David J. Phillip | Associated Press The Texans may not make the playoffs, but new quarterback Matt Schaub should help them finish with their first winning season.

The 2007 NFL season kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 6, when the defending champion Indianapolis Colts take on the resurgent New Orleans Saints. Then, the season gets in full swing on Sunday, Sept. 9, when 26 teams — including Houston and Dallas — begin their quest for the playoffs. And with a new football season comes new story lines. For instance, who will be this year's New Orleans, a team that came out of nowhere last season to reach the playoffs? Who will fall off this season? Which player is poised for an MVP-caliber year? 210SA has the answers to these, and other questions, as the NFL season gets set for kickoff.

Who is this year's New Orleans?
San Francisco. Solid young coach (Mike Nolan). Check. Improving young quarterback (Alex Smith). Check. Franchise running back (Frank Gore). Check. Sorry division (NFC West). Check. All the pieces are in place for the 49ers to make a push for the playoffs.

Who is in for a disappointing season?
Chicago. Sure, da Bears will probably win the NFC North, but considering that division houses Minnesota and Detroit, that isn't saying much. The Bears might even finish with one of the best records in the league. But as long as Rex Grossman is their quarterback, they aren't winning any Super Bowl titles.

Who is the early frontrunner for NFL MVP?
Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis. He just edges out San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson, mostly because Manning is guaranteed to touch the ball on every play.

Which player could be in for a long season?
ince Young, QB, Tennessee. Let's take a look back at what Young lost in the offseason. The Titans' best running back, Travis Henry, is now in Denver. Their best receiver, Drew Bennett, is now in St. Louis. Their best defensive back, Adam “Pac-Man” Jones, is spending his season-long suspension in professional wrestling. And on top of that, Young — as the cover boy for “Madden 2008” — is next in line for the dreaded “Madden curse.”

How are things looking for the Texas twosome?
Better, for both the Cowboys and Texans. Tony Romo seems legit, as does the Cowboys' defense. New Texans QB Matt Schaub seems like the real deal. With stability at the quarterback position, coupled with another year under coach Gary Kubiak, the Texans could finish .500 for the first time in franchise history.

Which two teams will meet in Super Bowl XLII, and which will prevail?
New England and New Orleans, with the Patriots getting the nod. Think about it. The Patriots almost reached the Super Bowl last season with an injury-depleted roster and few, if any, quality receivers. This season, they added superstar wideout Randy Moss. As for the Saints, QB Drew Brees is a bona fide star; so expect New Orleans to prey on a weak NFC.
 

CLINT HALE | 210SA