PonyExpress

The Good

-The Bills: good young talent, good coach

-The Raiders: yeah it's a mess, but they have alot of talent in a weak division. I liked what I saw from J Russell in final start and his weight is "down" to 270. Secondary is superb. LB is excellent. O-line is decent. WR corps not terrible if Walker can run. McFadden Fargas a good 1/2 punch.

- NO: not really a surprise but I expect a bounce back season with a revitalized back 7 on D. Also Meachem could impact, plus they have that kid rb Pierre THomas, I think his name is. Looks like a better player than Bush at this point.

-Arizona: I think this is the first time I've ridden the Arizona bandwagon despite the hooplah in recent years. They are an AFC style team in the NFC.

The Bad

-Cowboys: Dysfunctional team takes on JJones' image.

-SD: Norve has another year to F up Marty's team. Plus, injuries at key positions, including TE with Gates. just a gut feeling, but we'll know more when we get to see the Qb hobble around a little. '06 was their year.

-Indy: I say this every year, and every year I seem to be wrong. But the Marvin situation, plus some losses on the OL and IMO the questionable performance of T. Ugoh at LT leave the O a but vulnerable for a change. Freeney is coming off of Lis Franc surgery and if he loses even a half step, he's just an average player. Lack of pass rush exposes the rest of the D, where the talent is not as good as advertised (see SD playoff game).

Elite teams:

AFC: NE, Jax
NFC: Seahawks, Philly, NYG

SB: NE/Sea

pats1

I love what the Bills are doing.

jmt57

Well, since I've been saying Arizona evey year I'll go with them again. Law of averages says I'll get it right one of these times.

Other shocking predictions include the Dolphins improving from last season and the Patriots not matching last season's regular season record.

JoePats

I think the Jets will be in the mix for a playoff spot. Several significant additions and an easy non-division schedule. They may have overpaid for some of them but the talent upgrade is obvious and at positions of dire weakness.

Gunnails

Based on teams that finished with 7 or fewer loses last year my top 2 picks would be Cincinnati and NO

Edit: I meant to say 7 or fewer wins.

PonyExpress

I was tempted to take Cinci, but in the end Lewis is just not a very good coach, and they play AFC South and the NFC East non-conference.

Canada's #1 Pats Fan

Just a hunch but I would have to agree with you.

OhExaulted1

My surprise team of 2008 is the 49ers. Strangely I feel OK with them winning some games.

The biggest flop: The Chargers. Injuries are going to kill them. Just a hunch. A mid 2nd rounder will be a nice take also so yeah, it's a homer pick.

Seels

Seattle isn't even close to an elite team. They have serious running back issues, along with a poor WR corps. Their defense is okay, but nothing that's going to carry them. They greatly benefit from the NFC West.

My surprise team isn't a real surprise, the Vikings. With Allen they're pretty much a lock to have a top 3 defense, and their offense can be scary if Jackson to step up enough to just not lose games. I see no way this team doesn't make it to the playoffs.

Disco Volante

Raiders.

I as well see a Pats/Seahawks Super Bowl actually.

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