"I guess you have to be remembered for something," Favre joked immediately after the game.

ESPN commentator Mike Tirico went so far as to say that with the "two-headed monster" the Minnesota Vikings have with Favre throwing the ball and Adrian Peterson running the ball these guys can go all the way to the Super Bowl.

On the night, Favre threw three touchdown passes and 271 yards.

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So now the 2009 Redskins take the field with a lame-duck quarterback in the last year of his contract. Either Campbell has a huge season and gets a rich new deal from owner Dan Snyder or he's a goner. There's probably no middle ground.

Unfortunately, that Washington offense looks rather average, as does this entire team. Campbell is good not great. Clinton Portis is pretty good but has had a huge workload in his career (325 carries in four of the past five years) and might be ready to hit the wall – he declined big time at the end of last season. Santana Moss is a solid receiver but not really a No. 1 guy. Chris Cooley is a good tight end but had just one TD catch last year. The offensive line is solid but getting old fast. I hate to bring up fantasy football when talking about a real NFL team, but on the Skins offense you might want Portis and maybe Cooley on your fantasy team as a starter, and that's probably it. The Washington offense definitely needs either Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly to step up at receiver if it is to take the next step.

The Washington defense should be better with Albert Haynesworth to clog the middle. But will he give full effort now that he got his $100 million deal? The Redskins were last in the NFC in sacks last year, and that should change with Haynesworth taking up two blockers at a time. The secondary might be the strength of this team with a re-energized DeAngelo Hall and rising Carlos Rogers and LaRon Landry.

This team will win some games it shouldn't and lose a few it also shouldn't – much like last year's 8-8 club.

Here is the Redskins' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it down after:
Sept. 13 at New York Giants, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Oct. 26 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 p.m.
Week 8: Bye
Nov. 8 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 vs. Denver Broncos, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 21 vs. New York Giants, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 27 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m.
Jan. 3 at San Diego Chargers, 4:15 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 16th (opponents combined to go 125-192-2, .492, in 2008)
Projected record: 8-8
Bodog over/under total: 8
Bodog odds to win NFC East: 6/1
Bodog odds to win NFC: 14/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 34/1

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The Redskins open on the road against the G-Men for the second straight year and will lose to them for the second year in a row. But there's no excuse for this team not to start 3-1 as it faces the lowly Rams and Lions and the rebuilding Bucs following the opener. Of course, St. Louis pulled the road upset of Washington last year and Tampa Bay has won the past three regular-season matchups, so you never know.

In fact, anything worse than 4-3 entering the bye probably means coach Jim Zorn's fate is sealed. That home game with the Chiefs, K.C.'s first visit since 2001, also should be somewhat of a layup.

However, following the bye things get much more difficult as the Skins have just one game against a team that finished below .500 last year. If those back-to-back road games against Dallas, their first at the Cowboys' new stadium, and Philly look familiar, it's because it is the second year in a row Washington must visit those two rivals on consecutive weeks. The Redskins swept the Eagles last season but haven't done so in consecutive years since 1982-83.

The final four weeks are especially brutal: Two more prime-time games against NFC East foes (all three of Washington's home division games are scheduled in prime time) sandwiched by cross-country trips to the West Coast. That game in Oakland is Washington's first since 1998 and the stop in San Diego is the Redskins' first since 2001.

I don't see how this team isn't the worst in the NFC East yet again, but it certainly will be very competitive in nearly every game. Good but not great should be this team's motto. Look for Snyder to dump Zorn barring a playoff push and for the owner to have Mike Shanahan as his coach (and maybe GM) in 2010.

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Oh, the Titans will be a playoff contender. However, Tennessee's offense was too predictable with Kerry Collins at quarterback and no real deep threats at receiver last year, and it's not clear if that problem has been fixed. The team lured Nate Washington from Pittsburgh to start opposite Justin Gage at receiver, but Washington hurt his hamstring in camp and may miss the early part of the season. And we all know how hamstring injuries can linger. Look for rookie Kenny Britt to play a big role in the passing game.

This team is as set at running back as any NFL club with Chris Johnson and a much-slimmer LenDale White. But won't teams be stacking eight in the box just daring Collins to beat them?

Certainly the team's best defensive player in 2008 was tackle Albert Haynesworth, and he's now in Washington. He was basically the hub of everything the Titan defense was in 2008, so that loss will be felt.

