Since we've declared the start of Betting Season - known to Republican sympathizers and hacks as "Football Season" - I think it is the appropriate time for some fearless 2006 NFL predictions.

It's a tricky business trying to estimate the win-loss records of each team in The League. Especially given that we're doing so before most teams have even begun their preseason play. With so many variables, you'll have to take my projections with a grain of salt. Any injury or suspension either way could alter the entire landscape of the league.

That being said, don't mistake the following calculations as those of a drunken sociopath with a ravenous meth addiction and high-speed Internet. You wouldn't be far off, but my appraisals are based on hours of serious research and careful consideration. You'll have to continue to check back on our homepage for my individual team previews to understand the reason behind my madness.

For instance, did you know that only six of the 18 Wild Card teams since the eight-division format was introduced in 2002 made the playoffs the following season? I have three making it, meaning that I may be off with Washington but am justified in not including Jacksonville.

I don't have two sheik Super Bowl picks - New England and Cincinnati - even making the playoffs. What? Am I joking? No, actually I'm not. In the last 10 NFL seasons, the average number of teams that make the postseason the year after making the playoffs is exactly six of 12. Fifty percent. In the last four years only 23 of 48 clubs have forged repeat trips. The highest number in one season is seven and the lowest is four.

Basically, that means that in each conference three teams step up and three step down. It makes sense. Wins and losses in the NFL are separated by the slimmest of margins. So much hinges on one missed call, one dropped ball or one crippling injury that sustained success in a parity-driven league is elusive.

My prognostications have seven returnees. That's being generous. Hell, I'm being generous with all of my projections. At least a couple teams will win 13 games, but I have none. There will be more 4-12's and 3-13's then I have also, but I'm giving teams like Philadelphia and Oakland the benefit of the doubt.

But there is one thing that I know I'm right about, even if I've slightly missed the mark: there's always some club that was 5-11 or 6-10 the prior season that surprises everyone with a postseason run. Deny it all you want, but it will happen. Either heed my advice and start looking at the Texans and Lions as serious sleepers or you can ride the sinking ship with the Buccaneers and Giants.

My point is clear, but just in case: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!! Just because some team had its head up its ass last season doesn't mean that they will do the same this season. Look for angles, look for value and FORGET about last year.

Here are my 2006 NFL predictions:

AFC East: Miami (12-4), New England (9-7), Buffalo (4-12), New York (3-13)
AFC North: Pittsburgh (11-5), Baltimore (10-6), Cleveland (6-10), Cincinnati (5-11)
AFC South: Indianapolis (12-4), Houston (8-8), Jacksonville (8-8), Tennessee (6-10)
AFC West: Denver (11-5), San Diego (10-6), Kansas City (7-9), Oakland (6-10)

NFC East: Washington (11-5), Dallas (9-7), New York (8-8), Philadelphia (7-9)
NFC North: Chicago (12-4), Detroit (10-6), Minnesota (8-8), Green Bay (4-12)
NFC South: Carolina (12-4), Atlanta (9-7), Tampa Bay (7-9), New Orleans (5-11)
NFC West: Seattle (10-6), Arizona (7-9), St. Louis (7-9), San Francisco (3-13)

NFL Most Valuable Player: Peyton Manning or Jake Delhomme
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Manning
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Shawne Merriman or Julius Peppers
NFL Coach of the Year: Nick Saban
NFL Rookie of the Year: DeAngelo Williams

Questions or comments for Robert? E-mail him at robert@docsports.com or check out his Insider Page here.