NFL Countdown to Kickoff: Preseason Predictions for the 2008 Season

AFC East

1. New England Patriots—not much competition within division.

2. New York Jets—great ball control team, but lost nine of 12 games last year by 11 or fewer points.

3. Buffalo Bills—once passing game becomes consistent, they have a chance to be a real contender.

4. Miami Dolphins—will battle for worst record in NFL.

AFC North

1. Cleveland Browns—will continue to emerge as one of the NFL's most underrated teams.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers—very "good," but a player or two away from being "great."

3. Cincinnati Bengals—this year could be a very ugly one in the midst of adversity.

4. Baltimore Ravens—where have you gone Steve McNair?

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts—the Jags are knocking, banging, and barging on the door.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars—a legit Super Bowl contender this year.

3. Houston Texans—getting better and better each year.

4. Tennessee Titans—rounds out the most underrated conference in the league.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers—still not sold on Rivers, but nevertheless, a title contender.

2. Denver Broncos—see Pittsburgh Steelers.

3. Oakland Raiders—a .500 season is not out of reach.

4. Kansas City Chiefs—nowhere to go but up.

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys—my pick for Super Bowl champs.

2. Philadelphia Eagles—expect a big year for the Eagles.

3. New York Giants—could possibly finish last in the best division in football.

4. Washington Redskins—an 8-8 record could get fourth in division.

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings—if only they had a quarterback.

2. Green Bay Packers—their defense will carry the team if Rodgers can't.

3. Detroit Lions—great for success in fantasy leagues, but they are not quite the real thing.

4. Chicago Bears—are in for a dismal season.

NFC South

1. Carolina Panthers—barring Jake Delhomme stays healthy.

2. New Orleans Saints—too many inconsistent variables to be one of league's elite teams.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers—simply average, although a tough matchup each week.

4. Atlanta Falcons—see Miami Dolphins.

NFC West

1. St. Louis Rams—with everybody back healthy, could easily go from worst to first.

2. Seattle Seahawks—great at home, but just average on the road.

3. Arizona Cardinals—it's tough to win when you give up 20+ points a game.

4. San Francisco 49ers—if only they could combine their defense with Zona's offense.

Super Bowl Prediction

Cowboys 27,  Jaguars 20