What are we to make of the AFC? If the pundits are to be believed, all of the favorites - San Diego, Indianapolis, Jacksonville and even New England - are doomed.
Not so fast.
Yes, the Patriots have lost QB Tom Brady for the season, but they have the rest of a championship-caliber team in place. Yes, Chargers Pro Bowl LB Shawn Merriman decided to have knee surgery and will miss the season. Yes, the offensive lines of the Colts and Jaguars are battered, with Jacksonville losing both of its starting guard for the season.
But as we used to say in the newspaper business as deadline approached: "It's early."
I would hesitate to rule any of those four teams out.
ROOKIE DAY
Can it get much better in Atlanta and Baltimore? Not only did rookie QBs Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco win their debuts, but they did so under the guidance of first-year coaches Mike Smith and John Harbaugh. As bad as things were for both franchises last season (awful in Atlanta and disappointing in Baltimore), Week 1 offered hope.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
New England (1-0) at N.Y. Jets (1-0): The Jets are suddenly a fashionable pick to win the AFC East behind QB Brett Favre and an improved pass rush. Not so fast. If there is one team Coach Bill Belichick will ahve the Patriots up for, it is the Jets, who started the Spygate controversy last season. The pick: Patriots.
Chicago (1-0) at Carolina (1-0): Two teams who scored road upsets in Week 1 square off in Charlotte. The Bears road rookie RB Matt Forte's rushing and a stout defense to a surprisingly easy victory over the Colts. QB Jake Delhomme, meanwhile, might have gotten a bionic arm when he underwent season-ending elbow surgery last season. Delhomme led the Panthers to a stunning upset of the Chargers without suspended WR Steve Smith. This will be a physical game, but Delhomme again will be the difference. The pick: Panthers.
Philadelphia (1-0) at Dallas (1-0): Two NFC East teams coming off blowout victories square off in Big D. The Cowboys' rout of the Browns was more impressive than the Eagles' walkover against the Rams. QB Donovan McNabb appears to be back at a Pro Bowl level, and the Eagles have upgraded their team speed. The Eagles' secondary matches up well with the Cowboys' passing game, so if they can slow RB Marion Barber, who has bruised ribs, I like the visitors. The pick: Eagles.
GAMES OF THE WEAK:
N.Y. Giants (1-0) at St. Louis (0-1): The Giants played like the champs in their opening victory against Washington. The Rams played like they're going to draft first overall again in getting drilled by the Eagles.
Oakland (0-1) at Kansas City (0-1): Someone has to win, right? The Chiefs played the Patriots tougher than many expected last week, but Brady's injury had something to do with that. The Raiders again rolled over for the Broncos.
PICK RECORDS
Last week: 3-0
Season: 3-0
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