Bold Predictions: Forecasting the 2009 NFL Season

Correspondent Written on June 02, 2009

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 04: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts smiles as he holds the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy after his team won the Super Bowl XLI 29-17 over the Chicago Bears on February 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

In the insanely early tradition of picking the Super Bowl, I thought I would jump into the mix and give my projections of who will win each division, and the 2009 Super Bowl Champion.

AFC East

Winner last season: Miami Dolphins (11-5; Lost to Baltimore in Wild Card Playoff)

The AFC East could arguable be one of the strongest divisions in football. This season sees the return of Tom Brady, the return of the Wildcat, and potentially the return of the Buffalo Bills.

The biggest story in the AFC East this season is the return of QB Tom Brady from knee surgery. Brady was injured in the first game last season.

Projected winner: New England Patriots (13-3 record; No.1 seed)

AFC North

Winner last season: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4; Won Super Bowl XLIII)

This division is Pittsburgh’s to lose once again this season. The Steelers re-signed a big piece of their defense in Defensive Player of the Year LB James Harrison. They lost LB Larry Foote to the Detroit Lions.

Projected winner: Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4; No. 2 seed)

AFC South

Winner last season: Tennessee Titans (13-3; Lost to Baltimore in Divisional Playoff)

Indianapolis looks to avenge its early playoff exit. The Colts come in with a new head coach and new staff. The Colts also lost former No. 1 receiver Marvin Harrison. Although a Texans team could challenge, along with Tennessee.

Projected winner: Indianapolis Colts (12-4; No. 3 seed)

AFC West

Winner last season: San Diego Chargers (8-8; Lost to Pittsburgh in Divisional Playoff)

This could be the worst division in football. An 8-8 or even a 7-9 record could win this division in 2008.

San Diego looks to win this division again in ’09, but they also hope for the return of LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers will go as far as Phillip Rivers will take them.

Projected winner: San Diego Chargers (9-7; No. 4 seed)

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written on June 02, 2009 Preview/Prediction