NFC East1.
New York Giants
2.
Dallas Cowboys
3.
Washington Redskins
4.
Philadelphia Eagles
Analysis: Though they might not look all that good on paper, I get the sense that GM Romeo Mendez has something up his sleeves for the
New York Giants this season. The team has talent and if he can rely on Tiki Barber and manage games, I think this division can be his. Right behind him are my
Dallas Cowboys, who I think are strong contenders for the division. I'm a little concerned about my secondary, but wouldn't be made with another winning record. It's usually not wise to put defending champions, like the
Washington Redskins so low in a division, but after trading away Steve McNair, I don't think Clinton Portis is another for them to win another division title. In last place, we have the
Philadelphia Eagles. It's a good team with good talent. The question is whether GM Leonard Jones can hold the status quo, or whether he'll blow the team up after a week one loss.
NFC North1.
Chicago Bears
2.
Green Bay Packers
3.
Detroit Lions
4.
Minnesota Vikings
Analysis: We've seen an end of an era with the
Chicago Bears, but I think the new era may already be upon us. I'm a big fan of Alex Smith and seeing that GM Brent Lachapelle has already changed him from a scrambler tendency tells me Smith is the guy. This might be a surprising pick, but I trust Brent to get the division win. Behind him are the
Green Bay Packers whom have consistently come up short in the playoffs. This year, I think we start to see signs of regression on the team however and it loses them the division for the first time. One of the big offseason movers was the
Detroit Lions, whom acquired Michael Vick. The problem? He's still a scrambler. All he has to do is ask the Falcons and the Chiefs what that means. In last place, we have a bit of a shocker -- the
Minnesota Vikings. I really like Minnesota, but I think they rode a high wave the second half of last season. That, paired with the fact they have a very young offensive line, I worry about Daunte Culpepper this season. I could very much be wrong, but my gut tells me Culpepper is under pressure way too much and will see either his INTs go up, or he'll go down with a long-term injury.
NFC South1.
New Orleans Saints
2.
Carolina Panthers
3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
4.
Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: This is by far, the toughest division to call. The smart money is on a repeat winner, but I actually really like the
New Orleans Saints. Their biggest hole was the offensive line which they aggressively addressed this offseason and I wouldn't be surprised if they follow suit of Atlanta and Houston and become the surprise team no one talked about. Behind them, we have the
Carolina Panthers. A case of the rich getting richer. LaDainian Tomlinson is the big addition and if GM Darryl Breckheimer can get him to run ragged, this team may be unstoppable. Next, the team is a bit of a surprise but I have the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are fighting for their GM's life. I doubt they give to the needed 10 wins, but a playoff spot may be a possibility. Last, we have the
Atlanta Falcons. I think the height of their secondary will finally catch up to them. Trent Green is back, which is a major help, but my intuition tells me it's a down year for Atlanta.
NFC West1.
Arizona Cardinals
2.
San Francisco 49ers
3.
St. Louis Rams
4.
Seattle Seahawks
Analysis: It's like this was his plan all along. The
Arizona Cardinals have amassed talent for seasons, waiting for the powerhouses in their division to age out. It's happened and I think the Cardinals easily win the NFC West this season. Behind them, I don't think the
San Francisco 49ers drop too much. Gone is Jeff Garcia, but I think with starting Kyle Orton right away, San Francisco isn't far behind on their rebuild. The
St. Louis Rams are another story. They still have their all star quarterback, but the rest of the team is desperately in flux. It could be a long year for the Rams. In last place, we have the
Seattle Seahawks. I think for the first time in the history of these leagues, Seattle gets a new GM, as this roster doesn't look like it has enough to win the games needed.
NFC Playoff Seedings1.
Arizona Cardinals
2.
New Orleans Saints
3.
New York Giants
4.
Chicago Bears
5.
Green Bay Packers
6.
Carolina Panthers
