* OFFICIAL * 2012 Training Camp / Preseason News & Tidbits Thread (1 Viewer)

The dead zone of NFL news will end in two weeks -- July 23, to be exact -- when the Arizona Cardinals become the first NFL team to report for training camp, according to the official schedule released Monday by the league.

The Cardinals have a small head-start because they're playing in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The New Orleans Saints -- who also will play in the game -- report July 24. Veterans from other teams start to arrive July 25, before the final two teams -- the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears -- report July 29.

Don't read too much into when players show up. They are allowed to arrive a set amount of days before their first preseason game. Eighteen teams will hold training camp at their home facility.

To conclude, get your family time in now while you can. We're almost out of the football news desert.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

I love training camp. For news junkies, you learn more in two days of camp than you did during the two months of organized team activities and minicamp combined. The rest of the offseason is about learning. Camp is about competing.

This is the first in our series counting down the top 30 position battles. That number may sound high, but my original list had roughly 47. Sadly, the San Diego Chargers' kicker battle (Nate Kaeding vs. Nick Novak) didn't make the cut. The Philadelphia Eagles' battle of cousins for one starting linebacker spot (Jamar Chaney vs. Brian Rolle) got left out. Even the New England Patriots' compelling competition between Dont'a Hightower and veteran Rob Ninkovich got left out because, well, Bill Belichick isn't about "starters." Every play, every week is a different formation.

I tried to choose battles with something important at stake. With that out of the way, let's get this thing started:

No. 30: Seattle Seahawks running back: Robert Turbin vs. Leon Washington vs. TBA

• This wouldn't have made the list before Marshawn Lynch's arrest. Suddenly the identity of Seattle's backup running back is crucial.

• Don't assume that Lynch will be suspended just yet. It's possible NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell won't view Lynch as a repeat offender after more than three years of staying out of trouble. It's also possible Lynch's suspension could come during the middle of the regular season rather than the start.

• Coach Pete Carroll's problem is that he won't know Lynch's status. That's why "TBA" is listed as a candidate here. The Seahawks are very thin at the position after Turbin, a fourth-round pick, and Washington, who is more of a returner. (Washington has 80 carries in two seasons with the Seahawks.) Don't be surprised if Seattle takes a look at Cedric Benson, Ryan Grant or any other veteran back on the market.

• Turbin, a Utah State product, will be the favorite to start Week 1 if Lynch is suspended. He's a downhill power runner in the mold of a young Marion Barber, with some ability to play on passing downs. It's a lot to ask a rookie to handle starting duties with a crucial early slate (@ Arizona Cardinals, vs. Dallas Cowboys, vs. Green Bay Packers), but running back is the most fungible position in the league. The Seahawks should be fine.

That's why Lynch's contract made no sense in the first place.

Projected winner: Robert Turbin

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason. We already tackled the Seahawks RBs.

No. 29. Packers No. 3 receiver: Donald Driver vs. Randall Cobb vs. James Jones

•We won't know who wins this battle until the regular season starts because they are all going to play. The Packers love to line up three or four wideouts at a time. Some rotation will be used, but Cobb needs to prove in August he's ready for more snaps.

• I've already documented my feelings about Cobb. Even though he will remain a return man, the second-year pro is ready to be a star now. His playing time has to come at the expense of someone.

• Donald Driver is going to make the team after getting a $1.2 million roster bonus along with his new contract. But it's hard to see any scenario where the coaches see him as more dynamic than Cobb and Jones. Driver could be penciled into a third down specialist but his snaps are likely to go down.

• James Jones continues to have problems with drops. It's hard to imagine Jones getting cut, but crazier things have happened. There were strong rumors that Jones was dangled around the league before the draft. A camp trade wouldn't be a shock.

• The Packers could afford to deal Jones because they have promising depth with Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel battling just to make the roster. Yep, the Packers are so loaded that the No. 6 receiver spot looks promising.

Projected winner: Randall Cobb should wind up having the biggest role this season after starters Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

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'Faust said:

Randall Cobb in line to be Green Bay Packers No. 3 WR

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason. We already tackled the Seahawks RBs.

No. 29. Packers No. 3 receiver: Donald Driver vs. Randall Cobb vs. James Jones

•We won't know who wins this battle until the regular season starts because they are all going to play. The Packers love to line up three or four wideouts at a time. Some rotation will be used, but Cobb needs to prove in August he's ready for more snaps.

• I've already documented my feelings about Cobb. Even though he will remain a return man, the second-year pro is ready to be a star now. His playing time has to come at the expense of someone.

• Donald Driver is going to make the team after getting a $1.2 million roster bonus along with his new contract. But it's hard to see any scenario where the coaches see him as more dynamic than Cobb and Jones. Driver could be penciled into a third down specialist but his snaps are likely to go down.

• James Jones continues to have problems with drops. It's hard to imagine Jones getting cut, but crazier things have happened. There were strong rumors that Jones was dangled around the league before the draft. A camp trade wouldn't be a shock.

• The Packers could afford to deal Jones because they have promising depth with Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel battling just to make the roster. Yep, the Packers are so loaded that the No. 6 receiver spot looks promising.

Projected winner: Randall Cobb should wind up having the biggest role this season after starters Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

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'Faust said:

Ok, back for another year is the Training Camp & Preseason thread. I appreciate the contributions from all FBG posters linking any articles or posting direct observations!

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'PhantomJB said:

'Faust said:

Ok, back for another year is the Training Camp & Preseason thread. I appreciate the contributions from all FBG posters linking any articles or posting direct observations!

Click to expand...

My favorite thread of the year. Thanks in advance for all the hard work in here as well as all the postings in the individual team threads prior to this.

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The quarterback competitions in Arizona, Seattle, Tennessee, Miami and Jacksonville will command plenty of attention over the next month, but there are several other position battles that'll be intriguing to follow around the NFL.

Here are five non-QB competitions to keep an eye on heading into training camp:

1) New England Patriots starting running back: Stevan Ridley vs. Shane Vereen

The Patriots allowed The Law Firm of BenJarvus Green-Ellis to relocate to Cincinnati during the offseason. Green-Ellis will never be confused with Adrian Peterson, but he was very dependable, tough and productive during his time in New England. The competition to replace Green-Ellis as the Patriots' starter is between Ridley and Vereen -- both second-day picks in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Ridley saw significantly more playing time than Vereen last season, despite being selected a round later than the former University of California running back. Ridley, an LSU product, finished the 2011 campaign with 441 yards rushing, while Vereen managed a meager total of 57 yards on the ground. Each of them accounted for one rushing touchdown on the season.

Ridley seems to be the favorite to win the job, but I wouldn't rule out Vereen just yet. His failure to see the field in 2011 was largely the result of a nagging hamstring injury. He is a more explosive runner than Ridley and has excellent hands out of the backfield. The Patriots are never going to be a run-first team as long as Tom Brady is under center, but the emergence of one of these runners would make this offense even tougher to defend.

2) Philadelphia Eagles punt/kick returner: Brandon Boykin vs. Damaris Johnson

Despite the presence of DeSean Jackson, the Eagles return game was a disaster last season. They finished 31st in kick-return average and 27th in punt-return average. Jackson averaged a paltry 6.7 yards per punt return. After signing Jackson to a big contract extension during the offseason, the Eagles will likely try and protect him from the dangers of the return game. The leading candidates to handle punt- and kick-return duties are rookies Brandon Boykin and Damaris Johnson.

The Eagles selected Boykin in the fourth round of the 2012 draft with the hope that he could fill the nickel cornerback role, as well as the return duties. He finished his career at Georgia averaging 24.2 yards on kick returns and 12.9 yards on punt returns, tallying five total touchdowns.

Johnson didn't hear his name called during the 2012 draft, but he was highly pursued by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent. Johnson missed his entire senior season at Tulsa for disciplinary reasons, but he still managed to break the NCAA's career record for kick-return yardage (3,417 yards). He finished his college career averaging 25.5 yards on kick returns and 12.1 yards on punt returns. In the process, he returned two kicks and two punts for touchdowns.

This battle will likely be won during preseason games. The Eagles invested a fourth-round pick in Boykin, but Johnson's explosiveness created a lot of buzz during OTAs. I expect one of these two players to help the Eagles vastly improve their return game in 2012.

3) New York Jets No. 2 wide receiver: Chaz Schilens vs. Stephen Hill

The Jets are looking for a big-bodied wide receiver to complement Santonio Holmes. They relied on Braylon Edwards to fill the role in 2010 before plugging Plaxico Burress into that spot in 2011. This year, Schilens (a free-agent addition) and Hill (second-round draft pick) will compete for the right to start opposite Holmes.

Schilens posted very modest numbers (72 receptions, seven touchdowns) during his four seasons with the Oakland Raiders. Despite his pedestrian production, he has shown glimpses of explosive potential. He has all the necessary physical tools to be a valuable deep threat. Prior to the 2008 draft, I personally clocked the 6-foot-4 Schilens in the low 4.3's at San Diego State's pro day.

The Jets moved up in the second round to select Hill. He has arguably the most upside of any receiver in the 2012 draft class, but is far from a finished product. The 6-4 speedster from Georgia Tech only caught 49 balls in his college career, playing in the Yellow Jackets' option attack. Jets fans will be anxious to see Hill involved in the offense, but he faces an uphill climb to beat out the veteran Schilens in his first NFL season.

4) San Francisco 49ers backup running back: Kendall Hunter vs. LaMichael James

During the offseason, the 49ers brass vocally expressed a desire to add more explosiveness to their offense. They aggressively addressed that issue in free agency and the draft. Lost in the shuffle of the sexy receiver additions (Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and first-round pick A.J. Jenkins) was the second-round selection of James. The former Oregon superstar will compete with Hunter, a 2011 fourth-rounder, to back up Frank Gore at running back.

James put up video game numbers while playing for the Ducks, rushing for 5,082 yards and 53 touchdowns over three years in Eugene. He has deceptive lower-body strength to break tackles at the line of scrimmage and is a home-run threat once he gets into the clear.

Hunter won't be easy to unseat in this competition. He was a solid contributor during the 49ers' turnaround season in 2011, rushing for 473 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He might not have the pure top-end speed of James, but Hunter is every bit as quick in a short area. This competition will be fun to watch during training camp and the preseason.

5) Baltimore Ravens No. 2 cornerback: Cary Williams vs. Jimmy Smith

When the Ravens spend a first-round pick on a defender, he is expected to contribute from Day 1. Smith was on track to do just that before he suffered an injury on the opening kickoff of the 2011 season. His injury created a big opportunity for Williams, and the former seventh-round pick of the Tennessee Titans took full advantage of it.

Williams has excellent length, speed and toughness. He finished the 2011 campaign as the Ravens' second-leading tackler (78 total tackles) and was a key reason why they finished the season as the league's fourth-best pass defense. Because of Williams' emergence, opposing teams weren't able to simply avoid throwing at standout cornerback Lardarius Webb.

Smith is a rare talent. If not for some off-field concerns, he likely would've been a top-10 pick in the 2011 draft. He's 6-2 and has the same muscular frame as former Ravens All-Pro CB Chris McAlister. He has the speed to match up with Pittsburgh's explosive receiving duo and the size to battle the Cincinnati Bengals' A.J. Green. If he can stay healthy, Smith will be the favorite to win this competition and start opposite Webb.

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'bicycle_seat_sniffer said:

'Faust said:

Randall Cobb in line to be Green Bay Packers No. 3 WR

By Gregg Rosenthal

Around The League editor

Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason. We already tackled the Seahawks RBs.

No. 29. Packers No. 3 receiver: Donald Driver vs. Randall Cobb vs. James Jones

•We won't know who wins this battle until the regular season starts because they are all going to play. The Packers love to line up three or four wideouts at a time. Some rotation will be used, but Cobb needs to prove in August he's ready for more snaps.

• I've already documented my feelings about Cobb. Even though he will remain a return man, the second-year pro is ready to be a star now. His playing time has to come at the expense of someone.

• Donald Driver is going to make the team after getting a $1.2 million roster bonus along with his new contract. But it's hard to see any scenario where the coaches see him as more dynamic than Cobb and Jones. Driver could be penciled into a third down specialist but his snaps are likely to go down.

• James Jones continues to have problems with drops. It's hard to imagine Jones getting cut, but crazier things have happened. There were strong rumors that Jones was dangled around the league before the draft. A camp trade wouldn't be a shock.

• The Packers could afford to deal Jones because they have promising depth with Tori Gurley and Diondre Borel battling just to make the roster. Yep, the Packers are so loaded that the No. 6 receiver spot looks promising.

Projected winner: Randall Cobb should wind up having the biggest role this season after starters Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings.

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I would have to think that James Jones could get something in a trade.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason. We already tackled the Seahawks RBs and Packers No. 3 receiver.

No. 28. Denver Broncos RBs: Knowshon Moreno vs. the "Bust" label

• Welcome to Knowshon Moreno's make-or-break training camp. The 2009 first-round pick has enjoyed a loose leash in Denver, despite seeing his production tumble in each of his first three seasons. Moreno is hanging on for dear life in a crowded backfield, but this battle could boil down to whether or not coach John Fox and Co. believe he's worth a roster spot.

• Moreno is working his way back from the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in 2011. He was on the field for Denver's organized team activities this spring, but didn't set himself apart. We typically don't see backs return from torn ACLs to increased production. Moreno isn't a valuable contributor on special teams and there have been whispers he could start the hear on the PUP list.

• Willis McGahee is your starter here. Behind him, the Broncos drafted rookie running back Ronnie Hillman, an elusive third-down back who can catch the ball. John Elway compared Hillman to Darren Sproles and Denver sees him as a good fit alongside McGahee. Lance Ball produced on the spot last season, and he's capable of third-string duties. The other reserves -- Jeremiah Johnson, Mario Fannin are Xavier Omon -- are fringe prospects. An injury to this group could help Moreno's case.

• Biggest question here: Does Moreno want to fulfill his promise? The player was nabbed for a DUI in February. After 947 rushing yards in rookie season in 2009, he's missed 12 games over the past two seasons. To his credit, Moreno has averaged nine yards per catch over his career, but he wasn't an Elway pick. Instead, Moreno is tied to the failed Josh McDaniels experiment. Denver wants to surround Manning with a solid running game that will allow the quarterback to adjust to his new surroundings. More than that, the Broncos are looking for players who compliment Manning, and Moreno doesn't top that list.

Projected winner: Ronnie Hillman -- Elway's boy -- will earn a spot behind McGahee. Moreno can impact his future with a solid camp, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him released by the team before the season.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 27: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback: Nate Clements, Terence Newman, Jason Allen and Adam Jones are battling for roster spots.

• Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis thinks it's unnecessary for a player who is earning a salary to take a dozen Gatorades home with him each night, but he's fine with bringing a half dozen current or former first-round draft pick cornerbacks with him to training camp. Two of the six -- Leon Hall (2007) and Dre Kirkpatrick (2012) -- are assured of roster spots, leaving the other four to compete for two, perhaps three roster spots.

• Hall suffered a torn Achilles midway through the season but does not appear likely to land on the physically-unable-to-perform list. As long as he's healthy, he'll start. Kirkpatrick was a bit of a gambler at Alabama, where he says he never backpedaled. Though he might be eased into the NFL, his play-making ability is simply too great for him to not see considerable playing time in nickel and dime packages early in the season. Incumbent starter Nate Clements had a solid first season, but is not a lock to make the 53-man roster. The 32-year-old is due $4.3 million in base salary and could be released if Hall proves he's healthy, Kirkpatrick shows he's ready, and the remaining three first-rounders justify their signings (or re-signing, in the case of Jones).

• Of the three signings/re-signings this offseason, Jones has the seniority with the franchise. He's spent the last two seasons with the the Bengals and started eight games (including playoffs) in place of Hall last season. Newman has the experience with defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, who was with the Dallas Cowboys when Newman entered the NFL in 2003. Allen, who had a career-high four interceptions for the Houston Texans in 2011, has been the healthier player and has the edge in contractual guarantee after signing a two-year, $7.2 million contract that included $2 million in guarantees. Jones has $75,000 guaranteed, while Newman was guaranteed $100,000.

Projected Winner(s): Clements, Allen and Jones. Clements was solid for the Bengals last season and continuity at the position could trump cash/cap savings. Allen is good enough to start, has the size to match up with some of the game's bigger wideouts and has added value on special teams, where had eight solo tackles and played in 34.5 percent of the Texans' special teams snaps in 2011. As long as Jones stays healthy, he could be a good option as a nickel corner and has game-changing ability on punt returns.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 26. Raiders backup quarterback: Matt Leinart vs. Terrelle Pryor

• This is the only backup quarterback battle on our top 30 list. It's just too weird to ignore. These are two of the most polarizing college quarterbacks of the last decade, now adrift in the NFL.

• In one corner, we have Leinart. He's the heavy favorite because he's familiar with offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's scheme. Still, it's easy to forget that Leinart is coming off a broken collarbone. Leinart reportedly just was "getting it" in Houston before he got hurt, but this is a guy who has lost surprising battles in the past. (To Kurt Warner and ... Dan Orlovsky.)

• Pryor might have considered leaving football in 2011, but now he's said strongly he doesn't plan to be a backup. The Contra Costa Times believes Pryor has worked hard this offseason and has a legitimate chance to unseat Leinart. That would be a surprise.

• It's possible Pryor could be active on game days over Leinart because he occasionally can help on "Wildcat" plays. There has been talk of using Pryor's athleticism.

• No matter who loses this battle, we all win because you can poke fun of your resident USC or Ohio State fan. Because those fans bases aren't obnoxious at all.

Projected Winner: Leinart.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 25: Cardinals receiver: Andre Roberts vs. Early Doucet vs. Michael Floyd

• The obvious assumption: Of course Floyd, the No. 12 overall pick, is going to play early and often. You know what happens when you assume though ...

