ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli reports that Rams scouts “are becoming increasingly convinced” that Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh is the best player in the draft. Pasquarelli acknowledges that it’s a “relatively close call” between Suh and Oklahoma DT Gerald McCoy, but the St. Louis Rams reportedly believe that Suh has the potential to make Chris Long and Adam Carriker better.

Drafting Suh to play the “three technique” position next to NT Cliff Ryan might allow the Rams to move Carriker out to end on early downs, helping the team’s run defense. Carriker, though, wouldn’t be a big sack threat rushing off the edge.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

New York: Plaxico Burress’ family has been hit with a $3.3 million foreclosure lawsuit, which may cost them their home. The suit is concerning a $2.9 million mortgage Burress signed in 2005, when he was making $7 million a year. Plax has obviously not been able to pay the mortgage while imprisoned. Burress is scheduled for release in 2011, and may be homeless upon return. He’ll be 34 years old when he gets out.

Cincinnati: Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis gave Laveranues Coles a vote of confidence in an interview with the team’s website Friday. Lewis called Coles a “leader” who provided “stability” in the locker room. “He made some big catches,” Lewis added. “He blocked great. He took what was a rocky situation and smoothed it right out.” In reality, Coles was drop prone and underwhelming in terms of production in his first year as a Bengal. The team desperately needs to upgrade at his position.

San Diego: ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli suggests that Antonio Cromartie could be traded “to an AFC East club in return for a tailback.” AFC East backs that may be on the block include Marshawn Lynch, Thomas Jones, and Laurence Maroney. Cromartie, though, probably doesn’t appeal strongly to any of the aforementioned teams because he can’t (or won’t) tackle. A power runner with versatility, Lynch would be San Diego’s most desirable pickup. It will likely take more than just Cromartie to get him.

Jacksonville: Jacksonville Jaguars re-signed WR Troy Williamson to a one-year contract worth roughly $1 million, including a $100,000 signing bonus. Williamson, 27 in April, missed virtually all of 2009 with a torn labrum after an impressive preseason that earned him the opening-day start over Mike Sims-Walker. He may get a chance to compete outside with Mike Thomas now that Torry Holt is gone.

2010 NFL Draft: Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour has opted not to throw at next week’s Scouting Combine. The decision isn’t injury related, but rather LeFevour and his agent’s choice. LeFevour is trying to ride his hot hand after throwing for 97 yards and a TD on ten attempts in last month’s Senior Bowl, following a mediocre week of practice. LeFevour’s arm strength remains a serious concern. He did confirm that he’ll throw at the Chippewas’ March Pro Day.

Raiders owner Al Davis will meet with coach Tom Cable “sometime this week” to discuss “all the reasons he’ll get fired,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle. It is not know at this point if Davis will fire Cable for “cause” and attempt to withhold the remainder of his salary.

Cable likely knew this was coming when he heavily criticized JaMarcus Russell a couple weeks ago. Some rumored candidates for the job include former NFL assistant Marc Trestman, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, ex-Giants coach Jim Fassel and Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Jacksonville: SI’s Peter King reports that Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is making calls to potential staff members in anticipation of leaving Jacksonville for USC. Meanwhile, the Florida Times Union reports Del Rio is safe if he wants to stay with the Jags and he is scheduled to meet with owner Wayne Weaver on Tuesday. In light of this latest development, however, it’s possible Del Rio might intentionally tank the “interview” with Weaver to coach his alma mater. Oregon State’s Mike Riley, Washington’s Steve Sarkisian, and Titans coach Jeff Fisher have already turned down the Trojans, who are running out of high-profile options.

Miami: In more coaching news, the Dolphins have fired defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni. Scout.com’s Adam Caplan reports that Miami has interest in Romeo Crennel as a possible successor. The Fins were a top-ten team against the run in 2008, Pasqualoni’s first year on the job, but fell to 18th this past season and his unit was never effective against the pass. New York is in need of a defensive coordinator and head coach Tom Coughlin is a Syracuse alumnus.

Oakland: Free agent DL Richard Seymour said Monday that he will not consider returning to the New England Patriots in 2010. “There’s probably about 31 teams I’d consider,” Seymour said. Asked if New England is among them, he replied “That isn’t something I’m looking to do at all.” Seymour, 30, was clearly hurt when the Pats sent him to Oakland last September.

