NFL AFC Conference Preview

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Just like the proceeding article, the AFC Conference Preview will give you an outlook of the coming season—withen the AFC.

Once again I'll be providing standing and playoff previews first, followed by trophy winners, coaching forecast, a free agent signing recap, and a schedule preview.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS 

WILD CARD: Titans over Chargers, Colts over Ravens.

DIVISIONAL ROUND: Patriots over Titans, Steelers over Colts.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Steelers over Patriots.

SUPER BOWL XLIV: Steelers over Eagles.

PREDICTED STANDINGS

New England Patriots

Tom Brady's back, and the world's gonna know. While losing some players on defense, they also gained Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs hopefully finding a starting CB. They also drafted rookie Patrick Chung at Safety, possibly getting a start. The Patriots are absolutely a Super Bowl contender once again.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Steelers intend to defend their title, hanging onto the Lombardi Trophy one more year. They didn't lose any major talent not easily replaced, so it will basically be the same team from least year—just better.

Mike Tomlin has done an excellent job so far, and might just make a dynasty out of the Steelers...

Tennessee Titans

The Titans edge out the Colts for a few reasons. A) The Colts are getting old, and with a new coach things could go wrong. B) The Titans actually have two decent QB's, not a lot of teams can say that. C) There schedule works in their favor. Count one loss to the Colts, a loss to New England, and maybe another in there...and it's another 13-3 team. Look out, the Titans could contend for the Super Bowl this year...

Indianapolis Colts

Although they have a new coach, the players are getting old, the Colts still have major talent, and playoff experience. If Caldwell does a good job on his end, the Colts will once again be a playoff contender.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens should just barely make the playoffs. Joe Flacco has his weapons. The defense lost some depth, but kept the major stars. Matt Birk was a great addition, and should give Flacco more protection. All in all, they should be a playoff contender as last year.

San Diego Chargers

The Chargers edge out the Texans in the final playoff spot. Phillip Rivers is more experienced, he has weapons on offense. The defense is headed by Shawne Merriman once again. A wildcard victory would be huge, as this could be LT's last good season before the Chargers realize his game has lost it's edge.

Houston Texans

They have a lot of talent this year. Matt Schaub is getting better this off-season, they also have one of the best receivers in the league Andre Johnson. The defense also looks promising with Mario Williams, DeMeco Ryans, and some new additions. Next year the Texans will be looking at a playoff run, possibly getting a couple victories as well.

Miami Dolphins

The most impressive turnaround, possibly of all time, happened to Miami last year. Bill Parcels and Tony Sparano did an amazing job taking the 07 1-15 Dolphins, to a 11-5 team the next year.

This year I see Miami just losing out on the playoffs. The AFC is a tough place to play, and no one will underestimate the Dolphins this year. Next year though, with two years under his belt...Sparano just might lead the Dolphins to their first playoff victory since the 00-01 season.

Buffalo Bills

T.O. coming to Buffalo has brought them more publicity then four Super Bowl's ever did...that being said, can he really be the savior for the Bills? Dick Jauron sucks lets face it. He sucked at Chicago, Detroit, and has a terrible record in Buffalo. I think that if they ever want to win a playoff game, they need to fire him.

They have the talent. That's apparent in Evens, T.O., Lynch, Posluszny, McGee, and McKelvin among others. But changes must be made before they make it to the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars

You're currently logged into Facebook

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