madden_09_cover.jpgThe NFL season starts today (did you forget already?) with the Super Bowl champions New York Giants facing division rivals Washington Redskins. A few weeks ago, we called up the Madden NFL 09's Assistant Designer Jonathan Crankshaw and got the lowdown on how the game's player and team ratings get calculated. If anyone's got the pulse of the NFL, it's gotta be that guy, right? So, we asked him who his favorites for the new season are and—well—there are definitely some surprises to be had. Compare your picks with his and put down your bets before kickoff tonight.

AFC
Division Winners
East: New England Patriots
North: Pittsburgh Steelers
South: Indianapolis Colts
West: San Diego Chargers

Wild Cards
Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans
NFC
Division Winners
East: Washington Redskins
North: Green Bay Packers
South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
West: Seattle Seahawks

Wild Cards
New York Giants
Dallas Cowboys

Team To Watch: Buffalo Bills

Super Bowl
San Diego Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Winner: Chargers