AFC East1.
New England Patriots
2.
New York Jets
3.
Buffalo Bills
4.
Miami Dolphins
Analysis: The AFC East was by far the most competitive division in 2003, but I think it's going to be a one-horse race in 2004. The
New England Patriots have maintained the status quo, just as they should have, and should once again win the division and be one of the most competitive teams in the AFC. Behind them are the
New York Jets, but mostly out of default and my trust in GM Kevin Mullendore to throw a good gameplan out on the field. They've downgraded Chad Pennington to Billy Volek (or rookie BJ Symons), but I don't think it means they'll be horrible -- the just won't be as good as the past two years. Third, you may think it a surprise, but I think the
Buffalo Bills are better than we saw last year. Rex Grossman was having a decent season before an untimely injury and with him on the field, I sense some improvement in Buffalo. Lastly, we have the
Miami Dolphins, whom I respect a lot. Sadly, I think they overperformed last season and we saw it near the last quarter of the year. I don't think their offseason helped push them forward all that much, so I'm expecting a down year for the fins.
AFC North1.
Cincinnati Bengals
2.
Pittsburgh Steelers
3.
Baltimore Ravens
4.
Cleveland Browns
Analysis: I've been low on the
Cincinnati Bengals the past couple of seasons, and last year Brady Tinnin and his team proved me wrong -- at least until they had a devastating injury. The good news for them is that the injury allowed them to get a better draft position and gives them an easier schedule this year -- I like them to surprise a few and take the division. Behind them, the
Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has a great defense and hopefully can force a few turnovers in order to help a slightly anemic offense. It seems a bit insulting to put the defending champions third in their division, but I'm a tad worried about them this year. I feel like the
Baltimore Ravens over-performed last year (though they do deserve credit for winning the title). My gut tells me it's a down year, but I could easily be wrong. Another team I could be wrong about is the
Cleveland Browns. They acquired Drew Brees, but I don't think Brees is the big-time quarterback he needs to be yet. Cleveland may get 6 wins, but it won't be a pretty season.
AFC South1.
Indianapolis Colts
2.
Houston Texans
3.
Tennessee Titans
4.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Analysis: We all know the
Indianapolis Colts will win this division, unless Peyton has a season ending injury before week 5. After Indianapolis, it gets interesting though and I think the
Houston Texans once again take second in the division, but earn it more this year. They've built a solid roster and may push for a .500 record or even the playoffs, if they get lucky. The
Tennessee Titans ought to improve, although the remnants of their season spent tanking remain. Philip Rivers is a bright sign for the future, but the tank may not turn out to be worth it. Last, we have the
Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a bright future, but will likely still experience growing pains in 2004.
AFC West1.
Oakland Raiders
2.
San Diego Chargers
3.
Denver Broncos
4.
Kansas City Chiefs
Analysis: This is a really hard division for me to predict and I'm going with the
Oakland Raiders to win the division because of some of the offseason moves they made. I think bringing in Chad Johnson will be huge in helping Aaron Brooks have a good season and I trust Garth to find something that works. Another team that merits considering is the
San Diego Chargers. Despite losing the LT trade (by league consensus), the trade to bring in Chad Pennington will have them fighting for the playoffs this season. I do think the
Denver Broncos will be semi-competitive this year, but I don't think they've improved their team this offseason. Riddell will obviously disagree with me, but I'll remind him I picked him to win the division last year and he didn't, so don't cry foul. Last, we have the
Kansas City Chiefs. Why? Because fuck them and Patrick Mahomes IRL. (Love you Timmay)
AFC Playoff Seedings1.
Cincinnati Bengals
2.
Indianapolis Colts
3.
New England Patriots
4.
Oakland Raiders
5.
San Diego Chargers
6.
Denver Broncos
