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  • We have just launched a new VSN Amazon Store. This new store will allow you to order games (including PC downloads) and anything else you want from Amazon and help VSN out at the same time! You get the exact same deals and pre-order bonuses through our store front as you do from Amazon so please bookmark this link and use it when you are shopping at Amazon.com - [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/"][COLOR="#0000FF"][U]VSN Amazon Store[/U][/COLOR][/URL] Here are some direct links to pre-order the major upcoming titles- [B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]PlayStation 4[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGA9WK2"]PlayStation 4 500GB Console[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HVBPRUO"]PlayStation 4 Gold Wireless Headset[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGA9X9W"]PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 Wireless Controller[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGAA3S2"]PlayStation 4 Camera[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DCBDNW6"]Final Fantasy XIV: A REALM REBORN[/URL] - April 14th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00J128FPA"]Final Fantasy XIV: A REALM REBORN Collectors Edition[/URL] - April 14th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IMVRVC4"]Trials Fusion[/URL] - April 15th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GG4BBUM"]MLB 14: The Show[/URL] - May 6th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DHF39KS"]Wolfenstein: The New Order[/URL] - May 20th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BI83EVU"]Watch Dogs[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DYAQHTQ"]Watch Dogs Limited Edition[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00I0574EW"]Murdered Soul Suspect[/URL] - June 3rd [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DHF39HQ"]The Elder Scrolls Online[/URL] - June 30th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGA9ZZ4"]Drive Club[/URL] - September 30th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GZ1GUSY"]Tomb Raider Definitive Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00H5V9S6E"]Rayman Legends - Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00C27SCC2"]Thief[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HD4R5YU"]Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGAA0SU"]inFAMOUS Second Son Limited Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FYIXMHQ"]inFAMOUS Second Son Collectors Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00D2ZK1IG"]Dying Light[/URL] [B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]PlayStation 3[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00B0JALUE"]PlayStation 3 500GB Console[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00AEX81SG"]PlayStation 3 250GB Console[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GY4OAIE"]LEGO The Hobbit[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00I9UVY30"]FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil[/URL] - April 15th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ICWO2ZW"]Darksiders Collection[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ICWO2P2"]Red Faction Collection[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HQY8LRM"]Rambo The Video Game[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FRESXSA"]The Amazing Spider-Man 2[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CPKUV98"]Wolfenstein: The New Order[/URL] - May 20th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00J6DLPLK"]Drakengard 3[/URL] - May 20th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGHUS58"]Watch Dogs[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DYAQHZ0"]Watch Dogs Collectors Edition[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BG6ZHK0"]Murdered: Soul Suspect[/URL] - June 3rd [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IGHP28Y"]Transformers Rise of The Dark Spark[/URL] - June 24th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DNGQTFI"]Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00H4BBTCQ"]Tomb Raider - GOTY Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HNYWFMC"]Far Cry Compilation [/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00946FSIA"]Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HQY8LRM"]Rambo The Video Game[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FQFFPZO"]NASCAR '14[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DFT92MU"]Thief[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B0088MVP3S"]Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ECOBFCC"]The LEGO Movie Videogame[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B006IOAHPK"]South Park: The Stick of Truth[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FDQQD52"]South Park: The Stick of Truth Grand Wizard Edition [/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00F6YD2AK"]Dark Souls II Black Armor Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00F6YD2FK"]Dark Souls II Collectors Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GJSUUC0"]Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00E44EZYA"]Ultra Street Fighter IV[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00D2ZK2O4"]Dying Light[/URL] [B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]Xbox One[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CMQTVUA"]Xbox One Console[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00MCLFZ1Y"]Xbox One Console Madden 15 Bundle[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IIHU44E"]Xbox One Console Titanfall