Predicting the NFL's Division Winners in 2009

It is still the preseason, so there is still time to make predictions.

I didn't make these predictions based upon any preseason games that I have seen so far this year.

These are just predictions, and though some of them seem really obvious, the NFL always has a way of surprising us.

Which team will bust out and take control of their division? Can the Titans or Texans finally get over on the Colts? Will the Cardinals repeat their success from last year? How will the Favre signing in Minnesota play a role in the NFC North?

Here are the answers (that are sure to be wrong).

AFC East: Patriots

The Patriots look to regroup after the loss of Tom Brady last year. Even though they finished with 11 wins last year, they still managed to miss the playoffs.

The Dolphins look to keep their Wildcat game going, but the Bills are now expecting big things with the addition of T.O. and a healthy Trent Edwards.

Last place: Jets

AFC North: Ravens

Baltimore finally found themselves a quarterback. Now the question is: will they let him loose, or will they just want him to keep managing the game while the defense runs the show?

Pittsburgh is the favorite here, but the Ravens will finally get over the hump. The Ohio teams will finish in a familiar position.

Last place: Browns

AFC West: Chargers

The Chargers are the easy pick here, with this being the worst division in football. The Raiders, Chiefs, and Broncos are all rebuilding.

Look for L.T. to continue to be good, even though he might not be in the MVP form earlier in his career. Unfortunately, they might again finish 8-8 and get a home game in the playoffs.

Last place: Raiders

AFC South: Colts

The Colts are able to hold on to the top of this division, arguably one of the best in the NFL. The Titans and Texans will be right there until the final couple games of the season.

The three team race will be a tight one, and every game within the division will be the "must win" games. There is a lot of talent within this division.

Last place: Jaguars

NFC East: Giants

The Giants' defense will be a big part of their season. They need to find a reliable receiver on offense, but with Jacobs and Bradshaw leading the rushing attack, they should be fine.

Eli needs to prove he is worth those big bucks that he signed for, and he should deliver. The Eagles and Cowboys and Redskins are all capable of winning this division; it will be a four team race that anyone can win.

Last place: Redskins

NFC North: Bears

The Bears already have a great defense and special teams, but now they have found a great quarterback to lead them on offense.

Team that with a great running attack from Matt Forte, and there could be some big expectations in Chicago come playoff time.

The Packers will have a promising season, and the Vikings are now the favorites in some people's eyes with the signing of Favre.

Peterson is and will be great, but Favre isn't the answer.

Last place: Lions

NFC West: Seahawks

The Seahawks are a great team when healthy. Last season, they had virtually every skill position player injured at the same time.

With Hasselbeck throwing to guys like Burleson, Branch, and new target T.J., the offense shouldn't have problems (IF they can find a reliable running game).

The Cardinals will be good, just not as good as last year. The 49ers will be one of the most improved teams in the league this year, and the division is no longer the worst in the NFL.

Last place: Rams

NFC South: Saints

This is another great battle for the division crown. The Saints have one of the most impressive offenses in the NFL If Reggie Bush can stay healthy (and actually carry the load). The defense will be greatly improved with a revamped secondary. Brees should guide them to the top.

The Falcons might be the favorite here, but now opposing teams have some film of Matt Ryan to study. The Panthers have one of the best running games in the league, but that's about all they have.

Last place: Buccaneers

AFC Championship: Patriots vs Colts

These two have established a great rivalry over the last few years, headlined by Brady vs Manning. With Tony Dungy gone, the Colts might suffer just the slightest bit, give the edge to the Patriots.

NFC Championship: Bears vs Seahawks

The NFC is more difficult to pick than the AFC, because there aren't two or three elite teams that stand out like the Pats, Colts, and Steelers do.

The Bears and the Seahawks are my picks here, and the team with home field advantage will prevail.

Super Bowl Winners: Patriots

Back in familiar territory, the Patriots will shine on the national stage, and put the loss to the Giants behind them.

It's amazing what a little Tom Brady can do for a team.

The Patriots will be the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they were also the favorites two years ago.

That's why we play the games...well that, and the fact that everyone loves football.