THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
As the NFL season gets set to open next week, here's a look at the 32 teams by division (2007 record in parentheses):
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Chris Henry left them depending on player who has been arrested five times and is already suspended for first four games.
Players to watch: CBs Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall, a pair of first-rounders who will be left on their own much more in new defensive co-ordinator Mike Zimmer's tight man-to-man schemes.
Biggest change: Zimmer's new defence, which will get tested early by Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Brett Favre.
Schedule key: Bengals play at Baltimore, at Giants, at Dallas and at Jets in first six weeks.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (5-11)
Strengths: As always, Ravens will rely on defence. Linebackers Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs, and safety Ed Reed are stars of unit led by defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan.
Weaknesses: As always, Ravens will struggle on offence. Quarterback position is muddled, RB Willis McGahee is hobbled with sore knee and no decent replacement for LT Jonathan Ogden has emerged.
Players to watch: Rookie RB Ray Rice has starred in emergency starting role. CB Fabian Washington, a draft-day acquisition from Raiders, and QB Joe Flacco, whose development could be most important facet of entire season.
Biggest change: First-year coach John Harbaugh takes over for Brian Billick, who stumbled at end of his nine-year run.
Schedule key: If Ravens don't start well, it won't matter how they finish. Three of first four games are against division foes.
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (13-3, 13-4 including post-season)
Strengths: Indianapolis remains one of the NFL's highest-scoring teams and now has a defence, which returns 10 starters, that allowed the league's fewest points in 2007.
Weaknesses: Injuries. The health of QB Peyton Manning (knee), safety Bob Sanders (shoulder), the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, and DE Dwight Freeney (foot) will be key questions. All three opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list after surgery.
Players to watch: Manning, Sanders, Freeney, WR Marvin Harrison, returning from a lost season with a knee injury.
Biggest change: Jim Sorgi, Manning's backup, has been running the offence since July 25.
Schedule key: Four-game November stretch includes dates against three of AFC's top contenders: New England, Pittsburgh and San Diego, all division winners in '07. The round-robin could determine which team gets home-field advantage in playoffs.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (11-5, 12-6 including post-season)
Strengths: Overall defence. Running game led by Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, who combined last season for nearly 2,000 yards rushing and nearly 5 yards per carry. QB David Garrard, running controlled offence, had 18 TD passes and just three interceptions last season.
Weaknesses: Receiving. Ernest Wilford led Jaguars with just 45 catches, lowest for a team leader in NFL.
Players to Watch: Taylor, who is 32 but had injury-free season last year. WR Jerry Porter, who signed $30 million deal after injury and discipline problems in Oakland. He's been plagued by hamstring injury.
Biggest Change: Receivers. In addition to Porter, Jaguars traded for Troy Williamson, a top-10 draft pick in Minnesota who had trouble holding the ball.
Schedule Key: Jags have designs on ending Colts' five-year run of NFC South titles and go to Indianapolis in Week 3, early opportunity to show their strength.
TENNESSEE TITANS (10-6, 10-7 including post-season)
Strengths: Defence that ranked fifth in NFL in 2007 could be even stingier with All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth playing for big contract in free agency. Gone are ends Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy, but Jevon Kearse has looked quick enough to replace them opposite Pro Bowl end Kyle Vanden Bosch. Second-round DT Jason Jones could have immediate impact.
Weaknesses: For all the off-season work on Vince Young's footwork and recognition of defences, Titans need receivers to be consistent for passing game to ease pressure on running game.
Players to watch: Kearse; rookie RB Chris Johnson, who brings speed team hasn't had in years. TE Alge Crumper looks revitalized away from Atlanta, and FS Michael Griffin is primed for big second season.
Biggest change: New offensive co-ordinator Mike Heimerdinger has revitalized unit that managed nine touchdowns passing in 2007.
Schedule key: Titans have chance for fast start. Three of first four game are at home, starting with Jacksonville in opener, and they get Indianapolis first in Nashville on Oct. 27.
