2010 Regular Season: 13-3

The Falcons rolled to the best record in the conference last season but were blown away by the Packers to open the postseason. Atlanta has not won a playoff game since the Michael Vick era. On offense, rookie wideout Julio Jones should add a new dimension to the club’s attack. On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Ray Edwards was signed to bolster the stop unit. This year, the NFC South will face the NFC North and AFC South. The first five games of the season could set the tone for Atlanta going forward. The Falcons will face four of the teams that reached the playoffs in the NFC a year ago. In addition, the stretch includes a trip to Tampa Bay. Over the final 12 games of the season, Atlanta’s only contest outside of a dome will be at Carolina in Week 14.

Prediction: Under

New Orleans Saints (Ov/Un: 10)

2010 Regular Season: 11-5

Despite an improved defense in the regular season, the Saints stop unit was overwhelmed in a stunning postseason defeat at Seattle. If the defense can build on last year’s improvement, New Orleans could be ready to make another Super Bowl run in 2011. While Reggie Bush has moved on, the Saints have added rookie Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles to the backfield. After facing the Packers and Bears to open the season, the rest of the slate is pretty reasonable. The club’s unique games are against the Giants (home) and Rams (away).

Prediction: Over

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 10-6

The Bucs staged a dramatic turnaround last year to nearly reach the playoffs. Now, the club won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this season. While Tampa Bay has tried to spend some money in free agency this offseason, the team has yet to make an impact signing. The Buccaneers are hoping that young quarterback Josh Freeman and some other emerging players can build on last year’s success. Before a bye in Week 8, the club will only have a pair of road games. However, four teams that reached the playoffs a year ago will travel to Tampa during the stretch. The squad’s unique outings are against the Cowboys (home) and 49ers (away).

Prediction: Under

Carolina Panthers (Ov/Un: 4.5)

2010 Regular Season: 2-14

New head coach Ron Rivera will try to turn things around in Carolina this season. Top overall draft choice Cam Newton will attempt to claim the starting quarterback job in the preseason. With some key free agents re-signed in the last couple of weeks, the franchise could be poised for some modest improvement this year. Carolina’s unique matchups are against the Redskins (home) and Cardinals (away).

Prediction: Over

2010 Regular Season: 14-2

Despite being the most dominant squad in the NFL during the regular season in 2010, the Patriots failed to cash in when it counted in the postseason. In the last couple of weeks, New England has added some notable players to bolster its roster. Chad Ochocinco, Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis will try to get the club over the top in 2011. This year, the AFC East will take on the AFC West and NFC East. While the Patriots will face six opponents that failed to reach the playoffs in 2010 before a bye in Week 7, New England will promptly face six consecutive foes that won at least ten games a year ago following the bye. The team’s unique opponents are the Colts (home) and Steelers (away).

Prediction: Over

New York Jets (Ov/Un: 9.5)

2010 Regular Season: 11-5

New York is hoping to unseat New England in the division race for an easier path to a Super Bowl bid that has just been out of reach in the last two years. On offense, the Jets have brought in Plaxico Burress to compliment Santonio Holmes at the wide receiver spot. A talented New York defense should once again be one of the top stop units in the league. In terms of the squad’s schedule, the Jets will face consecutive trips to Baltimore and New England to open the month of October. New York’s other unique opponent besides the Ravens is a home matchup against the Jaguars.

Prediction: Over

Miami Dolphins (Ov/Un: 7.5)

2010 Regular Season: 7-9

Since a surprising division title in 2008, the Dolphins have hovered around the .500 mark. If Miami is going to become a contender again, the club must find a reliable quarterback. Chad Henne is expected to get the starting nod over former Panthers signal-caller Matt Moore. The arrival of Reggie Bush should provide a little help for the offense this season. After two straight home games to open the year, the Dolphins will play five of its next six contests on the road. The club’s unique outings are against the Texans (home) and Browns (away).

Prediction: Under

Buffalo Bills (Ov/Un: 5.5)

2010 Regular Season: 4-12

With only one winning season in the last 11 years, the Bills are expected to produce another losing campaign in 2011. While top draft choice Marcell Dareus will boost the defense, the overall talent level in Buffalo is still well short of the rosters that have been assembled by the Patriots and Jets in the division. The team’s unique games are against the Titans (home) and Bengals (away).

