What's in store for the AFC?

Chargers should roll, but expect big battles in AFC East and North

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Can Philip Rivers take San Diego to the Super Bowl?

OPINION

updated 6:09 p.m. ET Sept. 6, 2011

Gregg Rosenthal

The zaniest training camp in memory ended faster than many teams wanted. Players signed at a record clip, and coaches quickly installed their systems while leaving a few young players behind.

So what have we learned and where are teams headed from here? We?ve got answers.

(Teams listed by conference, in predicted order of finish)

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots

Training camp solution: The Patriots think their pass rush will be more dangerous with a four man defensive line. Free agent pickup Andre Carter looks like an impact player and the team is moving linebacker Jerod Mayo around more to bring pressure.

Elsa / Getty Images Can Chad Ochocinco be a go-to receiver for Tom Brady?

Hanging questions: How will Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth fit in? Haynesworth hasn?t practiced much because of his balky knee, and Ochocinco may be the team?s fourth or fifth best receiving option. The Patriots also are unsettled at safety.

Surprise: Rookie running back Stevan Ridley should add a dynamic piece to New England?s deep and versatile backfield.

Outlook: Tom Brady combined with an improving young roster makes the Patriots AFC favorites in a deep field.

2. New York Jets (wild-card team)?

Training camp solution

: The Jets took a big gamble trading in Braylon Edwards and Jerricho Cotchery at receiver for Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. Early indications hint it may pay off. Mason emerged as a leader in August, while Burress presented matchup problems in the preseason when paired with Santonio Holmes.

Jim Mcisaac / Getty Images Mark Sanchez, left,?will depend on Santonio Holmes' sure hands.

Hanging questions: How long can Rex Ryan?s defensive scheme cover up the Jets' front seven? It?s a solid group, but lacking players who create one-on-one matchup problems. On offense, this team goes as Mark Sanchez?s development goes. Only the real games will tell us if Sanchez is maturing.

Surprise: Rookie receiver/returner Jeremy Kerley may help Jets fans forget about Brad Smith. Fourth-year defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua enjoyed a strong camp coming off injury.

Outlook: The Jets are stressing the need to win the division, but a wild-card route to the playoffs is more likely.

3. Miami Dolphins

Training camp solution: Quarterback Chad Henne steadily improved all month under new coordinator Brian Daboll, quieting the calls for Henne?s head. Free agent pickup Kevin Burnett?s versatility at linebacker helps complete a young, loaded defense.

Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images Contributor Reggie Bush gives Miami?quarterback Chad Henne an exposive weapon out of the backfield.

Hanging questions: The Dolphins signed Reggie Bush to be a lead back. The idea: He?d complete rookie Daniel Thomas, who would theoretically run between the tackles. Thomas looks shaky and tentative. Bush will be better away from New Orleans when we see it. The offensive line has huge questions. Dolphins fans may wind up missing Ricky and Ronnie.

Surprise: Brandon Marshall enjoyed a healthy, drama-free training camp. This hasn?t happened in his entire career. On the field, Marshall seems to have his early career explosion back.

Outlook: A vastly underrated and deep top-five defense could lead Miami to a surprising winning record and playoff contention.

4. Buffalo Bills

Training camp solution: Free agent pickup Nick Barnett solidifies a shaky run defense at middle linebacker. Young wideouts Donald Jones and Marcus Easley impressed in August. Their development made it possible to deal Lee Evans to Baltimore.

Rick Stewart / Getty Images Can Ryan Fitzpatrick lead the Bills into contention?

Hanging questions: The Bills remain weak at tackle. They still hadn?t fully settled on a left tackle late in camp. It will probably be Demetrius Bell, which will make the rest of the AFC East smile.

Surprise: Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman looks healthy and ready to contribute for the first time in years. Cross your fingers.

Outlook: Ryan Fitzpatrick is a better quarterback than you think, but he?s stuck in the wrong division. So are the Bills, even if they are feisty.

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More newsRonald Martinez / Getty Images

What's in store for the AFC?

??Rosenthal:?What have we learned and where are teams headed from here? We?ve got answers. Chargers should roll, but expect big battles in AFC East and North.

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Silva: NFC questions, answers and predictions

Silva: The NFC boasts arguably the two best divisions in football (East, South), but also probably the worst (West). After a hectic period in late July and early August, these teams are looking to narrow the gap on the Super Bowl champion Packers in the North. Let's see how they've fared:

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/44365798/ns/sports-nfl/

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