HOUSTON TEXANS (8-8)
Strengths: Receivers. Andre Johnson is healthy again after missing seven games last season with knee injury. Texans have playmakers around him in Kevin Walter, Jacoby Jones and Andre' Davis.
Weaknesses: Secondary. Texans ranked 25th in pass defence last season and tied for the fewest interceptions (11).
Players to watch: Johnson, LB DeMeco Ryans, DE Mario Williams.
Biggest change: Offensive line coach Alex Gibbs. Former Denver assistant brings his zone-blocking scheme that helped Broncos lead NFL in rushing between 1995-2003.
Schedule key: Texans play three of first four games on road, including trips to Pittsburgh (Sept. 7), Tennessee (Sept. 21) and Jacksonville (Sept. 28), and then face Indianapolis at home.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (13-3, 15-4 including post-season)
Strengths: One of most talented, deepest lineups in NFL. Fans will be satisfied with nothing short of Super Bowl victory. Same with players, who are trying to cut down on smack talk regarding Super Bowl.
Weaknesses: Five key players are coming off injuries. QB Philip Rivers (knee), TE Antonio Gates (foot), centre Nick Hardwick (foot) and NG Jamal Williams (knees) all had surgery. Rivers and Williams are good to go, Gates hopes to be ready by opening day and Hardwick could miss as many as first six games. RB LaDainian Tomlinson sprained left knee during playoffs but didn't need surgery.
Players to watch: Rivers, to see if his knee holds up, and Tomlinson, NFL's two-time rushing champion.
Biggest change: Rookie Jacob Hester will take over as L.T.'s backup from Michael Turner, who left as free agent for Atlanta.
Schedule key: Generally considered easy, with five of last eight at home. Chargers will face Patriots and Colts at home.
DENVER BRONCOS (7-9)
Strengths: QB Jay Cutler has regained 35 pounds and zip on his throws he lost when his Type 1 diabetes went undiagnosed late last season. His receiving corps is led by Brandon Marshall and rookie Eddie Royal.
Weaknesses: PK Matt Prater will have to replace Jason Elam, franchise's leader in points and games, who bolted for Atlanta.
Players to watch: Cutler, Marshall and TE Tony Scheffler; CB Champ Bailey and LB D.J. Williams.
Biggest change: Revamped offensive and defensive lines.
Schedule key: Broncos need to at least split first two games with AFC West foes Oakland and San Diego while Marshall is serving suspension for violating league's personal conduct policy.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-12)
Strengths: Running back, tight end.
Weaknesses: Inexperience at key positions and suspect veterans, especially at linebacker and on offensive line.
Players to watch: TE Tony Gonzalez, QB Brodie Croyle, RB Larry Johnson, WR Dwayne Bowe, DT Glenn Dorsey, OL Branden Albert, DB Brandon Flowers.
Biggest change: New offensive co-ordinator, new offence and an entirely new philosophy of throwing out the old and rebuilding with youth.
Schedule key: Season opener. Lucky Chiefs get to be the first team to play at New England since Super Bowl loss ruined Patriots' perfect season. How well this young team rebounds from blowout everyone logically expects could go long way toward determining what kind of year it is in KC.
OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12)
Strengths: DeAngelo Hall joins Nnamdi Asomugha in one of best cornerback tandems in league. Team is also deep at running back with 1,000-yard rusher Justin Fargas and rookie Darren McFadden.
Weaknesses: Javon Walker got paid like No. 1 receiver but hasn't shown the ability in training camp. Other receivers haven't been much better, leaving JaMarcus Russell with few options to throw to. Offensive line is strong in running game, but tackles Kwame Harris and Cornell Green have problems protecting QB.
Players to watch: Russell, McFadden, TE Zach Miller, LB Thomas Howard, DT Tommy Kelly.
