NFL 2009-10 AFC Predictions: Who Will Reign Supreme?

And now for Part Two, the AFC.

The competition level in the AFC is so high it was almost impossible to make sense of everything.

Interestingly enough, there were some big changes for a lot of teams that could have both positive and negative results depending on a lot of things.

The Jets get a huge upgrade defensively while the Titans lose a couple of big names. The Chiefs significantly upgraded AND downgraded themselves all in one shot, the Bengals, Bills and Texans have a lot of people guessing, and of course, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Big Ben.

See what I mean?

So let’s take a look at what I came up with and you can be the judge.

1. San Diego Chargers

San Diego is very interesting. They have a QB who played through some injuries that perhaps some say he shouldn’t have. LaDainian Tomlinson had over 1100 yards last year and that was a BAD season for him.

They have some of the best downfield receivers in the game, and Shawne Merriman has recently been called out by Ocho Cinco.

Still, the Chargers have what it takes to secure the number one seed and possibly a Super Bowl berth.

2. New England Patriots

It will probably be a very long time until the Patriots are NOT in the top of these types of articles. That’s one thing we can all bank on. Well, that and Brady is back.

If it wasn’t for his injury and an aging defense I would list them as No. 1, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be one of the top-two teams left standing. I’ll afford you all your own ending.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

This team simply has a blueprint for winning year in and year out. The chances of them being around in January will depend on health and whether or not they can improve the running game.

Shaun McDonald should be an improvement, and the ageless Ward will have another banner year.

Has anyone noticed that Mike Tomlin looks a LOT like Omar Epps?

4. Indianapolis Colts

Similar to the Pats, the Colts are usually a solid pick for the playoffs but they will finish fourth in the conference no better. The Colts will have to improve their rushing game as well as their ability to stop the run ironically enough. They’ll win a wild-card game but go no further than that.

5. Baltimore Ravens

Last year, Flacco and company had a brutal defense to back them up.  But this year the D won’t be as good. The Ravens, however, should be good enough to finish 10-6 and appear in a wild-card game, possibly against the Colts—see above for the outcome of that one.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Yup, that’s right. The Jags are my sleeper pick (and for you fantasy readers, Jones-Drew is a top fantasy sleeper pick as well, mark my words).

The problem with finishing 10-6 is that they will probably face Big Ben and company and the Jags won’t measure up. They’ll give them a good fight but nothing more.

7. Tennessee Titans

I hate the No. 7 spot because it is always the most controversial. I like the Titans, but I can’t see them making the playoffs with the departures they had this year and the fact that they don’t put up a lot of points.

8. Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer is back, which will equal points scored—something the Bengals lacked immensely last year. The ground game should be better, and the receivers got a shot in the arm with Lavernues Coles.

In addition, the Bengals had a terrific draft that spells good things for the future. For the present, 8-8 is enough to make them most improved in the AFC.

9. Houston Texans

The Texans should come into this year much better than last year and could be good enough to turn some heads early.  However, they're not good enough to achieve better than 8-8 however.

One interesting note is that Antonio Smith is primed to have a breakout season. If the LB corp can play a bit better, they will cause some noise in the division.

10. Buffalo Bills

An uncertain backfield and the addition of TO will not be good enough to take the Bills to the next level. This team is no better than 8-8. Since there is little to hope for the immediate future, an 8-8 trend could be a couple of years running.

11. Miami Dolphins

Last year was great, it really was. But there is little chance for the Dolphins to repeat the same success this year. Losing Renaldo Hill and Vonnie Holiday will hurt the team, and the running game will probably not do anything better than what they did last year. 7-9 seems about right.

12. Denver Broncos

The competition is so high in the AFC that the Broncos are one of those teams that is really hard to get a read on. They have a good set of receivers and a potentially dangerous ground game, but the D may not adjust to the changes as fast as everyone wants them to. Next year seems more fitting for a playoff run.

13. Kansas City Chiefs

Add a high-caliber QB and take away his primary target and then replace him (Gonzalez) with Tony Curtis? Sure why not?

Not enough pieces in place to make a run, or achieve better than five wins.

14. Oakland Raiders

There is so much uncertainty that it over shadows a team with a pretty good backfield and an improved defense.  But the Raiders are two years away from challenging anyone at this point.

15. New York Jets

Yes they upgraded on defense, but they all but did away with any playmakers on the team. Add in Sanchez and the philosophy of ground and pound and this formula spells disaster from the start.

16. Cleveland Browns

This team will need more than an overhaul and Mangenius to compete this year. Aside from Jamal Lewis and possibly Brady Quinn, there is virtually nobody worth mentioning when it comes to week after week play that is good enough to elevate this team out of the bottom of the pack.

The Browns will be lucky to win five games.

Playoff Picture

San Diego and New England with a first-round bye.

Pittsburgh deals with the Jags 27-13 and the Colts edge the Ravens 24-21 in the Wildcard.

San Diego holds on to beat the Colts 14-13 while Pittsburgh sends Brady and company packing 20-17

San Diego gets “revenge” for the 11-10 contest of last year and edges the champs 17-14 in OT.

So there you have it folks. My predictions for all 32 teams. I hope everyone enjoyed and as always thanks for reading and sharing your time with me.