Some thoughts as we enter the season;
1) How will the Ravens deal with their lost players?
And I don't mean Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, who will be missed more for leadership than their recent on-field performance. No, it's the offense running without Anquan Boldin and (for a while at least) Dennis Pitta. Seemed like one or the other of them was making a catch at every key moment of the playoffs last year. TE Ed Dickson has shown flashes of excellence; if he can produce consistently, and if Dallas Clark can still make plays (looks like he can), TE should be okay. WR? Here's two names; Aaron Mellette (seventh-round draft pick) and Marlon Brown (udfa). If one of these guys steps up Baltimore can have another deep playoff run.

2) Is Pittsburgh getting better or worse?
Everything I hear from Steeler country is confusing. Is the O-line set, or regressing? Is Big Ben happy and healthy or shaky? Is the retooled defense an upgrade or do they miss the old guys? Was Dwyer the best back, and if so why is he gone? Is Bell the answer or is he injury prone? This many questions can't possibly have too many good answers.

3) Are the Patriots still elite?
One of these days Tom Brady's mid-thirties body and arm just will not be able to do the job. Maybe this year? Could happen. Once again they should feast in this week division and get a home field in the postseason. For this franchise that's just not enough.

4) Are the Dolphins ready to break out?
In this division they could take second place by default. There's a lot of buzz that Ryan Tannehill is Ready to Rule, and the team has certainly spent money to add to the talent. The wins will have to come on the field, and they haven't done that yet.

5) Why so little love for the Colts?
Sophomore jinx? Tougher schedule? No problem. Losing OC Bruce Arians? That could hurt. Having said that, Indy should sweep Jax and the Titans (who haven't really done anything to improve) and split with the Texans. This will give them 5-1 in the division; 5-5 against the rest of the league should put them back in the playoffs. No problem.

6) Have the Texans peaked?
Give them props; they went from expansion to respectable to playoffs. Can they make that deep run? They were well-regarded last year before stumbling late and losing meekly in Foxbo. The hope is that Ed Reed can bring some Ravens mojo and spark their defense. Or something.

7) How good will the Chiefs be?
KC needed new leadership and Andy Reid needed a change in scenery. If he couldn't win a SB in Philly with Donovan McNabb he probly won't win one in KC with Alex Smith, but in this division 8-10 wins and a postseason appearance is possible. Longsuffering KC fans will be thrilled.

8) Can Denver pick up from where they left off?
In 2012 the Broncos stormed through the AFC, led by a stout defense and a revived post-surgery Peyton Manning. All concerned exceeded expectations, but the house collapsed in frigid Mile High when Joe Flacco heaved a miracle pass to Jacoby Jones. With Peyton a year older and Dumervil gone, can they re-create the magic? I think they'll be good, but not 2012 good.

9) What's up with the NFC East?
What a crazy division, where literally anyone can finish first or last or in between. DC? Shanny can coach and RGIII has some experience. Cowboys? Talented and consistent and just waiting to break through. Eagles? Revved up and ready to deploy the NFL's version of the quack attack. Giants? Still got the core of the team that won two rings. Personally, I think I'll pick history to repeat itself. DC, NFC East champs.

10) Can Chip Kelly quack the NFL?
We all know how succesful he was at Oregon. Thing is, in the college game it's more about talent. Bad coaching can ruin good talent, but good coaching can only do so much with poor talent. The NFL is full of big-time college coaches who crashed and burned (McKay, Spurrier). Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll might beg to differ, but they were NFL guys before. The Eagles might win, but if so it'll be more the talent than the system. Hmm, nobody seems to be talking about their defense.

11) Will the Saints march back in?
Well they have the offense to get back in it. Other side of the ball? Mmm...no.

12) Will Cam Newton make his mark (again) this year?
He's great, but the support isn't. They need more talent. (Most teams do).

13) What do the Packers need to re-assert themselves?
Defensive playmakers. Matthews can't do it himself. A big-time pass rusher would help. (of course those guys help anybody)

14 Who in the NFC North can make a playoff run?
The Vikes got a wild card last year. The Lions won ten recently. Da Bears are dangerous with a tough D and Jay Cutler. Maybe they'll all go 1-1 against each other and none of them make the playoffs. Mmm...no. Look out for those Bears.

15) Can Seattle take on the 49ers?
Lots of people seem to think so. Most importantly, they seem to think so. Their two division matches will be must-watch. Get the wings ready.

16) Who wins the SB this year?
Seahawks 31, Ravens 30. Birds rule.