With only a week before the kickoff of the NFL season, I, Mr. Satchel Page, will throw my hand in with the ranks of pundits and prognosticators predicting the path of the pretenders, paupers, and the eventual princes of the pedestal propping up the prize of all pigskin, the Vince Lombardi trophy.

Now, I don’t know everything. But I do know a lot of things. And I have been quite successful in picking Super Bowl contestants over the past decade. I even called the Ravens and Seahawks, believe it or not. So I feel I have something to contribute that you can ascribe to or at least think about when the season begins.

So without further ado, here is Satchel’s preview of the 2009 NFL season.

 

AFC East

I think this division will be quite interesting. Maybe not as interesting as last year due to the injury suffered by Tom Brady in Week One.

But with the Miami Dolphins returning as division champs, a healthy and hungry Patriot team, and what I’m believing to be a reemerging Buffalo Bill squad, this division should again come down to the last couple of weeks before anything gets settled.

I’m going with New England because I believe that they are going to play with an edge the entire season and are frankly the most complete team. However, I believe that either the Dolphins or Bills will hold down one of the Wild Card spots. The Jets and Rex Ryan appear to be more bark than bite right now.

Patriots 12-4

Bills 9-7

Dolphins 9-7

Jets 6-10

 

AFC North

It’s hard to go against the Super Bowl champions in this division. Pittsburgh, when healthy, is probably the best team in the league, even with their deficiencies. And they proved it last year.

This team is just built for the playoffs with a strong defense, a talented running back corps, and an attitude that reminds you of the great dynasties in the NFL.

Baltimore will once again be strong. I expect Joe Flacco to have another good year, although he won’t surprise anybody.

Cleveland will only make noise throughout the year because of the never-ending quarterback controversies. And Cincy? Well, I think this is it for Marvin Lewis and the Bungles.

Steelers 13-3

Ravens 10-6

Cleveland 7-9

Cincinnati 5-11

 

AFC South

This could very well be the most competitive division in football. Even more so than the NFC East.

If Tennessee is sold on Kerry Collins, they stand a strong chance to make the playoffs. I think Jacksonville will also be in the hunt in the latter part of the season. However, my surprise pick to make the playoffs this year is the Houston Texans.

This is, of course, contingent on the health of Matt Schaub. If Schaub can stay on the field long enough to let his weapons make plays for him, the Texans should look forward to their first ever wild card spot.

Oh yeah, that other team? As long as No. 18 is there, it’s essentially their division.

Colts 11-5

Texans 10-6

Titans 9-7

Jaguars 8-8

 

AFC West

You might as well put the Trojans in this division so the Chargers can have some competition. San Diego would have to lose their entire first and second squads to lose this one. With three new coaches and two new quarterbacks and one guy still with a lot to prove, this should be a battle for the number one pick in the 2010 draft.

Chargers 13-3

Chiefs 6-10

Raiders 3-13

Broncos 3-13

I’m taking Pittsburgh vs. New England in the AFC championship game. I’ll give you my winner and representative in the Super Bowl in just a few.

 

NFC East

Here we go. I have to be honest. This year looks like it will either be very good for my Cowboys or very bad. They have the pieces to make a serious contender; however, shoddy play calling and injuries can put our season in the dirt.

Washington will play well this entire season, and yet will find ways to lose a lot of games. New York has too many questions at wide out. Losing Plexi-glass and more importantly, Amani Toomer is going to hurt them more than they think.

And Philadelphia, being the only NFC East team to not have a Super Bowl ring (ha!) will be satisfied with staying in the news because of Michael Vick. Besides, it’s Donovan McNabb’s year to get hurt again.

Cowboys 10-6

Giants 8-8

Eagles 7-9

Redskins 6-10

 

NFC North

You're currently logged into Facebook

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