Coach Sean Payton was outstanding and had great chemistry with quarterback Drew Brees. Brees takes advantage of his strong supporting cast. Reggie Bush is going to get better as a running back and as an overall weapon.

The Saints needs to get better on defense. But this team is on the rise.

Tennessee: A dark horse, but if the Titans start the 2007 season like they finished the 2006 season, they could be a favorite. Tennessee started last season 0-5, but finished 8-8 after winning six straight games toward the end of the season.

Rookie quarterback Vince Young showed that he is the winner he was at Texas. Young has great savvy and knows how to lead a team. He is only going to get better at it. Plus, coach Jeff Fisher knows what he’s doing. Fisher and Young could combine for a very special season in Nashville.

Philadelphia:  Donovan McNabb said this week he will be recovered from a knee injury and he will be ready to take the team back to the Super Bowl. The Eagles made a nice playoff run with backup Jeff Garcia. Let’s face it, Garcia is no McNabb. The Eagles got confident, having success without their leader. Now, with him, the Eagles have to feel even better about their chances next season.

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Pain on the skating rink, flying high on the hardwood, upsets on the football field, and more. more photos

AFC Sleeper
Buffalo: Every season there is a team that comes out of nowhere. It just may be the Bills. Yes, Dick Jauron’s team has a long ways to go. But the team won seven games last season and showed strong signs. Quarterback J.P. Losman developed nicely. Keep an eye on this team.

NFC Sleeper
San Francisco: The 49ers will be a playoff team next season. And in the unpredictable NFC, they have to be taken seriously. The 49ers have a very nice nucleus on both sides of the ball and coach Mike Nolan is a winner. San Francisco has a ton of salary cap room and should make some nice additions. This team plays hard and has a desire to win. The glory days of Montana and Rice are suddenly a lot closer again.

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