williams. Rookies LB Brian Cushing and DE Connor Barwin are expected to contribute. The offense has the potential to be potent if QB Matt Schaub and RB Steve Slaton can stay healthy. WR Andre Johnson is coming off a huge ‘08 in which he became the fi rst NFL player with 10-plus catches in seven different games.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; 3RD, AFC SOUTH

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INDIANAPOLIS COLTS2008 RECORD: 12-4PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, AFC SOUTH

Signs that the window is slowly closing on the Colts could be read into the departures of coach Tony Dungy and WR Marvin Harrison. But the offensive line will be much stronger if it remains healthier than last season, and RBs Joseph Addai and Donald Brown should team up to improve a ground game that averaged a league-low 3.4 yards per carry last season. QB Peyton Manning is far more effective working off play-action, but does need Anthony Gonzalez to be effective in Harrison’s old spot. There is also more coaching turnover with offensive coordinator Tom Moore and offensive line coach Howard Mudd back, but in consulting roles.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 11-5; 1ST AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS2008 RECORD: 5-11PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, AFC SOUTH

The Jaguars are turning the keys to their all-important running game over to RB Maurice Jones-Drew. They discovered the hard way last season that QB David Garrard can be an effi cient game manager, but cannot be leaned on to win games after he followed a 102.2 passer rating in 2007 with an 81.7 effort last season. A lot of the problems began with a rash of injuries to the offensive line, and the Jaguars attacked that issue by signing LT Tra Thomas and drafting OTs Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton. But a defense that ranked 24th against the pass and gave up a league-high 17 completions of 40-plus yards wasn’t addressed much during the off-season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 7-9; 4TH, AFC SOUTH

TENNESSEE TITANS2008 RECORD: 13-3PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, AFC SOUTH

QB Kerry Collins enters training camp as the unquestioned starter, and RB Chris Johnson as the unquestioned lynchpin of the offense. When the rookie RB was injured in the playoff loss to Baltimore, the unit crumbled. Johnson rushed for 1,228 yards in ‘08, but the Titans need a downfi eld threat to hurt defenses that stack eight defenders in the box. Tennessee’s defense, ranked seventh in yards allowed last season, will use a rotation of players to fi ll in for the free-agent departure DT Albert Haynesworth. The

Titans return their other 10 starters on that side of the ball.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 10-6; 2ND, AFC SOUTH

DENVER BRONCOS2008 RECORD: 8-8PLACE LAST YEAR: T-1ST, AFC WEST

Coming off a tumultuous off-season that brought a coaching change and a roster overhaul that included the departure of franchise QB Jay Cutler, the Broncos appear to be facing a rebuilding year. Coach Josh McDaniels will run a multiple-formation offense that will enable QBs Kyle Orton or Chris Simms to put up far bigger numbers than they’ve enjoyed in the past. But Denver’s second-ranked offense from ‘08 must run the ball better to protect an undermanned defense making the transition to the 3-4 scheme. The secondary was upgraded, but the run defense allowed 146.1 yards per game last season and the front seven lacks ideal 3-4 personnel.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 6-10; 3RD, AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS2008 RECORD: 2-14PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, AFC WEST

New GM Scott Pioli wasted no time cleaning house, fi ring coach Herm Edwards in favor of former Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and overhauling everything from the scouting department to the roster. Haley and offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will run a system reminiscent of the Cardinals’, but QB Matt Cassel doesn’t have near the downfi eld weapons he enjoyed in New England, or Haley had in Arizona. With RB Larry Johnson apparently healthy and happier, he’ll have plenty of opportunity to produce his fi rst 1,000-yard season since 2006. The new 3-4 defense is chock-full of youth, and the Chiefs managed a record-low 10 sacks last season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 5-11; 4TH, AFC WEST

OAKLAND RAIDERS2008 RECORD: 5-11PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, AFC WEST

For all the criticism of owner Al Davis in recent years, the Raiders are showing signs of being competitive again. New coach Tom Cable made great strides with the offensive line, and there

is a strong backfi eld trio of RBs in Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. The great unknowns are whether QB JaMarcus Russell will develop, and if rookie WRs Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy have the skills to go along with their track speed. The Raiders’ leading wideout last season was Johnnie Lee Higgins, who had a meager 22 catches. To be competitive week in and week out, the Raiders have to signifi cantly improve their run defense (159.7 ypg in ‘08).

