NFL 2008 Preview

AFC East
1. Patriots--an obvious pick, but the real question is whether or not they'll go 19-0 this year.
2. Jets--Favre was a great pick-up, but he's also their biggest question mark on offense. Will he be the Favre of '07 or '06? A great left side will foster a solid year for Thomas Jones. Look for Jericho Cotchery to be Brett's main man.
3. Bills
4. Dolphins--They'll win more games this season, but Parcells' culture needs 1 or 2 more years to cultivate before big results show. Ricky Williams does well this year...as long as he doesn't cultivate any illegal substances in the back of his locker.

AFC North
1.Steelers--They lost Alen Faneca, but a healthy Willie Parker and an non-motorcycle-accident-recovering Big Ben will get them into the playoffs.
2. Bengals--Most have them finishing last, but I'm a Cincy fan. With Ocho-Cinco hurt, look for T.J. Housh to blow up. He'll lead the league in catches (insert joke about the Bengals leading the league in arrest warrants here).
3. Browns--AFC North's feisty defenses have had a year to learn Derek Anderson's weaknesses. Although a strong left side could still carry them into the first round of the playoffs.
4. Ravens--Kyle freaking Boller...nuff said.

AFC South
1. Jaguars--Yes, I'm picking them to win the division. David Gerrard rarely turns the ball over, and their backfield combo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew will dominate once again.
2. Colts--I just don't think they have it this year.
3. Titans--Call me when Vince Young stops throwing like a seventh grader.
4. Texans

AFC West
1. Chargers--They'll easily win the division, but is this their year to go big?
2. Broncos--They finish second by default--the same way the Jets finish second by default.
3. Raiders--I think they'll edge out the Chiefs for third, I just can't wait to see Reggie McFadden (fellow Irishman, probably a relative) run the ball.
4. Chiefs

NFC East
1. Cowboys--I still don't buy Tony Romo, but their firepower is amazing, but Wade Phillips reminds me a little too much of Ralph Wiggum.
2. Eagles--They'll be better than last year, and Desean Jackson (Cal) might just make the Pro Bowl.
3. Giants--With a spotty D-line and weak/aged CBs, Eli would have to play like Payton to get them into the playoffs.
4. Redskins


NFC North
1. Packers--Their strong defense will allow Aaron Rodgers to flourish. By the way, Rodgers may not be Brett Favre, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Rodgers wouldn't have thrown that OT interception in the NFC Title game last season.
2. Vikings--Their defense got better, their running game and O-line are superb, but what if they need to throw the ball?
3. Bears--No one will be doing the Super Bowl shuffle this year in Chicago.
4. Lions--Am I the only one left who thinks Barry Sanders still might come back?

NFC South
1. Saints--I think the Saints will do better than most people think. Deuce is back, which will help Reggie do his thing. And Kim will be out in LA, so Bush will get to focus on football.
2. Buccaneers--This might be the year Jon Gruden's head explodes.
3. Panthers
4. Falcons--In a few years we'll be talking about how Art Blank rebuilt his team, but not this year...On a mostly unrelated note, can you imagine Michael Vick in one of today's college Spread Offenses? I can only dream.

NFC West
1. Seahawks--I think any of these 4 teams are capable of finishing first or dead last. Holmgren goes out on top.
2. 49ers--Again, I can see them winning the division. A strong D and an improved offensive scheme will keep them around .500.
3. Cardinals--Should Kurt Warner be allowed to wear a glove on his throwing hand, let alone the Barry Bonds old arm-guard? By the way, whatever happened to Immokalee's own Edgerrin James?
4. Rams

Rookie of the Year: Desean Jackson
MVP: Randy Moss
NFC Champions: Packers
AFC Champions: Patriots
Super Bowl Champions: Patriots