NFC East1.
Dallas Cowboys
2.
Philadelphia Eagles
3.
Washington Redskins
4.
New York Giants
Analysis: How quickly things change in the SFL. Just two seasons ago, Quincy Carter was the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys and they were the doormats of the NFC East. Now, they have the second-best quarterback in the division and will likely be NFC East champions. I was afraid the ransom paid for LT last year was going to slow their ascension but they managed to flip him one year later and recoup their investment. If the Cowboys have a weakness it is their inexperienced secondary aside from Clements, but their fierce front-four will provide cover and the rest of the division will struggle to take advantage. The Eagles are unpredictable and could finish anywhere 1st to 3rd. But they just haven't been able to demonstrate enough consistency to pick them higher than 2nd. It's ironic given the assets spent on Hakim and Wade that it was 3rd Round Pick Maurice Mann leading the team in receiving. Mann comes back down to earth this season without rookie status, though he will still have a good year with McNabb throwing him the ball. When analyzing this team, it's easy to attribute last season's slide on an injured Steven Jackson, but he lost the starting job for three games when healthy. The Eagles are truly a wild card, but will likely claim a wild card playoff spot as well. The Redskins have the most overall talent except at the quarterback position where they chose to start over with Rex Grossman and a Super Bowl trophy. Grossman likely finishes with a QB Rating around 60 which will be too much for the rest of the talented team to compensate for this season. The Giants are in a similar position to the Redskins but they also don't have the level of talent the Redskins do on the rest of the roster.
NFC North1.
Minnesota Vikings
2.
Green Bay Packers
3.
Detroit Lions
4.
Chicago Bears
Analysis: I think this is the season that the Vikings overtake the Packers for the division, although they both still make the playoffs. It nearly happened last season and the Vikings have added some key pieces over the offseason (Brooks, Wiley, Scott, and reportedly Plaxico Burress) while the Packers mostly tread water. The Packers have spent immense resources to try and will Favre a championship before he calls it quits. More often than not that strategy seems to fail. Interestingly, Ahman Green had a monster season for the Packers in 2003 with over 2100 yards, 5.9ypc, and 13 touchdowns before struggling the following year. So the Packers added a 1st to Green to bring in Ricky Williams who had a monster season with the Browns in 2004 with over 1600 yards, 5.9ypc, and 9 touchdowns. Williams has a better chance of repeating his success, but I don't think it will be enough. The Lions upgraded at quarterback at the same time the Bears are starting over at the position. The QB position doesn't tell the whole story, but when awareness is sub-70 it usually does. Both teams also drafted future studs at receiver, but again Michael Vick is in a much better position to make use of his new weapon. Lastly, Rudd is a good player, but not near the level of Urlacher, whose absence will be felt.
NFC South1.
Carolina Panthers
2.
Atlanta Falcons
3.
New Orleans Saints
4.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Analysis: Much like in the NFC North, the Carolina Panthers are surging while it feels the Falcons are treading water hoping for a final hurrah before Green retires. The acquisition of LT made all the headlines, but LT has yet to live up to his fanfare. While I think he will have his best season to date, it is the numerous other under-the-radar acquisitions and retentions that would have kept the Panthers on top anyway. The Falcons did have one major acquisition that will help keep things close in the division: Joe Jurevicius. Initially I was shocked that the Falcons would be willing to give their 1st as comp for Jurevicius (to a division rival no less). But after researching I have changed my mind somewhat, at least with respect to his value. He has been extremely productive, though few touchdowns. Will it be the difference-maker to put the Falcons back on top? Probably not. The Saints made long-term investments in their offensive line, but I see little else to get them out of the 6-10/8-8 range of the last two seasons. The Bucs first need to find a way to stop the bleeding. QB Brad Johnson retired, Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles left for $$ and were replaced with two 35-year olds, Jurevicius jumped ship for Atlanta....Ronnie Brown, Bulger, and Bryant were solid additions but I don't think they stop the downward momentum yet.
NFC West1.
Arizona Cardinals
2.
St. Louis Rams
3.
San Francisco 49ers
4.
Seattle Seahawks
Analysis: Last year the Cardinals were the darling pick of most prognosticators, including myself. Turns out we were a year early. Barring major injury I would be shocked if Arizona doesn't have the division wrapped up - possibly by week 14. They have a good mix of youth and experience, and all of a sudden Carson Palmer is the best quarterback in the division. The 49ers and Rams have both officially entered rebuild-mode, and I'm not sure what is up with the Seahawks. Seattle gave up an NFC-worst 490 points last season - more than 30 per game - and only added a very talented but raw safety. Did anybody tell Rock that he is on the hot seat?
NFC Playoff Seedings1.
Minnesota Vikings
2.
Arizona Cardinals
3.
Carolina Panthers
4.
Dallas Cowboys
5.
Green Bay Packers
6.
Philadelphia Eagles