Prediction: Under

2010 Regular Season: 10-2

The 2011 season will be a little different for Missouri. Longtime rivals Nebraska and Colorado have departed the conference. However, it is another absence that could really be noticed this year. If the Tigers can’t find a suitable replacement for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, the club may have trouble coming up with another winning campaign. With only six home games, Missouri will need to come up with some big efforts on the road this season. The Tigers must travel to face Arizona State and Oklahoma in September.

Prediction: Under

Texas Tech Red Raiders (Ov/Un: 7)

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

After the controversial firing of Mike Leach following the 2009 season, the Red Raiders program regressed a year ago under new head coach Tommy Tuberville. In his second season, Tuberville will try to further move past the Leach era. With the losses of quarterback Taylor Potts and wideout Lyle Leong, Texas Tech may have a more balanced offensive attack in 2011. With a favorable first half slate, the Red Raiders have a decent shot at a 6-0 start before a trip to Oklahoma on October 22nd.

Prediction: Over

Baylor Bears (Ov/Un: 6.5)

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

After finally reaching a bowl game for the first time in more than a decade last year, the Bears will try to stay on the winning track in 2011. While dynamic quarterback Robert Griffin III is back to lead the offense, the club must replace top runner Jay Finley. A suspect defense will need to make some improvement for Baylor to reach the postseason again this year. With TCU coming to Waco to open the season, the Bears will be tested early.

Prediction: Under

Kansas State Wildcats (Ov/Un: 5.5)

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

Since returning to the sidelines in 2009, legendary Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder has managed to post a modest record of 13-12. While Snyder delivered an unbelievable turnaround for one of college football’s worst programs during his first tenure, he will have trouble making the Wildcats a top 20 program again. The loss of standout running back Daniel Thomas will make things challenging for the offense this season. With a trip to face the Miami Hurricanes on tap in September and a brutal conference stretch late in the year, the Wildcats will be hard pressed to avoid a losing campaign.

Prediction: Under

2010 Regular Season: 10-2

As the preseason favorite to win the national championship, the Sooners have the opportunity to put together a special season. Quarterback Landry Jones is a leading Heisman Trophy contender while wideout Ryan Broyles is one of the top receivers in the nation. Despite some key personnel losses, Oklahoma’s defense should also be a solid group in 2011. The Sooners will get an early test on September 17th with a trip to Florida State. The club must also deal with Texas and Oklahoma State away from home this season.

Prediction: Over

Texas Longhorns (Ov/Un: 8.5)

2010 Regular Season: 5-7

After winning at least ten games in each of the previous nine seasons, Texas had a season to forget in 2010. With plenty of motivation after a rare losing campaign, there is little doubt that the Longhorns will be an improved squad in 2011. It remains to be seen if the program can once again be a national powerhouse this season. If a quarterback can emerge, Texas could make a quick recovery. Without any difficult road tilts until late in the season, the Longhorns should be able to build some momentum as the year progresses.

Prediction: Over

Texas A & M Aggies (Ov/Un: 8.5)

2010 Regular Season: 9-3

After a slow start in College Station, head coach Mike Sherman was finally able to deliver a quality season at Texas A & M in 2010. Now, there will be some pressure to keep the momentum in the program going forward in 2011. The emergence of quarterback Ryan Tannehill enabled the Aggies to have some nice balance on offense in the second half of last season. With the exception of a trip to Norman to face the Sooners, the rest of the club’s schedule is quite reasonable.

Prediction: Over

Oklahoma State Cowboys (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 10-2

The loss of offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen could slow down an attack that has produced plenty of points over the last few seasons. While standout runner Kendall Hunter has also moved on, the Cowboys will still have quarterback Brandon Weeden and wideout Justin Blackmon to work with in 2011. With road battles against Texas A & M, Texas and Missouri prior to the month of November, Oklahoma State’s explosive air attack will need to do some damage for the Cowboys to win again this season.

