Summary

The 2010 World Champion Market Thugs followed up a disastrous 2011 with a marginally better 2012. The Thugs started off the season landing Andrew Luck and he was as advertised. Luck finished 13th in the YFFL in scoring and he will look to build on his strong rookie year. The Thugs also scored some waiver wire gems in Cecil Shorts and Danario Alexander. Shorts has the look of a several year starter for the Thugs while Alexander will have to be enjoyed while he lasts due to his long list of injuries. The Thugs' best move of the season might have been flipping Christian Ponder for what turned out to be the #6 pick in the draft.

Did Steve just make a "Nelly" reference?

Critical Question

Will Andrew Luck take his game to the next level without Bruce Arians calling the plays? Luck thrived in the vertical attacking offensive style favored by now Arizona coach Arians, but with Pep Hamilton taking over as O.C., a more balanced approach might prevent Luck from putting up the gaudy numbers of 2012. Luck will have to be very efficient with the pass attempts he does get if he wants to top 4,000 yards passing again. However, Luck is surrounded by young players in Indy and they have a chance to grow together and become a very prolific offense.

Player to Watch

Jared Cook, TE STL; Cook has moved on from Tennessee where he was always underutilized and onto what he hopes is the greener field turf of St. Louis. Cook has basically been playing the Amendola role in STL so far in practices and per reports has been lighting it up. With Nelly dropping rhymes in the background, Cook is poised to be one of the biggest breakout stars in the NFL this year.

Lineup

Andrew Luck, Ahmad Bradshaw, Dwayne Bowe, Cecil Shorts, Danario Alexander, Jason Witten, Kicker, Jared Cook

Outlook

The AFC West looks wide open at the moment; the Buddies lack the depth to run away with the division and the Merry Men and Eaters are run-of-the-mill teams. With that being the case, the Thugs, with the help of two top 6 draft picks, should be in the mix for the division all season long.

Projections

7-6; 556 Points; 2nd Place AFC West