My Picks (NFC SOUTH and AFC SOUTH)

Can Carolina bounce back from Jake's disaster?
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans Saints 12-4 - The Saints offense will be incredible this year with an actual running game, Reggie Bush, Shockey, and Colston healthy. They should be one of the best teams in the NFC and have a shot at making a serious playoff run if the defense can just be average.

2. Atlanta Falcons 10-6 (WC) - They should continue to have success with Ryan entering year 2 with a new target in Tony Gonzalez and Michael Turner still churning up yards. I don't think they have enough to win the division but games between the Falcons and Saints have the potential to be must see shootouts. Once the Falcons get into the playoffs they could go on a run with that strong running game and Matt Ryan having playoff experience already.

3. Carolina Panthers 7-9 - The Panthers have too many holes on D with the loss of Keomautu so they should be taking a step backwards and miss the playoffs. If the Panthers had more stable quarterback play their offense could join the Saints and Falcons juggernaut offenses but they don't they have Jake Delhomme which will keep the offense staying on the brink of being something special. With that ground game and a breakout receiver they should have a truly amazing offense but instead are held back by shoddy qb play.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12 - That melt down last year will feel like the good old days compared to Raheem Morris' Buccaneer team. Quarterback is iffy the line if iffy the receivers are iffy outside of Antonio Bryant and the offense is a lot more sure than the defense. Tampa should be a walking mat for the rest of the NFC.


Will the Titans get replaced by another new division winner?

AFC SOUTH
1. Houston Texans 10-6 - I'm buying into the hype on the Texans. The offense if Schaub stays healthy should be sick and the defense is improving. Look for the Texans to make their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

2. Indianapolis Colts 10-6 (WC) - Peyton Manning will keep this team in the playoffs regardless of the coach. This may look a little different than the Colts were used to seeing but I'm confident they'll fine their way into the playoffs.

3. Tennessee Titans 8-8 - Their '08 season was very fluke natured imo and I believe the loss of Haynesworth will hurt the run D and Chris Johnson may be in for a sophomore slump. Don't expect the Titans to pick up where they left off.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-9 - The Jags should be alright this year nothing great but just average. The big story will be if Jones-Drew can handle a full workload as well as if Holt has anything left to contribute to this offense.