These predictions are pending moves made upto the opening of training camps in July. Overall, I think that the AFCE will be more competitive than ever, and I don't expect to see any team win more than 10 games or for any AFCE team to sweep any of its divisional rivals. I think that NE's come back to the pack a bit while Miami has improved somewhat (but not as much as its fans think!). Both the Bills and Jets will field much better teams but both will need time to learn new systems and season young players. In other words, there aren't any push-overs in the AFCE for a good team like the Pats to fatten their record on, and its likely that the "cellar dwellars" will turn into "spoilers" by late in the season.
Patsies, 9-7 or 10-6 :the Patsies remain the team to beat in the AFCE! :barf: We will have to see just how much of a "genius" BB remains as more of his proteges leave build their own empires, and if the Patsies brain trust can continue to fill the holes to keep the team moving forward.
Miami, 7-9 to 9-7: I'm not convinced that Saban is quite the genius Fish fans believe him to be. I don't think that the acquisition of Culpepper is going to help the Fish all that much this season because I don't think he'll be ready for training camp or the beginning of the season. This brings up the second big problem: acquiring Joey Harrington as the "backup" in anticipation of Culpepper taking over after several games seems to me to be an invitation of locker room trouble. Neither QB has shown himself to be a "team player" ... The loss of Ricky for the season will hamper the running game, and the Fish secondary remains suspect.
Bills, 7-9 or 8-8: I think that the Bills have improved on both sides of the ball by shedding some attitude problems (ie Sam Adams) and some expensive vets who weren't earning their oats (ie, Milloy, Williams) as well as acquiring some help through FA and the draft. Between learning a new system and having some defensive rookies starting, it will be a bumpy start to the season, but watch out for the Bills toward the end of the season. Expect Whitner to start opening day, and for McCargo to be in the DT rotation and perhaps starting before the end of the season. Watch for JP Losman to blossom as an NFL QB in the new regime.
Jests, 6-10 to 8-8: If D'Brick and Mangold work out as expected, the Jests' ol is well set for the next decade. However, it takes a while for college OL players to transition to the NFL, so it's going to be tough sledding for the Jests for a while. There's also the issue of Pennington's shoulder and Martin's age. If Penny comes back to form, however, he's worth at least 2 extra wins.
:cooldude:
