Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Season Preview
Football Betting Lines
08/25/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2010 campaign intent on re-establishing their identity in the wake of a season of unfulfilled expectations, followed by an offseason embroiled in turmoil.
It's been a long and arduous 18 months for the Steelers since the franchise captured an unprecedented sixth Lombardi Trophy with a thrilling 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Last year's team would fall victim to two of the pitfalls that have befallen many a returning champion in the past -- injuries and complacency -- during a disappointing 9-7 season that fell just short of qualifying for the AFC Playoffs.
While last year's outcome was humbling, what transpired afterward was downright humiliating to an organization renowned for its stability and its dignity. Two months after the Steelers closed out the 2009 season, star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was being investigated for sexual assault following an incident in a Georgia nightclub.
While the standout signal-caller would avoid criminal charges, he will sit out at least four games after being found in violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy, leaving the offense in the less capable hands of either journeyman Byron Leftwich or still-raw prospect Dennis Dixon for the first quarter of the upcoming season.
Roethlisberger wasn't the only Pittsburgh player to bring shame to both the team and the league for his reckless antics. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes, the recipient of "Big Ben's" memorable game-winning touchdown pass in the final minute of Super Bowl XLIII, was handed a four-game suspension of his own for breaching the NFL's substance abuse laws, which prompted the embarrassed Steelers to trade the playmaking pass-catcher to the Jets in April for below- market value.
Pittsburgh will also be without its top offensive lineman for all of 2010 after right tackle Willie Colon tore his Achilles' tendon during a summer workout, presenting yet another challenge for head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff.
With the offense in a state of flux as a result of Roethlisberger's punishment, the Steelers will lean heavily on a defense that wasn't quite able to regain the havoc-wreaking form the unit displayed during the 2008 championship run. Getting perennial All-Pro Troy Polamalu back from a lingering knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of last year should help restore the group to prominence, as Pittsburgh went 4-1 in the five games the energetic safety did compete in a season ago.
Below we take a capsule look at the 2010 edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:
2009 RECORD: 9-7 (t2nd, AFC North)
LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2008, defeated Arizona, 27-23, in Super Bowl
COACH (RECORD): Mike Tomlin (31-17 in three years with Steelers, 31-17 overall)
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bruce Arians
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dick LeBeau
OFFENSIVE STAR: Ben Roethlisberger, QB (4328 passing yards, 26 TD, 12 INT)
DEFENSIVE STAR: Troy Polamalu, S (20 tackles, 3 INT)
OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 19th rushing, 9th passing, 12th scoring
DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 3rd rushing, 16th passing, t12th scoring
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Byron Leftwich (from Buccaneers), WR Antwaan Randle El (from Redskins), WR Emmanuel Sanders (3rd Round, SMU), WR Arnaz Battle (from 49ers), T Flozell Adams (from Cowboys), T Jonathan Scott (from Bills), C Maurkice Pouncey (1st Round, Florida), OLB Jason Worilds (2nd Round, Virginia Tech), ILB Larry Foote (from Lions), CB Bryant McFadden (from Cardinals), S Will Allen (from Buccaneers)
KEY DEPARTURES: RB Willie Parker (to Redskins), FB Carey Davis (to Redskins), WR Santonio Holmes (to Jets), T Willie Colon (out for season/injured), G Darnell Stapleton (not tendered), DE Travis Kirschke (retired), LB Rocky Boiman (not tendered), CB Deshea Townsend (to Colts), S Tyrone Carter (to Redskins)
QB: Roethlisberger (26 TD, 12 INT in '09) has few faults on the field, and the strong-armed triggerman turned in arguably his finest season in 2009 in spite of his team's shortcomings. The 28-year-old established club records for passing yards (4,328) and completion percentage (66.6) while eclipsing the 300-yard mark in five games, a single-year best as well. Leftwich (594 passing yards, 4 TD, 3 INT with the Bucs), who served as Pittsburgh's backup quarterback in 2008 before a forgettable one-year stint in Tampa Bay, was reacquired in the spring to presumably fill the void caused by Roethlisberger's suspension, but the lightly-played Dixon (145 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) is making a case to start with an impressive preseason. While the third-year pro doesn't possess Leftwich's experience and arm strength, he's far more athletic and mobile than his counterpart. The Steelers may keep graybeard Charlie Batch on board as a No. 3 guy to start the season, but the 35-year-old is as good as gone once Roethlisberger returns.
RB: Last year saw a changing of the guard in the Pittsburgh backfield, as 2008 first-round draftee Rashard Mendenhall (1108 rushing yards, 25 receptions, 8 total TD) displaced longtime starter Willie Parker in October and staked his claim to be the featured runner with a strong season. The talented youngster will have a prominent role in the game plan once again in 2009, especially early on with Roethlisberger ineligible. Parker wasn't retained during the offseason, creating a camp competition for the backup job among rookie Jonathan Dwyer (6th Round, Georgia Tech), third-down specialist Mewelde Moore (118 rushing yards, 21 receptions, 2 TD) and practice-squad promotee Isaac Redman, a dark-horse candidate who's shined during exhibition play. Sophomore Frank Summers, who missed most of last season with a back injury, appears to be the front-runner at fullback.
