NFL '08 Story lines galore

It's football time again. And there are only two story lines entering this NFL season.

Brett Favre and his messy divorce with the Green Bay Packers, and Brett Favre's move to Broadway.

OK, I'm only joking. There have been several other high-profile changes since the NFL's memorable '07 finale. Dominant stars such as Michael Strahan, Warren Sapp and Jonathan Ogden all retired. And Pro Bowl caliber athletes like Jeremy Shockey and Jason Taylor will don new uniforms.

Injury watch is also on. Three of the games biggest stars didn't play a down this preseason. QB's Tom Brady and Peyton Manning and running back LaDainian Tomlinson all start the year nicked up.

So how will it all play? Without further ado here are the Fearless NFL Predictions for 2008.

AFC OUTLOOK

1. San Diego -- The Chargers start the year banged up: LT, Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates and Shawne Merriman all need ice packs. However, the Bolts are the most talented team and should finish tops in the AFC.
2. New England -- The Pats will experience a post-Super Bowl hangover. But the Brady-to-Moss connection is good for at least 12 wins in a weak division.
3. Jacksonville -- This is the year a team breaks through in the South division. If the defense shows up, the Jags are a legit Super Bowl contender.
4. Pittsburgh -- The schedule is brutal (toughest in the NFL), but the Steelers will benefit from a down division and a healthy Troy Polamalu.
5. Indianapolis -- Peyton Manning (infected bursa sac) will be fine as the perpetual MVP candidate will guide the Colts to the playoffs again.
6. Denver -- Jay Culter will prove he was the best quarterback in the '06 Draft as Mike Shanahan & company won't miss the playoffs for a third straight season.
Playoff bubble: Buffalo -- I think the Bills are still a year away, but they are moving in the right direction. Edwards, Lynch and Evans make up a great young offensive trio.
Over-hyped: Cleveland -- Some analysts are picking the Browns to win the AFC North, but their 10-6 record last year was a tease. Cleveland only beat one team that finished with a winning record in 2007.

NFC OUTLOOK

1. Dallas -- The Cowboys have the best collection of stars in the NFL and on paper are the best team in the NFC East. Last season's 13 wins weren't a fluke, the 'Boys will be back.
2. Green Bay -- The Packers are built for another long playoff run. With Aaron Rodgers assuming the helm, Green Bay will prove last year's championship game wasn't just Brett Favre's doing.
3. Seattle -- I'll probably regret this, but the Seahawks look like the most consistent team in the NFC Worst.. I mean west. They should run away with their weak division again.
4. New Orleans -- Will somebody please give Drew Brees an MVP award already! Brees has a plethora of targets to throw to and the Saints should regain their conference championship form.
5. NY Giants -- Losing Osi Umenyiora for the season hurts. But it seems like the Giants can plug anyone into their D-line and get results. This is a scary power football team.
6. Tampa Bay -- The Bucs are going to win their games in the trenches. Both the offensive and defensive lines are great, and the ageless wonder Jeff Garica can still deliver the goods.
Playoff bubble: Arizona -- The Cardinals playoff hopes are contingent on one big if. If Kurt Warner starts at QB in place of Matt Leinart, Arizona should make a playoff run.
Over-hyped: Philadelphia -- The Eagles seem to be a consensus pick for the Wild Card. But Donovan McNabb & company can't stay healthy, which doesn't bode well for making the postseason.

AFC Championship: Chargers over Jaguars

NFC Championship: Giants over Cowboys

Super Bowl: Chargers over Giants