Bundle[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HVPFGD8"]Titanfall Limited Edition Controller[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CMQTUSS"]Xbox One Wireless Controller[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IAVDQCK"]Xbox One Stereo Headset[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IAVDOS6"]Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GY4OB8S"]LEGO The Hobbit[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CMQTUCE"]KINECT Sports: Rivals[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IMVRVA6"]Trials Fusion[/URL] - April 15h [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FRESTZW"]The Amazing Spider-Man 2[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DHF39L2"]Wolfenstein: The New Order[/URL] - May 20th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CX8VY4S"]Watch Dogs[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DYAQI0E"]Watch Dogs Limited Edition[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00I0574CO"]Murdered Soul Suspect[/URL] - June 3rd [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IGH2HKU"]Transformers Rise of The Dark Spark[/URL] - June 24th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DHF39EO"]The Elder Scrolls Online[/URL] - June 30th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GZ1GUNO"]Tomb Raider Definitive Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DBCAS7E"]Zoo Tycoon[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00H5V9SLE"]Rayman Legends - Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CYNTHA0"]Thief[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DB9JYFY"]Titanfall[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00G2HSX86"]Titanfall Collectors Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00HD4R5WC"]Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00D2ZK2MQ"]Dying Light[/URL] [B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]Xbox 360[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FATRKOK"]Xbox 360 250GB Holiday Value Console[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GZ9ESEE"]Xbox 360 250GB Console w/Halo 4, Darksiders II, Tomb Raider and Batman: Arkham City[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B003ZSP0WW"]Xbox 360 Wireless Controller[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DC9SWWE"]Titanfall[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00G2HSWZU"]Titanfall Collectors Edition[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GY4OBB0"]LEGO The Hobbit[/URL] - April 8th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00I9UVY7G"]FIFA 2014 World Cup Brazil[/URL] - April 15th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ICWO2G6"]Darksiders Collection[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FRESY6G"]The Amazing Spider-Man 2[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00CPKUV7K"]Wolfenstein: The New Order[/URL] - May 20th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BGD6LMG"]Watch Dogs[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DYAQHNC"]Watch Dogs Limited Edition[/URL] - May 27th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00BG6ZHL4"]Murdered: Soul Suspect[/URL] - June 3rd [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IGHY7LC"]Transformers Rise of The Dark Spark[/URL] - June 24th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DNGQQUQ"]Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00H4BBVZQ"]Tomb Raider - GOTY Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DBCAT3W"]Fable Anniversary[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00946FSJ4"]Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FQFFQ2Q"]NASCAR '14[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DFT92EI"]Thief[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B0088MVP2Y"]Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ECOBFA4"]The LEGO Movie Videogame[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B006IOAHTQ"]South Park: The Stick of Truth[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FDQQD6Q"]South Park: The Stick of Truth Grand Wizard Edition [/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00F6YD26Y"]Dark Souls II Black Armor Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00F6YD27I"]Dark Souls II Collectors Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GJSUXLS"]Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes Standard Edition[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00E44EZPE"]Ultra Street Fighter IV[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00D2ZK2RQ"]Dying Light[/URL] [B][SIZE=4][COLOR="#0000FF"]Wii U[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00GY4OAM0"]LEGO The Hobbit[/URL] - April 22nd [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00FRESQKU"]The Amazing Spider-man 2[/URL] - April 29th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DC7G2W8"]Mario Kart 8[/URL] - May 30th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00IGH1LJ8"]Transformers Rise of the Dark Spark[/URL] - June 24th [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00DC7O77A"]Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze[/URL] [URL="http://astore.amazon.com/vsngaming-20/detail/B00ECOAX34"]The LEGO Movie Videogame[/URL]
  • We are looking to possibly form a second XB1 Madden 15 league on VSN. Please visit the Sports Gaming subforum and post in the thread if you are interested.
  • There will be a site outage from 12 pm est till 3 am est
  • If you are having trouble accessing your account and don't remember your password, email help@virtualsportsnetwork.com and i'll get you an updated password for 2024.