WR/TE: Whoever wins the preseason quarterback derby will have a fine stable of receivers to work with. Tight end Heath Miller (6 TD) set a team record for his position by making 76 catches last year and earning a first career Pro Bowl nod, while venerable wideout Hines Ward (95 receptions, 6 TD) hasn't slowed down despite his advanced age, as the now 34-year-old's 1,195 receiving yards in 2009 were the second-highest total of his storied 12-year tenure. Holmes' field-stretching presence will be difficult to replace, but the Steelers are confident that second-year speedster Mike Wallace (39 receptions, 6 TD) will be able to build off an excellent rookie season in which he led the NFL in yards per catch (19.4 avg.) and that free-agent signees Antwaan Randle El (50 receptions with Redskins) and Arnaz Battle (5 receptions with 49ers) can both provide some additional veteran stability to the group. The 31-year- old Randle El was a dangerous and versatile weapon for Pittsburgh from 2002-05, but is more a possession-type at this stage of his career. The Steelers are also excited about the potential of 2010 third-round pick Emmanuel Sanders, a slightly-built blazer who could emerge as Ward's heir apparent in the slot. Blocking whiz Matt Spaeth (5 receptions) returns as Miller's primary backup, with Sean McHugh and 2009 draftee David Johnson fighting to stick as the third tight end.
OL: Though all five regulars are still on the roster, the AFC-high 50 sacks Pittsburgh's front wall surrendered last year led to the dismissal of line coach Larry Zierlin, with former Bills assistant Sean Kugler tabbed by Tomlin to assume that post. He'll have to deal with the season-ending loss of Colon, a blow that should be softened by the astute pickup of ex-Cowboys stalwart Flozell Adams just prior to training camp. The five-time Pro Bowler remains a devastating run blocker as he enters his 13th NFL season, while his eroding protection skills won't be as big an issue playing on the right side. The Steelers also used their first-round choice in April's draft on Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, and the All-American stands a good chance of supplanting either declining incumbent or pedestrian right guard Trai Essex in the starting lineup. The left side is more established, with Chris Kemoeatu a solid two-year starter at guard and Max Starks a serviceable performer at tackle. Jonathan Scott, a pupil of Kugler's in Buffalo, was signed in March to compete with third-year man Tony Hills and rookie Chris Scott (5th Round, Tennessee) to be the swing tackle, with holdovers Ramon Foster and Kraig Urbik the main interior backups.
DL: The Steelers have ranked among the NFL's top three teams in rushing defense in each of the past six years, in no small part due to the large man anchoring the center of the line. Nose tackle Casey Hampton (43 tackles, 2.5 sacks) received a fifth career Pro Bowl citation in 2009 and was rewarded with a new three-year contract in February for his stout work in the middle, with the massive plugger to be once again flanked by veteran ends Aaron Smith (9 tackles, 2 sacks) and Brett Keisel (54 tackles, 3 sacks). Smith is a proven difference-maker as well from his five-technique spot, but the 34-year-old needs to show he can stay healthy after missing 11 games last year due to a serious shoulder injury. The Steelers do have capable reinforcements at end in Ziggy Hood (8 tackles, 1 sack), the club's 2009 first-round selection, and Nick Eason (16 tackles), while Chris Hoke returns for a 10th season as Hampton's trusted understudy on the nose.
LB: The backbone of Pittsburgh's ferocious defense is a four-man linebacking corps that contains few peers in terms of talent and production. LaMarr Woodley (62 tackles, 13.5 sacks) and 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison (79 tackles, 10 sacks) form a destructive outside pass-rushing duo that accounted for half of the team's healthy total of 47 sacks in 2009, with both making the Pro Bowl for their efforts. Many feel inside starter Lawrence Timmons (78 tackles, 7 sacks) may soon join those two in Honolulu after emerging as an all-around force last season, the former first-round pick's first as a starter. Decorated 14th-year pro James Farrior (102 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 INT) is still an effective run stopper at the other interior spot, but the 35-year-old's wearing down at times last year prompted the Steelers to bring back physical former starter Larry Foote (99 tackles, 2 sacks with the Lions) for a second tour of duty after a one-year stop in Detroit. Special- teams captain Keyaron Fox (44 tackles, 1 INT) supplies further depth along the inside, while the team added two intriguing pass rushers in April's draft with the selection of Jason Worilds (2nd Round, Virginia Tech) and Thaddeus Gibson (4th Round, Ohio State). Both are converted ends who will have to make their mark on coverage units as rookies.
DB: The one sore spot on an otherwise sturdy stop unit came from last season's spotty play of starting cornerbacks Ike Taylor (62 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT) and William Gay (78 tackles, 1 sack, 10 PD), which triggered the Steelers to obtain another familiar face in an attempt to rectify the situation. Bryant McFadden (69 tackles, 15 PD), a member of Pittsburgh's last two Super Bowl winners, was acquired from Arizona in a draft-day trade and is expected to hold down the left corner spot and push Gay back into a nickel role. Still, the biggest impact to the secondary will come from Polamalu (20 tackles, 3 INT), provided the dynamic safety is completely over his knee issues. Free safety Ryan Clark (89 tackles, 3 INT) is a vocal leader and quality complement to the soft-spoken Polamalu, and the Steelers made it a priority to re-sign the 30-year-old during the offseason. The team opted not to retain valued reserve safety Tyrone Carter but did land ex-Buccaneer Will Allen (20 tackles), a special teams demon who'll back up the two starters.
SPECIAL TEAMS: One major area of weakness for the 2009 Steelers was the special-teams coverage units, with the league-worst four kick return touchdowns the team allowed likely costing Pittsburgh a playoff spot and provided the impetus for the signings of players like Battle and Allen. CFL refugee Stefan Logan ranked second in the AFC in kick return average (26.7 avg.) and did a decent job handling punts as well, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy with the addition of rookie Antonio Brown (6th Round, Central Michigan), who offers greater upside as a receiver. The Steelers are in good hands at kicker, where the reliable Jeff Reed (27-of-31 FG's) has converted 89 percent of his field goal tries over the last three years despite playing in the difficult Heinz Field conditions. while punter Daniel Sepulveda (42.6 avg.) is adept at getting good hang time and pinning the opposition deep.
