Crystal Ball: Week 1 High School and NCAA Predictions

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amacus515

High School Football Week 1 Predictions (winner in yellow)
Jenkintown at South Philadelphia
Abington at Samuel Fels

LaSalle looks to revenge Eastern Finals loss

Upper Moreland at Jules Mastbaum
Methacton at Souderton
Bensalem at Archbishop Wood
Downingtown West at Cheltenham
William Tennent at Wissahickon
Haverford School at Pennridge
Upper Dublin at Central Bucks West
Frankford at Hatboro-Horsham
Plymouth-Whitemarsh at Perkiomen Valley
LaSalle at North Penn
Nativity BVM at Springfield
Sussex Tech at Academy New Church
Prep Charter at Lansdale Catholic
Muhlenberg at Bishop McDevitt

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 191-57


NCAA Week 1 Predictions (winner in yellow)
Villanova at Temple
Tennessee at N.C. State
Boise State (24) at Michigan State (13)
Notre Dame at Navy
Northwestern at Syracuse

The Post Paterno ERA at PSU begins

Ohio at Penn State
Nevada at California
Miami (FL) at Boston College
Southern Miss at Nebraska (17)
Iowa at Northern Illinois
Colorado State at Colorado
FIU at Duke
Clemson (14) at Auburn
Hawaii at USC (1)
Michigan (8) at Alabama (2)
Wyoming at Texas (15)
Toldeo at Arizona
San Diego State at Washington
Kentucky at Louisville (25)
SMU at Baylor
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech (16)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 188-87

2012 NFL Predictions: Division Winners, Award Winners and Super Bowl Champs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on twitter @amarcus515

Now that I have analyzed every roster over the past month I am ready to make my 2012 predictions. In the past I have been pretty good at picking 8-to-10 playoff teams with always a few awful picks sprinkled in there. If I could get anything right it would be my Super Bowl winner. I might be going out on a limb here, but I am looking at quarterbacks to take the next step and I like the ice in this guys vains...

Matty Ice will be on tap at Disney World...

2011 NFL Predicted Standings (playoff teams in red)

NFC East (predicted win total)

Can Vick stay healthy for a full 16?

Eagles (10-6)
Giants (9-7)

Cowboys (8-8)

Redskins (6-10)

NFC West

49ers (10-6)
Rams (8-8)
Seahawks (6-10)
Cardinals (4-12)

NFC North

Packers (13-3)
Bears (9-7)
Lions (8-8)
Vikings (5-11)

NFC South

Falcons (11-5)
Panthers (9-7)
Saints (9-7)
Buccaneers (6-10)

AFC East

Patriots (12-4)
Bills (9-7)
Jets (7-9)
Dolphins (6-10)

AFC West

Can Rivers rebound from a rough 2011?

Chargers (10-6)
Chiefs (9-7)
Broncos (9-7)
Raiders (5-11)

AFC North

Bengals (11-5)
Ravens (9-7)
Steelers (8-8)
Browns (2-14)

AFC South

Texans (11-5)

Titans (8-8)
Colts (6-10)
Jaguars (3-13)

2011 NFL Playoff Predictions

NFC Wildcard: Bears over Eagles

NFC Wildcard: 49ers over Panthers

AFC Wildcard: Chiefs over Bengals

AFC Wildcard: Chargers over Bills

NFC Divisional: Packers over Bears

NFC Divisional: Falcons over 49ers

AFC Divisional: Patriots over Chiefs

AFC Divisional: Texans over Chargers

NFC Championship: Falcons over Packers

AFC Championship: Texans over Patriots

Super Bowl XLVI: Falcons over Texans

2011 Award Winners Predictions

NFC Player of the year: Matt Ryan 

AFC Player of the year: Tom Brady (2012 MVP)

NFC Defensive player of the year: Jason Pierre-Paul (Defensive POY)

AFC Defensive player of the year: Mario Williams

NFC Coach of the Year: Jeff Fisher (Rams)

AFC Coach of the Year: Marvin Lewis (Bengals)

NFC Rookie of the year: Doug Martin

AFC Rookie of the year: Andrew Luck (rookie of the year)

2012 Two-a-Days: Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Jake Locker
RB - Chris Johnson
WR - Nate Washington
WR - Kenny Britt
WR - Kendall Wright (rookie)

Defense
DE - Derrick Morgan
DE - Kamerion Wimbley (acquired in free agency)
CB - Alterraun Verner
S - Jordan Babineaux
S - Michael Griffin

Jake Locker QB

Breakout: Jake Locker - Sure, he may throw an interception or 20, but the second year signal caller will leave no doubt in the Titans' minds that they made the right choice by going with him this season. He will win more games than he losses for the team and make this team a Super Bowl contender by 2013.