Prediction: Under

Penn State Nittany Lions (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

As Joe Paterno enters his 46th season on the sidelines at Penn State, the Nittany Lions are hoping to move up in the Big 10 standings this season. On offense, the club could have some issues after the graduation of standout runner Evan Royster. The defense should be adequate for Penn State in 2011. The schedule is a little unique for the Nittany Lions this season. In the second game of the year, Alabama will visit Penn State. Over the next seven contests, the squad’s only real difficult matchup will be a home tilt against Iowa. However, the Nittany Lions must close the year by facing Nebraska, Ohio State and Wisconsin.

Prediction: Under

Iowa Hawkeyes (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

After losing its five games by a total of just 18 points in 2010, the Hawkeyes will try to make a few more plays in 2011. Iowa must replace three-year starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi this season. The running game has also taken a hit after leading back Adam Robinson was dismissed from the team. Despite these concerns, head coach Kirk Ferentz is usually able to get the most out of his personnel. With the exception of a trip to Penn State in October, Iowa won’t face a difficult road game until the regular season finale at Nebraska.

Prediction: Over

Michigan State Spartans (Ov/Un: 7)

2010 Regular Season: 11-1

Despite last year’s success, most analysts feel that the Spartans will take a couple of steps back in 2011. The offense should be fine this season. Through the air, quarterback Kirk Cousins directs the passing game. On the ground, running back Edwin Baker is one of the top runners in the conference. After getting humbled by Alabama in the postseason last year, the defense is a bit of a concern. With four difficult road games on the slate, it will be difficult for Michigan State to approach last year’s win total.

Prediction: Over

Michigan Wolverines (Ov/Un: 7)

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

Former Wolverines assistant Brady Hoke will try to return some luster to the Michigan program after the ill-fated tenure of Rich Rodriguez. With dynamic quarterback Denard Robinson, the Wolverines have a chance for some improvement in 2011. In terms of the schedule, Michigan will have to leave the state just once (at Northwestern) prior to November.

Prediction: Over

2010 Regular Season: 10-2

In its first season in the Big 10, the Cornhuskers are favored to come away with a conference title. If Nebraska is to prevail, sophomore quarterback Taylor Martinez will need to become a little more consistent in the pocket. Martinez will be complimented in the backfield by junior running back Rex Burkhead. On defense, the Cornhuskers should continue to excel in 2011. Before moving into Big 10 action, Nebraska will face a couple of quality non-conference foes in September. After facing Fresno State on September 10th, the Cornhuskers will host the Washington Huskies on the following Saturday. Nebraska blew out Washington last year in Seattle but the Huskies gained some revenge with a Holiday Bowl victory over the Cornhuskers. To open the month of October, Nebraska will travel to Wisconsin before hosting Ohio State seven days later.

Prediction: Over

Ohio State Buckeyes (Ov/Un: 9)

2010 Regular Season: 11-1

After suffering plenty of turmoil in the offseason, the Buckeyes will try to somehow deliver another top flight campaign in the Big 10. With some big shoes to fill, interim head coach Luke Fickell will try to match the success of the last decade under Jim Tressel. It won’t be easy in Columbus this season. Fickell must find a replacement to lead the offense after the departure of Terrelle Pryor. Also, several other key players will be suspended for the first five games of the year. Despite the circumstances, Ohio State still has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to work with. In non-conference play, the Buckeyes will travel to Miami to face the Hurricanes. Once conference action begins, the toughest matchups will be at Nebraska and a visit from Wisconsin.

Prediction: Over

Wisconsin Badgers (Ov/Un: 9)

2010 Regular Season: 11-1

Everything could be coming together for a special season in Madison. With former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson on board to lead the offense, the Badgers will have a talented signal-caller to move the football with in 2011. Wilson will have a couple of outstanding runners to help him succeed this season. James White and Montee Ball combined to rush for more than 2,000 yards with 32 scoring runs in 2010. A capable defense gives Wisconsin a shot to repeat as Big 10 champions this year. With no road games in the first half of the season, the Badgers are poised to have a big start. Consecutive road tilts at Michigan State and Ohio State in late October could make or break Wisconsin’s season.

