Ravens

We love Joe Flacco. He gives some flare to an otherwise dull team. Who would have thought a quarterback from Delaware would be so cool?

Browns

The Browns made some good moves in the draft, but they still aren't ready for the bigtime. Donte Stallworth's troubles (he killed a pedestrian in Miami while driving under the influence) are sure to cast a shadow over the team.

Bengals

The Bengals do not have good chemistry; loudmouth Ocho Cinco is too devisive. Besides there is no way a team with the ugliest uniforms in the NFL can win the division. Please send those helmets to the Arena Football League where they belong.

AFC South

 

Texans

I know, I know, this is a crazy pick. The Colts are the perennial winners, so if you don't want to go with me on this one, I don't blame you. Andre Johnson is the best receiver in football, and the Texans defense is gelling behind Mario Williams. I would love to see the Texans force the naysayers to eat some crow after they were ridiculed for picking Williams over Reggie Bush in the draft a few years back.

Colts

The Colts were thought to be invincible a few years back. I think they are waning, but no one dares to criticize Peyton Manning.

Titans

This team just gets curiouser and curiouser. Vince Young has been a disaster and Kerry Collins is a bit long in the tooth. There are some big egos at running back with LenDale White and Chris Johnson bickering over their respective importance. Nashville is a fun place to go for a game, though.

Jaguars

I have seen a lot of the Jaguars over the past two years, and I'm just not a David Garrard fan. The Jags just don't seem to have the fire in their bellies. True, they had a lot of injuries last year, but they gave up early in the season. 

AFC East

 

Patriots

With dollface Tom Brady back and happily married, he should be in good form.  The Patriots are superbly coached and no one person on the team is bigger than the team.

Dolphins

I admit, I'm biased because I had season tickets to the Fins in 1984 when Dan Marino had his best year. You just have to pull for a team with aqua uniforms and a fish for a mascot. Seriously, they have Jason Taylor back and Gloria Estefan is now an owner. They should dance their way to second place in the AFC East. 

Bills

The Bills picked up Terrell Owens. You never know whether that will have a positive or a negative impact. They started strong last year and fizzled. I don't see them finishing above the Patriots under any circumstances.

Jets

The Jets fired their coach and are still reeling from the Brett Favre experience. With a new coach and a new quarterback, it's going to be interesting to see how they fare. I'm thinking, not too well.

AFC West

 

Chargers

Best uniforms in the NFL and best city to visit for a game. That aside, Philip Rivers is a solid Carolina boy and a terrific quarterback. More importantly, Shawn Merriman is back and he's one of the finest players in the NFL. 

Chiefs

The Chiefs got Matt Cassel from the Patriots and they also have a new coach in Todd Haley.     They don't have much of an offensive line, so Cassel could be in for a rough time. 

Broncos

What were the Broncos thinking? They fired Mike Shanahan and traded quarterback Jay Cutler in the offseason. Maybe the housecleaning will be good in the long run, but it probably won't happen this year.

Raiders

I pick the Raiders to finish dead last. They had the stupidest draft of all the teams in the NFL, their stadium is the worst, and I cannot stand Al Davis's glasses.

 

 

NFC North

 

Vikings

I just don't know about Brett Favre. The Vikings need a solid quarterback, but Favre is a wildman on occasion. My hunch is that even if he plays, his shoulder won't hold up for a whole season. I picked the Vikings, partly on the strength of Adrian Peterson, but I'm not convinced I'm right on this one.

Bears

The Bears hopefully solved their quarterback woes when they pulled a coup and acquired Jay Cutler from the Broncos. I think it will be a good fit and the Broncos could take the title away from the Vikings. 

Packers

The Packers seems to be a feast or famine team, and they just didn't produce a good harvest last year. QB Aaron Rodgers plays well when the team has a lead, but he doesn't give me good vibes as a team leader.  

Lions

Please, please, please, let the Lions have a respectable season. Wouldn't it be great if they do what the Dolphins did last year? The country loves an underdog, and we need one to give heart to our 2009-2010 season.

 

NFC South

 

Falcons

Wow, this one is a tough call. The Falcons, Saints and Panthers are pretty evenly matched and will likely swap a win and a loss against each other. I picked Atlanta because I love Matt Ryan, and I love the Falcons' running game. Their pickup of Tony Gonzales sealed the deal for me.

Saints

The Saints are perennial underachievers, or else, they just aren't as good as everyone likes to think. I don't see a lot of difference in the team from last year. Drew Brees is terrific, but Reggie Bush is a bust. Hurricane Katrina emotion can only go so far.

Panthers

I probably know this team better than any other, and I have to say, I'm was not happy with their chemistry last season. I'm especially concerned with the impact that an unhappy Julius Peppers is going to have on the team. Jake Delhomme can be great, and he can be awful. Steve Smith can't catch balls thrown 10 feet over his head.

Buccaneers

Disarray, rebuilding, Grudenless-it does not bode well for the Bucs this year. Go see your favorite team if they play the Bucs in Tampa. It's a great stadium and a fun place to go for a weekend. Tickets should be easy to get, and your team will probably win.

 

NFC East

 

Giants

The consensus is that the Giants will be contenders for the Superbowl this year, but I'm not convinced.   They lost Plaxico Burress, who I will miss because I like to say his name. They are in a tough division with the Cowboys nipping at their heels. Still, they did win the Superbowl two years ago and have the tools to succeed.

Cowboys

America's team made some good moves in the off-season to improve their smug attitude, not the least of which was getting rid of TO. This team needs to take some cues from the Patriots and tone down the egos in the interest of success.

Eagles

The Eagles are too inconsistent and I personally think McNabb is overrated. I'm trying not to be biased by their unfriendly fans, but it colors my opinion. What goes around comes around.

Redskins

This is the second year for Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell, and it's probably fish or cut bait time for both of them. Campbell did not impress anyone last year, so we will see whether he has a better handle on the offense this year.

NFC West

 

Cardinals

The off-season hooplah over the possible trade of Anquan Boldin will not help the Cardinals this year, but they are probably still the best in the West.   On the other hand, they also have the makings of a really disappointing year after their surprise run to the Superbowl last year. 

Seahawks

QB Matt Hasselback is a darned good quarterback but he needs help at the running back position. The Seahawks have a new defensive coordinator who could help them overtake the Cardinals in this division.

49ers

The Niners have a quarterback controversy and a coach that could provoke rebellion in the ranks down the stretch. If they go with Shaun Hill at QB, they will do better.

Rams

The Rams could end up the butt of late night television jokes this year, taking the title away from the Lions.