1. Rayz - He has arguably 3 of the top 5 players in the league. Rodgers, McCoy, Rice, Bowe, Fitzgerald, and Nicks is a pretty sick team. Nicks' injury may put the Rayz in a bind early but they'll have things together at least by midseason. Tight end is the only weak spot in a line up that should put the Rayz as favorites for GFFL BOWL VIII.
2. Kings - The Kings are literally right behind the Rayz and would be a good bet to make their 3rd consecutive GFFL BOWL. This team boasts an insanely good trio of backs with CJ, McFadden, and the studly rookie Trent Richardson. Michael Vick when healthy is easily a top QB1, Jimmy Graham in my book is the #1 tight end, the receivers aren't as good as the Rayz' but they definitely will be able to get the job done. The only thing going against the Kings is they share a division with 2 of the other top 4 teams. The West should be very interesting this year.
3. Copperheads - A lot of the Copperheads prospects came down to how well they'd do in the draft. Well they did very well. They have great runningback depth which will be key this season and then was able to add Harvin, Wallace, and DJax to form a pretty impressive receiving corps. After a few years down in the cellar the Copperheads are on the rise and won't be satisfied with anything but a GFFL title this year.
4. Carolina Falcons - Starters, I love the Michael Bush pick which is a great cover for a potential Forte hold out. They are a small step not too much behind the Kings and Copperheads but they'll most likely be on their way to a 3rd place finish in the division and the 5th or 6th seed in the playoffs. This team does have some bust potential though with Lynch having his contract in place, Forte hold out possible, Roddy losing even more of the offense to Julio, but the C.Falcons should find a way to get it done and find themselves in the post season yet again.
5. Pirates - QB Brees, HB Murray, WR Dez, WR Maclin, WR Julio. Looking at that line up there's no argument, the Pirates are legit contenders now. Vogler has done an amazing job turning around this team and they will be in prime position to build off their 2011 playoff appearance. A team that was once locked in as the laughing stock of the league is now a good bet to make a 2nd consecutive playoff trip, that's how you rebuild a franchise guys.
6. Deacons - In their 2nd season the Deacons should be playoff bound. Stafford, Andre3000, and Steve Smith should lead this team while Spiller and Reggie Bush have the potential to add to the explosive scoring. I'd put the Deacons in the lead to win the Central and earn a playoff berth in 2012.
7. Classics - Well Brady, Foster, and MJD are all back, that's the good news. The bad news the receiving corp looks very barren, anytime a journey man receiver (Nate Washington) and an unproven rookie receiver (Michael Floyd) are your 1 and 2 you're in trouble. The trio of Brady, Foster, and MJD should be good enough to keep the Classics in contention but I think they aren't up there with the Big 3 of the league and are going to need some things to happen to have a real shot at repeating.
8. Ducks - Cam and Gronk are good but they can't do it alone. Peterson probably won't be back to form this season if ever and with the Ducks' receivers and other runningbacks it's going to take some luck to piece together a playoff run. Cam and Gronk aren't anywhere near old so the Ducks will still have some chances with this core but just don't expect 2012 to be one.
9. Panthers - The Panthers better hope Peyton is healthy enough to return to fantasy as a QB1 because they are going to need him. This team isn't bad but lacks super stars and should be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
10. Weiner Dogz - Eli, Welker, Austin and what's left of SJAX is not enough to make the postseason. Whoever takes over this team will be taking on a bit of a project but nowhere near the mess some of our owners have taken over before. The good news is they have the rights to their 2013 1st round pick that plus three good keeper selections should lead to a contending team next year.
11. Purple Cobras - Most likely another year stuck in the basement and already without their 1st for 2013 and 2014 the future is looking a little bleak at least they got their QB of the future in Andrew Luck. Jonny is a good owner which makes it sad to see a franchise that's suffered a lot of bad breaks stuck down here but who knows all it takes is a few good moves and a lucky pick up or two to change your fantasy fortune.
12. Gators - I think my team has an outside chance at being fairly competitive and we'll finish ahead of a handful of teams on this list at least but for now I have to rank them here. A lot of potential guys outside of Megatron but no legit studs have the prospects for 2012 looking gloomy. The good news though with six first round picks next year and four(possibly five) of the picks lottery bound the Gators will resume their spot at the top a year from now.
