[Baromaro]

Alright, here are my additions to my earlier observations.

Pittsburgh: With the loss of Tommy Maddox, this is a hard team to evaluate. They have a solid run game and a top-notch WR in Hines Ward. A respectable defense will keep this team in games. Right now, I think they are better than their 1-2 record. Having a rookie QB is going to hurt them. With Maddox, this team is 9-7. Without him, they could see as low as 6-10, depending on how much time he misses, and how long they stick with Roethlisberger.

San Diego: Another team that is hard to evaluate. Drew Brees came into training camp with something to prove...and he sure as hell did. Brees showed that he is a capable starting QB in the NFL. I'm sure there will be a team looking to pick him up come next season. LaDanian Tomlinson is arguably the best RB in the NFL. With a better supporting cast, who knows what this guy could do. The defense is still suspect and needs some work. The final outcome for this team will sway big-time depending on who is at QB. With Brees, this team challenges for 8-8. With Phillip Rivers, this team could be as bad as 3-13, all depending on how much time Rivers sees.

Washington: While many consider Joe Gibbs to be a football genius...this may just be too much. No matter how much Dan Snyder spends, this team just can't put it together. Too many egos, not enough players who just want to play and win. The defense is overrated, and the offense is inconsistent. They have plenty of options, and should not have these problems. An already weak offensive line was decimated by injuries. With Portis, Coles, and Brunell, this team should be scoring plenty, and quite often. A rebuilt offensive line and some defensive upgrades could turn this team into a contender next year. This team will top out at 9-7, but 8-8 is much more likely.

Dallas: If Testaverde can stay healthy all year, and one of the running backs step up to provide the occasional help, this team could push for the playoffs. The defense is what will carry this team, although they started out shaky against Minnesota. 9-7 is a likely finish, but an early injury to Testaverde could push them way back to as low as 5-11. The defense is good, but sometimes overhyped. Roy Williams is a liability in coverage, and Terrance Newman hasn't played up to potential. They could cost the 'Boys a game or two during the season if they don't step up.

Oakland: The injury to Rich Gannon could be a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy and his intensity, but I don't know that he's capable of performing the way this team needs. Collins has a little more youth and the ablility to throw deep that the offense needs. The defense looks decent, and should be a major asset. Last year's team was partially a fluke, and partially a disaster. Some of the egos have been cleared, and the injuries have healed. The playoffs are not out of the question, but they cannot afford a QB controversy once Gannon is back, and one of the RBs needs to step in and take over as the main back. The Raiders hope that player will be Justin Fargas. 10-6 looks to be what this team will achieve.

I'll update again come mid-season and hopefully I'll be pretty accurate. Injuries can screw things up though, but I tried to account for them in my predictions. Remember, all fans please let me know how you feel about my predictions. I'd love to hear your input.