In addition, much of the team's front seven is beginning to age. The secondary should again be a strength, however, led by cornerback Cortland Finnegan.

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Here is the Titans' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it down after:
Sept. 10 at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 18 at New England Patriots, 4:15 p.m.
Week 7: Bye
Nov. 1 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 15 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
Nov. 23 at Houston Texans, 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 29 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Dec. 25 vs. San Diego Chargers, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 14th (opponents combined to go 130-126, .508, in 2008)
Projected record: 10-6
Bodog over/under total: 9
Bodog odds to win AFC South: 23/10
Bodog odds to win AFC: 10/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 20/1

On the positive side, the Titans do get to play last year's weakest division with four contests against the NFC West, whose teams were 10-30 in non-division games in 2008. But then so does the rest of the AFC South.
That Thursday night national TV opener against Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh is the first time the Titans have been featured in the Thursday night opening game of the regular season. Pittsburgh, of course, lost the top seed in the AFC last year with its late loss in Tennessee.

Including that Steelers game, four of the Titans' first six games are on the road, and the two home games in that stretch are against rising Houston and perennial power Indianapolis, which will be looking to reclaim the South this year. That could mean something like a 2-4 opening for the Titans, because they surely don't seem likely to win in Pittsburgh or New England. A split of the other four might be an accomplishment.

Tennessee's best chance to go on a roll would seem to come after the bye. The first four following the bye week are against teams that finished at .500 or worse in 2008. The Titans may need to go 4-0 in that stretch if they start as I expect.

By the way, pay close attention to that season finale at Seattle. With all that travel, that could be a major factor if Tennessee then has to turn around and play a wild-card game the following Saturday. The Titans closed with Indy the past two seasons, and both of those games meant nothing to at least one of the teams. I have a feeling that Seattle one could be for a wild-card spot.

It's probably now or never for this group, as for the most part the 2008 team is back. A true overhaul and youth movement (which may even in include Vince Young) might be waiting in 2010.

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That collapse cost coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen their jobs despite a 9-7 record. In are Raheem Morris, the youngest head coach in the league and formerly the team's secondary coach (the Bucs are hoping to strike gold as the Steelers did in former Bucs secondary coach Mike Tomlin), and GM Mark Dominik, who has been in the Tampa Bay front office for years. Also gone is long-time defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who announced his intention to join son Lane at the University of Tennessee late last season, which some credit/blame for the team's slide. QB Jeff Garcia, the team's starter most of last year, is now in Oakland. Receiver Joey Galloway is in New England. Running back Warrick Dunn is looking for work. But the biggest shock was the team cutting future Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks, probably the best player in franchise history.

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The Bucs drafted Kansas State's Josh Freeman in the first round to be the franchise quarterback, but they don't really want him playing until late this season if at all. It appears retread Byron Leftwich will win the starting job over Luke McCown, with the Bucs hoping to trade the loser of that battle. Tampa Bay does appear solid at running back, having signed Giants free agent Derrick Ward to go along with Earnest Graham and, perhaps, Cadillac Williams if he can return from another knee injury. And Kellen Winslow gives the team its best receiving tight end in years. The offensive line also is very solid.

It's on defense where this club could look very different, as it is moving away from Kiffin's famed Cover-2 scheme under new coordinator Jim Bates. The Bucs only had 29 sacks last year, and that number must grow substantially or this unit will take a step back.

Overall, this seems like a huge rebuilding season.

Here is the Bucs' 2009 schedule, and we’ll break it down after:
Sept. 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Buffalo Bills, 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m. (London)
Week 8: Bye
Nov. 8 vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 5th (opponents combined to go 148-107-1, .580, in 2008)
Projected record: 4-12
Bodog over/under total: 6 1/2
Bodog odds to win NFC South: 6/1
Bodog odds to win NFC: 28/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 65/1

In a way, the Bucs might have the most difficult schedule in the league. After all, they have to face the very tough AFC East and NFC East (four of their first five games against this loaded division), but then again so does the rest of Tampa Bay's division. What the Bucs have that no other team in the NFL does is just seven home games, courtesy of that "home" matchup against the Patriots in London.

