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Pro Football 97 Team reports On the cover Features

By the Numbers
Projected Lineup
Player to Watch
Outlook
Vikings

NFC East
NFC Central
1. Packers
2. Buccaneers
3. Vikings
4. Lions
5. Bears

NFC Weset
AFC East
AFC Central
AFC West

CNN/SI
Pro Football
Fantasy Football
Football Message
Boards

Player To Watch

In his first three years David Palmer had 24 receptions and 10 carries. The 5'8" speedster earned his keep as a punt returner, leading the NFL in 1995 with a 13.2-yard average. This year, with the loss of Amp Lee to free agency, Palmer will be the third-down back. "He has to have the ball in his hands more," says offensive coordinator Brian Billick. "We foresee 15 to 20 snaps per game." Palmer—who played wideout, running back and some option quarterback at Alabama—is thrilled. "They say I could get 60 to 70 catches," he says. "I'm going to love that."