2008 NFL Sleepers

Houston Texans:
The Texans will be this season’s surprise team, with plenty of potential on both sides of the ball.
Houston’s problem is its division, going 4-14 versus the AFC South in the past three seasons. The additions of Chris Brown and rookie Steve Slaton to the backfield should help keep defenses honest against one of the league’s most lethal passing attacks.

Defensive stars like DeMeco Ryans, Mario Williams, and Amobi Okoye are just coming into their own, while the supporting cast on offense—Kevin Walter, Andre Davis and Owen Daniels—got plenty of experience with Andre Johnson missing time last season.
Though the division could still be the strongest in the NFL, the Texans have the perfect situation. They’ve got tons of top-notch talent blossoming and have never had a winning season, so no one will see them coming.

Buffalo Bills:
Buffalo went 7-9 last season with a rookie starting at quarterback and running back.
Marshawn Lynch had just 18 receptions out of the backfield in 2007, but the coaching staff has promised that that number will greatly increase. If that does happen it will open up the Bills’ offense considerably. Lynch will be able to remain in the game on third down, as well as stay in on passing plays and pick up blitzes. Defenses will have to stay honest, as Trent Edwards will now have a target out of the backfield.

Rookie receiver James Hardy could be a major addition at 6-foot-5, providing the big target the team has been lacking to compliment Lee Evans. Expect Edwards to look his way plenty in the red zone. Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny played in only three games last season as a rookie, and has the potential to be one of the league’s best defenders. The addition of tackle Marcus Stroud and the return of Posluszny will greatly improve Buffalo’s twenty-first ranked defense.

Carolina Panthers:
Jake Delhomme’s absence last season put the team’s entire campaign in the toilet. As awesome as Matt Moore is, his 67.0 quarterback rating is just not awesome enough.
New offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson plans to establish an even stronger rushing attack than last season, when the Panthers were 3rd in the league. Rookie Jonathan Stewart was arguably the best overall running back in the draft, and will team up with the explosive DeAngelo Williams, who’s primed for a breakout season.

Muhsin Muhammad returns from Chicago and their completely inept passing game, and is an underrated compliment to Steve Smith. Delhomme and Smith clearly have a special relationship. Smith saw a huge spike in his numbers when Delhomme arrived in 2003, and should see another rise this season following Delhomme’s 2007 absence due to injury.

The departure of Dan Morgan from the middle of the defense should prove to be a blessing in disguise, as his replacement, Jon Beason, is younger and more durable. Expect Beason to make himself known around the league in 2008.