The key for the Texans will be the health of QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson, whereas for the Titans, it will be Vince Young’s progression into a mature QB. He showed flashes of maturity last year, as well as a blossoming connection with his receivers.

If everything goes as it should, this division could be a down-and-out war, year after year, for the next five to seven years.

Also, does anyone think we should apologize to Charlie Casserley after he was shunned from society after the Mario Williams pick? Although Reggie Bush wasn’t a bust by any means, he definitely hasn’t lived up to the Barry Sanders-like billing everyone was placing upon him. Hey, speaking of Reggie Bush...

NFC SOUTH

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Carolina Panthers
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4. Atlanta Falcons

The New Orleans Saints had an off year last year, compared to their 2006, but they look to return to the big stage this year with nearly everyone healthy, as well as some new additions.

Jeremy Shockey and injury-red-shirt rookie Robert Meachem should make some positive contributions on offense. Plus, Drew Brees is very unlikely to take any of Shockey’s s#&@ like Eli did, which could actually mean we may see an improvement in Shockey’s play.

No one has had the balls to tell him what he does wrong yet, so we’ll have to wait and see how he’ll take to Brees. Several draft picks could contribute defensively, including, but not limited to, USC defensive tackle Sedrick Willis.

Dan Morgan and Jonathan Vilma should also help out. To summarize it all, with the state of the rest of the division, it’s a safe bet that the Saints will win the NFC South this season.

The Carolina Panthers would beg to differ with that, with most of the key pieces from their explosive-offensive days again ready to start together. Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and Muhsin Muhammad all look to be healthy, although Jake Delhomme is coming off of Tommy John surgery—which is never a good thing for a QB.

The Panthers also has a potentially potent duo of running backs in DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. Unfortunately, besides some good rookies and solid-at-best free-agent signings, the Panthers' defense looks much the same as it did last year.

Last year’s problem was a failure to live up to expectations, so perhaps they can do the opposite in 2008.

A lot of people have Tampa Bay higher—maybe even winning the division—but I expect Jeff Garcia to fall back to earth this year. I actually expected it last year, too, but it didn’t happen. Usually I wouldn’t expect such things two years in a row, but in Garcia’s case (his age), I’m going to.

The defense is aging but is still solid and should be effective. Earnest Graham’s 2007 remains in question because it was so short, so we’ll have to wait and see on him as well. In a division known for the top teams falling down the ranks and then climbing back up again, this year may be the Bucs turn.

The Falcons are just a paradox. Rookie Matt Ryan will start at QB and Michael Turner—a yet unproven RB—will be the first-string RB. The defense isn’t very good, especially with the departure of DeAngelo Hall, so it’s a wise move to expect a last-place finish this year from them. Hey, that made me think of...

NFC NORTH

1. Minnesota Vikings
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Detroit Lions
4. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears! You’ve likely heard enough about the NFC North already, thanks to all that was covered during the Favre saga, but hey, we don’t have to talk about Brett again until the AFC East. Save that one for last? Sure!

The Minnesota Vikings have a solid, talented team and are incredibly strong at nearly every position, save for QB. Fortunately for them, the three other teams in the division have the same problem.

Although Bryant McKinnie is out for four weeks, and Tarvaris Jackson is going to have to win some of their ballgames himself, he’s going to have tons of opportunities to do so, thanks to the Vikings' defensive front. Is it too early to suggest a Purple People-Eaters II type nickname? What’s that? That nickname sucked you say?

Alright, well, the Vikings' defense is going to be giving opposing offenses fits all year long, and the combination of Adrian Peterson

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