New England Patriots 13-3
It’s hard not to choose the team that is consistently the best team in the league, especially coming off of a year where they lost the the MVP and still managed to go 11-5 with a backup who hadn’t played since high school. Tom Brady is back and the Pats will be back in the playoffs. I hate the loss of Richard Seymour but they fill that Ron Brace, Jarvis Green, Ty Warren and Vince Wolfork can handle the DLine rotation. I love the Derrick Burgess, Chris Baker and Fred Taylor pickups and the drafting of Darius Butler. The Pats will be back in the SB mix in 09.
Miami Dolphins 8-8
The Dolphins snuck on teams for half the season in 08, but I don’t think that will be the case in 2009. They were near the middle of the pack in most defensive and offensive categories last season, so it’s hard to imagine them taking a huge step forward. I personally love the two cornerbacks they drafted Sean Smith and Vontae Davis (would have rather drafted both of them for the Bucs) so there pass defense should definitely improve. Jason Taylor and Joey Porter should continue to provide great pressure from the outside. This season all rests on the play of Chad Pennington and if he’s hurt, Chad Henne. They have a great offensive line in front of them, so they have the tools necessary to succeed.
New York Jets 7-9
This prediction has a chance to be quite low. Point blank, if Mark Sanchez progresses, the pieces are there for this team to be a premier team in the AFC. I love their offensive pieces, led by a great offensive line, and the best blocking back in football in Tony Richardson. Thomas Jones and Leon Washington are as good as it gets in the backfield and Dustin Keller is going to be a name that people know after this season. With the additions of the Bart Scott and Lito Sheppard and Rex Ryan’s madness controlling it all, this defense has a chance to be real special as well. This team is totally on the shoulders of QB Mark Sanchez, if he is good, the Jets will be good.
Buffalo Bills 6-8
This is one of three teams to bounce their offensive coordinator before the start of the season, so initially, I’m a bit skeptical. Add to that the total inexperience of their offensive line, and the shakiness that Trent Edwards has exuded during the preseason, I’m thinking the Bills offense is going to be a work in progress at least for a few weeks. There defense on the other hand, I happen to like. It’s covered with young talented players all over the field. Aaron Maybin, Kyle Williams, Leodis McKelvin, Paul Posluzny and Donte Whitner are all young studs who will see multiple ProBowls. This year might just end up being a work in progress for the Bills, despite the apparent go for it mentality that comes with signing TO to a 1 year deal.