We know what you’re probably thinking: We’re approaching Week 4 and HipHopDX is just now getting around to its annual football predictions. C’mon, homie. Anybody can pick the AFC South champ with nearly 25% of the season already over. And we feel you. But put yourself in our shoes. How many of you would have stepped to special contributors Terrell Suggs (Baltimore Ravens linebacker), Calvin Pace (New York Jets linebacker) and Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts running back) and told them they were holding up your editorial calendar? Nah, we didn’t think so.

But because we had you all waiting so long, we’re going to reward you with the most astute NFL predictions you’ll find this side of Sports Illustrated. Thank us with a $20 after you’ve won the Super Bowl office pool in February.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots - A 21-game regular season winning streak came to thunderous end against Miami the other day. Might that signify a changing of the guard in the division? Nope, we think the week off will only rally coach Bill Belichick, Randy Moss and co. to get their ish together. But man, has a QB ever been more missed than Tom Brady is right now?

2. New York Jets - He was a vet and five-time Pro Bowl-er elsewhere, so when he came to New York for $40 million in the off-season, cameras were on his every move. Yep, that offensive lineman Alan Faneca’s got loads of pressure. So, too, does that QB Brett Favre —especially if he keeps hurling those interceptions at such an alarming rate.

• Contributor’s note: “Brett is just a winner. I think when a player has accomplished the accolades and produced the number of wins that he has, players tend to follow the lead of a teammate like that. He is not a guy who gives these motivational pep talks either or puts himself before anyone else. He just goes out in practice and in games and lays it all on the line and the guys appreciate that.” – Calvin Pace

3. Buffalo Bills - DX ain’t 100% sold on this squad yet. Yeah, gun-slinger Trent Edwards is looking solid. True, Marshawn Lynch is doing his thing between the gaps. But man, we’re talking about Buffalo here. The collapse is bound to happen, right?

4. Miami Dolphins - Just off the fact that Chad Pennington is a significant upgrade at QB, the Dolphins will look better than they did a year ago. If a healthy Ronnie Brown and clean Ricky Williams keep working together, they could get six or seven.

Playoff team: New England Patriots.

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers - Just because Shawne Merriman’s season was over before it began doesn’t mean that the Chargers are finished. Actually, from the way Phillip Rivers and LaDanian Tomlinson looked on MNF the other night, they might be taking it upon themselves to prove just how good they still are. Crackhead-quick Darren Sproles will only help.

2. Denver Broncos - You already knew shutdown corner Champ Bailey was a star. After three games, you know that QB Jay Cutler and sure-handed receiver Brandon Marshall are next up for the tag. If the Chargers slip up at any time, these prolific Broncos will be right there to pick up the mess.

3. Oakland Raiders - The Raiders are arguably the NFL’s biggest wild card. If Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden keep grasping regular season speed quickly, there’s no reason the black-and-silver can’t win six or seven. Of course, if head coach Lane Kiffin isn’t around, all bets are off.

4. Kansas City Chiefs - It’s gonna be fun, as always, watching Larry Johnson shake tacklers off. It’s even gonna be nice chronicling rookie Glenn Dorsey’s development along the D-line. But the mess at the quarterback spot is nothing for eyes to see.

Playoff teams: San Diego Charges and Denver Broncos.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts - Peyton Manning, who hasn’t missed a regular-season start in his illustrious 10-year career, has a left knee that’s been giving him some problems. Running Back Joseph Addai’s legs sure look to be in great shape though. Indy fans might have eye issues from staring at gorgeous Lucas Oil Stadium so hard.

• Contributor’s Note: “I mean, for Peyton to have all that other stuff going for him, he’s really down to earth. He can joke around a lot. He’s not one of those uptight people. He’s down to earth. It’s hard to be that way when you’re doing commercials or whatever. He’s real down to earth.” – Joseph Addai.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - We like QB David Garrard a lot. But we kinda feel bad for the guy, seeing as how a hobbling Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams are his best long-ball options. Thankfully, his short yard choices, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, are arguably the best 1-2 punch in the bizness.

3. Tennessee Titans - The preseason word out of Nashville was that this kid Chris Johnson was pure lightning between the seams. And he has certainly proven to be. The regular season murmurs are that Kerry Collins is taking Vince Young’s spot for the rest of the year at QB. Damn, we hate hearing that son’s fallen off like that. Continued on page 2 »