AFC West: This is anyone's division to win. Denver has the inside track to win, and certainly, Peyton Manning has a lot to do with that optimism. The questions here are Manning's health (obviously) and whether the wide receivers can learn their routes in time. After all, when one of your receivers admits to not having to learn routes in the Tim Tebow era, you know there's a problem. The trendy pick for a bounce back season belongs to Kansas City, and certainly, a solid free-agency period helps. However, which Matt Cassel will we see this season: the good (2010) or the bad (2011)? Oakland almost made the playoffs last year and can certainly make the playoffs this year. It will all depend on Darren McFadden's health though, as there is no insurance behind him. San Diego is looking to rebound from a terrible season, but who will be the number one receiver? Offensive line issues could be a factor, as well.
AFC North: Despite Terrell Suggs' injury, Baltimore remains a favorite to repeat as division champions. Most of the pieces are still in place from last year, and all that separated them from the Super Bowl last year was a dropped catch and a shanked field goal. Love them or hate them, Pittsburgh is the model of consistency, and it all begins on defense. Offense is the biggest question mark, as a new coordinator and a muddied running game are concerns. Cincinnati is not sneaking up on anyone this year, which means Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will get twice the attention. Both figure to adjust accordingly, but the bigger concern is the secondary. Pencil Cleveland in as the last place team here. Far too many questions and unproven players here to even think about a playoff berth.
AFC South: Houston is the head of the class here, and if Matt Schaub can stay healthy, the Texans could make a deep playoff run. Tennessee is not far behind, but wide receiver issues (namely Kenny Britt and his off the field problems) could derail the team. Jacksonville is as exciting as watching paint dry, and no one expects them to do anything of note. At least, there's still Maurice Jones-Drew. Indianapolis is starting over, and it begins with a little Luck. Don't expect an immediate resurgence, as the Colts are literally rebuilding, and yes, that includes the offensive and defensive systems.
AFC East: New England is still the king of this hill, and a strong draft suggests that the window of opportunity will still be open, though there is also a sense of urgency with Tom Brady winding down. Buffalo had a strong start and an equally wretched end. Mario Williams will help on the defense, but the Bills need a second option at receiver to help Ryan Fitzpatrick. It would also help if Stevie Johnson could not cost his team a game or two with his on the field antics. The New York Jets are a far more interesting story off the field than on it. Quarterback is a mess, and someone should stop shoving a microphone in Santonio Holmes' face, as he hasn't met a mic that he didn't like. Oh, yeah, and their running game is a mess. Miami is the bratty kid that desperately seeks attention, but at the end of the day, they will make no impact this year.
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