Prediction: Over

The defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants (18-7, +10.5 units) have also fared well against lefties this year. While the San Francisco offense has been limited to just 3.7 runs per game in these situations, the club’s outstanding pitching staff has allowed just 3.0 runs per outing in these matchups.

The New York Yankees (19-9, +7.4 units) are the top American League team against left-handers this season. In these 28 games, New York has posted some impressive numbers. On offense, New York is averaging 5.1 runs per game in these matchups. To compliment the bats, the Yankees pitching staff has allowed an average of just 3.6 runs per contest in these situations.

Mariners are worst against left-handers

With the worst offense in baseball for the second consecutive season, the Seattle Mariners must rely on its solid pitching staff to compete on most nights. This has certainly been the case when Seattle has gone up against an opposing left-handed starting hurler this season. In these situations, the Mariners have posted an 8-18 record for a yield of -10.6 units. While Seattle has allowed only 3.5 runs per game in these 26 contests, the club’s offense has produced a woeful total of just 2.6 runs per outing.

For the Kansas City Royals (8-18, -9.5 units), pitching has been the problem this season. Against left-handed starters, the Royals offense has put up a respectable total of 4.7 runs per contest. However, the pitching staff has allowed an average of 5.6 runs per game in these 26 matchups. A mediocre pitching unit has also been the biggest issue for the Baltimore Orioles (10-18, -7.4 units) in 2011. In 28 games against left-handed starters, the Orioles have given up 5.6 runs per outing.

2010 Regular Season: 12-0

After just missing out on a national championship in 2010, the Ducks will try to make another title run in 2011. With quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James back to lead the offense, Oregon should once again have one of the most potent attacks in the country. While the Ducks have only one road contest (at Arizona) in the first half of the season, the club will face a difficult opener in Dallas against LSU. In the last half of the year, Oregon will face consecutive road battles against Washington and Stanford.

Prediction: Over

Stanford Cardinal (Ov/Un: 8.5)

2010 Regular Season: 11-1

While Jim Harbaugh has moved on to the NFL, Stanford still has plenty of optimism heading into the 2011 campaign. The return of star quarterback Andrew Luck should enable the Cardinal to be a Pac-12 title contender this season. New head coach David Shaw will try to sustain the momentum that was established by Harbaugh. In terms of the schedule, the overall slate is fairly reasonable.

Prediction: Over

USC Trojans (Ov/Un: 7.5)

2010 Regular Season: 8-5

For the second consecutive year, USC will be ineligible for postseason play due to NCAA sanctions. The turmoil surrounding the program clearly took its toll on the Trojans at times in 2010. While quarterback Matt Barkley will enable USC to compete with most opponents this season, the overall talent level has clearly taken a dip since the departure of Pete Carroll.

Prediction: Under

Oregon State Beavers (Ov/Un: 7)

2010 Regular Season: 5-7

After a disappointing 2010 campaign, the Beavers will try to rebound in 2011. The departure of standout running back Jacquizz Rodgers will put some added pressure on signal-caller Ryan Katz. With a road schedule that includes Wisconsin, Arizona State, Utah, California and Oregon, head coach Mike Riley will be fortunate to avoid another losing season.

Prediction: Under

Arizona Wildcats (Ov/Un: 6.5)

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

While head coach Mike Stoops has improved the program, Arizona is still trying to beome an elite team in the Pac-12. A brutal first half schedule may wear the team down for the stretch run. After the opener against Northern Arizona, the Wildcats must face Oklahoma State, Stanford, Oregon, USC and Oregon State over the next five weeks.

Prediction: Under

UCLA Bruins (Ov/Un: 5.5)

2010 Regular Season: 4-8

With a pair of 4-8 campaigns since taking over at his alma mater in 2008, head coach Rick Neuheisel is on the hot seat heading into 2011. A woeful offense has been the main problem for the Bruins over the last three years. With a challenging schedule on tap, UCLA’s struggles are likely to continue.

Prediction: Under

2010 Regular Season: 9-3

After breaking through to win the SEC East for the first time last season, the Gamecocks are favored to repeat as division champions in 2011. Sophomore running back Marcus Lattimore will try to build on an outstanding freshman campaign this season. The club is hoping that senior quarterback Stephen Garcia will be more consistent this year. With only one road game (at Georgia) in the first half of the season, South Carolina has a chance to build some momentum. Road contests against Mississippi State and Arkansas in the second half could make or break the squad’s bid at another SEC East crown.