Biggest change: Russell opens season as starter after Josh McCown and Daunte Culpepper split most of duties last season. Russell started only one game as rookie following holdout.
Schedule key: Only one of first 12 games comes against team that had winning record a year ago, giving Raiders chance to get off to decent start.
NEW YORK GIANTS (10-6, 14-6 including post-season and Super Bowl win)
Strengths: This is tight-knit team looking to prove winning Super Bowl wasn't a fluke. QB Eli Manning is improving and playing behind same offensive line. With Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck at ends, team that led NFL in sacks might do it again under second-year co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Weaknesses: Neither David Carr nor Anthony Wright is answer if Manning is hurt. Depth on defensive line without retired Michael Straham. With loss of Kawika Mitchell in free agency, weakside linebacker is iffy with Danny Clark, Gerris Wilkinson and Brian Kehl.
Players to watch: Safety Kenny Phillips, first-round draft pick, will be starter soon. R Brandon Jacobs is in contract year. Manning needs to maintain development he showed in post-season. WR Plaxico Burress can be exceptional if his ankle gets better.
Biggest change: Deafens without seven-time Pro Bowler Strahan. Kevin Boss at tight end instead of four-time Pro Bowler Jeremy Shockey.
Schedule key: Stretch in late October and early November with road games at Pittsburgh and Philadelphia sandwiching home game against Dallas.
DALLAS COWBOYS (13-3, 13-4 including post-season)
Strengths: Cowboys return all of their NFL-record 13 Pro Bowlers. Two-time Pro Bowl QB Tony Romo set team records (4,211 yards passing, 36 TDs) in first full season as starter. WR Terrell Owens is content after NFL-high 28 TDs the past two years and contract extension.
Weaknesses: Lack of recent post-season success. Can they win in January? Cowboys are viewed as legitimate Super Bowl contender, and were NFC's top seed last season. But they've gone 11 seasons without playoff victory, with heartbreaking losses the last two.
Players to watch: Romo, Owens, RB Marion Barber, TE Jason Witten, LB DeMarcus Ware, CB/kick returner Adam "Pacman" Jones (if reinstated by NFL).
Biggest change: Barber starting instead of finishing. Bruising runner nicknamed the Barbarian, who made Pro Bowl without starting a game in regular season last year, got new contract and new role. He is clear No. 1 runner after Julius Jones left in free agency, without any attempt by Cowboys to keep their former top pick.
Schedule key: As NFC East champions, Cowboys drew tougher schedule than Super Bowl champion Giants. First three weeks: on road against Cleveland and Green Bay, sandwiching home opener against Philadelphia.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS (9-7, 9-8 including post-season)
Strengths: Roster continuity. All but one of 22 starters were on team last year. Exception is six-time Pro Bowl DE Jason Taylor, who gives pass rush much-needed upgrade. Players seem to have bought into new coach Jim Zorn's upbeat approach.
Weaknesses: Spotty depth on offensive line, in secondary. Muddled situation at receiver due to slow development of high-round draft picks Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly.
Players to watch: QB Jason Campbell, who needs to master yet another new offence. Emerging S LaRon Landry, who moves into the late Sean Taylor's free safety spot. Jason Taylor, who needs another season of double-digit sacks.
Biggest change: Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs retired and was replaced by first-time head coach Zorn, whose previous job was quarterbacks coach with Seattle.
Schedule key: Three of first five games are on road against NFC East rivals.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-8)
Strengths: Eagles have three legitimate starters at cornerback, including two Pro-Bowl players in Asante Samuel and Lito Sheppard. If Sheppard can adjust to splitting time with Sheldon Brown, trio could be best in NFL. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is entering season healthier than he's been in years, and All-Pro running back Brian Westbrook is dynamic weapon.
Weaknesses: Offence lacks playmaking wide receiver, especially with Kevin Curtis sidelined, and there's instability on offensive line. Injuries have plagued defensive line and free safety Brian Dawkins is on the decline.
