It is baseball season, but there are plenty of ways to get your fill of football too. Our own Hank Koebler, IV is on the beat making his way across the NFL landscape exhaustively covering team after team. These previews will get you up to snuff with everything you need to know about the transition to each 2010 team.

Each preview covers the team's outlook and projection for the 2010 season. We've got in depth coverage of each team's offense, defense and special teams. We'll cover who's in and who's out, rookies, players in their prime and savvy veterans. Finally, we'll look at strategy and style of play on both sides of the ball, as well detailed information about coaches and players.

Check back often between now and the September 9th season kick-off as new team previews are going up almost every day. Clicking on the NFL Football in the right sidebar will take you right to the latest previews each time you come back.

Today Hank is previewing the AFC West teams, the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, and Kansas City Chiefs.

• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

AFC West Predicted Finish

1. Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Kansas City Chiefs
   
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Anybody who thought we were done with all of this conference expansion talk (including myself) has been proven wrong. By now most of the college football world knows that BYU is very likely going to become a football independent with other university sports competing as a member of the WAC in a similar deal as that of Notre Dame and the Big East.

Most have also heard that the Mountain West responded to BYU's expected departure by extending invitations to two WAC members-Fresno State and Nevada. Well, word is now coming that both institutions have decided to accept the Mountain West's invitation.

The Fresno Bee reported this evening that Fresno State had accepted the offer to become a member of the WAC, while the Reno Gazette-Journal reports that Nevada has also accepted the invitation. The Mountain West has officially announced the addition of the two schools in a release on their website.

The addition comes as good news for the Mountain West, although it is unlikely that it will put the conference in the same position to gain automatic qualification for the BCS as when BYU was a part of the conference. - Danny Hobrock

Catastrophe, according to some. It looked like, even without Utah, the Mountain West was all set to gain automatic qualification status for the BCS. That would mean that, like the six privileged conferences, the winner of the MWC would automatically head off to play in the BCS.

With BYU choosing to go the independent route (the Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that it's a done deal), meeting the requirements to be considered an AQ conference becomes much more difficult, even with TCU and Boise State in the bag. The three criteria used when considering a seventh conference are, according to BCSFootball.org, "rank of the highest-ranked team, rank of all conference teams and number of teams in the top 25." The 2008, '09, '10 and '11 seasons will be used in determining qualification.

Losing BYU's 2008 and 2009 seasons would mean losing their 2008 season (10-2, 16th in BCS final standings) and their 2009 season (11-2, 15th in BCS final standings), as well as whatever they're able to do in 2010/11.

So with Utah gone for sure and BYU likely leaving, where does that leave the MWC in terms of member schools? BYU's departure leaves the conference with eight schools. Andy Katz of ESPN.com reports that Fresno State and Nevada of the WAC, where BYU will partake in all other sports, have been offered membership in the MWC. He also reports that Joe Schad, also of ESPN, was informed by a source that Houston and UTEP of Conference USA have also been considered as possible additions.

Of course, if Fresno State or Nevada were to jump ship it would cost them $5 million per a buyout agreement they signed after Boise State bolted the conference. There's also been speculation that the Broncos decide to stay in the WAC with AQ status now seemingly up in the air for the MWC.

None of the four possible additions mentioned really hold weight to BYU's production in 2008/09, or what they could do in 2010/11. For all intents and purposes, the MWC's bid for AQ status following the 2011 season when, according to BCSFootbal.org, "[t]he computations [for AQ status] will be made according to the conference's membership on Dec. 4, 2011," just took one to the chest. - Danny Hobrock

Wow, was this PSL thing a big scam or what! On the heals of the Giants vs. Jets pre-season Infomercial Monday night, now we have this.

The NY Giants have announced that they will sell single-game tickets without personal seat licenses (PSLs) through Ticketmaster.

The controversial plan starts at 10 a.m. on TODAY, when PSL holders will get the first shot at buying the limited number of tickets. On Monday, fans without personal seat licenses will have the chance to buy single-game tickets.

