AFC West

Storylines

Chargers injuries

The San Diego Chargers are starting this season the way they ended the last one – holding ice packs. The latest victim is Pro Bowl linebacker Shawne Merriman, who has two torn knee ligaments. Quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson have knee problems, too, and tight end Antonio Gates has a bum toe. A bad start.

Raiders draft McFadden

Is Darren McFadden this season's Adrian Peterson? The Raiders sure hope so. In training camp, McFadden was the most complete Raiders rookie since Marcus Allen. But teams will be able to stack up against the run unless JaMarcus Russell can get the passing game going. That's where Javon Walker needs to excel.

Is this Jay Cutler's year?

A lot of personnel executives around the league think this could be a breakout season for the Denver quarterback. Broncos Owner Pat Bowlen said recently that there's a new energy in the building. But a good quarterback needs a good defense, and the Broncos need to step it up. They gave up 409 points last season, second-most in the AFC to 1-15 Miami.

How they'll finish

1. San Diego Hold the “Mar-ty” chants. Norv Turner won't start as slow in his second season as coach.

2. Denver Mike Shanahan will be out the door if the Broncos miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

3. Oakland The Raiders might have the best cornerback tandem in football – or at least they look that good against Russell.

4. Kansas City Chan Gailey's offense might be a better fit for Brodie Croyle, but a couple more receivers would be nice.

AFC South

Storylines

Peyton Manning's injury

Will Peyton Manning be ready for Sunday's home opener against Chicago? The Colts star had knee surgery in July to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee and sat out all of the exhibitions. The Colts don't seem too concerned; coach Tony Dungy said he'd be shocked if Manning isn't ready to play against the Bears. What is a concern, though, is the loss of starting center Jeff Saturday, who is out with a knee injury.

Tale of 2 Vince Youngs

Which Vince Young will we see in Tennessee this season? The quarterback named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season? Or the second-year struggler who finished last season with twice as many interceptions (18) as touchdowns (9)? If the preseason is an indication, he's still got a long way to go.

Jaguars on the prowl

After a promising showing last season, is Jacksonville a legitimate Super Bowl contender? The Jaguars have a pair of great running backs, a quarterback who knows how to protect the football, and a defense that should be among the league's top 10. This is the year they'll pass the Colts.

How they'll finish

1. Jacksonville The Jaguars showed the NFL something last season with their playoff victory in Pittsburgh.

2. Indianapolis Losing Pro Bowl center Jeff Saturday (North Carolina) for at least the first six weeks is a huge body blow. He has started every game since late 2004.

3. Tennessee An injury to All-Pro kicker Rob Bironas is no small consideration here. He was a difference-maker last season.

4. Houston If the Texans can keep quarterback Matt Schaub healthy, they might escape the cellar.

AFC North

Storylines

Breakthrough

for Browns?

Will this be a breakthrough season for the Browns? A prominent billboard in Cleveland reads “There's Always This Year,” and that's the mood surrounding a franchise coming off a 10-6 season, with a strong-armed young quarterback and five prime-time games. Never mind that Cleveland beat only one team last season that finished with a winning record.

Steelers' schedule

If Pittsburgh is going to remain top dog in the division, it will have to do it the hard way. The Steelers have the league's toughest schedule, facing teams with a combined .598 winning percentage. That includes road games against New England, Washington, Tennessee, Philadelphia and Jacksonville; and home games against Dallas, Indianapolis, the New York Giants, San Diego and – mercifully? – Houston.

Bengals' defense

In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis is on his third defensive coordinator. Can Mike Zimmer draw up the right schemes to start putting heat on opposing quarterbacks, who were sacked a league-low 22 times last season? A lot of that depends on the one-on-one reliability of cornerbacks Johnathan Joseph (Rock Hill Northwestern) and Leon Hall. The Bengals expect a lot from those players, both of whom were first-round picks.

How they'll finish

1. Pittsburgh Don't underestimate the importance of safety Troy Polamalu getting – and staying – healthy.

2. Cleveland As long as Derek Anderson doesn't suffer a sophomore slump, the Browns are on the rise.

3. Cincinnati There was enough blame to go around for Carson Palmer's career-high 20 interceptions last season. The Bengals need help at receiver.

4. Baltimore With serious questions at quarterback and on the offensive line, new coach John Harbaugh will earn his keep.

AFC East

Storylines

Brett is a Jet

Was Brett Favre's comeback a mistake, or will he close out his storied career by reviving Gang Green? He'll need some help, and the supporting cast is looking shaky so far. Running back Thomas Jones hasn't done much, and star receiver Laveranues Coles is hurt. In its first three exhibitions, New York's starting offense produced seven points in nine possessions.

Patriots' rough preseason

Those New England Patriots sure know how to throw up a smoke screen. Coming off an 18-1 season, they have looked pretty bad this summer. It doesn't help that MVP Tom Brady is banged up. But the defense hasn't pulled its weight, either. Then again, it's the preseason.

Parcells in Miami

Can Bill Parcells work his magic in Miami, where the Dolphins are coming off a 15-loss debacle? They'll be without their best defensive player, Jason Taylor, but now they at least have a quarterback in Chad Pennington. Or do they?

How they'll finish

1. New England How bad is Brady's sore right foot? The season hinges on it.

2. Buffalo The Bills are good enough to scare some teams, but are a season away from the playoffs.

3. New York Jets Favre makes New York a pick-em team. As in, when he drops back to pass, how many times can an opposing defense pick-em?

4. Miami The summer has been promising, but it will take more than one offseason to revive this franchise.