• Resident Arizona Cardinals expert Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic believes Roberts is the favorite to start. His numbers (51 catches, 586 yards) weren't that bad for a second-year player considering the mess at quarterback in Arizona last year.

• Somers would actually be surprised if Floyd climbs above No. 4 on the depth chart anytime soon. Early Doucet is a classic slot receiver and has more experience. The Cardinals coaching staff has a history of benching rookies and there were some worrying signs with Floyd this offseason. The coaches reportedly believe Roberts and Doucet are better.

• So why is Floyd struggling? There are signs Floyd isn't in the greatest shape. That's not unique for a rookie. There are some early questions about his quickness and work ethic. These are typical rookie problems, but it would be a disappointment if Floyd isn't a starter this year. No matter how the Cardinals spin it.

Projected winner: Roberts should win the job for Week 1.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 24: New York Jets right tackle: Wayne Hunter vs. The World

• As shocking as this might be, this remains Hunter's job to lose. Don't believe me? Here's what offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo said in May: "Until they ship him out of here or shoot me dead in my office, the guy's the starting right tackle." Jeez man.

• Despite his coach's faith, make no mistake -- Hunter was a wreck in 2011. He gave up 8.5 sacks, 11 penalties and 32 QB hits last season. He was serviceable in the run game -- a positive trait with the arrival of Tony Sparano and the supposed return of "ground and pound" -- but too often resembled a turnstile when Mark Sanchez dropped back to pass.

• General manager Mike Tannenbaum surprised many by not targeting Hunter's replacement in the draft. In fact, the Jets didn't take an offensive lineman until Robert T. Griffin in the sixth round. Baylor's other RG is viewed as a prospect at best at this point.

• The best bet to push Hunter comes in the form of third-year man Vladimir Ducasse. The Jets had high hopes for Ducasse when they took him with the 61st overall pick in the 2010 draft, but Ducasse struggled mightily in spot work at tackle and guard last season. Ducasse told The Star-Ledger he sees 2012 as a make-or-break year for him. He ain't lying.

Projected winner: Rex Ryan's in too deep to give up on Hunter now. He'll be the starter Week 1. But don't be surprised if they kick the tires on Ducasse before it's through.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 23: New York Jets linebacker: Bart Scott vs. Demario Davis

• The offseason hype machine says Scott is "back" this offseason. He's trimmed down and has a new attitude. Don't forget that there's no chance Scott would be "back" with the Jets if his $4.2 million salary wasn't guaranteed. The Jets would have cut him.

• “It was a football version of depression,” Scott told the New York Post about last season. “It wasn’t joyful coming to work every day.”

Scott is essentially a two-down player now. He can't handle covering opposing tight ends. Rookie Demario Davis can. That's a problem for Scott.

• Davis, a third-round pick from Arkansas State, has wowed Jets onlookers and coaches all offseason. He should play for Scott on passing downs. Based on some of the reports, he might be too good to keep off the field as a starter. His talent is strong and his leadership abilities are said to be better.

• The Jets need to get faster on defense. Replacing Scott with Davis would help take care of that. Davis looks like a long-term building block. Scott is in his final season with the team at best. If the Jets can't wait to hand the keys to Davis, the team could cutting Scott and eating his salary.

Projected winner: Ignore the offseason Scott hype. Davis should win this job sooner rather than later.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 22 Washington Redskins running back: Tim Hightower vs. Roy Helu vs. Evan Royster

• Mike Shanahan brought back the exact same running back group this year despite Hightower coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament. This is a surprise until you realize this group performed pretty well last season despite an ever-changing offensive line.

• The Washington Times wrote this week that Hightower was the favorite for the gig, which is a bit of a surprise coming off a serious injury. Hightower is good at every facet of the position, but not great at any. His questionable explosiveness figures to be worse after surgery.

• Helu looked dynamic at times last year, but wore down late in the season. Still, 1,019 yards from scrimmage with 49 receptions isn't shabby for a rookie. He had three straight 100-yard games at one point and has the highest upside of the group.

• Royster should not be overlooked. He finished the season with two big games, and ran with more power than Helu. We went back to watch every Royster snap and he was unremarkable despite impressive numbers. Ask three Redskins observers about the roles of these three players and you'll get three different answers. It wouldn't shock us if Shanahan added a player to the group in camp.

• The safest bet among this group is that the Week 1 starter will not be the Week 10 starter. Mike Shanahan is sure to drive fantasy owners crazy by rotating the league back.

Projected winner: Helu, because it's unrealistic to ask Hightower to carry a big load early.

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'Faust said:

'PhantomJB said:

'Faust said:

Ok, back for another year is the Training Camp & Preseason thread. I appreciate the contributions from all FBG posters linking any articles or posting direct observations!

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My favorite thread of the year. Thanks in advance for all the hard work in here as well as all the postings in the individual team threads prior to this.

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Thanks! I think I may have a sickness...lol Cheers

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 21 New York Giants No. 3 WR: Rueben Randle vs. Jerrel Jernigan vs. Domenik Hixon vs. Ramses Barden

• The concept of a No. 1 and No. 2 receiver has become outdated. More and more teams are fielding three and four wideouts against defenses. The New York Giants are no exception. The team is deep with pass-catchers but might be without injured starter Hakeem Nicks (foot) until the season opener.

• With Mario Manningham fleeing to the San Francisco 49ers, Randle, Jernigan, Hixon and Barden are fighting for the so-called No. 3 spot behind Nicks and slot sensation Victor Cruz. Until Nicks returns, the No. 2 role also needs a stand-in. The dress rehearsal is over for this group.

• Ramses Barden told the New York Daily News last month, "I'm here to be the man." Maybe so (and he looks the part at 6-foot-6, 224 pounds), but Barden has caught 15 balls in three seasons and hasn't proven he can win matchups. The same can be said for Jernigan, who stuck to special teams last season.

• When Nicks went down in May, Hixon was inserted into the lineup opposite Cruz during practices, which is no surprise. He's unspectacular, but has appeared in 48 games (10 starts) with the Giants and understands the system. There's built-in chemistry with Eli Manning (at least a dash of it), which doesn't apply to the rest of this bunch.

• The Giants don't hand out starting roles, but Randle was drafted to play. It's going to take time. Rookie wideouts typically struggle, and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said in June, "There is so much thinking going on. You can see it slows him down."

Projected winner: Tale of two players: The Giants will lean on Hixon early, but we expect Randle to take snaps away as the season progresses.

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Drama abounds! Can New Orleans handle the turmoil? Will Maurice Jones-Drew hold out?

There are many enticing storylines, but three have really piqued my interest:

1. How will the New Orleans Saints handle all of the uncertainty that's engulfed them? Quarterback Drew Brees hasn't been with the team all offseason, but having just signed a mega-deal, he'll be walking into a hornets' nest that won't include defensive leader Jonathan Vilma (unless he can delay or overturn his season-long suspension).

2. The potential holdout of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew also is worth noting. That relationship could get ugly. How will new coach Mike Mularkey and new owner Shahid Khan respond?

3. In terms of on-field impact, I really want to see how middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans fits into the Philadelphia Eagles' defense. If he emerges as the leader and glue guy he was with the Houston Texans, we might be talking about Philly's defense ... in a positive way.

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Are Michael Vick's Eagles really on the verge of a dynastic run?

I'm looking forward to having a pair of questions answered:

1. Are the Philadelphia Eagles really ready to begin their dynastic quest, as Michael Vick recently suggested? The NFC East stands ready to put that notion to the test, with the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants, make-or-break Dallas Cowboys and RG3-led Washington Redskins.

2. Are the San Francisco 49ers ready to wear the bull's-eye that comes with being a Super Bowl favorite all year long? They certainly look the part, but we know they will get everyone's best shot each week.

As always, even better storylines will emerge. Let the camps begin!

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Seahawks, Cardinals quarterback battles could define NFC West

I'm looking forward to the quarterback battles in the NFC West. Really.

The 49ers might be Super Bowl favorites to some, but I'm not convinced they will make it back to the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals have two of the most exciting young defenses in the league. Both teams can run the ball and become real contenders. Both teams just need to figure out who their leader will be.

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Will Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos be AFC contenders in 2012?

The question foremost in my mind is whether Peyton Manning can be the same precise field general he was before sitting out the 2011 season with a neck injury. And as if trying to come back physically from a serious injury wasn't enough, he's also trying to install his offensive system with a new set of receivers in Denver.

Has his arm strength recovered sufficiently to allow him to throw those patented lasers down the field? Will he be able to take hits without fear of re-injury? Can he get on the same page with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Andre Caldwell and Jacob Tamme during camp so that the Broncos' offense runs like the well-oiled machine Manning built with the Indianapolis Colts? The answers to these queries will tell us where Manning is in his recovery and also portend the team's ability to contend in the AFC in 2012.

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How will last year's crop of rookie quarterbacks progress in Year 2?

Two topics intrigue me. The Eagles' defense is first. I think Philadelphia was hurt by the lockout more than any other team, especially on defense. Juan Castillo now has a full year under his belt as defensive coordinator and a full offseason to work with the defense. They added DeMeco Ryans and Fletcher Cox. Trading Asante Samuel was an addition by subtraction that will allow the Eagles greater flexibility in how they use Nnamdi Asomugha.

My second topic is: How will last year's rookie quarterbacks progress? Is Jake Locker ready to start for the Tennessee Titans? Can Blaine Gabbert get more settled in the pocket and be the Jacksonville Jaguars' answer? (I'd also ask this question of Kevin Kolb and the Arizona Cardinals. Though he wasn't a rookie last season, he's entering his second year with the Cardinals as a potential starter.) Can Christian Ponder take the next step in his progression as a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings? Will Cam Newton and Andy Dalton build on their rookie successes with the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals, respectively, or will defenses catch up with them?

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Tebowmania vs. The Sanchize -- need I say more?

"Welcome to the latest episode of Mark and Timmy Time, here on NFL Network. I'm your host, Rich Eisen. We had no idea this show would be the highest-rated summer program since the debut of American Idol, but what we have here is a true phenomenon. As always, we're being carried live across the globe, and even on Armed Forces Radio. Our formula is the same: For the first 10 minutes, you'll see quarterback-only highlights from today's New York Jets practice, with both Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow miked up. Our analysts will break down who had the better overall day, and then we'll show you what their Jets teammates said after practice about them. So far, Tebow leads Sanchez, having gotten the better of him during three out of the five full team practices the Jets have had so far. However, Sanchez has the slight advantage in 7-on-7 drills. We'll end the show with a few minutes of film time, where you'll get to see both players in a classroom setting. So far, this portion has been about even, in terms of general knowledge and adjustments. Get ready, Team Sanchez and Team Tebow -- the fun starts now!" Does that answer this question? I feel I might have been a little too vague ...

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Fascinating storylines exist everywhere, including in Kansas City

C'mon, NFL.com editors -- what kind of question is this?

Which story am I excited about in 2012? Every last one of them. Go 'head, spin the Great Wheel of 32. Wherever the arrow lands, it'll be pointing at something intriguing. Behold!

[DAVE GETS UP FROM HIS SEAT AND SPINS HIS CUSTOM-BUILT "GREAT WHEEL OF 32." IT LANDS ON THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.]

The Wheel has spoken! Let's look at the Chiefs. They might not have been a big story this offseason, but while the world was focusing on Peyton's arrival in Denver, Scott Pioli smuggled some gems into K.C.'s already-loaded locker room.

The defense should be terrific, as high-pedigree safety Eric Berry returns from knee surgery to join Brandon Flowers (the league's most anonymous shutdown corner), leading tackler Derrick Johnson, sack-master Tamba Hali and rookie blobby boulder Dontari Poe. On offense, Peyton Hillis will provide the brawny yin to the returning Jamaal Charles' yang. Sophomore home-run hitter Jon Baldwin will further validate the first-round pick the Chiefs spent on him. And finally, Grade-A right tackle Eric Winston -- late of the Texans -- and a couple of rookies will strengthen the O-line. Throw in Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster and Steve Breaston, and this juggernaut figures to be Matt Cassel-proof. How good? Good enough to win the AFC West. Guaranteed.

We still have 48 days 'til kickoff? Dang. Guess I'll go spin the wheel again ...

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Dolphins hope to spread the wealth on offense

Philbin wants the Dolphins' players to be ready for the Packers, Patriots-like tempo he intends to install.

"It's very fast, non-stop," tight end Charles Clay said of the team's new West Coast offense. "We want to get plays off with 20 seconds left on the play clock. ... It's not much time in-between plays, and on top of that it is a lot of switching formations. There are a lot of different things we're doing."

"It takes guys that want to play their role. Not guys who are [caught up on being] a No. 1 or No. 2, 'I deserve this many balls,' " said Hartline, who missed minicamp because of an appendectomy but is presently training at the facility in Davie. "It's about being in the right area at the right time, and understanding the total concept of the offense and not just your responsibility."

Keep in mind that the Green Bay offense Philbin led last season featured three offensive players who caught 50 or more passes and seven who caught 25 or more.

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With NFL training camps set to open next week, there are storylines galore to delve into. Here are the 10 questions I'm most eager to get answered as players return to the field and conclude their summer breaks ...

1. What will life be like in New Orleans without Sean Payton? -- Successful, but still quite different is my best guess. Motivation won't be an issue for the Saints this season, thanks to the unprecedented developments of the team's bounty saga, but not having Payton, the team's suspended head coach, will still require a transitional period of some sort. This is a veteran team that knows the drill by now, and with quarterback Drew Brees signed and back in the fold, New Orleans is better positioned to handle such unique circumstances than most other organizations.

But the Saints' plan to have interim head coach Joe Vitt run the team in the preseason, followed by offensive assistant Aaron Kromer in the first six weeks of the regular season, then Vitt taking over again in Weeks 7-17 after his own six-game suspension ends, is not likely to be seamless -- no matter how much groundwork has been laid this offseason. In-season routine is pivotal to a team's makeup, and this year will be anything but routine in New Orleans.

2. Is Peyton Manning ready to make it all the way back in Denver? -- No one really knows, and if they tell you they do, they're lying. Manning's comeback from his 2011-12 neck issues certainly looks good so far, but the difference between a quarterback zipping the ball around in shorts and a helmet in minicamp and the rigors of withstanding a long regular season cannot be underestimated. Will Manning be able to take a big hit or three in a game? Can his body hold up throughout training camp, the preseason and the following four or five months of once-a-week play? And is his arm strength back to the point where he can make every throw necessary, especially in terms of his deep ball?

Only time will tell in regards to his physical state, but Broncos fans might also need to be patient with Manning as he acclimates to his new surroundings. The ultimate creature of habit, No. 18 has lost much of the familiarity he relied upon during his 14 years in Indianapolis, and that can't be replaced overnight. He'll find his comfort zone, but everything's not second nature just yet, and that might be the biggest challenge Manning faces in his celebrated change of venue for 2012.

3. Can the Eagles deftly flip the script from last summer, with a supreme focus on winning and no sign of hype? -- Talk about your "dream'' scenarios. Wouldn't an all-business, no-drama approach be a welcomed breath of fresh air in Philly after last season's high-profile train wreck? The talent to win and win big is still on hand, but so much depends upon how this team comes together and deals with whatever adversity awaits. Last year's club came apart early and often, with glaring holes exposed, sloppy play and a lack of cohesion.

The vibe this offseason has been positively upbeat for Team Green. Michael Vick knows it's time for him to win, and he seems determined to take better care of the football and stay healthy. Most of Philly's playmakers and team leaders are happy with new contracts, the draft crop looks strong, and the hope is the trade for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans greatly solidifies Juan Castillo's defense. It all sounds good, but nothing matters but getting results on the field this time around. As the Eagles painfully learned in 2011, talking championship doesn't get it done in the NFC East.

4. Is Adrian Peterson's comeback from major knee surgery going to be a saga with a surprise ending? -- Not if you've been paying attention. Peterson has repeatedly expressed confidence that he'll be ready to go in the Vikings' regular-season opener against Jacksonville, and from all indications his rehab from tearing both his ACL and MCL in Week 16 last season continues ahead of schedule. Minnesota naturally will be cautious with the Franchise in the preseason, but I also don't think the Vikings will hold him back in September just for the sake of sticking to a more typical recovery timetable. Peterson is a freakish athlete and always has been, so his experience can't be judged against the norm.

Patriots receiver Wes Welker astounded everyone by returning from a 2009 Week 17 ACL/MCL blowout for the 2010 opener, but it would be even more impressive to see Peterson do it at the contact-heavy running back position. I wouldn't bet against him, even if the fantasy football crowd stays away from him in the early rounds. He'll no doubt open camp on the PUP list, but he's driven like few athletes, and pushing the boundaries of expectations is the kind of challenge he relishes and craves. Unless there's a setback in August, the Jaguars would do well to prepare for a steady dose of No. 28 on Sept. 9. All Day long.

5. What's the Tim Tebow plan in the Jets offense, and can Mark Sanchez make No. 15's presence a secondary story? -- The Jets have been coy about how Tebow fits, because maybe they're still trying to figure out how to best use his unique talents. We know this much: It won't be in the role of a traditional backup quarterback. Whether he's in the read-option offense, the Wildcat package or used almost exclusively as a red zone weapon, Tebow is going to have the ball in his hands at least a few times a game, with all the exciting and eventful possibilities that brings with it (see Denver's rollercoaster ride in 2011).

New York is undertaking a two-quarterback experiment that has disaster written all over it, especially since Sanchez's confidence level was all but deflated by the end of last year's ugly 8-8 ride, which closed out with three consecutive Jets losses. New York bucked him up with a new contract extension, and then sent mixed signals by bringing in Tebow, who represents the mother of all potential quarterback controversies. Popularity wise, the pairing is a TKO waiting to happen for the sometimes tender psyche of Sanchez. It's not a matter of if, but when Tebow Time comes. And in New York, it'll be more fascinating to watch than ever.