PROGNOSIS: There are plenty of pros and cons to consider when analyzing this year's Pittsburgh team. First off, this should be a highly motivated bunch that'll have last year's disappointment fresh in their minds, and keep in mind that all but three starters from the 2008 world championship squad are still on the current payroll. And getting a full season out of Polamalu certainly can't hurt either. On the negative side, a defense with seven projected regulars over 30 is getting a little long in the tooth, and the absence of Roethlisberger for a significant portion of the season could prove to be a major obstacle in a difficult division that contains two 2009 playoff teams. While it wouldn't be shocking to see the fiery Tomlin rally this team back to prominence, a second straight non-playoff trip appears just as likely.
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FOOTBALL BETTING
New York, NY - Fantasy football players ranked by position with age, 2008 statistics, comments.
QUARTERBACKS
1. Tom Brady, New England, age 32: 76 yards. Sure, he only threw 11 passes last year before a season-ending injury, but he's also the same guy who threw an NFL-record 50 touchdowns in 2007 and has even more weapons to work with.
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans, 30: 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, eight 300-yard games, two 400-yard games, 11 multiple-TD games, 1 dud game (defined as game without a TD or under 200 yards with 1 TD). Hopefully Saints won't figure out they haven't been so good while Brees throws every down.
3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, 33: 4,002 yards, 28 TDs (1 rushing), 12 INTs, 4 300-yard games, 9 multiple-TD games, 3 duds. He's a little older, but things probably won't change all that much without Marvin Harrison and with the offensive brain trust sporting slightly different titles.
TDs, 11 INTs, 5 300-yard games, 12 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. May be team's biggest threat now that LaDainian Tomlinson's starting to sputter. Or maybe he just hands off to two guys all the time.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay, 25: 4,038 yards, 32 TDs (4 rushing), 13 INTs, 4 300-yard games, 10 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Amid the usual preseason Brett Favre talk, Rodgers returns to powerful offense that's basically unchanged from his breakout year.
6. Tony Romo, Dallas, 29: 3,448 yards, 26 TDs, 14 INTs, 6 300-yard games, 8 multiple-TD games, 4 duds (including 3 games missed to injury). Says he's really getting serious about football. Plus, offense is supposed to be more "Romo-friendly" without all Terrell Owens' touchdowns.
7. Kurt Warner, Arizona, 38: 4,583 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs, 6 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 10 multiple-TD games, 2 duds. He's thrown 57 touchdown passes the past two years, but it's always scary drafting an injury-prone 38-year-old who just lost his offensive coordinator.
8. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia, 32: 3,916 yards, 25 TDs (2 rushing), 11 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 7 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He's often an injury concern but put in 16 games last year for the first time since 2003.
y on every first down.
10. Matt Cassel, Kansas City, 27: 3,693 yards, 23 TDs (2 rushing), 11 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 2 400-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Without Randy Moss (or even Tony Gonzalez) may be more Tyler Thigpen than Tom Brady. Worth a shot, though.
11. Jay Cutler, Chicago, 26: 4,526 yards, 27 TDs (2 rushing), 18 INTs, 7 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 8 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Major drop-off seems inevitable since his trade-inducing tantrum landed him with a team that doesn't employ receivers.
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh: 27: 3,301 yards, 19 TDs (2 rushing), 15 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 7 duds. That 32-TD season a few years ago starting to look a bit fluky, but he's always good for about 20 scores.
13. Matt Schaub, Houston, 28: 3,043 yards, 17 TDS (2 rushing), 10 INTs, 3 300-yard games, 1 400-yard game, 5 multiple-TD games (8 duds, including 5 games missed to injury). Injury-prone Schaub would be awesome in college fantasy league, having played in 11 games in each of his two years as Houston's starter.
14. Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle, 33: 1,216 yards, 5 TDs, 10 INTs, 1 multiple-TD game, 15 duds (including 9 games missed to injury). His spine apparently is no longer the consistency of Silly Putty, he gets a great new receiver and tackle Walter Jones set to return. Had 28 TD passes two years ago and has shaky run game.
o, 25: 2,699 yards, 14 TDs (3 rushing), 10 INTs, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Showed real signs of being kind of OK last year, and that was before he got Terrell Owens and the return of the Buffalo no-huddle offense.
16. David Garrard, Jacksonville, 31: 3,620 yards, 17 TDs (2 rushing), 13 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Torry Holt addition could be huge, or could just be footnote to season when Maurice Jones-Drew rushes for 30 TDs.
17. Carson Palmer, Cincinnati, 29: 731 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 14 duds (including 12 games missed to injury). Like Brady and Hasselbeck, attempting to return to big stats after a big injury. Unlike them, he doesn't have a lot to work with and his team wants to run a lot more.
18. Kyle Orton, Denver, 26: 2,972 yards, 21 TDS (3 rushing), 12 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 7 multiple-TD games, 8 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Had a spurt of decent fantasy games last year and could get a lot better with all Denver's weapons.
19. Brett Favre, Minnesota, 55 (OK, so he's really 39 but seems a lot older): 3,472 yards, 23 TDs (1 rushing), 22 INTs, 6 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Let's just go ahead and assume Favre says yes to the Vikings on July 30. Even his tired old arm can float more than a few TDs against schemes stacked up to stop Adrian Peterson.
Ts, 1 300-yard game, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Run-first (and second and third) approach led to Manning's failure to reach 200 yards in 10 of final 12 games last year. No reliable receivers, either.
21. Jake Delhomme, Carolina, 34: 3,288 yards, 17 TDs (2 rushing), 12 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. When he's terrible, he's Grossman-caliber terrible. May throw a lot less if he has two healthy RBs, but there will be those days when he goes crazy with Steve Smith.