New York: The New York Giants have formally approached Jim Haslett about their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. However, Schefter says the union “sounds like a longshot for now.” Haslett, 54, stayed busy this offseason by coaching in the UFL.

Washington: The Washington Redskins have reportedly offered Broncos RBs coach Bobby Turner a spot on their staff, with the title of “associate head coach.” This would be an upward move for Turner, who’s only been a position coach in the NFL.

Green Bay: The Packers have denied the Bears permission to interview QBs coach Tom Clements for Chicago’s offensive coordinator vacancy.

Browns president Mike Holmgren has informed head coach Eric Mangini that he and his entire staff will keep their jobs in 2010. A month ago this news would have been unthinkable, but Mangini managed to save his job with a four-game winning streak in December and by impressing Holmgren during initial team meetings. This will certainly be a one-year audition as Holmgren will not stand for losing. We suspect that Holmgren may have a coach in mind to replace Mangini, but he is not available at this time.

Elsewhere around the NFL:

Jacksonville: According to Profootballtalk.com, Jack Del Rio will be “interviewing for his job” when he meets with owner Wayne Weaver next week. Del Rio will reportedly have to be “on his best behavior” while setting aside his “moody” tendencies. The only thing saving Del Rio at this point is the $15 million he’s owed for the next three seasons, thanks to Weaver picking up the coach’s option earlier in the season. Expect Del Rio to remain the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars for at least the 2010 season.

Arizona: Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee) is expected to be a game-time decision Sunday. “It’s getting better every day,” Boldin said of his ankle Thursday. “I’m still optimistic. As long as it keeps improving, I should be all right.” Boldin has yet to practice this week, but Ken Whisenhunt cited his history of playing through injuries in refusing to rule him out. Considering that this is a playoff game and Boldin’s pain threshold, expect the off-injured WR to play.

St. Louis: Marc Bulger is considering retiring, sources tell the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
This explains his oft-disinterested play over the last three seasons. Bulger’s Rams career was already over due to performance that didn’t measure up to an $8.5M salary in 2010, but he’s only 32 and would’ve drawn plenty of interest on a paper-thin free agent market, if not brought back the St. Louis Rams a seventh-round pick via trade.

Cleveland: The agent for Josh Cribbs told NFL.com late Wednesday that his client will formally request a trade from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, under Mike Holmgren even, are offering Cribbs a raise to just $1.4M a year. Another of Cribbs’ player reps hinted at a trade demand earlier today. Agent J.R. Rickert confirmed it. “We’re going to formally put in a request for a trade,” Rickert said. “(Cribbs) will not set foot in that facility again. If they had offered even something like $2.5 million per season we could have worked with them, but to me this offer is indefensible.”

2010 NFL Draft: Ole Miss QB Jevan Snead has reportedly decided to forego his senior season and enter the NFL draft. Originally though to be a potential first round pick, Snead has never completed even 57 percent of his passes in a season.

2010 NFL Draft: Iowa OT Bryan Bulaga will forgo his senior year with the Hawkeyes and enter the 2010 NFL Draft. Highly athletic at 6’6/315, Bulaga’s profile is similar to that of Joe Thomas. Bulaga will be an idea tackle in the zone-blocking scheme-are you listening Oakland and Washington?

Each week I will fearlessly predict the outcomes of all the NFL games on the schedule. To date, I hold a record of 40-23 (9-6 in week 10) and I’m a shade behind the ESPN leader (Hodge) at a winning percentage of 64% to 69%.

Miami @ Carolina

Prediction: Miami 21, Carolina17: Williams and the Wildcat will run wild in this one.

Washington @ Dallas

Prediction: Dallas 31, Redskins 13: I’m not brave enough to predict the upset n this one. Good time for the Dallas Cowboys to need a pick-me-up game.

Cleveland @ Detroit

Prediction: Detroit 28, Browns 24: Its really hard to say, but the Lions win on having the more stable franchise at the moment.

San Francisco @ Green Bay

Prediction: Green Bay 21, San Francisco 20: The 49ers can easily win this game, but I’m not brave enough to pick them.

Pittsburg @ Kansas City

Prediction: Pittsburg 27, Kansas City 10: Look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to have 200+ yards rushing in this game.