This plan is causing wide spread outrage among PSL holders who paid for PSL's. The Giants had previously stated that only way to see a home game this season was with a pricey personal seat license.

Given that their claim that you couldn't see a home game in person if you didn't buy a PSL was obviously not true, you can now expect to see individual law suits, class action law suits and public protests of all shapes and sizes concerning this new development.

One has to assume that if the Giants were not able to sell out their PSL's to their much older, established and loyal fan base, that there is no way the Jets will be able to either.

From the Giants and Jets standpoint, greed at its finest was prominently on display regarding this matter. If you tune to sports talk radio in the NY market there is wide spread anger. While no one actually wants to miss watching a game, there are many so upset about this new development that they appear to want revenge and it seems as if many relish the thought of a local blackout occurring for one of the teams because of a non-sold out game.

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 7-6, 4-4
Bowl Game: Chick-fil-A Bowl (L 37-14 vs. Virginia Tech)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 3rd SEC East
Offensive rank: 60
Defensive rank: 22

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Montario Hardesty, 1,345 yards, 13 TD
Passing: Jonathan Crompton, 2,800 yards, 27 TD, 13 INT
Receiving: Gerald Jones, 680 yards, 4 TD; Denarius Moore, 540 yards, 7 TD
Tackles: Rico McCoy, 119 total tackles
Sacks: Chris Walker, 6 sacks (5 solo, 2 assisted)
Interceptions: Eric Berry, Chris Walker and Wes Brown, 2 interceptions (Walker, Brown: 1 touchdown)

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 11 vs. Oregon: What a win this would be for new head coach Derek Dooley in only his second game at Tennessee. The first week should be a gimme, but the Oregon matchup starts a stretch of games that includes Florida, at LSU, at Georgia and Alabama.

October 30 @ South Carolina: If the Volunteers come into this one with more than two wins, then they'll have an upset to build on. In all likelihood, though, this will be a 2-5 team (0-4 in SEC) unless Tennessee can in fact pull off an upset somewhere. If they can't take this one, they could be looking at 0-5 in the SEC with just three more contests to go.

November 27 vs. Kentucky: A win here would be a nice way to end the season. In fact, this could be a much needed win to stay out of the SEC East basement depending on how the Volunteers handle the second half of their schedule against South Carolina, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.

AP: N/A

Coaches': Not Ranked

Key Losses

Jonathan Crompton, QB; Montario Hardesty, RB; Chris Scott, OT; Aaron Douglas, OT; Dan Williams, DT; Rico McCoy, LB; Dennis Rogan, CB; Eric Berry, S

Key Returning Players

Gerald Jones, WR; Denarius Moore, WR; Luke Stocker, TE; Chris Walker, DE; Montori Hughes, DT; Nick Reveiz, LB; Janzen Jackson, S

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 7-6, 3-5
Bowl Game: Music City Bowl (L 21-13 vs. Clemson)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): NR, NR
Conference finish: 4th SEC East
Offensive rank: 93
Defensive rank: 53

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Derrick Locke, 907 yards, 6 TD; Randall Cobb, 573 yards, 10 TD
Passing: Mike Hartline, 802 yards, 6 TD, 7 INT; Morgan Newton, 706 yards, 6 TD, 3 INT
Receiving: Randall Cobb, 447 yards, 4 TD; Chris Matthews, 354 yards, 3 TD
Tackles: Micah Johnson, 105 total tackles
Sacks: DeQuin Evans, 6 sacks (6 solo)
Interceptions: Sam Maxwell, 6 interceptions (1 touchdown)

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 4 @ Louisville: The Governor's Cup has gone to Kentucky the last three seasons. Since the two started playing annually in 1994, Louisville holds a 9-7 series lead. The teams played six times before the 1994 meeting each year from 1912 to 1915 and then twice more in 1922 and 1924. The Cardinals scored a grand total of zero points in those six meetings, meaning it took Louisville 82 years to score a point against the Wildcats from the time the first whistle blew.

