2012 NFL Preview

Football season is here! After seven painful months reliving another Patriots blown Super Bowl opportunity I am more then ready for the season to kickoff tomorrow night. A month ago I thought the Patriots were the clear favorite to bring home another Lombardi trophy, but a preseason of horrible offensive line play and curious roster decisions has me seriously reconsidering that position.
Let's go division by division through the NFL as give my predictions sure to go wrong and discuss some of the major stories to follow.

NFC East:
Questions: The league's most storied division is filled with some very familiar questions. Can Dallas finally get together and make a playoff run? Will the Eagles finally love up to their talent? Can the Giants become a dominant regular season team after once again winning the Super Bowl with a 9-7 record?
My Picks:
1.Giants 11-5
2.Eagles 9-7
3.Cowboys 8-8
4.Redskins 6-10
The Giants defensive line proves the difference as injuries to Tony Romo and Micheal Vick cripple their closes rivals. A scout defense and sweet deep ball from rookie QB Robert Griffin III make the Redskins a fun watch but the lack of a running game to go with a rookie under center cause them to be a distant fourth.
NFC North:
Questions: Can the Packers rediscover a defense? Can Jay Cutler stay healthy and build off the momentum he had going last season? Can the Lions prove they're not a flash in the pan
My Picks:
1.Packers 12-4
2.Bears 10-6 (wild card winner)
3.Lions 8-8
4.Vikings 5-11
 
Cedric Benson was a huge pickup for the Packers and will finally give them a strong inside runner. That combined with defensive tackle B.J. Raji becoming a dominant defender will carry the Pack to the division title. Cutler staying healthy and pairing with former favorite target Brandon Marshall with lead to Bears making the playoffs, while the Lions take a step back and the Vikings continue to flounder.
NFC South:
Questions: Can the Saints overcome the turmoil of bounty gate? Can Atlanta take the next step? Can Cam Newton avoid a sophomore slump? Can a Rutgers coach win in the NFL?
My Predictions:
1.Saints 10-6
2.Panthers 10-6 (wildcard winner
3.Falcons 9-7
4.Bucs 8-8
I expect this to be the best division in the league this year. Drew Brees is the only coach the Saints need to once again win the division. I like the Panthers to take a step forward and claim a wildcard spot based on improved play from a finally healthy defense. The Falcons miss out on the Playoffs as the decline of Micheal Turner turns them into a pass happy offense that Matt Ryan is not elite enough to handle. The Bucs are going to be hugely improved and rookie runner Doug Martin will take Rookie of the Year honors but the division is so tough they'll still finish fourth.
NFC West:
Questions:When will the 49ers clinch the division?
My Predictions:
1.49ers 11-5
2.Seahawks 7-9
3.Rams 5-11
4.Cardinals 3-13
This will be again be the worst division in football as the Niners will sweep their division schedule behind 11 returning defensive starters and an improved set of skilled players around Alex Smith. Seahawks rookie QB Russell Wilson will be the only other watchable part of this division.
NFC Playoffs:
Wildcard Round:
(4)Saints over (5)Bears
 (3) 49ers over (6) Panthers
Divisional Round:
(1) Packers over (4) Saints
(3) 49ers over (2) Giants
Championship Round
(3)49ers over (1)Packers
NFC Champion: 49ers
After a terrible season old foe Randy Moss makes a late catch to avenge a Week one loss in Lambeau. The Saints are done in my the pressure of playing for a chance at a home field Superbowl and the Giants prove they are better road warriors then home favorites.
AFC East:
Questions: Will Tim Tebow usurp Mark Sanchez? Can the Bills make the Playoffs? Can the Pats protect Brady?
My Predictions
1.Patriots 13-3
2.Bills 10-6 (Wildcard Winner)
3.Jets 6-10
4.Dolphins 2-14 
The Patriots being razor thin on the offensive line is a major concern but the schedule is so easy they cruise to a division title and a #1 seed. The return of Fred Jackson and major free agent defender Mario Willams will lead the Bills to the playoffs barring Ryan Fitzpatrick totally imploding at QB. The Jets will stink on offense and Rex will be fired after Tebow replaces Sanchez and fizzles. After four weeks of watching Hard Knocks the Dolphins are on the clock!
AFC North: 
Questions:Can the Steelers run the ball? Can Baltimore fight father time on defense? 
My Predictions:
1.Ravens 10-6
2.Steelers 9-7
3.Bengals 7-9
4.Browns 4-12
 Injuries in the backfield and on the offensive line cause the Steelers to make the playoffs. The Ravens take advantage and win the division even as they go away from the run and try to convince us Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback. Andy Dalton takes a step back dealing with a first place schedule and the Browns are a total disaster.
AFC South:
Questions: How quick can Luck take over the league? Can Schaub comeback healthy in Houston?
My Predictions:
1.Texans 12-4
2.Titans 8-8
3.Colts 7-9
4.Jags 5-11
The Texans take advantage of a weak division and cruise to a title. Luck shows flashes and the Titans could make a run if both Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt return to form. Jacksonville is a mess because Gabbert is not a starter in this league.
AFC West:
Questions: Peyton Manning's health? Which Chargers will show up this year? Can Oakland overcome Carson Palmer?
My Predictions:
1.Broncos 11-5
2.Chargers 10-6
3.Raiders 7-9
4.Chiefs 7-9
Any of these teams can win the division but when healthy Peyton Manning is always the pick. If Oakland had anyone other than Carson Palmer behind center I would pick them. If everyone gets health the Chiefs are a real dark horse especially with Peyton Hillis and a healthy Jamal Charles in the backfield. As long as Norv Turner is still coaching you can't trust the Chargers.
AFC Playoffs:
Wildcard Round:
(3)Broncos over (6) Bills
(4)Ravens over (5) Chargers
Divisional Round:
(2) Texans over (3) Broncos
(4)Ravens over (1) Patriots
Championship Round
(2) Texans over (4) Ravens
AFC Champ: Texans
Ravens get revenge on the Patriots after injuries on the offensive line leave Brady under siege. Houston was the best team in the conference last year when healthy and will escape injury and claim the title.
Super Bowl:
49ers  over Texans
Alex Smith gets the last laugh and goes from #1 bust to Superbowl Champion. From 1-53 the 49ers are the most talented team and Jim Harbaugh is already a top 5 coach in the league.