New Orleans-Indianapolis tonight kick us off. And it should be a thrilling game. Though I’d be more of a delight if it was played later in the season, when the two teams should be on a crash course to make it to Glendale, AZ. Though I’m not giving away my Super Bowl pick that easily.
Let’s start slow, with division by division picks. Starting in the AFC:

AFC EAST:
4. Dolphins- Cam Cameron made his choice, and that choice was Trent Green for the short term, and John Beck and Ted Ginn Jr. for the long haul. Too much of a shakeup for Miami. Look for the Dolphins to max out at six or seven wins this year.

3. Bills- The Bills haven’t made it to the playoffs since the Bush presidency began according to Bill Simmons. Why not make it a clean sweep? That and the fact that the Bills are breaking in a rookie running back Marshawn Lynch, and that we’re still not sold on J.P. Losman.

2. NY Jets- The Jets look real good on paper, especially with their fleecing of Thomas Jones from the Bears. Still, a super-power looms in the division that they aren’t going to catch. It should be noted that the Jets are a team on the rise, but only with Chad Pennington sterring the ship. A transistion over to Kellen Clemons will announce this team isn’t ready yet.

1. Patriots- A dynamite offseason. Redskins-esque in terms of movement, but smart money all over the place. Wes Welker was a solid player in Miami and should thrive as a possession receiver for Tom Brady. Donte Stallworth will bring the speed, and if Randy Moss can recover from a nagging injury that kept him out of the pre-season he should be a terrific addition, even if he has lost a step. On defense, Adalius Thomas is a beast. If what they’re saying is true, that Bill is loading up this roster, putting all his cards on the table for one last run (I don’t believe it), then this is one heck of a team to try it with. Big things expected. Big.

AFC NORTH
4. Browns- Well, Charlie Frye gets the start for the Browns, but no one expects that to last all that long with Brady Quinn waiting in the wings. The Browns have talent, and a desperate coach who needs now, so I’m still unconvinced they’ll make the quick change if Frye has a bad game or two. Frye has some talent, and he can be effective. But it will be tough for a team over matched in a solid division.

3. Steelers- Mike Tomlin is the third coach the Steelers have had in 36 years. Not bad huh? Nevertheless, Pittsburgh has some work to be done. I’m still unconvinced with Ben Roethlisberger, and would like to see him prove to the world that he can return to 2005 form. The Steelers had a target on their back all of last year, maybe things change this year without the pressure. Maybe. Maybe not.

2. Ravens- The Ravens have a terrific defense, but their offense still scares no one. Yes, I like the move to acquire Willis McGahee, though it flat out baffles me why he was available in the first place. I love the continuity, the ability to always keep that D awesome on a year in and year out basis. But I just don’t buy Steve McNair being a top quarterback, or a championship caliber signal caller anymore. Few other weaknesses on this team besides that.

1. Bengals- Surprised? Understandable. I’m just really convinced the Bengals bounce back from a bizarre 2006. Why you ask? Well, Carson Palmer is fully healthy, Chad Johnson is fully motivated, and that D is out to prove it’s not abysmal. Tack on some strange losses (like the game they couldn’t snap the ball right) and this would have been a playoff team. I like the Bengals to be right in the thick of it this year, and beyond.

AFC SOUTH
4. Texans- Matt Schaub has all the tools to be a very good player, maybe even a star in this league (and it’s funny no one has said boo about Atlanta dealing him amidst the Mike Vick issues), but they still have no offensive line. I think that will change in due time, with offensive mastermind Gary Kubiak. But right now, they’re still a year away. Watch out for rookie Amobi Okoye. The kid can flat out fly to the football.

3. Jaguars- I just don’t think David Garrard makes them a substantially better football team then Byron Leftwich. Maybe it’s because I always thought Leftwich was the franchise guy in Jacksonville. Maybe its the fact that Garrard is inconsistent, albeit quicker and more mobile then Byron. I like Maurice Jones-Drew but it will be tough for him to replicate 2006, and Fred Taylor has still never made the Pro Bowl (amazing huh?). Jack Del Rio could find himself on the hot seat if this team can’t make a move. And those receivers: it’s step up or shut up for them in 07.

2. Titans- Why all the Titan hating? Tennessee rocked at the end of last year, falling an amazing one game short of a playoff spot. Vince Young won ROY honors offensively. Madden curse? Phooey. I like this team, because they’re young and they’re hungry. Plus, they finally have a feel for winning, and a head coach in Jeff Fisher who knows how to motivate his players. I think this team, defensive deficiencies and all, can make a legit run this year. Playoffs? We’ll see.

1. Colts- Cue up the “wow, what a shocker!”, or “doesn’t anyone have the balls to go with a shocker here!” or “why do I even bother to read this blasphemy.” O right, the football team. Yeah, they;re pretty good. Lost a few good players to free agency, an offensive lineman to retirement, and everyone is aiming at them, because they finally have a ring. Joseph Addai is their X factor now that Rhodes has departed for Oakland (Uh, why?). If nothing else, chalk up yet another (yawn) division title for the horses.

AFC WEST
4. Raiders- Last year, their offense was disturbing to watch. Their QB play was terrifying. So what do they do? Hire Lane Kiffin from USC, and draft Jamarcus Russell from the Bayou Tigers. Uh, Kiffin has never been a head coach, he’s 31 for Pete Sakes!, and Russell has yet to sign. So in comes Josh McCown and Daunte Cullpepper. And away goes another season for the Raiders.

3. Chiefs- Trent Green is gone. Brodie Croyle has been unimpressive. So Damon Huard is in at QB. No one’s impressed. Even though Huard was great when Green was injured, people are looking at LJ’s holdout affecting his play, KC’s lack of an offensive identity, and a bunch of other question marks on the team, such as offensive line. I think the Chiefs are one of the great mystery teams of 2007, because simply put, I’m just not sold on… Denver.

2. Broncos- Where do we start? Well, Jake Plummer is gone (retired we think?) and Jay Cutler is the starter. People are drooling over this kid’s arms and his progression at the end of last year. Me? Well, I’m curious to see how Travis Henry works out for them this year. Henry could be a monster if he works out, or he could be a bust. Denver is one of those teams that could make it deep into the playoffs or miss the post-season altogether, because we just don’t know what to make of Cutler yet.

1. Chargers- Norv, Norv, Norv. Get ready for a season of huge expectations as the Chargers look to build on a 14-2 2006 season. Weird huh? Rebuild? But that’s what they did, mixing up the coaching staff a bit, while holding onto super backup Michael Turner. We like Philip Rivers a lot, and I expect this to be a Pro Bowl year for him. LT can’t be the greatest football player on Earth forever, but we’ll give him one more year to wear the crown.

Tommorrow: NFC

What do you think? Post your opinion in the comment section.

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