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ESPN.com: NFL | [Print without images] |
The countdown is on for the start of the NFL season and Football Outsiders is getting warmed up with a look at players on the rise, players trending down and names to watch for all 32 teams. Whether its getting a tip for a fantasy draft or a tip on your favorite team, Outsiders will have it covered.
Starting with the AFC West, we'll add a new team every day. Check back often; we're just getting warmed up.
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
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San Diego Chargers | Roster | Stats | Can a rising quarterback cover for a falling star running back? |
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Denver Broncos | Roster | Stats | Denver needs a Royal performance from a receiver. |
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Oakland Raiders | Roster | Stats | A young quarterback finds a favorite target at tight end. |
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Kansas City Chiefs | Roster | Stats | A rising runner needs to overcome a sinking offensive line in Kansas City. |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Arizona Cardinals | Roster | Stats | One of the game's greats looks headed for a serious decline in 2009 |
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San Francisco 49ers | Roster | Stats | An aging wide receiver prepares to ride off into the San Francisco sunset. |
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Seattle Seahawks | Roster | Stats | For the Seahawks, it's one Jones up and one Jones down. |
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St. Louis Rams | Roster | Stats | A rejuvenated offensive line will do wonders for all-purpose back Steven Jackson. |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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New York Giants | Roster | Stats | The Giants may see cracks in their foundation. |
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Philadelphia Eagles | Roster | Stats | Can the arrival of Michael Vick make up for a coming backfield decline? |
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Dallas Cowboys | Roster | Stats | The departure of Terrell Owens shouldn't cause a hiccup - but the offensive line might. |
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Washington Redskins | Roster | Stats | A workhorse running back may be on the decline in DC. |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Miami Dolphins | Roster | Stats | After a surge forward in 2008, can the Wildcat hold off a slump in Miami? |
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Buffalo Bills | Roster | Stats | Don't expect a lot from Terrell Owens in northern New York |
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New England Patriots | Roster | Stats | With Brady's return, exactly how good will Randy Moss be for New England? |
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New York Jets | Roster | Stats | Dustin Keller should be a good fit in Rex Ryan's offense - but how will Thomas Jones fare? |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Carolina Panthers | Roster | Stats | Carolina will get even more production from youth on the offensive and defensive lines in 2009. |
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Atlanta Falcons | Roster | Stats | While the Falcons might see some slippage at quarterback, a powerful back has them headed the right direction. |
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Roster | Stats | The final holdover from the vaunted Cover-2 defense is heading for a fall in Tampa Bay. |
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New Orleans Saints | Roster | Stats | The biggest production won't come from the Saints' most visible receiver. |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Tennessee Titans | Roster | Stats | For the Titans, a Pro Bowl corner may feel the loss of Albert Haynesworth. |
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Indianapolis Colts | Roster | Stats | The Colts will miss Marvin Harrison, but Anthony Gonzalez is ready and capable of filling the void. |
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Houston Texans | Roster | Stats | The Texans look to take a big step behind a breakout star at quarterback. |
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Jacksonville Jaguars | Roster | Stats | A rebuilt offensive line and stronger receiving corps bodes well for QB David Garrard. |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Detroit Lions | Roster | Stats | It may not be fair, but a high-profile rookie makes the trending down list for the Lions. |
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Green Bay Packers | Roster | Stats | The tight end position will be a huge key for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. |
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Chicago Bears | Roster | Stats | As the Bears' offense gets a jolt from Jay Cutler, could a defensive stalwart be slipping? |
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Minnesota Vikings | Roster | Stats | Sept. 5 |
| Team | Summer Sizzle | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Cleveland Browns | Roster | Stats | Jamal Lewis' best days are behind him. |
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Cincinnati Bengals | Roster | Stats | Chris Henry could be the weapon Carson Palmer has been waiting for. |
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Baltimore Ravens | Roster | Stats | The Ravens have a rising star in the offensive backfield, while one of their defensive stalwarts may slip |
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Pittsburgh Steelers | Roster | Stats | Defending champion Pittsburgh may see a RB bear the brunt of a weak offensive line. |