BROWNS - Will doing things the San Francisco way make the Browns the first expansion team to post a winning innaugural season?
In a word, no. They will lose a lot of close games early, but this is how they will figure out they can win later in the season. Defensively, they will probably be able to run with the big boys, but their starters on offense are perennial back-ups who will require time to learn to play together. 7-9 is likely; 8-8 is attainable, but anything more is asking too much. Tim Couch should make his first start November 21st against Carolina.

JAGUARS - Besides injuries, what can keep them from the division crown?
If Mark Brunell stays healthy, this is the surest bet in the NFL, the Jaguars will win the AFC Central. Too many questions plague the other teams in the division. They are good across the boards, deep at the skill positions, and feel they have something to prove after being a step behind the leaders the past three years. How close they are should be revealed when they finally get to host Denver on December 13th. If they win, they will probably get home field advantage, should they lose, they will probably fall behind Miami.

RAVENS - Can the Ravens win more than four games?
Call it Modell's curse, but I see the Ravens becoming to the next decade, what the Buccaneers were to the last. By signing both Scott Mitchell and Tony Banks, they have laid the foundation for underachieving and discord which are the hallmarks of a doomed franchise. I see a lot of high first round picks, some of which will be dealt for dubious talent, in their future. The only break they can look forward to is when the Colts come calling (which won't be this year).

STEELERS - Will Kordell figure out how to produce from the pocket?
Not likely. Kordell reads defenses like Tolstoy in the original Russian. His receivers are young, so is he, that sounds like a recipe for a quarterback to try and break the pocket at the slightest provocation. It didn't work last year, and I doubt if it will work this year. Of more concern, is the fact that Stewart's play actually got worse as last season progressed. Also, considering the effect Kevin Gilbride had on Ryan Leaf, was it really the wisest move to put him in charge of developing Kordell? The Steelers are thin at the skill positions, but they have a strong defense and an innovative coach. Look for a return to the playoffs, but an early exit.

TITANS - Will the Titans' fourth stadium in four years finally get them above .500?
If there is a threat to the Jaguars this is it. Last year, the then Oilers split with the Jags and swept the rest of the division. The Titans are unlikely to repeat that feat, but it is not impossible. They have a great back in Eddie George, a quarterback with a lot of potential in Steve McNair, and a solid defense constructed by Jeff Fisher. Unfortunately, in the past, they have played just well enough to lose. With the learning curve for quarterbacks, McNair should get them to their first winning record since 1993. Now that they have a permanent home look for a playoff berth... next year.