October 2 @ Ole Miss: Kentucky lucked out in getting some of the softer opponents from the West Division. Taking advantage of the luck will be important if this team hopes to build conference victories. This one and the October 30 matchup against Mississippi State will be good opportunities to walk away with a couple of road victories, but they won't be gimmes.

October 16 vs. South Carolina: While neither team is likely to win the SEC East with Florida and Georgia the likely frontrunners, third in the division could come down to this game if all goes well for both sides.

AP: N/A

Coaches': Not Ranked

Key Losses

John Conner, FB; Zipp Duncan, OT; Corey Peters, DT; Micah Johnson, LB; Sam Maxwell, LB; Trevard Lindley, CB

Key Returning Players

Mike Hartline, QB; Derrick Locke, RB; Randall Cobb, WR; Chris Matthews, WR; Stuart Hines, G; DeQuin Evans, DE; Danny Trevathan, LB; Winston Guy, S

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Usually when we do a review, the publisher or author asks us to do the review. In this instance, we've taken it upon ourselves to give out some well deserved PR for one of the truly great assets of the Bloguin Network, Blythe Brumleve and her site, GuysGirl.com.

The founder and CEO of GuysGirl.com has written a book titled "A Girl's Guide to Football Fanaticism." The book invites readers to immerse themselves in both the game as well as the culture of football in order to gain an appreciation of autumn's favorite diversion.

Released as both an eBook and in print, "A Girl's Guide to Football Fanaticism" is the first book by Ms. Brumleve. The book was written to provide an easy all in one guide that explains not only football rules, but the rich subculture surrounding it. The book details the on field goings on from officials to players to coaches, while familiarizing readers with the history and traditions of the sport.

"There are plenty of books out there that are 'Girl's Guide to Sports' that play down the intelligence of women as fans with books that say 'what time is the best time to use the bathroom during a game' and 'why you should learn sports for your man' but I wanted the book to focus on females who want to be fan for themselves," said Ms. Brumleve. "For the fans who never wanted to ask for fear of embarrassment or for the fans who want to expand their knowledge on the game. This book will have something for everyone from the wanna-be fans to the full on body painted fans."

The instruction does not stop with on field aspects of the game. From flyovers to fantasy drafts, betting to beer pong and mascots to movies, "A Girl's Guide to Football Fanaticism" examines the culture surrounding the game of football. The final chapter is consumed with the preparation of treats for the preferred pregame pastime of fans across America, tailgating.

"A Girl's Guide to Football Fanaticism" is available on GuysGirl.com as well as Lulu.com in both a print version and full color electronic/eBook versions. Versions compatible with iPads and Kindles are forthcoming. The eBook costs $14.99. The print version runs $19.99.

So the Jets and Giants played the first official NFL game in the New Meadowlands Stadium by a score of 31-16. While it was a just preseason game without regulars from either site playing much, believe it or not, to some it was the game for New York bragging rights.

From the Jets fans point of view, while the scoreboard said (L), the game itself was not a loss as they showed some of what fans had been looking for. Mark Sanchez was 13 for 17 with an interception & touchdown early in the first quarter. LT and Shonn Greene ran the ball well and had both speed and yardage to get into the end zone. Running behind rookie fullback "The Terminator" John Connor helped create extra running yards as he opened up the lane and created many key blocks. All in all, the Jets showed promise in their first preseason game and most importantly, no one was hurt.

From the Giants fans point of view, Eli Manning suffered a gruesome injury requiring three stitches when teammate Brandon Jacobs accidentally knocked Manning's helmet loose on a fourth-down play causing him to collide helmetless on the play. Thankfully for the Giants and Eli, the injury was not any more severe than the obvious wound as it could have turned out much worse. While Manning may not be be doing any TV commercials until the wound heals, there was no other trauma.

