Just for Sport

Here it is: the 2007 NFL preview, division by division.

AFC East

1. New York Jets (12-4) 

I know I will be labeled a Pats hater, but there’s no denying that Bill Belichick’s "genius" was exposed last year.  Mangini has their number, and a close division almost always comes down to head-to-head matchups.

2. New England (11-5)

Randy Moss was supposed to make a huge difference in Oakland, too. 

3. Miami (8-8)

I’m not a believer in Trent Green, but I am a believer in their defense. 

4. Buffalo (4-12)

The loss of Willis McGahee will make a bigger impact than thought. 

AFC North

1. Baltimore (12-4)

I really like Baltimore this year…except that they have a walking injury at quarterback.   

2. Cincinnati (10-6)

Remember when Carson Palmer and the Bengals were going to go deep in the playoffs and then Palmer got his knee blown out?  Yeah, me too. 

3. Pittsburgh (8-8)

Coaching change doesn’t make much of a difference.  Roethlisberger is a game manager and not much more, and the sooner the Steelers figure this out, the better. 

4. Cleveland (3-13)

A bad team that just hasn’t done anything to make itself better.  Jamal Lewis is supposed to be their big improvement?  No. 

AFC South

1. Indianapolis (12-4)

There’s been a lot of hand-wringing about the Colts.  Super Bowl Letdown, losses on defense, the list goes on.  Listen - they’ll be fine.  As someone who has watched the Colts carefully for the last several years, I will tell you that the losses at cornerback were actually a good thing, and I think Thursday’s game against the Saints proved that.  Who did Peyton pick on all game long?  Jason David and Nick Harper. 

2. Jacksonville (10-6)

I was ready to say that this would be the year Jacksonville would compete for the division title…and then they cut Byron Leftwich.  Look, David Garrard was a nice change of pace, but he’s not going to lead you to the promised land. 

3. Tennessee (7-9)

I’m really high on Vince Young, but that defense minus Pacman Jones is not really a defense. 

4. Houston (5-11) 

I’ve watched lots of Texans games since they came into the league because of where I live, and let me tell you something: it was a mistake to get rid of David Carr.  On many occasions, he was the only player who showed up to the game.  I hope Matt Schaub enjoys the view from his backside. 

AFC West

1. San Diego (13-3)

Coaching change: does it really matter with that kind of talent? 

2. Denver (11-5)

Their defense is AMAZING.  If Jay Cutler can live up to his potential, this will be a good football team. 

3. Kansas City (7-9)

7-9 may be a little optimistic, especially when Brodie Croyle is competing for the quarterback spot.  Doesn’t anybody remember how bad he sucked at Alabama?  That team won games with a score of 6-3 because their defense was so good.  Kansas City’s defense?  Not that good. 

4. Oakland (3-13) 

I just don’t see it turning around. 

NFC East

1. Dallas (12-4)

This was the toughest division to pick for me because Dallas and Philly are so close.  Whoever wins the head-to-heads will take it, and I like Dallas when matched up against the Eagles. 

2. Philadelphia (11-5)

But watch out if McNabb can stay healthy all year… 

3. New York Giants (6-10)

This team should scrap together a few wins, but it won’t be because of Eli Manning. 

4. Washington (3-13)

Worst defense in the league = 3-13.  Or worse. 

NFC North

1. Chicago (12-4)

Chicago still plays in the worst division in the NFL. 

2. Green Bay (8-8)

I think they will overachieve this year.  Why?  Brett Favre will announce his retirement in Week 4.

3. Detroit (6-10)

They should improve, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, people. 

4. Minnesota (4-12) 

When you’re depending on Tarvaris Jackson, you’ve got problems that run deep.  Maybe it’s time to ask about who is making the personnel decisions up there. 

NFC South

1. New Orleans (13-3)

Their defense is a liability, but look at their schedule.  Drew Brees always starts slow and finishes strong. 

2. Atlanta (8-8)

A lot of people think their season is lost, but does nobody remember about all of the games Mike Vick LOST for them in the past few years? 

3. Carolina (5-11)

Their win-loss record goes up if they get that bum Delhomme out and put David Carr in. 

4. Tampa Bay (3-13)

One thing’s for certain in Tampa Bay: Jon Gruden will get 2 hours of sleep a night, yell at people on national television, and still lose a lot of games. 

NFC West

1. Arizona (10-6)

This is my sleeper pick this year.  Matt Leinart has had time to gel with Boldin and Fitzgerald.  They have a new coach, a new defense, a new offensive line (and O-line coach to go with it), and a decent schedule. 

2. St. Louis (8-8)

Scott Linehan is a good coach, but you how does that help you tackle? 

3. Seattle (7-9)

Look, I could be really wrong about this, but Seattle is severely overrated this year.  This might be the oldest team in the NFL.  Could someone check on that?

4. San Francisco (6-10) 

I need to see more from Alex Smith before I give San Fran any credit. 

 

Playoffs:

Wildcard

Patriots over Ravens, Jets over Broncos 

Bears over Rams, Eagles over Cardinals 

Divisional Round

Chargers over Patriots, Colts over Jets

Cowboys over Bears, Eagles over Saints 

Championship

Colts over Chargers 

Cowboys over Eagles

Super Bowl

Colts 31, Cowboys 22