Simulation Station | An NFL Sim Franchise

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2010 NFL Preview: NFC North

The NFC North is my favorite division. Not only does it have a plethora of nicknames (the "Black and Blue" division, the "NFC Norris," the "Frozen lolz,"), but is also has the most history; it's the oldest division in the NFL (the teams combine for 229 years of existence) and has been apart of some of the most memorable games in NFL history. To go along with that, it has one of the most prolific rivalries in all of sports (Packers vs. Bears vs. Vikings). This should be an exciting division to watch.


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1st Place: Green Bay Packers
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (2nd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (1st)
Major Additions: Bryan Bulaga (OT), Mike Neal (DT)
Major Losses: Aaron Kampman (DE/LB), Johnny Jolly (DT), Mike Montgomery (DT)
Key Players (Off.): Aaron Rodgers (QB), Greg Jennings (WR), Donald Drivers (WR)
Key Players (Def.): Charles Woodson (CB), Nick Collins (FS), A.J. Hawk (LB)

The Packers, who suffered a crushing season-ending loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the '09 playoffs--are back and better than ever. Led by their high-flying offense and occasionally good defense, Green Bay has the potential to win as many as 13 or 14 games. They only have two things standing in their way: 1. Their inconsistent defense, and 2. Their offensive line. The Packers defense was 1st in the NFL in turnovers in '09 and will probably do the same thing in '10, but they also tended to give up a huge amount of points (they lost to the Arizona Cardinals 51-45 to end their season). Their offensive line just flat-out sucks, giving Aaron Rodgers almost no time to throw the ball. If they can fix those problems, they'll be a great team.

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2nd Place: Minnesota Vikings
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 12-4 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (2nd)
Major Additions: Mike Montgomery (DT), Lito Sheppard (CB)
Major Losses: Chester Taylor (HB), maybe Brett Favre (QB)
Key Players (Off.): Adrian Peterson (HB), Percy Harvin (WR), Steve Hutchinson (LG)
Key Players (Def.): Kevin and Pat Williams (DT), Jared Allen (RE)

I know, I know, I'm reaching by picking the Packers to beat the Vikings. The Vikings added more talent to their team in the off-season than they lost, Adrian Peterson is even better than last year, and they have a chip on their shoulder from last season. However, people are overlooking one thing, and that's team chemistry; with their quarterback uncertainty, Tavaris Jackson will be starting, but he knows that as soon as Favre comes back he's going back to the bench. That makes him edgy and not as good as he could be. If Brett does come back, it will throw the whole team's rythym off, and if he doesn't come back the Vikings are stuck with Jackson at QB. If you don't have great chemistry or a great quarterback, your team will not succeed.

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3rd Place: Chicago Bears
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 7-9 (3rd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 7-9 (3rd)
Major Additions: Chester Taylor (HB), Julius Peppers (DE),
Major Losses: Nathan Vasher (CB)
Key Players (Off.): Olin Kreutz (C), Matt Forte (HB), Greg Olsen (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Lance Briggs (LB), Brian Urlacher (LB), Julius Peppers (RE),

The Bear's are in an interesting position this season; they are nowhere near as good as the Packers or Vikings, but are a lot better than the Detroit Lions, so basically no matter what they do they will finish in 3rd place. Which means they can either try as hard as they can and finish 7-9 or 8-8, or they can relax and slide by with a 5-11 or 6-10 record. I don't know which team we'll see, so the Bears were a hard team to predict.

Their offense is one huge question mark: can Matt Forte repeat his success from his rookie year, or will he struggle again like '09? And will Jay Cutler cut down on his interception-touchdown ratio? The defense isn't much better. They are aging quickly, and with no young stars-in-the-making, they will need to make a couple trades by Week 6.

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4th Place: Detroit Lions
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 2-14 (4th)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 3-13 (4th)
Major Additions: Ndamukong Suh (DT), Kyle Vanden Bosch (DE), Nate Burleson (WR)
Major Losses: None
Key Players (Off.): Calvin Johnson (WR), Dominic Raiola (C), Kevin Smith (HB)
Key Players (Def.): Ndamukong Suh (DT), Kyle Vanden Bosch (DE), Julian Peterson (LB)

Uh oh. Not again. The Lions have gotten better, no doubt, but in no way have they gotten good enough to compete with other teams in the NFL. They are doomed to another 3 or 4 win season. They have added great talent like Ndamukong Suh and Nate Burleson, which will add another win to their overall record, but Matthew Stafford is still an iffy quarterback, which could hurt their chances at succeeding. And why wouldn't he be bad? The Lions offensive line and receiving corp (apart from Calvin Johnson) is horrendous. Neither he nor Kevin Smith, who has the potential to be a 1,000 yard rusher, have any chance at completing any passes or gaining any rushing yards. If the Lions play hard enough, they can pick up an upset or two late in the season.
 