22. Shaun Hill, San Francisco, 29: 2,046 yards, 15 TDs (2 rushing), 8 INTs, 6 multiple-TD games in 8 starts. Get the feeling 49ers coaches allowing a QB competition with Alex Smith as favor to front-office types who drafted Smith. Whoever wins gets seventh offensive coordinator in seven years.
23. Jason Campbell, Washington, 27: 3,245 yards, 14 TDs (1 rushing), 6 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds. Made strides in first year with coach Jim Zorn, but Redskins were awfully busy trying to snag another QB in offseason.
24. Chad Pennington, Miami, 33: 3,653 yards, 20 TDs (1 rushing), 7 INTs, 2 300-yard games, 6 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Was comeback player of the year in 2006, then stunk it up the next year. Was again comeback player last year, too, so another flop is pretty much guaranteed.
nsidered a potential fantasy star? Now he's that guy who hands off to Steven Jackson.
26. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland, 24: 2,423 yards, 14 TDs (1 rushing), 8 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 7 duds. Mostly looked horrible along with the rest of the Raiders, but did throw two TDs in each of his final three games.
27. Whoever emerges as the least harmful choice to start in Cleveland. Surely 2007's big stats weren't entirely fluky for Derek Anderson (26: 1,615 yards, 9 TDs, 8 INTs, 1 300-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds, 1 benching, 1 injury last year). And maybe that one time Brady Quinn had a pretty good game wasn't fluky either.
28. Somebody in Detroit. Rookie Matt Stafford could be a pretty good gamble. Or Daunte Culpepper (32: 786 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTS, 1 midseason unretirement, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds) could recapture some of his old magic with a much-improved supporting cast.
29. Joe Flacco, Baltimore, 24: 2,971 yards, 16 TDs (2 rushing), 12 INTs, 5 multiple-TD games, 10 duds. Should improve after nice rookie season, but Ravens still want to run first. (He should also quit shaving, eat more, scowl more, or do something so he doesn't look like he's 12.)
30. Whoever emerges out of the Tampa Bay gaggle could post good numbers with Antonio Bryant, Kellen Winslow and decent options out of the backfield.
uds. Not a lot going for him fantasy-wise, but at this point on the list he's a starter on a good team so what the heck.
32. Whoever wins the New York Jets competition. Fourth-year player Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez combined for 0 NFL touchdowns last year.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota, 24: 1,760 yards and 10 TDs rushing (4.8 yards per carry), 21 catches for 125 yards, 10 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 3 duds (defined as games under 80 yards and no scores). Everyone picking first in every draft in America is required to take him.
2. Michael Turner, Atlanta, 27: 1,699 yards and 17 TDs rushing (4.5 yards per carry), 6 catches for 41 yards, 6 100-yard games, 2 200-yard games, 4 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Most every back who carries as many times as Turner did last year flops in a big way the next year. But Turner's legs are awfully fresh from all those years on San Diego's bench.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville, 24: 824 yards and 12 TDs rushing (4.2 yards per carry), 62 catches for 565 yards and 2 TDs, 3 100-yard games (1 receiving), 4 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He's scored 38 times from scrimmage in three seasons - all before he was the featured back.
s stock up.
5. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina, 26: 1,515 yards and 18 TDs rushing (5.5 yards per carry), 22 catches for 121 yards and 2 TDs, 8 100-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Can he do it again if Jonathan Stewart's completely healthy? (Here's a hint: Stewart's already been hurt twice in the offseason.)
6. Chris Johnson, Tennessee, 24: 1,228 yards and 9 TDs (4.9 yards per carry), 43 catches for 260 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. Technically he shares time with LenDale White, but he still averaged 20 touches a game. (Beware, though, if your league penalizes for ridiculous TD celebrations.)
7. Steve Slaton, Houston, 23: 1,282 yards and 9 TDs (4.8 yards per carry), 50 catches for 377 yards and 1 TDS, 5 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game. Was a monster once the Texans figured out what they had, with 4 100-yard games and 4 scores in his final 7 games.
8. Clinton Portis, Washington, 28: 1,487 yards and 9 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 28 catches for 218 yards, 6 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. A little older, but should again be pretty much every option for the offense.
ool highlights flattening little defensive backs).
10. Steven Jackson, St. Louis, 26: 1,042 yards and 7 TDs (4.1 yards per carry), 40 catches for 379 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 4 games missed to injury). So good but so fragile. Before he gets hurt, will get plenty of touches behind an improved line.
11. Marion Barber, Dallas, 26: 885 yards and 7 TDs (3.7 yards per carry), 52 catches for 417 yards and 2 TDs, 4 100-yard games (1 receiving), 2 multiple-TD games, 7 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). First go as every-down back didn't really pan out, online football betting so expect fewer carries. But he's always going to be the guy on the goal line.
12. Frank Gore, San Francisco, 26: 1,036 yards and 6 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 43 catches for 373 yards and 2 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 5 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Lone bright spot in pathetic offense. (How many years have we been saying that?) Maybe the latest 49ers coordinator will realize he should have the ball.
13. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego, 30: 1,110 yards and 10 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 52 catches for 426 yards and 1 TD, 2 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Sorry, LaDainian, but your first-round fantasy draft days are over. High-mileage back has hit the dreaded 30, and little Darren Sproles should swipe many carries.
nd 9 TDs (4.0 yards per carry), 54 catches for 402 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 5 multiple-TD games, 9 duds (including 2 games missed to injury). Shockingly low ranking due to big red flags: He's 30, had 2 offseason surgeries, has never played a full 16 games, and the Eagles drafted a back with their second pick. (Take his backup, too.)
15. Ryan Grant, Green Bay, 26: 1,203 yards and 4 TDs (3.9 yards per carry), 18 catches for 116 yards and 1 TD, 4 100-yard games, 6 duds. Recovered from early season injury woes. Surely he'll score more than 4 times this year.
