Super Bowl Picks? Already?

So I've been reading various articles about the current NFL season, and everyone seems to be ready to predict who they think will win the Super Bowl. As it stands today, only 2 teams have clinched a spot in the post-season, and the rest of the races are wide open. But I am weak, so here goes...

AFC: If I were to do this last month, I would have said Indianapolis, hands down. But now, that is not the wise choice. The league's greatest quarterback has the worst run defence in the league on the field when he's sitting on the bench, and it's going to hurt him in the playoffs. Peyton Manning's team will make the playoffs barring a catastrophe, and will likely have at least one home game. Poor defence or not, the Colts are still to be feared this year.

The Chargers are the it team in 2006. They have a young, talented quarterback, an excellent defence, and arguably the best running back in the league since Emmitt Smith. But they're still young, and unless Philip Rivers can play like Ben Roethlisberger last year, or Tom Brady before him, they may have to wait until next year.

The Ravens have the best defence in the conference, but they're mainly average on offence, which might be enough to sneak into the championship game.

The Patriots are struggling, and even the magic combination of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady may not save them this season. The wild card teams, whoever they are will enter the playoffs on a roll, just like Pittsburgh did last year. So will Cincinnati, Jacksonville, or any of the other teams make a run like that? Why not? If the Jags remain consistent (which has been their main issue this year), they will make the Super Bowl. Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Come on, how can you not like a team whose coach wears a suit?

NFC: Not nearly as interesting here. The Bears are the best team, and even with Rex Grossman at quarterback, are the clear favourites from the weaker conference. But let's talk about who they have to beat.

Their closest competition right now is the New Orleans Saints, or as the media calls them, everyone's second favourite team. While the Saints making it all the way would be the story to end all stories, it's not going to happen in 2006. Remember, this team won 3 games last year, and they should be congratulated for their remarkable success thus far. They'll win the division, and likely get a bye. But, as is so often the case, a team will get hot and enter the SuperDome to knock them out.

The Cowboys aren't ready yet either, and the Giants, Falcons, and Seahawks are wildly inconsistent this year.

There you go: Bears vs. Jaguars. Not the best matchup, but there's nothing I can do about that. We'll see what happens next.