A number of players changed their jersey during the offseason, which could shake up the playoff pictures in both conferences the 2007 NFL season. The moves that will likely have the biggest impact on how things shake down were made by the New England Patriots. New England must not like watching other AFC teams play in the Super Bowl, because they did all they could to make sure they return to the big show this NFL season. Last season, Tom Brady's receiving corps was very weak. This year he may have too many options when he passes. The Pats added once-elite wideout Randy Moss, who could be a huge steal if he can revert back to something close to the numbers he produced in Minnesota. Also added were Donte' Stallworth and Wes Welker. Stallworth is a bit of an injury risk, but he's a reliable receiver and a deep threat when healthy. Welker is a great No. 3 receiver because he's quick out of the slot and can find defensive holes. The addition of linebacker Adalius Thomas on defense should improve a Pats' D that was already one of the best in the league.
Sticking with the AFC, the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens were already considered by many to be playoff contenders even before they upgraded their rushing attacks. The Broncos maintained their old habits by ditching leading rusher Tatum Bell and bringing in power back Travis Henry. Henry is a workhorse who should fit in well with Mike Shanahan's hard-nosed offensive style. In Baltimore, the Ravens let Jamal Lewis go and brought in some youth in the form of Willis McGahee. Even though he's played three seasons in the league, McGahee is still only 25 and the move to Baltimore should reignite his career after two sub-par seasons in Buffalo. It's key to note that in Buffalo McGahee was part of an inconsistent and rather stagnant offense, and had to run behind a weak offensive line. He shouldn't run into any of those problems in Baltimore. There wasn't a whole lot of quarterback shuffling during the offseason, but there were at least three moves that should pay dividends. Jeff Garcia was considered to be washed up before he led the Eagles to the playoffs last season with Donovan McNabb sidelined by injury yet again. Garcia moves on to Tampa Bay this season, where he'll have a solid receiver in Joey Galloway, but once Chris Simms gets healthy there may be a QB controversy brewing. For the first time in Houston Texans' history, David Carr won't be the No. 1 quarterback. Carr was released after the Texans picked up former Falcons backup Matt Schaub. In limited action Schaub has looked great, but he may have trouble maintaining that success while playing fulltime in a lackluster offense behind a weak offensive line. After months of speculation and hours and hours of trade talk, Trent Green was finally traded to Miami. Green has a former Pro Bowler to throw to in Chris Chambers, but the key word there is former when you're talking about Chambers' recent performance. Don't expect a lot out of Ted Ginn Jr. early on in the season. Once Ginn has trouble adapting to the NFL maybe the Dolphins will see why they should have snagged QB Brady Quinn when they had the opportunity. NFL football betting odds and Fantasy Football available at WagerWeb Sportsbook.
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