Training Camp Question: The Titans are dying to see some consistency our of their skill positions on offense and with a first year starter in Locker they are going to need it. Chris Johnson needs to pick up yards, and not just on one giant play. Wide Receiver Kenny Britt needs to stay out of trouble and tight end Jared Cook needs to always become an option in the red zone.

Last year's record: 9-7

Projected finish: 8-8 (Second in the AFC South)

Offense
QB - Robert Griffin III
RB - Roy Helu
RB - Evan Royster
TE - Fred Davis
WR - Pierre Garcon (acquired in free agency)

Defense
OLB - Ryan Kerrigan
OLB - Brian Orakpo
MLB - London Fletcher
CB - DeAngelo Hall
S - Brandon Merriweather (acquired in free agency)

Robert Griffin III

Breakout: Fred Davis - He was on his way to a breakout season a year ago before he got suspend for marijuana use. With Chris Cooley being released today the former USC standout is the clear number end. He also should become RG3's clear number one option in the red zone. Davis is in prime position to catch 10 touchdowns.

Training Camp Question: Every wants to see how quickly Robert Griffin can take the Redskins from a five win team to a playoff contender. Some think he can do it this year, considering the defense is pretty solid, but only time will tell how good RG3 really is.

Last year's record: 5-11

Projected finish: 6-10 (Fourth in the NFC East)


**Check back tomorrow for 2012 Season Predictions**

2012 Two-a-Days: St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Sam Bradford
RB - Steven Jackson
RB - Isiah Pead (rookie)
WR - Danny Amendola
WR - Brian Quick (rookie)

Defense
DE - Chris Long
DT - Michael Brockers (rookie)
DE - Robert Quinn
MLB - James Laurinaitis
CB - Courtland Finnegan (acquired in free agency)

Sam Bradford QB

Breakout: Chris Long - You can the high draft starting to pile up and specifically on defense. Now that teams can no longer double team the defensive end I can Long breaking out this season and becoming one of the top sack artists in the league. He has gotten more sacks each year and could improve on his 13.5 from a season ago.

Training Camp Question: Sam Bradford is the last of his kind and that his rich man before proving on the NFL stage. The Rams need their quarterback to take the next if they are going to move forward with him. He still does not have great weapons around him, but he is running out of time to show that he is a starting NFL quarterback.

Last year's record: 2-14

Projected finish: 8-8 (Second in the NFC West)

Offense
QB - Josh Freeman
RB - Doug Martin (rookie)
RB - LaGarrette Blount
WR - Vincent Jackson (acquired in free agency)
WR - Mike Williams

Defense
DT - Gerald McCoy
DE - Adrian Clayborn
CB - Aquib Talib
S - Mark Barron (rookie)
S - Ronde Barber

2012 1st and 2nd round picks

Breakout: Doug Martin - Even with the loss of Davin Joseph, their pro-bowl lineman, I think Martin has enough ability even as a rookie to reach benchmarks such as 1,000 yards and five scores. He will probably share time with Blount all season, but is clearly earning the lead role.

Training Camp Question: The defense is mixture of sexy name, talented rookie, and third-year guys that need to break out. The unit has a chance to be one of the worst again, but if a few players come to the form that was expected of them when they were drafted, the Bucs could surprise.

Last year's record: 4-12

Projected finish: 6-10 (Fourth in the NFC South)


**Check back tomorrow for the Titans and Redskins**

2012 Two-a-Days: San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Alex Smith
RB - Frank Gore
TE - Vernon Davis
WR - Mario Manningham (acquired in free agency)
WR - Randy Moss (acquired in free agency)

Defense
DE - Justin Smith
MLB - Patrick Willis
OLB - Aldon Smith
CB - Carlos Rogers
S - Donte Whitner

Vernon Davis TE

Breakout: Vernon Davis - It is fair to call Vernon Davis' career very up and down. But I think he is up to stay after his performance down the stretch in 2011, including the playoffs. He has not had double digit touchdowns since 2009 and never 1000 yards. I believe he reaches both bench marks this season.

