The more things change, the more things stay the same. Despite all the changes across the NFL during the off-season, expect more of the same in the upcoming NFL season.

Among the changes: Brett Favre is now a Viking; Michael Vick is running around as an Eagle; Jay Cutler infuses new life into the Bears as Terrell Owens fills seats in Buffalo; Donté Stallworth and Plaxico Burress will be not be playing for a while; Matt Cassel tries to make something magical happen in Kansas City while the Cowboys get comfortable in their new digs; and a few rookies (Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez) are handed the keys to struggling franchises.

Yet, some things never change. Tom Brady is back under center, and the New England Patriots are legitimate Super Bowl contenders – again. For the umpteenth time, the San Diego Chargers are another popular pick to make a Super Bowl run while Pittsburgh, the New York Giants, Indianapolis and Carolina are all in the mix – just like before.

So, do not expect too many changes over the next few weeks, as 2009 will not look too much different than 2008. Here is a quick breakdown of each conference:



AFC Preview

The AFC East is always an ultra-competitive division. Despite an 11-5 finish last season, New England must like their chances to “improve” with Brady back. Miami will struggle to mimic last year’s stunning success but should still make the playoffs. Do not expect much from the Jets as Sanchez learns the ropes. In Buffalo, the presence of Owens will not help the Bills improve much upon last season.

Meanwhile, expect the Steelers to repeat as AFC North champions, though Baltimore will definitely be hot on their heels – as always. With Stallworth serving a one-year suspension and Brady Quinn under center, Cleveland is still a work in progress, while Cincinnati will try to show they still have some gas left in the tank.

San Diego should be unchallenged in the AFC West, as Oakland, Kansas City and Denver all have major questions to answer both on and off the field.

In the AFC South, Indianapolis and Tennessee (minus Albert Haynesworth) will endure a tough battle for the division crown. Do not expect another 10-0 start from Tennessee, though. Nonetheless, both teams should make the playoffs, while the Jaguars and Texans continue to rebuild.

AFC Playoff Teams: Patriots (Bye), Chargers (Bye), Steelers, Colts, Dolphins (WC), Titans (WC)

Round 1: Titans def. Steelers, Colts def. Dolphins

Round 2: Patriots def. Titans, Chargers def. Colts.

Round 3: Chargers def. Patriots



NFC Preview

The New Orleans Saints may be the only “surprise” team in the NFC. With a high-octane offense and a solid defense, the Saints can compete for the NFC South throne and make a solid playoff run. Yet, they will not go unchallenged, as the Falcons (with Matt Ryan), Panthers (Jake Delhomme) and Buccaneers (Josh Freeman) will bring the heat.

The NFC East is continually filled with tension and drama. Philadelphia will have a strong 1-2 punch with Vick and Donovan McNabb. However, Dallas will be out to prove they are still Super Bowl contenders, even with Owens gone. New York, meanwhile, hopes the Burress matter will not be a distraction, and Washington will only prove (again) they have an overpaid roster.

Over in the NFC North, the Bears are the odds-on favorite to win the division with Cutler under center. Favre wants to prove he is still the Man, even though he is a Viking. Green Bay should win more games with Aaron Rodgers. Detroit is a long way from the playoffs, but Stafford should help them actually win a few games in 2009.

Finally, the NFC West will be a bore. Arizona should repeat as division winners, with their high-octane offense and weak divisional opponents in St. Louis, Seattle and San Francisco, though the Seahawks and 49ers may both end up with 8-8 records.

NFC Playoff Teams: Bears (Bye), Eagles (Bye), Panthers, Cardinals, Giants (WC), Saints (WC)

Round 1: Panthers def. Saints, Giants def. Cardinals

Round 2: Bears def. Panthers, Eagles def. Giants

Round 3: Bears def. Eagles



Super Bowl 43: Chargers (AFC) defeat Bears (NFC)