6. Will Randy Moss run a go route to renewed relevance in San Francisco? -- Earlier this month, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh called Moss his team's "best receiver right now,'' but there are a few different ways to take that compliment. Was the "right now'' qualification the key phrase, given that it's July and there are no games scheduled until August? Was it an attempt to stroke Moss' ego and fire up the likes of fellow San Francisco receivers Michael Crabtree, Mario Manningham and rookie A.J. Jenkins? Or was it Harbaugh just being Harbaugh, laying it on thick at times and going all cryptic at others?

The opportunity in San Francisco is certainly there for Moss. He's on a good team, as he requires in order to give maximum effort, there's an obvious need for more downfield passing with the 49ers, and he might just have been humbled a bit by his journeyman experience of 2010 and his one-year retirement in 2011. The mental part of the game has always mattered greatly with Moss, but he's 35 now, so he has to re-prove his physical skills, too. Are his legs still elite? Can he separate and jump like the Moss of old? He's going to have to show more than just his strong minicamp work this spring to beat back the doubters and return to prominence once more.

7. Is Browns first-round quarterback Brandon Weeden as NFL-ready as he's being billed? -- He's 28, so he'd better be. Cleveland has been waiting for the answer to arrive at quarterback since re-entering the league in 1999, and the Browns can't wait around long to find out if they finally found him with the 22nd pick of this year's draft. There are real quarterback competitions that will be going on this preseason, but I don't think Cleveland will be staging one. Everyone from Browns football czar Mike Holmgren on down has been pretty clear: Weeden will start ahead of incumbent Colt McCoy, unless it's painfully obvious he's not up to the task.

Cleveland would be thrilled if it gets close to what division rival Cincinnati experienced with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton last year: A strong start, then decent, consistent play throughout most of the rest of the schedule. The Browns were 4-12 last season, so pushing .500 would constitute significant progress. Cleveland is impressed with Weeden's maturity, his accuracy and smooth passing mechanics, and his ability to see the field and anticipate routes. But the preseason is when the rookie has to put the pads on and convince his teammates that he's the horse to ride. He'll get every shot to close that deal, and the hunch is it won't even take all of August.

8. Is it really a three-for-all quarterback competition in Seattle? -- We know how much Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll likes the word "competition,'' because he uses it more than Bill Belichick drops the "it is what is'' chestnut on us. But not all competitions are created equal.

Logic tells us free-agent addition Matt Flynn is in the driver's seat in Seattle, ahead of both 2011 starter Tarvaris Jackson and rookie third-round pick Russell Wilson. But Flynn's meager track record -- two NFL starts -- means there's no reason to anoint him the clear-cut No. 1, so Carroll didn't. He wants Flynn to work and earn the job in the preseason, because it'll count for more in the locker room if he does. That's just the way the NFL works.

The QB storyline will consume all the oxygen in Seattle's training camp, but in reality, it's Flynn's job to lose. If the Seahawks were happy with Jackson, they wouldn't have signed Flynn and spent their highest pick on a quarterback in 10 years by taking Wilson. And despite Carroll's infatuation level with Wilson's potential, the smart and resourceful rookie figures to be a Wildcat package option this year, with a better chance of beating out Jackson for the backup job than truly pushing Flynn for the starting gig. Unless he falls on his face(mask) in August, Flynn should be the last man standing under center in Week 1.

9. Of the potential camp holdouts, who has the ability to cripple his team's chances the most by staying away? -- With a nod toward productive Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville isn't a Super Bowl contender with or without the NFL's leading rusher in 2011. But in Jets camp, any championship aspirations would sound a lot less plausible if all-world cornerback Darrelle Revis decides to press his case for a new long-term deal, holding out for the second time in three summers. Revis isn't tipping his hand just yet about his intentions, but there's a growing belief that it would be a bigger surprise if he were present and accounted for on day one of New York's camp.

Revis has two years and $13.5 million left on the four-year, $46 million front-loaded deal he signed in early September 2010, and contends the Jets knew they would have to re-address his contract before the 2012 season. New York doesn't see it that way and wants to get at least three of the deal's four years completed before it talks extension in 2013. I wouldn't expect the Jets to budge much on this front, especially before September, and yet both sides have some leverage to use this time around. Revis knows extensions usually don't get granted with two years remaining on a contract, but he also knows New York's Super Bowl dreams are probably DOA without him.

10. Which new head coaches have the best chance to lead their teams to turnarounds of significance? -- I don't foresee any worst-to-first coaching jobs among the six newcomers this year, but I think the Rams' Jeff Fisher and the Bucs' Greg Schiano will field vastly improved products in comparison to what St. Louis and Tampa Bay witnessed in 2011. Of course, the Rams at 2-14 and the Bucs at 4-12, with a season-ending 10-game losing streak, don't have extremely high bars to clear. Both clubs were certifiable disaster zones last season, and Fisher and Schiano won't be able to fix everything in year one.

While the 49ers look like the clear class of the NFC West, and the Saints, Falcons and Panthers are all formidable in the NFC South, I'd be surprised if the Rams and Bucs aren't both flirting with .500 this season, winning some games in unexpected fashion. Despite last year's collapses, there is talent to work with in St. Louis and Tampa Bay, and it begins with the bounce-back seasons I expect from both clubs' quarterbacks -- Sam Bradford and Josh Freeman. The two former first-round picks got into some bad habits last year and clearly regressed, but the hires of offensive coordinators Brian Schottenheimer in St. Louis and Mike Sullivan in Tampa Bay were good moves that will surround the young QBs with good coaching and help raise their performances back to those impressive 2010 levels.

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'Fiddles said:

Thanks Faust.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

Position Battle No. 21. New England Patriots WR: Deion Branch vs. Donte' Stallworth

• Both players eye one last run after long careers. Both players know the Patriot Way. We suspect there is only room for one of them.

• Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Jabar Gaffney should be roster locks. Special teamers Matthew Slater and Julian Edelman are likely to make the team. That leaves Branch and Stallworth fighting it out for the role of "well-known veteran" looking for a ring.

• Branch topped 700 yards last year in New England on craftiness alone. He struggles to separate and seemed to gain most of his yards when Brady extended the play and the two longtime friends improvised. He's only 32, but he plays older.

• Stallworth has greater speed and special teams ability. The Patriots prize versatility, which would seem to give Stallworth an edge.

Projected winner: Branch. The New England Patriots occasionally keep old trusty favorites around an extra year on scholarship. (Think Kevin Faulk last year.) Brady loves Branch. This should be Branch's farewell tour.

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ATLANTA FALCONS

Site: Atlanta Falcons Training Facility, Flowery Branch, Ga.

Report date: July 25 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OG Vince Manuwai, CB Asante Samuel, MLB Lofa Tatupu.

Key veteran departures: CB Kelvin Hayden, MLB Curtis Lofton, FB Ovie Mughelli, S James Sanders, WR-RS Eric Weems.

Juiciest story lines: The Falcons made some serious tweaks to their roster, letting Curtis Lofton walk in free agency, trading for CB Asante Samuel and drafting OG-C Peter Konz in the second round, but it was not a major overhaul. The players on display in training camp will be familiar to Falcons fans. The schemes on offense and defense will be different, though, with Dirk Koetter and Mike Nolan replacing Mike Mularkey and Brian VanGorder. Balancing a sense of urgency to make it back to the postseason and win with the growing pains that can arise from significant coaching-staff changes will be an interesting test for head coach Mike Smith.

Burning questions: How much does WR Julio Jones benefit from his first full offseason with the team? ... In his first season since turning 30, does RB Michael Turner look like he may be on the verge of hitting the wall? ... Is RB Jacquizz Rodgers ready to break through in his second season? ... Who wins the battle at middle linebacker between Lofa Tatupu and Akeem Dent? ... Will Sam Baker nail down the starting job he’s expected to win at left tackle? ... Will Joe Hawley unseat Todd McClure as the starting center? ... Will anyone emerge as the clear answer as the kickoff and punt returner following Eric Weems’ departure in free agency? ... Will DE Ray Edwards show signs that he will bounce back from a disappointing season?

Fearless prediction: Youth prevails. In the battles for starting spots at positions where leadership is typically expected, the Falcons tab Hawley as the starter at center, and Dent gets the nod at middle linebacker.

Fantasy nugget: It is not too early to consider drafting WR Julio Jones ahead of WR Roddy White, a longtime elite fantasy producer, in annual redraft leagues. Jones actually averaged more fantasy points per game than White (12.4 to 11.1) in standard scoring formats last season and appears primed for a breakout season.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Site: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.

Report date: July 16 (rookies), July 27 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OT Bruce Campbell, P Nick Harris, S Haruki Nakamura, LB Kenny Onatolu, OG Mike Pollak, S Reggie Smith, FB Mike Tolbert.

Key veteran departures: P Jason Baker, OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, LB Dan Connor, WR Legedu Naanee, OG Geoff Schwartz, OG Travelle Wharton.

Juiciest story lines: The bar is raised in Carolina. No one was expecting much from the Panthers a year ago, when Ron Rivera received his first taste of being an NFL head coach and QB Cam Newton took the league by storm in his rookie season. There is a different vibe around the team this year, and everyone is watching to see how defenses adjust to Newton and how he responds in Year Two. … The Panthers know they have to tighten up on defense after giving up the most points, yards and passing yards in the franchise’s 17-year history last season. With Rivera expected to take a more active role on defense and some key veterans returning from injury on that side of the ball, a strong camp will ease concerns about the “D.”

Burning questions: Will it be Jon Beason or rookie Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker? ... Can OLB Thomas Davis stay healthy and earn a major role? ... Will Jeff Otah finally overcome his health issues? ... How does the offense evolve in Rob Chud-zinski’s second season as coordinator? ... Will they significantly scale back calling running plays designed for Newton? ... Will WR Brandon LaFell break through in his third season? ... Who wins the competition at right cornerback between Captain Munnerlyn, Brandon Hogan and Josh Norman? ... Do they have enough to get by at defensive tackle?

Fearless prediction: The instant impact of first-year players is one of the biggest stories of camp. Beason is moved back to the weak side and the MLB job goes to Kuechly, who is the star rookie attraction of a class that boasts two other Week One starters — OLG Amini Silatolu and Norman — and two key contributors on special teams in RS Joe Adams and P Brad Nortman.

Fantasy nugget: Mike Tolbert’s arrival in Carolina is likely to come at the fantasy expense of QB Cam Newton more so than Tolbert’s fellow backs, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. Tolbert has the potential to become the team’s go-to guy on the goal line, where Newton excelled on his way to 14 rushing TDs last season (an NFL record for quarterbacks).

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Site: New Orleans Saints Training Facility, Metairrie, La.

Report date: July 24 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DT Remi Ayodele, DT Brodrick Bunkley, OLB Chris Chamberlain, OG Ben Grubbs, OLB David Hawthorne, MLB Curtis Lofton, QB Luke McCown.

Key veteran departures: LB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, TE Tory Humphrey, OT Pat McQuistan, WR Robert Meachem, OG Carl Nicks, CB Tracy Porter, DT Shaun Rogers, CB Leigh Torrence.

Juiciest story lines: The Saints still have some unfinished business when it comes to dealing with the league’s penalties for their alleged bounty program — we still don’t know who will serve as head coach through the first six games of the regular season. GM Mickey Loomis has indicated he will make a decision at some point during training camp and will choose another assistant coach from the staff. The team selected assistant head coach/linebackers Joe Vitt to assume Sean Payton’s duties during Payton’s year-long suspension, but Vitt is suspended for the first six weeks of the season. ... QB Drew Brees and the Saints worked out a long-term deal prior to the July 16 deadline for franchise players to sign multi-year deals. But Brees, who stayed away from all of the team’s offseason workouts, will have to get reacquainted with his teammates and knock off some rust.

Burning questions: Does the gap between the offense and defense begin to close with Steve Spagnuolo coordinating the defense? ... Will offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael put his own stamp on the offense with Payton away from the team? ... Will a new player emerge as the clear defensive leader with Jonathan Vilma suspended?

Fearless prediction: Before he begins an eight-game suspension after the preseason concludes, Loomis will announce he’s handing the head-coaching keys to Carmichael.

Fantasy nugget: While he attracted plenty of fantasy buzz heading into last season after the Saints picked him in the first round, Mark Ingram finished as the No. 46 running back in fantasy points. With the Saints’ commitment to a three-pronged rushing attack including Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas, don’t bank on a major statistical breakthrough in Ingram's sophomore campaign.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Site: One Buccaneer Place, Tampa, Fla.

Report date: July 18 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: TE Dallas Clark, DT Gary Gibson, DE Wallace Gilberry, WR Vincent Jackson, OT Jamon Meredith, DE Jayme Mitchell, OG Carl Nicks, DT Amobi Okoye, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Tiquan Underwood, CB Eric Wright, WR Wallace Wright.

Key veteran departures: DE Tim Crowder, C Jeff Faine, OLB Geno Hayes, FS Tanard Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, RB Kregg Lumpkin, S Corey Lynch, WR-RS Micheal Spurlock, TE Kellen Winslow.

Juiciest story lines: There will be a sharp contrast in styles from last year’s Bucs camp and this season’s version. First-year head coach Greg Schiano has let go of the players that resisted his ways and praised the ones willing to adapt to his demanding, disciplined approach, but we’ll be watching to see how a young team responds when the intensity gets kicked up another notch in camp with jobs and starting spots on the line. … QB Josh Freeman, who needs to prove his disappointing 2011 season was just a bump in the road, is looking to set the tone for a bounce-back year. He’s working with a new coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and the Bucs are counting on him to make much better decisions than he did last season. They are excited to see what he’s capable of with a true No. 1 wide receiver — Vincent Jackson — in the mix.

Burning questions: Is DT Gerald McCoy going to stay healthy and break through after suffering biceps tears in each of the past two seasons? ... How are carries divided between rookie Doug Martin and LeGarrette Blount? ... Will Mike Williams hold off competition from Arrelious Benn and win a starting job? ... How will Ronde Barber fare in his transition to free safety?

Fearless prediction: The Bucs will be the most improved team in the NFC South this season, but they still will finish at the bottom of the division. There will be no doubt about whether Schiano has them on the right track by the end of the season.

Fantasy nugget: The days of counting on Vincent Jackson to provide No. 1-fantasy-receiver production are over … for now. In a run-heavy offense with a young, developing quarterback coming off a disappointing season, Jackson should be slotted as a No. 2 fantasy receiver in 2012.

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CHICAGO BEARS

Site: Olivet Nazarene University, Boubonnais, Ill.

Report date: July 25 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, LB Blake Costanzo, CB Kelvin Hayden, OLB Geno Hayes, WR Brandon Marshall, OG Chilo Rachal, WR Devin Thomas, WR-RS Eric Weems, CB Jonathan Wilhite.

Key veteran departures: DT Anthony Adams, RB Marion Barber, CB Zack Bowman, CB Corey Graham, S Brandon Meriweather, DT Amobi Okoye, OL Frank Omiyale.

Juiciest story lines: Bears decision makers have expressed confidence in the offensive line, but training camp and the preseason could test their belief in the group. QB Jay Cutler has acknowledged that the O-line has work to do, and while the Bears made upgrades at the skill positions in the offseason, Cutler is right to have concerns about his protection. No team has allowed more sacks than the Bears (140) over the past three seasons. … There is also the matter of RB Matt Forté’s contract situation. He had yet to sign the franchise tender as of this writing, and will be under no obligation to report to camp if he remains unsigned as it gets underway.

Burning questions: Will the offense click with first-time coordinator Mike Tice calling plays? … Will J’Marcus Webb earn the starting job at left tackle or be demoted in favor of Chris Williams? … Is TE Kellen Davis up to the task of having greater demands placed on him as a receiver? … Will Gabe Carimi report at full strength and show no lingering issues with his surgically repaired knee? … Will first-round pick DE Shea McClellin prove to be an instant-impact pass-rusher? … Will CB Tim Jennings and S Major Wright hold off challengers and earn starting jobs?

Fearless prediction: The Bears and Forté will not agree to a long-term contract by the July 16 deadline for tagged players to signed multi-year deals, but Forté will sign his franchise tender on July 26 — the first day of camp — and report to the team on time.

Fantasy nugget: Whether he starts in Week One or has to wait his turn to break into the starting lineup, rookie Alshon Jeffery has a good chance to finish the season as the most productive Bears wide receiver not named Brandon Marshall. Jeffery, who is slated to share time at flanker with Devin Hester, has the potential to be a force in the red zone and could be worthy of a waiver addition by midseason if the Bears decide to break him in slowly.

DETROIT LIONS

Site: Detroit Lions Training Facility, Allen Park, Mich.

Report dates: July 23 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DE-OLB Everette Brown, WR Jarett Dillard, Jacob Lacey.

Key veteran departures: OLB Bobby Carpenter, QB Drew Stanton, CB Eric Wright.

Juiciest story lines: The Lions established themselves as legitimate playoff threats in 2011. The question is, are they capable of an encore — or even something bigger? Detroit’s high-powered passing game is its biggest strength. QB Matthew Stafford has rare arm strength, and WR Calvin Johnson can make double-coverage look like single-coverage. If Johnson and Stafford keeping playing at a high level, and if the running game improves, the Lions’ offense will be very tough to stop. And if the defense continues to make big plays and performs more soundly, the Lions could be major forces. What becomes of these young Lions bears close watch in 2012.

Burning questions: Can Jahvid Best and Mikel Leshoure stay healthy and give the Lions a solid one-two punch in the backfield? … Will the most promising members of Detroit’s 2011 draft class (DT Nick Fairley, WR Titus Young, Leshoure) mature after each had offseason incidents that landed them in the headlines for the wrong reasons? … Can DT Ndamukong Suh bounce back after a disappointing 2011 season? … Will the Lions’ defense show greater resistance against the run and pass after faltering to defend both at times a season ago? … Who will emerge as a starter opposite Chris Houston at cornerback?

