It’s the greatest time of the year…

Football is here!

The NFL season kicks off tomorrow with the Titans at Steelers and I could not be more excited. So long Sundays! (and Mondays and Thursdays…) In self-important anticipation I decided to write up my own picks for the season, you know, being an expert and all.

NFC East: EAGLES
Solid team, love the Vick addition. Westbrook’s health is a big question mark, but McNabb has a great unit of young receivers. Defense is pretty stellar too. The Giants D is back, but they have absolutely no passing game as of yet, and do I really need to talk about the Boys failing to meet their fans’ ridiculously high expectations yet again?

NFC West: NINERS
Yes I picked the Niners and I picked them because I can. (Unless I suddenly start to get hate mail, but last time I checked I’m not an ESPN.com writer) Cards? Horrific defense, I’ll never forget that Jets/Cards game last year. Kurt Warner is overrated, any QB could perform that well with the ridiculous receiving corps he has, and get the same numbers, if their team was also devoid of a running game. I love Mike Singletary, I’m cool with Shaun Hill, and I like the Gore/Coffee combination. Provided the Seahawks are still rebuilding from injuries I think the Niners will take it.

NFC North: LIONS PACKERS
Sorry I had to. Anyway, this is a precarious pick with this year’s attempt to switch to a 3-4 D, but the Packers offense looks to be the best in the conference, with Rodgers, Jennings, Grant, and Driver. Honestly though, I really just want the Packers to give Brett Favre a great big F You.

NFC South: FALCONS
Love this team. I had Michael Turner on almost all my fantasy teams last year and it turned out to be the best draft decision of the year. Now that Matt Ryan’s proven himself they’ll turn to the passing game more this year, giving Turner a break and Roddy White some points. Add Tony Gonzalez to that, and you’ve got at least a playoff team.

AFC East: PATS
I. hate. this. team. I hate them so much I don’t even want to write this. Alas, it’s undeniable that they are by far the best team in the AFC East and as long as Brady’s knee really is OK, they have a legitimate shot at a SuperBowl run. (Quick and necessary jab: The defense belongs in a retirement home playing Bingo with Bruschi.)

AFC West: CHARGERS
Obviously division winners. Antonio Gates is back, and with a healthy LT and Darren Sproles they’re a force to be reckoned with. Of course the whole Merriman assault on Tila Tequlia (Tila Tequila? Really??) is a question mark for the team, so we’ll see how that plays out.

AFC North: STEELERS
Not much has changed. Their weak Oline might give the Ravens a slim chance, but they’re still a powerhouse. As much as I dislike Pittsburgh there’s no way they’re not taking this division.

AFC South: COLTS
I’m not a huge believer in the Titans. Their offense is severely lacking, and losing Jim Schwartz and Haynesworth will hurt the defense. Jim Caldwell isn’t Tony Dungy but that doesn’t mean the Colts are going to drop out of the running. A healthy Peyton will lead this team to the division title.