AFC East1.
Miami Dolphins
2.
New York Jets
3.
New England Patriots
4.
Buffalo Bills
Analysis: I did the
Miami Dolphins dirty last season and they ended up running all the way to the Super Bowl. I'm not doing that again -- especially because they've improved on that Super Bowl squad. They're a tough team that should finally grab the division title. I would also keep an eye on the
New York Jets. It appears the BJ Symons era didn't last long and Jake Plummer gives them a solid chance at the playoffs this year, especially with the raw talent surrounding him on the roster. I do feel bad putting the
New England Patriots third, but they have been on the side of some regular season luck the past couple seasons. I have a couple concerns about their defensive depth and versatility of their receiving corps. If they shore both of those up, there is no way they finish third. Lastly, the
Buffalo Bills made the big move swapping Rex Grossman for Steve McNair. The issue I see is that they don't have enough tools around him to push for the playoffs. They could see six wins, and save their GM's job, but I don't think they're competing in this division, yet.
AFC North1.
Cincinnati Bengals
2.
Pittsburgh Steelers
3.
Baltimore Ravens
4.
Cleveland Browns
Analysis: No changes to my pecking order from last year. I think the
Cincinnati Bengals proved they have the most complete roster and Jon Kitna will help bring an ever-improving team to the playoffs. It might be a bit surprising to put the
Pittsburgh Steelers second, but they've put together a good roster with some big free agency signings. Those signings will neuter their team long-term, but we won't see the effects of those contracts this year. Last season, the
Baltimore Ravens crashed down to reality. The big difference was Jeff Blake and his on-field efficiency. That's the problem that Ravens' GM Norbert Huszti needs to figure out if he doesn't want to miss out on the playoffs for a second straight year. The
Cleveland Browns have a similar issue -- they have a talented team, but their signal caller just isn't getting it done. Their job may be to make the running game more efficient and just let Brees be a game manager.
AFC South1.
Indianapolis Colts
2.
Houston Texans
3.
Jacksonville Jaguars
4.
Tennessee Titans
Analysis: No surprise, but the
Indianapolis Colts win this division, especially after such a great draft. I think they've solidified themselves as a shoe-in for a playoff spot. I wouldn't discount the
Houston Texans either, everyone's biggest surprise from 2004. GM Wade Pearce has built a solid squad, and it should be enough to post another winning season. I do think the
Jacksonville Jaguars have enough momentum to save their GM's contract. In fact, I think they do more and make a push for the playoffs. Lastly, the
Tennessee Titans made some BIG moves this offseason, but I think their team will still see the effects of tanking two years back and it ends up costing GM Gary Cohen his job.
AFC West1.
Oakland Raiders
2.
Kansas City Chiefs
3.
San Diego Chargers
4.
Denver Broncos
Analysis: With the acquisition of Jeff Garcia, the
Oakland Raiders made it very apparent that they intend to go all in this year to win the Super Bowl. Garcia will likely retire after this year and will only continue to regress. It's now or never. The
Kansas City Chiefs should retire to some success this season, especially since the issue, Michael Vick and his scrambling, is out of town. Leftwich is the future and the future looks bright in KC. The
San Diego Chargers also have a decent team, but I've got some serious concerns about their offensive line. I figure they're a .500 team at best. At the bottom we have the
Denver Broncos, whom I feel have sealed the fate of their GM. I expect this to be a rather depressing year in Denver which will lead to new leadership.
AFC Playoff Seedings1.
Oakland Raiders
2.
Cincinnati Bengals
3.
Miami Dolphins
4.
Indianapolis Colts
5.
Houston Texans
6.
Jacksonville Jaguars
