Quick Hit AFC Preview

AFC East

1. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins brought in Brandon Marshall for a boost on offense and Karlos Dansby for consistency at the linebacker position. They seem poised to make a run for the division title, but it is all in the hands of quarterback Chad Henne. If he is consistent and can limit his turnovers, look for the Phins to be right there in December. Projected Record: 11-5

2. New England Patriots – They have Tom Brady, Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Add to that some tight ends that can catch the ball and their offense should be a machine.  On the other side of the ball, it should be interesting to see how the young, unknown secondary holds up this season. Projected Record: 11-5

3. New York Jets – Made the surprising run last season in the playoffs.  They have a championship level defense, there is no doubt about that.  They also have championship talent on offense with the only exception being the most key position, quarterback.  Mark Sanchez is a major, major question mark and there is no help behind him on the depth chart. Projected Record: 8-8

4. Buffalo Bills – The Bills made a coaching change in the offseason bringing in offensive-minded Chan Gailey to run things.  The first pick in this year’s draft was explosive running back CJ Spiller. The Bills promise to be a much more dynamic team on offense this year but can the defense stop anybody? Projected Record: 5-11

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens – Anquan Boldin has been added to the mix and the Ravens offense could now be scary good.  With the addition to the passing game, expect even bigger holes for Ray Rice and the running game.  The secondary remains a question mark for the Ravens, but as long as Ed Reed is back there when it counts, they have a chance. Projected Record: 12-4

2. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals brought in Terrell Owens and drafted Jordan Shipley to help add depth to the wide receiver position. They can have all the depth in the world, but they need Carson Palmer to go back to the old Carson. Projected Record: 9-7

3. Pittsburgh Steelers – Their season hinges on Ben Roethlisberger. If the Steelers can’t split their first four games, they won’t be competing for a playoff spot.  The alternatives at quarterback just aren’t very good. Dennis Dixon gets his shot opening day against the Falcons. Projected Record: 8-8

4. Cleveland Browns – A lot has changed in Cleveland since last season, new management and a whole lot of new players.  What hasn’t changed? The caliber of the players — the Browns still have a long way to go. Projected Record: 3-13

AFC South

1. Houston Texans – I thought last season was going to be their breakthrough season but I guess I was probably a year too early.  They seem to have found a running back in Arian Foster and in the passing game, Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels will be ready to go.  All of those positives point to even bigger things from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Projected Record: 11-5

2. Indianapolis Colts – The Peyton Manning’s are back and ready to make another run at things.  Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie emerged last season as compliments to Reggie Wayne, but could Garcon have the better year in 2010?  They lack depth on defense so staying healthy is critical for their success. Projected Record: 10-6

3. Tennessee Titans – Chris Johnson is the most explosive player in football, hands down.  Vince Young doesn’t need to do much but make the simple plays and the Titans’ offense will be ready to roll. They have decided to make some changes on defense, including letting Keith Bulluck go.  It will be interesting to see where they get leadership at the linebacker position. Projected Record: 9-7

4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Can Maurice Jones-Drew carry the Jaguars to six wins this season?  Yeah, I don’t have much else to say about these guys.  Sorry Jags fans. Projected Record: 4-12

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers – No Vincent Jackson and signs seem to point to an unhappy ending.  No Marcus McNeill yet either.  McNeill will most likely sign a contract within the next 10 days.  They have a young stud rookie running back in Ryan Mathews and Philip Rivers back at quarterback.  Even with those pieces missing as of right now, the Chargers should be competing for the division title. Projected Record: 10-6

2. Kansas City Chiefs – The Chiefs could surprise some people with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in the backfield and Dwayne Bowe, Chris Chambers and rookie Dexter McCluster at wide receiver.  A hungry defense that boasts new coordinator Romeo Crennel.  Don’t be shocked if they do good things. Projected Record: 9-7

3. Oakland Raiders – Some people think they will be good, but they won’t. They have 6-10 written all over them.  The defense is solid but the offense is still a mess. Jason Campbell is not the answer.  The team actually showed signs of life with Bruce Gradkowski running the show late last season; why take the keys from him? Projected Record: 6-10

4. Denver Broncos – What appeared to be a promising season for the Broncos was stopped early in training camp.  Everyone on the team was getting hurt.  Their tandem at running back hadn’t practiced since early in training camp. The team’s best pass rusher Elvis Dumervil then tore his pectoral muscle and will miss the entire 2010 season. It’s not looking promising in the Mile High city. Projected Record: 5-11