OPINION

By Vinnie Iyer

updated 6:10 p.m. ET Aug. 17, 2008

In an era where a certain sports network programs an endless cycle of analysts and loudmouths engaging in heated debates about NFL players, teams and coaches, it's natural for fans to be consistently skeptical about their teams.

Add in the unpredictability of the league, and there is an air of constant doubt to the point that we don't necessarily believe everything we see on the field. Sometimes, this mind-set even leads us to doubt the wrong things.

Let's start with what has been the hottest topic in the offseason: The Packers without Brett Favre and with Aaron Rodgers. Many doubt Rodgers is ready to take over a very good young team.

But which other players, teams and coaches are bringing out the skeptics heading into this season? Here are 12 more examples:

Is there anyone who can beat the New England Patriots during the regular season?
A Super Bowl hangover? For this team? Are you kidding? Losing to the New York Giants only ensured that Bill Belichick wouldn't need to dig deep for motivational material this season. Tom Brady and his teammates will show resolve after being so close to perfection before fading on the game's biggest stage.

They're still riding a streak of 19 consecutive regular-season wins dating back to Dec. 17, 2006, and based on last year's records, they have the league's easiest schedule. Their '08 opponents were a combined 99-157 (.387) last season.

There are, however, some big stumbling blocks on the Pats' schedule. New England travels to play fellow AFC juggernauts San Diego and Indianapolis on Sunday night in Week 6 and 9, respectively. With the offensive firepower those teams have and the Pats having some issues filling out their secondary, it seems likely they will lose one of those games. Other possible trip-ups: At Favre's Jets in Week 2 and at raucous Seattle on Dec. 7.

Will the Dallas Cowboys win a playoff game with Tony Romo as their quarterback?
The team's postseasons in '06 and '07 had endings Romo would like to forget: a botched hold on a potential game-winning field-goal attempt and an interception on a potential game-winning drive. But Cowboys fans should remember that Romo, even at 28, is entering only his second full season as a starting quarterback. Even though Ben Roethlisberger won a Super Bowl after two years, it took Eli Manning three.

In addition, Romo's supporting cast on both sides of the ball has improved and most of Dallas' other key players are about to hit their prime. His two key veteran targets, Jason Witten and Terrell Owens, look better than ever. Romo has the Brady-like makeup to rebound, and he will get his first career playoff win, ending the Cowboys' 12-season drought. Don't be surprised if he makes it three and holds up a certain trophy at the end.

Can the San Diego Chargers win a Super Bowl with Norv Turner as their coach?
One couldn't help but be skeptical about Turner when he replaced Marty Schottenheimer last season based on his previous coaching stops. To Turner's credit, he guided the NFL's consensus most talented team to 11 wins, and in a change from Martyball, San Diego scored a big playoff victory over the Colts -- in Indy -- despite some key injuries.

Now the pressure is on to get the Chargers one step further and into the Super Bowl. If they don't get there, however, it probably won't be Turner's fault. Two things will determine if the team makes it to Tampa in February -- Philip Rivers taking the next step in his development and favorable health for their stars, starting with the knees of LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.

Can the Chicago Bears win a lot of games with just defense and special teams?
With better health up front and in the secondary, the Bears should rebound defensively with their linebackers anchoring the turnaround. And now that they've made Devin Hester happier by giving him more money and more to do offensively, their special teams will remain a huge game-changing asset.

Speaking of offense, however, it's a mess. At least there is great immediate promise for two rookies, tackle Chris Williams and running back Matt Forte. Regardless of who plays quarterback, center Olin Kreutz, his linemates and Forte need to bring an effective black-and-blue rushing attack back to Chicago. Physical play, moving opponents out of the way -- that's the Bears way. As for the ho-hum situation at quarterback, the best man for the job is the one who least gets in the way of everything else.

Will Darren McFadden be this year's Adrian Peterson?
McFadden has looked awesome so far in Oakland Raiders camp, and he has the potential to provide a big spark to their offense that could propel the team to surprise wild-card contention. Oakland proved it was an elite running team last season, and with McFadden and Justin Fargas, it has both toughness and explosiveness.

When will every team learn that super-skilled, decorated college backs who face a high level of competition in top conferences often deliver a special something? Last year, because teams couldn't get over the durability questions, Peterson was a steal for the Vikings at No. 7. The Raiders, even with a strong running game, were smart to grab McFadden. Imagine if he had slipped to No. 6 -- the Jets could have had him and Favre.

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