Praise Galt for Football VI

This is the 6th annual edition of "Praise Galt for Football," in which I offer one educated fan's view of the upcoming NFL and NCAA football seasons. I'm going to try something a little different this year: I will pick a winner for each division (in the NFL) or conference (in the NCAA) and explain the reasoning behind my choice. Then I'll make a prediction for the Superbowl and NCAA Championship games.

NFL
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AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers

My theme for this year's preview is: you have to beat the best to be the best. The Browns are the sexy pick to win the AFC North, but I can't go against a Pittsburgh team that has proven itself time and again. The Steelers are always tough on defense. They were 3rd against the run last year, and I see no reason that will change. Willie Parker is a bruising runner who will pound away between the tackles all year. But "Big Ben" Rothlisberger is the only one who can answer the question of whether the Steelers will make it deep into the playoffs. If he has a great year (like he did a few years ago with his 15-1 season), then the Steelers have a chance to go far. If not, then it will be an early playoff exit for Pittsburgh.

AFC South: Indianapolis Colts

I know, the Jags are always tough. I know, the Texans are getting better every year. But: you have to beat the best to be the best. It used to be the case that the Colts were an offensive powerhouse that scored a lot, but were easy to score against. Not any more, not with Tony Dungy at the helm. Their defense will only get better this year.

AFC East: New England Patriots

This is the easiest pick of all. The Jets could make a run for the wild card if Brett Favre picks up a new offense quickly and does his thing, but there's no way you can pick against the Pats unless the whole team gets killed in a plane crash or something. Even then, I'd fear the ghosts of New England!

AFC West: San Diego Chargers

Too much defense (even with an injured Merriman), too much LaDanian Tomlinson, and too much of a track record to pick any other team than San Diego in the AFC West. I'm very interested to see how two top draft picks play together in Oakland (Jamarcus Russel and Darren McFadden), but no one will pose a real challenge to the Chargers.

NFC North: Minnesota Vikings

I'm going with the experts on this one. Everyone is picking the Vikings in the NFC North, and I don't see any compelling reason to pick differently. Adrian Peterson looks poised to be a top fantasy pick this year, and unlike some other fantasy picks, his production will also lead to wins for his team. I still don't know much about QB Tavaris Jackson. He seems to manage the game well, but can he lead his team to a Super Bowl? Well, if Trent Dilfer can do it... The defensive front for Minnesota is nasty, which gives me more confidence in this pick.

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

I'd love to pick my Panthers for the NFC North, but the addition of TE Jeremy Shockey pushes the Saints over the edge for me. New Orleans will have an exciting offense this year, and Shockey will open up the passing game even more. Their defense is less than stellar, but I don't think anyone else in the NFC North can put up as many points as the Saints on game day. If Panthers 1st round draft picks RB Jonathan Stewart and OT Jeff Otah have stellar years (Stewart is my upset pick to win Offensive Rookie of the Year), and if Julius Peppers returns to his regular form, then the Panthers have a chance to take it.

NFC East: New York Giants

You have to beat the best to be the best, and the Giants were the best of the best last year. Got that? :) Everyone will be gunning for the Super Bowl champs, but I think they can handle the pressure. They will be weaker at defensive end with the loss of Umenyiora and Strahan, but they will still be tough on defense. Eli Manning has settled into his NFL career and will get steadier as the years go on. Success is in his blood. The Dallas Cowboys, however, might have the best offense in the NFC, will finish the season strong, and will earn a wild card spot.

NFC West: Arizona Cardinals

This is probably the division I know the least about, but I still have confidence in picking Arizona. Kurt Warner is no stranger to success, having experienced plenty of it in his career. He's an old man, but his team is primed to upset incumbent Seattle. The Seahawks have won the division for the past four years, but they haven't shown me much. The Cardinals have a pair of incredible receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquon Boldin, and I believe veteran RB Edgerrin James has at least one great season left in him.

Super Bowl: New England Patriots vs Dallas Cowboys

How, you might ask, could I pick Dallas to lose their own division and then make it to the Super Bowl? Because I think they will get stronger as the season goes on. Their running game will wear defenses down in the playoffs. Tony Romo will get better and better as he begins the transformation from a young rising star to a solid veteran. Terrel Owens and Jason Witten will score many touchdowns. Pick a reason. And why New England? A better question would be: how could I pick anyone else besides New England? Even though they ended last season on a down note, they still made a run at history, and the team hasn't changed much.

New England is my pick to win yet another Super Bowl.

Stay tuned! I will handicap the NCAA football season within the next few days.

--Dan Edge