Here is my best shot:
1A - Colts: I have the Colts as my 1a team and the Pats at 1b. I made my decision based on the offseason. The Colts only got better, and the Pats got older?? That is why I have the Colts at 1A, but both teams are by far the best coached so it will be interesting to see what happens.
The Colts D will be healthy with more depth. Plus, we didn't lose anyone expect for Rob Morris?? The D shoud gel even better this year. Plus, our offense has more depth at RB and WR than last year.. Same ol' same ol' for the Colts. We have the guns to win in all, but will our depth hold up?? That is going to be the key.
1B - Patriots: The most explosive offense in the league last year. They did lose Stallworth and I think that will prove to be a little bigger than what everyone expects. Also, Moss isn't getting any younger and he tailed off last year. The defense is good, but aging faster than the bananas I have sitting in my kitchen..
2 - Jaguars: I thought about the Chargers here because they are probably the most talented team in the league on defense, but when it comes down to it, I went with coaching and QB play. I think Garrard is going to be very good QB. Especially behind that massive O-Line and running game. The recievers aren't that great, but they are improved??? Plus, this team has so much DRIVE to win the South and knock off the Colts. They will have Peterson back, and a few rookies from last year (Reggie Nelson), that are going to be VERY good.
3 - Chargers: They have the most talent on defense in the league, but the coaching isn't all that great. The defense relies to much on talent rather than coaching, but that defense is very scary.. I HATE Rivers, but he is good QB. Tomlinson isn't getting any younger and doesn't have Turner to back him up anymore. That may slow him down a little later in the season. The recievers should be improved with Chambers gettting the offseason to work with Rivers, and Jackson is.. well Jackson??? Who knows. Gates should produce as always. The O-Line is great. Scary team, but I think their coaching sells them short.
4- Steelers: The Steelers could be #1 after all is said and done. Tomlin is going to be a great coach. He will have that defense playing very well this season. Polomalu should be healthy as well. They have Mendenhall now to spell Parker and Limas Sweed will be another target for Big Ben along with Ward, Holmes, and Heath Miller. If the Steelers can protect Ben and get back to playing Steeler type defense, look out AFC?? They could steal the whole show.
5- Browns: This ALL depends on Anderson. Was he a one year fluke?? Anderson is going to be on a short leash with the fans in Cleveland. They all want Quinn so it will be interesting to see what happens AFTER Anderson has a bad game or two? If he steps up like he did last year, that offense will be very explosive with the addition to Stallworth? Braylon Edwards may be my #1 fantasy wideout next year, and Winslow is a stud when he isn't killing himself during the offseason. The defense is young, fast, and getting better. If they can put it all together, they could win that division.
It really tails off from here but here are my final 3:
6 - Texans: Yea I said it.. The TEXANS. I like their offense. Schuab is very good and they have depth at QB with Sage who played well in his absense. Andre Johnson should be back and is an elite reciever. The O-Line actually showed some promise last year. The defense is extremely young but with Williams, Okoye, and Ryans, they have A TON of talent. They have decent depth at WR, and signed Chris Brown at RB. In Kubiaks scheme, he may have a decent year?? This team is well coached and I think the make the playoffs.. There I said it!!
7 - Bills: Another interesting team. First, they play in the weakest division in football so that will help their case.. Second, they may have a bona fide pro bowler calibur QB. It's to early to tell, but Trent Edwards, after being hurt almost his ENTIRE senior year in college, steps in as a starter his rookie year and plays that well??? I don't care who you are, that is IMPRESSIVE. Marshawn Lynch is a good back and they have depth at that position. They drafted Hardy who can take some heat off of Evans. A good O-line and a defense that really came on towards the end of the year even though they had a RASH of injuries. A young team that is well coached. The only reason I have them at 7, is because they play in the Junior Varsity division on the AFC.
8 - Broncos: Another well coached team. Cutler is one of the top QB's in the AFC. They defense is experienced and they have veteran leadership in Bailey and Williams. Brandon Marshall should be healthy and if Cutler and Marshall can keep from bickering all year, they should be a really nice tandem. Stokley showed a pulse last year and Travis Henry should be healthy as well. This team just dumbfounds me though?? They have great talent, but they keep coming up short. If they can stay healthy, they will be in the playoffs because the AFC west, with the exception of the Chargers, is a joke. The Raiders have no leadership, and the Chiefs have little offense, and a patchwork defense.
Well, that is my OPINION only.. It all depends on depth??? If any of these teams can stay healthy, they are a sure thing to make the playoffs.
