49ERS 101

Having gone over at the 2012 outlook for the NFC, it is necessary to look at the AFC. The AFC is a complete coin toss as to who will come out ahead of the pack. Unfortunately, Patriot fans can no longer count New England as a shoe in for a playoff birth. There are about nine teams in the AFC that can make a legitimate run at the title. Any set back by any team can potentially open the door for another. The AFC east and AFC north in particular will be a neck and neck battle to the finish. One miscalculation by a team in those two divisions could potentially ruin their aspirations. 2012 should go right down to the wire.

 

AFC EAST

New England Patriots: Coming off another demoralizing loss in the Super Bowl to the Giants, the Patriots are going to have to dig really deep in their bag of tricks to rebound in 2012. Again they will be faced with a tough schedule and some of those up-and-coming teams will no doubt look to knock the Patriots off their throne. Look for them to remain atop the AFC by the slimmest of margins.

New York Jets: The Jets need to right the ship, their display in 2011 was far below their expectations. They most certainly have the talent and the coaching to become a Super Bowl champion, they just have to show up week in and week out. In 2011 their blow out losses were almost equal to their blow out wins. If they can remain focused for the entire 2012 season, the Jets have an opportunity to get to the highest level.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills started off the 2011 season as a team to be reckoned with, going 5-2, losing by a combined six points in the two contests that they fell short on. Then the wheels came off, they got completely demolished in five of their last nine games. Granted, the loss of Fred Jackson had a big role in their downfall, they were still blown out in the two previous games before losing Jackson. Consistency seems to be the key word with the Bills. If the Bills can remain healthy, and remain consistent, there is no reason to discount them from winning the division. They are very capable of knocking off the Patriots and Jets.

Miami Dolphins: It’s been many years since Dolphins fans have had much to smile about. Unfortunately, the year 2012 will be much the same. The Dolphins are reeling right now, trying to become more efficient with a team that has a talent pool far below that of others in the division. That’s a tough avenue to travel down. They will get better with draft picks and a possible free agent signing here or there, but they have a long way to go before they can be deemed a viable threat in the NFL.

 

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers: The three-headed monster that looms in the NFC North will once again be lead by the Steelers. Though it is anyone’s ball game between the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals for 2012, it’s the steel city that will eke out the others for the division title. Without a potent running game for 2012, as Rashard Mendenhall is out for the entire season with an ACL tear, look for Ben Roethlisberger to once again air it out like he did in 2011. With their core leadership and focus, look for the Steelers to once again make a run at a Super Bowl.

Baltimore Ravens: Though their defense is getting a bit long in the tooth, they remain as nasty and as stingy as ever. They made a valiant effort last year, falling just short of playing in a Super Bowl game. In 2012 they will again defy their youth and make another run at a title. Unfortunately, they will have to rely more heavily on their offense, which is very potent in its own right, but the Ravens have never been in that position before. Ultimately they should finish a step behind the Steelers for the division.

Cincinnati Bengals: Barring the playoff loss to the Texans, the Bengals only had one loss all season by more than ten points. The future is very bright for the Andy Dalton led Bengals. If there are any setbacks by the Steelers or Ravens, look for the Bengals to take charge of the division. The Bengals are very much a threat to move past either one of those teams. Focus and poise will take them a long way in 2012.

Cleveland Browns: Moves this off season should get the Browns some much needed help in the offense and defense. Colt McCoy has the potential to become an elite quarterback in the league with some added targets and protection. The Browns will still finish at the bottom of the division in 2012, but it is another building year. The next two or three years is when the Browns will really show their prowess. 

Tags: Football, NFL, San Francisco, San Francisco 49ers

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