AFC Preview
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Patriots- It’s amazing that Brady put up the numbers he did in the past with the kind of receivers he had. Now that he finally has some big targets he is ready for a monster season. The only question make is the age of the line backing crew, but Thomas should provide some relief there.
Jets- Pennington’s reemergence was welcomed by Jets fans this past season. Washington and Jones should provide a deadly combo. They have a good chance of returning to the playoffs, and possibly go deeper than last year.
Dolphins- If only they could play the Patriots every game, because they seem to always beat them. Besides being spoiling some teams’ playoff hopes, the Dolphins won’t do much.
Bills- Losing Fletcher will hurt. Losman can hopefully continue to develop. Lee Evans is going to have to deal with double coverage, because the Bills can’t do much else.
Chargers- Last year they were clearly the most complete team. They even outplayed the Patriots in the playoffs. They gave the Brady too many chances to score by making critical mistakes that eventually cost them the game. Set for a deep playoff run and set there eyes on the Super Bowl.
Broncos- Cutler got some important playing time last year. One mistake cost them their spot in the playoffs, and the Broncos don’t plan on missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
Chiefs- They just can’t seem to catch a break against the Colts. A better defense would get them in the playoffs, but without it they are just one of the good teams not to make the playoffs.
Raiders- Culpepper is just going to slow down Russell’s development. The Raiders should accept they are not going to contend this year and get Russell some time so next year is possible. The defense should keep them close in games, but the offense will find a way to mess it up.
Ravens- They still have a stifling defense coupled with Jamal Lewis’s improvement. McNair will dictate how far they go in the playoffs. If he can avoid making big mistakes, this team could go deep.
Steelers- Last year was not the real Steelers. Some unfortunate injuries cost them in the early going. Look for Big Ben to revitalize this team. Ward is still a top receiver and a great blocker.
Bengals- The AFC is just too good for the Bengals to make the playoffs. The Palmer-Johnson-Johnson trio should make things interesting though.
Browns-This team needs to be able to keep Edwards and Winslow healthy to even be considered a threat to any team. Plus, they just need to flat out perform better.
Colts- The Colts were not the best team last year. They just played their best when it mattered. They still have a shaky defense, probably even shakier after some players left for Free Agency. Vinatieri will win them a game or two during the season.
Jaguars- This team is a good quarterback away from serious contention. Garrard and Leftwich just don’t cut it. Besides that this team is pretty strong.
Titans- Young has taken charge of this team. The overachieved last year, but they still are not a bad team. Some key losses due to free agency hinders their chances.
Texans- Schaub is good, but he’s inexperienced and he needs some help from his offensive line to be able to throw the ball. He doesn’t have any big targets to look for either. They will continue to be cellar dwellers at least this year.
Playoff Matchups: Wild Card Round: Patriots (bye) Chargers (bye) Broncos beat the Ravens Colts escape the Steelers
Divisional Round: Patriots beat the Broncos Chargers beat the Colts
Conference Championship: Patriots beat the Chargers