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2010 NFL Preview: AFC West

The AFC West--along with it's counterpart, the NFC West--is the worst division in the entire NFL. The San Diego Chargers are a legitimate playoff team, but as for the rest of the division? Don't get me started. In almost every other division, they would be in the running for a 4th place finish. Instead, they have a chance to see postseason action. If it wasn't my job to write about all NFL teams, I wouldn't even bother watching the teams from the AFC West


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1st Place: San Diego Chargers
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 13-3 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 12-4 (1st)
Major Additions: Nathan Vasher (CB)
Major Losses: Vincent Jackson - 3 games (WR)
Key Players (Off.): Philip Rivers (QB), Nate Kaeding (K), Antonio Gates (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Quentin Jammer (CB), Luis Castillo (DE), Shaun Philips (LB)

Unless there is a horrendous plane crash that kills all of San Diego's starters, the Chargers will win the division. Their offense is spectacular, led by Antonio Gates and the oh-so-humble Philip Rivers. (That last part was sarcasm, for you retards who don't understand it). Their defense might be even better; even though they lack the big-name stars that other great teams have, their play as a team better than anyone else in the league. When the Chargers are playing at their best, you can just kiss the game goodbye, because there is no way you will score on them. If the Chargers play up to their potential, they might finally win it to the Superbowl.

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2nd Place: Denver Broncos
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 8-8 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): N/A (2nd)
Major Additions: Tim Tebow (QB), Akin Ayodele (LB)
Major Losses: Vonnie Holliday (DE), Brandon Marshall (WR),
Key Players (Off.): Ryan Clady (LT), Ryan Harris (RT)
Key Players (Def.): Champ Bailey (CB), Jamal Williams (DT), Brian Dawkins (FS)

The Denver Broncos are the biggest question mark in all of the NFL. Their defense is spectacular; they can shut down any team, at any location, at any time. However, their offense is...well....not good. They don't even have enough good players to fill up their "Key Players" column. For Broncos fans, this could either be a season to remember or a season to forget. Only time will tell which one we see.


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3rd Place: Kansas City Chiefs
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 4-12 (4th)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 4-12 (3rd)
Major Additions: Eric Berry (SS), Thomas Jones (HB)
Major Losses: None
Key Players (Off.): Thomas Jones (HB), Dwayne Bowe (WR), Chris Chambers (WR)
Key Players (Def.): Brandon Flowers (CB), Eric Berry (FS), Mike Vrabel (LB)

The Chiefs, even though they have the same record as the always-shitty Raiders, are a slightly better team. Even though they have an easier schedule and will finish with the same record, I think that the Chiefs have a higher level of talent. The additions of Thomas Jones and Eric Berry beef up their level of talent, and with Dwayne Bowe developing into an Pro Bowl-caliber wide receiver, the Chiefs will be hard to stop late in the game.

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4th Place: Oakland Raiders
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 5-11 (3rd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 4-12 (4th)
Major Additions: Rolando McClain (LB), Jason Campbell (QB)
Major Losses: Javon Walker (WR), Justin Fargas (HB), Greg Ellis (DE),
Key Players (Off.): Jason Campbell (QB), Sebastian Janikowski (K), Shane Lechler (P)
Key Players (Def.): Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Richard Seymour (DE), Tyvon Branch (FS)

The Oakland Raiders will never be good, it seems. They just can't seem the draft the right kind of talent. That is, until they picked up Rolando McClain with their first pick. It was seems to be their first smart decision in 15 or 20 years, they drafted a player they desperately needed in the first round (sorry, Hayward-Bey, you don't count). He's already been named the starter, and in the one practice I attended he looked fantastic. Along with Nnamdi Asomugha, Richard Seymour, and Tyvon Branch (one of the most underrated players in the NFL), their defense will actually be pretty good this season. Their offense will hold them back--way back--again, but at least they're making progress on one side of the ball.
 
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2010 NFL Preview: NFC South​
The NFC South won't be an exciting conference to watch, for the most part. Aside from the New Orleans Saints, who dominated the NFL last year en route to their first Superbowl title, the rest of the conference is up in the air. The Atlanta Falcons have the potential to be great, but can never seem to meet their goals. The Carolina Panthers have fallen off the radar after their two or three seasons of sub-par performance. The Buccaneers are improving in all areas, but their youth and lack of depth will kill them this season. All-in-all, there won't be much to watch here.

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1st Place: New Orleans Saints
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 13-3 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 13-3 (1st)
Major Additions: Alex Brown (DE)
Major Losses: Scott Fujita (LB)
Key Players (Off.): Drew Brees (QB), Marques Colston (WR), Jahri Evans (RG)
Key Players (Def.): Darren Sharper (FS), Sedrick Ellis (DT), Jonathan Vilma (LB)

The New Orleans Saints are back, and in my opinion, just as good as they were last year. The loss of Scott Fujita hurts them, but they have many players capable of taking his place. Offensively, Drew Brees will be at it again, probably throwing for 4,000 something yards and 30 or 40 TDs. If Pierre Thomas can have an outstanding season (1,000+ yards), the New Orleans Saints will be just the 7th team to repeat as Superbowl Champions.


