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In the AFC East, the Patriots are the chosen ones again this year, with the Dolphins becoming a worthy rival. It would be a surprise if either the Bills or the Jets were to be a divisional power in 2006 - both have quarterback problems and defensive line questions to answer. Miami looks poised to threaten New England's half decade of supremacy, but the 2006 AFC East division still belongs to the Pats.

There have been some noteworthy changes in the AFC North division. Steve McNair is now starting quarterback with Baltimore. The Bengals were eliminated by the Steelers last year, when QB Carson Palmer was injured. If Palmer recovers fully, the Bengals will fight for top spot. Have Cleveland GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel tweaked their side enough to make them contenders? Is the addition of McNair and talented RB Mike Anderson (Denver) about to turn the tide in Baltimore? And what about the Bengals, who have upgraded their "D" during the off-season? It's likely that the Steelers will triumph with the Bengals a close second.

In the AFC South there are two dominant teams, the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts are without Edgerrin James but they still have Peyton Manning and WR Marvin Harrison. The Jaguars have a tougher schedule than in 2005 but they have a strong defence which will certainly keep them in many games. The Colts will take the division with the Jags a playoff possibility. Kubiak will help the Texans win more than two and the Titans will not play like their name implies this year in the AFC South.

The Denver Broncos return to the AFC West with a strong team that has a potent attack and a powerful defense. The Oakland Raiders are an unknown force, still under the control of Al Davis. He has rehired former Oakland player and coach Art Shell who has not coached in twelve years. Can Shell turn a team that has only won 13 games in three years into a winning team, with a questionable QB and poor defense? Probably not. The Chiefs, with a talented offense but an inadequate defense, look focused on second place and perhaps a Wild Card appearance, but that depends partly on how the Chargers' new quarterback performs, and whether Oakland becomes competitive again. Denver is solid and should once again win the AFC West Division in the '06 season.

The NFC East will be a tight race, as this is the best division in the National Football League this year. Watch for key injuries and pay attention to tough out of division contests. These will all be key to one of the teams winning the 2006 NFC East Division. The Giants are unlikely to take the division as they did last year, the Cowboys are starting to look unstoppable, especially if QB Drew Bledsoe can connect with fiery Terrell Owens. Philadelphia needs QB Donavan McNabb and receiver Brian Westbrook to have a better year.

Just on experience and smarts alone, Lovie Smith and the Bears should win the NFC North division. Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit have all hired new head coaches but none of these teams are likely to push the Bears too hard. Look for the Vikings to be competitive, while the Lions' poor form should continue, and the Packers start the rebuilding process.

In the NFC South, the Panthers and Bucs have a real shot. It's not just the on-field personnel. Both clubs have retained excellent head coaches who know how to win today and plan for the future. The Panthers will be the team to beat and Tampa Bay might just be the team to beat them. The Bucs looks solid at just about every position and dominant at running back. The Saints should be an entertaining team, while the Falcons will frustrate fans.

The Seattle Seahawks are still the best in the NFC West and might well be the best all round team in the NFL. Seattle has every opportunity to repeat last years run to the Superbowl. Arizona will be dangerous and the Rams should not be underestimated. The 49ers are still arguably the worst team in the league and it's likely to be another painful season. In general however, the NFC West has just gotten a bit more competitive and interesting.

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