Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the offensive huddle against the New York Giants during the second half of Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

1.    New England Patriots – The Best QB in football gets you the #1 ranking.  TE Gronkowski is an awesome talent. Drafted young players to help their weak defense.

2.    New York Giants – Still the Champs until someone proves otherwise. Giants are great at restocking talent through the draft.

3.    San Francisco 49′ers – The 49er’s added Randy Moss and still have the #1 Defense in the NFL, maybe the best overall team in 2012.

4.    Baltimore Ravens -  Depends on the health of injured OLB Suggs – he is the team leader.

5.    Dallas Cowboys – Under-rated QB Tony Romo will lead the Best Offense in the NFL – Ware – Claiborne and the D are improving -  Big Year in Big D.

6.    Houston Texans – Imagine if they kept Mario Williams, that combined with Foster and Johnson, would have made them the favorite in the AFC.

7.    Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers will find out you do indeed need a running game and defense in this league.

8.    Detroit Lions – Suh and the D will lead them to the playoffs again as a wildcard.

9.    Philadelphia Eagles – Eagles are over-rated as always.  Loss of OT Peters will cause Vick to get injured sooner than usual.

Oct 16, 2011; Pittsburg, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass under pressure from the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

10.    Pittsburgh Steelers – Rebuilt the interior O-line with DeCastro, Veteran talent on defense, could surprise in the AFC.

11.    New Orleans Saints – Loss of NFC’s Best Head Coach and Vilma, too much for the Saints to overcome.

12.    Chicago Bears – Cutler must stay healthy for once, and even then just hoping for a wild card berth in a tough division.

13.    Denver Broncos – Peyton Manning will win the division, but cannot take this average Broncos team any further.

14.    Carolina Panthers – Cam is the Man.  He will win the Division and Amaze us with his play once again in 2012.

15.    Buffalo Bills – My Surprise team of 2012, could challenge New England in the AFC East. Need more plays from the Wr’s and more consistency at QB.

16.    Atlanta Falcons – Changed from a hard nosed running team to pass happy and have never been the same threat since.

See the second half of  my list, on the next page…