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2nd Place: Atlanta Falcons
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 9-7 (2nd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 10-6 (2nd)
Major Additions: Sean Witherspoon (LB), Dunta Robinson (CB)
Major Losses: None
Key Players (Off.): Matt Ryan (QB), Michael Turner (HB), Roddy White (WR)
Key Players (Def.): Dunta Robinson (CB), Jonathan Babineaux (DT), John Abraham (LB)

The Atlanta Falcons are getting better every season, and this year looks like the season that they'll finally emerge as a serious playoff contender. They are probably the most underrated team in the NFL, and for good reason; they've only made the playoffs once under Matt Ryan's control. However, with added talent (Dunta Robinson to beef up their cornerbacks, for example), the Falcons should be explosive and strong enough to beat any team in the NFL on any given Sunday. Look out for the Falcons in '10.


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3rd Place: Carolina Panthers
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 8-8 (3rd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 8-8 (3rd)
Major Additions: Jimmy Clausen (QB)
Major Losses: Na'il Diggs (LB), Julius Peppers (DE), Jake Delhomme (QB)
Key Players (Off.): DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (HB), Steve Smith (WR)
Key Players (Def.): Chris Gamble (CB), Thomas Davis (LB), Jon Beason (LB)

The Carolina Panthers, I hate to admit it, are hard for me to predict. They have lost significant talent on the defensive side of the ball, but offensively they seemed to have improved a little bit. The Loss of Muhsin Muhammed to retirement really hurts, but I think they will do better without Jake Delhomme (cut). The starting quarterback position is being tossed back and forth between rookie Jimmy Clausen and no-name Matt Moore, which should make the preseason interesting to watch. If they don't get that QB situation solved, however, this could be a long and painful season for the Panthers. If they do get it solved, the Panthers might be able to finally see the light at the end of their losing tunnel.


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4th Place: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 3-13 (4th)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 4-12 (4th)
Major Additions: Gerald McCoy (DT)
Major Losses: Josh Bidwell (P), Antonio Bryant (WR)
Key Players (Off.): Jeff Faine (C), David Joseph (RG), Kellen Winslow (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Gerald McCoy (DT), Ronde Barber (CB), Barrett Muud (LB)

The Buccaneers will have a tough time doing anything productive this season. The talent is there (Kellen Winslow, Gerald McCoy, Barrett Muud), but until they learn to play as a team and obey the coach they won't get anywhere. Their only hope is that Ronde Barber, no longer the top cornerback on the Bucs, can show them how to play as a team and win as a team. His role this season is not to be the shutdown corner that he used to be (hello, Aqid Talib, that's your job), but to be a mentor for all the younger players. If he can do that, maybe they'll avoid being the worst team in the NFL this season.
 
All right, here's my schedule for the rest of the summer.

Monday-Thursday: XC Camp
Rest of Summer: Updates

So stay tuned until the end of the week. I'll update then.
 
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2010 NFL Preview: NFC East​
The NFC East, with it's brutal style of play, it's historic rivalries, and it's post-season drama (David Tyree's catch, Tony Romo's field goal drop, etc.), is one of the most exciting divisions in all of the NFL. All though this is very unlikely to happen, all four of the teams in the NFC East have the potential to win the division. The Redskins, with the addition of Donovan McNabb, have the opportunity to turn the tide in D.C. and head to the playoffs. The Eagles are on a down slide without McNabb, but they will do well anyway. The Giants and Cowboys, as always, will be the front-runners in the division, and both will probably make the playoffs. Be sure to watch all four of these teams late in the season.

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1st Place: Dallas Cowboys
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (1st)
Major Additions: Dez Bryant (WR)
Major Losses: Shaun Suisham (K), Flozell Adams (LT)
Key Players (Off.): Miles Austin (WR), Tony Romo (QB), Jason Witten (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Jay Ratliff (DT), DeMarcus Ware (LB), Terence Newman (CB)

Last year, fans new what to expect from the Dallas Cowboys. In '10, they have changed many important aspects of their team, leaving fans clueless as to how well this team will do. The biggest question, one that could make or break the Cowboys for the next couple years, was the decision to cut Flozell Adams and start Doug Free at his left tackle position. Adams had many personal problems, but there is no denying that he is better than Free. Hopefully Doug will give Tony Romo enough time--and we all know Tony needs plenty of it--to find the open receiver, mainly Miles Austin. The defense will have no problems, so it's up to the offense to win games for them.


