AFC Division Predictions

As a celebration of another meaningless preseason, I would like to offer my thoughts on who will win the divisions in the AFC. My picks for the NFC will be done during the day tomorrow. While I'm confident in these, I fully understand there is a high chance of me being wrong. After all, the NFL is insane and this year could be one of the craziest. 

AFC North

This division is basically a two horse race between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati and Cleveland are both rebuilding and cannot match either one of these teams. The Ravens and Steelers will continue to battle it out for the title this year, and it'll be as bloody as ever. Baltimore has looked to become younger and quicker, cutting veterans like Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, and Kelly Gregg. But I am truly concerned with their lack of depth at wide receiver and their lack of a legitimate right tackler. And with Big Ben still leading Pittsburgh, I always like their chances. 

AFC South

For now, this is still the Colts' division. Peyton Manning may be coming off of neck surgery, and Bob Sanders is gone from the defense, but this is still a team with much of its core left. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will continue to be the main targets, with Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie playing the supporting roles. Their pass rush duo of Freeney and Mathis is still among the best in the league, and the bottom line is that either the Jaguars or Texans must step up and actually overtake the Colts for once. I think the Jags have a better chance, as they have always given Indy trouble and have improved their defense with Dawan Landry, Matt Roth, and Paul Posluszny. I'll believe the Texans as a sleeper when they actually step up and prove it. But until either of these teams proves me wrong, I must go with the Colts. 

AFC West

There is a common trend in the NFL of teams who have breakthrough years struggling in the following season. I'm not convinced that Kansas City Chiefs can stop that. This is a young team full of young talent who have a year of success under their belt. But can they win with expectations? I'm going to go with a team that seems to underwhelm expectations every year: the San Diego Chargers. Philip Rivers is one of the best quarterbacks in this league, and his offense is still dangerous with Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, and Malcolm Floyd. I also like the addition of former Colts safety Bob Sanders, who if healthy, can heavily bolster San Diego's defense by pairing with rising safety Eric Weddle. With some possibly sleeping on them due to added attention in Kansas City, I think the Chargers could have some major success.

AFC East

This may be the toughest one to call. It will be a showdown between the New York Jets and New England Patriots. The Jets are coming off of another AFC title game appearance, while the Patriots are fuming after losing to New York in the playoffs. The Jets made a few moves, bringing in Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason, who should be able to complement Santonio Holmes nicely. But I'm no fully convinced they made the right move by brining in Burress and letting go of Braylon Edwards, a younger and healthier deep threat compared to Plaxico. And after losing out on Asomugha, their defense looks pretty much the same as last year: but that means they should be just as good. 

But I love the Patriots offseason moves. I think Ochocinco will fit beautifully as a deep threat in New England, and will bring back his proficient stats. The real steal though will be Albert Haynesworth. Any opposing offense should be terrified of seeing him and Vince Wilfork paired together in the middle. I cannot really think of any trio of guards and center who can handle that much skill and beef. Their run defense will be quite scary, so the only aspect that must improve is their pass rush, which the signing of Shaun Ellis will help. This new defensive line will prove to be the difference, as well as the continued brilliance of reigning MVP, Tom Brady. The Pats will take the division by a smidgeon.