By Tim Cohn

School is here, and fall is right around the corner. While many of you may dread the idea of actual work, dramatically reduced sleep, and fewer days of leisure, for us sports fans this time of year is savored and enjoyed. Football is finally here again and with the off-season NFL lockout drama finally resolved, we have acquired a new appreciation for the beloved American tradition. Last year did not lack drama and excitement; however, as we look to this year fans will tell you that we are bound for an equally great, if not substantially better season.

The NFC East appears to be a strong division going into this season, with teams such as Philadelphia and Dallas, who are in the title hunt. They also have teams that may be dark horses this year, such as the Washington Redskins. Meanwhile, the Giants look to rebound after last year’s disappointing season and despite injuries.

Considered an elite division by many, the NFC North is loaded with talent. The Green Bay Packers hope to repeat their championship season, while rival Bears hope to contend for the NFC crown. Minnesota meanwhile is optimistic that Quarterback Donovan McNabb will deliver. The Lions show a lot of confidence as well.

The NFC South was proven to be a power conference in recent years and fans of division rivals Saints and Falcons expect another high-octane season. With Tampa Bay on the rise, this should be one of the most intriguing races this year. The Carolina Panthers look to finish with more than two wins with Heisman winner Cam Newton at the helm.

The NFC West offers some intrigue with talented St. Louis and Arizona teams, as well as the improving teams of San Francisco and Seattle. These four teams look forward to this year and hope to increase their depth and win count.

Many feel that the AFC East is an elite division with perennial superstars Patriots and Jets, while Buffalo and Miami are hoping to make up for disappointing seasons. Star quarterback Tom Brady leads the Patriots on their campaign for the Lombardi Trophy this year along side division rival Jets who have vowed a championship to their fans.

More AFC teams are in the hunt for the Super Bowl, namely the defensive juggernauts Ravens and the Steelers. These seasoned teams go up against the struggling Ohio teams, the four and twelve Bengals and the five and eleven Browns.

The AFC South features four new look teams with Houston and Indianapolis expected to be playoff contenders and Jacksonville and Tennessee featuring new quarterbacks.

Finally the AFC West will showcase a San Diego team and surprise the Kansas City Chiefs. Meanwhile Oakland hopes to get off to a fast start under a new head coach. Denver is trying to answer the question of who their starting quarterback will be.