16. Ronnie Brown, Miami, 27: 916 yards and 10 TDs rushing (4.3 yards per carry), 1 TD pass, 33 catches for 254 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 8 duds. Vanished at the end of the season, going scoreless in 6 of his final 7 games.
17. Kevin Smith, Detroit, 22: 976 yards and 8 TDs rushing (4.1 yards per carry), 39 catches for 286 yards, 2 100-yard games, 6 duds. It took the Lions about half the season to realize they should give the ball to a good running back. Had 100 yards or a score in 4 of 6 games when he got 20 carries.
njury.
19. Willie Parker, Pittsburgh, 28: 791 yards and 5 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 3 catches for 13 yards, 4 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds (including 5 games missed to injury). Yards per carry have dropped for four straight years, but a featured back for the Steelers is always money. (Just make sure you get his backup, too.)
20. Larry Johnson, Kansas City, 29: 874 yards and 5 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 12 catches for 74 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD games 11 duds, including 4 games lost to injury. Despite health problems, high mileage, legal woes and general surliness, should get plenty of touches. (Until he gets really mad about something.)
21. Thomas Jones, NY Jets, 31: 1,312 yards and 13 TDS (4.8 yards per carry), 36 catches for 207 yards and 2 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Defied NFL history by being a good 30-year-old, and I'm too much of a believer in the 30-year-old-dropoff rule to believe he'll repeat at 31.
22. Reggie Bush, New Orleans, 24: 404 yards and 2 TDs (3.8 yards per carry), 52 catches for 440 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard receiving game, 2 multiple-TD games, 11 duds (including 6 games missed to injury). Emergence of Thomas as inside runner could mean fewer touches but bigger payoff as Bush gets more passes and chances to work in open space.
0 yards and 1 TD, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds (including 1 game lost to injury). Don't forget he won't be joining us until the fourth game, thanks to gun-related suspension. And he shares with Fred Jackson a bit too much.
24. Cedric Benson, Cincinnati, 26: 747 yards and 2 TDs (3.5 yards per carry), 20 catches for 185 yards, 3 100-yard games, 9 duds in 12 games played. Came on strong late and is now center of run-based offense, factors that would make for a higher ranking if he weren't Cedric Benson and his team weren't the Bengals.
25. Joseph Addai, Indianapolis, 26: 544 yards and 5 TDs (3.5 yards per carry), 25 catches for 206 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 11 duds (including 4 games missed to injury). Can be a TD machine when healthy, it's just that he's never healthy. Will be sharing carries with rookie Donald Brown.
26. LenDale White, Tennessee, 24: 773 yards and 15 TDs rushing (3.9 yards per carry), 5 catches for 16 yards, 2 100-yard games, 4 multiple-TD games, 6 duds. He gave way to Johnson as the season wore on, but he'll still barrel into the end zone plenty.
27. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina, 22: 836 yards and 10 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 8 catches for 47 yards, 2 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. He scores a lot for a guy who never starts, and plays a lot for a guy who seems to be injured a lot.
rds and 1 TD (5.4 yards per carry), 29 catches for 342 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 12 duds. Explosiveness, big-money contract and slowing LT could spell surprisingly big numbers.
29. Knowshon Moreno, Denver, 22: Rookie. Broncos took a break from signing journeyman backs in the offseason long enough to spend a first-round pick on Moreno. Not the official starter yet, but could be soon. (Wasn't the Denver RB confusion supposed to leave with Mike Shanahan?)
30. Darren McFadden, Oakland, 22: 499 yards and 4 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 29 catches for 285 yards, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds (including 3 games missed to injury). Sorry for last year's suggestion that he'd be good simply because the first back drafted each year usually is. Maybe now?
31. Tim Hightower, Arizona, 23: 399 yards and 10 TDs (2.8 yards per carry), 34 catches for 237 yards, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. All those scores are great, but a run or two over 5 yards would be nice, too. Move him way up if he wins the camp battle with rookie Chris Wells, down if he doesn't.
32. Donald Brown, Indianapolis, 22: Rookie. Last year at Connecticut led the nation in rushing with 2,083 yards and scored 18 times. Set to share time with Addai.
Left the Giants' crowded backfield for ... the Bucs' crowded backfield. He's expected to share carries with Earnest Graham.
34. Julius Jones, Seattle, 28: 698 yards and 2 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 14 catches for 66 yards, 2 100-yard games, 14 duds. Could wind up as a solid pick because the Seahawks want to run more. Seahawks may still have rule that only T.J. Duckett gets to score touchdowns, though.
35. Jamal Lewis, Cleveland, 30: 1,002 yards and 4 TDs (3.6 yards per carry), 23 catches for 178 yards, 10 duds. He kind of looked like he'd had it last year, team's rotten and now he's 30.
36. Ahmad Bradshaw, NY Giants, 23: 355 yards and 1 TD (5.3 yards per carry), 5 catches for 42 yards and 1 TD, 13 duds. Moves into the No. 2 RB spot, which occasionally becomes the No. 1 spot when you play behind Jacobs.
37. Chris Wells, Arizona, 20: Rookie. Move him way up if he wins the starting job. Also let's hope he finally shakes the "Beanie" nickname.
38. LaMont Jordan, Denver, 30: 363 yards and 4 TDs (4.5 yards per carry), 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. Starts atop the giant stack of Denver running backs, though it's a little unclear how long he'll remain there. Scored four times in final three games with Patriots last year.
39. Fred Jackson, Buffalo, 28: 571 yards and 3 TDs (4.4 yards per carry), 37 catches for 317 yards, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds. He's a starter for at least the first three games.
40. Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay, 29: 563 yards and 4 TDs (4.3 yards per carry), 23 catches for 174 yards, 2 100-yard games, 10 duds (including 6 games lost to injury). Returns from ankle injury to find himself sharing job with Ward.
41. Tashard Choice, Dallas, 24: 472 yards and 2 TDs (5.1 yards per carry), 21 catches for 185 yards, 13 duds. Hard to figure out exactly how Cowboys will spread carries. But Choice should be a prominent player, especially when the other two break down.
42. Felix Jones, Dallas, 22: 266 yards and 3 TDs (8.9 yards per carry), 2 catches for 10 yards, 14 duds (including 10 games lost to injury.) Speedy, but brittle.
43. Willis McGahee, Baltimore, 27: 671 yards and 7 TDs (3.9 yards per carry), 24 catches for 173 yards, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds, including 3 games lost to injury. Best to avoid Ravens backs until late in the draft. McGahee may be the best bet, but has injury problems and may lose job to Ray Rice. Whoever wins sits down near the goal line anyhow.
44. Laurence Maroney, New England, 24: 93 yards rushing, 13 games missed to injury. Could be huge in the very unlikely perfect storm in which he starts and stays healthy and doesn't lose too many carries to Fred Taylor and the Patriots run more.
l keep getting the 1-yarders at the goal line.
46. Le'Ron McClain, Baltimore, 24: 902 yards and 10 yards rushing (3.9 yards per carry), 19 catches for 123 yards and 1 TD, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 5 duds. Think Maurice Jones-Drew, only rounder. Or Duckett, only smaller. Great in TD-only leagues, but should be moving back to fullback with Lorenzo Neal gone.
47. Jamaal Charles, Kansas City, 22: 357 yards (5.3 yards per carry), 27 catches for 272 yards and 1 TD, 1 100-yard game, 13 duds. Move him way up if L.J. gets the boot.
48. Shonn Greene, NY Jets, 23: Rookie. Could be goal-line back and pick up tons of carries when Thomas Jones' old parts creak to a halt.
49. Chester Taylor, Minnesota, turns 30 Sept. 22: 399 yards and 4 TDs (4.0 yards per carry), 45 catches for 399 yards and 2 TDs, 10 duds. A must-have for Peterson owners.
50. Jerious Norwood, Atlanta, 26: 489 yards and 4 TDs (5.1 yards per carry), 36 catches for 338 yards and 2 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds. A must-have for Turner owners.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona, 26: 96 catches for 1,431 yards and 12 touchdowns, 7 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 1 10-catch game, 2 duds (defined as any game under 80 yards with no TD). No reason to think he won't have similar numbers.
D game, 5 duds. Texans only seem to have passing plays designed for Johnson, who had 10 or more catches seven times last year. And he stayed healthy.
3. Randy Moss, New England, 32: 69 catches for 1,008 yards and 11 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 3 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. Brady's back, so Moss is back to unstoppable.
4. Steve Smith, Carolina, 30: 78 catches for 1,421 yards and 6 TDs, 8 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds (including 2 games missed to suspension). Imagine his numbers if he hadn't been missed those 2 games. (Move him down some if he randomly punches another teammate in camp.)
5. Calvin Johnson, Detroit, 23: 78 catches for 1,331 yards and 12 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 4 duds. Couldn't be stopped even when the Lions only had all those backups named Drew throwing to him. Should benefit from overall offensive improvement in Detroit.
6. Greg Jennings, Green Bay, 25: 80 catches for 1,292 yards and 9 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds. Rodgers' favorite target should have another big year, as long as he doesn't get fat and happy with rich new deal.
7. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis, 30: 82 catches for 1,145 yards and 6 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 8 duds. No more Marvin Harrison should spell 100-catch year.
issed to injury). This ranking assumes he's still a Cardinal, which he would prefer not to be.
9. Roddy White, Atlanta, 27: 88 catches for 1,382 yards and 7 TDs, 7 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 1 10-catch game, 6 duds. Tony Gonzalez may help him get open, but he'll also steal some catches.
10. Marques Colston, New Orleans, 26: 47 catches for 760 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 11 duds (including 5 games missed to injury). Hard to stop when he's upright. Once he got healthy last year, had a TD or 100 yards in five of last six games.
11. Terrell Owens, Buffalo, 35: 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 TDs, 1 200-yard game, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 6 duds. Always does well in honeymoon period with new QB. He'll surely blame lower fantasy rankings on Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia and perhaps Nicolette Sheridan.
12. Brandon Marshall, Denver, 25: 104 catches for 1,265 yards, 6 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 3 10-catch games. If his trade request doesn't go through, expect a scene like this when camp opens: "Very funny, guys. Great Kyle Orton joke. ... Now where's Cutler?"
13. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Seattle, 32: 92 catches for 904 yards, 4 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 2 10-catch games, 13 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Numbers should return with a healthy Hasselbeck and no OchoCinco lobbying for more balls.
s Welker, New England, 28: 111 catches for 1,165 yards and 3 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 1 10-catch game, 9 duds. Surely he'll top 3 TDs with Brady back. And how amazing is 223 catches the past two years?
15. Antonio Bryant, Tampa Bay, 28: 83 catches for 1,248 yards and 7 TDs, 5 100-yard games, 1 200-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Averaged 128 yards and a score in final 4 games. Still no real QB on the roster, but there wasn't last year, either.
16. Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City, 24: 86 catches for 1,022 and 7 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds. QB situation got a lot better, but with no Tony Gonzalez around he's going to see far fewer open spaces.
17. Roy Williams, Dallas, 27: 36 catches for 430 yards and 2 TDs, 12 duds. Managed to underwhelm for two teams last year, but now takes over for T.O. as the No. 1 receiver. Still, really may be the third option behind Jason Witten and whoever's taking handoffs at the time.