Fearless prediction: These talent-laden Lions figure to be a popular sleeper pick in the NFC North, and they certainly are capable of making a surprise run to the top of the division. However, that’s easier said than done. Detroit, even off a 10-win season, needs to keep growing to keep up in the division and conference. The Lions’ passing game is something to behold, but their defense really struggled to get stops against top competition late last season, and that could again be a problem. The NFC is loaded, and skilled-but-flawed Detroit, over a full season, needs to become more consistent to be major threats.

Fantasy nugget: Young merits a flier as a No. 4 or No. 5 wide receiver. He played to rave reviews in the latter stages of offseason workouts and figures to get his share of favorable matchups with Calvin Johnson drawing a lot of attention from opposing defenses. Young, who caught six TDs as a rookie, has a lot of potential, and he very well could end up as the second-highest scorer among Lions wideouts.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Site: St. Norbert College, Green Bay, Wis.

Report date: July 25 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DE Anthony Hargrove, DE Phillip Merling, DT Daniel Muir, C Jeff Saturday.

Key veteran departures: OT Chad Clifton, FS Nick Collins, QB Matt Flynn, CB Patrick Lee, C Scott Wells.

Juiciest story lines: Reigning league MVP Aaron Rodgers, coming off one of the best seasons ever by a pro QB, continues to warrant signficant attention as the point man for an offense that averaged a league-high 35 points per game and scored the second-most points (560) in league history last season. On the other side of the ball, a host of defenders who significantly regressed (most notably CB Tramon Williams, ILB A.J. Hawk and NT B.J. Raji) must shape up or perhaps ship out.

Burning questions: The two hottest questions are obvious: Can the offense be any better, and can the defense, which surrendered 400-plus yards in 11 games and the most passing yards in league history, be any worse? … Packers Nation has already begun pondering whether or not top 2012 draft picks Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy will prove to be instantly worthy pass-rushers. … There are also a bunch of intriguing position battles in the offing: Randall Cobb vs. Donald Driver at wide receiver, A.J. Hawk vs. D.J. Smith at left inside linebacker, Sam Shields, Jarrett Bush, Davon House and rookie Casey Hayward battling at nickel corner and a three-way traffic jam at strong safety involving Charlie Peprah, M.D. Jennings and rookie Jerron McMillan.

Fearless prediction: There’s no way the Packers will win 15 games again with both the Bears and Lions posing bigger threats within the division. But they will win at least 10, which it says here will be enough to allow them to go deeper into the playoffs than they did a year ago — although not necessarily all the way to the finish line.

Fantasy nugget: Because the ground game remains a second fiddle in the Packers’ rock-star offense, James Starks probably doesn’t shape up too well as a No. 1 fantasy running back this coming season. But with Starks reportedly in excellent shape after limping down last year’s stretch with ankle issues (he has lowered his already meager body fat another 2 percent), he could be a very solid No. 2 fantasy back. Starks showed what he was capable of during Green Bay’s run to the Super Bowl title in 2010, when he steamrolled for 315 yards in four playoff games. But he has had major problems staying healthy.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Site: Minnesota State University, Mankato, Mankato, Minn.

Report dates: July 26 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: CB Zack Bowman, TE John Carlson, WR Jerome Simpson.

Key veteran departures: NT Remi Ayodele, CB Cedric Griffin, LB E.J. Henderson, OG Anthony Herrera, TE Jim Kleinsasser, PK Ryan Longwell, TE Visanthe Shiancoe.

Juiciest story lines: Head coach Leslie Frazier is entering what might be a make-or-break year with one of the youngest teams in the NFL. QB Christian Ponder enters his second season as the unquestioned starter — but with electric fan favorite Joe Webb right on his heels to raise scrutiny about the position. Alan Williams is the new defensive coordinator on a staff that also includes a defensive-minded head coach in Frazier, former coordinator Fred Pagac and Frazier’s buddy, Mike Singletary. And now Frazier must deal with another potential distraction — Percy Harvin, who is unhappy and requested a trade during the June minicamp. He later said he would show up at training camp.

Burning questions: Will Harvin become a major distraction? ... How many victories will Frazier need to keep his job? ... How healthy will RB Adrian Peterson be at the start of camp? ... Will Ponder make the leap the team is counting on? ... Can new starters NT Letroy Guion and MLB Jasper Brinkley solidify the middle of the defense? ... What immediate impact will first-round picks OLT Matt Kalil and S Harrison Smith make? ... How many veterans — WR Michael Jenkins? Maybe even DT Kevin Williams? — are in danger of losing their jobs? ... This defense was a train wreck last season — will it get better, or are there too many cooks in the kitchen?

Fearless prediction: Even with the question of Peterson, coming off knee reconstruction, the Vikings can put together a top-10 offense in 2012 — if Ponder develops the way the coaches think he can and Harvin decides to get with the program.

Fantasy nugget: With his migraines having subsided, Harvin finally was able to put together a full, 16-game regular season and shined with career-highs across the board. An electric receiver who has the potential to break it to daylight, Harvin was a weapon as a rusher, with 345 yards and two rushing TDs. He had 54 targets in December and January. For the season, he was targeted 18 times in the red zone (with 11 catches). Harvin had six touchdowns, but they came in the final seven games of the season. He also had four games with 15 or fewer receiving yards.

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DALLAS COWBOYS

Site: City of Oxnard Fields, Oxnard, Calif.

Report dates: July 25 (rookies), July 29 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OG Mackenzy Bernadeau, CB Brandon Carr, ILB Dan Connor, OG Nate Livings, OT Pat McQuistan, QB Kyle Orton, SS Brodney Pool, FB Lawrence Vickers.

Key veteran departures: S Alan Ball, TE Martellus Bennett, S Abram Elam, ILB Bradie James, OG Kyle Kosier, CB Terence Newman, WR Laurent Robinson.

Juiciest story lines: This is the Cowboys, and there always seems to be something burning, so the Mike Jenkins situation probably has the most attention leading into camp. He’s injured, his ego is bruised, and though the team says it will not trade him, his status with the club remains unsure. But beyond that, this is a talented team that finished a Week 17 loss (vs. the eventual-champion Giants) out of the playoffs and one that could make noise this season if things break right.

Burning questions: When will Jenkins be healthy enough to begin practicing and what is his role on the team? ... Can the Cowboys put more pressure on quarterbacks? ... Who will emerge as the No. 3 receiver with Laurent Robinson gone and no clear-cut favorite to take his spot? ... Who will start at right guard with Mackenzy Bernadeau’s injury status unclear? ... Bernadeau also was in the mix at center — is there a favorite if Phil Costa can’t step up? … Who starts at free safety? ... Is WR Dez Bryant poised to break out to the next level this season?

Fearless prediction: ILB Bruce Carter, an incredible athlete who appears to have some power in his game, breaks out as a starter opposite Sean Lee. Dan Connor might be the more instinctive player, but Carter can cover backs and tight ends and has the upside to be special — if the Cowboys are patient and bring him along slowly with the understanding that there might be some growing pains along the way.

Fantasy nugget: In the final 11 games, not counting the Week 16 contest he was knocked out of early on, QB Tony Romo totaled 24 TD passes (plus one rushing) and only five INTs, averaging 264.6 passing yards. He had only one 300-yard game last season after Week Six, however, and now must face the loss of WR Laurent Robinson (11 TDs; signed with Jacksonville) with no clear replacement defined.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Site: University at Albany, Albany, N.Y.

Report dates: July 24 (rookies), July 24 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: TE Martellus Bennett, LB Jonathan Goff, CB Dante Hughes, OT Sean Locklear, CB Antwaun Molden, LB Keith Rivers, DT Shaun Rogers.

Key veteran departures: TE Jake Ballard, RB Brandon Jacobs, WR Mario Manningham, OT Kareem McKenzie, CB Aaron Ross.

Juiciest story lines: The Giants will try to defend their Super Bowl this season, although head coach Tom Coughlin won’t paint it that way, preferring to treat each season as a fresh start. But Coughlin’s team will be in excellent shape with an attacking defense that has nearly every key piece back, a franchise quarterback in the prime of his career and some potent pieces around him. With DE Osi Umenyiora’s contract situation settled, the Giants should be relatively drama-free and ready to get down to business when they roll into Albany.

Burning questions: Who will take hold of the TE position? ... How long will WR Hakeem Nicks be out with a broken bone in his foot? ... Who will step up as the No. 3 receiver, vacated by Manningham? … How will the offensive line shake out? ... Will rookie RB David Wilson replace Ahmad Bradshaw as the starter? ... What will DT Marvin Austin look like — and what kind of shape is he in? — after missing the past two seasons with suspension (in college) and injury (as a rookie)?

Fearless prediction: Wilson opens eyes early in camp and eventually becomes too impressive early in the season to sit. He’ll replace Bradshaw as the de facto starter in the first third of the regular season and end up one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year.

Fantasy nugget: Bradshaw was an efficient rusher inside the red zone last season, scoring touchdowns on nine of his 24 carries inside the opposition’s 20-yard line. His rushing TD totals have increased in each of the past three seasons. If healthy, he still has a role on this team.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Site: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

Report dates: July 22 (rookies), July 25 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OT Demetress Bell, MLB DeMeco Ryans.

Key veteran departures: RB Ronnie Brown, C Jamaal Jackson, OT Winston Justice, DT Trevor Laws, DE Juqua Parker, FB Owen Schmitt, WR Steve Smith, QB Vince Young.

Key veteran arrivals: FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, OT Demetress Bell, MLB DeMeco Ryans, OT Thomas Welch.

Key veteran departures: RB Ronnie Brown, C Jamaal Jackson, OT Winston Justice, DT Trevor Laws, DE Juqua Parker, FB Owen Schmitt, WR Steve Smith, QB Vince Young.

Juiciest story lines: No one is foolish enough to label this a “dream team” again, but the Eagles are facing some extremely high expectations again — some might even argue Super Bowl-or-bust type of expectations. The pressure is on head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo especially to do better work this season after both took an incredible amount of heat last season during the 8-8 failure.

Burning questions: Can Michael Vick, having a strong offseason, turn things around after a poor 2011 season? ... Will Reid sidestep talk about his future and make this team a contender again? … Now that DeSean Jackson has his contract, will he reward the Eagles with a commensurate level of play? ... How will Demetress Bell handle left tackle in the wake of Jason Peters’ major injury? ... Can DeMeco Ryans and the linebackers make wholesale improvement over that unit’s disappointing ’11 season? ... Who will emerge at safety?

Fearless prediction: The Eagles put last season’s disappointment behind them and play to their talent level. Reid typically has done his best coaching with the pressure turned up. Vick knows this could be his final year in Philadelphia, and he will be far better in terms of ball security, which will make a major difference.

Fantasy nugget: The team became a far more run-based operation last season than it ever had before under Reid, and RB LeSean McCoy, not Vick, received most of the carries in the red zone. Rushing attempts inside the 10-yard line in 2011: McCoy 31, Vick five.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Site: Redskins Park, Ashburn, Va.

Report dates: July 16 (rookies), July 25 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: WR Pierre Garcon, LB Jonathan Goff, CB Cedric Griffin, S Tanard Jackson, OLB Bryan Kehl, FS Brandon Meriweather, WR Josh Morgan, PK Neil Rackers, CB Leigh Torrence, S Madieu Williams, OLB Chris Wilson.

Key veteran departures: FS Oshiomogho Atogwe, QB John Beck, WR Jabar Gaffney, SS LaRon Landry, OG Sean Locklear, LB Rocky McIntosh, TE Mike Sellers, WR Donté Stallworth.

Juiciest story lines: There’s no question that the biggest story line is the development of QB Robert Griffin III, who has impressed nearly everyone to this point with his limited work. And Griffin’s first-year success might be tied directly to the fate of head coach Mike Shanahan, who enters his third season in Washington. You’d think the team would have to be moving in a positive direction in order for Shanahan to keep his job, but Griffin being a rookie might be enough to keep the coaching staff in place past this season.

Burning questions: Who will the starting safeties be? … Who will win the kicking battle between Graham Gano and Neil Rackers? … Will TE Chris Cooley and WR Santana Moss make the roster? … How will the new arrivals at receiver change the pecking order there? … Who starts at running back? … Will TE Fred Davis and OT Trent Williams, each one strike away from one-year suspensions, stay out of trouble?

Fearless prediction: The Redskins might not win a lot more games than they did from a year ago, but the improved team — led by the exciting Griffin — convinces owner Daniel Snyder to keep Shanahan in place in 2013. The Redskins have a lot to bring together, but they’re headed in the right direction.

Fantasy nugget: Davis finished second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, even though he missed the final four games of the season because of a suspension. Davis’ production took a big jump in ’11, setting him up for a big season in ’12, especially with an upgrade at quarterback in Griffin. But Davis only scored three touchdowns last season. The ‘Skins added Garcon and Morgan, and they change the shape of the passing game.

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DENVER BRONCOS

Site: Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Center, Englewood, Colo.

Report date: July 25 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: S Mike Adams, DT Justin Bannan, WR Andre Caldwell, TE Joel Dreessen, CB Drayton Florence, QB Caleb Hanie, QB Peyton Manning, CB Tracy Porter, WR Brandon Stokley, TE Jacob Tamme.

Key veteran departures: DT Brodrick Bunkley, S Brian Dawkins, TE Daniel Fells, CB André Goodman, OLB Mario Haggan, DE Ryan McBean, QB Brady Quinn, WR Eddie Royal, QB Tim Tebow.

Juiciest story lines: Even without Tim Tebow, there will be plenty of attention in Denver this summer. Peyton Manning will make his return to the gridiron in 2012 in a Broncos jersey, and his return from injury will be heavily scrutinized over the coming months. His health, performance and ability to return to the form we saw from the future Hall of Famer is the reason the Broncos have such high expectations. On defense, the Broncos added CBs Tracy Porter and Drayton Florence, along with coordinator Jack Del Rio to improve that side of the ball.

Burning questions: Can Manning stay healthy and throw like his old self? ... Who will step up at wide receiver after Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker? ... What will Jack Del Rio’s impact be on the defense? ... How will second-round pick Brock Osweiler, presumably the heir to Manning, play in his first NFL preseason? ... Can RB Knowshon Moreno stay healthy and make an impact? ... Who will win the starting jobs at defensive tackle?

Fearless prediction: Rookie RB Ronnie Hillman will be one of the more impressive players in Broncos camp, earning him a larger part in the offense and taking carries away from Willis McGahee.

Fantasy nugget: Manning is going to make one, or both, of his tight ends very productive. Most likely, that will be TE Jacob Tamme, who had 631 receiving yards and four touchdowns with Manning in Indianapolis in 2010. Don't get too excited about Tamme's potential as a No. 1 tight end in fantasy. Joel Dreessen was a touchdown vulture in Houston (10 combined TDs in his last two seasons). Keep an eye on the preseason to see how Manning uses his tight ends before reaching for Tamme.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Site: Missouri Western State Univeresity, St. Joseph, Mo.

Report date: July 26 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: TE Kevin Boss, S Abram Elam, RB Peyton Hillis, QB Brady Quinn, DE Ropati Pitoitua, CB Stanford Routt, OT Eric Winston.

Key veteran departures: CB Brandon Carr, DE Wallace Gilberry, FB Le’Ron McClain, QB Kyle Orton, TE Leonard Pope, OT Barry Richardson, LB Demorrio Williams.

Juiciest story lines: Romeo Crennel entering his first training camp as the Chiefs’ head coach will be monitored closely, along with the offense under new coordinator Brian Daboll. The Chiefs’ 2011 season was ruined because of injuries to Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Matt Cassel — their health will be a focal point. All eyes may be on the Broncos, but the Chiefs are considered a sleeper to win the AFC West, and they could get more (or less) respect based on camp performances.

Burning questions: Who wins the backup quarterback job, Brady Quinn or Ricky Stanzi? ... When will Charles and Moeaki return to full health after 2011 ACL injuries? ... How will first-round NT Dontari Poe perform in his first NFL camp? ... How will newcomers Peyton Hillis, Eric Winston and Stanford Routt impact the Chiefs?

Fearless prediction: The new surroundings in Kansas City will be just what the doctor ordered for RB Peyton Hillis to show off the skills that made him a productive back in 2010. Paired with Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs will return to having one of the league’s top-five rushing attacks.



Fantasy nugget: It will be dificult to predict how Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis will share carries, with so much hinging on Charles' health. But owners can be confident in selecting Hillis knowing he will get touchdowns. In his breakout 2010 campaign, Hillis had 13 total touchdowns (11 rushing, two receiving). In that same season, when Charles rushed for 1,467 yards, he found the endzone on the ground only five times.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Site: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa, Calif.

Report date: July 29 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: CB Ron Bartell, OG Mike Brisiel, RB Mike Goodson, QB Matt Leinart, FB Owen Scmitt, CB Shawntae Spencer, DE Dave Tollefson, OLB Philip Wheeler.

Key veteran departures: TE Kevin Boss, RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, OLB Quentin Groves, DT John Henderson, CB Stanford Routt, C Samson Satele, WR Chaz Schilens, OLB Kamerion Wimbley.

Juiciest story lines: GM Reggie McKenzie is the new sherrif in town, helping usher in the post-Al Davis era of Raiders football. He made his presence known by cutting multiple veterans, and seeing how the Raiders replace players like Kamerion Wimbley and Stanford Routt will be closely monitored. This is Dennis Allen’s first go-around as an NFL head coach, the team’s third coach in three years. QB Carson Palmer is in the midst of his first full camp with the Raiders, and the passing game with young, fast receivers could see a boost in 2012.

