SCHEDULE ANALYSIS

UPGRADES

DEREK ANDERSON - The Browns play nine games against top ten rush defenses. One the flip side only five games against top ten pass defenses. They may have to resort to the pass more often than they like. Fortunately for Anderson he has the tools with Braylon Edwards, Donte Stallworth and Kellen Winslow to get the job done.

ELI MANNING - The defending super bowl champs received a break in this year’s schedule by playing against some terrible pass defenses. In total they play only one top ten pass defense and thirteen of sixteen games against 16th or higher ranked pass defenses. Considering a brutal rush defense schedule, Manning should put the ball up plenty of times.

MARSHAWN LYNCH - If Lynch can sort out his legal troubles by the time the season starts he is in prime position for a big year. In ten of sixteen games he competes against rush defenses 20th ranked and above. The Bills only play three top ten rush defenses and ten top ten pass defenses. They may have no choice but to run the ball even if they are playing catch up.

SELVIN YOUNG - Young is now the starter and has been given an early Christmas present. The Broncos only play one top ten rush defense and thirteen of sixteen games against teams ranked 16 or higher. There is always the lingering running back by committee concerns but Denver will run the ball with much success this year.

LARRY JOHNSON - The Chiefs certainly have concerns at quarterback but a healthy Larry Johnson and a cake rush schedule can alleviate those worries. They play thirteen of sixteen games against rush defenses ranked 16 or worse. Johnson is a first round selection for sure.

LAURANCE MARONEY - It hardly seems fair that the Patriots play eleven of sixteen games against rush defenses ranked 20th or higher. Maroney will become a bigger part of the offense this year similar to the playoff run last year.

DOWNGRADES

PHILIP RIVERS - Rivers proved a level of toughness last year playing the end of the season with a bum knee. His reward is playing twelve of sixteen games against top ten pass defenses. The Chargers of course have an ace in the hole with the best running back in the game. They only play two top ten rush defenses and Tomlinson is going to run wild.

TRENT EDWARDS - This is a tough hand to be dealt to a second year starter. The Bills have nine games against top ten pass defenses. The only saving grace is the easy rush defensive schedule. With Lynch the Bills will be a run first and pass when desperate team.

RUDI JOHNSON - Johnson will enter the season with a crowed backfield and a level of uncertainly to the amount of carries he will actually receive. The Bengals have to pleasure of playing the AFC North with Pittsburgh and Baltimore along with the NFC East rotation on the schedule. In total they have nine games against top ten rushing defenses.

JAMAL LEWIS - Lewis has the distinct pleasure of also playing nine games against top ten rush defenses. The expectations are high after last year’s resurgence. Lewis may have trouble repeating with Derek Anderson airing it out as the Browns become a pass first offense.

BRANDON JACOBS - The Giants play ten games against top ten rush defenses. Jacobs is a health concern and backups Bradshaw and Ward are competing for playing time. Throw in a tough schedule and you may want to pass on all Giants running backs.