Well I think the AFC East will be the toughest division hands down. But I think Herm Edwards "Tony Roberts" modivational speeches will be less effective than last year and even seen as corny, but until the Fins prove they can beat the Jets then NY already has two wins in 02.
New England IS the defending champs and yes I can say they got lucky, with wk17 off and the tuck rule incident, but they are a pretty sold team and with some more luck could repeat in the division. Like the saying goes "better to be lucky than good"
Buffalo's offense will be good this year and IMO will be the spoiler team at the end of the season that decides who will win the division.
Miami is the favorite going into the season and SHOULD win the division as long as they stay HEALTHY. But like I said until they prove they can beat the Jets Miami is 0-2 in 02 so far. IMHO I believe they'll split this year and the Fins will go 12-4.
In the South I think Indy with an improved defense will win the division but won't have enough to hang with the big boys in the playoffs. I don't think you can count on Edge having a poor season just because he's comming off an injury, he's an extrodanary gifted athlete.
The Titans will be the Colts biggest rival and Competitor in the south with the Jags and Texans at the bottom.
In the west I disagree with you about the Chargers, they'll improve but not that much not in that division.
IMO the west is the second strongest AFC division with contender like Denver,Oakland and KC playing the spoiler role.
In the north the Steelers are the best team in a week division that has three teams that will be lucky to go 8-8. Cincy maybe the most improved while Baltimores defense looks like it's been picked apart by ...
....um well Ravens. Cleveland will be Cleveland 6-10, anything after the Steelers doesn't matter anyways.
East
Miami
NE
NY
Buffalo
South
Indy
Tenn.
Jacks
Houston
West
Oakland
Denver
KC
San Diego
North
Pitt.
Balt.
Cincy
Cleveland