Smashmouth Football League Articles

AFC East

1. Miami Dolphins
2. New York Jets
3. New England Patriots
4. Buffalo Bills

Analysis: This might be a little controversial, but in a league where the passers and receivers aren't as good as NAFL vets might be used to, a strong front seven like the Miami Dolphins have is a strong bet. The New York Jets made some solid moves, but I don't think the roster is quite there yet. The New England Patriots were rather quiet -- classic Bill Bellichick -- but I think their lack of willingness to move players based on being a homer will hurt the team in the long run. Lastly, we have the Buffalo Bills. Why? Seriously, you're asking that?

AFC North

1. Cleveland Browns
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: It might be a surprise to you, but the Cleveland Browns roster is just as good as the Baltimore Ravens roster, especially on defense. I wouldn't be surprised to see Tom Collins somehow pull off a miracle and win the division. The Cincinnati Bengals don't seem to have an identity, but they should rack up enough wins to not be in the Carson Palmer sweepstakes. It does look like it will be a rough year for the Pittsburgh Steelers, however.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Houston Texans

Analysis: It's the Indianapolis Colts in 2002 -- who else is going to win this division? After we pass them by, things get interested, as I'm actually a rather big fan of this Jacksonville Jaguars roster that GM Jason Arnold has put together. The Tennessee Titans are getting more press, but I think they'll quickly regret hitting "restart" with Brees, instead of McNair. The bottom team is obvious -- the Houston Texans are an expansion franchise and no matter what their GM does, it's going to take time.

AFC West

1. Oakland Raiders
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Denver Broncos

Analysis: I know that the Oakland Raiders were shopping around quarterback Rich Gannon, but I think he's their best chance to make a run at the Super Bowl this year, and he just might do it. Both the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs are moving from one end of the spectrum to the other. San Diego sees a bright new future, with Kansas City realizing it's time to retool. Behind them all is the Denver Broncos, who are still trying to figure out what to do without John Elway -- if only they had a quarterback like Peyton Manning.

AFC Playoff Seedings

1. Oakland Raiders
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Miami Dolphins
4. Cleveland Browns
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. San Diego Chargers

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Washington Redskins
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. New York Giants

Analysis: That's right -- I'm doing it -- America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys are going to win the division, beating out the Washington Redskins! Just how are they going to do it? Mostly by playing strong defense and shutting down the opposing run game. On paper, the Philadelphia Eagles may look like the best team in the division, but I'm just not feeling it, though they will beat out the New York Giants. Neither team seems to have a cohesion to their offense that will allow them to succeed.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions

Analysis: There shouldn't be much doubt, the Green Bay Packers are very likely not only to win this division, but to run away with it. The surprise team may be the Minnesota Vikings, but their success would have to include some key injuries from the Packers. The bottom of the division is not in a friendly era for either the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Chicago will likely stay out of the cellar however, as they, at least, have some star power on defense.

NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. New Orleans Saints

Analysis: Carolina Panthers GM just pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table, and I'm pretty sure it's going to work out. It was enough to push him in front of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who prior to the preseason, had the best roster. The both should easily beat out both the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, whom both look to lose a lot of games. Atlanta, because of Vick's scrambler tendency, and New Orleans, because of their lack of identity.

NFC West

1. St. Louis Rams
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: I'm not bold enough to pick anyone but the St. Louis Rams to win this division, but I do think it will be closer than most people think. The Seattle Seahawks have been fairly quiet, but their roster is ready to make a deep run at the playoffs. Behind them, the Arizona Cardinals improved a poor roster to make it, at minimum, interesting. Lastly, we have the aging San Francisco 49ers, whom may be looking for some future studs sooner, rather than later.

NFC Playoff Seedings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. St. Louis Rams
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Dallas Cowboys
5. Washington Redskins
6. Minnesota Vikings

Playoff Predictions

AFC Championship Game: San Diego Chargers over Baltimore Ravens
NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers over Washington Redskins

Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego, CA: San Diego Chargers over Green Bay Packers