[Gotham Dark Knight]

free agency, here is how the AFC stacks up in the offseason rankings.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – Health is paramount on the offensive line. The Steelers did an adequate job replacing free-agent losses in the draft, and they will have better depth this season. Heath Miller and Willie Parker will make strides, and Ben Roethlisberger should be an MVP front-runner next season.

2. Denver Broncos – Mike Anderson is a significant loss, but Jake Plummer can take another step forward this season with Javon Walker. Ron Dayne's play is going to be pivotal, and the defense needs pass rushers who can finish the job in 2006. The collection of cornerbacks has the potential to be the NFL's best this season.
3. Cincinnati Bengals – Dexter Jackson and Sam Adams are solid additions on defense, but the draft class doesn't look like it will have the immediate impact of last year's crop. David Pollack and Odell Thurman should continue to improve. Carson Palmer is the great unknown, but if he returns at full strength, this is a team worthy of a Super Bowl.


4. Indianapolis Colts – The loss of Larry Tripplett will sting, but the departure of Edgerrin James is monumental. Peyton Manning can count on consistently facing eight men in coverage. The Colts appear to have another draft class (beyond Joseph Addai) that will take a few seasons before making a significant impact.



Oaky so the Colts lost James...but 4th?...Palmer is still a question mark in Cincy, and Denver lost a back as well (not to mention Lelie) and drafted for the future, and the Colts are 4th?...I disagree...

[ThePundit]

If a team is depending on Ron Dayne's play to be "pivotal," they can't be ranked 2nd. Also, what happend to NE? I would also throw Jacksonville up there.

I would rate it like this:

1) Jacksonville
2) Colts
3) NE
4) Pitt
5) Cincy (Only if Palmer is healthy)
6) KC (As bad as his game coaching is, D will be improved under Edwards )

Jacksonville is my surprise pick this year. If San Diego had kept Breeze, I'd put them up there too.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Don't know why they didn't rank NE....got to go back and look...the Jags really?...old Jimmy Smith was their top receiver and he is gone...Taylor is brittle...I don't know...but hey, gutsy move...got to go with your gut on these things...