The Colts proved last season that they can survive almost any injury — Peyton Manning aside, of course — and continue to be a lethal machine. After releasing Marvin Harrison, the team's all-time leading receiver, and losing second-year wideout Anthony Gonzalez in Week 1, the Colts didn't miss a beat with replacements Pierre Garcon and rookie Austin Collie. Manning won his record fourth MVP award, while Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark each registered exactly 100 receptions. Indy's defence was a force despite losing hard-hitting safety Bob Sanders for most of the season. That's because the stellar play of Antoine Bethea showed the team it can win without Sanders.

What could derail them: Manning isn't the only indispensable member of the Colts. When defensive end Dwight Freeney injured his right ankle in the AFC title game against the Jets, it was thought that Indianapolis would still prevail over the Saints. Instead, Freeney, who sacked Brees early in the game, was ineffective the rest of the way, which contributed greatly to Indy's loss.

Projection:12-4

Baltimore Ravens

As always, the Ravens will sport one of the best defensive front-seven units in the NFL, powered by linebacker Ray Lewis and tackle Haloti Ngata. It's time for quarterback Joe Flacco to take the next step in his development. Entering his third season, Flacco has already guided the Ravens to consecutive playoff appearances. But head coach John Harbaugh needs Flacco to do more than simply manage the game this year. He'll definitely have help. Running back Ray Rice emerged as a game-changer last year. The Ravens also bolstered their passing attack by trading for receiver Anquan Boldin and signing the recently released T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

What could derail them: The Ravens' secondary took two big hits to an already questionable unit. First, they lost cornerback Domonique Foxworth for the season with a torn ACL. Making matters worse, all-world safety Ed Reed will miss the first six weeks of the season following reconstructive hip surgery.

Projection:11-5

New England Patriots

It's clear the Pats are far from the dynasty team they were in the last decade, but as long as they have Tom Brady, New England should field another playoff team. It's been reported that Brady, two years removed from major knee surgery, is close to signing a new lucrative deal. Brady is motivated to win another title, receiver Randy Moss is playing for a new contract and Wes Welker's recovery from knee injury has gone better than many expected. The Patriots also believe receiver Brandon Tate will make an impact, and the team wants a renewed commitment to the running game.

What could derail them: Season-ending injuries to defensive end Ty Warren and cornerback Leigh Bodden make New England even weaker on defence. This is a unit that couldn't hold leads last season, including the colossal collapse against the Colts.

Projection:11-5

N.Y. Jets

On paper, this is as talented a football team as there is in the NFL. After more than a month of acuminous negotiations, the Jets were finally able to come to financial terms with Darrelle Revis — the league's best cornerback. The off-season acquisitions of receiver Santonio Holmes, who will serve a four-game suspension to begin the season, and Tomlinson will boost the offence. Sophomore quarterback Mark Sanchez should progress from an up-and-down rookie campaign. The Jets do have injury concerns, as they'll have to overcome the loss of linebacker Calvin Pace, who is out four to six weeks following foot surgery.

What could derail them: No matter the praise he gets, Sanchez was not the Jets' saviour last season. After throwing an alarming 20 interceptions in the regular season, Sanchez was merely a game-manager in the playoffs, allowing the running game and defence to carry the team to the AFC title game. If the Jets hope to make good on coach Rex Ryan's Super Bowl prediction, they'll need Sanchez to gain a better understanding of the offence.

Projection:10-6

Don't sleep on …

Tennessee Titans

Tennessee's season depends on two factors: the maturation of quarterback Vince Young and the continued production of star running back Chris Johnson. After beginning the 2009 year 0-6, stubborn head coach Jeff Fisher finally reinserted Young into the lineup. The troubled pivot, who has been plagued by off-field issues, surprised opposing teams by leading Tennessee to eight victories during the next 10 games. Johnson became only the sixth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards. He is also motivated by the Titans' reluctance to offer him a huge contract extension. Tennessee has a deep and underrated defensive squad, which should significantly improve last season's 28th-ranked unit.

What could derail them: It all comes down to Young. Will the former No. 3 overall pick finally realize his sizable talent and help the Titans unseat Indianapolis in the AFC South, or will he revert to his immature ways?

Projection: 10-6