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2nd Place: New York Giants
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 8-8 (3rd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 9-7 (2nd)
Major Additions: Antrel Rolle (FS), Deon Grant (SS), Keith Bulluck (LB)
Major Losses: Jeff Feagles (P)
Key Players (Off.): Shaun O'Hara (C), Chris Snee (RG), Eli Manning (QB)
Key Players (Def.): Corey Webster (CB), Justin Tuck (LE), Michael Boley (LB)

The New York Giants, no longer the Big Apple's "Big Team," have to find a way to recapture the heart of football fans living in New York City, and this season is a great opportunity to do so. While the Jets may be ready to step up to the plate and win the Super Bowl, the Giants are ready as well, even if their regular season record won't show it. They have talent all across the board: offensive and defensive line, d-backs, the backfield, linebackers, and most importantly, the coaches. Tom Coughlin is a top-notch coach, and that basically guarantees that the Giants will do well in the post-season (if they make it that far).


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3rd Place: Philadelphia Eagles
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 11-5 (2nd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 7-9 (3rd)
Major Additions: J.J. Arrington (HB)
Major Losses: Donovan McNabb (QB), Brian Westbrook (HB),
Key Players (Off.): Todd Herremans (LG), DeSean Jackson (WR), Brent Celek (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Asante Samuel (CB), Trent Cole (DE), Brodrick Bunkley (DT)

I know the Philadelphia Eagles were thinking that they have to make the team younger, so in the next two or three years they can develop into a top team, but I think they did it in the wrong fashion. You can't drop all that talent at once! McNabb and Westbrook are gone, leaving nobody at either of those positions. Kevin Kolb can't be a starting quarterback, and LeSean McCoy can't be a starting halfback. Without anybody on their offense aside from DeSean Jackson, they are toast this season. Maybe next year....or two years from now...or three.....


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4th Place: Washington Redskins
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 4-12 (4th)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 6-10 (4th)
Major Additions: Trent Williams (OT), Larry Johnson (HB), Donovan McNabb (QB)
Major Losses: Antwaan Randel-El (WR)
Key Players (Off.): Donovan McNabb (QB), Clinton Portis (HB), Chris Cooley (TE)
Key Players (Def.): DeAngelo Hall (CB), Brian Orakpo (LB), London Fletcher (LB)

The Redskins made some huge moves in the off-season, all of which drastically improved their chances at making the playoffs. The additions of Larry Johnson and Willie Parker at halfback will make their HB position battle very exciting to watch. However, that's not their biggest off-season move, as most of you know, as they added Donovan McNabb to their roster. McNabb fills their whole at quarterback, which they have had for years, and makes this team more competitive than ever. Even though they will finish last in the division, they should be exciting to watch.
 
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2010 NFL Preview: NFC West​
I've gone through seven divisions, and finally, I'm down to our last one; the NFC West. The NFC West is one of the worst divisions, not just this season, but in the history of the NFL. The Cardinals, a team who went 6-4 outside of their division, is their best team along with the San Francisco 49ers, who went 3-7 outside of the NFC West. I can't even think of a division in recent memory that's been this bad. This will be...well...fun(?) to watch.

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1st Place: San Francisco 49ers
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 8-8 (2nd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 9-7 (1st)
Major Additions: Ted Ginn Jr. (WR), William James (CB)
Major Losses: Dre' Bly (CB)
Key Players (Off.): Frank Gore (HB), Michael Crabtree (WR), Vernon Davis (TE)
Key Players (Def.): Patrick Willis (LB), Aubrayo Franklin (DT), Justin Smith (RE)

The San Francisco 49ers are baaaaaack, my friends, and they are as good as they have been in the last decade. Even though they lack a franchise quarterback, they have enough talent across the board to be successful this season. All great offenses run through a great player, and the 49ers have one in Frank Gore. He has been one of the top two or three halfbacks in the NFC for the past couple of years, and 2010 should be no exception. Defensively, Patrick Willis is their go-to-guy, leading the team in tackles every year since his rookie season. The way they're going, both of these guys could be Hall-of-Famers when they retire in 10 years. Aside from them, the team is pretty good, if not great. Michael Crabtree is hoping to have a breakout season after his holdout in '09 because of a contract dispute (big ego?). Vernon Davis is one of the top tight ends in all of the NFL, so he should be good to go this season. The addition of Ted Ginn Jr. will not only add depth to the receiver position, but it will give them somebody who is a special teams threat as well. All of these guys, plus the other 40+ players that I didn't mention, will make a playoff team this season.


