Predicting the NFL's Division Winners in 2009

x x by Correspondent Written on August 23, 2009

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 07:  Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants runs against the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 7, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

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

PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 13:  Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles on August 13, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

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

NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 10:  Safety Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after the Ravens stopped the Tennessee Titans on fourth down to win the game during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 10, 2009 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee.  (P

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

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 22:  Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers warms up before the game against  the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Peters

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

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 13:  Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts gestures towards the fans as he walks on the field against the San Diego Chargers during their AFC Divisional Playoff game at the RCA Dome on January 13, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 11:  Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty

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

CHICAGO - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears hands the ball off to Matt Forte #22 against the New York Giants during their preseason NFL game at Soldier Field on August 22, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty

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

SEATTLE - AUGUST 22:  Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Denver Broncos on August 22, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 27-13. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

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

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 28:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints waits during a timeout against the Carolina Panthers 33-31 on December 28, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

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

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 03:  Wide receiver Reggie Wayne #87 of the Indianapolis Colts talks with quaterback Peyton Manning #18 during the AFC Wild Card Game against the San Diego Chargers on January 3, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.  (Phot

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

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 09:  Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a kick against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on November 9, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 21-14.  (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

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

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 20: Randy Moss #81 the New England Patriots prepares for a game against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium on October 20, 2008 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

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.

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written on August 23, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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