The NFL season is always full of surprises. Partway into the season there is always at least one team that surprises and one that disappoints. This off- season had some key moves. Edgerrin James left Indianapolis for the Arizona Cardinals. Adam Vinatieri left the Patriots for the Colts. Many other players moved around. The 2006 draft had some potentially great players like Reggie Bush, Mat Leinart and Vince Young. So how will this all shake out? What follows is my list of what should be the 2006 playoff teams.



NFC East

- Dallas Cowboys

- NY Giants

- Philadelphia Eagles

This division is pretty tough. The NFC is weak in general and all three of these teams could wind up in the playoffs.

NFC North

- Minnesota Vikings

The NFC North is a poor division. I'm not going to jump on the Bears bandwagon. Their offense is shaky and their defense will not be as potent as last season. Given the schedules, I like the Vikings to win the division.

NFC South

- Carolina Panthers

What about Tampa Bay and Atlanta? This division is going to beat up on each other and when the dust clears, the Panthers will win by a game.

NFC West

- Seattle Seahawks

They are the class of the NFC. The only possible contender in this division is the Rams and they are suspect. Until teams can prove that they can win in Seattle, the Seahawks will not lose the throne.

AFC East

- Miami Dolphins

There's a serious Dolphins bandwagon going around. The only reason I am picking them is because the Patriots had a serious drop in talent this off-season. Additionally, the Jets and Bills are not contenders. That leaves the Dolphins.

AFC North

- Cincinnati Bengals

- Pittsburgh Steelers

If Carson Palmer is not healthy and doesn't play at least 13 games this season, take the Bengals off the list. They won't make it.

AFC South

- Indianapolis Colts

- Jacksonville Jaguars

One will win the division and the other will get a wildcard. I'll predict that the Colts lose their first playoff game. It's been a moneymaking bet so far.

AFC West

- Denver Broncos

What about the Chiefs and Chargers? I think both will fight hard, but only one team is going to the playoffs in this division. The Broncos are better than either of the other three teams.

There you have it. The 2006 NFL season is just around the corner and the road to the playoffs?especially in very competitive divisions?starts in week one.