18. Anthony Gonzalez, Indianapolis, 25: 57 catches for 664 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 12 duds. Should slide right in to that No. 2 receiver spot.
19. Lance Moore, New Orleans, 26: 79 catches for 928 yards and 10 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 2 multiple-TD games, 8 duds. The clear No. 2 opposite Colston. And being the No. 2 receiver in this offense is not a bad thing (especially when the No. 1 gets carted off the field so frequently).
t Jackson, San Diego, 26: 59 catches for 1,008 yards and 7 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 7 duds. Was huge at the end of the year, and could be ready to be break out in a big way. (Though it seems we've been predicting his big breakout for a while now.)
21. Torry Holt, Jacksonville, 33: 64 catches for 796 yards and 3 TDs, 11 duds. Really not as old as he seemed in St. Louis. Averaged nearly 1,400 yards and eight TDs in the eight seasons before last year's disaster. Might rebound with a QB who can throw.
22. Hines Ward, Pittsburgh, 33: 81 catches for 1,043 yards and 7 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 7 duds. Old guy known most for his fierce blocks on a run-first team, but he always comes through.
23. Braylon Edwards, Cleveland, 26: 55 catches for 873 yards and 3 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 10 duds, 1 billion drops. Maybe he's done a lot of finger exercises or gone to an opposable-thumb-usage clinic or something.
24. Santana Moss, Washington, 30: 79 catches for 1,044 yards and 6 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 9 duds. Stats suffered late, with one TD and no 100-yarders in his final eight games.
25. Eddie Royal, Denver, 23: 91 catches for 980 yards and 5 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 10 duds (including 1 game missed to injury). Vanished at end of season, and may vanish altogether without Cutler.
d 4 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. Never even hit 80 yards last year. Could be better with the return of Palmer. Could be worse as Bengals try to become more run-oriented.
27. Bernard Berrian, Minnesota, 28: 48 catches for 964 yards and 7 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 9 duds. Numbers could really jump if Favre stays upright and explosive rookie Percy Harvin stays healthy.
28. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia, 22: 62 catches for 912 yards and 2 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 10 duds. Exploded onto the scene as a rookie, with 100-yard games in his first two games, but didn't have any after that.
30. Jerricho Cotchery, NY Jets, 27: 71 catches for 858 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Finally gets to be No. 1 receiver, but for a team that doesn't have a QB.
31. Lee Evans, Buffalo, 28: 63 catches for 1,017 and 3 TDs, 4 100-yard games, 8 duds. Deep threat should be able to stretch the field even more with T.O. in the lineup.
32. Steve Breaston, Arizona, 26: 77 catches for 1,006 yards and 3 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 8 duds. Move him way up if Boldin actually winds up somewhere else, and move him down a bit if Boldin sticks around Arizona.
33. Donald Driver, Green Bay, 34: 74 catches for 1,012 yards and 5 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 11 duds. A decent bye-week fill-in, but you just can't count on him every week like you used to.
s and 5 TDs, 7 duds (including 1 missed game). Should be solid again, and no worries on the legal front now that marijuana charges against him have been dropped.
35. Laveranues Coles, Cincinnati, 31: 70 catches for 850 yards and 7 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 10 duds. You have to wonder about a guy who goes to Cincinnati on purpose.
36. Devin Hester, Chicago, 26: 51 catches for 665 yards and 3 TDs, 9 duds. Cutler's used to big, sure-handed Denver receivers, but a tiny former defensive back's about as good as it gets in Chicago.
37. Domenik Hixon, NY Giants, 24: 43 catches for 596 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 14 duds. Briefly looked like a poor man's Plaxico Burress last year, then reverted to random tall and skinny guy. (Also keep an eye on the camp battles to see if Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss are worth drafting.)
38. Ted Ginn Jr., Miami, 24: 56 catches for 790 yards and 4 TDs (2 rushing), 1 100-yard game, 10 duds. Fast and dangerous, just doesn't get many touches.
39. Donnie Avery, St. Louis, 25: 53 catches for 674 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 11 duds. He's the only Rams receiver I can name, so he made the list.
40. Mark Clayton, Baltimore, 27: 41 catches for 695 yards and 3 TDs. Derrick Mason's retirement promotes him to kind of mediocre Ravens starter.
on offense doesn't get hurt again.
42. Devery Henderson, New Orleans, 27: 32 catches for 793 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 10 duds. Not a bad guy to have on the bench since he seems to catch an 80-yarder every few weeks. He averaged about 25 yards a catch last year, but doesn't get many touches.
43. Patrick Crayton, Dallas, 30: 39 catches for 550 yards and 4 TDs, 10 duds. If Williams isn't so great and none of the backs stay healthy and Crayton can hold on to the ball with regularity ... he's a steal here.
44. Kevin Walter, Houston, 28: 60 catches for 899 yards and 8 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 2 multiple-TD games, 9 duds. Always wide open for those rare occasions when Johnson doesn't get the ball.
45. Kevin Curtis, Philadelphia, 31: 33 catches for 390 yards and 2 touchdowns, 13 duds (including 7 games lost to injury). Retains shred of fantasy value based on memories of his 221-yard, 3-TD game against the Lions in 2007.
46. Chris Chambers, San Diego, 31: 33 catches for 462 yards and 5 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 12 duds. Had 5 scores in first 5 games last year, but really wasn't heard from again. It's been an awful long time since his only 1,000-yard season (2005).
47. Percy Harvin, Vikings, 21: Rookie. Has the speed to turn short passes into big plays.
veterans.
49. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco, Rookie: Guy from fluky college offense that throws every down joins quarterbackless team. But at this stage in the draft ... why not?
