The Earliest 2009 NFL Preview Possible

Welcome to the state of the NFL before free agency strikes. Some teams will benefit from the host of talent suddenly becoming available this week, while others hope the draft solves their deficiencies.

I will go over each division and tell you what to expect in 2009.

AFC North

We will begin with the division that produced our Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers capped off an incredibly difficult schedule by winning the big game as a No. 2 seed in the playoffs, flying in under the radar a bit.

I think the Steelers will continue the dominance we saw last season. Mike Tomlin is a good leader and motivator, and this will be a tough win for most teams in the NFL.

The Ravens will have more experience, but quarterback Joe Flacco can only take them so far. I think this team is again doomed for just a wild card berth and an early exit. Cleveland will make it to 8-8 or maybe even 9-7 if Brady Quinn continues to improve at the quarterback position. Cincinnati will be stuck in last place.

AFC East

Look for Tom Brady and Matt Cassel to anchor the Patriots to a division title. Miami should be competitive and perhaps grab a wild card, but I am expecting a bit of a letdown after their resurgent season.

The Jets and Buffalo will not be able to keep pace with New England and Miami this coming season.

AFC South

I look for Houston to continue to improve. This may be the season for the Texans to get over the proverbial hump and finally make the playoffs. Indy will be there to compete, of course, with Peyton Manning starting this season healthy.

The Titans will have trouble keeping pace with last season's success, though, and the Jaguars will likely be at the bottom again.

AFC West

San Diego will still be the team to beat. A quicker start will be expected this season. Denver has to learn a new system, and that could be trouble in the Mile High City this coming season. Oakland will be much better and may surprise a lot of folks. Kansas City will be last again in a weak division.

NFC East

The NFC East should be really interesting this season.

The Eagles, with some free agent help, will be dominant in this division. Dallas has too many question marks and too much drama to focus on consistently winning.

Washington's offense is going to have to be far less anemic than last season to compete. Jim Zorn has one more chance, and perhaps that's it for the former quarterback.

The Giants will have a good running attack, of course, but need help for Eli at the receiver position. Who gets Boldin and Harrison? Every team in this division could use them.

NFC North

Minnesota wins by default again. Chicago will not win this division until they have a great quarterback. Not just a good one, but a great one. Will this ever happen in our lifetime?

Green Bay needs defensive help badly, and Detroit may win a couple of games with an overhauled front office and coaching staff, but will likely be in last place once again.

NFC South

Change is brewing. Look for Atlanta and New Orleans to fight it out for the division title this season. Carolina will have a dropoff.

Tampa Bay is now officially rebuilding. Getting rid of Derrick Brooks is baffling, especially with the Bucs $70 million below the salary cap. Other notable cuts will hurt this team and their ability to compete for this division.

NFC West

The Rams and Seahawks will not be winning much quite yet. This leaves the 49ers to try and improve enough to beat Arizona for this division.

Won't happen, though. Kurt Warner will sign for two more seasons with Arizona and this offense will be potent again this coming season. I see no one in this division beating these guys in 2009.

Playoff picks

AFC division winners: New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, San Diego. Wild cards: Ravens, Texans.

NFC division winners: Eagles, Vikings, Falcons, Cardinals. Wild cards: Giants, Saints.