MEGA Articles

AFC East

Dolphins (3-5)(0-2) - The Dolphins are bad, but at 3-5 they lead this division. Those two division losses loom large though. Coach Junior's team has had some serious ups and downs and needs to level out to make a run. The remaining schedule is light, but if he can't beat his division mates he's done.
Stud: Ted Ginn, Jr's special teams play stands out, as does the play of carryover DE Ken Stabler.
Dud: The defense as a unit needs to play better. The offense is young and mistakes are expected.
Rookie Watch: OG Satale is very good. Ginn Jr. has 2 KR TDs and is getting more reps at WR. Wade, Black, and QB John Beck are all getting starter time. This is a nice young nucleus to build around.

Bills (2-6)(2-1) - In a shocking press conference, longtime Bills coach Polo-D stepped down from his post. Now it's up to Coach Ammo to pick up the pieces with this team. Still very much in the division hunt, the Bills will have to regroup and pick up some wins.
Stud: Lee Evans (7 TDs) is providing some spark on offense for the Bills
Dud: J.P. Losman will hopefully fare better with the new offense under coach Ammo.
Rookie Watch: He doesn't have a lot of TDs, but Marshawn Lynch is pretty good. Wright and Posluszny are contributors as well.

Patriots (2-7)(2-1) - Someone woke Anj up this year. The Pats seem to be playing better football. Have two solid division wins, and scared the crap out of undefeated Washington. Anj seems to be getting things together for the Pats, and like the Jets, is still in the division hunt.
Stud: Vilma always has huge numbers, but carryover Ted Winters is having a great year so far (14 sacks)
Dud: Jerrico Cotchery (15-183-0) has become invisible this year.
Rookie Watch: OLB Harris, CB Revis, and WR Stuckey have all seen limited action this year.

Jets (2-7)(2-2) - The big news of the year is that Coach Stykman took over for longtime coach Millertime. While the Jets sit at 2-7, they are by no means out of the running in this division. The Jets losts a number of
close games early and are a much better team than their record would indicate. This team seems to suit Styk well, but time will tell what happens.
Stud: Donte Stallworth (22-586-6) has gaudier numbers than Randy Moss
Dud: Tom Brady's INT problem (29) really hurts the team. Maroney should be seeing more carries.
Rookie Watch: Brandon Meriweather is a solid starter but that's about it.


AFC North

Ravens (7-1)(3-0) - On top of one of the best divisions in MEGA, coach NewJack has come out on top of several close games. There are a few key matchups, but none bigger than the second matchup with Cincy. The Ravens could be fighting for the North crown, and possibly a first round bye.
Stud: Steve McNair is having a phenominal first half.
Dud: If you are going to play in close games, your kicker better be solid. Stover isn't so far.
Rookie Watch: 3 starters including the explosive Yamon Figurs, plus Troy Smith as McNair's understudy. A nice group for sure.

Bengals (7-1)(2-1) - An opening week loss to the Ravens is the only blemish on the Bengals. Behind a tough D, great air attack, and solid run game, the Bengals look like the team to beat in the AFC. Coach Stealth has his team running on all cylinders and poised for another playoff run. The defending AFC champs have smooth sailing to the playoffs.
Stud: Carson Palmer (21 TD, 121.3 QBR) to Chad Johnson (40-1000-11) is the best combo in the league.
Dud: Rudi Johnson and Kenny Irons split the running load, but neither are impressive at under 4 ypc each.
Rookie Watch: Leon Hall hasn't stood out but gets playing time. Irons has 6 total TDs. SS Marvin White is a solid contributor.

Browns (5-3)(1-2) - Cleveland made the playoffs last year as a 10-6 wildcard and hope to follow that up with another solid performance. They will have to knock off the Bengals or Ravens, who both won the first
matchup. Another season over .500 is very attainable for Mike.
Stud: This space is usually reserved for Marcus Jackson, but the FA addition of Simeon Rice has made a world of difference. Rice has some incredible numbers for the first half.
Dud: The rest of the WR corps leaves a lot to be desired. If teams take away Jackson, this team is done.
Rookie Watch: Brady Quinn has been average, as has Joe Thomas, each have some good numbers balanced by some bad ones.