Seattle @ Minnesota

Prediction: Minnesota 21, Seattle 13: The pass-happy Seahawks will have trouble consistently moving the ball.

Atlanta @ New York Giants

Prediction: Atlanta 21, New York Giants 17: In a mild upset, the Falcons steal one on the road and the New York Giants struggles continue.

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

Prediction: New Orleans 35, Tampa bay 3: Blow out city.

Buffalo @ Jacksonville

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars 17, Buffalo 13: How about winning one for the skipper? Not with the Jags rushing attack, that will have to wait a few weeks.

Indianapolis @ Baltimore

Prediction: Indianapolis 24, Baltimore 14: The Ravens defense is not the same, especially without Suggs.

Arizona @ St. Louis

Prediction: Arizona 41, St. Louis 6: The Cardinals have their second bye week of the year.

San Diego @ Denver

Prediction: San Diego 24, Denver 21: Nobody would believe me when I said that Denver Broncos is overrated.

Cincinnati @ Oakland

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Oakland 0: It cannot get much worse than this…

New England @ New York Jets

Prediction: New England 31, New York Jets 17: Payback. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots ran up the score a bit.

Philadelphia @ Chicago

Prediction: Philadelphia 28, Chicago 17: How many pics will Cutler throw?

Tennessee @ Houston

Prediction: Houston 31, Tennessee 28: Houston has too much firepower in this one.

Each week I will fearlessly predict the outcomes of all the NFL games on the schedule. To date, I hold a record of 17-8 and I’m a shade behind the leading ESPN expert, Schefter, with a prediction rate of 68% to 72%. Here are the picks for this week:

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Prediction: Dolphins 28, Jets 21. The Miami Dolphins pull off a minor upset due to their ability to establish the run and pressure the rookie quarterback.

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

Prediction: Giants 35, Eagles 27. A surprise shootout. This is a game that features two good, but inconsistent teams that are at a crossroad in their respective seasons.

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens

Prediction: Ravens 21, Denver Broncos 14. I’m still not a believer in the Broncos and I don’t believe their short, but creative offensive schemes will work against the Ravens.

Houston Texans @ Buffalo Bills

Prediction: Texans 17, Bills 13. The Texans have just enough offense to win on the road.

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys

Prediction: Dallas 41, Seahawks 21. I think the Dallas Cowboys are going to hit on all cylinders.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars 17, Titans 6. Vince Young is not the answer.

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers

Prediction: Chargers 35, Raiders 6. Any explanation necessary?

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals

Prediction: Cardinals 28, Panthers 7. The Cardinals are starting to come on and are a dangerous team at the moment.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 21 The Vikings come down to earth in the last two weeks and lose in perhaps the game of the year. Look for Aaron Rodgers to have a break out game and become an NFL star against a very tough defense.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Prediction: Saints 35, Falcons 17. The Saints keep rolling, can anyone stop this high-powered offense?

Houston Texans @Cincinnati Bengals

Prediction: Cincinnati 21, Houston 14. Look for Carson Palmer to continue to play well and the Cincinnati defense will do just enough to pull this one out.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Green Bay 31, Detroit 10. This one won’t be close as Aaron Rodgers will have a huge game.

St. Louis Rams @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars 17, St. Louis 10. Can I pick a tie? No, that wouldn’t be fun.

Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings

Prediction: Baltimore 20, Minnesota 13. The Vikings running attack will be slowed down and the ageless one will not be able to pull this one out.

New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints

Prediction: New Orleans Saints 28, New York 20. The Saints have too much firepower for a banged-up Giants defense.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburg Steelers

Prediction: Pittsburg 24, Cleveland 10. Who is starting at QB in Cleveland Browns again?

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Prediction: Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 6. The Panthers running attack will be the difference in this contest.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Washington Redskins

Prediction: Kansas City 13, Redskins 10. In my upset of the week, the Chiefs finally get there first win after being close a few times.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Oakland Raiders

Prediction: Philadelphia 31, Oakland Raiders 14. I’m being nice only giving the Eagles 31 points, they could easily go for 50.

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Prediction: Seattle 28, Arizona 27. In perhaps the most exciting game of the week, Seattle pulls one out at home late in the game.

Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots

Prediction: New England 17, Tennessee 14. Surprisingly Tennessee will keep this one close, but New England is clearly better and at home.

Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets

Prediction: New York 31, Buffalo 24. The Bills offense will get back on track, but the defense will not follow.

Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots
This is a big divisional game, that will go a along way to deciding who the favorites in the AFC East are. Buffalo has struggled in the last two game and it has to feel like a must win for the players. New England has won 9 straight games against Buffalo and will be looking to keep that trend going. The Pats defense has been playing very well of late and if the Bills want to win they will need to have a good game plan. Trent Edwards has struggled in the last couple of games, resulting in Bills loses. This game looks like it il be a run game vs run defense battle with the winner able to control the line of scrimmage. The Bills Marshawn Lynch needs to have a break out game to take some pressure off of Edwards and allow him some time in the pocket. For the Patriots Matt Cassel is starting to look comfortable, he is no Brady, but he can manage the game. If New England wants to win they will need Cassel to control the game and limit turnovers. I think the story of this game will come down to the Patriots rushing attack vs the Bills rush defense, the winner of this battle will win the game. I can’t help but notice the Bills haven’t had a big special team play in awhile and might be do to break out. This is the biggest game of the week, with the most on the line and I think it will be a close one. Patriots are home so you have to pick them, Pats win the game 21 – 17, in a back and forth game.

New York Giants vs Philadelphia Eagles
A lot of people are handing the Giants the NFC title already, but this week they will need to prove themselves. The Eagles are a good team, but haven’t performed consistently yet. The division will get a lot closer if the Eagles manage to pull off a big home game this weekend. The Eagles boast the 7th ranked defense and will put constant pressure on Eli Manning. These teams rank 1 and 2 in sacks this year and put a lot of pressure on the offensive lines of there opponents. There in lies the key to the game, which ever offensive line can manage to neutralize the rush of the defense on the other side will win this game. For the Giants they have to try and control Brian Westbrook, as Westbrook goes so does the Eagles offense. If the Giants manage to keep Westbrook down, it will put a lot of pressure on Donovan McNabb and force some mistakes. I expect a good solid defensive battle, that will be close throughout the entire game. The Eagles know they need this game to stay in the divisional hunt and will be ready to go on Sunday night. This will be a QB battle in the end, and which ever guy manages to stay on his feet and avoid turnovers will be the victor. I like the Eagles at home in this game, in a smash mouth and great defensive game. Eagles win and make the division interesting by a score of 17 – 14.

Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers
Both teams have battled consistency this year, and are off to 4 – 4 starts. Big divisional match up, especially considering that the division leader Bears are playing the Titans this week. A loss this week could seriously hurt one of these teams chances of making the playoffs. For Green Bay to win this game they will need Aaron Rodgers to play one of the best games of his career. The Vikings have the 2nd ranked rush defense, but are susceptible through the air. The Packers don’t run well and the Vikings stop the run, so it will be on Rodgers to win. On the other side of the ball you can expect the Vikings to pound Adrian Peterson at the Packers defense all day. The Vikings will look to slow the game down and get some big plays on the ground. The Packers have the 28th ranked rush defense and will probably struggle to stop Peterson all day. Strengths vs weaknesses is the story of this one, these teams seem to be built as complete opposites. The Vikings run and stop the run, while the Packers pass and stop the pass. I am being a bit of a “homer” this week and think Adrian Peterson will be to much for the Green Bay defense to handle. Should be a close game, but Minnesota wins 28 – 24.

Detroit Lions vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Well this might be the best chance for Detroit to come up with a win this year. Detroit has the 32nd ranked defense to go along with there 28th ranked offense. The Lions don’t make anything easy on themselves, and have the least amount of talent in the league. The Lions have signed Dante Culpepper and is yet to be determined whether or not he will play this week. The Lions will be in tough if they want to win, 1st they will have to improve on there 31st ranked rush defense. The Jags will run the ball at the Lions all day and wait and see if they will able to stop them. Jacksonville should have no problem winning this game as long as they don’t turn the ball over or have stupid plays that allow the Lions to score. The Jags cannot lose this game, there playoff hope are already slim and if they lose this week they will be gone. Last week Jacksonville lost to the winless Bengals, and will not want to lose to another winless team in week 10. Sorry, but I can’t pick the Lions, the Jags have something to prove and will win the game easy 31 – 10, with a big first half.