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 7-9; 2ND, AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS2008 RECORD: 8-8PLACE LAST YEAR: T-1ST, AFC WEST

The Chargers should clearly be the class of the division with a high-octane offense and a defense that welcomes the return of OLB Shawne Merriman. Throw in rookie fi rst-round pick OLB Larry English, and the Chargers are counting on a big upgrade on a pass-rushing unit that was sporadic at best last season, exposing big defi ciencies in the secondary, which allowed 247.4 yards per game. With QB Philip Rivers continuing to improve (team-record 34 TDs in ‘08), San Diego’s 11th-ranked offense should approach the top fi ve this season. The key will be getting balance - which means RB LaDainian Tomlinson returning to full health at 30 years old after a toe injury limited him to a career-low 1,110 rushing yards.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 12-4; 1ST, AFC WEST

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DALLAS COWBOYS2008 RECORD: 9-7PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, NFC EAST

The Cowboys’ self-proclaimed Super Bowl or bust campaign in 2008 fi nished with a thud in a 1-3 December freefall. Dallas fi nished 30th in the NFL with a minus-11 turnover margin, and QB Tony Romo must become more consistent in the clutch. Gone is WR Terrell Owens, and it remains to be seen if it’s addition by subtraction. It’s up to WR Roy Williams to provide a downfi eld threat and prevent opponents from loading the box against RB Marion Barber. Head coach Wade Phillips takes over calling the shots on defense.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 10-6; T-2ND, NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS2008 RECORD: 12-4PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, NFC EAST

The Giants’ power running game sorely missed suspended WR Plaxico Burress down the stretch last season, and now the team hopes rookies

Hakeem Nicks and/or Ramses Barden can provide QB Eli Manning with a much-needed vertical threat. With RB Derrick Ward off to Tampa Bay, Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware will be thrust into the important role of complementing bruising RB Brandon Jacobs in the league’s top-ranked running attack (157.4 ypg in 2008). The interior of the defense was bolstered with DTs Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard, but new coordinator Bill Sheridan is charged with maintaining the league’s fi fth-ranked unit now that mastermind Steve Spagnuolo is gone.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 10-6; T-2ND, NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES2008 RECORD: 9-6-1PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, NFC EAST

No team was more aggressive during the off-season than the Eagles, who revamped their offensive line to be bigger and stronger, let defensive leader Brian Dawkins leave as a free agent and added a new weapon for QB Donovan McNabb in rookie WR Jeremy Maclin. But to

win the league’s deepest division, the Eagles must improve in short-yardage situations. They dropped to 4.0 yards per carry last season and fi nished 22nd with 106.1 rushing yards per game. RB Brian Westbrook is 30 and has chronic knee issues, but remains as critical as McNabb – if not more so – to the Eagles’ success.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 11-5; 1ST, NFC EAST

WASHINGTON REDSKINS2008 RECORD: 8-8PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, NFC EAST

After a blazing 6-3 start under fi rst-year coach Jim Zorn last season, the Redskins imploded in a 2-8 fi nish as a beat-up offensive line and RB Clinton Portis weren’t able to carry the offense. After looking hard at acquiring Jay Cutler and Matt Sanchez during the off-season, the Redskins are now counting on QB Jason Campbell to emerge in his contract year. Washington fi nished 19th in total offense in 2008, but has enough playmakers if Portis and WR Santana Moss can stay healthy. DT Albert Haynesworth fortifi es

