1. New England Patriots (16-0 SU, 10-6 ATS)

The Patriots ended last season with nothing short of disappointment. With a miracle play by The Younger Brother, the Patriots’ quest for destiny came to a sudden, unexpected halt. After leading the league in points for (36.81) the played scared in the big game and lost.

The problem is that nobody – and I mean nobody – is out to prove that last year’s Superbowl was a fluke more than the Patriots. There are questions about the personnel they’ve lost in the secondary, Donte Stallworth’s sudden departure and Bilichek’s ability to get past his own, massive ego.

There’s a reason that they’re the +350 favorites to win the Superbowl despite all those roster departures. They’re the closest thing to a dynasty that we’ve had in years. Uncle Bill and Brady aren’t about to give up the throne just yet.

2. San Diego Chargers (11-5 SU and ATS)

Their receiving corps is decorated with Antonio Gates, the best tight-end in the league, and Chris Chambers. They have the best running-back in the league, who helped lead them to 127.4 rushing yards and fifth overall in points with 25.7 for.

On top of that, their defense allowed the fifth fewest points against with 17.8 points against and only 107 yards against on the ground. The front-seven is one of the best in the league and their secondary is improving with Quentin Jammer finally becoming credible opposite Cromartie, whose athleticism is through the roof.

So why does my intro for the Chargers sound like there’s something I’m suspicious of? Two words: Philip Rivers. Rivers hasn’t proven to be the playoff pusher we thought he could be when he was traded for the Eli Manning in the NFL Draft. With 3,142 yards, 21 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. However, it wasn’t Rivers leading the Chargers in to the AFC Championship. It was freaking Billy Volek!

Before you lobby money in to these guys stepping on to the floor of the big dance, we’ll have to see if Rivers is ready for prime time. Right now, he’s nothing more than a weak link.

3. Dallas Cowboys (13-3 SU, 9-7 ATS)

Tony Romo. Terrell Owens. Marion Barber. Terence Newman. Pacman Jones. Roy Williams. Greg Ellis. Marcus Spears. Tank Johnson. Felix Jones.

You go ahead and bet against this team at your own peril.

4. Indianapolis Colts (13-3 SU, 9-7 ATS)

Sure, Marvin Harrison is on the decline and Bob Sanders can’t stay healthy. So what? This is the Colts we’re talking about here. If there’s one thing that’s for certain, it’s that they find a way to win. The oddsmakers were able to call the line well against Indy because they knew that Reggie Wayne would be a one man army.

They may not blow team’s out of the water, but the Colts will win. Despite having Kenton keith take 121 reps at tailback, they were the third best offense in the league with 28.13 points and rewarded their betting faithful plenty of times on high value money lines.

I don’t love them this year, but I’m not going to be betting against them.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6 SU, 12-4 ATS)

The Steelers are struggling to make the grade considering their defense is on the decline. Or is it? They ranked second overall with 16.81 points against, and allowing the fewest yards against. Maybe some of that was due to the choppy conditions of Heinz Field. They hae a breezy schedule this year, and their offense is getting better.

Willie Parker broke fantasy hearts along with his own leg, but the addition of Mendenhall will reduce his work load and increase the scoring for the Steelers. An offensive-heavy team with a solid defense is always a great NFL bet.

They may be better than their Superbowl winning team, but Mike Tomlin has to prove that his new-age, offence focused Steelers can hang with a peaking Chargers team, the dynasty of the Patriots and the everlasting Colts in the competitive AFC.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5 SU and ATS)

The Jaguars are one year removed from being canon fodder in the AFC. That’s the only reason they drop so low – the other teams have pedigree. David Garrard was a nominal choice for quarterback, with only three picks on 325 attempts. Now he’s got Jerry Porter, an actual number-one option.

With the second best rushing game in the league, the Jaguars are everyone’s sexy pick for the AFC. Are you going to hop on the bandwagon? At +1400 to win the Superbowl, I love their vaule.

7. Green Bay Packers (13-3 SU, 12-3-1 ATS)

Nobody expected Brett Favre to be as good as he was. Nobody expects anything out of Aaron Rodgers. While the rest of the team remains the same, I’m willing to wager that Rodgers is better than everyone suspects.

With the sixth ranked defense returning in full (18.2 points against per game) and a somewhat manageable schedule, the Packers could surprise many. Don’t be left in the dust.