Burning questions: Can Darren McFadden remain healthy through the preseason and into the regular season? ... Who steps up as the team’s No. 2 back? ... How will the cornerback situation sort itself out, with a pair of newcomers in Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer and youngsters in DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa? ... How will the new defense look under Dennis Allen?



Fearless prediction: Rookie WR Juron Criner will continue to wow observers this summer, pushing Jacoby Ford, Louis Murphy and Denarius Moore for snaps opposite Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Fantasy nugget: Fantasy owners need to watch Oakland's backfield closely to see who emerges as a No. 2 back to Darren McFadden. How will carries be split between Mike Goodson and Taiwan Jones? Will a veteran, like Cedric Benson come in? Not only is it important because of McFadden's health, but the Raiders' top back hasn't had a nose for the endzone, deferring those carries in past years to Michael Bush.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Site: Chargers Park, San Diego, Calif.

Report dates: July 22 (rookies), July 25 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: S Atari Bigby, RB Ronnie Brown, OLB Jarret Johnson, FB Le’Ron McClain, WR Robert Meachem, WR Eddie Royal, QB Charlie Whitehurst, LB Demorrio Williams.

Key veteran departures: OLB Everette Brown, S Steve Gregory, CB Dante Hughes, WR Vincent Jackson, OLB Travis LaBoy, RB Mike Tolbert, QB Billy Volek.

Juiciest story lines: To the chagrin of many Chargers fans, Norv Turner and GM A.J. Smith are back after back-to-back seasons of missing the playoffs — a first in San Diego since 2002-03. Expectations are low, but the tools are there. There will be no Vincent Jackson drama this summer, just a focus on how San Diego replaces his production. There is optimism for a big season from RB Ryan Mathews, who will carry a big load with his former handcuff, Mike Tolbert, now with Carolina.

Burning questions: How do WRs Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish fit in with the Chargers’ offense? ... Can QB Philip Rivers return to form after 25 turnovers last season? ... Can first-rounder Melvin Ingram be the boost the pass rush needs? ... How will the defense look under first-year coordinator John Pagano, the team’s third defensive coordinator in as many years? ?

Fearless prediction: The spring talk about WR Eddie Royal will continue this summer, and with the additions of Robert Meachem and Roscoe Parrish, the Chargers will enter the season with one of the deepest, yet underrated receiving corps.

Fantasy nugget: Don't be too concerned about Rivers' turnovers from last season. He is still one of the league's top quarterbacks who has a bigger arsenal to throw to this season. When the top five QBs are gone (Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Newton, Stafford), you shouldn't be disappointed with landing Rivers in the second or third round of your draft. He is primed for a big season.

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HOUSTON TEXANS

Site: Methodist Training Center, Houston, Texas.

Report Dates: July 22 (rookies), July 27 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: CB Alan Ball, QB John Beck, RB Justin Forsett, ILB Bradie James, P Donnie Jones.

Key veteran departures: CB Jason Allen, OG Mike Brisiel, TE Joel Dreesen, WR Jacoby Jones, ILB DeMeco Ryans, RB Derrick Ward, OLB Mario Williams, OT Eric Winston.

Juiciest story lines: The Texans appear to be the cream of the crop in the AFC South, but they will have to overcome several offseason defections, as well as being in an unfamiliar position — with targets on their backs — to follow up their most successful season in franchise history with a deeper postseason run.

Burning questions: How will the Texans’ offensive leader, QB Matt Schaub, perform coming off a season-ending lisfranc injury and in the final year of his contract? … Can one of the league’s best and most cohesive offensive lines adequately replace two starters on the right side? … Can defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ unit avoid a major dropoff after its stunning turnaround a season ago?

Fearless prediction: WR Andre Johnson, who missed nine games with hamstring injuries and had his knee scoped in the offseason, will return to his All-Pro form, starting 16 games and eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards and 10 TDs.

Fantasy nugget: FB-TE James Casey came out of nowhere in Week Three in New Orleans last season, appearing to be a potential fantasy revelation after racking up 137 yards from scrimmage, including a 62-yard TD catch-and-run. Unfortunately, Casey suffered a pectoral injury late in the contest and never fully rebounded. Following the offseason departure of TE Joel Dreessen (team-high six TD catches in 2011) to Denver, Casey should see increased opportunities in Houston's two-TE-heavy offense and, blessed with the best hands on the team and terrific athleticism, he is a name to file in the back of your head as a potential flier or early-season waiver addition.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Site: Anderson University, Anderson, Ind.

Report dates: July 25 (rookies), July 28 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: WR Donnie Avery, OT Winston Justice, RB Mewelde Moore, DL Cory Redding, C Samson Satele, QB Drew Stanton, CB Cassius Vaughn, S Tom Zbikowski.

Key veteran departures: RB Joseph Addai, MLB Gary Brackett, TE Dallas Clark, WR Pierre Garcon, QB Peyton Manning, C Jeff Saturday.

Juiciest story lines: The Colts this offseason turned the page on one of the most successful decades by a franchise in NFL history. The trio of GM Ryan Grigson, head coach Chuck Pagano and top pick Andrew Luck have been given the task of returning the Colts to greatness. Growing pains are to be expected, but can the Colts find a way to compete in 2012?

Burning questions: After forming the best DE tandem in the NFL over the past decade, can Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis successfully reinvent themselves as OLBs? … Luck will be running the show from Day One, but can a hodge-podge offensive line built of castoffs adequately protect him? … With Grigson’s first draft primarily dedicated to retooling the offense, will Pagano have enough pieces to convert to his preferred base 3-4 scheme?

Fearless prediction: After being in total flux in 2011, the Colts’ secondary is stabilized by the return of Jerraud Powers, maturation of Kevin Thomas, who earns the starting CB job opposite Powers and never looks back, and addition of former Ravens SS Tom Zbikowski.

Fantasy nugget: WR Austin Collie was on the fast track to becoming one of the league's more productive wideouts in 2010, when he amassed 44 receptions for 503 yards and six TDs in the first six games. However, multiple concussions robbed him of a potentially special season and he finished with 58-649-8 receiving. Fast-forward 18 months and Collie, who made minimal impact with a revolving door at QB last season (514 receiving yards, one TD), is drawing rave reviews this offseason, catching everything in sight and making acrobatic catches all over the field. With top pick Andrew Luck expected to stabilize the passing offense, Collie could be poised to pick up where he left off early in '10.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Site: Florida Blue Health & Wellness Practice Fields, Jacksonville, Fla.

Report dates: July 26 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: WR Lee Evans, QB Chad Henne, WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross.



Key veteran departures: CB Drew Coleman, DE Aaron Kampman, WR Kassim Osgood.

Juiciest story lines: The name of the game for new head coach Mike Mularkey in 2012 is developing QB Blaine Gabbert into an NFL-caliber starting triggerman, but there is no shortage of intrigue on the offensive side of the ball, with disgruntled rushing champion Maurice Jones-Drew staying away from the club as he vies for a new deal and top pick Justin Blackmon attempting to stay on the straight and narrow after a troubling aggravated DUI arrest in June.

Burning questions: How long will the stalemate between MJD and the Jaguars drag on? … Can Marcedes Lewis and a radically revamped receiving corps be a greater asset to Gabbert in Year Two? … Can Blackmon keep his nose clean and provide the immediate impact at receiver that GM Gene Smith is banking on? … Can a very good “D” take the next step by finding more ways to pressure opposing QBs?

Fearless prediction: Jones-Drew’s lengthy contract holdout, which will last into the dog days of summer, won’t result in a new deal, but it will cause a Chris Johnson-like negative impact, with Jones-Drew sputtering out of the gate and not hitting his stride until the second half of the season.

Fantasy nugget: With no end in sight to the impasse between MJD and the Jaguars, backup RB Rashad Jennings' value skyrockets. The 6-1, 228-pound Jennings is a load, with a career average of 5.4 yards per carry, and he is fully recovered from the knee injury that cost him the entire 2011 campaign. Any young QB's best friend is a strong ground game, and with or without MJD, pounding the rock under new head coach Mike Mularkey will be a point of emphasis to assist the development of Blaine Gabbert. Keep a close eye on MJD's status, but don't view Jennings strictly as a handcuff — he could play a much larger role this season.



TENNESSEE TITANS

Site: Baptist Sports Park, Nashville, Tenn.

Report dates: July 24 (rookies), July 27 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OG Steve Hutchinson, DE Kamerion Wimbley.

Key veteran departures: CB Cortland Finnegan, TE Daniel Graham, DE William Hayes, DE Jason Jones, MLB Barrett Ruud.

Juiciest story lines: A tasty QB competition between savvy veteran Matt Hasselbeck and exciting youngster Jake Locker is the featured attraction. Locker is clearly the future, but the Titans believe they can win now with either player, assuming they get greater contributions from Chris Johnson and the ground game.

Burning questions: Will the Titans make changes along the interior of the offensive line to create more space for Johnson? … Will Johnson rebound from a lackluster 2011 campaign? … Who will replace Cortland Finnegan as the tone setter of the “D?” … Will the addition of Kamerion Wimbley be enough to fix the porous pass rush? … Can Kenny Britt regain the dominant form he displayed before his knee injury?

Fearless prediction: Not only will Hasselbeck win the job in Week One, he will thrive with a rejuvenated Johnson and a better receiving corps, holding off Locker and again keeping the Titans in contention until late in the season.

Fantasy nugget: A bulked-up Chris Johnson had the best offseason of his young career. The Titans, under Hall of Fame OG Mike Munchak, expect to be a better run-blocking unit this season, particularly with the addition of future Hall of Fame OLG Steve Hutchinson. Johnson is supremely motivated to prove he is still an elite back, and with a passing offense that received another dynamic playmaker in first-round rookie WR Kendall Wright, less attention could be paid to CJ2K, who could return to form as a first-round fantasy producer.

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BALTIMORE RAVENS

Site: Under Armour Performance Center, Owings Mills, Md.

Report date: July 22 (rookies), July 25 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DE Ryan McBean, S Sean Considine, CB Corey Graham, WR-RS Jacoby Jones, NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu, QB Curtis Painter, OG Bobbie Williams, OL Tony Wragge.

Key veteran departures: CB Chris Carr, WR Lee Evans, CB Domonique Foxworth, PK Shayne Graham, OG Ben Grubbs, OLB Jarret Johnson, DT Brandon McKinney, S Haruki Nakamura, DL Cory Redding, RB Ricky Williams, S Tom Zbikowski.

Juiciest story lines: The Ravens lost the AFC title game at New England in hard-to-believe and heartbreaking fashion. The good news? QB Joe Flacco, after a somewhat disappointing regular season, played very well in defeat. Moreover, the Ravens, even after enduring some offseason personnel losses, still look like AFC contenders. Now, all eyes are on whether Baltimore can take that next step and return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2000. This is an especially important season for Flacco, who enters the final year of his contract.

Burning questions: Will OLB Terrell Suggs (Achilles) return at some point in 2012? ... Can the Paul Kruger-Courtney Upshaw OLB tandem pick up the slack with Suggs out and the rugged Jarret Johnson now in San Diego? ... Will FS Ed Reed report for the start of training camp? ... Will the left side of the offensive line hold up? … With RB Ray Rice getting a lucrative five-year deal, will QB Joe Flacco's contract situation now be resolved before the season begins? ... Can PK Billy Cundiff recapture his best form after his late-game AFC-title miss? ... Will second-year CB Jimmy Smith take a big step forward?

Fearless prediction: After having a so-so 2011 regular season, Flacco steps up his game in ’12. Flacco is in his physical prime, and he’s had four pressure-packed seasons to learn his craft. Flacco’s impressive play in the ’11 AFC title game could be a sign of things to come for the Ravens’ signalcaller, who throws one of the game’s best deep balls. The Ravens’ passing game has a good deal of upside.

Fantasy nugget: TE Dennis Pitta might have some sleeper potential. All three of his 2011 regular-season TDs came in the final six weeks of the season, and he caught 5-41-1 on eight targets in the AFC title game. QB Joe Flacco trusts him, and if the end of the '11 season is any indication, Pitta has a good shot at improving on last season's TD total.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Site: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati.

Report date: July 26 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: CB Jason Allen, DE Jamaal Anderson, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, DE Derrick Harvey, CB Terence Newman, OG Travelle Wharton.

Key veteran departures: WR Andre Caldwell, S Chris Crocker, DE Jonathan Fanene, LB Brandon Johnson, OG Nate Livings, OG Mike McGlynn, CB Rico Murray, LB Keith Rivers, DE Frostee Rucker, TE Bo Scaife, WR Jerome Simpson, OG Bobbie Williams.

Juiciest story lines: For the second time in three seasons, the Bengals exceeded expectations and made the playoffs. Cincinnati received stellar rookie seasons from WR A.J. Green and QB Andy Dalton and a stout performance from the NFL’s seventh-ranked defense as Marvin Lewis’ club grabbed the final wild-card spot in the AFC. The Bengals garner more respect now as they try do something they have never done in Lewis’ tenure as head coach — make the postseason in back-to-back seasons. Another playoff berth would add to the growing notion that the Bengals have begun to make sounder football decisions, but a step backwards would damage that perception.

Burning questions: Can the Bengals prove they can beat playoff-caliber clubs? They were 0-7 against playoff entrants in ’11, with four losses combined (each by seven points or more) against Baltimore and Pittsburgh. ... If the Bengals make that next step, will it come from improvement from their young offense, an even better season from a strong defense — or just regression from Baltimore and Pittsburgh, who each have age concerns? ... Who will emerge as the starting wideout opposite of Green? ... How will the Bengals split the carries between RBs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Bernard Scott? ... Who will take over for Chris Crocker at strong safety?

Fearless prediction: Although the Bengals made the postseason in 2011, they were the third-best team in their division, and it’s not going to be easy to overtake Baltimore and Pittsburgh this season, too. Nevertheless, the Bengals are building something promising, and a full offseason for the Dalton-led offense can only be helpful. Cincinnati sits poised in the rear-view mirrors of Baltimore and Pittsburgh, ready to pounce. Whether the Bengals can make that move this year will tell us a lot about the present and future of this division. If nothing else, 2013 looks rather promising for Cincinnati.

Fantasy nugget: If no clear-cut No. 2 wideout steps up, TE Jermaine Gresham could be a big beneficary. Gresham, who was targeted 92 times a season ago, catching 56-596-6, figures to be an attractive alternative for QB Andy Dalton if nothing's open on the outside. Moreover, Gresham has the athleticism to be a downfield threat.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Site: Cleveland Browns Training Facility, Berea, Ohio

Report date: July 24 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DE Juqua Parker, DE Frostee Rucker.

Key veteran departures: S Mike Adams, OT Artis Hicks, RB Peyton Hillis, P Richmond McGee, DE Jayme Mitchell, OT Tony Pashos, OG Eric Steinbach, OL Steve Vallos.

Juiciest story lines: Rookie QB Brandon Weeden is expected to capture the starting job. Will the 28-year-old former minor-league baseball player have a short learning curve? The play of Weeden and highly touted rookie RB Trent Richardson will be vital to an offense that sputtered the past several seasons. Something else to watch: The 2011 Browns couldn’t take advantage of a favorable early schedule and fell apart late, losing their final six games. This season, the schedule is tougher earlier, with four of the first six contests against ’11 postseason entrants. Can these Browns keep it together early in the fall?

Burning questions: There are plenty. Will Weeden quickly be able to pick up the West Coast offense — a scheme that can be tough to master? ... Will his arm strength spark a station-to-station passing game? ... Will Greg Little, the Browns’ top target as a rookie, take a step forward? ... Will the Browns deal Colt McCoy before training camp? If he stays around, can he prove a serious challenger to Weeden? ... Can Richardson consistently get the best of professional defenses that will be gearing up to stop him? ... Finally, can the defense match last season’s surprising output? It was lost in the Browns’ overall struggles, but Cleveland allowed the fifth-fewest points in 2011.

Fearless prediction: The Browns will be more fun to watch in 2012, with Richardson proving he’s a legit lead back from the get-go. Weeden, too, will have his moments. However, wins will continue to be tough to come by. The ’12 schedule simply doesn’t afford Cleveland many breathers. To wit: The Browns face the Ravens twice in the first nine weeks, then draw the Steelers twice in the final six games. The Browns’ rebuilding process has had its positive moments, but growing pains are still the name of the game for this team.

Fantasy nugget: Little looks to be the best fantasy bet of the Browns' wideouts. Little, who caught 61 passes for 709 yards and a pair of scores as a rookie in 2011, could show improvement in his second NFL season and second year back on the field after sitting out the 2010 collegiate campaign. Fantasy owners taking a longer view also will want to keep an eye on talented rookie Josh Gordon, though how he takes to the pro game must be monitored.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Site: Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa.

Report date: July 25 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: OLB Brandon Johnson, LS Matt Katula, TE Leonard Pope.

Key veteran departures: ILB James Farrior, CB William Gay, OG Chris Kemoeatu, OT Jamon Meredith, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward.

Juiciest story lines: The Steelers had a news-packed offseason by their standards. They shed some long-time stalwarts, notably WR Hines Ward, LB James Farrior and DE Aaron Smith. They changed offensive coordinators, replacing Bruce Arians with former Chiefs head coach Todd Haley. How Haley gets along with QB Ben Roethlisberger figures to be a consistent topic of speculation. Also, the Steelers endured some contract strife, with RFA WR Mike Wallace declining to sign his tender as he tries to garner a lucrative contract extension. On paper, though, the Steelers still look like strong contenders — assuming time doesn’t catch up with this veteran group.

