AFC East
Best Team
New York Jets
Forget for a second that they're having trouble renegotiating a contract with Darrelle Revis, and that Mark Sanchez doesn't look like the QB they need in the future. Have you seen that defense? Even without Revis, it's one of the best in the league. And it doesn't take a Pro Bowl-caliber QB to be able to find success behind an offensive line as good as the one anchored by Nick Mangold.
The player to put this team over-the-top this year will be Shonn Greene. If he can enjoy sustained success behind that offensive line, it won't matter what Sanchez does. Because even without Revis, the defense won't give up much more than a couple scores a game most of the time, and that's certainly not more than this running game can manage over the same four quarters.
Team to Watch
New England Patriots
Is Tom Brady going to put up 2007-type numbers? No, but don't be surprised if he leads the league in yards, TDs, or both. He and Randy Moss appear to be in-sync with each other again, and Wes Welker doesn't seem to have lost a step after his surgery. If Laurence Maroney can continue to make opposing defenses respect the running game, this will be an offense to fear.
The question is whether the defense can consistently stop anyone, and the answer doesn't look to good Bill Belichick and company. Where they've had strength in previous successful campaigns, they are severely lacking this year. Jerod Mayo will make plays, but with their best pass-rusher already gone for the year, they have too many holes on defense to be favorites in the AFC East.
AFC North
Best Team
Baltimore Ravens
They went 9-7 last year, and had a top-five running game and a top-five defense. Now they've added Anquan Boldin to their already top-10 passing game, and with Joe Flacco slinging passes around the field, that spells trouble for the rest of the league. This isn't a team that will top the league in any one aspect of the game, but they also don't really have a weakness to speak of.
Team to Watch
Pittsburgh Steelers
They're not too far removed from their playoff winning ways, and they don't play any road games against teams that finished last year over .500 until Week 8. By then, they'll have Ben Roethlisberger back under center, and he'll be playing with a point to prove. I'd be surprised of this team doesn't find a way to win a wild card entry into the playoffs.
AFC South
Best Team
Indianapolis Colts
This shouldn't really need any explanation, considering this team has won at least 12 games for seven consecutive years. Peyton Manning may be mediocre at best in the playoffs, but in the regular season, he's probably the best ever. Considering that there might not be another playoff-caliber team in this division, their playoff struggles don't make them any less than the class of the AFC South.
Team to Watch
Tennessee Titans
The Titans know what they have on offense, and it includes the best RB in the league and a QB in Vince Young that simply finds ways to win ballgames. What they don't know is what to expect is defensively.
Two years ago, they had one of the best defenses in the league, but last year, their passing defense ranked 31st in the league. Their success this year hinges upon what type of defense they get from their secondary. If they're at least mediocre, this team can compete for a playoff berth. If not, they'll struggle to win even six or seven games.
AFC West
Best Team
San Diego Chargers
With or without Vincent Jackson, the Chargers will win the West with ease. Philip Rivers looks poised to have another great year, and with the addition of power-runner Ryan Matthews, that spells trouble for opposing defenses.
The defense is still potent and young, which means that as good as they are, they could be even better by the end of the year. Despite falling short of expectations for a few years in a row now, I think Norv Turner finally has an AFC champion-caliber team.
Team to Watch
Kansas City Chiefs
What's the perfect formula to turn around an ailing franchise? Start with a new, accomplished offensive coordinator and do the same on defense. Then add a league-leading RB from last year to compliment another 1,000-yard runner. Continue by adding an explosive slot receiver, and an NFL-ready defensive back. Finally, for good measure, bolster a young offensive line with two veteran linemen, and all of the sudden, you're looking pretty good.
Looking at the Chiefs' record, I see no reason they couldn't double their win total from last year, and at the very least, they'll be exciting to watch. If Matt Cassel is good at all (and he hasn't been through three preseason games), this team can be a contender in a weak division.
Stay tuned for the NFC divisional analysis, coming later this week!
Leave a Comment