Okay, here are some fearless predictions. I'm going to be specific in some areas, and skim over some others. After all, it's all in fun, right?
AFC East - Patriots will finish about 12-4. Defense improves throughout the year, offense down a small notch, but Brady still pours it on. The other teams will be average, Tannehill struggle in Miami, the Jets will finish last.
AFC North - Same as last year. Ravens lost some players, and Lewis and Reed getting old, but offense improving. Cincy misses playoffs. Poor Browns, stuck in this division.
AFC South - I can't imagine Houston not being very good. About 11-5. With Locker at QB Titans step back to about 7-9. Indy and Luck will show signs of hope, and plenty of losses.
AFC West - Denver and Manning will look hot the first half of the season, but sputter late. Weak OL hurts. Look for KC to contend late in the year, lots of young talent there across the whole roster, both OL and DL very solid. SD has worst coach in NFL (history?). Oakland rebuilding, could be decent late.
NFC East - Eagles to finish about 11-5 and look good. But Vick won't take them to the SB. Dallas, NYG will be average. Giants may start good, fade to reality with average Eli. RG3 may lead Skins to about 7-9, if lucky.
NFC North - Like the Pats, the Packers D will improve, but not to 2010 levels. Benson helps offense. I see an 11-5 finish. Chicago and Detroit two very good teams fighting for wildcard spots.
NFC South - Despite their problems, I like the Saints to finish about 11-5. Loads of talent. Atlanta and Carolina both contend for division, or at least spots. TB and Freeman will still stink.
NFC West - SF still wins, but around 10-6. Defense steps down a bit, though still good. Offense a little better passing, weaker running, but I just don't see Alex Smith taking them deep. Seattle improves, great defense, but around 9-7 miss playoffs while looking like a team for 2013 and beyond. StL needs time, help, Arizona a mess on offense.
I know, pretty conservative, but that's my guess.
Playoffs and SB
AFC - If New England's defense can improve at all, they'll go to the SB. I mean, if Welker catches the ball, they win last year with a terrible defense, and Gronk hurt. But if they are wound too tight, like 2011, they'll falter. Baltimore could be very good in December and beyond. Houston still a bit of a question mark deep. Pittsburgh old, but very well run team with a great defense still. Denver one and done in post season, Manning average in playoff game. I know they looked weak in the preseason, but I really think KC could contend late in the year. If they get on a roll, and IF Cassell doesn't botch things, they could be dangerous.
NFC Like the Pats, if the Packers defense improves at all noticeably, even to average, that offense is so potent they could run the table. But they won't. I see some tough losses to hungry Bears and Lions. Eagles will impress, but Vick simply not consistent enough or good enough in important games. SF, even with the addition of receivers, takes one step back to reality.
Thus, I like the Pats over the Packers in the SB. It's a conservative pick, but I'll stick with it. Last year it should have been NO (or GB or even SF) vs. Baltimore. But because of near flukes, it wasn't.
Individual info in a moment.