AFC preview and predictions

by Steve

OMFG the Patriots got Randy Moss, for only a 4th round pick, they signed the best free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas, he's ONLY 30! Give them the trophy now! In reality however, the NFL is about as predictable as the lottery. It seems like every team has at least some flaw, even if that only glaring flaw is too much of a sure thing. What will happen:

AFC EAST

New England Patriots (11-5)
As much as I hate the Patriots and their coach/QB/fans/etc. They are better than anyone else in the AFC East and should win yet another division title. But, their linebackers are older than dust, Colvin is 30, Thomas is 30, Bruschi 34, Vrabel 32, but at least they have Seau 2nd on the depth chart at a young 38. Can Maroney shoulder the load and stay healthy?

Buffalo Bills (8-8)
I'm an optimist, so I feel the Bills will improve on their 2006 record of 7 wins, but aren't ready for the jump to the wild card. I like the defense without Spikes and Fletcher, they never achieved anything with the Bills and led them no where. The defense has consistently folded in big games or situations dating back to at least 2004 week 1 and certainly before. Time for Losman to silence the haters, Lynch at 12, is he the answer?

New York Jets (7-9)
Every year I seem to doubt the Jets, mostly because they are the Jets, but probably because of Chadwick Pennington. I don't understand how this guy wins games, gets his team to the post season, and actually performs admirably. Again, I feel the Jets won't be as good in 2007, Mangini is due for a sophomore slump. Rumors of the offensive line regressing, can Thomas Jones be a featured back, who are their wide receivers, how glad are they to see McGahee leave the division etc.

Miami Dolphins (5-11)
With a relatively easy first 6 weeks of the season, the Dolphins could surprise with their record early, but will almost definitely falter late. The quarterback is old as dirt, the defense is aging and will probably tire as the season progresses, and they have a new coach new system yet kept Mike Mularkey. That is a sure 2-3 extra loses with half back options at the goal line. Ted Ginn needs to prove he isn't a bust and that will be tough with Trent Green's noodle arm.

North

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)
Everyone is reminded that ACL tears take 2 years to recover from, so look for Carson Palmer to get after it this season. The offense will be there, its the defense the Bengals should be worried about. Also a tough division could keep the North race alive threw December, but the youth of this team should out last the decrepit old age of the black birds.

Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
They lose the tie breaker because they have an overrated running back and a quarterback who may show his age sooner than people think this season. Some how the Ravens won 13 games last season, I doubt that occurs again. Their whole defense is scary, but Ray Ray the murder is getting old and they lost A Thomas, so they aren't a 100% lock more like 90%. McGahee is not a game changing back, he'll have a better '07 than '06, but he won't be making any run at the all time rushing record to be sure.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)
They keep their streak of .500+ seasons alive but barely. Who really knows if Mike Tomlin is a good coach and the heir to Cowher's thrown. A new system and coaches could stunt Roethlisberger's growth. He will need to rebound from a strange 2006 which was filled with surgeries and injuries. I don't seem them as a very scary team, although it is tough to beat them in their own barn which should help them reach eight victories.

Cleveland Browns (6-10)
They have a lame duck coach, stuck between two eras, the Brady Quinn (Notre Dame curse?) Era and the BQ Era (Before Quinn). For Crennel to keep his job, the team needs to do what exactly, perform miracles? They dropped huge cash in a guard that hasn't played yet, and Jamal Lewis is their running back. Oh yea and Charlie Frye is under center, for now.

South

Indianapolis Colts (11-5)
They won the SuperBowl and still have Peyton Manning as their quarterback. The defense has lost some people so it should be interesting to see who fills in and takes over on the defensive side of the ball. Can Joseph Addai be a featured back with the absence of Dominic Rhodes? SB slump?

Tennessee Titans (8-8)
I am probably underrating this team because of my disdain for Vince Young. Then again maybe not. They lost Travis Henry, their wide receivers are mediocre, and the defense isn't especially stout. VY needs another year to work on becoming an actually quarterback, but that will take time with Bo Scaife as your go to threat on offense. Madden curse?

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-8)
Another lame duck coach in Jack Del Rio, he needs to make the playoffs, and it doesn't appear to be in the stars this season. The next great quarterback and franchise savior only 2 years ago, Byron Leftwich is out, and I guess David Garrard is in. The guy is a pocket passer with equal to or less skill than Leftwich and isn't a top tier QB. The running game should still be strong, and the defense is upper half but slipping.

Houston Texans (5-11)
Is Matt Schaub real or a mirage? We'll find out if he really is that much better than say David Carr this season. He has only played in mop up duty in Atlanta, but at 6'5 237 he has the size, we'll see if its between the ears on a Texans team still looking for sun light. Ahman Green is the starting running back with Ron Dayne backing him up, ouch.

West

San Diego Chargers (12-4)
Shaun Merriman is a cheater, he took steroids. He has a stupid dance he does after tackles too. Kinda douchie isn't it? If Tomlinson stays healthy and Rivers doesn't regress (both possibilities) this team should be fine, at least for this season. Before anointing this team anything, he have to remember Norv Turner is their head coach. Then again, can he be any worse in big games than Marty Ball?

Denver Broncos (9-7)
This team could start off slow. Week 1 going into the Ralph will be a very good litmus test for the development of Jay Cutler. If he goes down like a sack of dirt, the defense isn't good enough this season to bail him out. The team was 7-5 last season and seemingly on their way to the playoffs before Cutler jumped in and ran the ship aground. Shanny is going to need to coach 'em up this season for them to make the playoffs and hopefully Champ Bailey isn't slowly losing a step.

Kansas City Chiefs (5-11)
Larry Johnson set the record for most carries in a season in 2006. In my eyes, thats not a good stat to have. In a day and age where injures seem more calm, players are making huge jack and complain they aren't making enough jack, and players are coddled and cautiously used, 2006 for the Chiefs was the opposite. They let him pound the rock every chance they could. It may haunt them this season, well that and the quarterback play of Huard and Croyle. Lets just hope Casey Printers doesn't seen any action.

Oakland Raiders (3-13)
Back to back #1 1st round picks seems unlikely but this team is just plain lost. The owner is more senile than Ralph Wilson, Jamarcus Russell is unsigned and the season starts in 3 days, and their coach has no experience. They could surprise, but it would probably be less surprising if they folded the team half way through the season.

Division Winners
Patriots
Bengals
Colts
Chargers

WC
Ravens
Broncos ( I didn't wanna be a homer and pick the Bills)

AFC Championship game
Bengals v. Chargers
Bengals

SuperBowl
Bengals v. Eagles
Eagles