NFL Contenders - What Moves Teams Need to Make

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (+1200 in BetUS odds) -- The Colts have to address the running game, which did not produce. That might mean taking a look at what can be done along the offensive line. Peyton Manning won the MVP this past season, but he is really dominant when he has a full complement of wide receivers to throw to. Marvin Harrison has to be replaced with someone viable, and that does not mean tight end Dallas Clark splitting out wide. There has to be someone else with appreciable speed to team with Reggie Wayne.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (+1200 in BetUS odds) -- The Chargers unquestionably have to feel that they're not far away. At the same time, there are injury questions that need to be answered. The general feeling is that Shawne Merriman did the right thing by shutting it down for the 2008 season, but now he's got to come back and have the kind of season that would make the San Diego defense the fearsome presence it was when he was at his best. They also have to figure out what they have with LaDanian Tomlinson; can he can get over injury problems and be a top-shelf back again or does someone else need to come in and team up with speedster Darren Sproles? Michael Turner would have been the guy, but he's obviously long gone. 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (+1800 in BetUS odds) -- The Vikings are able to control the line of scrimmage on offense and defense; they're strong running the ball and stopping the run. They have Jared Allen providing a pass rush, and that makes the secondary that much better. What they need is a passing game. Tarvaris Jackson may or may not be a future answer at QB, but they need something that will work for the present, and some wide receivers who throw a scare into enemy defenses.

TENNESSEE TITANS (+1800 at BetUS odds) -- The steady veteran presence at quarterback for Tennessee, Kerry Collins, is a free agent, and the Titans have to decide whether to try to retain the guy who may give them the best chance to win a title or turn the ball back over to the guy (Vince Young) who took them to the playoffs before but may be somewhat limited in what he can do. The third option is to sign another quarterback. Whatever they do, they have to go out and acquire a wide receiver who can make things happen. Holding on to Albert Haynesworth has to be a major priority; without him, they lose the heart of the defense and the big run stopper.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (+2000 in BetUS odds) -- The Ravens were obviously close last year, making it to the AFC championship game. They have to hope for progress on the part of two of last year's rookies. Joe Flacco has to make the leap from being a caretaker of the offense to being a playmaker, and Ray Rice has to take over Willis McGahee's role in the backfield. Just as important, the Ravens have to sign their free agents, like Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs on defense.

ATLANTA FALCONS (+2000 in BetUS odds) -- It looks like Matt Ryan will continue to progress as an NFL quarterback, and the Falcons certainly need for that to happen. They have a lot of work to do with their front seven, as Atlanta gave up 4.9 yards per rush in 2008. They will not get to any Super Bowls if that number doesn't improve greatly. Another wide receiver wouldn't hurt, although additional production could come from somebody like Harry Douglas. They also simply have to figure out a way to get Jerious Norwood more involved in the offense. Norwood averaged over five yards a carry and 9.4 yards after catches this past season, but he only got 131 "touches."

MIAMI DOLPHINS (+3000 in BetUS odds) -- Miami can use some more help on defense; the Dolphins need someone aside from Joey Porter to generate a pass rush. They also could use a guy they can designate as the #1 receiver; Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn Jr. are fine, but they need someone who can make defensive coordinators cringe. They really need another healthy year from Chad Pennington, though, because the last thing this club needs is to go back to the drawing board with a virtual rookie at quarterback (Chad Henne).

BUFFALO BILLS (+5000 in BetUS odds) -- The Bills have to beat division rivals New York and Miami, for sure. They have to improve their performance in the red zone, and did not get answers from the guy they thought might provide them - wide receiver James Hardy. Either Hardy has to start performing or Buffalo needs to make a move to bring another guy in. Also, Marshawn Lynch, who's had 530 carries in the backfield, needs to be less exposed to wear and tear. He could use a guy to share carries with; that's the direction a lot of teams are going in these days. The Bills also need to learnt to stop the run better - part of it is to have the defense healthy and together long enough to accomplish that.

(Charles Jay scores one touchdown after another as a contributor to the BetUS Locker Room)