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NEWS | Aug. 28, 2009

AFC Predictions: division by division breakdown

By Airman 1st Class Patrick McKenna Capital Flyer sports writer

This is the first of a two-part series. Next week will be the NFC preview.

AFC West Division Champs -
San Diego Chargers:

After going 4-8 in the first 12 games of last season, the Chargers turned it on late and won their last four games to win their division. This was all without their best defensive player, Shawne Merriman, and with their franchise running back, LaDainian Tomlinson, rushing for a career low 1,110 yards. This season Merriman appears 100 percent healthy and Tomlinson will be able to stay fresh by sharing the rushing load with Darren Sproles. An improved defense and running game to go along with the dynamic passing attack of Philip Rivers will make the Chargers a much more balanced team this season.
Thanks to Denver trading Jay Cutler to Chicago, there is no team in the AFC West that will challenge the Chargers for the division crown this season. But make no mistake: the Raiders aren't the lost cause people think they are. They have good young talent in Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden and will get better as the season goes on.

Prediction: San Diego 12-4
                    Oakland 8-8
                    Denver 5-11
                    Kansas City 3-13

AFC East Division Champs - New England Patriots:
An offense featuring Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway and a stable of dependable running backs will have no problem lighting up the scoreboard. The main questions for the Patriots are: How well can the offensive line protect Tom Brady? And do Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden have enough left in the tank to give the pass defense a boost.
While Buffalo has made some nice offseason moves, and Miami is looking to build on last year's improbable season, neither can compete with the Patriots if Brady stays on his feet.

Prediction: New England 13-3
                    Miami 9-7
                    Buffalo 8-8
                    New York Jets 6-10

AFC North Division Champs - Pittsburgh Steelers:
The defending champs had a lackluster offseason, but when you're coming off your second Lombardi trophy in four years, you don't need to make major changes. They took care of in-house business, re-signing core players James Harrison, Max Starks and Heath Miller. With second year running back Rashard Mendenhall looking to be the thunder to Willie Parker's lightning; this team is built to contend for another Super Bowl appearance.
The Steelers only competition for the division crown will come from Baltimore (doesn't it always?). While the Ravens will show last year was no fluke, they'll have to settle for a Wild Card berth.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 13-3
                    Baltimore 10-6
                    Cincinnati 7-9
                    Cleveland 5-11

AFC South Division Champs - Tennessee Titans:

The Titans enjoyed a breakout season last year thanks to stud rookie running back Chris Johnson, the rebirth of quarterback Kerry Collins and a defense that allowed the second fewest points in the NFL last season. While they lost All Pro defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth to free agency, their defense should still be solid. Just like last year, this team is not going to put up a ton of points. They'll need the running game to carry the load on offense and Collins to manage the game if they want to be successful.
The Titans division has some major question marks. How will the Colts do with a new head coach? Are the Texans ready to finally compete for a playoff spot? In the end, I think both teams will beat the Titans once this season, but Tennessee's offensive line and running game will give them the slight edge over the long haul.

Prediction: Tennessee 11-5
                    Indianapolis 10-6
                    Houston 8-8
                    Jacksonville 6-10