Steelers (3-5)(0-3) - The Steelers are a scary team who are a play or two away from being over .500. They played the Bengals very tough, and nearly beat the Browns. Coach Hoyt looks like he has a team he likes and could be building for better things next season. The remaining schedule is tough, but 3 or 4 more wins are possible.
Stud: Hoyt has figured out the run game, and Willie Parker (156-879-10) is one of the best backs in MEGA
Dud: The team could use an elite WR and Alex Brown hasn't had nearly the same success as he did in Chicago.
Rookie Watch: Punter Dan Sepulveda is a stud, OLB Lawrence Timmons is starting and playing well.


AFC South

Colts (6-2)(3-0) - The Colts are off to another good start losing only to Tampa and the Jets. They scored a big win in week 7 over the up-and-coming Jaguars to secure their hold on the AFC South. The Colt offense is hot, and one of the most balanced we've seen in a while. In Rattle's syste, everything funnels through Addai, but Manning gets everyone else involved. The team hasn't had postseason luck but hopes to break that run this year.
Stud: It starts with Peyton Manning, who is making another strong case for MVP this year.
Dud: Not much to say here, though Ashton Yobouty needs to improve his coverage.
Rookie Watch: DT Adam Carriker has played very well. WR Anthony Gonzalez is pushing for offensive rookie honors. Ugoh and Barbre make a nice left side of the OL.

Jaguars (5-3)(2-1) - Bruce80 has a team to compete for the division this year. His three losses were against perrenial MEGA powers Indy, Tampa, and Denver. There are a lot of good things happening in Jacksonville, with an impressive young offense and tough defense. The Jags have another big game against Indy, but the schedule looks to be in their favor to make a playoff run.
Stud: Maurice Jones-Drew (193-801-9) is very good, and Ronnie Quick (39 tackles, 7 INT) solidifies the defense.
Dud: DT John Henderson has been virtually invisible this year.
Rookie Watch: FS Nelson is a solid starter as is P Adam Podlesh. The rest have seen few minutes, but WR Mike Walker does have 2 TD grabs.

Texans (4-5)(1-2) - Houston needs to find an identity. They are beating the teams they are supposed to, and losing against the better clubs. If they want to seriously contend for the division and playoffs, they will have to pull off an upset or two. The upcoming schedule is tough, so they will have their work cut out for them. Coach Chuck has the team a good squad put together though.
Stud: MLB DeMeco Ryans is a force and has MVP-type numbers (70 tkl, 13 fl, 2 INT). Morlon Greenwood is right there with him.
Dud: Matt Schaub's INTs are really hurting this club, as they have a sound two-back offense to control the clock.
Rookie Watch: DT Amobi Okoye starts, but is a non-factor. DBs Bennett and Harrison are young, improving players seeing some good action.

Titans (0-8)(0-3) - Things have gotten off to a rough start for Yankee, who is a victim of a very tough schedule. 7 of the first 8 teams were ranked in the top half of the league. The team is young though, and there are a lot of promising guys to look forward to.
Stud: Chris Henry and Ben Troupe are the best of the bunch.
Dud: Sorry Brett Favre, but your farewell tour should have come a year sooner.
Rookie Watch: Safety tandem Michael Griffin and Sabby Piscitelli are solid contributors, as is Chris Henry.


AFC West

Raiders (5-3)(2-1) - An early win over the Broncos was tainted by bad losses to the Lions, Browns and Chiefs. Coach Brandon's young team still hasn't quite jelled, but is in the playoff hunt. Expect the team to get better as JaMarcus Russell gets comfortable with the offense.
Stud: Bruce Gordon is making a push for defensive player of the year with 17 sacks.
Dud: Any WR not named Jesse Bennett. Part of it is on JaMarcus, but help a brotha out...
Rookie Watch: Russell has struggled but it's not all on him. Michael Bush has done well as the feature back. CB Bowie and TE Miller have also pitched in. Brandon's young kids have done well.

Broncos (4-4)(0-2) - Coach Score23 has gotten off to a tough start, including a coupld of rough losses. The schedule is in his favor, but he'll have 2 games against new coach Pathfinda as well as rematches with Brandon and Luis. This is a tough task for Score, who has been a playoff staple for a while.
Stud: There are the usual offensive stars, but D.J. Williams is having a great year on D
Dud: Champ Bailey is a much better player than he's showing so far. The WRs might want to get some better gloves as well.
Rookie Watch: Bookend DEs Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder form a great nucleus up front.

Chiefs (3-5)(2-0) - Coach Pathfinda has taken over the Chiefs after a rocky 2-5 start but already pulled out a win over GB. There's a lot of work to be done with this team in a tough division, but Pathfinda could be an unknown for his division rivals. The team has LJ and needs to further develop Brodie Croyle and his receivers to be effective.
Stud: LJ is the best player on the team by far (216-908-5)
Dud: Where is the defensive pressure? Very little sacks, very few INTs. This group needs work.
Rookie Watch: WR Dwayne Bowe doesn't have much to show yet. K Medlock is consistent. Turk McBride hasn't seen much time while Tank Tyler and Greg Hanoian have seen the field but haven't starred. It is a promising group though.

Chargers (3-5)(1-2) - The Chargers are a team begging for consistency. They beat the Bronocs and Texans but then lose to the Chiefs and the Vikings. Coach Luis is always a tough competitor and he's got a tough road ahead for the second half. Look for this team to play spoiler down the road.
Stud: LDT's numbers are good, but Jeff Franklin (23-712-9) has sick numbers.
Dud: Outside of Merriman, no one is really getting to the opposing QB.
Rookie Watch: FS Eric Weddle has 4 INTs. The rest of the group has seen little play time.


NFC East

Redskins (8-0)(2-0) - Coach Kan has one of the two undefeated teams at the midway. With a strong D and balanced offense, this Redskins team could be the class of the NFC. The schedule is much tougher in the second half, with 2 games against Dallas, the Bucs, and the Bears. The Skins will earn their playoff berth, and face potential playoff opponents.
Stud: Clinton Portis is running (189-865-9) and catching, while getting help from Ladell Betts (6 TDs)
Dud: Not much to pick on. Alex Hamm is better than he's playing right now.
Rookie Watch: LSU's LaRon Landry is a solid starter next to Sean Taylor. He's forced 2 fumbles and has 2 picks.

Cowboys (6-1)(1-0) - Things are looking good in Big D as Coach GT seems to have his team on the right track. On tough loss against the Bears is the only blemish on the record. The schedule isn't too tough, and it looks like the division crown may be decided by the two games with Washington down the road.
Stud: So many choices. Newman is always consistent, but the improved play of QB Josh Rogers makes all the difference this season.
Dud: GT's been clamoring for a premiere RB b/c Julius Jones's 3.5 ypc aren't cutting it.
Rookie Watch: RE Anthony Spencer (7 sacks) has been a solid performer. LT Doug Free has played well.

Giants (4-4)(1-2) - Losing 3 games by 3 points each is a tough pill to swallow. This team could very well be in the division lead with a break here or there. Coach Stro has his running game humming with Brandon Jacobs and Fred Taylor as a two-headed monster. Big games loom on the horizon, and the G-men will need an upset or two to stay in playoff contention.
Stud: Jacobs (162-853-6) and Taylor (81-545-4) could each go over the 1000 yard mark.
Dud: The defense overall is just average. No one is having a superstar year.
Rookie Watch: Aaron Ross has a couple of picks. Steve Smith (22-191-1) is learning the offense. The rest really haven't contributed.

Eagles (3-5)(0-3) - The schedule was not friendly to the Eagles, as Philly played a number of MEGA playoff teams in the opening half. Every game has been close though, which shows how much better this group is playing. The schedule lightens up a bit for Coach Arty, so expect to see a stronger second half.
Stud: McNabb is having one of his best statistical years for Arty, and MLB Gaither is a stud.
Dud: What happened to Troy Claybrooks? He's been a monster in the past but is quiet this year.
Rookie Watch: DE Trent Cole is good, CB James has seen some action, and Tony Hunt is a good backup for Westbrook.