Burning questions: If RB Rashard Mendenhall and NT Casey Hampton miss the beginning of the season as they each recover from ACL tears, can their replacements (Isaac Redman and Steve McLendon, respectively) perform well for sustained stretches? ... Can the Roethlisberger-Haley relationship work? ... Will the offense, an above-average group on paper, score more points? Pittsburgh was just 21st in that category in 2011. ... Can a revamped offensive line better protect Roethlisberger? ... Will the defense, which allowed the fewest yards and points a season ago, continue to play at an elite level — and can it force more turnovers? ... Can the secondary, which has struggled in playoff losses the last two seasons, step up on the postseason stage?

Fearless prediction: The Steelers’ point-scoring issues of a season ago don’t repeat themselves. This talented of an offense should expect to at least rank in the upper half of the NFL in points scored, and it would be a surprise if the Steelers didn’t light up the scoreboard a little more this season. Added punch on offense would make Pittsburgh all the more formidable, considering the strength of its experienced, physical defense.

Fantasy nugget: If Mendenhall misses the start of the season, Redman figures to get the bulk of the carries, but it's also reasonable to wonder if the biggest beneficary, from a fantasy perspective, will be Roethlisberger, who very well could go drafted as a backup in 10-team leagues (and perhaps 12-team formats, too). Roethlisberger offers excellent value if drafted as a No. 2 quarterback.

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BUFFALO BILLS

Site: St. John Fisher College, Pittsford, N.Y.

Report dates: July 24 (rookies and veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: DE Mark Anderson, TE-FB Dorin Dickerson, DE Mario Williams, QB Vince Young.

Key veteran departures: OLT Demetress Bell, CB Drayton Florence, WR Ros-coe Parrish.

Juiciest story lines: DEs Mario Williams and Mark Anderson joined the Bills this offseason in an effort to revamp the defensive line and the pass rush. With Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus manning the interior, there are high expectations for the defensive front under coordinator Dave Wannstedt. In general, though, expectations are soaring in Buffalo for a squad that has the longest playoff drought in the NFL.

Burning questions: Will Vince Young win the backup QB job over Tyler Thigpen? ... Can Shawne Merriman finally stay healthy and show he can make an impact? ... Who will win the No. 2 WR job opposite Stevie Johnson? ... Who will win the starting CB jobs? ... Can rookie Cordy Glenn beat out Chris Hairston as the starting left tackle? ... How will carries be divied between Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller?



Fearless prediction: Terrence McGee has the experience, and Leodis McKelvin is entering a contract year and impressed in OTAs, but it will be youngsters starting at cornerback by the end of camp. Rookie Stephon Gilmore and second-year CB Aaron Williams will man the outside spots.

Fantasy nugget: His numbers tailed off at the end of last season, but TE Scott Chandler — who had six touchdown catches in 2011 (all in the first seven games) — is someone to keep an eye on in deep leagues. He is the Bills' best pass-catching weapon near the goal line and figures to be on the field often, as he is also a solid run blocker.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Site: Miami Dolphins Training Facility, Davie, Fla.

Report dates: July 26 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: QB David Garrard, LB Gary Guyton, OT Artis Hicks, S Tyrell Johnson, DB Richard Marshall, WR Legedu Naanee, WR Chad Ochocinco, OLB Jamaal Westerman.

Key veteran departures: CB Will Allen, SS Yeremiah Bell, OT Marc Colombo, QB Chad Henne, RB Lex Hilliard, DE Kendall Langford, WR Brandon Marshall, DE Phillip Merling.

Juiciest story lines: With HBO’s “Hard Knocks” cameras set to roll, NFL fans will learn a lot more about the Dolphins, and the show certainly will focus on the quarterback battle between Matt Moore, David Garrard and Ryan Tannehill. The focus also will be on new head coach Joe Philbin and his staff as they attempt to right the ship in Miami. And how could we forget WR Chad Ochocinco, who will be fighting to make the team and quiet his doubters after disappointing in New England last season?

Burning questions: Who will win the QB competition, and how will Tannehill look in his first camp? ... How will the HBO cameras affect camp? ... Who will win open starting spots at right guard, safety and right tackle? ... How will the defense manage playing more “40” fronts? ... Will Brian Hartline step up and look like the No. 1 receiver he is expected to be in 2012?

Fearless prediction: Even though indications point to a starting quarterback not being named until the preseason, and Garrard may have been more effective in OTAs and minicamp, Moore will impress enough in training camp to earn the starting job before preseason games begin.

Fantasy nugget: The Dolphins are currently without a clear-cut starting outside receiver opposite Hartline. That player should get targets in the new offense, and Legedu Naanee, who is coming off a career year in Carolina, impressed observers in minicamp. If he continues that success in July and August and earns a starting spot, he might be worthy of a flier in fantasy drafts.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Site: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.

Camp dates: July 19 (rookies), July 25 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: RB Joseph Addai, CB Will Allen, TE Jake Ballard, CB Marquice Cole, DE Jonathan Fanene, TE Daniel Fells, WR Jabar Gaffney, OG Robert Gallery, S Steve Gregory, WR Brandon Lloyd, TE Bo Scaife, DE Trevor Scott, WR Donté Stallworth.

Key veteran departures: DE Mark Anderson, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, OLT Matt Light, CB Antwaun Molden, WR Chad Ochocinco.

Juiciest story lines: The Patriots made a big haul in free agency, and it sets them up to make some difficult decisions this summer. There are going to be heated position battles at wide receiver and defensive end, and it’s very likely that a few talented veterans find themselves on the cutting-room floor after camp.

Burning questions: How long will OLG Logan Mankins be out after offseason ACL surgery? ... With two free-agent additions at fullback and a blocking tight end in Daniel Fells, should we expect differences in the Patriots’ spread attack? ... Who will step up on defense to grab hold of starting jobs up for grabs, mainly at defensive end?

Fearless prediction: Heading into the spring, it seemed that RB Stevan Ridley would be primed for a breakout year as the team’s top back. But Shane Vereen, who impressed in OTAs and minicamp, will benefit greatly from a full training camp and being healthy. It will be the battle for carries between Ridley and Vereen that most people will be talking about.

Fantasy nugget: All reports from the OTAs that were open to the media indicated that WR Brandon Lloyd had little trouble getting used to his new team and reuniting with his former coordinator, Josh McDaniels. Don't be afraid of the several weapons in Tom Brady's arsenal taking points away — look what Randy Moss was able to put up on the outside before 2010. Lloyd should be capable of earning consideration as a No. 2 or No. 3 fantasy wideout.

NEW YORK JETS

Site: SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY

Camp dates: July 23 (rookies), July 26 (veterans).

Key veteran arrivals: SS Yeremiah Bell, PK Josh Brown, S LaRon Landry, WR Chaz Schilens, QB Tim Tebow.

Key veteran departures: CB Marquice Cole, TE Matthew Mulligan, DE Ropati Pitoitua, S Brodney Pool, RB LaDainian Tomlinson.



Juiciest story lines: It doesn’t get much juicier than the league’s most popular backup quarterback, Tim Tebow, who is now with Gang Green. Every move Tebow makes will attract attention, but the more important story line will be the potential holdout by CB Darrelle Revis, who wants a new contract. Revis missed time in camp two years ago before getting a “Band-Aid” deal done. As a whole, this is a Jets team entering a crucial season after a disappointing 2011 campaign, with plenty of pressure mounting on Rex Ryan and QB Mark Sanchez.

Burning questions: How will the Jets’ defensive front look after Mike Pettine said to expect more four-man fronts? ... Who will win the starting jobs at safety and can LaRon Landry get healthy in time for the start of the season? ... Will Wayne Hunter maintain his starting spot at right tackle? ... Can rookie WR Stephen Hill adjust quickly enough to the NFL playbook to be the team’s No. 2 receiver opposite Santonio Holmes?

Fearless prediction: Landry has the type of size-speed ratio to look very impressive to observers in camp — if he’s healthy. It might not be until the end of camp, but Landry will make his mark, raising expectations for what he will bring to the back end of the Jets’ defense. Whether or not that will translate to a full, productive season is another question.

Fantasy nugget: Keep an eye on how RB Joe McKnight is utilized in training camp and, more importantly, the preseason. Tony Sparano has always preferred a two-back set, and the Jets tried to get McKnight on the field more last season. As the change-of-pace back to Shonn Greene, McKnight could benefit from the new offense and be worth a look in deep leagues.

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'Tanner9919 said:

Faust, just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to post these tidbits..this is what the SP is all about!

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 19. Colts TE: Coby Fleener vs. Dwayne Allen

• Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez have raised the bar. This position battle ranks so high on our list because this isn't just about two rookies battling for snaps. It's about the Indianapolis Colts expecting their young tight ends to be a big part of their offense.

• The question is how much Fleener and Allen can help the Colts right now. Fleener was drafted high in the second round, while Allen went in the third round out of Clemson. Fleener more likely will line up all over the field, but both guys can catch the ball. Both players have a realistic chance to start from Day 1.

• When normally sober preseason publications like Football Outsiders peg Fleener to gain more than 700 yards receiving, you know that expectations have changed at tight end. That's a lot to ask out of a rookie when the entire Colts tight end position gained fewer than 600 yards last year. Even if that rookie played with fellow rookie Andrew Luck at Stanford.

• Allen lined up as a starter at the team's minicamp, in large part because Fleener missed so much of the offseason while Stanford finished classes. Fleener and Allen aren't really competing with each other as much as expectations. The Colts are very thin at wide receiver. The tight end depth behind the high draft picks is weak.

There is enough playing time for both of them to have a big role right away; they just need to show they are NFL-ready on Day 1.

Projected winner: Allen. We just have a hunch Allen is a little more pro-ready. Ultimately, both players should play early and often while the rebuilding Colts take their lumps.

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Another former multi-Pro Bowler, nose tackle Casey Hampton, could open the season on the physically unable to perform list as he recuperates from January ACL surgery. The Steelers, though, do not expect him to take long to return to the lineup. In the meantime, they drafted Alameda Ta'amu at the position and believe Steve McLendon can handle it as well.

Players in the spring noted the difficulty learning the new terminology, but generally liked the philosophy on offense despite a few remarks by Ben Roethlisberger that seemed at times to question it. It has multiple goals that include a) committing more effort to the ground game, although not necessarily running it more often; b) using more high-percentage passes that include check-downs to running backs and allowing receivers such as Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders to use their abilities to pick up yards after catching the ball; c) protecting Roethlisberger, something team president Art Rooney mentioned in January would be a priority; d) improving their success inside the opponent's 20.

The Steelers hope for an offensive line that looks like this: LT Adams, LG Willie Colon, C Maurkice Pouncey, RG DeCastro, RT Marcus Gilbert. After ignoring linemen in the top two picks in the draft for nearly a decade, that would give them two first-rounders and two second-rounders in the starting lineup, along with Colon. They re-signed Max Starks Tuesday in case Adams cannot handle the job immediately on the left side. That avoids them having to move Gilbert there, which they did not want to do. Oh, and Haley re-installed a position on offense, a fullback. Former tight end David Johnson moved their full time.

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I just love the start of training camp. I hear optimism in every person I talk to, from every franchise in the league. Each team truly thinks it can win the Super Bowl, or at least contend. This is the only time of the year when everything is positive because everyone is undefeated. Reality does not set in until the first loss.

But I try to be realistic. Ever since I have been in the league, I begin each year looking over every team and developing a list of questions that must be answered. Some teams have a host of questions, some have very few, and some might develop questions as the season progresses. But based on the offseason work done by everyone, here is my list of critical points for each team:

Arizona Cardinals: Execution on offense is a big concern. In 2011, Arizona ranked 31st in rushing attempts plus passing completions -- a great measurement of how an offense is flowing. Can either John Skelton or Kevin Kolb improve this number?

Atlanta Falcons: Having turned 30 in February, does Michael Turner have one more big year left? Last season, the Falcons ranked 31st in terms of rushing for four yards or more on first down. They also posted the second-most negative runs in the league. Who is Turner's backup? Both Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling averaged less than 4.0 per carry last season.

Baltimore Ravens: Who will replace Terrell Suggs -- not in terms of pure sacks, but more in terms of applying constant pressure and forcing the ball out quick? (Though his 14 sacks are not going to be replaced by any one man.) This team only allowed 11 touchdowns passes all season in 2011, thanks in large part to Suggs' relentless effort off the edge.

Buffalo Bills: Can Buffalo get the ball down the field in the passing game? The Bills ranked 31st in the NFL on throws over 20 yards, and their best receiver, Steve Johnson, averaged less than 14 yards per catch. As a team, Buffalo averaged just 10.8 yards per catch, ranking 28th.

Carolina Panthers: How will the switch to the 3-4 defense affect their personnel? Do they have enough edge pressure to be successful? Will Charles Johnson be able to handle the edge? Carolina logged just 31 sacks as a team, with Johnson notching nine. Who is going to emerge as a rusher and help this defense get off the field? The Panthers were the worst three-and-out defense in the NFL last season.

Chicago Bears: The Bears allowed 49 sacks in 2011. What have they done to improve the offensive line? Chicago averaged just 45 rushes-plus-completions per game, placing them 28th in the NFL. This is the sign of a poor offensive line. Tackle J'Marcus Webb and guard Chris Spencer are both suspect, as is second-year tackle Gabe Carimi.

Cincinnati Bengals: Who will give the Bengals big plays in the run game? Last season, they only managed six runs of 20-plus yards. This is not an area of strength for free-agent acquisition BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Cincinnati struggled to churn out plays of 10-plus yards, as well, finishing 30th in the NFL. And Cincy compiled just 10 rushing touchdowns all season.

Cleveland Browns: How will the Browns' run defense improve twith Phil Taylor out for most (if not all) of the season due to a torn pectoral? Cleveland ranked 30th in allowing runs of four-plus yards, yielding 4.4 yards per carry overall and 12 touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys: Will Dez Bryant be able to learn the offense, stay out of trouble and give the Cowboys the legitimate big-play receiver they need. He has to be able to build on 2011's numbers: 63 catches, nine touchdowns. Laurent Robinson logged 54 catches and 11 touchdowns as the third receiver -- his numbers will be hard to replace. Right now, Dallas doesn't have a legitimate third receiver on the team.

Denver Broncos: The Broncos had more missed tackles from their safeties than any other defense in the league. Have they improved in this area? Quarterbacks posted a sterling 104.0 passer rating against Denver when they threw the ball down the field past 20 yards. Teams averaged 7.4 yards per passing attempt last year. Long story short, the safety play was brutal. Can former Brown/49er Mike Adams make a difference? Will Rahim Moore and/or Quinton Carter improve in Year 2?

Detroit Lions: With as much explosive talent as the Lions possess, they were the NFL's worst team in two-minute offense. They must find a way to get the pace of the game in their favor, needing a runner who can control the line of scrimmage. Detroit ranked 29th in runs of four-plus yards in 2011.

Green Bay Packers: Can Marshall Newhouse handle the responsibility of protecting Aaron Rodgers' blind side? The Packers are thin in the offensive line and really thin at left tackle. This will be a key position to watch going forward.

Houston Texans: Who will be the punt returner? Losing Jacoby Jones to the Ravens hurts, as he averaged 10.2 yards per return over five seasons. Quintin Demps will not replicate this figure.

Indianapolis Colts: Do the Colts have a power back on the team to take pressure off rookie QB Andrew Luck? Is Donald Brown going to be the main back, or will he be supplanted by second-year man Delone Carter or rookie Vick Ballard?

Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Blaine Gabbert be able to handle getting hit in the pocket, and consequently be able to execute the offense? What is his level of toughness this year? Can he produce a passing game for the Jags? Where will the explosive plays come from? Where will the plays of 10-plus yards come from? Jacksonville finished 32nd in both categories last season -- with Maurice Jones-Drew in the backfield. Jones-Drew averaged 4.7 yards per carry, but the other backs averaged below 3.0. If he is missing, what does the offense look like?

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs must successfully pound the ball on the ground, but which Peyton Hillis will show up? Hillis could give Kansas City a legitimate power back (like he did for Cleveland in 2010), but he also could miss games (like he did in 2011). There is no other full-time runner on this team, as Jamaal Charles is a change-of-pace back. The Chiefs managed just five rushing touchdowns all season in 2011.

Miami Dolphins: Daniel Thomas is supposed to be the power back to complement Reggie Bush, but he didn't score a single rushing touchdown last season. Can Thomas be the pounder this offense needs?

Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings were the worst passing defense on first and second down, but they tied for the league lead in sacks. Have they improved their secondary enough to cover opposing aerial attacks (particularly the three within their division)? Have they improved their team speed in the back seven? Jasper Brinkley and Erin Henderson are not speed 'backers -- more power types.

New England Patriots: Can the Patriots get any production from their secondary, in terms of general coverage, pass breakups and interceptions? New England defensive backs simply must get their hands on more balls.

New Orleans Saints: The 2011 Saints had the worst tackling secondary in the NFL, finishing 32nd in yards allowed after catch. Have they improved secondary play? Can Patrick Robinson be the starting right cornerback (opposite Jabari Greer)? Can Johnny Patrick assume the nickel role? They allowed 24 touchdown passes, with only nine picks. Can this Saints secondary cover?

New York Giants: Spread formations have hurt the Giants' secondary in the past, helping opposing passers average 7.5 yards per attempt overall last season. With Terrell Thomas coming back from a torn ACL, is he going to be effective? Can 2012 third-rounder Jayron Hosley make an impact as a rookie?

New York Jets: How will the Jets handle the two offenses: one for Mark Sanchez and one for Tim Tebow? Will they produce enough explosive plays in either to score enough points to consistently win games? (Remember, Rex Ryan's defense allowed more than 20 points a game last year, ranking 20th.) Who will be the other receiver opposite Santonio Holmes? Can the Jets find someone to take the pressure off him? Chaz Schilens is always hurt, so it's doubtful he can fill the role. Meanwhile, Stephen Hill is a rookie who played in a running offense at Georgia Tech.