That Week 2 game in Buffalo is the Bucs' first-ever trip there. Hey, if you are going to go, at least do it in September! But, honestly, I don't see Tampa Bay being a favorite in any game until possibly either Nov. 22 against the Saints or Dec. 13 against the Jets. And, yes, I realize the Bucs have won the past two in Tampa against Dallas. And Tampa Bay has won the past three regular-season meetings against Washington, but I expect a 0-for-NFC East run for Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay won its first six home games last year, but it's possible the Bucs start 0-5 at Raymond James Stadium in 2009. I would think a 0-3 home start is a lock, with a victory over Green Bay possible considering the Bucs have won six of the past seven at home against the Packers. I expect a home win over the Jets, who visit Tampa for the first time since 2000.

Tampa Bay doesn't have a prime-time game scheduled this year; by comparison, the other three NFC South teams each have at least two.

By the way, the Bucs will break out those garish orangesicle uniforms for that home Packer game on Nov. 8. Unfortunately, I believe this team puts up a record similar to those old bad Buc teams.

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Holmgren announced before the 2008 season that he wouldn't be back to coach the Seahawks in 2009, but Seattle was favored to win its fifth NFC West title in a row last year and send Holmgren out in style.

Instead, Seattle plummeted to 4-12 as injuries devastated the team, especially at receiver. QB Matt Hasselbeck also succumbed to injuries and was terrible when he did play, leading to thoughts the team would grab Mark Sanchez in the 2009 draft. Instead Seattle opted for Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry to help fix a defense that was nearly as bad as the 30th-ranked offense.

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The good news for Hasselbeck and that offense is that the QB has reached the Pro Bowl in the past three odd-numbered years. And if that back problem is healed, maybe he'll make it four if helped by the additions of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Edgerrin James, who will spell Julius Jones. Maybe if WRs Deion Branch and Nate Burleson stay healthy this year, the offense will return to a top-10 unit.

But already the offensive line, which was awful last year, is having injury issues. Center Chris Spencer will miss at least a month with a torn thigh muscle, meaning he's out for the first two regular-season games minimum. Perhaps of greater concern is tackle Walter Jones, a nine-time Pro Bowler.  The 35-year-old had his second knee surgery in eight months recently and is likely out at least six weeks – with some reports speculating it could be a season-ending injury. And finally, starting left guard Mike Wahle was released at the start of training camp after the two-time Pro Bowler failed a physical after shoulder surgery.

Does this all sound like déjà vu?

The strength of the defense will definitely be at linebacker despite the trade of Julian Peterson, the team's only Pro Bowler in 2008, to Detroit for defensive end Cory Redding. The starters will be Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill and the rookie Curry. It's a nice place to start.

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Here is the Seahawks' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it down after:
Sept. 13 vs. St. Louis Rams, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 vs. Chicago Bears, 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m.
Week 7: Bye
Nov. 1 at Dallas Cowboys, 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 vs. Detroit Lions, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 vs. San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Houston Texans, 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 vs. Tennessee Titans, 4:15 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 24th (opponents combined to go 117-139, .457, in 2008)
Projected record: 7-9
Bodog over/under total: 8
Bodog odds to win NFC West: 7/4
Bodog odds to win NFC: 18/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 40/1

So will this team return to the top of the division? Doubt it. Losing Jones and Spencer almost assures a 1-2 start in September. An opening-week road loss in Buffalo seemed to wreck Seattle's karma last year, but the Seahawks get a layup this time with a home game against the awful Rams. In fact, the Seahawks have the benefit of two games against St. Louis and one against 0-16 Detroit. That better be three wins. Don't rule out a win at San Francisco in Week 2, as Seattle has won five of six there, including last year.

Frankly, we might really know if this team is back in that Oct. 18 game against defending division champ Arizona. The Cards swept this series in 2008, but a Seattle win there heading into the bye could do wonders.

Seattle needs to be over .500 come that bye week, because the second half of the schedule is much tougher, starting with four of the team's first five games coming on the road following the off week. The Dec. 13 visit to Houston is Seattle's first to that city since 1994. And it might be a little chilly for that late December game at Lambeau Field.

Overall, the Seahawks are scheduled for six games at 10 a.m. Pacific time, which you know has to affect the players. On the bright side, the team doesn't have to travel all the way to the East Coast this year. And the franchise won't have to worry about any prime-time games for the first time since 1983 – unless the late-season flexible-scheduling changes that. It’s only the sixth time overall that Seattle didn't get a prime-time game.

