Smashmouth Football League Articles

AFC East

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

Analysis: The AFC East has been one of the most competitive divisions as of late, but I think that ends this year. The New York Jets are specifically primed to win this division, as Kevin finally has the roster he needs to win. I do think the New England Patriots will be good again this season, especially with Tom Brady returning from injury. The major changes are with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills; neither have a quarterback to lead them to the playoffs, but I think Miami finishes ahead of Buffalo due to the volume of talent their roster has.

AFC North

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

Analysis: They say "Defense Wins Championships", but in this case it's the Cincinnati Bengals defense that will win their division. This probably isn't the smartest pick, but GM Brady Tinnin has built a solid defense that should be able to shut down all his division rivals. Second place might surprise you all, but I suspect the Pittsburgh Steelers have something up their sleeves in order to acquire a solid QB. If they do so, I think they're good enough for second place in the division. In third place is the Baltimore Ravens, but we have to wonder if they'll get six wins. I think they do, but barely. Last, we have the Cleveland Browns. Why? Mostly, because I want to watch Tom obsess over the placement for the coming season. He will lose week one, though, for sure.

AFC South

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

Analysis: The Houston Texans were the story of the 2007 SFL season and I expect their success to continue into 2008. They've got a solid roster that needs to win now and I expect them to. I also expect the Jacksonville Jaguars to ride to coattails of Jon Kitna, but it won't be enough to win the division, although 10 wins isn't out of the question. The Indianapolis Colts have the best player in the division, but I'm starting to believe the narrative that he does more damage than good. Indianapolis may finally consider trading Peyton (to Pittsburgh?). Last, we have the Tennessee Titans. I think Tennessee is a good team, but this is a tough division. Quite possible they finish 8-8, but I think they'll need time to adjust to Eli.

AFC West

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

Analysis: The Oakland Raiders re-take the division this year. Last year was a fluke and I wouldn't be surprised if they got 12 or 13 wins (I'm not picking them to, but wouldn't be surprised). I do think the San Diego Chargers will be good, but only if they play Steve McNair at QB -- Brady Quinn throwing to raw receivers won't work and he'll miss last year's veterans. The Kansas City Chiefs will also start to improve, but they still need to build an identity behind their new GM. Last, I want to pick the Denver Broncos to do better, but I have zero faith in Ben Roethlisberger.

AFC Playoff Seedings

1. Cincinnati Bengals
2. Houston Texans
3. New York Jets
4. Oakland Raiders
5. New England Patriots
6. Jacksonville Jaguars