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The days of the National Football League lockout appear to be coming to an end. With that, many fans are left to wonder how their teams will fare during the 2011 season. There is certainly no shortage of storylines to follow, so here are a few free NFL picks to watch out for in the upcoming year.

In the NFC, many eyes will be on the Minnesota Vikings. After a tumultuous and unimpressive 2010 season which saw the team suffer many critical injuries, setbacks from several key players, and the roof of their home building collapse after a snowstorm, the purple and gold will be looking to rebound.

At the National Football League rookie draft in April, the franchise took Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder twelfth overall. It was a rather shocking pick, as Ponder was not expected to be selected until perhaps the second round. But after watching three quarterbacks come off the board within the first eleven picks, Minnesota management decided to roll the dice with the untested Ponder. Although he possesses high football intelligence, Ponder’s arm strength leaves a lot to be desired, forcing many analysts to conclude that the young man will not be ready to lead this team to football glory just yet.

The importing of a rookie quarterback spelled the end for future Hall of Famer Brett Favre. The 41-year old had what can only be described as a miserable season in 2010; his touchdown to interception ratio was amongst the worst of his lauded career and in the injuries he suffered ultimately forced him to the sidelines ending his record setting consecutive games streak.

The New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers are the two teams to watch in the AFC in 2011. The two organizations met in the conference championship in 2010, and both will have strong clubs going forward in the upcoming season. The Jets will look to return most of their key free agents and are led by the young and impressive Mark Sanchez, who has experienced great success in his first two years in the league.

After making it to the big game last year, the Steelers eventually fell to the champion Green Bay Packers. The uncertainty surrounding receiver Hines Ward after his arrest is indeed very troubling, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had his run-ins with the law as well. But the talent in the Steel City cannot be denied, and thus, they are a smart pick to win their division and head back to the playoffs.

There certainly is no shortage of storylines to follow this year in the National Football League. With labor peace imminent, fans can return their focus to their favorite teams, and not the courtroom legal battles.

Get the best free NFL picks online where our team of experts provide high winning NFL picks for this years season.

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