Players to watch: McNabb wants to prove he's still same player who went to five straight Pro Bowls. Rookie WR DeSean Jackson could make impact in passing game and he's dangerous punt returner. Samuel, who got mega-contract in free agency, brings playmaking ability to secondary. Two-time Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews missed most of training camp because he's battling depression, so he'll be monitored closely.
Biggest change: Sheppard a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, won't be full-time starter for first time in five years.
Schedule key: Three of last four games are against NFC East rivals, including two on road.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-3, 14-4 including post-season)
Strengths: Underrated, veteran defence and dynamic receivers.
Weaknesses: Injuries and uncertainty in interior offensive and defensive lines.
Players to watch: QB Aaron Rodgers. Brett Favre has been traded to Jets, but only Rodgers' play can quiet inevitable comparisons.
Biggest change: Packers parted ways with one of their most popular and productive players, knowing Favre could have another strong season. They're also waving goodbye to his exhausting diva act and tendency to make big mistakes.
Schedule key: Sept. 8 versus. Minnesota. Rodgers' first real start comes on national TV against division rival who Packers suspect tried to tamper with Favre. If league won't punish Vikings, Packers certainly want to.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (8-8)
Strengths: On ground, both sides of the ball. Adrian Peterson gives Vikings game-changing running attack. On defence, Pro Bowl tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams anchor stout front seven.
Weaknesses: In air, both sides of the ball. Passing game benefits from new receiver Bernard Berrian, but quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is still unproven. Neck injury to safety Madieu Williams was bad start for mediocre secondary.
Players to watch: Berrian, Jackson, rookie safety Tyrell Johnson.
Biggest change: Defensive end Jared Allen, NFL's reigning sacks leader, was brought in for big money to upgrade pass rush.
Schedule key: Three of first five are on road, including opener at rival Green Bay. Six days later, Indianapolis visits Metrodome.
CHICAGO BEARS (7-9)
Strengths: Bears will rely on their defence. Question is: Can it stay healthy? If so, group led by LB Brian Urlacher, DT Tommie Harris and LB Lance Briggs could rank among league's best, as it did in 2005 and 2006.
Weaknesses: Quarterback. Unproven Kyle Orton beat out inconsistent Rex Grossman in preseason even though neither particularly shined.
Players to watch: Urlacher, bothered by an arthritic back last season, he underwent minor neck surgery when it was over. Orton, who started 15 games as rookie in 2005 while Grossman was hurt. Back then, Bears simplified offence for him.
Biggest change: RB Cedric Benson is gone after two alcohol-related arrests in a month, replaced by second-round draft pick Matt Forte of Tulane and Kevin Jones, coming off serious knee injury while with Detroit.
Schedule key: Bears will be tested right from opener at Indianapolis on Sept. 7, followed by trip to Carolina.
DETROIT LIONS (7-9)
Strengths: WRs Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, half of the first-round receivers drafted by Matt Millen, seem to stack up with any receiving duo. DBs Leigh Bodden, Dwight Smith, Brian Kelly and Kalvin Pearson -- all newcomers -- add experience and depth to unit that needed it.
Weaknesses: Lions want to run after parting ways with pass-happy co-ordinator Mike Martz, but offensive line and backfield appears shaky. First-round pick OT Gosder Cherilus might not crack starting lineup, and third-round selection Kevin Smith's upright running style might not work as it did when he ran for 2,567 yards -- 62 short of Barry Sanders' NCAA record -- at Central Florida.
Players to watch: Williams, Johnson, DE Dewayne White, LB Ernie Sims, Bodden.
Biggest change: New offensive co-ordinator Jim Colletto, replacing Martz.
Schedule key: A strong start -- at Atlanta, v's. Green Bay, at San Francisco and v's. Chicago -- might set up Lions to be respectable, especially if they learned from last year's second-half flop.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (9-7, 9-8 including post-season)
Strengths: Young, improving offensive line; deep linebacker corps; trio of capable running backs, none of them injured Carnell "Cadillac" Williams.
