NFL Preview: Division-by-division

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

OTA's are over, and we generally know what the rosters will look like. With that in mind, let's take a look at each division and predict the records.

AFC East

1.  New England Patriots 13-3: New faces in the secondary, youth at linebacker, and the return of Tom Brady are all signs of big things to come in New England. I really like the addition of Fred Taylor, who will be a solid complement to Kevin Faulk and Laurence Maroney, and Joey Galloway, who will be a reliable target opposite Randy Moss and Wess Welker. The schedule isn't exactly what I'd call easy, but there are at least 12 wins on the schedule and I'll personally go with 13.

2.  New York Jets 9-7: Let the Sanchez era begin. I think Mark Sanchez has the moxie, experience in big games and skill to be a decent starter.  But I don't like the Jets' receivers, and there are still questions in pass protection. The Jets could go 10-6, but I see at least one trap game pulling them to 9-7. They'll be ready to challenge the Patriots in 2010. 

3.  Buffalo Bills 8-8: Eight wins may be giving this team too much credit, but the addition of Terrell Owens to an already intriguing offense will help things.  The deep threat of TO will push safeties back, creating opportunities in the passing game for Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson.  However, unless Aaron Maybin can be an immediate contributor, that pass rush is not taking them to the playoffs.

4.  Miami Dolphins 7-9: Perhaps my biggest surprise, I have the Dolphins going from first-to-worst. Why? The Wildcat should certainly generate some excitement, particularly with the addition of Pat White.  However, there are too many question marks (Ronnie Brown's health, Chad Pennington's health/consistency) and I just don't see them repeating the success from a year ago. I don't trust Pennington for the whole year, and I expect the Chad Henne era to begin next year. This will be a step back type of year for the Dolpins.

AFC North

1.  Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4: The Steelers return everyone from their Super Bowl team and could go for 13 wins. However, there are a couple of trap games (I'm looking at you, Green Bay) and the pass protection is still iffy. However, Ben Roethlisberger and the defense will carry them back to the playoffs.

2.  Baltimore Ravens 11-5: The Ravens could win most other divisions in football. They are just unfortunate to play in the AFC North. The loss of Bart Scott hurts, but they have a young offense, while the defense should be solid enough to get them to the playoffs again.

3.  Cincinnati Bengals 8-8: The Bengals recovered nicely at the end of last year. The return of Carson Palmer should help them, as will some nice improvements on defense.  Expect Ochocinco to have a big year, as well as Jerome Simpson. Inconsistency, injuries, and a tough division will keep them out of the playoffs though.

4.  Cleveland Browns 5-11: Brady Quinn will start.  Braylon Edwards will bounce back.  The defense will still be horrid, and the Browns will be the cellar dwellars in a formidable AFC North.

AFC South

1.  Indianapolis Colts: 11-5: With the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans improving, it only make the AFC South that much tougher.  However, for my money, I don't think there will be a better offense in the NFL this year.  Donald Brown and Joseph Addai should be a lethal combination, while Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dallas Clark will create headaches for other defenses. However, their run defense will continue to be mediocre. I don't like the linebackers and I don't like the D-Line besides Dwight Freeney. 

2.  Houston Texans 10-6: The Texans get their first playoff berth on the backs of an improved defense, a healthy Matt Schaub, a lethal passing attack, and a great sophomore effort from Steve Slaton. They'll put points on the board and do enough on the defensive side of the ball to win. The Texans remind me of last year's Falcons

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?