2010 NFL Season Preview

With the second week of NFL pre-season games almost wrapped up it's time for those who haven't already to start getting geared up for the 2010 NFL Season. It appears as though the NFL is geared to have a stellar seasons.

There are several story lines to watch, as well as perennial favorites appearing ready to be a dominant force. "America's Team" is the nickname of the Dallas Cowboys and they appear to be one of the favorites in the NFC. Barring an injury to quarterback Tony Romo the Cowboys are solid. Though they face the third toughest schedule in the league, statistically speaking.

The question mark lies at the position of the number one wide receiver. Last years breakout star Miles Austin is likely to play the slot. That leaves Roy Williams, coming off a hugely disappointing year and rookie Dez Bryant, with incredibly high expectations competing for the number one position.

The New Orleans Saints, last years Super Bowl Champions may challenge again, but the deadly Super Bowl hangover may be lurking. The Saints face the 27th toughest schedule, out of a possible 32 teams. The Saints have a slight drop off in talent from their Super Bowl Championship team, but not enough to cause great concern.

The Minnesota Vikings will see the return of quarterback Brett Favre, but see question marks around a key target from last season, Percy Harvin. Harvin faces severe migraine attacks, and collapsed earlier this week due to them. The Vikings lost backup running back Chester Taylor, but gained rookie running back Toby Gerhardt.

In the AFC the San Diego Chargers have dealt with slight changes, and the trade of WR Vincent Jackson looms, but with their schedule being tied for the 29th strongest in the league they are expected to again be ac contender. The Chargers have won the last four AFC West Division Championships, and have won 18 straight games in the final month (December) of the season.

San Diego lost both Ladanian Tomlinson and Antonio Cromartie, though both players have fallen off from their peak's in the last few seasons. The Chargers drafted Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews in the first round, and Cromartie was replaced by Nathan Vasher and there are several capable defensive backs already on the roster.

The Indianapolis Colts appear to be strong again, though their key question mark remains at the head coaching position. Jim Caldwell was a long time assistant under Tony Dungy, and some have said, much like Dave Campo (Dallas Cowboys) gained the job through the Peter Principle (Dilbert principle). Caldwell has been a largely unsuccessful Head Coach in the past at the college level.

The AFC and NFC have many of the usual suspects at the top. Though there are a few candidates to surprise, or even continue to surprise. The Arizona Cardinals lost quarterback Kurt Warner and wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Though in the NFC West they are still a favorite to win, with the San Fransisco 49ers appearing to be their biggest competition.

The Baltimore Ravens appear to be strong than last year with the addition of Anquan Bolden, and the Miami Dolphins appear to have the ability to reach the playoffs again. The Houston Texans appear to be on the cusp of a playoff berth and if quarterback Matt Shaub can stay healthy, and with the contract situation with superstar wide receiver Andre Johnson settled the sky seems to be the limit for the talented Texans.

When it comes time for the Conference Championship games in January the Cowboys, Vikings, Saints and Cardinals have the ability to be there in the NFC. In the AFC the Colts, Patriots, Chargers and Jets seem to top the rest at this point. In the NFL however anything can change and none of those teams may be there.

2010 will be an exciting season for the NFL, but that's nothing new for those that follow the NFL. With both the NFL, NCAA and High School football starting in the next few weeks it's football fan heaven from now until February.

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