Weaknesses: Lack of playmaking receivers; inconsistent pass rush. Players To Watch: CB Aqib Talib, DE Gaines Adams, LB Barrett Ruud, WR Antonio Bryant.
Biggest Change: C Jeff Faines. RB Warrick Dunn returns to Tampa Bay.
Schedule Key: Face four playoff teams from a year ago, three (Green Bay, San Diego, Seattle) at home. More critical is how Bucs fare within NFC South. They were 5-1 against Carolina, New Orleans and Atlanta in 2007 and won second division title in three years.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (7-9)
Strengths: Passing game featuring QB Drew Brees and WR Marques Colston, which has produced more than 8,800 yards during past two seasons. TE Jeremy Shockey has been added and RB Reggie Bush could become more frequent receiver now that Deuce McAllister has returned and second-year RB Pierre Thomas has trust of coaching staff in ground game.
Weaknesses: Pass defence ranked 30th last season. Saints are hoping better defensive line will mean more pressure on quarterbacks and make secondary's job easier. Saints also added new players in secondary, including former Patriots CB Randall Gay and second-round draft choice Tracy Porter.
Players to watch: Brees, DE Will Smith, DT Sedrick Ellis, Colston, McAllister, Bush, Shockey, LB Jonathan Vilma.
Biggest change: A additions of Shockey, Ellis and Vilma.
Schedule key: Because their Oct. 26 home game against San Diego was moved to London, Saints will go five straight weekends, including three road games and bye week, without playing in Louisiana Superdome.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-9)
Strengths: Secondary is solid and deep with S Chris Harris and CBs Ken Lucas, Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall. Much stronger at WR with Steve Smith and off-season acquisitions Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett.
Weaknesses: Defensive line. With Kris Jenkins traded to Jets and Mike Rucker's retirement, Panthers have many questions after putting little pressure on QBs in 2007. No experienced QB after Jake Delhomme, who is recovering from major elbow surgery. Porous returning and covering punts and kickoffs last season.
Players to watch: Delhomme. How he performs after ligament-replacement surgery will determine direction of season. DE Julius Peppers, trying to recover from career-low 2 1/2 sacks last year. Smith, three-time Pro Bowl pick, but suspended for first two games for punching Lucas at training camp.
Biggest change: Offensive line has different starters at all five positions, with rookie Jeff Otah at RT. With rookie RB Jonathan Stewart, Panthers hope to return to power running game absent since team's only Super Bowl appearance in 2003 season.
Schedule key: Visit San Diego and host Chicago to open season while Smith serves his suspension. Need to avoid 0-2 start which would put even more pressure on embattled coach John Fox.
ATLANTA FALCONS (4-12)
Strengths: RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood provide big-play potential. WR Roddy White enjoyed breakout season in 2007 despite turnover at quarterback. DE John Abraham and LB Michael Boley are solid if healthy.
Weaknesses: Big questions at almost every spot on offensive line. No receiving threat at tight end.
Players to watch: QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, DT Grady Jackson, LB Curtis Lofton, LT Sam Baker.
Biggest change: Offence goes back to run-first philosophy of Dan Reeves and Jim Mora eras.
Schedule key: Team plays five of its first eight on road and finally plays first home game against a division rival on Nov. 9 against New Orleans.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (10-6, 11-7 including post-season)
Strengths: Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck; defence returning all 11 starters, including Pro Bowlers end Patrick Kerney, LBs Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson, and CB Marcus Trufant; motivation to make coach Mike Holmgren's final season special.
Weaknesses: Major injuries and inexperience at WR; age, injuries and ineffectiveness on OL; shared, unsettled RB situation with potential for bruised egos.
