NFL Division Winners Predictions

         With the start of the NFL season almost upon us I felt the need to release my predictions for the division winners. Lets start with the AFC.


   AFC East: New England Patriots: Coming off a heartbreaking defeat to the New York Giants the Patriots were once again reward with one of the easiest schedules in the league. Led by future Hall of Famer Tom Brady the Patriots will once again be one of the best offensive teams in league and should cruise through their division

AFC South: Houston Texans: Like the Patriots the Texans have the benefit of playing in one of the least difficult divisions. With both Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson healthy the Texans seem like favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers: This year the AFC North is going to be very competitive and might just come down to the wire like last year. While the Ravens seem like the safer pick I'm not convinced that their defense can return to what it once was with  the loss of last years Defensive POY Terrell Suggs lost at least until week 6. The Steelers also have injury problems of their own with their top draft pick David DeCastro being lost for what may be the whole season. But with Todd Haley in as the new offensive coordinator the Steelers are going to throw the ball more and open up the offense for Big Ben. And don't forget about the defense, if James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley can stay healthy then I don't expect the Steelers to miss a beat.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs: Last year the Chiefs lost Eric Berry,Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki to season ending ACL injuries. That's three of their top 5 players and they still managed to win 7 games in a tightly contested division. With a full season under new coach Romeo Crennel the Chiefs look poised to make it back to the Playoffs

NFC East: New York Giants: The Giants coming off their magical playoff run the ended with a Super Bowl run should be the favorites to win their division. Eli is coming off his best statistical season in which he threw for 4933 yards good for 4th in the league. While their passing game was phenomenal last year this team is dependent on their defensive pass rush led by 3rd year sensation Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck.

NFC South: Carolina Panthers: This is one of my more bolder picks. Last year everyone was stunned by the performance of Rookie Cam Newton. Last year they were a top 5 offense with a dynamic running game.While they only won 6 games most of that can be attributed to their defense which was without All Pro Linebacker Jon Beason. This year they drafted Luke Kuechly out of Boston College and in the preseason he did not disappoint. Don't expect the Panthers to suffer a sophomore slump.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers: When you go 15-1 in the regular season and you have the leagues best QB, you should be the favorites to come out of your division. Last year Drew Brees wasn't the only QB breaking records, last year Aaron Rodgers had a league record 122 Passer Rating while throwing for 45 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. While their defense had some major problems last year they are looking to improve with the drafting of former USC linebacker Nick Perry and Charles Woodson's full time move to safety.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers: Last year the 49ers surprised everyone and were two fumbles away from a Super Bowl appearance. They were able to keep all 11 of it's defensive starters and added some offensive weapons. In a division that always seems to change don't expect the 49ers to falter next season