AFC: Jets talk, but Ravens walk the walk

1) Can the Jets back up Rex Ryan's bravado?

Never before have we seen a coach so routinely predict that his team will win the Super Bowl until Ryan this year. It's all well and good to be confident, but to make those bold statements on an almost daily basis is simply unprecedented. We suspect it was done not only out of confidence, but as a way to make his team believe that it can beat anyone at any time. There is plenty to like, from second-year quarterback Mark Sanchez, to second-year tailback Shonn Greene, to a defense that's coming off a No. 1 ranking in 2009. Even so, it's a tall order to go from 9-7 to the top. Either way, though, it's sure to be an entertaining ride.

2) The Ravens have become the team to beat.

A franchise quarterback in Joe Flacco. A dream running back in Ray Rice. A potential dominant pass rusher in Terrell Suggs. And a Hall of Fame linebacker in Ray Lewis. Put it all together, and this figures to be a special season for the Ravens. Super Bowl special? We'll soon find out, but the Ravens believe their back-to-back playoff runs under coach John Harbaugh portend good things this season. Sure, there are issues in the secondary, where Dominique Foxworth is done for the year with a knee injury and Ed Reed's hip problem is still an issue. But with a defensive front that's tough to top and an offensive line that is emerging as a dominant force, there's a lot to like about this team.

3) The Patriots are still a vulnerable team.

Sure, Tom Brady is the only three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback in today's game. And Randy Moss is still capable of great things. But even with the franchise quarterback and Pro Bowl receiver, there's still a long way to go for the Patriots. Not only are they in a tough division, but the defense is in transition big-time and still recovering from the recent departures of Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison and Tedy Bruschi. The good news: coach Bill Belichick is one of the best at re-tooling, but Belichick has his work cut out, especially with a young defense that will be learning on the fly.

4) The Colts will have a tough time dealing with the Super Bowl hangover.

Quickie quiz: When was the last time an AFC team lost a Super Bowl, then made it back to the Big Show the year after? Answer: The 1992-93 Bills, who were in the process of losing their third and fourth consecutive Super Bowls. It's no small task making a championship run the year after losing the Super Bowl - even if Peyton Manning is your quarterback. It's not a good idea to ever count Manning out, because he's still at the top of his game. But it might be asking a bit much - especially in a conference that is getting better and deeper - to see the Colts making another run to the title game.

5) Can the Steelers somehow survive their early season challenge?

Ben Roethlisberger is suspended for the first four games, and the Steelers might have to go with the inexperienced Dennis Dixon as the quarterback now that Byron Leftwich has a knee injury. The Steelers have a strong defense and a strong running game, which at least gives them a chance. Even so, it's tough to see Pittsburgh having a special season; not only does Roethlisberger figure to be rusty after the layoff, but the Steelers are in a division with playoff contenders Cincinnati and Baltimore.

Rookies to watch

The NFL is no picnic for rookies making the quantum leap from the college ranks, but there are several who manage to contribute handily. DT Terence Cody was a beast in Ravens camp before undergoing minor knee surgery. He’s Baltimore’s second-round draft pick out of Alabama. RB C.J. Spiller, the Bills’ No. 1 pick out of Clemson, will give Buffalo fans some hope for the future. WR Jordan Shipley (third-round pick, Texas) might catch more passes than T.O. in Cincy, and RB Ryan Matthews (12th pick overall, Fresno State) will now be the go-to guy in San Diego after the Chargers parted ways with LaDainian Tomlinson. And CB Kyle Wilson (first round, Boise State) who gained valuable experience in the absence of Darrelle Revis, will still figure heavily in the Jets’ nickel package.

Players we’ve seen the best of

Just as young players experience breakout seasons, older veterans are entering their twilight years and just struggling to hold on. Two veteran defenders — LB Joey Porter in Arizona and DE Richard Seymour in Oakland — have seen their better days. Same with guard Alan Faneca, who was released by the Jets in the off-season because of his diminished pass blocking. And David Garrard may have maxed out as the Jaguars' quarterback, although he still has a shot to redeem himself with a few less interceptions.

Players ready for a breakout year

One of the most enjoyable things in the NFL is seeing players go from having plenty of potential and then busting out with a big-time season. Happens every year, and it's about to happen now. A few would-be stars we see: RB Shonn Greene, who eventually nudged Thomas Jones from the starting lineup last year with the Jets . . . Colts wideout Pierre Garcon, who is becoming a favorite target of Peyton Manning after catching 47 passes last season . . . Pass rushing LB Cameron Wake, who helped convince the Dolphins they could part ways with Joey Porter . . . QB Chad Henne, who — despite an inconsistent preseason — should take another step forward . . . and don't be surprised to see one-time free agent RB Arian Foster have a big year in Houston.

Players who won’t let you down

Need a completion on 3rd and 9? You’d be hard-pressed to find two more able QBs than the Pats’ Tom Brady and Peyton Manning of the Colts. How about someone to make a punishing tackle at the goal line? Still none better than Ravens LB Ray Lewis. Got to have that offensive lineman to run behind on 3rd and 2? Browns T Joe Thomas will seldom let you down. And when you absolutely, positively need someone to make a play, Steelers S Troy Polamalu is one of the best.

Best uniforms

Not only do they have a great venue to play in, but the Broncos have the coolest unis, too. Not that we didn't like the old days of the Orange Crush, but there's nothing wrong with the darker, sleeker look of today's team. In Baltimore, the Ravens have made purple NFL chic — hey, you don't like it? Then Ray Lewis will be in your face! And the powder blue of San Diego keeps the Chargers looking cooler than most. If old-time football is your preference, the Black and Gold of the Steelers is where it's at. And the Bills? Well, they might stink on the field, but at least they look good when they lose.

Most underrated players

These are the guys who don't always get the headlines, but who make enough plays to keep their teams in football games. How about Jets receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who has become Mark Sanchez's security blanket on third downs? Or Broncos receiver Eddie Royal, who will do his best to make Broncos fans forget about Brandon Marshall. Jarret Johnson has played linebacker for the Ravens (six sacks last season) and is now a defensive end after bulking up in the off-season. And Bengals cornerback Leon Hall is coming off a six-interception season. Best defensive player for the Chargers you've never heard of: linebacker Shaun Phillips.