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the interior of the defense, for a pass rush that contributed a paltry 24 sacks last season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 8-8; 4TH, NFC EAST

CHICAGO BEARS2008 RECORD: 9-7PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, NFC NORTH

The Bears fi nished 26th in total offense and 24th in passing last season, so they shuttled effi cient but lackluster QB Kyle Orton off in a blockbuster deal to land rocket-armed Jay Cutler. Now Chicago has the quick-strike passing attack to complement second-year RB Matt Forte, who rushed for a team rookie-record 1,238 yards. Questions remain on defense as the pass rush fell fl at in 2008, directly leading to the Bears giving up 241.2 passing yards per game.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; 2ND, NFC NORTH

DETROIT LIONS2008 RECORD: 0-16PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, NFC NORTH

New GM Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Schwartz overhauled the roster, with the primary focus being on the league’s worst defense that allowed 404.4 yards per game last season. The Tampa Two is replaced by a system that will bring pressure from all over the fi eld. The offense, ranked 30th a year ago, will be run by QB Daunte Culpepper, who enjoyed plenty of success with coordinator Scott Linehan when the two were together in Minnesota. RB Kevin Smith will head the power running game, setting up vertical strikes to WR Calvin Johnson - if the balky offensive line can hold its own.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 4-12; 4TH, NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS2008 RECORD: 6-10PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, NFC NORTH

Firmly entrenched as the starter, QB Aaron Rodgers looks to build on his 2008 campaign in which he threw for 4,038 yards while completing 63.6 percent of his passes. With 1,000-yard receivers in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, and a bell cow back in Ryan Grant, the Packers can score with anyone. The question is on defense, where the Packers are making the switch to the 3-4 scheme after allowing 131.6 yards per game on the ground in 2008. Green Bay generated just

27 sacks, and hopes new coordinator Dom Capers has the personnel to ramp up the pressure packages.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 8-8; 3RD, NFC NORTH

MINNESOTA VIKINGS2008 RECORD: 10-6PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, NFC NORTH

All the ingredients are in place for the Vikings to take the next step into the elite of the NFC - if they can get consistent quarterback play from Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels, who was acquired from Houston. RB Adrian Peterson led the league with 1,760 rushing yards, WR Bernard Berrian averaged 20.1 yards per catch and dynamic rookie Percy Harvin was added to a mix that includes a powerful offensive line. The defense ranked sixth overall and fi rst against the run, although DTs Kevin and Pat Williams face a potential suspension the fi rst month of the season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 12-4; 1ST, NFC NORTH

ATLANTA FALCONS2008 RECORD: 11-5PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, NFC SOUTH

The Falcons haven’t posted consecutive winning seasons in 43 years, but they have a solid nucleus that begins with an offense that sports the league’s second-ranked running game in 2008 (152.7 ypg) and an effi cient young signal-caller in QB Matt Ryan. Ryan has a new safety valve and red-zone target in TE Tony Gonzalez, and WR Roddy White (1,382 receiving yards in ‘08) is one of the most underrated young playmakers in the game. The Falcons focused on the interior of their defense over the off-season after allowing 348.2 yards per game last season.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 10-6; 1ST, NFC SOUTH

CAROLINA PANTHERS2008 RECORD: 12-4PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, NFC SOUTH

The Panthers’ 33-13 blowout loss at home to Arizona in the playoffs overshadowed a surprising season - and brought to light some new concerns. Primary among them is the inconsistency of QB Jake Delhomme, who turned the ball over six times against the Cardinals, and a defense that allowed an average of nearly

30 points and 400 yards over the fi nal seven games. But it’s tough to bet against a team with a one-two punch like RBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Carolina needs to control the ball to protect a secondary that gave up 13 touchdown passes over the fi nal six games.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; T-2ND, NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS2008 RECORD: 8-8PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, NFC SOUTH

