AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens probably won't top their 13-3 record from last season after losing linebacker Adalius Thomas to the Patriots. The No. 1-rated defense from last year will still be dominant, but their offense won't strike fear into any opponent. Willis McGahee gets a fresh start at running behind an aging future Hall of Fame left tackle in Jonathan Ogden. Baltimore must feast on an easy opening schedule before finishing with a brutal December against New England, Indianapolis, Seattle and Pittsburgh. The Ravens are good enough to win their division again at 11-5.

Cincinnati Bengals
If they only had a defense, the Bengals would remind me of the 2006 Colts. Carson Palmer will have another Pro Bowl season hooking up with Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. I was surprised that the team didn't get more playmakers on defense through free agency, but they must think that they can beat any team in a shootout. Get ready to watch the most exciting offense in the NFL — other than the Colts — try to make up for a below-average defense on their way to a record of 10-6.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Rookie coach Mike Tomlin has his work cut out for him to win in the toughest division. Troy Polamalu is the best strong safety, but the rest of the defense needs to play at a much higher level than last season. Ben Roethlisberger wants to prove that he is a top quarterback once again, but he will need a great season from veteran receiver Hines Ward and a respectable second season from Santonio Holmes. The Steelers have an easy start with games at Cleveland, Buffalo, San Francisco and at Arizona. If they start any worse than 3-1, they will not make the playoffs. Big Ben and the boys will have to fight an uphill battle to 9-7.

Cleveland Browns
Coach Romeo Crennel probably will lose his job after this season, because the Browns won't even go 8-8. Jamal Lewis needs to play at a Pro Bowl level to keep his defense off the field, and I wouldn't be surprised if rookie quarterback Brady Quinn wasn't starting by Week 5. I can't wait to see the first meltdown of Kellen Winslow once this team gets buried. Another 4-12 season is in the making for the Dog Pound.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts
Despite losing several high-profile players to free agency, the Colts should win their division again. I expect running back Joseph Addai to rush for close to 1,500 yards and improve on his seven rushing touchdowns from 2006. Look for Peyton Manning to throw for more than 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. Most of the money on defense is tied up in the contract of defensive end Dwight Freeney, and I expect this unit to take a step back but remain competitive. Indy still is the best team in the AFC South and will finish 11-5.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars defensive line, led by Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, ranked second in the NFL in 2006 and gave up only 17 points per game. The offense is the problem in Jacksonville, and they not will be much better than last season after naming David Garrard the starting quarterback. Their receivers are getting a reputation for being soft, but that can't be said of running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Jack Del Rio better makes sure his team is in the hunt for a division title if he wants to keep his job. He will be back next season after the Jags sneak in with a 9-7 record.

Tennessee Titans
Enough of "Pacman" Jones, let’s talk about the depth of the Titans. They are back on track after finishing strong in 2006 and Vince Young winning the rookie of the year award. LenDale White has been a bust at running back and the receiving corps is below average. Young must run for first downs if the Titans want to move the chains. Coach Jeff Fisher is the right man to fix this team and get them back to the playoffs in 2008 if they spend in free agency after this 7-9 season.

Houston Texans
Matt Schaub, who is in his first season as a starting quarterback, is the only hope the Texans have. Ahman Green has to stay healthy behind an improved offensive line to set up the passing game. Mario Williams has to improve on his 4 1/2 sacks from 2006. He gets paid to get to the quarterback and help his secondary take chances in the passing game. They play the Jaguars tough, but they have to protect the football until their defense gets better players. They still look like a 5-11 team to me.