AFC More Open Than You Think?

Many think that the Patriots are a 100% lock to win the AFC and represent the AFC in the super bowl. I think, not so fast. They have plenty of competition this season, even within their own division.

Lets start with the AFC East division itself, I think there are 2 solid teams other than the patriots in that division, NY Jets and Buffalo. I'm not saying that these teams are going to out play the Patriots for the division I am just saying they will give them a hard time unlike last season. The Jets had the best off season by far with the addition of Alan Faneca and Calvin Pace and Vernon Gholston, and of course Brett Favre which puts the Jets on another level from the team that 2 years ago went 10-6 and to the playoffs. Now with these additions the Jets are serious contenders. I say they split 1-1 with the Patriots with there top tier offensive line and Brett Favre with his good recieving core in Coles and Cotchery.
 Now, The Bills had a solid end of the season finishing off very hot, Trent Edwards has developed nicely and Marshawn Lynch is a great running back who is only getting better. Also one more thing i think everyone over looks, if you look at the stats, the Bills have the best special teams unit in the NFL (Not the Bears!!!!!). The AFC East is no longer a walk over.(minus the Dolphins)

Next, I'm going to talk about the serious contenders, lets start with the Colts. In my mind Peyton Manning will come off this injury perfectly fine and direct this offence just as well as always. Now last year the Colts were plagued by injuries to Harrison  (Mannings favorite target, they hold they record for TD's to each other) and Freeney who is their number 1 pass rusher. And others. Now If the Colts stay very healthy they have almost the same team who won the super bowl 2 years ago, and could be considered just as good as the Pats in my mind. After all they do have an explosive offence which is completely solid across the board with big name players. A decent defence with 2 great pass rushers in Freeney and Mathis along with a good MLB in Brackett and of course the best Safety in football Bob Sanders. I think the Colts are in great position to take the AFC crown.

Next, We have the Chargers, who almost beat the Patriots in the AFC Championship last season. The Chargers have a top tier offence and a solid, great pass rushing defence. Tomlinson is the best running back of this era and is still in the prime of his carrer and can dominate a game alone, Rivers is developing into a really accurate and mature QB, great O-line and good reciever core with Chambers and Gates. The Chargers solid 3-4 defence can apply all kinds of pressure on QB's. When you have Merrimane and Shaun Phillips rushing the passer anything is possible. Then you have Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams stuffing the run on a consistant basis. Also this defence has 2 very good atheletic corners in Cromartie and Jammer. Lets not forget now that the Chargers forced the most turnovers in the league last season and Cromartie had the most interceptions by any DB. A team with this potential can beat any team on any day. This is the team i have upsetting the Patriots.

other notable teams- Jaguars,Steelers,Browns,Titans