Heading into this weeks games there isn’t a lot of marquee match ups. There are a lot teams that are on the up swing this season playing big time teams, they will have to prove they are going to hang around all season. There are some intriguing games and it should be fun to watch which under dogs will have big weeks, and they will.

Dallas Cowboys – Arizona Cardinals
Yes, Arizona is playing in a big game, that hasn’t happened in awhile. Coming off last weeks blow out of Buffalo Arizona will be looking to ride that momentum when Dallas comes to town. These are the two highest scoring teams in NFC and looks like it might be a shootout. This game will be a battle of offense, and come down to which defense will make the stops in key spots. Kurt Warner is off to a great start at QB for Arizona and if he keeps it up Dallas will have there hands full. Dallas defense ranks 17th against the pass and Arizona is in the top 5 of passing teams in the league. Dallas cannot afford to lose this game, they need to keep pace in this division. On paper Dallas is the most talented squad in the league and they will need all that talent to win on Sunday. Look for Dallas to run the ball a lot with Barber and Jones and test the Cardinal defense. This should be high scoring affair, that will be close for most of the game. I will look for the Cowboy defense to step up and make some stops in the fourth quarter and lead the Boys to victory. I think the final score will be 31 – 24 Dallas, they are just the more talented team.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Denver Broncos
After Jacksonville had a disappointing loss last week, they are in tough again traveling to Denver in week 6. In my opinion the Jags are better then there record and Denver is worse then there record. If Jacksonville wants to win this week they will have to slow down Cutler at QB for the Broncos. The Broncos have been all offense this year with a 3rd ranked offense and 25 ranked defense. Denver’s defense allows 130 plus yards a game on the ground and Jacksonville will look to exploit that by running a lot. Maurice Jones Drew and Fred Taylor will need to have productive days for there team to win. The Jaguars will look to make the game physical on both sides of the ball and jump on the opportunities the Bronco’s will give them. This is kind of a ying/yang game with Jacksonville wanting to slow the game down and Denver wanting to speed it up with big plays. If Jacksonville wants to win they will need to improve there 26th ranked defense against the pass and get some pressure on Cutler and force him to make bad decisions.  This is a tough game to pick, and I think it will come down to late in the game. I think the Jags D will step up and slow Cutler and allow the offense to run there plays. It will be a close game, but I think the Jags will win 24 -21 with a late field goal.

New England Patriots – San Diego Chargers
The two favorites in the AFC before the season, but things haven’t started the way either team expected. This game will be missing big stars like Brady and Merrien, but is still very intriguing. To win this game both teams will be looking to get there running games going and take some pressure off there QB’s. San Diego was embarrassed last week losing to Miami in a game they were heavily favored to win and will be looking to redeem themselves this week. With the Bills on bye this week the Patriots know that if they win they are back on top of there division, a place they are used to being. Chargers can’t afford to lose, Denver is playing good football and a loss just puts them further back in there division. This game will come down to which team can run the ball and which team can stop the run. Tomlinson is banged up in San Diego, but I don’t think you’ll see him have less then 40 yards this week. Both team will establish there run and clog the box on defense to stop it. I think this will be a close game again, but I think San Diego will win a close low scoring game. The Chargers are desperate, and will play with passion. The final score will be 21 – 17 Chargers.

Carolina Panthers – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Big NFC South game, that will go along way to determining who the best team in the division is. Carolina is off to a great start led by there defense that is only allowing 14 points a game. Tampa Bay is coming off a loss last week to Denver and will be looking to prove they are a playoff team this season. The Bucs are a balanced team, that are solid on both sides of the ball. This game  should be tight from the opening kickoff and be a physical affair. The game will go to the team that will avoid major turnovers and take advantage of there opponents mistakes. I love the Carolina defense and think they will have a pretty easy time with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay will put up a fight, but I think the Panthers will win 24 -14.

There might not be a lot of high profile games this week, but there is a lot of games that could define a teams season. Teams like San Diego, Tampa Bay, Miami and Jacksonville will look to prove they are contenders this year. Enjoy this weeks games and I hope your team is on the right path.

Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Big divisional game, that could have a major impact on the outcome of the year. Washington wasn’t thought to be a favorite in the division, but they are off to a 3 -1 start and coming off a big victory over Dallas. Philadelphia is 2 – 2, but have hade a tough schedule to start off the year. The key to this game might be the health of Philly’s all pro half back Brian Westbrook, they need him to have success and win this game. Jason Campbell is starting to look good as the QB in Washington and he will need to be poised for the Redskins to win. The Eagles defense has been playing very well against the run and Clinton Portis will have to figure out how to gain some yards. The Eagles defense will come after Campbell with blitz’s and try to force some turnovers. If Westbrook and McNabb are healthy I think Philadelphia wins this game. The Eagles defense will force mistakes and not allow Portis to run over them. This will be a close and exciting game, look for the score deferential to be less then 7.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Jacksonville Jaguars
These are two of the most physical teams in the NFL and you should look forward to a smash mouth game. Defense will be the name of the game and the game will be one by the QB who manages to move the ball in key situations. The Steelers are banged up in the back field, which will force Rothlisberger to beat the Jags through the air. The Jags win games with defense and a solid running game, and they will have to follow that game plan to win this week. Both these teams have had a tough start playing a lot of close games and being in stressful situations. This will be a low  scoring game and if you like to watch good defense this will be he game for you this week. I am concerned about the running game in Pittsburgh and I think if Jags QB David Garrard can avoid big mistakes the Jaguars will win this game. The game will be low scoring and will be won in the fourth quarter. My pick is the Jags, by maybe just a field goal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Denver Broncos
An NFC South match up, both team are 3- 1 and will be looking to be first in the division at weeks end. This is a game about momentum, the Bucs are coming off a big win against Green Bay while the Broncos had a surprising loss last week. Both the teams QB’s have been playing very well and they will be looked at lead there respective teams to victory this week. Denver is off to a good start, but not because of there defense who are near last in almost every category. Denver will have to be extremely better then they were last week, if they want to have a chance on Sunday. Look for the Bucs to run the ball with Graham and Dunn all day, and make Denver’s poor defense try to stop them. For Denver to win they will need a big game out of Cutler and some turnovers on defense. I am not sold on Denver and think Tampa will win this game easily. Look for Ernest Graham to have a big game, but the key for the Bucs will be whether or not Griese can take care of the ball at QB. The Buccaneers will win and take control of the NFC South for the rest of the year.

Tennessee Titans vs Baltimore Ravens
The Titans are off to a 4 -0 start and will be looking to prove to the league that they are real contenders. Baltimore is 2  – 1 and are led by one of the leagues best defenses. The Titans defense is also very good, and this game looks like it will be low scoring affair. The Titans get a lot of pressure on the QB led by Albert Haynesworth, which might mean trouble for Ravens rookie Joe Flacco. To get some pressure off Flacco look for the Ravens to run a lot and if they do throw look for short passes and bootlegs. I don’t think the Ravens will score a lot of points so the key there success will be stop the Titans on offense. The Titans will also look to run the ball a lot, but they will take some deep chances to stretch the field. I think the Titans will be 5 -0 after this week, I just don’t like Flacco playing against the Tennessee defense. There won’t be a lot of points in this one and the team that runs the ball the best will win the game.

Minnesota Vikings vs New Orleans Saints
Monday night game this week and it should be a high scoring affair. The Saints lead the league in passing yards and attempts. The Vikings defense is 17th against the pass and the Saints QB Drew Brees will look to take advantage of that. Minnesota will try and slow this game down by running the ball a lot with Adrian Peterson. Peterson should be able to have a big game, the Saints defense is 20th against the run so far. These team have contrasting styles on offense and the winner will have to figure the other one out to win. The Saints will throw the ball all over the field and Peterson will have a great day. Look for Peterson to have a fantastic day along with Brees from the Saints. My pick is the Saints to win in a shoot out, if you like offense you will like this game. If the Saints want to win they cannot allow Minnesota to have any success throwing the ball, Peterson is going to get his yards, but do not let them get big plays threw the air.

