AFC Picks

Football started last night as the Giants beat the Redskins 16-7. With that said, I have my AFC picks for 2008. I will have my NFC picks and playoff picks soon.
AFC East: The Patriots will win the division again, yawn. They are still loaded on offense and we all know that no matter what they lose on D, they find a way to replace. They have the best QB/Coach combo in the NFL. They retooled the D with some youth and you would have to believe they may try to run the ball a little more this year.
AFC North: The Steelers will win by default. I don't think Cleveland is ready to contend, the Ravens stink, and well, the Bengals are about ready to implode. The Steelers will win with an old formula, Defense and pounding the ball. When the temperature drops in Pittsburgh the last thing you want is to have the ball crammed down your throat and the Steelers are known for this. They have played "Smash-Mouth Football" the best, historically. They have a tremendous RB combo with lighting (Fast Willie Parker) and thunder (Rashad Mendenhall). They have a tremendous and underrated LB corp and speed at the WR spot.
AFC South: The Jaguars will finally dethrone the Colts. Best unknown QB is David Garrard. Good ground attack and explosive depth at the WR position. They are the "No-Name-D" reincarnated. Stubborn defense, very good secondary. Coach Del Rio doesn't get enough credit. They challenged the Patriots, in case you forgot, in the playoffs last year. They can beat you many ways, either pound it on the ground, through the air, or flat out with D. Got to love the culture being built in Jacksonville, even if nobody shows up to watch them.
AFC West: The Chargers will win another division title. They might have the most all around talent of any team in the NFL. They are looking to make the next leap, and that is the Super Bowl. They fought tooth and nail, with out LaDainian Tomilinson, with the Patriots in New England last playoffs. The D will pressure you into mistakes if you let them. Phillip Rivers, their starting QB, grew up in the playoffs last year. Back up RB Darren Sproles is a slippery, quick back that can hit the home run with one touch. Great secondary, lead the league in interceptions last year. They get at the QB with the best of the D's in the NFL. If anyone can dethrone the Pats I feel it will be them, they are just so talented that it would be a waste if they never take the next step.
Wildcard Teams: Colts, and the Bills.
Colts will never be counted out with Eli's brother at the helm. Too much talent on the offense and they play on that turf (turf for the offense equals super hero speed). The D has too many questions. Dwight Freeney is coming off knee surgery and a guy who relies on his speed can really hurt his performance.
The Bills are my special pick. I just love the D and the RB is gonna be a special player. Marshawn Lynch is gonna explode on the scene this year with a breakout season. The D line is anchored by well over a quarter ton of beef with the two defensive tackles. Kyle Williams and Stroud are big old "Hog Mollies" in the middle. Trent Edwards will have growing pains at QB but he will do enough to get the Bills in the playoffs. Also, the best left tackle in football, Mr. Jason Peters, ended his holdout and will play this year.
These are my AFC picks. I will be back before the end of the weekend to finish up with my NFC and postseason picks.