Sports Surplus

# denotes Division Champion
* denotes Wild Card

AFC EAST

#New England Patriots (11-5):

The Dolphins are now the only other team on the radar in the East, but as long as Belichick and Brady are in charge, the Pats go back to the playoffs.

*Miami Dolphins (10-6):

Yep, Nick Saban is the real deal as an NFL coach. Daunte Culpepper pumps some life into the offense and, like last year, the Dolphins beat the Pats at least once this year.

Buffalo Bills (7-9):

With two average-at-best quarterbacks, J.P. Losman and Kelly Holcombe battling it out for the #1 job, Willis McGahee is really going to have to carry this offense to win 7 games.

New York Jets (6-10):

A weak schedule helps the Jets gain two wins from last year, but question marks at quarterback, running back, offensive line, and Coach, make it another rough winter for the J-E-T-S.

AFC CENTRAL

#Baltimore Ravens (11-5):

A traditionally powerful defense combined with the arrival of veteran Steve McNair put the Ravens back on the map.

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7):

This seems to happen every year to any defending Super Bowl team not named New England. The combination of Big Ben’soff-seasonn injury, Jerome Bettis’ retirement, Bill Cowher’s contract talks, and a hellish schedule all make 2006 a tough year for the defending champs.

Cleveland Browns (7-9):

I think the Browns are down to their 4^th string Center, but you can say this: the emergence of Charlie Frye and the hopeful return of Kellen “The Soldier” Winslow and Braylon Edwards might make this team fun to watch again. Also, keep in mind free agent signings Joe Jurivicius and Willie McGinest.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-10):

It’s looking more and more like Carson Palmer will start in Week 1, but this is a stronger division in 2006. (Too tough a division to cope with when half your roster is awaiting legal trials).

AFC SOUTH

#Indianapolis Colts (12-4):

The Colts offense won’t miss a beat without Edgerrin James. Peyton still has his weapons, and the Colts will be division champs and Super Bowl contenders again.

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7):

After last year’s emergence on the scene, the Jags drew a tough schedule for ’06. Jack del Rio is a great coach, and his defense will be good. The Jags will be in the playoff picture until a tough schedule in December (at Miami, Indianapolis, at Tennessee, New England, and at Kansas City).

Tennessee Titans (8-8):

This should be the last year for a while that we see Tennessee in the bottom half of the NFC South standings. They are young, but talented. This year will be a transition year while Vince Young and Lendale White gain experience, making them a powerful team in the future.

Houston Texans (4-12):

While Gary Kubiak might bring hope to Houston for now, you can’t get excited about a team that passed up on Reggie Bush. You also can’t be excited about a team that has David Carr at quarterback and a team that will start two rookies on defense.

AFC WEST

#Denver Broncos (10-6):

Since the retirement of the great John Elway, somehow this team is solid year after year with players who only seem average. (Jake Plummer, Quentin Griffin, Courtney Brown, etc). I place a lot of weight on what a team can do in December, and Denver finishes with cupcakes: San Diego, at Arizona, Cincinnati and San Francisco.

*Kansas City Chiefs (9-7):

The Chiefs defense is just enough improved this year to get the team back to the playoffs. Jared Allen and Derrick Johnson will have breakout years. On offense, the loss of Willie Roaf hurts, but the Chiefs will be able to maintain Herman Edwards’ style of ball control offense.

San Diego Chargers (8-8):

Phillip Rivers should be better than people are giving him credit for, and having Antonio Gates and LaDanian Tomlinson should help ease him into his first year as a starter.

Oakland Raiders (4-12):

Raise your hand if you can’t wait for the first blowup between Randy Moss and Aaron Brooks. A traditional Raider's team has turmoil in the locker room, has a suspect coach, and leads the league in penalties. This year’s team will be no different.

AFC Championship Game:
Baltimore over Indianapolis

AFC MVP:
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

AFC Rookie of the Year:
Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Coach of the Year:
Nick Saban, Miami Dolphins