The known quantity is the offense, which led the NFL with an average of 410.7 total yards and 311.1 passing yards per game last season. If RBs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush can provide increased help on the ground, QB Drew Brees won’t have to throw for 5,000-plus yards again, and it will take some pressure off of a defense that surrendered 339.5 yards per game in 2008. Gone are popular veterans like RB Deuce McAllister and CB Mike McKenzie, but the Saints believe they’ll be stronger after focusing on defense and adding CBs Jabari Greer and rookie Malcolm Jenkins, among others.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 9-7; T-2ND, NFC SOUTH

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS2008 RECORD: 9-7PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, NFC SOUTH

The switch from coach Jon Gruden to Raheem Morris only skims the surface of the wholesale changes for the Bucs. New GM Mark Dominik dispatched trusted veterans like LB Derrick Brooks and RB Warrick Dunn in a bold attempt to turn the roster over. Tampa Bay still has one of the league’s top young offensive lines leading the way for a strong two-headed zone-blocking ground attack with RBs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. QBs Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown will battle for the starting job, keeping the seat warm for rookie Josh Freeman.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 5-11; 4TH NFC SOUTH

ARIZONA CARDINALS2008 RECORD: 9-7PLACE LAST YEAR: 1ST, NFC WEST

The Cardinals threw for 292.1 yards per game last season, but they were last in the NFL with an average of 73.6 yards on the ground. With offensive coordinator Todd Haley now the head

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man in Kansas City and fi rst-round pick RB Beanie Wells in the fold, expect coach Ken Whisenhunt to strive for more balance. That would also help a sporadic defense that spent too much time on the fi eld last season. New coordinator Bill Davis has a bevy of playmakers in DL Darnell Dockett, OLB Karlos Dansby, SS Adrian Wilson and young CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - but the challenge is getting them to play four solid quarters each week.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 10-6; 1ST, NFC WEST

ST. LOUIS RAMS2008 RECORD: 2-14PLACE LAST YEAR: 4TH, NFC WEST

New coach Steve Spagnuolo spent the better part of the off-season searching for bigger, tougher players. The offense will focus on RB Steven Jackson, but he has missed nine starts over the past two seasons and will run behind an offensive line with several question marks. QB Marc Bulger needs a big rebound season if he hopes to be in St. Louis in 2010. He has a young receiving corps, but TE Randy McMichael will be featured more if he’s able to stay healthy. The defense, which gave up 371.9 yards per game last season, lacks great pass-rushing personnel, but Spagnuolo’s calling card as the Giants’ defensive coordinator was to bring as much heat as possible.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 5-11; 4TH, NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS2008 RECORD: 7-9PLACE LAST YEAR: 2ND, NFC WEST

Coach Mike Singletary wants to wear opponents down on both sides of the ball. Offensively, that means leaning on RB Frank Gore. San Francisco ranked just 27th in rushing last year with 99.9 yards per game, but as long as the 49ers keep games close, Gore will get 25-plus touches on a weekly basis. QBs Shaun Hill and Alex Smith will battle for the starting job, and rookie WR Michael Crabtree is expected to push for a starting job out of the gate. The defense ranked 13th last year, but there is plenty of young talent to improve that

number if coordinator Greg Manusky can get increased pressure out of LBs Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 7-9; 3RD, NFC WEST

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS2008 RECORD: 4-12PLACE LAST YEAR: 3RD, NFC WEST

The Seahawks are convinced injuries had much more to do with last year’s freefall than a lack of talent. Coach Jim Mora takes over for Mike Holmgren, and he brought in offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to run a West Coast offense that will use a zone-blocking scheme and feature more of RB Julius Jones. QB Matt Hasselbeck appears recovered from the bulging disc in his back, and he has a new toy in WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, but the offensive line remains a big concern. Even more concerning is a pass defense that gave up league highs with 259.3 yards per game and 59 completions of 20-plus yards last season. CB Ken Lucas was signed to start opposite Marcus Trufant.

PREDICTION FOR 2009: 8-8; 2ND, NFC WEST