Along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Carolina Panthers made their NFL debut in 1995 as one of the new NFL expansion teams of the decade. Eight years before the Panthers debuted North Carolina was one of the finalist to receive an NFL franchise. The support for the Panthers was overwhelming. There were rallies all over the state to show that the people over North Carolina was ready and would support on NFL franchise. One of the major factors for the Carolina community in receiving an NFL franchise was the privately owned and funded stadium by Richardson Sports. It was made official on October, 26, 1993 the Carolina were the 29^th NFL team.In their first season of play the Panthers set the NFL record for the most wins in their inaugural season posting a 7-9 record after a start of 0-5. The Panthers first win came in the 6^th game against the New York Jets 26-15. In an unprecedented turn of events the Panthers went 12-4 in only their second season winning the NFC West and making the NFC Championship game. The Panthers lost to the eventual champions Green Bay Packers 30-13, but noone could predict the Panthers would be so successful so quickly. Coach Dom Capers was named the NFL Coach of the Year for their outstanding success.

As the 1990′s went on the success of the Panthers went away as quickly as it came only recording an 8-8 season in 1999 which was their best since the 12-4 1996 season. In 2001, the Panthers had their worst season ever with a terrible 1-15 season. After a six year drought of not making the playoffs the Panthers once again came from nowhere and made an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVIII against the New England Patriots. Only two seasons after their 1-15 debacle, the Panthers nearly has the 360 degree turnaround they wanted. Although the Panthers lost the Super Bowl 32-29 they provided one of the most exciting Super Bowls of all-time losing on a last second field goal.

While the Panthers have only been in existence since 1995, they have had their share of talented, productive players which include wide receiver Steve Smith who won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2005 and defensive lineman Julius Peppers who is the Panthers all-time leader in sacks and was the 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year, linebacker Kevin Greene, corner back Tyrone Poole, running back Stephen Davis, and current starting quarterback Jake Delhomme. Another Panther great was Sam Mills who had his number 51 retired in and was inducted to the Panthers Ring of Honor in 2005.

The Carolina Panthers play in the NFC South with the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and the Tamp Bay Buccaneers. Each team has one the division the last five seasons so rising to the top again for the Panthers can be attained. The NFC South is one of the divisions each team has a chance to win it seems in any given year, one team rises, then one team falls.

The Houston Texans became the last NFL franchise in 2002. Houston was left without a team since the Houston Oilers became the Tennessee Titans in 1999. Bob McNair was the driving force behind bringing back another NFL franchise to Houston. He was first turned down to bring a NHL franchise to Houston so he focused on the NFL. Los Angeles was in line for the next NFL franchise but could not meet the requirements of a stadium plan and had ownership difficulties. In 1998 the NFL Stadium Committee was encouraged with the plans for the Houston Texans retractable roof stadium and in 1999 Houston was granted with the 32^nd NFL franchise.Next was coming up with a team name that would suit the franchise and the community, some of the possibilities were Texans, Wildcatters, Stallions, Apollos, and Bobcats. The choices were narrowed down through focus groups and extensive research and on September 6, 2000, Houston’s NFL franchise was officially named the Houston Texans.

On the field the first coach of the Texans was Dom Capers who served as the coach of the expansion team Carolina Panthers in their first four season. Quarterback David Carr was the first pick in the 2002 NFL Draft for the Texans. Carr produced a record of 62-70 during his five seasons as Texans quarterback. Also, Carr was the most sacked quarterback in the entire NFL during that period. Their first regular season game was won by the Texans defeating the Dallas Cowboys 19-10 on September 8, 2002 in the brand new Reliant Stadium. Reliant Stadium is one the best stadiums in sports and will host a professional wrestling event called Wrestlemania XXV on April 5, 2009.

In 2006, the Texans had the first pick in the NFL Draft and selected defensive end Mario Williams from NC State. Williams set the single season sack record with fourteen in 2007 and has became one of the premier defensive player in the entire league.

The Texans have seen very little success over the very short history. The Texans worst season was in 2005 when they finished 2-14, with their best season coming in 2007 with a 8-8 record which suggests the team is on the upswing. The Texans have finished in last place every season in the AFC South, besides in 2004. Being that the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Tennessee Titans are the favorites in the AFC South every year, the Texans have a lot of work to do to be at that next level with the more successful teams. While the Dallas Cowboys are THE team in Texas, the Houston Texans would like to develop their own winning tradition one day that could rival the Cowboys.

