Midseason Overview: Where they will finish-- AFC/NFC East

AFC EAST:

Lets start our way on the Atlantic seaboard and then work our way across the country. I certain picked the two divisions in football that have the most contenders for sure. It is hard to believe that we are talking about the AFC East being close.

Patriots: 5-3
The Patriots have been the solid rock in that division for almost a decade, 2000 being the last time they missed the playoffs finishing at a disappointing 5-11 and landing in last place. Not a usual scenario for the guys in Gillette in recent years. But losing your QB and also league MVP from 2007 is a huge blow. This team is one built around stars. And now they are faced with trying to replace those stars with guys who haven't played since high school. But I think the Patriots will turn things around in the second half of the season. They are currently tied with the Bills and Jets on top all posting 5-3 records. The Patriots have the tools to make a season out of this disaster. Matt Cassell will have to step up as this team also is lacking in the running attack. Patriots are arguably the "winning'est" team in the 21st century. They won't end that this year.

Bills: 5-3
This is a team that had a great start to their season but frankly, I do not see it continuing. They have yet to win a division game, losing to both the Dolphins and the Jets. There is still a lot of season left and things could turn around. They have to play the Pats this coming week and also they end their season with New England. They have to play the Dolphins and the Jets one more time each and at this point, if they do not begin to play better in their division, I cannot see them going anywhere. Trent Edwards needs to stay healthy and that I do not think is possible. Bills will come close again but miss the playoffs.

Jets: 5-3
This team has been turning things around. They have won their last two contests beating Buffalo and Kansas City. KC is a game they obviously should have won and they did. This team has veteran leadership and I like their chances. They get a second chance at NE in week 11 after they should roll over St. Louis. As this team has moved on through the 1st half, I have seen improvements. Brett Favre is getting more adapted to the offense and his receivers like him throwing them the ball. One key for them is to continue to play solid defense. Their offense is going to score points and it is a matter on who scores more. Most of the jets games this year will be shootouts and with that, defense. I give them a wild cars spot.

Dolphins: 4-4
This team is funny. It looks like they have a team that could compete for a Super Bowl title. But if you watch the way they play the game, you may change your mind. The Dolphins scrounge wins out of pretty talented opponents. Two weeks in a row beating up on New England and San Diego, really made critics take a step back and see if this team is for real. They very well could be. I don't see it in the near future. Trickery and creativity only get you so far. Experience and clutch performing skills are what this team lacks. Can't see them winning the big game.

How I see them finishing...

Patriots 11-5
Jets 11-5
Bills 9-7
Dolphins 8-8

NFC (B)EAST:

This has to be top 5 toughest division is professional sports. Between the 4 teams, we could see over 40 wins. It would not surprise me in the least. These teams all play each other tough and it is always hard to predict a winner when it comes to these 4 teams. The last few years we have seen these teams take it right up to the finish and it could take until week 17 to determine a winner of the NFC East.

Giants: 7-1
You really have to consider this team the favorite at the half. They are reining Super bowl Champs and they are certainly starting right where they left off. Eli Manning may not be the ideal quarterback for your fantasy team but he has proven that he knows how to run an offense and a team. He flat out wins games. If you had said that a year ago, you would have been laughed at. But he took his team to the big show last year and now they start out 7-1. The Giants are the team to beat in the second half. It would surprise me if they do not win the division.

Eagles: 5-3
This is a team that will turn into a playoff threat. Donovan McNabb can never be underestimated. The Eagles finished a dismal 8-8 in 2007 but that is going to change here in 2008. Despite their lack to perform in divisional games, 0-2 currently, they will begin to turn the boosters on. Andy Reid will groom this team in the next 8 games and they have really put themselves in a position to do some damage. They are on a 3 game winning streak and next week the two teams in the NFC East with a 3 game streak will go head to head, Giants Eagles.

Redskins: 6-3
It is party time in the nations capital. Yea yea the presidential election is a reason to party but can you believe that the Skins are 6-3? It is for real. With the Cowboys falling off the face off the Earth, the redskins look like they could possibly trump the team from Dallas and take a playoff spot. This team holds the leagues leading rusher who really looks like he is a freight train rolling down a hill. Look out for the skins come December.

Cowboys: 5-4
What a story to talk about here. The only thing that I can say that i have liked out of this team is that TO realized that he does not need to shoot his mouth off when the team starts to lose. I was pleased about that. Maybe he should give some advice to Ocho Cinco. You can't ever count the Cowboys out and with Tony Romo scheduled to come back after this bye week, this could be a whole different team. They have been battling injuries but are only at 5-4. That is not a bad record after playing your last 3 games without your stud QB. Marion the Barbarian will finish strong as well I think the only question left is who is the teams Holder?

How I see them finishing...

Giants 13-3
Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6
Redskins 10-6

Coming soon, NFC/AFC North!