NFL AFC Projections

1. New England Patriots (13-3)

Do not let their poor pre-season record fool you. They are the best team in the AFC East by a considerable margin. However, a second successive undefeated regular season is highly unlikely. The Patriots will clinch their seventh division title this decade, and it will appear almost effortless.

2. New York Jets (9-7)

Prior to the Brett Favre acquisition, the post-season was simply a pipe dream. With one of the NFL's most prominent quarterbacks of all-time taking the snaps, the Jets are now perceived as a Wild Card threat as opposed to an also-ran.

3. Buffalo Bills (8-8)

It seems as if the Bills are mired in mediocrity. They have some young talent on both sides of the ball, specifically the offense, but they will fall short of qualifying for the playoffs. Their decade-long post-season dearth will continue.

4. Miami Dolphins (5-11)

Fortunately, for fans in south Florida, things can only improve for the Miami Dolphins. The Bill Parcells, Jeff Ireland, and Tony Sporano regime commences, as they had to clean up the disarray that had mounted for nearly a decade. The Dolphins are better than they were in 2007, but they are still the bottom feeders in the AFC East.

AFC North

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

The Cleveland Browns are the trendy pick in the AFC North, but it is the Steelers division to lose. Nevertheless, the Steelers are a couple of steps behind the Patriots, Colts, and Chargers.

2. Cleveland Browns (10-6)

Following last season's emergence, the Browns face high expectations from the NFL community. The offensive unit is solid, but there are concerns on the defensive side of the ball, as they had issues with the pass and the run throughout the season. Still, the Browns should clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2002.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)

Just two or three years ago, many analysts expected the Bengals to emerge as an upper echelon team in the AFC. Injuries and misbehavior have followed this team over the past two seasons. The trade demands from their star wide receiver, Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson, whatever his name is now, did not help matters. No playoffs for Cincy.

4. Baltimore Ravens (4-12)

Last season's disappointment will carried into this season. The Ravens have a new coach, and an uncertain quarterback situation, which may hinder them early in the season.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)

The Colts will maintain their stranglehold on the AFC South; however, the Jacksonville Jaguars are rapidly gaining. The Colts have too many weapons, and arguably the best quarterback of this decade. They are still one of the heavy hitters in the AFC.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)

Once again, the Jaguars will earn the label of the best team not to win their division in 2008. This team is solid all the way around, but they are not the Colts. Man for man, they are slightly inferior to the Colts, but they will make it interesting.

3. Houston Texans (8-8)

The Texans are another year away from a post-season berth. The team has vastly improved over the past two or three years, but there are just too many sound teams in the AFC.

4. Tennessee Titans (6-10)

Without a decent passing attack, the Titans could fade to the cellar of the AFC South. Nevertheless, they could materialize as a sleeper, especially if Vince Young continues to improve upon his completion percentage.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers (13-3)

This could be the season in which LaDainian Tomlinson finally reaches the Super Bowl. The Chargers defense is impressive, and they have an abundance of offensive weapons. Perhaps they have surpassed the Patriots and Colts as the top team in the AFC.

2. Denver Broncos (8-8)

The Broncos are a young team, and will improve as the season progresses. A Wild Card berth is a realistic expectation, but anything more would be difficult for this team to attain.

3. Oakland Raiders (6-10)

The Raiders are better on paper than they have been ever since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers routed them in the Super Bowl six years ago. They are a year or so away from being a legitimate playoff contender, unless JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden far exceed their already lofty expectations.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (4-12)

Unfortunately, the Chiefs will rival the Ravens as the worst team in the AFC. They simply have too many weaknesses.

Wild Card- Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns

AFC Championship Game- San Diego Chargers over New England Patriots