Players to watch: Hasselbeck, trying to duplicate team-record setting '07 with skeleton receiving crew; rookie TE John Carlson; RBs Julius Jones and Maurice Morris; DE Kerney, recently injury prone.
Biggest change: Shaun Alexander era is over. Jones and Morris are his more slashing co-replacements, promising to make pass receiving by RBs more viable weapon -- though Holmgren for now doesn't have single feature back he prefers.
Schedule key: Relatively soft start (at Buffalo, home for St. Louis) becomes gantlet of '07 playoff teams: Giants, Packers and Buccaneeers, plus trip to division rival 49ers and home against Eagles. If Seahawks get through that 5-3 or better, fifth straight NFC West title is likely -- even with consecutive games against Dallas and New England later.
ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-8)
Strengths: Receiving tandem of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, although Boldin is unhappy with contract compared to Fitzgerald's four-year $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed signed after last season. S Adrian Wilson and revamped secondary. Weak NFC West that Cardinals could win.
Weaknesses: History. Last year's .500 record marked only third non-losing season since Cardinals moved to Arizona in 1988. Management has history of stepping on its toes, as it did with Fitzgerald's first contract, which forced it to give him huge money and antagonize Boldin.
Players to Watch: QB Matt Leinart, 10th overall pick in 2006 draft, who is going into his third season with very little experience. Leinart missed more than half of last season with broken collarbone.
Biggest Change: Leinart. If he's up to task, he gives Cardinals their first premium QB. If not, 37-year-old Kurt Warner, still efficient but also mistake-prone, will fill in again.
Schedule Key: Five trips to East Coast could take a toll.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (5-11)
Strengths: LB Patrick Willis was top defensive rookie last year, making tackles all over field. RB Frank Gore has topped 1,000 yards and 4.0 yards a carry in his two seasons as starter.
Weaknesses: Usually a team that has three quarterbacks competing for starting QB job doesn't have any worthy of holding it. That could be case here as journeyman J.T. O'Sullivan might beat out former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith, and Shaun Hill. There are questions at receiver, where Isaac Bruce, Arnaz Battle and Bryant Johnson have been injured for much of camp.
Players to watch: Willis, Gore, CB Nate Clements, TE Vernon Davis, DL Ray McDonald.
Biggest change: San Francisco has its sixth offensive co-ordinator in as many years, going from inexperienced Jim Hostler to Mike Martz and his intricate offences.
Schedule key: October is brutal, with games against two Super Bowl teams: New England at home on Oct. 5 and at Giants on Oct. 19. Niners also have home games that month against Philadelphia and Seattle.
ST. LOUIS RAMS (3-13)
Strengths: Defensive line fortified by first-round picks last two years, including second overall pick Chris Long this year, plugged into veteran group featuring Leonard Little and La'Roi Glover. WR Torry Holt leads NFL in receptions and yards since 2000. Bruising RB Steven Jackson ended holdout and is among league's best.
Weaknesses: Quarterback Marc Bulger had more interceptions (15) than touchdown passes (11) in injury-plagued 2007, and might be a bit shellshocked after years of punishment. He'll be taking snaps behind unproven line led by tackle Orlando Pace, who has ended last two seasons on injured reserve and didn't make it out of opener last year. Backup QB Trent Green has history of concussion-related woes. Deafens is undersized and can be pushed around if forced to play too much.
Players to watch: Jackson will likely have reduced work in early going. Long is being pushed by James Hall, starter he replaced moments after being taken with second pick of draft. Kicker Josh Brown, one of NFL's most accurate, is biggest off-season acquisition.
Biggest change: Al Saunders, assistant coach on franchise's lone Super Bowl championship team in 1999, has installed offence that recalls that high-flying era. It failed to click early in preseason.
Schedule key: Four of first seven games are against teams that won 10 or more games, with Super Bowl champion Giants in home opener, and 13-win Cowboys and 18-win Patriots in consecutive weeks.