I believe the game itself took second chair to what was truly on the main stage tonight, the new Meadowlands Stadium. Last night's Monday Night Football game was the first time a Jets and Giants preseason game was held on a Monday night, let alone any preseason game on a Monday night. The team owners and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talked months ago about how a Monday Night Football game would really show the new stadium in a way that could not be shown on a Friday night or Saturday. The NFL, Jets and Giants made a collaborative concerted effort to have the game on prime-time on ESPN to make the place stand for those who were on the fence about a PSL's. It was not hard to notice that the camera shots not on the game and sideline made it feel more like an infomercial for the new stadium than a football game.

Coming back from commercial ESPN showed the bars on the mezzanine and lower levels, the Clubs around the Coaches Club area, the Green rooms where certain PSL holders get their free food, the Luxury suites with leather chairs and fireplaces and Coaches Club VIP areas behind the team's bench. I think the only thing they did not show was how spacious the bathroom stalls are. To me it clearly felt like an infomercial about the new stadium. A way to showcase it to millions watching at home as if to say "don't you wish you paid your money to be here?" Even the commentators were going on about the new stadiums amenities. Did everyone forget there was a game going on? Of course they didn't. They want fans to spend time out and about away from their seats in the other areas of the stadium. They already got their money for the PSLs and tickets, now it is time to spend it in other parts of the new stadium.

Just like the Quarterback rankings, these rankings take into account factors like, a players new team, age, development, and new additions around them.  There are going to be some key players missing out my top 5.  I'll explain the people falling out of the top 5 and also give you some sleepers that should have big years in 2010.  Starting the list off at #5...

5)"Megatron" Calvin Johnson- 2009 Stats - 67 receptions - 984 yards - 5 TDs - 14.7 avg

Megatron has the rare size (6'5") and speed combination (4.3), that you could only dream of making in a lab.  He also possesses great hands.  Johnson would be more of a household name if he wasn't so humble and quiet like Andre Johnson and instead had a brasher demeanor like Ochocinco and T.O.  Another key factor that has kept him out of the limelight has been the guys that were throwing to him in Detroit.  In his first 2 seasons in the league he was being thrown to by the likes of Jon Kitna, Dante Culpepper, and Dan Orlovsky. Yes, that's the same Dan Orlovsky who ran out of back of the end zone while fading back to pass against the Vikings. The inability to have a quarterback that could consistently deliver the ball slowed his development, but the franchise ultimately did right by him when they selected Matt Stafford with the first pick of the 2009 draft.

Stafford showed that he has what it takes to be a NFL quarterback last season when forced his way back into a game against the Cleveland Browns severely injured. Unable to even hold up his non-throwing arm, and in obvious immense pain, he proceeded to throw the game winning touchdown. From that moment on, he garnered the trust of the team, fans, and management.  Stafford will progress more this season with the front office adding more weapons around him.  The Lions drafted Jahvid Best and also picked up tight end Tony Scheffler to go with 2nd year standout tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

Calvin Johnson also has Nate Burleson, Bryant Johnson, and Derrick Williams to help take some of the double teams off of him.  Calvin has the most weapons accompanying him this year that he's ever had and a quarterback that has all the tools to get him the ball.  Expect Johnson to become more of a red zone threat and have a breakout season that will have pundits mentioning him with the same tone they talked about Fitzgerald after the Super Bowl run a few years ago.

4) Desean Jackson - 2009 Stats - 62 receptions -1,156 yards - 9 TDs - 18.6 avg

I must admit, one of my fellow researchers, Brian Bosley has been trying to get me to come around on this guy since before last season started.  I fought with him about this guy all of last year.  It wasn't until now that I've come to realize that I just don't like Jackson's personality and I was holding this against his on field talent.  Putting personal feelings aside, I can say now that I see Desean as the new Steve Smith (Carolina). A glance at the stats has Jackson's 18.6 yards per catch last season jump off the page.  For a player with 62 receptions to have that high of an average is simply amazing.  He has elite speed, good hands, and his best quality is his elusiveness as he can stop on a dime and change directions. Desean is a serious threat in the open field and his new QB, Kevin Kolb delivers a rocket, accurate pass. The combination of Kolb's ability to deliver the ball and Jackson's elusiveness will cause matchup problems with defenders as Jackson will get the ball in stride and be able to take full advantage of the separation between him and the corner.

