Scoping Out The 2009 NFL Season: How Will Your Favorite Team Do?

Just a few week's removed from Super Bowl XLIII and already we're looking ahead to next season, and trying to gauge which teams will rise and which will fall in 2009.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still the favorite to win the AFC Conference, but even more so when looking at their top competition's projected 2009 season.

The New England Patriots are going to have there superstar quarterback Tom Brady coming off of knee surgery, and in year's past, QBs coming off that type of procedure have struggled.

In addition, the Baltimore Ravens might lose there top defensive specialists Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis next season, which will surely hurt a Ravens' defense that was largely successful because of that duo.

In the NFC, you have to look at the Philadelphia Eagles who are coming off a great season in 2008, losing in the NFC Championship game.

However, the Arizona Cardinals, as the reigning conference champs, will not be the same team next season. Not bringing back Anquan Boldin could mean the loss of Kurt Warner, and that wouldn't be good for the organization.

Rumors of a possible trade sending Boldin to the Eagles make a strong case for Philly being the team to beat in the upcoming season. The Eagles have a good defense, but they just need one more key to there offense and they are a contender again in the NFC.

In the NFC, you could also look at the Dallas Cowboys. They barely missed the playoffs last year, and will return top wide receivers Terrell Owens and Roy Williams. I look for Williams to become more dominant in the passing game, thus giving Tony Romo an easier time in the pocket—as he did for Jon Kitna in Detroit.

The NFC could also have more breakout teams in 2009, with the Giants, Falcons and Vikings looking to either rebound or build off last year's success.

Their continued success depends on how they tackle the draft and free agency. If these three teams can go out and make some strong moves, then they should be ready to make a big impact next season.