NFL: AFC Predictions From the Stands

Well, I know some of the picks I made about the NFC were challenged, but after all, that's what journalism is all about. It's about challenging others through your own opinions. These are also my opinions. This is how I see the AFC finishing. Like it or hate it, agree or disagree, here's how I see it from my seat:

AFC East

1. Patriots

2. Jets

3. Bills

4. Dolphins

The Patriots lost the big game this year. It was unfortunate, but it adds to their fire. They are motivated to get back to the big game and will be ready at the start of the season.

The Jets have restocked on both sides of the ball, especially on the offensive line but questions remain. With all of this new talent they will be playing together as a truly new team. Also, with the loss of defensive captain Jonathan Vilma, their defense is left without a true leader.

The Bills are heading in the right direction with a new quarterback and a talented running back. They have been able to stay young fairly well, and will contend for a few years.

The Dolphins are in the early stages of rebuilding. I don't see them being too much better this year but there will be improvements.

AFC South

1. Colts

2. Jaguars

3. Texans

4. Titans

A typically very strong division, has gotten weaker as the most dominant players have been getting older. The Colts are still the best with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai.

The Jaguars have stocked up on receivers but are aging. This is David Garrard's year to prove if he deserves his chinstrap.

The Texans are the most exciting team in this division. The expansion team is filling up with young talent and Mario Williams should be fun to watch for years to come.

The Titans need something more. Vince Young needs to add some pocket passing to his running ability, as he has become somewhat one dimensional.

AFC West

1. Chargers

2. Raiders

3. Broncos

4. Chiefs

The Chargers are still the best in the West as they still have LaDainian Tomlinson. Philip Rivers is still progressing but this is a big season for him. He needs to lead his team now. Lorenzo Neal is gone, so LT is going to have to do it on his own.

The Raiders are young and ready to go. Although they sunk a lot of money into Tommy Kelly, they should still be able to get better in the draft. Jay Cutler hasn't shown himself to be the next John Elway yet. They are getting older and need to get some talent in the draft.

The Chiefs are going into a season where Larry Johnson needs to carry his team, and Damon Huard needs to step up as a starter.

AFC North

1. Browns

2. Steelers

3. Ravens

4. Bengals

The Browns have quietly built their team through years of high draft picks and finally have a high powered offense. Their defense is fairly old, but it still gets the job done. Look for them to continue to do well.

The Steelers will continue to be in it with Ben Roethlisberger, and their defense as well. They didn't make any big signings yet, but their team is mainly still together.

The Ravens need to add players also, especially a quarterback. Steve McNair is getting older and if they draft a quarterback now they should be able to have a quarterback for the future. They have an aging defense and need help on offense.

The Bengals have issues including a receiver who is interested in a new team. Chad Johnson, aka Ocho Cinqo, expressed interest in the Patriots. Carson Palmer is still a good quarterback but needs to be the leader of his team. They need help in different places and it may take sometime to acquire and develop new talent.

This is the AFC in 2008. The NFL is truly an amazing league and it never stops surprising us. With months until the season starts, who knows what will happen between now and then?

Who wants it more?