Don't be surprised if ...

• The Saints finish .500 or better.
  One of the main reasons I believe they will end with a better record than last year is that they have one of the easiest schedules in the league based on last year's standings. After what should be an easy victory at home against Tampa Bay in Week Two, they enter a tough stretch: @Panthers, Cowboys, @Eagles, Falcons, @Colts. 2-3 against those five will be an accomplishment. But the second half of the slate is relatively easy: Giants, Titans, @Redskins, @Texans, Panthers, @Bucs, Lions, Jaguars, @Falcons.
  I'm fully cognizant that last year's Saints lost at the Browns Week 2 last year, a defeat that essentially cost them the division crown. But there are more "easy" games this year.

What follows is based on the composite preseason predictions of the magazines.

Don't be surprised if ...

• The Ravens do not win the AFC North.
  One important component of Baltimore's success during John Harbaugh's tenure (six playoff appearances in seven years) is missing - a solid RB. The receiving corps is mediocre at best.
  
  
• The Broncos do not win the AFC West.
  Peyton Manning is 39 years old and continues to have issues following his major neck surgery. Like the Ravens, Denver doesn't have an imposing runner.
  
  
• The 49ers win more than the 7 games the consensus pegs for them.
  Everyone expects a dropoff for SF after Jim Harbaugh's departure. But that may be more a positive than a negative for the club. They've also rid themselves of several problem children on the roster.

Unlike most predictions, we'll revisit these several times during the season to see how they're going before a final accounting at the end.