Exhale, everyone. The NFL is back.

That’s right, folks. America’s favorite sport is back for another action-packed season. Ideally, this means I never have to hear about Jersey Shore ever again.

It’s only week one, and fans can already feel the excitement in the air; except for in the greater Cincinnati area, where the Bengals have already been eliminated from playoff contention. As the season kicks off Sunday, here is a division-by-division break down:

AFC North: Considered the most physical division in football, this division has been dominated by the Ravens and the Steelers for the past several years. This year will be no different. The Bengals will be terrible, but the future looks bright in Cincinnati, led by young players like quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green.

The Cleveland Browns are an interesting dark-horse candidate, but the young group from Cleveland, led by promising young quarterback and proven winner Colt McCoy, won’t be able to stand up to the veteran Ravens and Steelers.

Prediction: I think the Ravens take the next step this year, led by future hall-of-fame linebacker Ray Lewis, and win this division.

AFC South: For years, this division has been the easiest to predict. The Colts have dominated the AFC South for close to a decade now, but that dominance rests solely on the neck of quarterback Peyton Manning.

The Titans, Texans and Jaguars are no pushovers, especially if Manning is sidelined for an extended period of time recovering from off-season neck surgery. Backup quarterbacks Kerry Collins and Cutis Painter are about as effective as a Lindsay Lohan rehab-stint, which has Colts fans all over the country losing sleep.

Prediction: While the Colts may stumble out of the gates without their leader, I think this division is still theirs too lose. Colts win this division, but look for the upstart Texans to make a serious run for it.

AFC East: Another two-team battle, the Patriots and the Jets look to renew the bad blood in an always entertaining rivalry. Both teams re-tooled this offseason, with the Pats adding receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth—both risky moves.

The Jets made risky moves of their own, adding trouble-prone receiver Plaxico Burress. The Bills seem to be stuck in mediocrity, and the Dolphins will dedicate this season towards getting the first overall pick in next year’s draft.

Prediction: If Tom Brady can leave behind the Calvin Kline photo shoots long enough to play on Sundays, the Pats can win this division. I like the Pats to take the title.

AFC West: You may think, “Now that the Raiders drafted Terrell Pryor in the supplemental draft, they’re a lock to cruise to a division title.” Not so fast, all two of you.

Sorry, Oakland, this isn’t your year. You too, Denver. I’m a huge Tebow fan, but Timmy isn’t getting the Broncos anywhere this year, especially from third on the depth chart.

This division is a two-team race, heavily favoring the San Diego Chargers. Watch out for Kansas City though, who I think will use its stellar running game and stifling defense to give the Chargers all they can handle.

Prediction: I think, ultimately, the play of the two quarterbacks: Phillip Rivers of the Chargers and Matt Cassell of the Chiefs will decide the winner of this division, and I give the edge to Rivers.

NFC North: Defending the Superbowl title is never easy, and the Packers look to avoid the Superbowl hangover as they start their 2011-2012 campaign. The amazing thing is that they won the Superbowl last season while losing a considerable amount of their starting roster.

All healthy this year, the Pack looks even more dangerous than they did last year. They should have no problem handling the Bears, Lions and the Vikings.

Prediction: Like I said, the Packers should have no problem winning this division, but watch out for the Lions. Matt Stafford looked like an elite quarterback this preseason, and if he can stay healthy, the Lions could be a dangerous team.

NFC South: This division is a tough one. Probably the most all-around talented division, three out of four of these teams could win. The Falcons won last year and added stud receiver Julio Jones in the draft, making their offense dangerous.

The Saints are always a threat, and with a sub-par year last year, I see Drew Brees bouncing back for an MVP-like season. The young Buccaneers are fun to watch; I think Josh Freeman will do big things. The future even looks bright for Carolina, where they start the Cam Newton era with cautious optimism.

Prediction: I like the Saints this year, returning to form and being one of the NFC’s elite teams. I like one, if not two teams to be in the wild-card race, as well.

NFC East: The Redskins are winning the Superbowl!!!!

Prediction: But seriously, I like the Eagles and their Miami Heat-esque roster to dominate an otherwise mediocre and overrated division.

NFC West: The expression goes “last, but not least.” That expression doesn’t apply here. The NFC West is a battle of who can be more mediocre, with the Seahawks winning the division last year with a losing record.

The 49ers, Rams and Cardinals all look to build off terrible years last year, but I’m not sure any of that is going to happen. This division is still seriously lacking talent, and another mediocre year all around is easily foreseeable.

Prediction: I like St. Louis to win the division. Quarterback Sam Bradford is one of the lone stars in this division; he’ll make the Rams less bad then all the other bad teams in the West.

So there are my picks, readers. Yes, Hank Williams Jr., we are ready for some football.