Training Camp Question: Now that the 49ers showed the were legit they are not going to sneak up on any teams this year. It will be interesting to see if the 49ers can handle the target on their back, specifically quarterback Alex Smith and that defense that only let up one rushing touchdown all season.

Last year's record: 13-3

Projected finish: 10-6 (First in the NFC West)

Offense
QB - Russell Wilson (rookie)
RB - Marshawn Lynch
WR - Sidney Rice
WR - Doug Baldwin
TE - Kellen Winslow Jr. (acquired in free agency)

Defense
DE - Red Bryant
MLB - Barrett Ruud (acquired in free agency)
S - Kam Chancellor
S - Earl Thomas
CB - Brandon Browner

Marshawn Lynch RB

Breakout: Russell Wilson - After spending the big bucks on Matt Flynn, the Seahawks lucked themselves into a rookie in the third round that looks ready to impress. Flynn definitely did not sign to be the backup, but apparently coach Peter Carroll and crew believe in the former Wisconsin Badger.

Training Camp Question: I think the Seahawks defense is at a playoff caliber, but how quickly can the offense catch up? With a rookie under center and inconsistent wide receivers the Seahawks have a lot to figure out this season, and in the rapidly improving West, they need to do it quickly.

Last year's record: 7-9

Projected finish: 6-10 (Third in the NFC West)


**Check back tomorrow for the Rams and Buccaneers**

2012 Two-a-Days: Pittsburgh Steelers and San Diego Chargers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Ben Roethlisberger
RB - Isaac Redman
TE - Heath Miller
WR - Mike Wallace
WR - Antonio Brown

Defense
OLB - LaMarr Woodley
OLB - James Harrison
S - Troy Polamalu
S - Ryan Clark
CB - Ike Taylor

Troy Polamalu SS

Breakout: Isaac Redman - Rashard Mendenhall has been a serviceable back for the both few years, but nothing special. The 27 year-old Redman out of Boise State may be getting his chance to carry the rock because of injury, but even after Mendenhall is healthy I do not expect Redman to relinquish his role. I can see Redman surpassing 1,000 yard mark on the ground this season.

Training Camp Question: A mixture of injuries and Father Time has turned the modern day Steel Curtain into an average looking defense. Fans cannot really tell how the defense is going to perform. Before the season starts they expect the offense might need to score some points this season to compete with the pass-happy NFL.

Last year's record: 12-4

Projected finish: 8-8 (Third in the AFC North)

Offense
QB - Philip Rivers
RB - Ryan Mathews
TE - Antontio Gates
WR - Robert Meachem (acquired in free agency)
WR - Malcom Floyd

Defense
DE - Corey Liuget
OLB - Shaun Phillips
MLB - Takeo Spikes
CB - Quentin Jammer
S - Eric Weddle

Antonio Gates TE

Breakout: Robert Meachem - After years of being one of the many weapons for Drew Brees with the Chargers, the former Tennessee standout has a chance to standout in San Diego. He will be given every chance to become Rivers main target and the tandem could take off in 2012.

Training Camp Question: A lot of the Chargers stock is in two valuable offensive weapons that just not been able to stay on the field on the last three years. Antonio Gates, a veteran, has dealt with foo injuries and Ryan Mathews, a youngster has missed nearly have of the Chargers' games since entering the league. A healthy season from those two could me the AFC goes through Southern California.

Last year's record: 8-8

Projected finish: 9-7 (Third in the AFC West)


**Check back tomorrow for the Seahawks and 49ers**

2012 Two-a-Days: New York Giants and New York Jets

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Eli Manning
RB - Ahmad Bradshaw
RB - David Wilson (rookie)
WR - Hakeem Nicks
WR - Victor Cruz

Defense
DE - Justin Tuck
DE - Jason Pierre-Paul
OLB - Michael Boley
OLB - Mathias Kiwanuka
CB - Prince Amukamara

Victor Cruz WR

Breakout: Prince Amukamara - A broken foot did not get his professional career off on the right you know what, but I think this sophomore has the chance to succeed in the secondary for the Giants in 2012. While the edge rushers cause havoc to opponent quarterbacks, Amukamara could be there for a handful of takeaways on rushed pass attempts.

