1. Indianapolis Colts: 13-3
The Colts actually have more firepower on offense this year than they had a year ago. The healthy return of WR Anthony Gonzalez means even more weapons for Peyton Manning to play with.
GM Bill Polian made some key additions to the defense and many think this could be the Colts best D of Manning’s time in Indy. The rest of the AFC South poses no threat to the Colts supremacy, so expect a No. 1 or No. 2 seed followed by a very likely return to the Super Bowl.
2. San Diego Chargers: 11-2
The Chargers Super Bowl window has been steadily closing for years, and it might be now or never with the looming lockout on the horizon. This year’s squad is without RB Ladainian Tomlinson and could potentially face lengthy holdouts with both WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus McNeill.
That being said, they’re still the class of the AFC West, have upgraded the roster on both sides of the ball including 1st round draft choice RB Ryan Mathews, and should find themselves in a favorable position once again come playoff time. But Phillip Rivers and Norv Turner have been unable to get this team over the hump in January and they’ll fall short once again.
3. New York Jets: 11-2
There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Jets who’ve all but anointed themselves Super Bowl Champs throughout the offseason. Now comes the difficult part: proving it. They have an exceptionally talented defense which will keep them in nearly every game, although a lengthy holdout by CB Darrelle Revis would be damaging down the stretch.
Offensively, while talented at the skill positions and along most of the offensive line, QB Mark Sanchez is still only in year two. New York will likely earn a Wild Card. At that point, anything can happen if their defense is hitting on all cylinders. We see them falling a bit short of the Super Bowl though.
4. New England Patriots: 6-1
The glory days for the Patriots are over and they have virtually no shot of winning the AFC. The offense will still be potent, but Bill Belichick’s habit of ignoring the running game makes it easier for opponents to scheme Tom Brady and Co.
And defensively, they have still not found replacements for guys like Richard Seymour who can pressure opposing QBs and protect their secondary. The Patriots will struggle to earn a Wild Card berth but that’s as good as it gets in 2010.
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