Here’s how Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star sees the NFL season playing out:

AFC West— San Diego
No one in this division can come close to the Chargers.
AFC East —New England
Tom Brady is back and looks as good as ever.
AFC North — Pittsburgh
Defending champs have talent and a soft schedule.
AFC South — Tennessee
Superior coaching makes the difference in balanced division.
AFC wild cards — Houston, Indianapolis
AFC South teams take advantage of NFC West schedule.
NFC West— Arizona
Can Cardinals handle newfound success and Super Bowl hangover?
NFC East — Philadelphia
RB LeSean McCoy has bigger impact than Mike Vick or Jeremy Maclin.
NFC North — Green Bay
QB Aaron Rodgers outplays Minnesota’s Favre and Chicago’s Cutler.
NFC South — New Orleans
Saints improved defense to go with high-powered offense.
NFC wild cards —Minnesota, Carolina
Two coaches will be on hot seat to go deep in the playoffs.
Super Bowl XLIV — New England
Patriots beat Eagles in replay of Super Bowl XXXIX.