As the NFL has become more of a passing league in recent years, defensive backs have become extremely important, and the 2011 draft class has a number of elite prospects.

Now we know why Bill Belichick went for it on fourth-and-2 against Indy last month. He knows the defense he's working with, and now so does everyone else after Monday night.

It doesn't appear there were any real winners in the Michael Crabtree signing. Instead, the lengthy ordeal revealed that when it comes to the sanctity of the drafting process, the CBA works.

JaMarcus Russell and Eli Manning are both former No. 1 picks, but they have enjoyed significantly different levels of success. Their first confrontation is one of Week 5's matchups to watch.

The Patriots won 11 games last season but missed the playoffs. Now with a healthy Tom Brady back at quarterback, they appear ready to make another Super Bowl run.

If the Saints are to become the NFC South's latest worst-to-first sensation next season, new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' revamped unit needs to lead the way.

When considering all that has taken place this offseason, it is what transpired in Super Bowl XLIII that ultimately decided which team sits atop these rankings.

Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree wasn't able to show off his speed at his pro day, but that might not scare off NFL teams from considering the wide receiver with one of the top picks.

The trade of Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel to the Chiefs was only part of the Patriots' master plan. The next phase of the team's busy offseason appears to be the acquisition of defensive end Julius Peppers from the Panthers.

Fantasy injury report: Week 15

Fantasy injury report: Week 14