NFC North

Bears (7-1)(3-1) - Scar has Chicago back on track after last year's disappointing 8-8 finish. A loss to the rival Packers hurt, and the schedule gets a bit tougher. The offense is based around bombs to Hester and Berrian amid the run game. The Bears D is always one of the best in MEGA, and Scar got himself a RB in Michael Turner. This could be a return to glory for the Monsters of the Midway.
Stud: Turner is good, but DT Tommie Harris (19 sacks) has Defensive Player of the year numbers.
Dud: WR Mark Bradley is flat out not getting it done. If teams force the Bears to pass and take away Berrian, the Bears are in trouble.
Rookie Watch: TE Greg Olson (16-176-2) has respectable numbers. The rest of the group has seen little time on the field.

Packers (4-4)(2-0) - Green Bay started off 4-1, but fizzled out with 3 straight losses. Rumours surrounding head coach Fachim's trip to Las Vegas may or may not have anything to do with the drop off. The Pack will right the ship but may need help. The win over Chicago shows how good this team can be.
Stud: WR David Clowney has really burst on the scene in Green Bay (38-583-7, plus 3 KR TDs)
Dud: TE Bubba Franks could slowly be losing his job to Clark Harris (from Rutgers!)
Rookie Watch: Kicker Mason Crosby has been decent but missed 3 FGs. The group of Justin Harrell, Brandon Jackson, Brandon Miree, Josh Wilson, David Clowney, and Clark Harris have all seen significant time on the field. This might be the best overall group of rookies playing.

Lions (3-5)(1-2) - The Lions are a good team with a terrible schedule. They played a 4 game stretch that included 2 with the Bears, one with the Bucs, and one with the Skins. That's brutal. Still, they managed big wins over the Raiders and Broncos. Gary's got a team that can make some noise in the second half as the schedule looks favorable.
Stud: We see you, Fernando Bryant (6 picks) and we won't throw at you anymore.
Dud: Courtney Brown played so bad he lost his starting job.
Rookie Watch: The Calvin Johnson era is off with a bang (34-677-5). Not much out of anyone else though.

Vikings (3-5)(0-3) - Kobe's crew has gotten off to a rough start in and out of the division. Inconsistency and youth on both sides of the ball has plagued the Vikings who have a tough schedule still to play. Kobe could be a factor in the division by taking out Chicago or Green Bay, but he'll have his eye on the offseason looking to improve this young squad.
Stud: No single player jumps out on the team, but the offense is nicely balanced.
Dud: The defensive pass rush has come up with very few sacks which is a problem.
Rookie Watch: Adrian Peterson is having a great rookie year (169-682-7, 20-226-3). WRs Sidney Rice and Aundrae Allison are both contributing nicely and will only get better.


NFC South

Buccaneers (9-0)(2-0) - The defending champs are still undefeated, but have narrowly escaped in several games. The schedule gets a little tougher, but the Bucs appear poised to make a run at a 3-peat. The East Coast offense has been inconsistent as Young gets in rhythm with his team, but the run game has been very impressive with Caddy, Young, and Leonard splitting carries.
Stud: MVP Cadillac Williams shows no signs of slowing down (208-1272-14).
Dud: Longtime Buc Brian Kelly is slowing up and may lose his nickle spot this year.
Rookie Watch: Gaines Adams (12 TFL, 12 sacks) reminds us of a young Simeon Rice. Multi-purpose RB Brian Leonard has 600 yards and 5 TDs.

Saints (5-3)(2-1) - Brad's got his 2 back offense firing this year. He's taken tough losses against very good teams, but with the schedule in his favor, he could make a run for the playoffs this year. It's never easy dealing with Reggie and Deuce, and Brad's is still pretty young and getting better.
Stud: Wow, Brees is hot. Bush is hot. Meachem has 9 TDs on only 19 catches, and we haven't even hit the defense yet.
Dud: Sssh... Be quiet. Scott Fujita is sleeping and we don't want to wake him.
Rookie Watch: Aside from Meachem, OG Alleman has been very reliable. CB Usama Young has seem time on special teams.

