AFC Divisional Winners
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have best Defense, RB and TE in the division this alone should give them the edge in the division. If Shawn Merriman doesn't play well or doesn't get through the season, the door then opens a little for the Broncos.
AFC East: New England Patriots
The Pats win this one going away. They won't be as good as last season on both sides of the ball. I believe it's very possible they don't get out of the first round of the playoffs. Tom Brady and Randy Moss don't come close to equaling the stats of a year ago.
AFC North: Cleveland Browns
If the Browns Defense improves they could easily be one the top team going into the playoffs. They have an explosive O with Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis and Braylon Edwards. Barring any serious injury to their stars on O I don't see the other teams in the division keeping up with their track meet.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
I think Peyton Manning has really been underestimated and undervalued in all the talk so far in the preseason even with the ailing knee. He may not lead the league in QB stats or even match the Pats in wins this season but I see Manning having a big year.
AFC Wildcards: Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos
AFC Champion: Indianapolis Colts
NFC Divisional Winners
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
If the Cardinals get good starts out of both Kurt Warner and Matt Leinhart the Cardinals should have best O in the division. Their weakness is on D but with improvement I think they can win it since it's such a weak division.
NFC East: NY Giants
I think with the confidence of a well earned Super Bowl win behind him Eli Manning plays even to higher level than last year and pull's the Giants through this tough division. The shock in the division will be the complete collapse of the Cowboys who won't even earn a playoff spot.
NFC North: Detroit Lions
The Lions must improve and D if they do I see them finally making the playoffs. This is the toughest division in either conference to choose a winner, any team could take it. I based my choice solely on their ability to score on O and they should be better than any other team in the division at it.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
I picked them last year to win the NFC and they ended up melting down early in the season on D. That and season ending injury to Deuce McAllister and often injured Marques Colston in combination with the underachievement of Reggie Bush and Drew Brees early killed them. I don't see that happening this season; they play in a weak division and should win the division then shock the football world by beating the Giants in the NFC Championship Game.
NFC Wildcards: Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams
NFC Champion: New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl Champion: Indianapolis Colts
Do you agree? I look forward to you comments.
My prediction for the Raiders Game is:
Broncos 27
Raiders 24
Notes:
Good news that Brandon Marshall's suspension was reduced to 1 game.