50. Plaxico Burress, Unemployed, 32: 35 catches for 454 yards and 4 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds (including 6 games missed for a wide variety of reasons). Surely somebody will take a shot - er, gamble - because he's still tall and good. Move him way up if he gets a job.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta, 33: 96 catches for 1,058 yards and 10 TDs, 3 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 4 duds (defined as game under 60 yards with no TDs). Imagine how open he'll be on an offense with other weapons.
2. Jason Witten, Dallas, 27: 81 catches for 952 yards and 4 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 8 duds. Should get more catches with T.O. gone.
3. Antonio Gates, San Diego, 29: 60 catches for 704 yards and 8 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 7 duds. Even with kind of an off 2008, averaging 10 scores over the past five seasons.
4. Dallas Clark, Indianapolis, 30: 77 catches for 848 yards and 6 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 8 duds (including 1 missed game). Should get more catches with Harrison gone.
5. Greg Olsen, Chicago, 24: 54 catches for 574 and 5 TDs, 10 duds. May be Cutler's most reliable new target.
e'll score more than once this year.
7. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay: 43 catches for 428 yards and 3 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds (including 6 missed games). He's used to producing with no real QB. He's also extremely awesome, he says.
8: Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans, 29: 50 catches for 483 yards and 0 TDs, 14 duds (including 4 games lost to injury). Brash prediction: He won't be held out of the end zone for two straight years.
9. Owen Daniels, Houston, 26: 70 catches for 862 yards and 2 TDs, 2 100-yard games, 1 multiple-TD game, 1 10-catch game, 9 duds. Always quietly solid.
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota, 29: 42 catches for 596 yards and 7 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds. Favre's known to look for a big man in the end zone.
11. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh, 26: 48 catches for 514 yards and 3 TDs, 10 duds (including 2 games missed). Had career low in TDs last year.
12. John Carlson, Seattle, 25: 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 7 duds. Hasselbeck's return helps.
13. Zach Miller, Oakland, 23: 56 catches for 778 yards and 1 TD, 10 duds. More than one score with an improved Russell?
14: Vernon Davis, San Francisco, 25: 31 for 358 yards and 2 TDs, 13 duds. Will the Niners ever figure out how to use musclebound TE?
s, but lots of scores.
16. Tony Scheffler, Denver, 26: 40 catches for 645 yards and 3 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 9 duds (including 3 games missed). Hard to figure his role in new offense.
17. Kevin Boss, NY Giants, 25: 33 catches for 384 yards and 6 TDs, 9 duds. Lots more blocking ahead, but did lead team in TD catches.
18. L.J. Smith, Baltimore, 29: 37 catches for 298 yards and 3 TDs, 13 duds (including 3 games lost to injury)
19. Bo Scaife, Tennessee, 28: 58 catches for 561 yards and 2 TDs, 1 100-yard game, 12 duds. Didn't score or surpass 40 yards in final 7 games.
20: Todd Heap, Baltimore, 29: 35 catches for 403 yards and 3 TDs, 1 multiple-TD game, 13 duds. What happened to this guy?
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:
1. Pittsburgh, 20 INTs, 51 sacks, 1 safety, 9 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
2. Minnesota, 12 INTs, 3 safeties, 45 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
3. Philadelphia, 15 INTs, 48 sacks, 1 safety, 14 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.
4. NY Giants, 17 INTs, 3 safeties, 43 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
5. Baltimore, 26 INTs, 35 sacks, 3 safeties, 9 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
6. Tennessee, 20 INTs, 44 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
7. Dallas, 8 INTs, 1 safety, 59 sacks, 14 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
8. New England, 14 INTs, 30 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 1 TD.
9. NY Jets, 14 INTs, 40 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
ay, 22 INTs, 27 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, 9 TDs.
11. Tampa Bay, 22 INTs, 29 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 7 TDs.
12. Chicago, 22 INTs, 1 safety, 28 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
13. Arizona, 13 INTs, 31 sacks, 17 fumble recoveries, 6 TDs.
14. San Diego, 15 INTs, 1 safety, 27 sacks, 9 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
15. Carolina, 12 INTs, 37 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
16. Seattle, 9 INTs, 35 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
17. Miami, 18 INTs, 1 safety, 41 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, 2 TDs.
18. Indianapolis, 15 INTs, 31 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 4 TDs.
19. Buffalo, 10 INTs, 24 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, 5 TDs.
20. Atlanta, 10 INTs, 1 safety, 34 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, 3 TDs.
KICKERS:
1. Stephen Gostowski, New England, 148 points, 36 FGs.
2. David Akers, Philadelphia, 144 points, 33 FGs.
3. Matt Bryant, Tampa Bay, 131 points, 32 FGs.
4. John Kasay, Carolina, 130 points, 28 FGs.
5. Rob Bironas, Tennessee, 127 points, 29 FGs.
6. Jason Elam, Atlanta, 129 points, 29 FGs.
7. Ryan Longwell, Minnesota, 127 points, 29 FGs.
8. Mason Crosby, Green Bay, 127 points, 27 FGs.
9. Nate Keading, San Diego, 127 points, 27 FGs.
10. Nick Folk, Dallas, 102 points, 20 FGs.
11. Garrett Hartley, New Orleans 67 points, 13 FGs.
12. Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis, 103 points, 20 FGs
awrence Tynes, NY Giants, 4 points, 1 FG.
14. Rian Lindell, Buffalo, 124 points, 30 FGs.
15. Matt Prater, Denver, 114 points, 25 FGs.
16. Kris Brown, Houston, 124 points, 29 FGs.
17. Robbie Gould, Chicago, 119 points, 26 FGs.
18. Neil Rackers, Arizona, 119 points, 25 FGs.
19. Jeff Reed, Pittsburgh, 117 points, 27 FGs.
20. Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland, 97 points, 24 FGs.
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