So, the National Football League kicks off its season today with the reigning champions taking on the New Orleans Saints.

Part of me wishes I could be in Indianapolis, watching the game with friends, sitting back relaxing on a couch, and ...

I, must, however, digress.

The NFL has been a thorn in my side for several years. It's so difficult to predict standings for a league where parody is the rule.

However, I will once again, attempt to make some predictions.

Only this year, I'm not going to go all out like I have in the past.

This year, I decided to look at predicting only division winners. Yes, the playoff contenders. The cream of the crop. And my Vikings have no prayer. They're still a few years away, despite having one of the best defenses in the league.

Well, here goes:

In the AFC, I think the division winners are going to be Indianapolis, New England, San Diego and Baltimore.

I have never been a big Colts fan, as I've said before, but I think they have a real good shot at making another trip to the Super Bowl.

New England is the favorite choice. The Patriots reloaded big time in the offseason and are primed to make a real run. However, I'm not so sure Randy Moss is the definite answer to help an offense that at times sputtered last season. And their defense has some holes in it to begin the year.

San Diego is a tough team to guage. The Chargers have the best offensive player on the planet in Tomlinson and are good enough to win a weak division.

The wildcard teams in the AFC? Well, I think it's going to be Denver and Cincinnati. You have to stand behind Jay Cutler. He's from Indiana, right?

Actually, this has nothing to do with it. Cutler is the real deal. Despite the Broncos letting go of Jake Plummer (whom my Vikings would love to have), Cutler filled in quite well.

Despite Denver, New England, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Baltimore being on this list, I like the Chargers to make the Super Bowl. I think this is their year.

The NFC is much more difficult. But here it goes.

I think the division winners will be Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans and St. Louis, with the wildcard teams being Washington and Green Bay.

Despite not liking any other team in the NFC Central, I think the Bears are the team to beat in the NFC until Rex Grossman decides otherwise. He's a timebomb clicking. You never know which one will show up, the good player who looks like an All-Pro, or the befuddled veteran who plays like a rookie on every snap.

Hmm.

Green Bay, well, as stated, I don't like NFC Central teams except for the Vikings, but I'd like to see Brett Favre make it to the playoffs one more time. I think this could be it for the grizzled vet.

Dallas, I have never liked the Cowboys. But they are a much better team than the New York Giants and Philadelphia has ridden the Donovan McNabb express for too long. He's real good, but one player does not make a team.

New Orleans and St. Louis get in by default. Both teams play in weak divisions. But the Saints are for real.

I actually think Washington is on the cusp of a good season. At least good enough to make it to the playoffs.

Still, I think the winner out of the NFC will be New Orleans. I really think the city has something to be proud of right now.

My winner in the Super Bowl? Let's go with the Saints. I have no reason to root for anything Purdue-related, but Drew Brees is fantastic. He's a great quarterback and his statistics say it all.

Go Saints!