Phil's NFL Preview
For the third consecutive year, Panel member Phil Prusa has written a preview of the NFL season, which begins Thursday.
For the record, I'm taking Carolina in the NFC and Pittsburgh in the AFC. Phil has went on record as saying he'd be shocked if the Steelers make it to the AFC Championship game. So noted.

* - Wildcard
AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
AFC EAST
1. Patriots (11-5)
Even with free agent losses, New England is still the best in this division.
2. Dolphins (9-7) *
The jury is out on Daunte Culpepper, but provided he doesn't implode like last year, the Dolphins have a realistic shot at the postseason even if they won't have the services of Ricky WIlliams.
3. Bills (6-10)
It's going to be Willis McGahee and not much more. JP Losman finally gets a chance to open the season as the starter, but won't have much of team to work with.
4. Jets (4-12)
You have to feel for rookie head coach Eric Mangini. He's clearly going into the worst situation of all the new head coaches this year.

Divisional Note: In the NFL as it is set up now, it is amazing that New England has had a strong a hold each year taking the divisional title.
AFC NORTH
1. Steelers (10-6)
Season may depend on the health of Ben Roethlisberger.
2. Bengals (8-8)
A much harder schedule and offseason distractions are not a good mix for the defending AFC Champions.
3. Ravens (7-9)
Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with a 33 year old, injury prone Steve McNair as the starting quarterback.
4. Browns (6-10)
Went through one of the most bizarre situations at center before finally winding up with Hank Fraley. Quarterback position is paper thin after Charlie Frye.
Divisional Note: Every team has question marks regarding the QB position.
AFC SOUTH
1. Colts (12-4)
Manning and company have no issues getting to the playoffs. One of the more complete teams in the NFL this year.
Jaguars (8-8)
Jacksonville made the postseason last year on the strength of a powder puff schedule. They won't have that advantage in 2006
Titans (7-9)
They went three years before finally going with Steve McNair as the starting QB. It will be interesting to see how long they wait before Vince Young gets his shot.
Texans (5-11)
With Dominic Davis gone for the year on injured reserve, the Texans running game is a mess. Let the second guessing of passing Reggie Bush begin.
Divisional Note:
Indy will dominate this division. Not much more to really get excited about.
AFC WEST
1. Broncos (11-5)
This squad could be even better than last year's team with the addition of Javon Walker. Will have motivation this year after losing the AFC Championship game at home.
2. Chiefs (9-7) *
Can score points in bunches, but the offense is getting older and the defense always remains a question mark.
3. Chargers (8-8)
Time to see what Philip Rivers can do as the starting QB. Was going to put San Diego as the Wildcard team hear, but then linebacker Steve Foley gets shot 3 times and his status is in doubt.
4. Raiders (4-12)
Aaron Brooks as the starting QB is about as comfortable as me trying to wear a medium sized t-shirt.
Divisional Note: Except Oakland, this should be a wide open race for at least the first half of the season.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE
NFC EAST
1. Cowboys (10-6)
The defense will do Parcells proud. One possible hitch in the season in the ongoing Terrell Owens saga.
2. Eagles (10-6) *
McNabb is healthy and the off-field distractions should be low this year. Philadelphia could contend for the NFC East title this year.
3. Giants (9-7)*
Eli Manning needs to play like he did in early 2005 and not like he did in late 2005.
4. Redskins (8-8)
I know preseason doesn't mean anything, but Washington looked terrible in their practice games this year.
Divisional Note: From top to bottom, this should be the most competitive division this year.
NFC NORTH
1. Bears (9-7)
Bad: The Bears have a quarterback controversy. Worse: The Bears also have a running back controversy. Will be leaning on their defense this year.
2. Lions (8-8)
Give Mike Martz a year as offensive coordinator and the Lions may be contending for the NFC North.
3. Vikings (6-10)
With rookie Chad Greenway lost for the season on injury and Koren Robinson cut with his off field troubles, Minnesota may have had the worst offseason on any team this year.
4. Packers (4-12)
By midseason. Brett Farve will have to be asking himself why he ever bothered to come back for this season.
Divisional Note: Regardless who wins this division, I can't see the team going very far in the post season.
NFC SOUTH
1. Panthers (11-5)
Should be a favorite to go to the Super Bowl this year. Will need a healthy Steve Smith though.
2. Buccaneers (9-7)
The strong point of this team is their defense and they went virtually injury-free last year. Odds of that happening two years in a row for a aging squad is not good.
3. Falcons (8-8)
Michael Vick remains the biggest enigma in the NFL. When he's good, he's almost unbeatable. But when he's bad, he takes the team down with him.
4. Saints (5-11)
Reggie Bush gives the fans something to look forward to for the upcoming years. Too many holes this season though to seriously contend
Divisional Note: While I don't have any Wildcard teams in this division, Tampa Bay and Atlanta should be in the running for a postseason spot.
NFC WEST
1. Seahawks (12-4)
Should be able to go 6-0 or 5-1 in this division. Anything less would be a disappointment.
2. Cardinals (8-8)
They have the playmakers on offense, but have too many questions on the offensive line and defense to contend this year.
3. Rams (6-10)
The Rams defense was bad last year and did little to improve it for 2006. The offense won't have the same punch it had from years past.
4. 49ers (3-13)
Just nothing to get excited about in the Bay this year. I don't think Alex Smith is a bad QB, but he has virtually nothing to work with.
Divisional Note: Seattle should have this division wrapped up by Week 13 or so.
REVIEW:
AFC DIVISIONAL WINNERS:
Patriots
Steelers
Colts
Broncos
WILDCARDS:
Dolphins
Chiefs

NFC DIVISONAL WINNERS:
Cowboys
Bears
Panthers
Seahawks
WILDCARDS:
Eagles
Giants

SUPER BOWL PREDICTION: COLTS 30 SEAHAWKS 17
Time for all this offensive talent to step up and win the big one.