The Eagles O-line will give Kolb plenty of time in the pocket to be able to deliver the deep ball to Desean and he should be good for years to come with a young core around him.  Not only does Jackson have a QB in Kolb, but he has Jeremy Maclin on the other side that has to be respected too. Throw in a young dynamic running back in Lesean McCoy as another threat and Jackson could be a fantasy keeper for years to come.

Philly always has a strong defense.  You might be asking what this has to do with Jackson's fantasy value.  This defense will get a lot of 3 and outs and turnovers, which in turn will get more touches for Desean.  All in all, the main weakness I see in Jackson is his "the world owes me everything" personality.  To me, He is as likable as the old ‘say no to drugs ads' from the 80's..."I learned it from watching you dad."  Don't act like you don't remember those commercials.

• NCAA Football 2010 Season Previews (Full List)
• NFL 2010 Season Previews (Full List)

2009 final record (overall, conference): 11-2, 6-2
Bowl Game: Orange Bowl (W 24-14 vs. Georgia Tech)
Final Ranking (AP, Coaches'): 7, 7
Conference finish: 2nd Big Ten
Offensive rank: 89
Defensive rank: 10

2009 Individual Statistical Leaders

Rushing: Adam Robinson, 834 yards, 5 TD; Brandon Wegher, 641 yards, 8 TD
Passing: Ricky Stanzi, 2,417 yards, 17 TD, 15 INT
Receiving: Derrell Johnson-Koulian, 750 yards, 2 TD; Marvin McNutt, 674 yards, 8 TD
Tackles: Pat Angerer, 145 total tackles
Sacks: Adrian Clayborn, 11.5 sacks (11 solo, 1 assisted)
Interceptions: Tyler Sash, 6 interceptions (1 touchdown)

2010 Season Outlook

Key Matchups

September 11 vs. Iowa State: This has not been an easy victory of late, although Iowa downed their in-state rival 35-3 last season. Six turnovers had a little something to do with that outcome, but it was the first time the Hawkeyes took one from the Cyclones on the road since 2003 following two road losses in 2005 and 2007. They'll play this one in Iowa City, but there's no reason Iowa should be content going into this one against a team who could put the kibosh on the Hawkeyes' national title hopes early on.

September 18 @ Arizona: The Wildcats are better than people think. Their offense could be among the top in the Pac-10 and while their defense has a few questions that need answered, this could be a dangerous team itching for a little respect on a national level. What better way to earn that respect than by beating a team like Iowa on national television in a late night feature.

October 23 vs. Wisconsin: Penn State a few weeks earlier will be important as well, but Wisconsin holds very real Big Ten title aspirations and whatever the result of their matchup with Ohio State the previous week, they should be coming into this one with tons of emotion. Anything but a disheartening defeat would make this a dangerous Badgers squad. If they're coming off a victory, this will be a very hungry team that will smell a Rose Bowl berth. And if they're coming off a tough defeat, what better way to reinsert themselves in the Big Ten picture than by beating the Hawkeyes? Either way, Iowa needs to be on their toes here.

November 20 vs. Ohio State: Many are already pegging this as the de facto Big Ten Championship. Penn State and Wisconsin sit in between both teams and this late season matchup, but with Iowa and Ohio State expected to be the most well-equipped teams in the conference, this one has season-defining game written all over it. The Hawkeyes get a break by playing this one at home rather than facing a hostile crowd in Columbus.

AP: 9

Coaches': 10

Key Losses

Tony Moeaki, TE; Bryan Bulaga, OT; Kyle Calloway, OT; Dace Richardson, G; Rafael Eubanks, C; Pat Angerer, LB; A.J. Edds, LB; Amari Spievey, CB

Key Returning Players

Ricky Stanzi, QB; Adam Robinson, RB; Marvin McNutt, WR; Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, WR; Riley Reiff, OT; Adrian Clayborn, DE; Broderick Binns, DE; Karl Klug, DT; Tyler Sash, S