1. Indianapolis Colts: 13-3
The Colts actually have more firepower on offense this year than they had a year ago. The healthy return of WR Anthony Gonzalez means even more weapons for Peyton Manning to play with.
GM Bill Polian made some key additions to the defense and many think this could be the Colts best D of Manning’s time in Indy. The rest of the AFC South poses no threat to the Colts supremacy, so expect a No. 1 or No. 2 seed followed by a very likely return to the Super Bowl.
2. San Diego Chargers: 11-2
The Chargers Super Bowl window has been steadily closing for years, and it might be now or never with the looming lockout on the horizon. This year’s squad is without RB Ladainian Tomlinson and could potentially face lengthy holdouts with both WR Vincent Jackson and LT Marcus McNeill.
That being said, they’re still the class of the AFC West, have upgraded the roster on both sides of the ball including 1st round draft choice RB Ryan Mathews, and should find themselves in a favorable position once again come playoff time. But Phillip Rivers and Norv Turner have been unable to get this team over the hump in January and they’ll fall short once again.
3. New York Jets: 11-2
There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Jets who’ve all but anointed themselves Super Bowl Champs throughout the offseason. Now comes the difficult part: proving it. They have an exceptionally talented defense which will keep them in nearly every game, although a lengthy holdout by CB Darrelle Revis would be damaging down the stretch.
Offensively, while talented at the skill positions and along most of the offensive line, QB Mark Sanchez is still only in year two. New York will likely earn a Wild Card. At that point, anything can happen if their defense is hitting on all cylinders. We see them falling a bit short of the Super Bowl though.
4. New England Patriots: 6-1
The glory days for the Patriots are over and they have virtually no shot of winning the AFC. The offense will still be potent, but Bill Belichick’s habit of ignoring the running game makes it easier for opponents to scheme Tom Brady and Co.
And defensively, they have still not found replacements for guys like Richard Seymour who can pressure opposing QBs and protect their secondary. The Patriots will struggle to earn a Wild Card berth but that’s as good as it gets in 2010.
5. Baltimore Ravens: 6-1
The Ravens are a legitimate threat to win the AFC in 2010. They’re very talented offensively (QB Joe Flacco and RB Ray Rice) and solidified the passing game by landing WR Anquan Boldin. Defensively, there’s issues in the secondary, with S Ed Reed’s status up in the air, but there’s enough talent upfront to get the job done.
This could actually be a year where the offense, not the defense, leads the charge in Baltimore, and it could be a year where they steamroll their way to Dallas.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-1
The Steelers are another team that could return to the top of the AFC in 2010, but they’ll have to overcome the loss of QB Ben Roethlisberger for at least four games to start the season. Once he’s back though, the pieces are in place for this offense to put points on the board. On defense, star S Troy Polamalu is healthy and he’s the most important piece of the puzzle.
The defense can be dominant when he’s on the field and this is what you need come playoff time. Their 3rd place schedule is favorable and they’re a real sleeper to steal the AFC at healthy betting odds.
7. Cincinnati Bengals: 14-1
It’d be easy to write off the Bengals as a one-year wonder after surprising the AFC North in 2009, but they have a legitimate shot after recent upgrades to the offense. Providing Carson Palmer with more toys at the skill positions balances out this offense and makes the passing game a real threat. And defensively, Mike Zimmer’s unit is very disciplined. Look for a Wild Card Berth with a slight chance to surprise once in the dance.
8. Houston Texans: 15-1
The Texans have no shot at winning the AFC. Its offense can put points on the board but is not real good at controlling the clock. On defense, there’s a lot of young talent in the front seven, but it’s not enough to compete with the big boys of the Conference. The team’s goal is to make the Playoffs for the first time. Let’s start with that before worrying about winning the Conference.
Pro Football 101 Betting Strategy
Put money on the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. The betting odds are attractive for teams of their caliber and both have fewer question marks than the others in the Conference. As a betting sleeper, leave a little money for the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-1). There are many similarities to this year’s version as 2008 and all they need is a little luck to climb back to the top of the mountain in the AFC.
* odds are based on the World Sports Exchange
