With the kickoff of the NFL season last night, it's time for some season predictions. I know you've all been holding your breath waiting to read what I think is going to happen. Thanks again for your patience. Looking back at last year's playoff teams, it is entirely possible that all 12 teams could make it again this year. The league powers (Green Bay, New England) did not get any worse, and the surprise playoff teams (San Francisco, Denver) got considerably better.

NFC West: The San Francisco 49ers had one big weakness last season, and it was their passing game. Alex Smith had a breakout year, but was tabbed as a "game manager" without the gaudy stats. General Manager Trent Baalke went out and brought in some new targets for his quarterback, including Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. He also added to the already-effective run game, by signing Brandon Jacobs and drafting LaMichael James.

NFC East: As usual, this division race could go down to the final week, with the Philadelphia Eagles coming out on top. The Eagles could have "it" this season, with the team rallying around head coach Andy Reid after the tragic death of his son. Remember, this is the team that was pegged as the "Dream Team" last year. The defense can get to the quarterback and has two of the top ten cornerbacks in the league (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha).

NFC South: Without head coach Sean Payton and a few key players, it will be tougher for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have the season they had last year. However, they have fewer questions than their division rivals have. Drew Brees can carry this team like he did in 2009 with a sub-par defense.

NFC North: There is no reason to suspect that the Green Bay Packers won't repeat as division champions. They addressed the defense by drafting Nick Perry and Jerel Worthy, and the running back position with Cedric Benson.

NFC Wildcards: The Detroit Lions get the first spot because their vaunted pass rush will make up for the lack of a secondary. Mikel Leshoure looks to provide some stability at running back, and Titus Young and Ryan Broyles will take pressure off of Calvin Johnson. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys found some playmakers on defense (Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne) to go with Sean Lee and DeMarcus Ware. Tony Romo also has a focused Dez Bryant and a known commodity at running back in DeMarco Murray.

AFC West: While I'm a Peyton Manning believer, there are too many question marks on defense and at the running back position for the Denver Broncos to make a move this season. The San Diego Chargers finally have a healthy Antonio Gates and Ryan Mathews, and subsituted Vincent Jackson with Robert Meachem. They are hoping 1st round draft pick Melvin Ingram (18th overall) will make an impact, unlike Corey Liuget (18th in 2011) and Larry English (16th in 2009) have so far.

AFC East: The New England Patriots will run away with this division, and have an outside shot at going 16-0 with only one true road test (at Baltimore, Week 3). They added Brandon Lloyd as a deep threat for Tom Brady and drafted Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower to help the defense.

AFC South: Outside of the AFC East, this may be the most lopsided division in the league, with the Houston Texans coming out on top. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Arian Foster all missed games last season with injuries, but are reported to be fully healthy. Their defense may have the most playmakers of any in the league, with JJ Watt on the line, Connor Barwin and Brian Cushing leading the linebackers and Johnathan Joseph in the secondary.

AFC North: Joe Flacco is in a contract year for the Baltimore Ravens, and finally has a second option at wide receiver (Torrey Smith). The injury to Terrell Suggs will have an impact on the defense, but Ray Lewis and Ed Reed still have not shown their age.

AFC Wildcards: Coming out of the same division, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals have the identity and talent to make a run in the playoffs. Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver AJ Green have a sixth sense between them. They also upgraded their running back with BenJarvus Green-Ellis (24 TDs in last two seasons). Meanwhile, it may take a while for the Steelers to warm up this season with Rashard Mendenhall coming off an injury, but their defense is too stout to not win some key games.

NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers over Philadelphia Eagles

AFC Championship: Houston Texans over New England Patriots

Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers over Houston Texans