2011 NFL Divisional Crystal Ball

By - Brian Harrington

Finally, it's that time of the year! Here are my division winner predictions for the upcoming NFL season.

Let's start with the AFC:

East: New England Patriots - I just don't see anyone else that can keep up. Rex Ryan will prove to be detrimental to the Jets, his style will wear thin on his team in time. Bills and Dolphins are just not that good.

Photo by: Getty Images

North: Pittsburgh Steelers - This one is tough because it could be either Pittsburgh or Baltimore. I just see the Ravens defense getting older and older. Browns could be a sleeper, and Cincinnati is it's own worst enemy.

South: Tennessee Titans - Yeah, I'm taking the homer pick, but that's not why I think they will. Manning's questionable status, Houston staying healthy is always a problem, and Jacksonville being garbage make the Titans the only viable pick. The O-line is superb and the young D shows promise.

Photo by: Gregory Shamus

West: San Diego Chargers - Much like the Patriots, I just don't see anyone else keeping pace with them. If they can get off to a better start than the last few season, this could be a dangerous team. That being said, I still hate Phillip Rivers.

Now the NFC:

East: New York Giants - I know everyone else will probably pick the Eagles here, but why did they go spend a fortune on pass D when their problem is stopping the run? Dallas could also be a factor but I think Tony Romo is done. Redskins are betting the farm on John Beck, so enough said.

North: Green Bay Packers - The champs are just too tough, but I think it'll be a much harder fight than last year. The Bears could either win the division of finish last. Detroit could also be this year's big sleeper. I don't trust Donovan McNabb in Minnesota.

Photo by: Getty Images

South: New Orleans Saints - I think the Saints come back better than last year. That being said, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Falcons win it either. Bucs D is good but offense has questions. Carolina might as well be on the clock now.

West: St. Louis Rams - Sam Bradford has made strides and the offense looks good, it's the defense that will be the question. 49ers could win it if Alex Smith can finally get it together. I'm not buying Kevin Kolb in Arizona, too much hype. Seattle won't win with Tarvaris Jackson, maybe with Charlie Whitehurst.

Photo by: Dilip Vishwanat

We'll see how these pan out. I'll come back to this later in the season for playoff predictions.