Free NFL Picks For 2011 Football Season
As the National Football League lockout, which threatened to derail the upcoming season, appears to be coming to an imminent conclusion, now is as good a time as any to provide readers with some free NFL picks for the 2011 gridiron campaign. The following is several key storylines fans should be cognizant of.
The Minnesota Vikings will be one team to watch in the NFC. Following a very disappointing year by their standards, which included a litany of injuries to star players and a collapsed stadium roof forcing the team to finish out the season exclusively on the road, the Vikings will look for success in many new additions to the club.
In the rookie entry draft, Minnesota surprised everyone by reaching for Christian Ponder, the quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles. Possessing high football intelligence but lacking a strong arm, it is likely that the Vikings will seek to bring in a veteran to ease Ponder’s transition to the professional ranks.
The influx on new blood behind center as also led to the exodus of Brett Favre. The future Hall of Famer will not be retained by Minnesota and the old gunslinger is likely headed to his retirement. Favre was amazing his first year with the team, experience a revival that would have been inconceivable just one year prior. But last season, age caught up with the grizzly veteran and he suffered myriad injuries which ended his record setting consecutive games played streak.
In the AFC, the two strongest teams likely to battle for a spot in the Super Bowl are the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gang green will try to retain as many free agents as they can, including star receivers Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. Led by Mark Sanchez behind the center, the Jets seek to build on back to back appearance in the conference championship game.
The Steelers have faced several off the field incidents within the last calendar year. Two of their best players, Hines Ward and Ben Roethlisberger were arrested and this could be disconcerting for the black and gold. However, their talent on the field cannot be disputed, so look for the Steelers to make a return trip to the playoffs after securing another divisional crown.
There certainly is no shortage of storylines to follow this year in the National Football League. With labor peace imminent, fans can return their focus to their favorite teams, and not the courtroom legal battles.
If you are looking for the best free NFL picks, then visit www.freenflpicks1.com where you will find our high winning NFL picks selected by our team of experts.