Training Camp Question: The hardest thing to do in sports is win back-to-back championships. Everyone gives their best effort, knowing until someone else is crowned you are the standard and the team to beat. While the Giants still are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball can they squeak by when they are no longer going to sneak up on anyone?

Last year's record: 9-7

Projected finish: 9-7 (Second in the NFC East)

Offense
QB - Mark Sanchez
QB - Tim Tebow (acquired in trade)
RB - Shonn Greene
TE - Dustin Keller
WR - Santonio Holmes

Defense
DE -  Muhammad Wilkerson
MLB - Bart Scott
OLB - Calvin Pace
CB - Darrelle Revis
CB - Antonio Cromartie

Tim Tebow QB

Breakout: Muhammad Wilkerson - Darrelle Revis causes so much trouble with his standout coverage that sometimes quarterbacks hold onto the ball too long. Wilkerson, who does not need Revis to be a great pass rusher, should thrive playing end for a talented unit like the Jets have. Wilkerson has a chance to be the best player to come out of Temple in a long time.

Training Camp Question: When the media circles around the backup quarterback something is wrong. I almost think New York prefers the circus ring over the Super Bowl ring. There is plenty of talent on the Jets, but can Sanchez survive a day without hearing the barks of the Tebow's faithful.

Last year's record: 8-8

Projected finish: 7-9 (Third in the AFC East)


**Check back tomorrow for the Raiders and Eagles**

2012 Two-a-Days: New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Tom Brady
WR - Wes Welker
WR - Brandon Lloyd (acquired in free agency)
TE - Rob Gronkowski
TE - Aaron Hernandedz

Defense
DE - Rob Ninkovich
DT - Vince Wilfork
DE - Chandler Jones (rookie)
OLB - Jerod Mayo
OLB - Dont'a Hightower (rookie)

Rob Gronkowski TE

Breakout: Stevan Ridley - He is not going to be your typical workhorse back, but he will be on the field enough to make his impact felt. Ridley can catch passes out of the backfield and also has enough strength to find the end zone against a goal line defense. Ridley should be able to reach 1000 total yards and a handful of scores.

Training Camp Question: There is nothing to worry about on offense as long as Tom Brady is upright, but that must improve if they want to get back to the Super Bowl. The Pats went defense heavy in the draft and Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower have a chance to make an immediate impact.

Last year's record: 13-3

Projected finish: 12-4 (First in the AFC East)

Offense
QB - Drew Brees
RB - Darren Sproles
RB - Mark Ingram
TE - Jimmy Graham
WR - Marques Colston

Defense
DE - Cameron Jordan (rookie)
DE - Will Smith
MLB - Curtis Lofton (acquired in free agency)
OLB - Scott Shanle
S - Roman Harper

Jimmy Graham TE

Breakout: Curtis Lofton - The middle linebacker has already quietly put together an impressive resume with a few 100 tackles seasons with the Falcons. But if Lofton can replace the suspended Jonathan Vilma and keep the Saints in the playoff hunt, he could not only became loved in NOLA, but well-known around the country.

Training Camp Question: I am under the opinion that it is unfortunate the Saints are hit with these harsh penalties. I get if you get caught committing a crime, you do have the pay the time, but I also believe this happen on more teams and over a longer period of time than these Saints. However, they have to deal with no Vilma and no Sean Payton and I for one are very interested to see how they respond.

Last year's record: 13-3

Projected finish: 9-7 (Second in the NFC South)


**Check back tomorrow for the Giants and Jets**

2012 Two-a-Days: Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Matt Moore
QB - Ryan Tannehill (rookie)
RB - Reggie Bush
RB - Daniel Thomas
WR - Brian Hartline

Defense
DE - Jared Odrick
DE - Cameron Wake
MLB - Karlos Dansby
CB - Sean Smith
CB - Vontae Davis

Cameron Wake DE

Breakout: Daniel Thomas - Reggie Bush posted career number in his first year in South Beach, but the lurking sophomore Thomas is bound to get more touch this season. I also cannot trust Bush to stay healthy, so whether it is through injury or outplaying the former USC Trojan, look for Thomas to lead the Dolphins in rushing this season.

