FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Well, Labor Day is right around the corner, and I have stocked up on dips and chips to get ready for the real deal.  Watching a lot of pre-season on NFL channel, I noticed some breakout stars, but I was suprised by how many "starters" went out with injury.  It might be time to see some new talent the first week of pre-season.  Brady and Manning are supposed to start, but it is touch and go- is it that important to start the FIRST game REALLY?  Manning's back-up looked pretty good, but Brady has NO ONE, too bad the USC grad isn't living up to his full potential.  I like RB Steve Slayton from the Texans and feel he has some power legs like Marion Barber.  Aaron Rogers suprised me in the 2nd pre-season game, I guess he had to gain some composure and confidence after the Favre debacle.  I think JaMarcus Russell looks like a gunslinger, who needs to reel in the ball tighter before he lets it go- in a word Oakland looks TERRIBLE.  The Bucs look good, Minnesota and Baltimore defense look strong, as well as Dallas, I really like DeMarcus Ware this year.  I didn't get to pick up Matt Forte in my fantasy draft like I had planned, but I still think he will be someone to hang onto. My first draft choice was Marshawn Lynch who I expect to have a phenomenal year.  Buffalo looks ready for the season, and I am sure Lee Evans will be a consistent player for big B.  49ers look WEAK, San Diego is holding out their strong players, so I think they will be playoff contenders (but I don't think Shawne Merriman should ruin his career and play- have the surgery!)  Washington looks vastly improved and I think they will win 3-4 more games than last season.  Denver and Kansas City, hang it up now!  They both have talent on their team, but they have to UTILIZE it.  Miami will be fun to watch this year with THE CHAD (how funny is that?) in Florida.  And to wrap up the Texans division (Jac and Tenn both look strong- hope Jones-Drew is healthy, but they also have Fred Taylor).  Steelers, you scare me- I love Big Ben!  And last, but not least, Chicago (good choice, on not really having a choice with your quarterback, I couldn't bring myself to watch Grossman for a whole season again!)  It is OKAY if you let your defense win your games, that is how you got to the Big Show two years ago; it doesn't mean your are gonna win it all though.  CIN (not strong), CLE (hope you get Derek back), PHL (look ready for season), ATL (no controversey this year), NYG, NYJ, DET, NO (Use Deuce too), CAR, ARZ (better with Warner), SEA,, STL- Good luck!   I'm out til the first game! Comment if you like!