Before the season starts I thought I'd post my thoughts on how the division races will go.
AFC East
Who I think will win: NE Patriots
Who I want to win: Buff. Bills
The Skinny: Brady is still awesome and now he has weapons. Their defense will be tough too. The Jets may make a run which would be nice. The Patriots have had a free ride in this division for too long.
AFC North
Who I think will win: Cincinnati Bengals
Who I want to win: Bengals
The Skinny: I know Baltimore is the better pick here with a defense that never seems to decline but Billick has never recreated the offensive magic he had in Minnesota. Can you imagine how many games the Ravens would have won if they had the Bengals offense of the past two years. I like the Bengals to score a ton of points this year and hang on.
AFC South
Who I think will win: Ind. Colts
Who I want to win: Ind. Colts
Skinny: As long as Manning is running the ship they should be fine. The rest of this division is an enigma.
AFC West
Who I think will win: S.D. Chargers
Who I want to win: S. D. Chargers
Skinny: The Chargers may not win as many games as last year, but they should still take this division handily. Denver may chase them but I think Cutler is still a year or two shy of being ready for the big time
NFC East
Who I think will win: Phil. Eagles
Who I want to win: Phil. Eagles
Skinny: If McNabb can stay healthy I think they edge the Cowboys. If he goes down though all bets are off. I know Garcia led them last year to success but Kevin Kolb is a rookie and I wouldn't want to bet my life savings on him doing the same thing.
NFC North
Who I think will win: Chicago Bears
Who I want to win: Green Bay Packers
Skinny: Even if Grossman sucks again, Griese is a decent option for them. They should be good enough to slip by the Lions, Packers & Vikings who all should be better than they were last year.
NFC South
Who I think will win: N.O. Saints
Who I want to win: N.O. Saints
Skinny: How can you not like Drew Brees. He's a stud and if he can replicate last year they should torch some teams. Bush, McCallister & Colston give him options and if their defense can improve slightly they will be tough to beat.
NFC West
Who I think will win: Seattle Seahawks (dammit)
Who I want to win: St. Louis Rams
Skinny: My Rams need some serious improvement on defense and I hope the rookie Carriker can help out with that. Their offense should be fine but I've seen too many games that they should have won the past couple of years to pick them first. Seattle just does enough to handle this division. It's scary for me that the Cardinals and 49ers are getting better as well. Its been nice the past few years to count them out before they even played.
You don't mention the Steelers at all; I would be surprised if they aren't improved over last year. Also the Titans impress me, more than they probably should. If the Bengals or Ravens drop the ball there are plenty of teams ready to step into the void.
I still think the Ravens should be in the East where they actually play, you can't get much farther east than Baltimore and still be on land, with the Bills in the North with the other rust-belt teams.
My early projections have New England vs. San Diego in the AFC Championship game, we'll see if the Chargers are ready for the next step. The Eagles vs. the Saints in the NFC. If I had to pick now I'd say Saints vs. Patriots in Super Bowl XXXXII. Winner Patriots.
Isn't it great to be back into football again?
Your picks are solid. I think you're on target with most.
However, as we all know, there is always that team who
rises from the ashes and makes noise. I think the Buffalo Bills
may shock occasionally, and with any luck (and that's what it takes)
they'll be ready to make the next level.
I also think the Lions may surprise some people. One good defensive and offensive pick that steps up, and matures to the speed of the pros, makes a world of difference.
I think San Diego goes all the way. Seattle or Pittsburgh are wild cards AFC.
The Bears (my boys) should repeat. With Atlanta (yes, Atlanta) or Detroit as wild ones.
Hey football's back! Halle damn luyah!
Joe