A banner year? Predictions for the 2010 NFL season

Predictions are a favorite for anyone.

And with the 2010 National Football League only days away, the juices, admittedly, are flowing.

I'm ready for football, despite still checking baseball standings on a daily basis and watching highlights and games when I can. After all, My Reds are still within reach of the playoffs. (Sorry honey. I know you don't like baseball, but I grew up with the game).

But this blog is about football.

So, let the games begin.

I went to the Internet to check out the 2010 schedules for several teams.

The way I see it, any of 11 teams in the AFC could make the playoffs. In contrast, I see only eight teams in the NFC with the chance.

So let's begin with the AFC.

For starters, let's just forget about the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders. It will be lost seasons for them more than likely.

In the AFC North, I have a strong feeling the Baltimore Ravens will win this division with at least 11 wins. I'm not completely sold on the Pittsburgh Steelers or Cincinnati Bengals.

I believe Pittsburgh will come away with at least nine wins, while the Bengals will have an even record.

In the AFC East, it could be a toss up between the New York Jets and New England Patriots. But I feel the Jets have the upper hand and will give them the division, with New England coming in at 9-7, along with the Miami Dolphins.

In the AFC West, the San Diego Chargers are still the cream of the crop, although I believe the division will be somewhat closer.

Expect the Chargers to rack up approximately 11 wins, with the Denver Broncos coming in second with eight.

I saved the AFC South for last. Why? Because the Indianapolis Colts have held a stronghold on the division for many years.

While I expect the Colts to win it again, the Houston Texans are biting at the Colts' heals.

Indy will rack up at least 11 wins, while Houston gets 10. Tennessee is right there, by the way, with nine.

So, the playoff picture in the AFC? The Jets, Ravens, Colts, Chargers win divisions, with Houston and New England coming in as Wild Card teams.

Who's going to the Super Bowl from the AFC?

The Ravens. (Again, sorry honey. I believe Baltimore has what it takes to get there this year).

Now, what about the NFC.

I'm not sold on the NFC and its teams this year. That's why I feel there are only a handful of good teams in the conference.

But, it could be very interesting come playoff time.

First off, The Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Rams: Forget it. Just not this year.

In the NFC East, I think it's going to be a toss up between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, with the Skins coming out on top. I think both teams could win nine or 10 games.

In the NFC South, I think the New Orleans Saints are at the top of the mountain and could end up winning 12-13 games. The Atlanta Falcons aren't far behind, getting at least 10 wins.

The NFC West? The Arizona Cardinals have been the top team in this division for a handful of years, but not this year.

The Mike Singletary-led San Francisco 49ers win the division this season, but the Cardinals aren't far behind.

What about the NFC North, where my beloved Minnesota Vikings are?

This, again, will be a toss up. The Vikings have what it takes, but the Green Bay Packers are there also.

I expect both teams to jockey back and forth all season and come out virtually in a tie, with the Vikings edging to the division crown.

The NFC Playoffs?

Division winners will be Washington, Minnesota, New Orleans and San Francisco, with the Wild Card teams being Green Bay and Atlanta.

Who's going to the Super Bowl from the NFC?

My heart says the Vikings. But it really is a toss up.

I'll say ... Minnesota.

Ironically, many magazines and analysts have Baltimore and Minnesota meeting in the Super Bowl this season.

Just having an opportunity to watch the Vikings in the Super Bowl? That would be a great Sunday.

At least for me.