Throughout this week, PFW will post the 2009 NFL predictions of its editors, who forecast the order of finish in each division, the outcome of Super Bowl XLIV, and Offensive and Defensive MVPs. In the first of these predictions, PFW associate editor Michael Blunda looks into his crystal ball.

AFC East
1. New England: Defense is aging quickly, but Tom Brady's return means offense will be truly special once again.
2. Miami: Unlikely to repeat last year's magic, but addition of Jason Taylor and Gibril Wilson should have Fins back in playoff contention.
3. Buffalo: As long as he can stay healthy, Terrell Owens should energize this stagnant offense, but can Trent Edwards successfully execute the no-huddle?
4. N.Y. Jets: All eyes will be on rookie golden boy Mark Sanchez, but stout "D" will be what carries Gang Green in '09.

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh: Defending champs bring back ferocious "D" and virtually identical starting lineup for another run at the title.
2. Baltimore: Defense should continue its dominance even without Rex Ryan, but emergence of Joe Flacco and Ray Rice would help team immensely.
3. Cincinnati: Getting Carson Palmer back is huge and young talent abounds on defense, but Bengals still have too many question marks to contend.
4. Cleveland: New coach Eric Mangini has his work cut out for him, as offense could be among the league's worst.

AFC South
1. Indianapolis: Shouldn't miss a beat without Marvin Harrison, as Peyton Manning still has a quality group of targets at his disposal.
2. Tennessee: Replacing Albert Haynesworth won't be easy, but backfield duo of Chris Johnson and a slimmed-down LenDale White means offense will be potent.
3. Houston: If Matt Schaub stays healthy and young defense comes together, Texans could finally make a run at the playoffs.
4. Jacksonville: Should benefit from being healthier in '09, but on their way to a last-place finish as the least talented team in a strong division.

AFC West
1. San Diego: With Shawne Merriman back and LaDainian Tomlinson looking in top form, Bolts could have dreadful division wrapped up by midseason.
2. Oakland: Behind-the-scenes dissension aside, team could surprise people if JaMarcus Russell takes the next step and Darren McFadden turns out to be the real deal.
3. Denver: Offense could struggle with Kyle Orton under center, and defense is riddled with holes; it all spells doom for Josh McDaniels in Year One.
4. Kansas City: GM Scott Pioli has begun the rebuilding process, but if O-line can't protect Matt Cassel and "D" is slow to learn 3-4 scheme, K.C. is in trouble.

NFC East
1. Philadelphia: With a beefed-up O-line and plenty of new offensive weapons, there might not be a more talented team in the NFC.
2. N.Y. Giants: Need receivers to step up, but tremendous lines on both sides of the ball should have them back in playoff contention.
3. Dallas: Outside of wideout depth, very few weaknesses for a team hungry to rebound after a disappointing '08.
4. Washington: Addition of Albert Haynesworth definitely bolsters defense, but Jason Campbell not the right man to run Jim Zorn's West Coast scheme.

NFC North
1. Chicago: New QB Jay Cutler gives offense instant credibility; if his receiving corps develops, Bears have a shot to be greatly improved.
2. Minnesota: Already with a terrific defense and dominant RB in Adrian Peterson, Vikings will either sink or swim depending on play of Brett Favre.
3. Green Bay: Aaron Rodgers captains one of the league's fastest-rising offenses, but transition to 3-4 "D" could set back the Pack.
4. Detroit: Mindset, defense should be much better under new coach Jim Schwartz, but it takes awhile to get over a 0-16 campaign.

NFC South
1. Atlanta: Defense is still a concern, but if Matt Ryan further matures and Tony Gonzalez makes the expected impact, Falcons will be tough to stop.
2. Carolina: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart form maybe the NFL's best rushing tandem, but loss of DT Maake Kemoeatu seriously weakens "D."
3. New Orleans: Drew Brees will chuck the ball all over the field and pile up points in bunches, but it won't matter if the defense can't stop anybody.
4. Tampa Bay: Added nice pieces in Derrick Ward and Kellen Winslow, but Byron Leftwich and a thin receiver group could lead to a lot of close losses.

NFC West
1. Arizona: NFC champs lost a little bit on "D," but with Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, it shouldn't make much difference.
2. Seattle: Should be much better after signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh and drafting Aaron Curry, but Matt Hasselbeck's health will be the deciding factor for the Hawks.
3. San Francisco: Mike Singletary should have them playing much tougher, but Niners might still be a year or two away from putting it all together.
4. St. Louis: Defensive focus should be better under Steve Spagnuolo, but preseason injuries to Marc Bulger and Donnie Avery could set back offense early on.

Super Bowl: San Diego over Philadelphia

Offensive MVP: Tom Brady
Defensive MVP: DeMarcus Ware

Kickoff is coming! PFW's annual Kickoff Issue goes on sale at PFWstore.com Monday evening and at newsstands and bookstores later this week. Also, be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.