New Seattle coach Jim Mora turned a 5-11 Falcons team into a division winner in his first season there. That won't happen in the Pacific Northwest.

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The big move was inserting Shaun Hill as quarterback, as he led the team to four wins in the final five contests. Yet Hill is officially battling for No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith for the starting job this preseason, although pretty much everyone assumes it's Hill's job. He is 7-3 as a starter over the past two seasons, while the team is 5-17 over that span with other starters.

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Jimmy Raye is the team's seventh offensive coordinator in as many years, but he has basically been ordered to get the ball in running back Frank Gore's hands. Former offensive coordinator Mike Martz's pass-first offense just didn't jibe with Singletary's beliefs. That's not to say this team won't pass, certainly. The Niners probably have their best group of receivers in years, presumably led by rookie Michael Crabtree.

And Raye has a few tricks up his sleeve with an offense called "Taser." It’s basically the Wildcat, but during camp the Niners have been lining up receivers Michael Spurlock and Arnaz Battle at quarterback, Gore in the slot as a receiver and QBs Hill and Smith out wide as receivers. Anything to improve an offense that was No. 23 in the league last year.

As long as Gore can avoid the ankle problems that have plagued him the past two years, he should approach his 2006 rushing numbers of 1,695 yards, a team record.

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On defense, the Niners allowed only 14.2 points per game in their final five games last year. The unit really needs a top-flight pass-rusher but has one of the best young linebackers in the NFL in Patrick Willis. Think Singletary will teach him a thing or two? In my opinion, this is the sleeper team in the NFC this season.

Here is the 49ers' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it down after:
Sept. 13 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. St. Louis Rams, 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 4:05 p.m.
Week 6: Bye
Oct. 25 at Houston Texans, 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 vs. Tennessee Titans, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 12 vs. Chicago Bears, 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 vs. Detroit Lions, 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 at St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 26th (opponents combined to go 113-142-1, .443, in 2008)
Projected record: 9-7
Bodog over/under total: 7
Bodog odds to win NFC West: 51/20
Bodog odds to win NFC: 25/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 55/1

If San Francisco is going to contend in the NFC West, like I think it will, we should know right away with three of the first four games in the division. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I suppose) the toughest division test comes first with a game at the NFC champion Cardinals. Arizona swept the 49ers last year, including winning in the 2008 opener. But remember that San Francisco was stopped on a last-second goal-line stand in the rematch at Arizona last year and could have easily won that game. The Niners always seem to play well at Arizona. This is the fourth year in a row those two open against each other.

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Former Niners defensive coordinator Jim Mora returns to San Francisco as the Seahawks' new head coach in Week 2 in a battle of rookie (full-time) head coaches, and the 49ers will be favored to win there and probably should. In Week 10, Singletary's former Bears visit for a prime-time game. Remember that the Niners were rumored as one of the teams angling to get Jay Cutler before Chicago did. It's San Francisco's first-ever Thursday night home game.

San Francisco, and the rest of the NFC West, drew the very tough AFC South this year, and that could well mean three losses for the 49ers. I really only like that home game against the Jaguars as a potential victory; it's Jacksonville's first-ever visit to Candlestick Park. Also of concern is that team has to deal with cold-weather games in Green Bay and Philadelphia in December, so that's probably two more losses. Even that trip to Seattle could see some nasty winter weather.

So can this team reach have a winning season and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2002? With an upset or two, I think it's very possible, and 49ers' odds on Bodog to win the division and the over total of wins are great value.

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In addition, LaDainian Tomlinson seemed to slow down last season, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. Was that a fluke? Maybe not, as LT seemed nicked up all season. But Tomlinson, the former two-time rushing champion, also will be 30 entering this season, and that's often the magic number for running backs to really hit the wall in the NFL.

Was it really a huge surprise that San Diego started last year 4-8? Yet the Bolts rallied to win the AFC West yet again (thanks to Denver’s choke) and won a playoff game; they were the first team to ever reach the playoffs after starting 4-8.

