I should give my reasoning.
New England are the best coached, best prepared team in the NFL with the best big time QB who now has more more than previous years as he has the veteran Corey Dillon to hand off too thus giving him more time as the play action has to be respected. The WRs are solid if not spectacular and ALL WRs /TEs see the ball so the opposition D can not tee up on one player. Who ever is open, Brady finds him.
Their D, like the whole team barring Brady, has no real superstars dominating ESPN highlight reel though they choke to their opponents into submission with clever schemes that confuses the best offensive mind at times. See Manning's record vs the Pats.
They have a brilliant special teams, a clutch kicker...this is the most complete team in football and a favourite to go back to back.
I agree Tommy Smith, the AFC is wide open for the 2nd spot in the title game. You have Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Indianaoplis as genuine contenders, though the Jets, Broncos, Jaguars and even the Chargers could surprise. Their is seemingly always a feel good story in the NFL, if you want my darkhorse in the AFC, look no further than a Jets team with a healthy Pennington and veteran RB in Martin.
I selected the Steelers as outside Baltimore, they have the best D in the AFC coupled with a stronger offense that is simple though effective. The Ravens are let down by a glaring weakness at QB and a O that relies on the legs of Lewis. This formula, though effective in 2000, will not be good enough to take the title in the AFC nor get them to the showdown IMO.
Indianapolis, regular season hero's, are still unproven as a playoff team. Yes, the offense is clicking at an even higher rate in 2004 with the emergence of Wayne and Stokley, coupled with a back to his best Edge, though the D still has too many questions.
I will wager my money on a D to stop Manning and the Colts in the playoffs...history is on my side and I will stick with the Steelers who are quietly doing just about everything right.
The NFC is a little more cut and dried IMO.
Philly remain the standout and seem destined for their 4th NFC title game in succession in which they should represent in the SB. T.O. has been the difference maker and he has made this offense 2nd only to Manning and his Colts as the best in the NFL (though going on points for, surprisingly SD are 2nd to the Colts!).
Greenbay at the start of the season were a contender in the NFC and I have not wavered from this fact which has been backed up by the current streak they have embarked on. Favre is a top 3 ALL TIME QB IMO and with Favre firing, this team with Ahman Green is a threat to Philly no question.
Outside the above 2 teams, you have Minnesota led by Culpepper and Moss, Atlanta with Vick and a swarming D with only perhaps St. Louis as a contender.
It will be interesting to see how the 5-5 Giants go with Manning now at the helm who was solid in his debut as well.
The Steelers have to be taken even more seriously now after the win over playoff contender Jets.
