AFC North:
Pittsburgh are the defending champs so it seems that they should have their own division under wraps but they'll be facing the fierce Ravens as they emerge. The key I'm looking for here is Joe Flacco. If he has a monter season, it's the Ravens' to lose. Both match well in every category so if the sophomore QB can emerge as a star, he'll put them over the top and their success could go a little further than simply win the deivision. As for the Bengals, they should improve with the return of Carson Palmer and the emergence of Chris Henry and Cedric Benson. Finally, expect nothing more than a rebuildong season for the Browns.
Standings: Ravens (12-4), Steelers (11-5), Bengals (5-11), Browns (2-14)
AFC South:
The Colts have a new coach and their running still poses more than a few questions but they should still take back the division. But Houston is everybody's team to watch and I'll make no exception but this isn't completely their year. The Titans come back with one massive piece missing, literally, Albert Haynesworth which will affect their success. They'll slump but will be close competition for Indiannapolis and Houston. As for the Jaguars, they'll improve but don't expect them to return to their 07/08 form.
Standings: Colts (12-4), Texans (10-6), Titans (9-7), Jaguars (7-9)
AFC East:
The return of Tom Brady means the Patriots are back. They won't be perfect but all the other teams in their division have a lot of questions to answer before they can compete. Next comes the Jets, if Sanchez can avoid committing big mistakes their improved defense, coached by a defensive genius should get the job done. But let's not forget Sanchez is still a rookie. The Dolphins are being called one-year wonders but they won't go away this easily. That being said, they'll struggle with their tough schedule. I'm not sold out on the Bills because they brought in TO, Trent Edwards still needs to improve and Lynch has to return to his rookie season form in order for the Bills to have a strong season.
Standings: Patriots (13-3), Bills (9-7), Jets (7-9), Dolphins (6-10)
AFC West:
This division is the Chargers' to lose. They have a good defense, good QB and a future HOF, Ladanian Tomlinson, who I think has a lot left in the tank if he can avoid injury. The Broncos aren't out yet but a bad defense, questions about your starting QB and running backand a disgruntled star WR make for a very hard season. The Chiefs are back in my mind not playoffs back but they're on their way. Matt Cassel won't have the same quality of receivers but he shows signs of greatness and should do well. Larry Johnson should also have a stellar season. At last the Raiders, well, nothing more need be said...
Standings: Chargers (11-5), Chiefs (8-8), Broncos (7-9), Raiders (3-13)
So what do you think will happen in AFC?
Stay tuned for the NFC predictions.
Jessica Gomes
Alison Preston
College Football Top 25 Review
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Comments (6) Add A Comment
I don't see the Ravens winning their division. They are good, but they don't strike me as that good. Pitt or Cincy will win it. I do think that the Colts will win the south. Agree with New England. But Miami with their defense will be better than people think. I think they'll be no.2 in the east. Don't discount the Raiders. They maybe the surprise of the NFL this year. I believe that if Tom Cable remains the head coach they will be in good position. The Chargers are good. They are on the edge though. They had better do something soon.
Perfectpats
Total Comments (11602)
Have you not seen what the dolphins can do on both sides of the ball. We will dominate our games with our defense and beat the Patriots out in the division by splitting the games and having 1 more win then them. The Ravens might take the division but don't expect the steelers just to hand it over Big Ben is going to do his thing if they don;t take the division they'll beat the ravens in the playoffs without a doubt. The colts will win the division but tennesee will be on their heels. It won't be an easy division and I feel the Titans running game will give them the edge even without ablert haynesworth. This is the way it'll work out:
dolphin585
Total Comments (6)
Ravens 12-4 Steelers 12-4 Browns 5-11 Bengals 4-12
Colts 13-3 Titans 12-4 Texans 9-7 Jaguars 5-11
Dolphins 11-5 Patriots 11-5 Bills 9-7 Jests 8-8
Chargers 12-4 Chiefs 9-7 Broncos 6-10 Raiders 5-11
dolphin585
Total Comments (6)
i dont see the patriots failing to win the divison with an easier schedule, a much better qb throwing to much better receivers than miami. defense is about even but i think tom brady is going to be back this season.
the other thing is that youve got the browns being better than the bengals which is hard to believe also notice your predictions are almost exactly identical to last year's which doesn't happen in the nfl
pharoh123
Total Comments (16)
I agree with most of the predictions, but I feel like the Titans will take 2nd in the South and the Steelers will come out on top by wearing out the Ravens in intradivision games , with the Bengals getting last in the north. Also, the timer has gone off for another Bills meltdown, and they will not place higher than 3rd in their division. 2nd in the east is a coin toss between the Dolphins and Jets.
nfladdict
Carmel , IN
Total Comments (1)
Some of that is he/she being a fan. The Dolphins' defense is going to be good as long as the two outside pass rushers hold up. It has not been mentioned that Joey Porter and Jason Taylor have been around and are not in their 20s anymore. But I expect the Dolphins to give New England fits. The Bengals' speed at wide receiver is the best in their division though I'm not sure they can win it.
Perfectpats
Total Comments (11602)
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