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2nd Place: Arizona Cardinals
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 10-6 (1st)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 9-7 (2nd)
Major Additions: Kerry Rhodes (FS), Joey Porter (LB), Jay Feely (K), Alan Faneca (LG)
Major Losses: Antrel Rolle (FS), Kurt Warner (QB), Neil Rackers (K), Karlos Dansby (LB)
Key Players (Off.): Alan Faneca (LG), Larry Fitzgerald (WR), Beanie Wells (HB)
Key Players (Def.): Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie (CB), Kerry Rhodes (FS), Adrian Wilson (SS)

The Arizona Cardinals have lost too much talent to count from last season's team, but they have in the process gained most of it back. The loss of Kurt Warner will haunt them all of this season, and maybe even in '11, but at every other position they have gained talent where they lost it. In other words, you can expect to see the same--albeit older--team as in '09. However, I feel that they Cards will still finish second to the much-improved San Franciscans.


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3rd Place: Seattle Seahawks
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 5-11 (3rd)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 3-13 (3rd)
Major Additions: Russel Okung (LT), Leon Washington (HB)
Major Losses: Nate Burleson (WR), Patrick Kerney (LB)
Key Players (Off.): T.J. Houshmandzadeh (WR), Leon Washington (HB), Russell Okung (LT)
Key Players (Def.): Marcus Trufant (CB), Brandon Mebane (DT), Lofa Tatupu (LB)

The Seahawks can just never seem to make the right moves in the off-season. While they finally may have this season, it won't matter, because they will be pieces of shit all season. Matt Hasselbeck will either get injured and struggle as usual, or he'll have a breakout year again. If it's the latter, then the Seahawks can expect another 3-5 win season. If he plays like he did back in '07, then maybe the 'Hawks can win 6 or 7 games. Either way, they will finish 3rd in the division.


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4th Place: St. Louis Rams
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2009 Record (Div. Place): 1-15 (4th)
2010 Predicted Record (Div. Place): 3-13 (4th)

They are so shitty that I can't even get myself to make a preview of them. They just suck--except for Steven Jackson. He's good.
 
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Getting in on the action late: Big-name free agents finally sign

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Terrell Owens (left) finally received--and accepted--and offer from the Cincinnati Bengals,
and LenDale White (right, in his USC uniform) was picked up by the Denver Broncos.



Terrell Owens still has a good year left in him. LenDale White can probably start for at least half of the NFL teams for the next four or five years.

Why were they still free agents at the end of July?

We may never know, but for whatever reason the two stars weren't picked up until late in the offseason.

The Cincinnati Bengals, who already have a egotistical wide receiver in Chad.....something, decided to risk their entire team by picking up a second one in T.O. Now they have two receivers who want 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns every season. Of course, this is going to be a big problem, because everybody knows that Chad Ochocinco will be the #1 receiver. Everyone, that is, except for Owens. In an interview with monkeyshirt.com, he said, "I'm gonna take over Cincy. I'll be #1." He clearly doesn't know that he's a piece of shit now and nobody likes him. Not even the Bengals.

LenDale White, who was once as good as Chris Johnson, almost lost his whole career; he was out of shape, eating and drinking too much, and just flat-out wasn't ready to play. Because of that, he was cut by the Seattle Seahawks just one month after being traded for by former college head coach Pete Carrol. (Trust me when I say this: getting cut in just one month by a close friend of yours means you really, really suck). Even though he promised to work harder, promised to leave all his bad habits behind, two months went by before somebody picked him up. The Denver Broncos took a chance, and at least so far, it has been a smart decision.

Both of these players have the potential to completely change the outcome of the 2010 NFL season, but the question is, will they put in the effort to make it happen? Will they work harder than ever? Will they impress the coaches enough to win a starting job? All I'm saying is, "Get your popcorn ready, because it's going to be a show."



 
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