NFL Teams to Watch

The 2009 football season is around the corner and so are the betting pools. Who has it? Who doesn't? The following 12 teams could have what it takes to make a good splash this year.

Atlanta has made all the right moves this off season. They have kept all their key players, quarterback Matt Ryan, running back Michael Turner, and wide reciever Roddy White. They added an excellent tight end in Tony Gonzalez, and linebacker Mike Petersen. They are ripe for a repeat performance from last year. They could easily go all the way to a Super Bowl win.

Baltimore is having issues in their off season. Wide receiver Derrick Mason is retiring. Their defensive coordinator moved to a head coaching position and took several key staff with him. Joe Flacco is left as a second year quarterback, with a few other players. If Baltimore can pull it together they have a shot.

Buffalo made some risky decisions, most notably signing Terrell Owens to a one year deal. Trent Edwards could be ready for a breakout season. The running game also needs to become effective. If the defense stays healthy, they could easily make the playoffs, but the Super Bowl would be a long shot.

Dallas continues in its struggles this off season. They lost Terrell Owens to the Bills. Good move or bad move? That would depend on quarterback Tony Romo and whether he has finally settled into his game. If Tony Romo can make it through, the Cowboys might have a shot.

Indianapolis had one significant change this off season. Tony Dungy retired and there is a new head coach Jim Caldwell. How will Peyton and the coach mesh together? That fact could determine the success of this team. Some key players also have injuries, both Anthony Gonzalez and Joseph Addai. Depending on the extent of those injuries and how the new coach does, says whether Indy will go all the way or fall short. It will more than likely be fall short.

Kansas City has made huge strides this off season. Their biggest acquisition has been quarterback Matt Cassel. Cassel, who led the Patriots last year after Tom Brady’s injury, proved himself to be quite effective at his position. This brings a large amount of talent and experience to a failing team. With other changes in the defense, anything is possible, like a playoff berth. However, the likelihood of them going all the way is rather slim.

Miami has not done much over the off season. Last year they were AFC East Champions. Quarterback Chad Pennington is the starting quarterback. They also have some up and coming receivers. Can they do it again? If everyone can stay healthy maybe, but even at peak form they are a long shot to go all the way.

New England is getting back to normal. Tom Brady is back, but how healthy and focused is he really? Teddy Bruschi is questioning whether or not he wants to retire. How long will Bill Belichick’s formula continue to work? Do the Pats have the drive to go all the way again? If they do, they've got an excellent shot.

New Orleans made some good changes. They signed some defensive players to bolster that side of the ball, where they struggled last year. Drew Brees looks to have another record season. If the defense gels and excels, they've got an excellent shot to go all the way.

The New York Giants have been surprisingly quiet. Wide receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress are not part of the team anymore. Who will fill that void? Does Eli Manning have it again? Even if Eli has got it, they would be a long shot for the Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh has also not done much in the football arena. Last year's Super Bowl winners have not changed much. Their quarterback and running back continue to look strong. Will the winning formula work again? They hope so, but likely to not.

San Diego needs this off season to bring healing to the team. Their key running back Ladanian Tomlinson spent most of last year injured, and that part suffered. However, Phillip Rivers had himself a great year. If Tomlinson stays healthy, and Rivers and Antonio Gates have a breakout season they could be at the top.

A few teams stand out as going to the Super Bowl, the San Diego Chargers, the New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints, and the Atlanta Falcons. They all seem to have made key changes to effect their game for the positive. Out of those four, the Patriots and the Falcons really have honed in to what they needed to accomplish over the off season, and so they will be in the Super Bowl. The Atlanta Falcons will win by a close margin.