Falcons (3-5)(1-1) - The Falcons faithful are waiting for the return of coach Lucky to the sidelines. Lucky, who took a sabbatical to teach abstainence classes at a local sorrority, should be back soon. His Falcons hope he doesn't take too long.
Stud: QB Marcus Wilcox is playing some pretty good ball.
Dud: It looks like we may be seeing the end of Warrick Dunn (2.9 ypc)
Rookie Watch: A number of rooks are seeing significant time on the field, led by DE Jamaal Anderson and CB Chris Houston.

Panthers (3-5)(0-3) - After a dismal 0-3 start, coach Stykman packed his bags and traded places with Coach Miller. The Panthers dropped their next two as coach Miller figured his team out, and then ran 3 straight wins including an impressive 24-20 decision over AFC powerhouse Indianapolis. Miller looks like he has this team going in the right direction.
Stud: There's a lot to like, but Julius Peppers is out of his mind this year. 16 sacks already.
Dud: Whether it is Carr or Delhomme, the numbers aren't there from the QB position
Rookie Watch: USC products Dwayne Jarrett (15-255-2) and Ryan Kalil (28 pancakes) are off to a good start along with OLB Jon Beason.


NFC West

49ers (5-3)(3-0) - Don't adjust your dials folks, those 49ers ARE 5-3 and leading the division. The 5 wins are the most coach Cherokee has had in his years in San Fran and we are only half way home. The team had a huge win over the Ravens, and the rest of the schedule looks promising. The 49ers could be playoff bound if they don't falter down the stretch.
Stud: The team may struggle, but Steven Jackson (163-706-9) isn't showing any signs of slowing.
Dud: Byron Leftwich hasn't killed the team yet, but WR Darrell Jackson needs to hold the ball (19 rec / 10 drops)
Rookie Watch: Ole Miss LB Patrick Willis is a tackling machine. WR Jason Hill (17-168-0) has seen some time as well.

Rams (2-6)(1-2) - A tough and frustrating start for Coach Seth after success the last couple of seasons. He's had a tough road to date and is the victim of several close decisions. He can still cause problems for teams down the road, but this may be a building year and time to get the young kids some experience.
Stud: We have a lot to choose from. Let's say TE Vernon Davis who has solid numbers (29-645-4)
Dud: Bulger's 15 INTs to 6 TDs don't help, but no one on the Ram defense has stepped up as a leader.
Rookie Watch: Only the acquired RG Aaron Sears (30 pancakes) has seen action.

Seahawks (2-6)(1-2) - The 'Hawks have played a number of playoff-caliber teams and played them tough, never really getting blown out. In fact, the Hawks lost by 3, 2, 7, 3, 10, and 9. That's a lot of very close, competitive games for coach Deuce. This will be a team to watch out for. They, like many others, need a ball to bounce their way.
Stud: TE Kellen Winslow is a big target (40-688-5) for Hass.
Dud: Shaun Alexander isn't putting up numbers and may be gone next year (128-488-4).
Rookie Watch: DE Baraka Atkins has 8 sacks, the rest have seen little action.

Cardinals (1-7)(1-2) - Things haven't looked good in Arizona after last year's 10-6 finish. Coach Bambam will be looking towards the offseason and a high draft pick to help this team out. Eli Manning hasn't quite worked out and he's gotten little help from his running game. The defense has some playmakers, but needs to get off the field and get more help from the offense.
Stud: TE Leonard Pope has 6 TD grabs and Adrian Wilson has good numbers as well (5 INT).
Dud: Eli's 13 TD to 21 INT hurt pretty bad, but his RBs only have about 550 yards and 3 TDs.
Rookie Watch: RT Levi Brown is good. DT Alan Branch is starting but has yet to make a big impact. TE Ben Patrick has a nice yard per catch average. MLB Buster Davis is a team leader in tackles. WR Steve Breaston is a solid special teams player and 3/4 WR option. This is really a nice young group for coach Bambam.