The AFC Conference in the NFL may finally equal the NFC going into the 2012-2013 season this year. The NFC has dominated the NFL for the last 5 years, winning 4 Superbowls with New York(2), New Orleans(1), and Green Bay(1). However, the AFC looks to change things around as new AFC powerhouse teams move up the ranks. Here are the AFC rankings.
- New England
- Baltimore
- Houston
- Denver
- Pittsburgh
- Cincinnati
- Oakland
- Tennessee
- San Diego
- New York Jets
- Buffalo
- Kansas City
- Indianapolis
- Jacksonville
- Cleveland
- Miami
NEW ENGLAND- The Patriots are always in playoff contention and this year will be no different. In fact, look for the Pats to be better then last season. The Patriots took care of defensive issues in the off season and should be a much better front seven. Still don't know about this secondary so beware. Tom Brady has weapons on offense and the only questions they have is on that offensive front. If they can't block for Brady, it may be a long season for the Superbowl runner up. To be the best, you have to beat the best and that starts in New England. The Patriots should be clear division winners with the issues of New York and the inexperience in Buffalo.
BALTIMORE- The Ravens should have been playing in the Superbowl last season, but they let opportunity and mistakes spoil their invite. The Ravens have learned yet another lesson, but is it too late? More so, the defense is a year older and without defensive player of the year Suggs for another 2 months or so. They are in a tough division also. Baltimore should be smooth on offense and this defense will be solid, but not elite. Without Suggs, it will be tough. Joe Flacco and Ray Rice should have big years again and if they stay healthy, they should take the AFC North.
HOUSTON- The Texans won their first franchise playoff game last season led by their third string quarterback. With Matt Schaub healthy, the sky is the limit for this club. Arian Foster is an elite quarterback and this offense is a well balanced machine. The Texan defense is solid in all areas. We will have to keep an eye on special teams this season, but if your scoring touchdowns, who cares. Add the fact that they are in the same division as the Titans, Colts, and Jaguars, they should be clear favorites for another playoff appearance.
DENVER- Payton Manning begins his new era with a tough talented Bronco squad that won a playoff game last season led by Tim Tebow. Manning looks great and he has some young talented receivers to throw too. The Bronco defense is nasty and young. Despite their age, they play like a veteran team. Denver should be a clear favorite to win the AFC West. Oakland always stumbles and you never know what your getting with Kansas City. Look for Payton to have a big year and look for the Broncos to be playoff contenders.
PITTSBURGH- The Steelers have a solid foundation, but I think this may be a tough season for them. This Steeler defense doesn't have an identity and it is not a dominant defense like we have seen the past few years. Don't get me wrong, they are a top 10 defense, but not like Steeler standards. My only concern on offense is this front line. Big Ben always takes a beating and by the end of the year he is always banged up. If they can protect Ben, he will get the ball there. I look for them to have a down year, but they should still make the playoffs.
CINCINNATI- The Bengals shocked the world last season, a season that they were picked to finish last. AJ Green is elite. If Dalton can polish his skills, they are untouchable. The Bengal offense is solid, but not great. The offensive line is good and the sky is the limit for this young squad. The Bengal defense is top 5 without question, if they stay healthy. It seems like they are always injured and banged up. I like this team in a tough division. However, you just don't know what your getting with them. A winning season would give them back to back winning seasons, first since 1981-1982.
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