The Jacksonville Jaguars had their first season in 1995 but long before the opening season a campaign to bring a NFL franchise took place. Tom Petway was a major influence on getting the 30^th franchise to Jacksonville which started all the way back in 1989. Jacksonville was one of eleven cities to be home to the next NFL team but was considered a long shot for the to receive that coveted team. Touchdown Jacksonville! was a partnership that played a serious role in getting the team. Sixty million dollars was given to renovate the Gator Bowl where Jacksonville could play there games until a new stadium was built. After back and forth talks about the renovations and where the money would come from to do so, in 1993 the franchise was award to Jacksonville making them the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars played there first game at Canton, Ohio, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, against another NFL expansion team the Carolina Panthers.The first Jaguar season produced a 4-12 record besting the previous record of 3-13 for a expansion franchise in its first season. With free agents and the expansion drafts allowed the Jaguars to become a better football team more quickly then in previous years. Jacksonville played in two AFC Championship games, in 1996 losing to the New England Patriots, and 1999 losing to the Tennessee Titans. Despite the lost in the AFC Championship game in 1996, the season was a success because they beat the top seeded Denver Broncos who had a league best 13-3 record. Their best season was a record of 14-2 in 1999 winning the AFC Central, now called the AFC South. The Jaguars worst season came in their first. Winning the division twice in 1998&1999 gave the Jaguars legitimacy among fellow AFC teams that they have to be taken seriously.

There have been a few good players for the Jaguars in the very brief history including quarterback Mark Brunell. Brunell was a three time Pro Bowl selection and was the teams first quarterback in their inaugural season. Brunell was an efficient quarterback who threw for a good percentage but also was a very good runner scrambling away from defenders. In the Jaguars first four seasons they made the playoffs three times making them the first NFL franchise to accomplish that. Also wide receiver Jimmy Smith and Mark Brunell would frequently make connections in the end zone and made of the more formidable tandems in the league.

With perennial power in the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, the Jaguars have a difficult task overtaking the Colts. Not making the playoffs for five consecutive years from 2000-2004, the Jaguars are looking to rebound and become contenders once again as they were in the first few years in the league. The AFC is a difficult league to come out of, young talented players such as quarterback David Garrard, full back Fred Taylor, and running back Maurice Jones-Drew have a terrific upside and should only improve threatening other AFC opponents for supremacy. The Jacksonville Jaguars have accomplished many things but the Super Bowl championship still is something left for them to grab.

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the oldest franchises in the NFL dating back to 1898, sadly they haven’t had nearly a successful history. Through various name changes and location hasn’t change the teams success. The Cardinals last major championship was in 1947 with a 28-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. There last playoff victory was over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wildcard game 20-7. The fans have the passion for their team but that passion hasn’t translated to on the field championships. The Cardinals have been home to 3 different cities, Chicago, St. Louis, and Phoenix.

The cardinal name derived from the uniforms they were presented with worn faded uniforms that looked like a cardinal red from jerseys from the University of Chicago. In 1920 Chicago, like the gangsters of the day there was a loser leaves town game between the cardinals and another football team the Tigers. The Cardinals won the game 6-0. That was one of the few highlights in the Cardinals history. Another highlight was in 1929 when Ernie Nevers scored all the Cardinals teams 40 points against the Chicago Bears. That record still stands to this very day.

While the teams over the years haven’t produced banners of championships, there have been a 8 Hall of Fame players on the Cardinals. One of the all-time great nicknames was Dick “Night Train” Lane who was a corner back and elected to the Football Hall of Fame in 1974 and made seven Pro Bowls. The Cardinals have retired five players numbers which include Larry Wilson 8, Pat Tillman 40, Stan Mauldin 77, J.V. Cain, and Marshall Goldberg 99.

The Arizona Cardinals are the only team to play in a college stadium at Sun-Devil Stadium in Tempe. AZ and Univeristy of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. The Cardinals have never made a Super Bowl appearance and is only one of four teams who have not including the New Orleans Saints (founded 1966), Houston Texans (founded 2002), and Jacksonville Jaguars (founded 1995).

With a losing tradition more then a winning one, the Cardinals still have support from the fan community in hopes one day the loyalty will be rewarded with a successful season, a playoff win, or even a Super Bowl victory. It has been a grim fifty plus years with very little signs that the team will having winning seasons in the future. In sports, winning can’t last forever, so neither can losing. That is what keeps the fan coming back and cheering for their team year in and year out, the promise of better days to lay ahead.