AFC preview

WEST

Best additions

DT Jamal Williams, Broncos: Denver needs him to be healthy for its defense to be better than in 2009.

S Eric Berry, Chiefs: He should be an impact player immediately in a defense desperately needing one.

LB Rolando McClain, Raiders: Some scouts worry he's just a two-down player, but the Raiders need all the help they can get.

Biggest losses

WR Brandon Marshall, Broncos: His substantial off-field baggage and legacy of three 100-catch seasons are now in Miami.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson jersey, Chargers: Former San Diego mainstay saw injuries increase and playing time decrease; now he's with the Jets.

CB Antonio Cromartie, Chargers: He's also hoping to push the Jets over the top.

The favorite

Chargers: They still have the best quarterback in the division in Philip Rivers.

Division breakdown

The Chargers' reign is threatened by age, infighting and a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that includes doctors associated with the team as well as with the Padres. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson, a Northern Colorado graduate, will miss the first three games because of a league-mandated suspension. The Chiefs are younger and faster, but they need a huge year from QB new Matt Cassel jersey to get into the mix. The Broncos will need to be more physical on defense and find some pop on offense. The Raiders hope QB Jason Campbell can help them restore their reputation.

EAST

Best additions

WR Brandon Marshall, Dolphins: His hip problems are a concern, but if he recovers, he should be productive.

LB Karlos Dansby, Dolphins: He's expected to be a quality fit in the team's 3-4 defense.

RB C.J. Spiller, Bills: He is a dynamic player with elite speed and receiving skills and is elusive with the ball.

Biggest losses

TE Ben Watson, Patriots: His departure is why New England grabbed two tight ends in the first four rounds of the draft.

G Alan Faneca, Jets: The nine-time Pro Bowl selection got caught up in New York's spending spree and was released.

The favorite

Jets: They have the postseason pedigree in that they finished No. 1 in rushing and on defense in 2009, but their biggest hurdle in holding off Tom Brady and Co. will be chemistry after their mix-and-match free-agency approach.

Division breakdown

The last time the Patriots didn't finish at least tied for the division title was in 2002. However, they continue to lose more impact players than they acquire, especially on defense, where they still haven't replaced the likes of Ty Law, Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi. This is the high-spending Jets' chance. If QB Mark Sanchez can take the second-year leap and coach Rex Ryan can develop cohesiveness, it will be their year.

NORTH

Best additions

WR Anquan Boldin, Ravens: Gives QB Joe Flacco a reliable, productive and proven playmaker.

QB Jake Delhomme, Browns: Veteran doesn't have too much time left, but if he cuts down on his turnovers, he still can move an offense.

QB Byron Leftwich, Steelers: An nice insurance policy to cover Ben Roethlisberger's six-game suspension to open the season.

Biggest losses

DT Justin Bannan, Ravens: The Ravens couldn't afford to lose any bulk up front in a run-heavy division.

DE/OLB Kamerion Wimbley, Browns: Cleveland traded its defensive player who never quite lived up to his first-round draft status.

RB Willie Parker, Steelers: He gave an offense leaning more toward the passing game what little big-play pop it had in the running game.

The favorite

Ravens: They have the most stability, had the best approach in the draft and a have franchise QB in the making in Joe Flacco. The defense has some gray hair, but Baltimore bolstered some spots with quality backups.

Division breakdown

The Ravens have to like their chances. The key will be Flacco continuing to refine his play in the scoring zone. The Bengals have lapsed into off-field troubles with some offseason arrests to go with signing the troubled Pacman Jones. The Browns are rebuilding continuously, and the Steelers are facing Roethlisberger's suspension to go with a defense that could start as many as seven players at least 30 years old.

SOUTH

Best additions

K Neil Rackers, Texans: Veteran signed to compete with Kris Brown, who missed 11 field-goal attempts last season.

LB Kirk Morrison, Jaguars: The Raiders fooball jerseystraded him after drafting Rolando McClain, and Morrison should be an impact guy on the inside.

Biggest losses

CB Dunta Robinson, Texans: Houston will miss his ball skills in the secondary.

DT John Henderson, Jaguars: They released him, hoping they have timed it right in their belief he is sliding.

DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Titans: The Titans elected not to pay the veteran, who has a high-motor play that will be missed.

The favorite

Colts: If it's the AFC South, it must be the Colts — Indy has six division titles and Tennessee two since the eight-division format began in 2002. The Colts have Peyton Manning at QB and enough weapons around him on offense.

Division breakdown

The Titans' ability to get into the mix will hinge on their ability to appease RB Chris Johnson's desire for a new contract. He has skipped the team's offseason work. The sides continue to try to work out a compromise.

The new Texans jerseys led the league in passing in 2009, but the run game was 30th, which kept them out of the playoffs and became the focal point of their offseason. The Jaguars continue to hope the investment they made in QB David Garrard will bear playoff fruit, but in the end, this is the Colts' show as long as Manning is on the field.