Yeah, it’s prediction time again, which means it’s time once again to piss off all the Homers who feel every columnist should be picking their favorite team to win it all. So before you send your annual emails threatening to do nasty things to my dog with a fork, keep in mind we all have varying opinions. I’ll also alert you to the fact that in my seven years of doing this at About, I’ve yet to get all 32 teams listed in the correct order (shocker, I know).
If you feel you must crucify me for a particular prognostication, I’d suggest saving your comments for the end of the season when you know how badly I screwed up. It’ll save me from having to return some of those nasty buggers Keith Oberman style come January.
We got a glimpse of every team at least once in the preseason, and have modified our original predictions because of things we saw (or didn't see) in the preseason and throughout training camp.
So as of now, all my predictions are open to your ridicule, including the Super Bowl.
AFC East
New England Patriots - Not as solid as in years past, but still have enough to fend off the Dolphins.
Miami Dolphins - So much depends on how well Culpepper recovers from injury... and sucking.
Buffalo Bills - Still no established QB, although Losman is getting the chance to earn that tag.
New York Jets - I don't know where to begin with this club.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals - Assuming Palmer stays healthy, this is the team to beat in the AFC.
Baltimore Ravens - Although he may not be the player he once was, Steve McNair adds a veteran presence at QB that was sorely needed.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Loss of a couple key contributors and injury concerns could derail the Steelers hopes of a repeat.
Cleveland Browns - Headed in the right direction, but still a year away from competing.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts - Great regular-season team. Playoffs, not so great.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Last year's record was a bit deceiving thanks to an easy schedule. May be a bit overrated at this point.
Houston Texans - I could see this team jumping up to the 7-8 win area, but they're not ready to compete with the big boys yet.
Tennessee Titans - I'm guessing it won't be long before we see a lot of Vince Young.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - There may be some growing pains with Rivers at QB, but the best back in the league and a solid defense makes these guys contenders.
Kansas City Chiefs - Lost both offensive tackles, but should be better on defense.
Denver Broncos - With the RB position somewhat unsettled and Jay Cutler breathing down Jake Plummer's neck, I could see things unraveling in Denver this year.
Oakland Raiders - The combination of Art Shell and Aaron Brooks winding down a close game should be scary for Raiders fans.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles - Look very solid where it counts; in the trenches.
Dallas Cowboys - Have the potential to be top-five on both sides of the ball, but offensive line could cause problems.
New York Giants - I'm not convinced the defensive makeover is going to be as effective as most are anticipating.
Washington Redskins - Appear completely out of sync, with ‘06 Brunell looking more like the ‘04 Brunell.
NFC North
Chicago Bears - Returning all 22 starters in a weak division.
Minnesota Vikings - On paper, a talented team, but going through a big transition on both sides of the ball.
Detroit Lions - Far too many holes on both sides of the ball to be considered contenders of any type.
Green Bay Packers - Interior of the offensive line may make Brett Favre wish he had retired.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Flip a coin in this division, ‘cause it’s going to be tight. Nice mixture of veterans and youngsters for the Bucs.
Atlanta Falcons - Have quietly put together a solid off season and might be flying under the radar a bit right now.
Carolina Panthers - Offensive line and durability concerns could stall the overrated Panthers.
New Orleans Saints - The addition of Brees makes this a much better team, but not good enough yet in a tough NFC South.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks - Most well-rounded team in the NFC.
Arizona Cardinals - Closing the gap on the Seahawks, but offensive line will be a problem.
San Francisco 49ers - Look for the light to go on for Alex Smith somewhere around mid-season.
St. Louis Rams - Defense will struggle against the run and the offense looks lethargic at best.
Playoffs
AFC Division Winners - New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, San Diego
NFC Division Winners - Philadelphia, Chicago, Tampa Bay, Seattle
AFC Wild Cards - Miami, Baltimore
NFC Wild Cards - Dallas, Arizona
AFC Champion - Cincinnati Bengals
NFC Champion - Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowl XLI - Cincinnati 31, Philadelphia 24
