The Steelers lost only two starters from last years championship roster and one of them was asked to be released due to diminished playing time in favor of an up-and-coming #1 draft pick from 2007.

The last time the Steelers won the Super Bowl, they entered the 2006 season with an "air of invincibility". After a 2-6 start, they were all but dismissed from playoff contention.

Even after a 6-2 turnaround in the last half, they missed the playoffs by one game. Had they have beaten Denver; they would have secured a #6 seed in the playoffs. If the Steelers rest on their previous seasons accomplishments, they will be in trouble early.

There is no clear cut favorite in the NFC since most football experts see Arizona as a "one-shot wonder". The Vikings have a tough defense but how far can the again-unretired Brett Favre take them? Carolina looked primed to make a Bowl run but self-destructed against Arizona. Will they again this year in the post-season? New Orleans has the offense to take the NFC but their defense gives up just as many points as they score and everyone will be waiting for the real Atlanta Falcons to show up (2007 or Cinderella 2008).

The New York Giants have the inside track to representing the NFC in the Bowl but with the acquisition of Michael Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles have two top-of-the-line QBs. The Giants have a very tough schedule for 2009 and no depth if Eli Manning went down. This year may be the make-or-break year for the Cowboys Tony Romo.

New England should not have much difficulty winning the AFC East.

Miami's dramatic improvement in 2008 (1-15 to 11-5) will be short lived and the New York Jets new coach Rex Ryan will bring fire and grit but not much help in the standings.

Everyone knows Baltimore's defense will show up but will 2^nd year QB Joe Flacco repeat his rookie season success?

The AFC West looks very weak this year (San Diego won last year at 8-8) and San Diego should win the division by four or five games. The AFC South contains last year's consensus (and mine too) AFC Bowl pick, Jacksonville, last year's #1 AFC seed Tennessee, upstart Houston and perennial power Indianapolis.

Two teams should advance to the playoffs. Until the other two step up, last year's participants, Colts and Titans should see the playoffs again.

A big question leading into 2009 is why everyone started giving up on LaDainian Tomlinson. After eight seasons he has compiled 11,760 yards. He has started every game except for one. After just turning 30, he has a legit chance of challenging the all-time rushing mark. And how different will the Colts look without Tony Dungy at the helm? Seven years, seven playoff appearances, one Bowl victory. Tough act to follow for anyone.


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