Oakland Raiders: In 2011, the Raiders allowed explosive plays of 20-plus yards on the ground and through the air -- ranking 31st overall in this area. Have they been able to improve their scheme and their talent to prevent big plays? Both new corners, Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer struggle to play man to man.

Philadelphia Eagles: Do the Eagles have the right combination of linebackers to handle their scheme and still possess the instincts to make plays against both the run and the pass? Can 2012 second-round draft pick Mychal Kendricks be a starter and handle the job? Does trade acquisition DeMeco Ryans have enough speed to be a three-down 'backer and make plays in the passing game?

Pittsburgh Steelers: Once again, six members of the Steelers' defense are over age 30 and on the decline. Can this team play great defense again in 2012, or will their lack of total team speed cause trouble? Last year, the Steelers allowed 32 scoring drives of at least 10 plays, ranking 29th.

San Diego Chargers: The Chargers also have six defensive starters over 30 years old. Not to mention, they had the worse red-zone defense in the NFL last year. Have they gotten better? Can free-agent addition Jarret Johnson become the other edge rusher to help pressure the passer? When the Chargers blitzed last year, they allowed the opposing quarterback to have a 96.3 passer rating (29th in the NFL).

San Francisco 49ers: Can the 49ers find more of a passing game? They'll need it, as the schedule gets tougher in 2012 -- San Francisco will be forced to keep up with top offensive teams. Will featuring more of Alex Smith mean more turnovers and more mistakes? The Niners had the NFL's worst third-down conversion rate in the red zone last season, constantly settling for three points. Will they be bolder in the red zone during Jim Harbaugh's second season at the helm?

Seattle Seahawks: Seattle must get more consistent play from the quarterback position. Last year, the Seahawks finished 32nd in drives of at least 10 plays. They simply didn't have a quarterback who could routinely sustain drives. Will free-agent acquisition Matt Flynn be the starter? Or will Seattle revert to Tarvaris Jackson again? With those two duking it out, how will third-rounder Russell Wilson get any reps to actually compete for the starting job?

St. Louis Rams: The Rams have won just 15 games over the last five seasons -- the lowest winning percentage over a five-year span in the NFL since the merger. Clearly, this is an indication of a lack of talent. Did the 2012 draft infuse this team with enough talent to be more competitive?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How good is Josh Freeman? This is the year to find out if he is the problem or part of the solution. He has a career passer rating of 79.0 and is inconsistent throwing the ball down the field. (In three years, Freeman has only attempted 34 passes over 20 yards -- completing just nine.) With a the new offense, will the Bucs be able to stretch the field more?

Tennessee Titans: The Titans badly need a pass rush from bookends Kamerion Wimbley and Derrick Morgan. Their best pass rusher last season was Karl Klug (seven sacks). They must find outside pressure from the defensive line.

Washington Redskins: Jabar Gaffney led the team with 68 catches and five touchdowns last year -- and he is no longer on the team. Who will emerge as the No. 1 receiver? Pierre Garcon? Or can Josh Morgan stay healthy and be the man?

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 18: St. Louis Rams wide receivers

• On their current 90-man offseason roster, the Rams have a league-low ten wide receivers (and nine tight ends) vying for what may only be five or six spots on the 53-man roster. A few of those spots have already been locked up. The Rams used the No. 33 overall draft pick on Appalachian State receiver Brian Quick, who signed a four-year, $5.387 million contract that included $3.822 million in guaranteed money, and spent the No. 96 draft pick on Wake Forest receiver Chris Givens.

Quick and Givens are not going anywhere. Beyond that, it's a free-for-all for three, maybe four roster spots.

• Slot receiver extraordinaire Danny Amendola led the Rams in receiving in 2010, but is coming off a serious elbow injury, while his "Second Round" restricted free agent tender (worth $1.927 million) is non-guaranteed. The Rams signed Steve Smith, one of the premier slot receivers in the NFL before a serious knee injury in 2010, to a one-year contract that included $2.125 million in guaranteed money. Smith is a bit more versatile than Amendola in that he can play on the perimeter, but it remains to be seen if he can remain healthy over a 16-game season.

• Last year's fourth-round pick Greg Salas posted big numbers out of the slot at Hawaii and was having a promising rookie season before suffering a broken leg midway through the season. Injuries to Amendola and Salas is what got 2011 third-round selection Austin Pettis on the field as a rookie. Pettis' performance is why the Rams invested so heavily in the wide receiver position again this April. Brandon Gibson currently sits atop the depth chart, but he's a player the current coaching staff and front office inherited, has a seven-figure salary ($1 million) and can be released with no cap implications. The new regime also inherited Danario Alexander, who is a game-changing deep threat when healthy, which he rarely is.

Projected Winner(s): Quick and Givens we've addressed, and we'll bring Amendola into the season because he's shown he can produce from the slot. Same goes for Smith, who can also play on the outside. Salas showed promise as a rookie (averaging 8.1 yards after the catch) and is making the league minimum, so he's worth keeping. Pettis is suspended for the first two games, and he has talent, so why release him at the end of training camp? Given the injuries the Rams had at the position last year, they may need him by Week 3.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 17. Jaguars quarterbacks. Blaine Gabbert vs. offseason hype

• The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by coach Mike Mularkey, stood strongly behind Gabbert this offseason. Mularkey said last year's No. 7 overall draft pick is clearly their starting quarterback. They say Gabbert is a new man this offseason. They say Chad Henne is stuck in the backup role.

• Actions speak louder than words. The Jaguars aggressively signed Henne in free agency, paying him more than $4 million. You don't give that kind of money to a backup unless you are desperate or unless he's not necessarily a backup. That's not traditional backup money.

• I have no doubt Gabbert will be the Week 1 starter. But his performance in training camp and the preseason will be vital towards keeping his job during the season. Can Gabbert gain the confidence of his new coaches? Can he make his teammates believe?

• We listed this position battle even though Gabbert should be the Week 1 starter because all the OTA puff pieces surrounding Gabbert mean very little. There wasn't hitting in minicamp season. Gabbert's struggles with pressure hasn't been tested like it will be in the preseason.

Henne also has a lot to prove. It's not too late to carve out a solid career as a starter. If he outperforms Gabbert in August, the coaching staff will have no choice but to take notice.

Projected winner: Gabbert should win the battle in August, but lose the war during the regular season.

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ARIZONA CARDINALS

Key veteran arrivals: DE Landon Cohen, CB William Gay, OLB Quentin Groves, RB Javarris James, S James Sanders, OG Adam Snyder.

Key veteran departures: OG Rex Hadnot, CB Korey Lindsey, OG Deuce Lutui, CB Richard Marshall, S Sean Considine, WR Chansi Stuckey.

Juiciest story lines: It’s quite conceivable there isn’t another NFL player facing as much heat as QB Kevin Kolb will be facing in the desert next season. Kolb’s quest to keep the starting job under center with strong-armed backup John Skelton breathing down his neck will demand primary focus. On both defense and special teams, all eyes will be on 2011 first-round draft pick Patrick Peterson, an instant sensation as a kick returner, but a work in progress as a cornerback.

Burning questions: The QB issue sticks out, but there other major concerns. Can RBs Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, who didn’t play a down as a rookie, stay healthy? ... Will first-round WR Michael Floyd bring back instant memories of Anquan Boldin? ... Will the tight ends become more of a factor in the offense? ... Will there be an entirely new right side of the offensive line? ... Can the defense force more badly needed takeaways and continue improving its pass rush? ... Who will be the starting CB opposite Peterson: Greg Toler, William Gay, A.J. Jefferson or rookie Jamell Fleming?

Fearless prediction: Kolb will hold on to the starting QB job and be much better, but with both the Niners and Seahawks making life challenging in the NFC West, the Cardinals will finish no better than .500 again in 2012.

Fantasy nugget: After averaging a career-high 17.6 yards per reception last season — nearly three yards higher than his previous season high of 14.9 (2008) — there’s legitimate reason to believe WR Larry Fitzgerald could be even more dangerous this season. Not only have the Cardinals added a potentially explosive complement to Fitzgerald in first-round pick Michael Floyd (21 TDs his last two seasons at Notre Dame). Fitzgerald will also be matched up vs. seven pass defenses that ranked no greater than 20th last season, including the 31st-ranked Patriots and the 32nd-ranked Packers.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Key veteran arrivals: OLB Jo-Lonn Dunbar, TE Brody Eldridge, CB Cortland Finnegan, OLB Mario Haggan, DE William Hayes, DE Kendall Langford, DT Trevor Laws, OLB Rocky McIntosh, TE Matthew Mulligan, OT Quinn Ojinnaka, OT Barry Richardson, WR Steve Smith, OL Robert Turner, C Scott Wells.

Key veteran departures: DT Justin Bannan, CB Ron Bartell, OG Jacob Bell, OL Jason Brown, PK Josh Brown, OLB Chris Chamberlain, DT Gary Gibson, DE James Hall, CB Al Harris, P Donnie Jones, OLB Bryan Kehl, CB Justin King, WR Brandon Lloyd, DT Fred Robbins, OT Thomas Welch, OG Tony Wragge.

Juiciest story lines: After also being pursued hard by the Dolphins, the well-regarded Jeff Fisher returns to the NFL head-coaching ranks, facing major issues both on and off the field. Fisher and new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer must get a lot more out of a lackluster offense that scored a league-low 193 points last season. The implementation of a coordinator-by-committee system for the defense — due to the suspension of coordinator Gregg Williams — will be an equally challenging task. Hanging heavily over the team is the grim prospect of the Rams being unable to reach a new stadium agreement, which could hasten the team’s possible exit to Los Angeles.

Burning questions: Can QB Sam Bradford bounce back from a mediocre, injury-plagued sophomore campaign under his third different coordinator in three years? ... Will the Rams’ new regime finally be able to unearth a legitimate downfield threat at wide receiver? ... How will the free-agent additions, led by CB Cortland Finnegan and C Scott Wells, pan out? ... How will an intriguing boom-or-bust rookie crop with good talent but a lot of red flags fare? ... Who will start at both WR spots, left guard, both OLB spots and the CB spot opposite Finnegan?

Fearless prediction: While their future in St. Louis could very well still be in limbo, the Rams will show quick improvement under Fisher with five or six victories. Bradford will regain his rookie form, and second-round CB Janoris Jenkins will be a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Fantasy nugget: Could Rams WR Danny Amendola be a poor man’s version of fellow college alum Wes Welker this season? With the Rams’ lack of proven pass-catching options, it’s hardly a stretch, provided Amendola is fully recovered from the elbow and triceps injury that ended his 2012 season in Week One. Amendola was Sam Bradford’s most reliable target in Bradford’s stellar rookie campaign two years ago, leading the league in all-purpose yardage (2,364) and finishing third in third-down catches. A return to more of a quick-hit passing game under new coordinator Brian Schottenheimer bodes well for Amendola’s fantasy future.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Key veteran arrivals: RB Rock Cartwright, CB Perrish Cox, RB Brandon Jacobs, QB Josh Johnson, WR Mario Manningham, WR Randy Moss.

Key veteran departures: ILB Blake Costanzo, WR Josh Morgan, OG Chilo Rachal, S Reggie Smith, CB Shawntae Spencer, OG Adam Snyder, S Madieu Williams.

Juiciest story lines: Don’t look now, but hot on the heels of head coach Jim Harbaugh’s storybook debut at the pro level, the Niners are picking up steam among many league observers as a serious Super Bowl contender. The strength of the team remains a ferocious defense that will be returning every starter from a unit that went 14 weeks last season before allowing a single TD run and led the league with a most impressive plus-28 turnover differential. But for the Niners to go all the way, there must be major improvement in an offense presumably bolstered by the free-agent additions of WRs Randy Moss and Mario Manningham and RB Brandon Jacobs and rookies A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James.

Burning questions: Can QB Alex Smith move beyond being merely an efficient caretaker in what will hopefully be a much more effective and lively offense, particularly on third down? ... Does Moss, a future Hall of Famer, still have some gas left in the tank after a one-year layoff? ... Will Harbaugh retain the feisty edge that triggered his well-documented postgame exchange with Lions head coach Jim Schwartz last season? ... Will the defense be even better with 2012 first-round sensation Aldon Smith becoming an every-down player?

Fearless prediction: Harbaugh proves he’s hardly a flash in the pan as the Niners lead the league in every major defensive cagegory and represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Fantasy nugget: Look for Niners TE Vernon Davis to be much more of a season-long fantasy threat in 2012 after admitting he was overwhelmed early last season by the amount of information he was asked to absorb in Jim Habaugh’s new West Coast offense. Davis surpassed 70 yards receiving only three times during the regular 2012 campaign, but the light went on big-time late in the year, as he averaged 107.2 yards receiving in his last five games, including two exceptional playoff performances (10-292-4).

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Key veteran arrivals: OT Alex Barron, QB Matt Flynn, DE Jason Jones, RB Kregg Lumpkin, OG Deuce Lutui, OL Frank Omiyale, ILB Barrett Ruud, TE Kellen Winslow.

Key veteran departures: S Atari Bigby, TE John Carlson, RB Justin Forsett, OG Robert Gallery, ILB David Hawthorne, DE Anthony Hargrove, QB Charlie Whitehurst.

Juiciest story lines: Skittles-eating featured back Marshawn Lynch, who made a beastly leap in his second season as a Seahawk, will provide undeniably juicy copy. But, at least initially, Lynch will be overshadowed by the competition for the starting QB job involving high-profile free-agent addition Matt Flynn, holdover Tarvaris Jackson and very intriguing third-round rookie Russell Wilson.

Burning questions: Will Flynn prove worthy the major free-agent investment in him, or will he follow in the footsteps of Kevin Kolb, who was a disappointment in his first season in Arizona?... Is Wilson the real deal? ... Will Lynch be slapped with a suspension after being arrested for suspicion of DUI in July? … Will first-round draft pick Bruce Irvin, considered a major reach by some, be able to provide an instant pass rush similar to the one provided by Niners first-round rookie Aldon Smith last season? ... Can second-round pick Bobby Wagner come through right away as a replacement at middle linebacker for the departed David Hawthorne, the team’s leading tackler each of the last three seasons? ... Then there’s perhaps the biggest question of all: Will Pete Carroll be on the hot seat if the team finishes under .500 for the third straight season under his command?

Fearless prediction: Flynn will win the QB battle, and the Seahawks will finish over .500 and improve just enough to keep Carroll from getting whacked.

Fantasy nugget: There isn’t a team in league with more fantasy gambles at wide receiver than the Seahawks. Projected No. 1 WR Sidney Rice sat out seven games last season with shoulder and concussion issues. He has missed more regular-season games (17) than he has played (15) in the last two years and played 16 games only once in his four seasons in Minnesota. As for the Seahawks’ No. 2 fantasy WR, it’s anybody’s guess among a host of challengers, including Doug Baldwin, Ben Obomanu, Golden Tate, Deon Butler, Kris Durham and Ricardo Lockette.

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It is here, finally. After the most eventful offseason in recent memory -- maybe ever -- NFL training camps will open this week. Arizona's veterans kick things off when they report to the Arizona Cardinals camp at Northern Arizona University on Tuesday.

Training camps will be easier than in years past. No more two-a-day practices. Players get a day off every fifth day. Coaches don't care for the new practice regulations, and it remains to be seen whether the quality of play early in the season will be affected. That is just one question looming as the season is set to begin. Here are eight others:

How will the New Orleans Saints cope without Sean Payton? The New Orleans bounty allegations, and the residual fallout, have dominated the offseason and aren't close to dying down. The Saints open camp on Tuesday. For the first time in six seasons, Payton won't be there. His replacement, assistant coach Joe Vitt, will lead the team through camp and the preseason and then take a seat for six games. General manager Mickey Loomis can preside over the whittling down of the Saints' roster to the final 53-man squad, and then he, too, must serve an eight-game suspension.

A lot is in flux. The good news, if there is any for the Saints, is that quarterback Drew Brees is finally happy with a long-term contract. He will be the team's anchor. He has the cachet, intelligence and good standing to handle that.

Nevertheless, the Saints will miss Payton, one of the best minds in the game.

How will Peyton Manning look in a Denver Broncos uniform? It is going to take time to get used to seeing Manning in anything other than a Indianapolis Colts uniform. Joe Montana never looked right in Kansas City Chiefs gear, just as Brett Favre never looked right in a New York Jets or Minnesota Vikings uniform.

But aesthetics aside, how will Manning really look after missing an entire season? He won't put a percentage on where he is after rehabilitating his neck, but it should become apparent in the early days of camp. Can he make all of the throws? How strong is his arm? And does he have enough talent around him?

For the first time since he was a rookie in Indianapolis 14 years ago, Manning is adjusting to new teammates, new coaches, new surroundings, a new city, a new division and new expectations. This is not insignificant. It takes time. Manning is a gym rat, a football junkie. If anyone can handle a difficult transition, it should be him.

What does Manning's brother have planned? Let's take a look at the math: Peyton Manning 1, Eli Manning 2. That's the scorecard for rings, titles and trophies. Eli just got his second in February, pulling one of the biggest upsets ever in surpassing his brother for titles.

At 31 and coming off the most dazzling statistical season of his eight-year career, Manning is now firmly entrenched in the elite quarterback category. Brees, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning. That's your top five, in no particular order, with a wait-and-see asterisk next to Peyton Manning.

What is next for Eli? With two Super Bowl wins in the past five seasons, both over Brady's New England Patriots, the New York Giants (not the Philadelphia Eagles, with apologies to Michael Vick) are on the cusp of becoming a dynasty.

Speaking of the paper champions, is this the year the Eagles finally win their first Super Bowl? Man, Philadelphia looks awfully tough on paper, with Vick, a talented collection of young skill position players, an upgraded defensive line and linebacking corps and a secondary that includes Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

But the Eagles looked good on paper last year and finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs, in part because the quarterback couldn't stay on the field and the team didn't jell until the last quarter of the season. By then, it was too late.

