AFC Playoff Picture 2009

There are always six teams from each conference that go to the playoffs every year. There are many reasons to believe teams like the Colts, Steelers and Patriots are teams you think that will go all the way. I'm going to give my pre-season predictions for the AFC Playoffs.

AFC West

There are very talented teams in the division, however, I think that San Diego will win it.

The Chargers will be getting the outstanding pass rusher, Shawne Merriman, back with a full season to heal that knee which became an issue in 2008. He is arguably the best outside linebacker in the AFC. He is a morale booster and a impact player for that team.

The Chargers will also get a chance for defensive coordinator Ron Rivera to receive a full training camp with the very talented San Diego defense. As we saw last year Rivera greatly improved the San Diego defense after the departure of Ted Cottrell.

AFC South

I see the Colts taking the division this year for many reasons.

You have the MVP, Peyton Manning leading the offense, with weapons like Dallas Clark, Reggie Wayne, and Joseph Addai. They have a very solid defense with players like Bob Sanders (Defensive Player Of The Year in 2007) & Dwight Freeney (who finished the season third in sacks).

This team, however, lost some great assets such as Tony Dungy, a phenomenal head coach who had taken Manning to his first Super Bowl win over the Bears in 2006.

The team lost the outstanding Marvin Harrison. This is a huge loss because he would open up more receivers like Anthony Gonzalez and Dallas Clark.

I am not convinced that the Titans, Texans, orJaguars will be in the playoff mix this year. Although Jeff Fisher is a good coach with a talented team, the Titans lost Albert Haynesworth, and I don't think they are in a stable condition at the quarterback position.

AFC North

You have to give the title to the Super Bowl Champs.

Ben Roethlisbeger is a two-time Super Bowl champion with good receivers like Hines Ward and Santanio Holmes. The offensive line could use a little work in the upcoming season, but a solid offense all around.

The defense is good with the Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison, Troy Polamalu, and many others. The Steelers could plug anyone in and still only allow 75 rushing yards a game.

There is another team in this division that I think could possibly be a wild card team again.

The Baltimore Ravens have Joe Flacco entering his sophomore season with a little more experience. They have a solid offense with multiple weapons, and they may have lost their defensive coordinator, but I'm still convinced they have one of the scariest defenses.

AFC East

There are so many great teams in this division. You have the Bills, Patriots, Jets and Dolphins. But I believe the Patriots will not win the division this year.

There are many holes and flaws in the Patriots. Sure, you get back Tom Brady but in the past two years they have lost Rodney Harrison, Donte Stallworth, Mike Vrabel, & Jabbar Gaffney.

That is too many holes to be playing with on your team. However, I do believe they will be a wild card contender.

The winner of this division will be the Jets. There is too much talent on that team to not win. You have a great offense and a solid defense.

The arrival of Mark Sanchez will be an interesting question. Junior quarterbacks are risky. I think he has a lot of talent, but he has not had a lot of college starts. However, I think he will have a Matt Ryan-style rookie year and take his team to the playoffs.