Defense should improve with veteran Kelly and greater depth. WRs a question mark and TE Rob Gronkowski probably will miss start of season following back surgery. Last year's highest scoring team in NFL still solid at RB with Stevan Ridley, .Why the plunge?: It far easier to account for what has gone wrong than what has gone right. Start with the early loss of the team best defender (cornerback Darrelle Revis) and offensive skillposition player (Santonio Holmes) to seasonending injuries. Add a dysfunctional offense under new coordinator Tony Sparano.

The 49ers' defense has swagger and considers itself the best in the league. But for now, it takes a backseat to Seattle's, which was absolutely punishing. While the 49ers struggled to get any yards, the Seahawks were able to grind out a running game, turning to whenever the 49ers were in nickel coverage..The Bears have big holes on the offensive line and at tight end, but the No. 1 task is connecting with Cutler. As gifted as h