nfl lines<\/strong><\/a> makers have instilled the usual suspects to win it all again this season.<\/p>\nEnough Lockout talk already \u2013 let\u2019s get to what really matters. The AFC is littered with some very good teams and the competition will be as tight as ever. Who will surprise, who will disappoint and who will emerge from the back of the pack to challenge for the AFC Championship?<\/p>\n
The Favorites<\/h3>\n
New England Patriots +275:<\/strong> The New England Patriots still have Tom Brady throwing the ball and Bill Belichek patrolling the sidelines \u2013 that should be enough for this team to be considered a favorite. It was interesting that the Pats didn\u2019t go after a stud receiver in the draft \u2013 my suspicion is that New England will sign a big time free agent \u2013 just a hunch. The defense looked to gel at the end of last season making the Patriots looking like the most attractive team.<\/p>\nPittsburgh Steelers +450:<\/strong> It is very interesting that the oddsmakers have the Steelers ahead of the Colts \u2013 just sayin. The do have last year\u2019s defense (the one that allowed only 14.5 points per game last year) intact and hope are that Troy Polamalu is able to stay healthy. They will also have the benefit of Ben Roethlisberger from the start of the season. Also, the Steelers are blessed with the fifth easiest schedule in the NFL.<\/p>\nFor me, a healthy Indianapolis Colts are the true threat to the New England Patriots. At +450, I would have to take a pass.<\/p>\n
Indianapolis Colts +500: <\/strong>Health is the huge issue for the Colts going into this season. Last year, injuries absolutely descimated this team especially on offense. Joseph Addai, Donald Brown and Mike Hart all spent a fair amount of time on the injured list and the receiving corp. was a revolving door \u2013 they still won the AFC South! This year the only reliable player Peyton Manning is scheduled for a second neck surgery. The defense has to be better as well and should be primed to do so \u2013 the departure of Bob Sanders may actually be a blessing!<\/p>\nOn the down side they have the third hardest schedule in the NFL but they are still an OK bet at +500.<\/p>\n
New York Jets +500:<\/strong> The Jets have certainly talked the talk but fortunately for them they have walked the walk as well. They will be competitive for sure but the big hump that they have to get over is the Patriots and I don\u2019t think it will happen this year.<\/p>\nMiddle of the Road<\/h3>\n
San Diego Chargers +600:<\/strong> The Chargers are destined to disappoint again right? They still play in the worst division in football and they still go into the season having the reigning top offense and defense. But they are also the same team that finished 9-7 and out of the playoffs last season. All they have to do is win a few games coming out of the gate and better position themselves for December \u2013 easier said than done for Norv and the boys!<\/p>\nThe oddsmakers have some faith that the Chargers may make some noise this summer \u2013 I just can\u2019t be that optimistic. This team has burned before and I am too scared that they will do it again.