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And there were very good signs last year that bode well for 2009: QB Philip Rivers emerged as one of truly elite quarterbacks in the league in 2008 with a team-record 34 touchdown passes and a league-leading 105.5 rating. Receiver Vincent Jackson stepped up with his first 1,000-yard season. And San Diego found a major offensive weapon in running back Darren Sproles, who was stellar late in the year and in the playoff win over the Colts when Tomlinson was ailing.

Plus the Charger defense seemed to come alive last year when coordinator Ted Cottrell was fired and Ron Rivera took over. So that unit should be very good again this year with Merriman back. Frankly, this is easily the most talented team in the AFC West, which should be a cakewalk. If guys like Tomlinson, tight end. Antonio Gates and cornerback Antonio Cromartie (he was burned often last year) can return to form, this team could compete for the best record in the AFC because it should be 6-0 in the division.

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Is a Super Bowl run possible? It definitely is, but San Diego would probably need home-field advantage to beat a New England or Pittsburgh (or any cold-weather team) in the playoffs.

Here is the Chargers' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it down after:
Sept. 14 at Oakland Raiders, 10:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 vs. Miami Dolphins, 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:20 p.m.
Week 5: Bye
Oct. 19 vs. Denver Broncos, 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 vs. Oakland Raiders, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 8 at New York Giants, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Denver Broncos, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 29 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Cleveland Browns, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Dallas Cowboys, 4:15 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 25 at Tennessee Titans, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 3 vs. Washington Redskins, 4:15 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 17th (opponents combined to go 123-131-2, .484, in 2008)
Projected record: 11-5
Bodog over/under total: 9 1/2
Bodog odds to win AFC West: 2/7
Bodog odds to win AFC: 11/2
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 10/1

The Chargers have started slowly in the past two seasons, so it's vital they turn that around in 2009 for any hopes of a top-two seed in the AFC.

Certainly San Diego should be favored in all three September games. Do you think the Chargers and Oakland are tired of seeing each other to start the season? And what’s with the game always being at the Raiders' place? This will be the seventh time the Chargers and Raiders open the season against each other, and the previous six all were in Oakland, which has won five of those six. No way the Raiders make it six of seven, in my opinion, considering they have lost 11 in a row in this series.

Obviously those next three games will be much tougher for the Chargers, facing 2008 playoff foes Baltimore, Miami and Pittsburgh. It will be San Diego's third game in less than a year in the Steel City, and the Bolts didn't win either of the previous two. Still, I expect a 3-1 start to the year with the bye probably coming at a good time.

Coming out of the bye, look for a three-game winning streak through division foes. The games against the Giants and Eagles could both be Super Bowl previews; I expect a San Diego split there. By the way, it's the first time the Bolts have visited the Giants since memorable "Snowball Game" in 1995. It's Philly's first visit to San Diego in 11 years. December has been when this team has taken off under Turner, going 9-0 the past two seasons. The Chargers won't be unbeaten in the month this year, not with games at Dallas and Tennessee. That Titans game is San Diego's first ever on Christmas.

As noted above, if San Diego can sweep the AFC West (it went 5-1 in the division last year), 11 wins should be very doable. Whether or not that's good enough to edge out fellow AFC favorites New England and Pittsburgh for a home game in the playoffs is the big question. But with the right playoff draw, this team could make it to the Super Bowl.

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So the overhaul began in earnest this offseason. Well, actually it began during last season, when coach Scott Linehan was fired. Interim coach Jim Haslett seemed to provide a spark for about a minute, but then the Rams lost their final 10 games. St. Louis reworked its front office in the offseason and brought in Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo as head coach.

The Rams let Orlando Pace and Torry Holt go and now have just one player from the "Greatest Show on Turf" Super Bowl champions: linebacker Leonard Little. This team is trying to build from theinside out, having drafted offensive tackle Jason Smith No. 2 overall this year and defensive end Chris Long at No. 2 last year. That's the Rams' problem: They never lose enough to get that No. 1 overall pick!

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As for this year, the offense could be at least OK if QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson (photo) stay healthy. However, Bulger has played a full season only once in his career (in fairness, the one game he missed last year was a coaching decision, not an injury). And Bulger has been trending downward big-time the past few seasons. There's not much behind him, so Bulger is still the guy.

