1) Patriots (13-3)
Unfortunately, the Pats show no signs of slowing down. With Tom Brady and Bill Bellicheat at the helm, they will always be considered the top team in the AFC. There's not much else that can be said about Tom Brady, and he will go down as one of the best guys ever to play the quarterback position. The addition of Brandon Lloyd to a team of receiver that includes Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez is almost unfair. Stevan Ridley isn't a starting RB on most teams, but the running game won't be asked to do too much. Using two first round picks on defense, Chandler Jones (brother of UFC fighter Jon Jones) and Dont'a Hightower, should help shore up their biggest weakness in 2011. Cornerback Devin McCourty, the Rutgers grad, needs to bounce back from a bad sophomore season.
2) Bills (9-7)
A lot of people forget that the Bills were off to a hot start last season, even defeating the Patriots in Week 3. The wheels starting off the wagon, and a multitude of injuries started a 7-game skid that all but ended there season. The addition of Mario Williams should help a defense that was 30th in points allowed last season and 28th in rushing yards allowed. After a Cinderella first half Ryan Fitzpatrick was not very good in the final 8 games. Depending on which Fitzpatrick shows up will have a huge impact on the team. Stevie Johnson returns as the team's biggest pass catching threat, but there isnt't much depth at receiver . The two-headed rushing attack led by Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller give Buffalo a multi-dimensional running game.
3) Jets (7-9)
The Jets are a team on the brink of disaster, and are now their furthest from being a Super Bowl contender in the Rex Ryan Era. They have absolutely no playmakers on offense, aside from their backup quarterback. If Rex and Sparano think that the Wild Cat in 2012 is the key to a winning team than they are even more dilsusional than I thought. I like Mark Sanchez, but he still makes the same dumb mistakes that he's made since his rookie season. I hate to say it, but it seems to me like he's a front runner, and only plays well when everything around him is perfect. Tim Tebow is the most popular backup quarterback in the league, but he definitely isn't the most talented. He can pull a great play seemingly out of his ass, but a large percent of the time is below average. Shonn Greene hasn't shown enough to be a full-time starting back, and with Tomlinson gone the onus is going to be on him to carry the running game. Santonio Holmes is talented, but is a head case. Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley are talented, but are still young and inexperienced. The team's dark cloud, Wayne Hunter, is gone so the offensive line should be fine.
Defensively, they are one of the best teams in the league. Quinton Coples and Aaron Maybin gives them a good pass rushing duo. Darelle Revis is arguably the most valuable defensive player in the league. LaRon Landry is a great signing if he can stay on the field. The defense is going to have to play up to it's potential, because I don't see Gang Green's offense scoring a lot.
4) Dolphins (5-11)
The Dolphins franchise is starting to take some steps in the right direction. Joe Philbin is a good hire for head coach, and they are starting to build around rookie QB Ryan Tannehil. He is the winner of a three-man competition with David Garrard and Matt "Moops" for the starting job. Losing Brandon Marshall might turn out to be addition by subtraction because he always felt like a ticking time bomb ready to explode. The signing and subsequent release of Chad Ochocinco was interesting. The team is severely depleted at receiver with Davone Bess and Brian Hartline their projected starters. Plus, as I've seen on Hard Knocks, they have some offensive line issues. Reggie Bush has a chip on his shoulder after his first 1,000 yard season in the NFL. The defense was stingy last season, led by Vontae Davis and Cameron Wake. I expect more of the same from that unit, but the offense is still a couple of years away from being dangerous.
AFC North
Ravens (12-4)
The Ravens are the favorites to win this division after their 2011 season ended heart-breaking fashion, but I think that makes them only hungrier this year. The team is still led by two Rays (Lewis and Rice), but Joe Flacco had his best season as a pro last year. You can See Ray Run and also be the teams leading receiver. Their 3rd ranked defense will be hurt by the loss of Terrell Suggs, but rookie Courtney Upshaw from Alabama should be able to shoulder the load.
Bengals (10-6)* Wild Card
The Bengals can be mentioned in the same breath with the Steeler and Ravens as one of the better teams in the AFC. The Red Rocket, Andy Dalton, had a good rookie season, and is building a relationship with fellow sophomore, WR A.J. Green. Rutgers rookie Mohamed Sanu is going to be thrown into the proverbial fire as the teams probable #2 receiver. BenJarvus Green-Ellis made the move from the pass-first Patriots offense, and is talented enough to be a good starting running back.
Steelers (9-7)
The Steelers started showing their age a little bit last season, and I can see them taking a little step back this year. Ben Roethlisberger had his third career 4,000 yard season, but the offensive line has gotten the guy killed. I don't know how much longer he can take that kind of punishment. The defense will still be led by veterans LaMarr Woodley, Troy Polamalu, and Ryan Clark, arguably one of the best players in their respective position.
Browns (4-12)
The Browns were one of the worst teams in football last year, and I see more of the same this season. The offense will be run by two rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson (who already has a knee problem). I don't see a real number 1 wide receiver (or even a good number 2 guy on almost any other franchise) on this team.
AFC South
Texans (10-6)
The Texans are led by a great offensive attack. Arian Foster is one of the most talented backs in the league, and in case he gets hurt, Ben Tate is ready to step in. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson have developed a great relationship, but he is really the only dangerous pass catcher on the team. The loss of Mario Williams is going to hurt their defense.
Titans (9-7)
The Titans are a wild card in this conference. Jake Locker has been named the starting quarterback over Matt Hasselbeck, and the second year player looks ready to take over the reigns. If Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt play up to their potential (and stay out of trouble), the offense has a chance to be dynamic.
Colts (5-11)
The Colts sucked for Luck, and got their man. Andrew Luck has the skills to be one of the best quarterbacks of the future. I just don't see there being enough talent around Luck to be a competitive team this year.
Jaguars (4-12)
As I write this there is no end in sight to Maurice Jones-Drew's lockout, and until the Jaguars figure out what to do with him it's going to be a black cloud over the franchise. The team got Blaine Gabbert a pair of receivers to throw the ball to Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson, but they are still a run first team. Without Mo-Jo they could be one of the worst teams in the AFC.
AFC West
Chargers (11-5)
After being one of the AFC's top contenders for several years, the Chargers took a step back last year. Their offense is still very good, and Phillip Rivers should bounce back from an average year last season. Ryan Matthews, who was injured in their first preseason game, shouldn't miss much time in the regular season. The loss of Vincent Jackson is going to hurt, but I think Malcolm Floyd is ready to step up. The defense dragged the team down last year, but I don't see that happening again.
Broncos (11-5)* Wild Card
The Broncos finished last season with one of the worst passing quarterback's in the league, and enter this year with perhaps the best quarterback of this generation. If Peyton Manning is healthy and he returns to form than Denver is Super Bowl contenders. The defense, led by Von Miller and Champ Bailey kept the team in games long enough for Tebow to pull off another miraculous comeback. This year, they shouldn't have to worry about carrying the slack for the offense.
Raiders (8-8)
The Raiders are an average team, but I can't see them competing in this top-loaded division. Darren McFadden is a great back, but call me when he plays a full season. Carson Palmer had one of the stranger stories in the NFL last year, and he should be better having a full training camp with the team.
Chiefs (8-8)
The Chiefs have an interesting team. Matt Cassel hasn't lived up to the hype after having a great season with the Patriots. I'm curious to see how they use Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis at the running back position. They have an opportunistic defense, and with Eric Berry returning after missing the entire 2011 season, will be better.
Playoff Predictions
Divisional Round:
Broncos over Ravens
Patriots over Texans
AFC Championship Round
Broncos over Patriots
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