the 4th star

Is it too early to be thinking about the National Football League? No way, Jose. The season is ready for take-off, and my tray table is in its secure and upright position. So, in the spirit of looking ahead to things that really don’t matter in a big picture sense, let’s take some time this week, away from the patio and laughing at those with green Bud Lights on their table, to consider each of the NFL divisions — what happened last year and what will (probably) shake down once the snaps are for real and the volume of the television analysis increases:

AFC EAST

2008 regular season standings:

Miami Dolphins (11-5)
New England Patriots (11-5)
New York Jets (9-7)
Buffalo Bills (7-9)

Tom Brady gets hurt and the whole world goes to hell in a hand basket. The Pats miss the playoffs. The Dolphins win the division. The Jets sign an ancient quarterback (Favre). And the Bills, well, they wait until the season is over to make their strange play.

Outlook for 2009:

New England Patriots (12-4)
Buffalo Bills (10-6)
New York Jets (9-7)
Miami Dolphins (8-8)

Let the gambling commence! Speaking of strange plays, I like Buffalo as the surprise team this year. Signing Terrell Owens should make the Bills better, but I can’t see them making the post season. Just short. In fact, Buffalo’s resurgence won’t have so much to do with their underrated defence, strong special team play, and newly found vertical game as it will with other clubs slipping a bit. The Dolphins have no business being a reigning division champ and the Jets will have a hard time living up to the hype that a Vincent Chase look-alike brings to the Big Apple.