So that I don't bore everyone with continued banter, it's time to get to the heart of the matter and predict the winners in losers for this season.

First Place:

Baltimore Ravens -- Early last season the Ravens struggled to even amass 300 yards on offense until head coach Brian Billick finally decided to fire OC, Jim Fassel. Once he did that and took over the offensive duties the Ravens proceeded to win nine of their last 10 games and producing 8 games of over 300 yards. In the off season the Ravens got the great news that OT Jonathan Ogden decided to play another year so they immediately went out and upgraded the offensive line by picking Ben Grubbs from Auburn. In addition, they got some much needed run help when they signed Willis McGahee from Buffalo. Prediction: If McNair can stay healthy there will be no stopping this team. I won't be surprised to see them in the AFC Title game.

Second Place:

Cincinnati Bengals -- The Bengals certainly have had their share of off the field distractions when 9 players got arrested in a 9 month period. It's tough to win on the field when you don't have the players. The Bengals weren't very active in the off season but they didn't have to be. They have a wealth of talent on offense and a solid defense. Prediction: If Marvin Lewis can keep his troops out of jail and focused on football then they will contend for the top spot in this division. They will end up second either way and if Lewis is successful they will be in the playoffs.

Third Place: Pittsburgh Steelers -- With the retirement of Bill Cowher the Steelers turned to a first year head coach in Mike Tomlin. Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for Minnesota last season and will bring a new scheme to the Steel City. The Steelers focused on defense in the off season, specifically at the linebacker spot, when they drafted Lawrence Timmons in the first round and LaMarr Woodley in the second. This will add to an already stout defensive unit. Prediction: The Steelers will have both new offensive and defensive schemes to work into their playbooks. If they can adjust then the Steelers could very well challenge Cincinnati for second place and a playoff spot. If not, it's going to be another .500 or below season.

Fourth Place:

Cleveland Browns --After a miserable 2006 season the Browns got active in the draft and had one of their best in years. They were able to draft OT Joe Thomas of Wisconsin and QB Brady Quinn as well as CB Eric Wright. Then in free agency they were able to sign G Eric Steinbach from the Bengals and Jamal Lewis from Baltimore. These additions have brought optimism to the organization for the first time in a while. Prediction: The Browns should show improvement but after a 4-12 year that isn't hard to do. I do believe they are a team to watch in the future (when Brady Quinn takes over at QB), but just not now.