So temper the optimism. This is a huge season for Vick and for Eagles coach Andy Reid. The Eagles' early schedule is brutal -- four playoff teams from last season are among the first six opponents. Philadelphia dug itself too deep of a hole before winning its last four games last year. The Eagles can't do that this year if they want to get back to the playoffs.

How long before Tim Tebow is the starting quarterback for the Jets? Come on, now. We all know at some point this is going to happen, right? Mark Sanchez is going to struggle, throw a couple picks, a couple passes in the dirt, and Tebow -- in whatever role the Jets ultimately use him for -- is going to succeed. If Tebow replaces Sanchez in the red zone, where he is tough to stop, and scores a lot of touchdowns while Sanchez piles up the turnovers, Jets fans are going to be howling for Tebow. It could get very, very ugly.

Ultimately, this is all on Sanchez. The Jets want him to succeed. They have invested a lot of time and money in him. But in addition to protecting the football and elevating his game from last season, Sanchez needs to steel himself mentally. Tebow's popularity among teammates and fans could make that extraordinarily difficult.

Who will emerge as the starting quarterbacks in Arizona, Seattle and Miami? Through the beauty of HBO's "Hard Knocks," we will get an inside look at the three-man quarterback competition in Miami among David Garrard, Matt Moore and rookie first-round pick Ryan Tannehill. The front-runner appears to be Garrard, who missed last season with back issues but has experience running the West Coast offense.

The competition in Arizona -- between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton -- seems more up for grabs. As is the case with Sanchez and the Jets, the Cardinals have more money invested in Kolb, which could give the 27-year-old an advantage. But Kolb suffered through a foot injury and then missed the last month of last season with a concussion. Skelton went 5-2 in Kolb's stead.

In Seattle, the competition is even more complicated. Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson will get equal reps with the first-team offense, and although Jackson is the incumbent and has 34 career starts, the competition is wide open.

Can the Carolina Panthers go from 6-10 to the playoffs? Yes, maybe. A lot rests on the play of quarterback Cam Newton, who obliterated Peyton Manning's rookie record for passing yards. But the Panthers have assembled talent around Newton. Playing with a quarterback who can actually get him the ball, Steve Smith has re-emerged as a premier wide receiver. Carolina has a trio of capable backs: DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart and fullback Mike Tolbert. The Panthers are going to be able to score points and control the clock.

And although there are questions on defense, the team has a lot of upside. Defensive tackle Ron Edwards is healthy, as are linebackers Jon Beason and Thomas Davis. The Panthers drafted linebacker Luke Kuechly in the first round. They should be set at middle linebacker, whenever they decide who will play middle. They should be better on defense.

Can Carolina supplant New Orleans? If ever there were a season to do that, this is it.

Will the league be forced to use replacement officials in the regular season? For everybody involved -- players, coaches, refs, fans -- let's hope not. Games could be longer. Calls could be missed. Mistakes could be made. It is foolish to put amateurs in a key position in a multibillion-dollar industry. It can't happen.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 16: Chicago Bears wide receiver: Devin Hester vs. Earl Bennett vs. Alshon Jeffery

• The Bears gave Jay Cutler a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver when they acquired Brandon Marshall from the Miami Dolphins in March. The move changes the dynamics of the Bears' offense, while providing a golden opportunity for other receivers on the roster to reap the benefits of the double-teams Marshall is sure to attract. Hester, Bennett, and Jeffery will all jockey for that No. 2 spot, though don't be surprised if all three players have some role in the passing game.

• We seem to hear every offseason about the Bears' plans to expand Hester's role as a wide receiver. The team has tried to cultivate Hester beyond his role as a dynamic special teams talent, but Hester might be best used in select packages. General manager Phil Emery hinted that could be the team's plan in April.

• Bennett could develop into a dangerous weapon for Cutler, his former teammate at Vanderbilt. He's a versatile receiver who can play any wideout position. He might be most effective in the slot, where he can develop into a dangerous Wes Welker-type. He saw plenty of time there during minicamp.

• The Bears obviously think highly of Jeffery, having traded up in the second round of April's draft to get the former South Carolina standout. Rookie wide receivers don't typically crack the starting lineup in Week 1 (only A.J. Green and Julio Jones did it last season), but Jeffery should get a legit shot in camp.

The verdict: Bennett's best fit is the slot, but we predict he'll start Week 1 at flanker opposite Marshall. If Jeffery progresses through camp and into the season, Chicago could eventually work him into the starting mix.

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The early reports on San Francisco 49ers rookie A.J. Jenkins were troubling. After the team spent a first-round draft pick on the wide receiver, his suspect conditioning became a popular topic during offseason workouts.

With camp about to open, Jenkins says he's ready to go.

"I've made long strides," he told the Bay Area News Group. "Obviously, I had criticism when I first came in as far as being in shape. That's irrelevant now. I'm just trying to help the team win, whether that's playing special teams, offense or being a real good teammate."

The 49ers are looking for a little more than a good teammate.

Jenkins, who signed a four-year, $6.95 million contract, has huddled with veterans Randy Moss and Mario Manningham for guidance on preparing his body ready for the season.

The rookie said he might eventually hook up with Jerry Rice to run the same hill that painted the Hall of Famer as a workout warrior during his celebrated career. These are good signs.

The 49ers are suddenly deep at wideout, but that doesn't lift the heat off Jenkins. He was critiqued early for failing to stand out in practices, a disappointing development for any player selected in the first round. Jenkins will be watched closely as camp progresses.

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'Faust said:

A.J. Jenkins: I've 'made long strides' in conditioning

By Marc Sessler

Writer

The early reports on San Francisco 49ers rookie A.J. Jenkins were troubling. After the team spent a first-round draft pick on the wide receiver, his suspect conditioning became a popular topic during offseason workouts.

With camp about to open, Jenkins says he's ready to go.

"I've made long strides," he told the Bay Area News Group. "Obviously, I had criticism when I first came in as far as being in shape. That's irrelevant now. I'm just trying to help the team win, whether that's playing special teams, offense or being a real good teammate."

The 49ers are looking for a little more than a good teammate.

Jenkins, who signed a four-year, $6.95 million contract, has huddled with veterans Randy Moss and Mario Manningham for guidance on preparing his body ready for the season.

The rookie said he might eventually hook up with Jerry Rice to run the same hill that painted the Hall of Famer as a workout warrior during his celebrated career. These are good signs.

The 49ers are suddenly deep at wideout, but that doesn't lift the heat off Jenkins. He was critiqued early for failing to stand out in practices, a disappointing development for any player selected in the first round. Jenkins will be watched closely as camp progresses.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 15. The safety dance: 11 battles to choose from

• OK, this isn't just one battle. When I was putting together my original list of possible battles, I noticed that there was a competition for at least one starting safety spot on seemingly every other team. So let's combine the best of them.

• No defensive position has been more impacted by the evolution at tight end than safety. Coaches want versatility. They want guys that can cover and hit. That can line up all over the field. That can be a third cornerback. They want Troy Polamalu or Ed Reed. This is impossible, of course. Which leads to a lot of dissatisfaction and a lot of competition. Let's review some of the best battles.

• New York Jets safety LaRon Landry vs. health: The top three Jets safeties are Yeremiah Bell, Landry, and Eric Smith. It's the soft spot of Rex Ryan's defense.

• Denver Broncos safety Quinton Carter vs. Rahim Moore: This is a battle of 2011 draft picks. Carter was better as a rookie despite getting taken later.

• Washington Redskins safety Tanard Jackson vs. Madieu Williams vs. Reed Doughty: It is a really bad sign for the Redskins safety group when Brandon Meriwether is viewed as the most reliable option.

• Dallas Cowboys safety Brodney Pool vs. Barry Church vs. Matt Johnson: Pool is trying to avoid getting discarded by both of the Ryan brothers.

• Philadelphia Eagles safety Kurt Coleman vs. O.J. Atogwe vs. Jaiqwuan Jarrett: There have been suggestions that Jarrett could be on the roster bubble despite being a second round pick last year. Yikes.

• New England Patriots safety Steve Gregory vs. Tavon Wilson vs. James Ihedigbho: New England's safety spot still looks like a weakness.

• Cincinnati Bengals safety Taylor Mays vs. the field: The former 49ers second round pick is trying to revive his career.

• Minnesota Vikings free for all: First round pick Harrison Smith is the frontrunner for one spot, but it's wide open between him, Mistral Raymond, Jamarca Sanford, and Robert Blanton.

• Cleveland Browns safety Eric Hagg vs. Usama Young: **** Jauron once again will try to make chicken salad out of lesser defensive parts.

• San Diego Chargers free for all: When Atari Bigby is the leader in the clubhouse, you might give up a lot of big plays.

• Miami Dolphins safety Chris Clemons vs. Jimmy Wilson: With Reshad Jones at the other spot, Miami is looking thin at the position.

• Get the idea? That is a massive list and we probably missed some.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 14. Jaguars: No. 2 wideout

• The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Jimmy Smith achieved the feat in 2005. Last year's team especially was anemic through the air, ranking No. 25 in passing and frequently looking worse. Part of the problem was the jittery play of then-rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert, but the lack of talent at receiver didn't help.

• After tight end Marcedes Lewis, who led the Jaguars with 460 yards, Mike Thomas was Jacksonville's most productive wideout with 415 yards through the air. There have been whispers that Thomas, a 2009 fourth-round draft pick, could hit the cutting-room floor before the season. With Laurent Robinson locked in as the team's No. 1 wideout, the battle for No. 2 shapes up as an interesting competition.

• The obvious challenger to Thomas is rookie receiver Justin Blackmon, who -- despite pleading guilty to drunken driving Tuesday -- gives the Jaguars a big-bodied pass-catcher for the first time in years. On paper, this is the position group's purest talent, but rookie receivers traditionally start slow. Blackmon's off-field troubles are disconcerting, but that won't play a part in this race. This is Blackmon's job to lose.

• The dark horse here is Lee Evans, signed in the offseason after a marginally productive season with the Baltimore Ravens. Evans isn't a long-term answer for the Jaguars, but his experience could lead to a starting role if Blackmon's development is stunted. Four seasons removed from his last 1,000-yard outing, Evans has played his best football. He's a patch for a team sorely in need of depth.

• Projected Winner: Blackmon was drafted to change this offense. He'll play early and often. Jaguars fans suffered through last season, but Mike Mularkey & Co. were aggressive in their efforts to upgrade at wideout. We've mentioned this a few times, but teams have moved away from the concept of a No. 1 and 2 receiver. Three or four wideouts are on the field play after play in today's NFL. The Jaguars were behind the curve on this front last season, but they have a better chance to produce through the air in 2012.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 13: Chicago Bears left tackle

• The offensive line of the Chicago Bears remains the messiest aspect of an otherwise promising attack. Quarterback Jay Cutler has been abused behind a front five that allowed him to be sacked 52 times in 2010 before giving up another 49 takedowns last season. The problem here begins at left tackle.

• J'Marcus Webb started 16 games at the position in 2011, posting dubious numbers along the way. Let's start with his league-high 15 offensive penalties, per ESPN.com. Football Outsiders noted that Webb ranked second in the NFL with 11½ blown blocks that resulted in sacks or holding flags. Not a promising campaign.

• As Webb enters his third season, he'll split camp snaps with four-year veteran Chris Williams, who moves from guard to tackle. Williams is no savior. The former first-round draft pick is in the final year of his contract with one final chance to make an impact.

• ESPN noted that you're not going to see as many seven-step drops in Chicago, which could cut down on the sacks allowed. Chicago, however, is moving players around to build competition at tackle without adding new talent to the line. Nothing has been more frustrating for Bears fans than signing a franchise quarterback, only to have him endure repeated beatings. This ended their season in 2011.

•Projected Winner: This appears to be Williams' job to lose. The four-year veteran was unimpressive during his stint at tackle in 2010, but Williams should be able to improve upon Webb's showing from a year ago. We're not thrilled with either option here, but that's Chicago's problem after failing to address this overt team need.

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Once-promising OLB Cunningham facing make-or-break season in New England

My under-the-radar pick comes from waaaay under the radar. In 2010, New England Patriots outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham was a promising prospect. A second-round pick with prototype size for a 3-4 edge player, he logged 34 tackles, two forced fumbles and a sack in his rookie campaign. Yet after the lockout, he wasn't the same. Cunningham ended an injury-plagued 2011 season on IR after recording one tackle in nine games. Yet he's my pick to emerge from the shadows in 2012.

Cunningham still has the same size and speed, and he's fixed his leg issues. This is a make-or-break year for Cunningham, and he needs that pressure to shine. While the Patriots drafted a pass rusher in Chandler Jones, don't be surprised if it's Cunningham contributing on all downs in his third NFL season.

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Raiders clearly confident in Moore's immense potential at receiver

Oakland Raiders' second-year wideout Denarius Moore is someone to keep an eye on. The team's trade of Louis Murphy to the Carolina Panthers on Monday confirmed Oakland's confidence in the emerging, six-foot, 190-pound talent.

As a rookie, Moore logged a somewhat unremarkable 33 grabs, but they went for 618 yards and five touchdowns. That's 18.7 yards a catch. He's a game-breaker who needs to develop some consistency. If he does, Moore is a major threat for an offense that also has speed on the other side with Darrius Heyward-Bey, who enjoyed a breakthrough season of his own in 2011.

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After Vincent Jackson's departure, Vincent Brown could blow up in San Diego

The San Diego Chargers' loss of one Vincent could open the door for another Vincent to become a household name among NFL fans in 2012.

Vincent Jackson signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent this offseason, and while Malcom Floyd should continue his role as a downfield threat, Chargers QB Philip Rivers might want to look Vincent Brown's way more often this fall.

The San Diego State product doesn't have Jackson's size/speed combination, but flashed talent as a rookie (19 catches, 329 yards, two touchdowns) to work the middle of the field and run some vertical routes. With talented tight end Antonio Gates also getting another year older, Brown needs to come up big in training camp so Rivers will trust him when the season starts in September.

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McPhee will help fuel Ravens' pass rush during Suggs' absence

I am looking at a couple of defensive linemen who could wreak havoc this season. First is Pernell McPhee on the Baltimore Ravens. McPhee caught my eye last year at this time as a lineman with natural pass-rush skills. He possesses the quickness and suddenness you covet. With Terrell Suggs out of the lineup for an extended period of time, I think McPhee will shine. And with the Ravens' improved play at corner, they will incorporate more pressure packages. This will give McPhee and his fellow pass rushers more opportunities to get to the quarterback.

A dark horse is Philadelphia Eagles DE Phillip Hunt. He will be lost in the shadows of Trent Cole and Jason Babin, but Hunt has speed off the edge that can give offensive tackles trouble. He won't be a big-name guy in training camp, but he will be an interesting guy to watch nonetheless.

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Packers' Starks is primed for a breakout season (in fantasy and reality)

How about I give you my guy AND throw in some fantasy advice, too? Yes, I'm that kind of guy. There's something to that old adage about being in the right place at the right time, and that's James Starks in Green Bay.

Last year, Starks split the starting RB job with Ryan Grant, usually getting between 10 and 13 carries a week -- not enough to really become a huge weapon. (Trust me, as a James Starks owner in fantasy last season, I was painfully aware of his shortcomings in the responsibility department.) But you could see the kind of talent he has in short bursts.

Grant is gone this season. And even though the Green Bay Packers don't run the football all that much with Aaron Rodgers behind center, Starks is going to get all the carries because he's the only one there. Now he'll touch the ball 17-20 times a game -- also catching passes out of the backfield -- and be a huge contributor. Not only is this the year to own him in fantasy, it's the year he hits the NFL map with a splash.

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Under "Hard Knocks" spotlight, Miami TE Clay is destined for stardom

HBO's "Hard Knocks" has been the launching pad for many breakout stars, so it should come as no surprise the biggest star of 2012 training camp will come from the Miami Dolphins.

And no, I'm not talking about Lauren Tannehill.

Instead it will be tight end Charles Clay. It makes sense, right? Tight end has become the NFL's must-have accessory, like the on-field version of the iPhone. Clay will become a big part of the Dolphins' offense in 2012. He showed some flashes during a limited engagement last year, with three touchdowns on 16 receptions, and new coach Joe Philbin is already dreaming up ways of working him into the offense. So remember where you heard it first.

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Training camp is finally almost here. They allow tackling there and everything. Around the League will count down the top 30 position battles to watch throughout the preseason.

No. 12. San Francisco 49ers WR: Randy Moss vs. Father time. (Plus Mario Manningham and A.J. Jenkins.)

• There's an assumption that Moss is the San Francisco 49ers No. 1 receiver. Niners coach Jim Harbaugh and every beat writer in San Francisco has talked up Moss incessantly all offseason. We're not assuming anything about a 35-year-old receiver that didn't play football last year.

• Everyone seems to forget Moss was awful in 2010. Three teams gave up on him. He struggled to get off physical coverage near the line of scrimmage. That's the type of coverage that isn't allowed until camp. Let's see how he does against a real defense.

• I left Michael Crabtree out of this mix because he should be locked into a starting gig. He may have his first useful training camp if he can stay healthy. Manningham is likely to be the slot receiver, but he should be a superior player to Moss at this stage of their careers. It shouldn't be a shock if Manningham passes Moss. Jenkins is a first-round pick, yet no one expects him to make any impact after a rough OTA season.

• The 49ers have plenty of depth if Moss doesn't work out. (And they can cut him easily.) Ted Ginn and Kyle Williams provide big special teams value. (San Francisco has so much depth everywhere -- we could have done a position battles on their great running back competition between Kendall Hunter, Brandon Jacobs, and LaMichael James.)

Projected winner: Father time will remain undefeated. Those expecting a miracle from Moss will be disappointed.

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