2009 NFL Preview
Welcome to the 2009 NFL preview brought to you by ProFootball-Fans.com. The Pittsburgh Steelers are the defending champions from the 2008 campaign, but they have their hands full if they want to try to repeat in 2009.
There are lots of interesting storylines to consider on the year, from whether or not Brett Favre's move to the Minnesota Vikings works out to how Tom Brady is going to hold up after missing all of last season. Enjoy the 2009 NFL season preview and be sure to read all of the individual team previews to see all of the major draft and free agency moves, coaching changes and more.
2009 NFL Preview AFC Overview
The AFC is going to see a lot of familiar faces at the top of the standings in the 2009 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back all of their main weapons from their Super Bowl season on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. In New England, everyone is of course excited for the return of Tom Brady. The team has brought in some veteran talent on both sides of the ball and had a slew of second round draft picks to work with.
The San Diego Chargers are going to put up some sensational numbers on offense. The question is whether or not their defense is going to rebound from last year's effort. The Indianapolis Colts will be missing some familiar faces in coach Tony Dungy and wide receiver Marvin Harrison. But when the ship is still steered by Peyton Manning, your team always has a chance. The Tennessee Titans will sorely miss Albert Haynesworth on the defensive line. Additionally, with the quarterback situation facing so much uncertainty, it will be impossible to reproduce last year's 13-0 start.
The Baltimore Ravens will again threaten to make a deep postseason run, how far will Joe Flacco come in his second season and how much will the team miss Bart Scott? Speaking of Scott, the New York Jets are pinning their reclamation project on Scott and another import from the Ravens, new head coach Rex Ryan. The club is also hoping that quarterback Mark Sanchez quickly develops into the new century's Joe Namath. The division rival Miami Dolphins will be looking to expand on their Wild Cat formation even farther, but can the 2008 magic be repeated?
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2009 NFL Preview NFC Overview
The NFC is also going to see a lot of the usual suspects rising to the top of their divisions once again. The NFC East is going to have another very deep field of four teams. The New York Giants feel their distractions are behind them and are ready to get on the field with Osi Umenyiora back on the defensive line and Plaxico Burress no longer on the team.
The Philadelphia Eagles meanwhile have added more weapons for Donovan McNabb as well as improved protection for him on the offensive line. If the unit clicks the Eagles could be the favorites to come out of the NFC. The Washington Redskins once again won the off season headline battle by singing Albert Haynesworth to a $100 million deal, and the Dallas Cowboys will be regrouping without Terrell Owens.
The NFC North is shrouded by changing quarterbacks. The Chicago Bears have brought in Jay Cutler, the Minnesota Vikings are hoping that Brett Favre is the answer to their playoff dreams, the Detroit Lions drafted Matthew Stafford first overall in the draft. Which quarterback clicks best with which club – and don't forget about Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay – will decide the division's fate.
The Arizona Cardinals will find it difficult to repeat last season's Super Bowl run in the 2009 NFL season but should still be able to win their division. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are hoping to hold off a few upstart clubs with young quarterbacks – Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Josh Freeman – and earn a chance to redeem their poor postseason showing in 2008.
2009 NFL Preview Division Champions
AFC East – New England Patriots
AFC North – Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
AFC West – San Diego Chargers
Wild Cards – Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins
NFC East – New York Giants
NFC North – Chicago Bears
NFC South – Carolina Panthers
NFC West – Arizona Cardinals
Wild Cards – Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons
2009 NFL Super Bowl Picks
San Diego Chargers vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl
Enjoy the 2009 NFL season and check back in with ProFootball-Fans.com for the best coverage on your favorite team all season long.
By: Brandon Niles
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer