1. GREEN BAY PACKERS—Helmed by the reigning MVP and coming off a 15-1 season, the Pack revamped their historically bad defense by spending their first five picks on that side of the ball. Expect one or two less regular season wins but a deeper playoff run.
2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS—With a healthy Rob Gronkowski, expect more of the same from New England. So long as they have Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, expect at least 11 wins and a top 2 seed in the AFC.
3. NEW YORK GIANTS—In 2008, following their last title, the Giants went 12-4 and claimed the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Expect a similarly great regular season for the champs this time around. GM Jerry Reese has built a team that dominates in the trenches and converts timely third downs through the air—both necessities when it comes to postseason success.
4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES—Michael Vick’s health is always a concern, but with him healthy the sky is the limit. Expect a bounce-back season from Nnamdi Asomugha and the Eagles D. They’ll have to settle for a wild card, but will be one of the more dangerous teams in the playoffs.
5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS—The Steelers get my fifth spot. I expect down years from the Saints and 49ers, which made this selection a toss-up between Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The tiebreaker between those teams, as always, is at the quarterback position, and I’ll take Big Ben Roethlisberger over Joe Flacco every day of the week.
