2007 Previews: New England Patriots

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 6-10 (12-4, AFC East champs)

Best additions: Randy Moss (WR, Raiders) and Adalius Thomas (LB, Ravens)

Key personnel loss: Cory Dillon (RB, retired)

2007 outlook: With an entirely new WR corp that includes the embattled Moss, nothing short of a Super Bowl will appear satisfactory in New England. And while Laurence Maroney will be on his own in the backfield with the retirement of Dillon, this offense seems loaded enough to make another deep playoff run at the least. The Patriots have to be considered a favorite to win the AFC as long as they have Tom Brady and he will probably have the best WR corp he's ever had.

A solid defensive team gets better with the addition of Thomas, but the continued holdout of Asante Samuel could leave a thin secondary exposed. After being tagged a franchise player, Samuel said he will sit out the first 10 games after he failed to reach a long term agreement with NE which means he may be ineffective for longer than that as he has to get back into playing shape once he shows up. Still, NE has enough weapons on defense to be able to hide a deficiency in the secondary.

Key to success: The Patriots went out and spent some serious money to upgrade positions they thought were week. If those new players struggle to fit into NE's mold, a promising season could get ugly in a hurry. They are likely to win the AFC East again regardless of what happens but their playoff run could be short if there are too many uncertainties late in the season.

Against Washington: The Patriots will host the Skins on Oct. 28, two week before the Patriots bye week and one week before NE faces Peyton Manning and the Colts, meaning Washington could potentially steal a game if the Skins can catch NE looking ahead a week.

Fantasy sleeper: Wes Welker. 1 of 4 WR's added this offseason, Welker could explode as the go-to guy when Moss and Dante Stallworth draw extra attention. Welker could lead the Patriots in receptions as he will likely fill a role similar to the one Art Monk filled in his days with the Posse, possession and outlet receiver. Welker could be a potential steal in the later rounds, provided he can turn his open looks underneath into long receptions and TD's.

2007 Previews: Miami Dolphins

Note: This is a team-by-team look previewing the 2007 season. These are my official thoughts on how I think things will play out.

Last year: 6-10 (fourth in AFC East)

Best additions: Joey Porter (LB, Steelers) and Trent Green (QB, Chiefs)

Key personnel loss: Wes Welker (WR, Patriots)

2007 outlook: Say what you will about Porter's last year in Pittsburgh and his lack of production, but any defense that boasts Porter, Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas is a defense I would not want to face, even if most of the guys are on the downside of their careers. That trio, along with a decent supporting cast, would have Dolphins fans thinking playoffs if the offense wasn't in such a mess.

Other than Ronnie Brown and Chris Chambers (both of whom have their own struggles from time to time), the Dolphins have no other consistent weapons on offense, meaning this team will struggle to stay out of the AFC East cellar again this year. Now I am a John Beck fan and think he is an NFL-caliber QB based on his body of work at BYU, but I think he may be a year away from actually contributing something consistently. And with the Daunte Culpepper experiment lasting only one season and the Green era now underway, hopefully Beck will get that much needed year of learning on the sideline to adjust to the NFL.

Key to success: This season will ride entirely on the offense. If Green can somehow get steady production out of guys like Brown, Chambers and TE Randy McMichael, the Phins may actually be okay. The playoffs may still be a year away, but any progress towards a good season has to be encouraging for Phins fans.

Against Washington: The Skins will look to erase the disaster that was the 2006 season by posting a convincing win against the visiting Dolphins in the season opener. Of course Miami will be looking to do the same, so whichever team comes out on top may set the tone for a good season.

Fantasy sleeper: John Beck. Green is no spring chicken and after last year's horrific accident in which he missed most of the season, one has to wonder how long he can stay healthy this year. And with top level QB's always at a premium in fantasy play, Beck could provide a much anticipated boost if he is needed to come in at some point. And if the Dolphins 2007 begins to mirror 2006, look for them to get Beck some playing time so he can be ready to lead them to a winning season in 2008.