NFC EAST
1. New York Giants
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Philadelphia Eagles
4. Washington Redskins
I think that the Giants will be able to ride their win through this season and take the NFC East crown. Every team in the division has problems, so a team that knows how to win and can not only throw the ball but also get to the other teams' QBs like the Giants do can do well. I think the Cowboys will be in the running for a Wild Card spot, and the Eagles will be hurt when Vick gets hurt. However, I think Nick Foles will perform very well as a substitute, which means the Eagles will have a decision to make about Vick's contract in the offseason. The Redskins are rebuilding. I'll give them anywhere from 6-8 wins, but more likely 6. RG3 will do fine, but it may not be enough to let Mike Shanahan get another season as the Skins' head coach.
Star to Watch: Tony Romo. Does he have to win a division title to justify still being the starting QB in Dallas?
Rookie to Watch: Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins. Mike Shanahan can make almost anyone into a 1,000-yard back. It could be Morris' turn.
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Chicago Bears
3. Detroit Lions
4. Minnesota Vikings
I think this is the 2nd easiest call for who will be the best and worst teams in a division in the NFC. We know the Packers are amazing, led by the amazing Aaron Rodgers and their powerful offense. We know the Vikings just don't have the talent to compete in one of the hardest divisions in football. The question is how well the Bears and Lions will do. I love that Jay Cutler finally has real receivers in Chicago in the form of Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery. However, their defense is another year older, and we don't know Brian Urlacher's health situation. The Lions, meanwhile, won the offseason award for most run-ins with the law. Will they be able to concentrate on football now that the season has started?
Star to Watch: Adrian Peterson. How does he bounce back from his knee injury?
Rookie to Watch: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears. He is big, strong, and quick for is massive frame. Think a faster Antonio Gates. He could be huge for Jay Cutler.
NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Carolina Panthers
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I don't think any of these teams will be terrible. This is a very difficult division to pick. I am going with the Falcons because the Saints suspensions have to hurt them at some point, even though they still have Drew Brees and that offense. Atlanta has weapons that are almost as good (better at WR with Roddy White and Julio Jones), and it is time for Matt Ryan to take the next step. Cam Newton and Josh Freeman will look to have their teams back in contention for many games, but defensive issues and O-line questions may haunt both teams.
Star to Watch: The 3-headed RB in Carolina. DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart and now Mike Tolbert. Will they be able to create 1 solid rushing attack for the Panthers?
Rookie to Watch: Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers. He has taken the starting job from LaGarrette Blount, and is a better all around back. He is one of my big projected fantasy players as well.
NFC WEST
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Seattle Seahawks
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. St. Louis Rams
This is the easiest 1st and 4th place pick in the NFC. The 49ers owned the division last year, and only added offensive talent to their roster that is stacked with Patrick Willis and that defense. The Rams are in the first year under a new coach, and while I love Jeff Fisher, I don't think he will turn them around in one year. Seattle and Arizona need to sort out their QB issues if they want to compete with 49ers.
Star to Watch: Randy Moss. What does one of the all-time greats have left in the tank for the 49ers?
Rookie to Watch: Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks. Pete Carrol is giving the kid a chance to begin the season. How long can he hold on, knowing that the high priced Matt Flynn is ready to go behind him?
My NFC Playoff Picks (ranked 1-6, 1 being the best record, 5 and 6 being the Wild Cards):
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Chicago Bears
6. New Orleans Saints
Just missed: Lions, Cowboys, Panthers.
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