Jackson still is among the better backs in the league when healthy. He had 1,042 yards and seven TDs last year despite missing four games with injury and being very limited in one. Spagnuolo and new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur say that Jackson's power running will be the focal point of the offense. With Holt gone, second-year guys Donnie Avery and Keenan Burton should be the starting receivers, although Avery will miss the first few games with a foot injury.

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On defense, the Rams should at least be very aggressive, as that was Spagnuolo's calling card in New York. Long and Little should provide most of the pass rush, but the Rams were lousy against the run last year. Maybe rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis will help, although the Rams cut 2008 leading tackler Pisa Tinoisamoa (now with the Bears). Free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe is probably the best overall player on the defense. But this unit probably finishes in the bottom five of the league again.

Here is the Rams' 2009 schedule, and we’ll break it down after:
Sept. 13 at Seattle Seahawks, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
Nov. 1 at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Week 9: Bye
Nov. 15 vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 29 vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m.
Jan. 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 22nd (opponents combined to go 119-137,
.465, in 2008)
Projected record: 3-13
Bodog over/under total: 5 ½
Bodog odds to win NFC West: 10/1
Bodog odds to win NFC: 50/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 100/1 (longest shots withLions)

It's a fair bet that the Rams are underdogs in all 16 games this season. I'll be fascinated to see the line for the Toilet Bowl on Nov. 1 in Detroit. As one would expect, no prime-time games scheduled for this team.

The schedule isn't real kind. Four of the first six games on the road. And the two home games are against playoff contenders Minnesota (which is a fellow dome team, so no advantage for St. Louis there) and Green Bay. By the way, St. Louis has just three total road wins the past two years. Wait, that’s better than the two home wins.

The Rams did win in D.C. last year and get another chance to do so. In reality, this team’s only chance to have a winning streak (its two wins came back-to-back last year) comes out of the bye, with three straight games at home. None of those three teams is known as a strong defensive club, so it wouldn’t shock me to see St. Louis win two of those.

At a projected 3-13, the Rams certainly will be in competition for the No. 1 overall pick again. This team needs a franchise quarterback, among many other things, and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford might be the answer in next April’s draft. Sometimes you have to lose to win.

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You certainly can't say the Steelers didn't earn it last year. They had not only the toughest strength of schedule in the NFL in 2008 but also one of the toughest ever. But Pittsburgh got to beat up on the AFC North, winning all six regular-season games. That could well be the case again this year, although one would think Baltimore is due after three close losses last year (including AFC title game). And this year, the Steelers should pound on everyone in the weak AFC West outside of San Diego. So that's potentially nine wins right there and probably eight for sure.

The defense that was totally dominant last year brings back nine starters; the new guys are cornerback William Gay, who split time with departed Bryant McFadden last season, and linebacker Lawrence Timmons, the team's No. 1 pick in 2007. That Pittsburgh defense ranked No. 1 overall in the NFL, No. 2 against the run, No. 1 against the pass and No. 1 in points allowed. That's good.

Assuming the 1-2 sack punch of James Harrison (16) and LaMarr Woodley (11.5) weren't just one-year wonders, this year's defense should be about as good.

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The offense could actually be better this year. Everyone is back, and that offensive line that began last season with four players at new positions should be completely in sync now.  Plus remember that rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall is healthy now and ready to add a new dimension behind Willie Parker, who himself was hurt for a portion of last season; Mendenhall was finished for the season in his rookie year after Week 4. The rushing attack averaged just 105.6 yards per game in 2008, so that should rise.

Of course it all begins with Ben Roethlisberger, who is just entering his prime years. The only concern is he has been sacked a ton the past three years. And perhaps Santonio Holmes is ready to jump into the elite group of receivers following his Super Bowl performance. The team does have to replace valuable Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver; Limas Sweed appears to have the inside track.

Here is the Steelers' 2009 schedule, and we'll break it downafter:
Sept. 10 vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Chicago Bears, 4:15 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. San Diego Chargers, 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 11 at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.
Week 8: Bye
Nov. 9 at Denver Broncos, 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Nov. 29 at Baltimore Ravens, 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 6 vs. Oakland Raiders, 1 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Cleveland Browns, 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 20 vs. Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Dec. 27 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m.

