AFC East
1.
Miami Dolphins
2.
New England Patriots
3.
Buffalo Bills
4.
New York Jets
Analysis: Super Bowl hangover won't be the case for the
Miami Dolphins as they are primed to run it back with the talent they've maintained on their roster. You also have to feel this may be the
New England Patriots' last chance with Tom Brady set to retire after this season. The last two teams come with a caveat -- I like the
Buffalo Bills to improve by a few games this year and end in third, but that's only if the
New York Jets trot out Matt Barkley. If they don't, they will definitely be better than last place.
AFC North
1.
Baltimore Ravens
2.
Cleveland Browns
3.
Cincinnati Bengals
4.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Analysis: The
Baltimore Ravens have found their groove again and I expect them to repeat as division champions. Both the
Cleveland Browns and
Cincinnati Bengals are coming off playoff appearances and while I think both teams are good, I think Cleveland is noticeably better on paper. The Bengals just have more question marks. Last place is going to be the
Pittsburgh Steelers, but I expect them to win enough games to keep their GM on for another season.
AFC South
1.
Indianapolis Colts
2.
Jacksonville Jaguars
3.
Tennessee Titans
4.
Houston Texans
Analysis: GM Darryl Breckheimer almost left town, but he feels as if he has unfinished business with the
Indianapolis Colts. You have to think the
Jacksonville Jaguars feel the same way, especially after their monumental collapse last season. The last two teams are still improving -- the
Tennessee Titans aren't quite there yet, while the
Houston Texans are definitely in this for the long haul. Tennessee could surprise this season, but I think they're still a year off.
AFC West
1.
Kansas City Chiefs
2.
Denver Broncos
3.
Oakland Raiders
4.
San Diego Chargers
Analysis: I know there is a lot of talk about the moves I made with the
San Diego Chargers this offseason, but I think the defense is still very suspect, which was my downfall in Dallas. In fact, I think the best team in the division is the
Kansas City Chiefs who will benefit from the change in GM with a new strategy. Second place should be the
Denver Broncos as they finally get the ball rolling with Chandler Harnish. I feel like the
Oakland Raiders are still in between success and rebuilding so will need a year to recuperate.
AFC Playoff Seedings
1.
Indianapolis Colts
2.
Baltimore Ravens
3.
Kansas City Chiefs
4.
Miami Dolphins
5.
Denver Broncos
6.
Jacksonville Jaguars
