AFC Preview - Tight End at the Top
By Joe, BettingExpert.com | Edited
Google+: Joe Bexpert

Big Ben or more commonly known as Ben Roethlisberger from the Pittsburgh Steelers, were so close last season to getting their hands on the Vince Lombardi Trophy. They will have to do it all over again and this time, the Patriots, Jets, Colts and Chargers are going to be stronger.
NFL Preview: The AFC
In ascending order, these are the teams that are predicted to do well in the AFC on the road to the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Who will earn the right to play the Conference Championship Final in six months time? Let's look at the key contenders.
New England Patriots
The torch bearers for the New England Patriots are still Quarterback Tom Brady and Coach Bill Belichick. They have a new look, a new system and also some new recruits to help the team win the superbowl once again. QB Tom Brady is still the best quarterback in the business and many players are looking to play with him just to get the chance of winning something big. In comes Shaun Ellis, Andre Carter and Albert Haynesworth settling the 4-3 D. This is a mean defense that should give time for the offense to do their stuff. And it's a well balanced offensive unit too with RBs Benlarvus Green Ellis and Danny Woodhead, while the passing attack will see Tight End duo Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski giving nightmares to opposition defences. And what about the signing of Chad Ochocinco at Wide Receiver? (anyone watch Basketball Wives?). Can he make a meaningful contribution? With all this considered, it's good reason the Patriots are favourites in the AFC. (first game vs. Miami Dolphins)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Clear favourites for the AFC North and with Ben Roethlisberger as quarterback, what can go wrong? Well, when you fall at the final hurdle - The Superbowl. That is why this team is coming back stronger, tougher and more experienced. They have learnt their lesson and they will improve their system. The Steelers lost two veteran tackles but Mewelde Moore and Hines Ward are returning for another season. And what about big tough Troy Polamalu at Safety? He will definitely provide coverage in the defensive backfield. The offense will see Rashard Mendenhall do the running and he will continue to show no mercy, while WR Mike Wallace will benefit from Big Ben’s arm. (first game vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Indianapolis Colts
Ok, the Colts will win the AFC South but can they do the job in the playoffs? Just considering the regular season, they are good for it but when it comes to the playoffs, there might be doubts. The reason behind this doubt is mainly based on the health of quarterback Peyton Manning. A long season can see him tire late and even with Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, there might not be enough help keeping the scoreboard ticking over in his absence. Defensively the Colts have signed tackle Tommie Harris and Ernie Sims who will only help the talents of Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. So defensively ok. Offensively – jumpy. (first game vs. Houston Oilers)
San Diego Chargers
This is an interesting team. They have all the attributes to go all the way to the final but on the other hand, they are also unpredictable. On paper, they are the best team in the NFL, both offensively and defensively, so what went wrong for them? The answer: the play of their special teams. They gave up too many big plays on special teams in 2010 and saw them fail when it counts most. This year will be different, with QB Phillip Rivers returning with vengeance, complimented by RB Ryan Mathews and TE Antonio Gates, they will be dangerous all over the field, making many trips into to the end zone. Defensively, the Chargers gave up the fewest yards in the NFL, all thanks to defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. So expect the same this time around. (first game vs. Minnesota Vikings)
New York Jets
Battling for the AFC East, the New York Jets are good for the wildcard and maybe surprise a few by winning the East. They have endured back to back losses in the AFC Championship and there won't be much forgiving if they don’t make the Superbowl this coming season. Coach Rex Ryan must have high hopes this season and QB Mark Sanchez will have to lead the team back to the championship game, as the team has lost some toughness on the D-line with Shaun Ellis departing. But rookie Muhammad Wilkerson will help the pain ease a little bit. In coverage, the Jets will see both Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis looking to shut down opposition passing attacks, while on the receiving end, both Shonne Greene and Dustin Keller will be looking to go one better. Watch out for this team. When you have a coach named Rex Ryan, you can be sure they will be in the midst of the action come playoff time once again. (first game vs. Dallas Cowboys)
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