Prediction: Under

Georgia Bulldogs (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 6-6

If Georgia can get by Boise State (at Atlanta) and South Carolina to begin the year, the Bulldogs could have a big bounce back season. The rest of the schedule is quite favorable for Georgia. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray is viewed as the top signal-caller in the league heading into 2011. After struggling to adjust to a new defensive scheme last year, the team’s stop unit should make some strides this year.

Prediction: Over

Florida Gators (Ov/Un:

2010 Regular Season: 7-5

New head coach Will Muschamp will try to get the Gators back on track following a disappointing finish to the Urban Meyer era last season. Muschamp has brought in Charlie Weis to run an offense that faltered a year ago. Florida is hoping that quarterback John Brantley can rebound from a rough season. While the Gators should get off to a 4-0 start, six of the final eight games are extremely difficult. The final stretch includes matchups against Alabama, LSU and Florida State.

Prediction: Under

Tennessee Volunteers (Ov/Un: 6.5)

2010 Regular Season: 6-6

The Vols won four straight contests to close out the 2010 regular season to bring some momentum into this year. However, Tennessee must try to win in 2011 with a roster that is dominated by underclassmen. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray and some exciting wideouts should enable the Vols to hang in a lot of games. With SEC West opponents Alabama, LSU and Arkansas on this year’s slate, the conference schedule is quite difficult.

Prediction: Over

Kentucky Wildcats (Ov/Un: 6)

2010 Regular Season: 6-6

With some key offensive losses, head coach Joker Phillips will have a difficult time keeping Kentucky’s run of five consecutive bowl games intact this season. If Kentucky is going to take the next step, the program must find a way to get past Florida (24 consecutive losses) and Tennessee (26 consecutive losses).

Prediction: Under

2010 Regular Season: 9-3

After reeling off a pair of undefeated regular season campaigns, Alabama slipped to a 9-3 mark in 2010. Despite some key losses on the offensive side of the ball, the Crimson Tide are once again a viable national title contender. Even with the departures of Greg McElroy, Mark Ingram and Julio Jones, Alabama should still be able to move the ball enough to win in 2011. Running back Trent Richardson will now become the focal point of the offense. The club’s defense is poised to be one of the top units in the nation. While road contests against Penn State, Florida, Mississippi State and Auburn won’t be easy, Alabama will likely be favored in all 12 of its regular season outings this year.

Prediction: Over

LSU Tigers (Ov/Un: 9.5)

2010 Regular Season: 10-2

The Tigers were just a few scores away from a perfect season in 2010. With plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, LSU is a top 10 squad heading into 2011. The club’s SEC title hopes may hinge on inconsistent quarterback Jordan Jefferson. If he plays up to his potential, the Tigers will be a hard club to beat. LSU will get an immediate test by lining up against Oregon in Dallas to open the season. The Tigers will also travel to West Virginia in the month of September. On November 5th, the SEC West title could very well be decided when LSU heads to Tuscaloosa for a showdown against Alabama.

Prediction: Under

Mississippi State Bulldogs (Ov/Un: 7)

2010 Regular Season: 8-4

The Bulldogs were a perfect 8-0 against non-SEC West foes last season. With plenty of optimism building in Starkville, Mississippi State could be ready to move up the division standings in 2011. After rushing for 19 touchdowns last season, running back Vick Ballard will lead the offense this year. A physical defense will keep the Bulldogs in most games this season. Road matchups against Auburn and Georgia in the first half of the season could set the tone for Mississippi State heading down the stretch.

Prediction: Over

Auburn Tigers (Ov/Un: 6.5)

2010 Regular Season: 12-0

Some massive personnel losses and a brutal slate have led most analysts to count out the defending national champions in 2011. On offense, sophomore running back Michael Dyer will be the club’s marquee attraction this season. A defense that was a little inconsistent in 2010 will likely regress some this season as well. After last year’s magical run to a title, Auburn will probably be a clear favorite in just four games this season.

Prediction: Under