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Strength of schedule: 29th (opponents combined to go 110-144-2, .434, in 2008)
Projected record: 12-4
Bodog over/under total: 10 1/2
Bodog odds to win AFC North: 5/11
Bodog odds to win AFC: 9/2
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 9/1 (second to Patriots)
Seriously, look this schedule and tell me in which games the

Steelers will be underdogs. Maybe at Chicago, at Baltimore and at Miami. And those are all iffy. Only five opponents made the playoffs a year ago.

As the Super Bowl champs, the Steelers get to kick off the season on Thursday night. Of course the Titans handed Pittsburgh one of its four regular-season losses last year, but that was in Nashville. No way coach Mike Tomlin allows his team to lose that home opener on national TV.

It would seem the toughest stretch of the schedule begins Nov. 29, with three tough road games and two home games against likely playoff contenders. I'm guessing Pittsburgh wishes its bye came after one of the matchups with Baltimore, as those two usually pound each other. Instead they play twice in five weeks late in the year.

No West Coast games this year for Pittsburgh, which only has to travel as far west as Denver. And because the Steelers are facing the NFC North, we will see some rare trips. Green Bay's trip to Pittsburgh will be the first for the Packers in the regular season since 1998. Pittsburgh visits Chicago for the first time in 14 years and Detroit for the first time in 11.

This team should be back in the AFC Championship Game at a minimum. And I believe that Pittsburgh's schedule is set up for the Steelers to get the AFC's No. 1 seed over the Patriots and Chargers. I won’t predict who wins a New England/San Diego-Pittsburgh AFC title tilt, but one of those matchups looks very likely.

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The problems last year were the running game, which ranked just 28th in the NFL, and, as usual, the defense. Reggie Bush was a disappointment again, averaging just 3.8 yards per rush. He caught 52 passes but never seemed to turn a short pass into a big gain. He finished with just six touchdowns and couldn't stay healthy again. He had offseason knee surgery, so that’s something to keep an eye on. And Deuce McAllister was cut loose, so Bush might be counted on to run more in 2009 alongside Pierre Thomas, the every-down back. Tight end Jeremy Shockey also was a disappointment after coming over from the Giants, catching 50 passes for 483 yards and no touchdowns. He also had some injury problems.

But despite some issues on offense, this team can score, so the Saints concentrated on fixing the defense heading into 2009. The team brought in a new defensive coordinator in Gregg Williams, who is known as being very aggressive in his schemes. New Orleans really needs ends Will Smith and Charles Grant to step up and stay healthy. It was in the secondary where the Saints really performed an overhaul, including drafting Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins with their first-round pick when many expected a running back. The team also brought in a few veterans to help out.

Basically, however, this team looks much the same. Expect a lot of high-scoring games and a lot of over totals.

Here is the Saints' 2009 schedule, and we’ll break it down after:
Sept. 13 vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 at Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Buffalo Bills, 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. New York Jets, 4:05 p.m.
Week 5: Bye
Oct. 18 vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Miami Dolphins, 4:15 p.m.
Nov. 2 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 8:30 p.m.
Nov. 8 vs. Carolina Panthers, 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 15 at St. Louis Rams, 1 p.m.
Nov. 22 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Nov. 30 vs. New England Patriots, 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m.
Dec. 13 at Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.
Dec. 19 vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 27 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Jan. 3 at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.

Strength of schedule: 8th (opponents combined to go 142-113-1, .557, in 2008)
Projected record: 9-7
Bodog over/under total: 9
Bodog odds to win NFC South: 2/1
Bodog odds to win NFC: 10/1
Bodog odds to win Super Bowl XLIV: 22/1

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The Saints do have the NFC South's easiest schedule, but New Orleans also went 3-5 against in 2008 against the teams on this year's schedule.

New Orleans hasn't had a winning first month since 2006, the last time the team made the playoffs. Opening with the 0-16 Lions should help this year, but the Saints will be underdogs in those two road games to end September.

That the first division game isn't until Week 8 is a little odd. There is little question the key stretch for this team starts with that Week 10 game in St. Louis. That's the first of four road games in five weeks. If New Orleans can go a minimum of 3-2, this team might contend for a playoff spot.

The Saints have more prime-time games (three) scheduled than any NFC South team, and all three of those are at home. They still could be underdogs in all three. That Patriots game is New England’s first visit to Louisiana since winning Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.

If New Orleans misses the playoffs for a third straight year, former Coach of the Year Sean Payton might be out of a job.

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