Training Camp Question: At least rookie QB Ryan Tannehill seems like an interesting guy, because with Chad Johnson gone the Dolphins on HBO are not that exciting. At this point we will just watch to see if the 11th overall pick can beat out veteran Matt Moore for the starting gig. But even with a low-key coach Joe Philbin there was no way I was going to stop watching that show. It is so well done.

Last year's record: 6-10

Projected finish: 6-10 (Fourth in the AFC East)

Offense
QB - Christian Ponder
RB - Adrian Peterson
RB - Toby Gerhart
WR - Percy Harvin
TE - Kyle Rudloph

Defense
DE - Brian Robison
DT - Kevin Williams
DE - Jared Allen
OLB - Chad Greenway
CB - Antoine Winfield

Adrian Peterson RB

Breakout: Erin Henderson - The hope is the switch from E.J. to his full first name, Erin, will help him flip the switch on the field. The linebacker out of Maryland has dealt with his share of injuries over the past three years, but a few season of health could help Henderson flirt with 100 tackles. The Vikings need someone other than Jared Allen to makes plays if they going to be successful. I think Henderson could be that guy.

Training Camp Question: Any resemblance of optimism resides in the legs of the one and the only Adrian Peterson. If the all-world running back is healthy the Vikings could enter the season with a positive outlook and remain optimistic for a least a few weeks. There a lot questions in Minny and the health of A.D. is the a fingers crossed situation for the ages.

Last year's record: 3-13

Projected finish: 5-11 (Fourth in the NFC North)


**Check back tomorrow for the Patriots and Saints**

2012 Two-a-Days: Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Montgomery Media

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

To help pass the time between now and the start of the 2012 NFL season I am going to be giving a look to two teams a day. I will give you their impact players on offense and defense, a breakout, and the biggest question as they open training camp.

Offense
QB - Blaine Gabbert
RB - Maurice Jones-Drew
RB - Rashad Jennings
WR - Laurent Robinson (acquired in free agency)
WR - Justin Blackmon (rookie)

Defense
DE - Andre Branch (rookie)
MLB  - Paul Posluszny
OLB - Daryl Smith
CB - Rashean Mathis
S - Dawan Landry

Maurice Jones-Drew RB

Breakout: Justin Blackmon - You cannot keep a good man down, and while Blackmon might be a immature boy off the the field, he is a grown man on it. Blackmon will give the Jaguars a big time play maker on the outside and could be a pro-bowl fixture for years to come. That is if he can stay away from the police with stupid DUI incidents like he is dealing with now.

Training Camp Question: There is not a day that goes by where the Jaguars arrive at training camp and look around to see if their little leader is around. The all-league running back Maurice Jones-Drew is holding out and without the touchdown machine the Jaguars might needs to find paper bags that fit over their helmets. Mo-Jo deserves a contract, but he may be unsigned still when the season starts.

Last year's record: 5-11

Projected finish: 3-13 (4th in AFC South)

Offense
QB - Matt Cassel
RB - Jamaal Charles
RB - Peyton Hillis (acquired in free agency)
WR - Dwayne Bowe
WR - Jonathan Baldwin

Defense
DE - Glen Dorsey
MLB - Derrick Johnson
OLB - Tamba Hali
S - Eric Berry
CB - Stanford Routt (acquired in free agency)

Eric Berry SS

Breakout: Dontari Poe - The 11th overall pick in this year's draft may have just found a home in the perfect spot. With Eric Berry back from injury and Stanford Routt coming over from Oakland, Kansas City may have quietly put together one of the best defenses in the NFL. And playing the nose of the 3-4 defense is Poe.

Training Camp Question: Last year there were more stars in the trainer's room than there was on the sideline and they still chalked up seven wins. With a few key additions from free agency and injured stars Eric Berry, Jamal Charles and Tony Moeaki back they might be the quietest contender in the country. Kansas City is treading cautiously because of their checkered past, but they could be one of those teams in the playoffs that missed out the year before.

Last year's record: 7-8

Projected finish: 9-7 (Second in the AFC West)


**Check back tomorrow for the Dolphins and Vikings**