2010-2011 AFC Odds & Predictions
The AFC is definitely a tougher conference then the NFC and this season should prove to be really exciting. There are a handful of teams that have a shot at winning the conference championship this season and it could go either way. The AFC should go right down to the wire this season with the wild card teams being decided upon in the final week. Several of the top teams in the conference made several nice acquisitions this off-season and it should be interesting to see if the players can help put their new team over the top in the AFC.
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Last season the Indianapolis Colts were favored to win the AFC and they did just that by defeating the New York Jets in the championship game 30-17. The Jets had a miracle run in the playoffs, but they just didn’t have the talent on the team to knock off the Colts. Indianapolis will be disappointed with their loss in the Superbowl last year and should be fired up to win this year. It won’t be easy for the Colts though, as there are plenty of other quality teams in the AFC looking to make the Superbowl.
The Colts are clearly the team to beat in the AFC again this year, but I just don’t think it can be done. I can see the Colts making the Superbowl again this year and possibly walking away with a Superbowl ring.
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Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts (+350) went 14-2 last season, which was better then any other team in the NFL. I can see the Colts putting up solid numbers again in the win column although I don’t know if they’ll win 14 games. Peyton Manning is clearly the best QB in the league right now and without him the Colts would be going nowhere quick. Peyton should be able to rely on Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Pierre Garcon this year to handle most of the receiving. The running game needs to improve though, or else the defense will be able to double cover the receivers. Indianapolis also needs to improve on defense this season, but that’ll be difficult considering the fact they didn’t bring in many new players during the off-season.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers (+450) have made some great changes during the off-season that should catapult them into the playoffs. Phillip Rivers is one of the best passing QB’s in the league, but he may have some trouble this season due to the fact he doesn’t have a true number one receiver. Vincent Jackson was supposed to be the Chargers #1 receiver, but he’s suspended for 3 games to start the season and he may even sit-out the entire season. Antonio Gates will have the step-up if the Chargers won’t to have a good offensive season. Rookie RB Ryan Matthews is expected to fight for the rookie of the year award this season and with Tomlinson out of San Diego, he’ll have plenty of opportunities.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals (+1500) are my dark horse in the AFC this season and I can’t wait to see how they perform in the regular season. Expectations are high in the city of Cincinnati and if they don’t make the playoffs it would be a disaster. Carson Palmer is still one of the top QB’s in the league and now he has plenty of receivers to help him out. Chad Ochocinco returns as the teams #1 receiver, but they also added Terrell Owens recently to the receiving core. Antonio Bryant, Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham will also have a chance to make some big plays this year. The Bengals have a good defensive squad, but they always seem to fall short on offense. If the new receiving core can help out Palmer this year then I can easily see the Bengals making a push for the AFC Championship.
