NFC Division Predictions

With my AFC predictions freshly posted, it's time to turn the attention to the NFC, which in my opinion, will have some intense division races this year. There are many good looking teams in this conference, so let's cut right to the chase and see who will come out on top.

NFC North


This division runs through Lambeau. The defending Super Bowl champs come back as a stronger team this year, as they get everybody back who was injured last year. Guys like Jermichael Finley will come back and make this team even better, adding to an already vaunted passing attack featuring Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones. Ryan Grant also returns at running back, giving Aaron Rodgers some needed production when Number 12 is not dropping back to fire another rocket. The defense does lose Cullen Jenkins, but I'm confident the Packers will be ready to defend, as their secondary is still one of the best and Clay Matthews will be looking for more sacks.

That doesn't mean they won't be challenged though. Their arch rivals in Chicago will be back for vengeance after a loss in the NFC Championship, led by Jay Cutler, who is looking to silence his doubters after they came out and blasted him for milking an injury. I like their addition of Roy Williams, who I look for to thrive in his reunion with Mike Martz. If Donovan McNabb can provide solid play, then Minnesota will also be no push over here. They have enough talent to challenge Green Bay. The real sleeper here though may be the Detroit Lions, who need a healthy season from Matthew Stafford to legitimately make a run. The one team that doesn't have as many "ifs" as these teams? That's right: the Pack.

NFC South


Mark my words: this is the toughest division in football. Three contenders you need to watch here: the Saints, Falcons, and Buccaneers. Atlanta won this division last year, and they'll be back strongly this year. Matty Ice leads a dangerous attack that added rookie Julio Jones to its arsenal, a wide receiver who I think will make an immediate impact opposite of standout Roddy White. They added Ray Edwards on defense to complement feared pass rusher John Abraham, and brought back breakthrough corner Brent Grimes. The Falcons will look to go much further in the playoffs this year, and they're talented enough to do it.

Tampa Bay is one of the more intriguing teams in the league. They are very young, but that did not stop them from finishing 10-6 last year and just barely missing a spot in the playoffs. Rising star Josh Freeman is poised to break out this year, as he's quickly establishing a nice tandem with talented wideout Mike Williams. Keep an eye on second year receiver Arrelious Benn to blossom on the opposite side as well. LeGarrette Blount returns at running back after a surprising year of success. The Bucs look strong on the defensive side too, with Gerald McCoy entering his second year at defensive tackle and Aqib Talib at corner (even though he may be suspended for his assault charge). This team is looking to sustain success, and they look like they could finally break through in this division.

But I'm going with that team in Nawlins. I think the Saints are quietly having a very productive offseason. They drafted former Heisman trophy winner Mark Ingram, who will be an excellent back behind starter Pierre Thomas. To replace Reggie Bush, they brought in the much cheaper and just as productive Darren Sproles. The real acquisitions came on the defensive line though, with two monsters in Shaun Rogers and Aubrayo Franklin. Rogers was a beast in Cleveland, being feared as one of the most dangerous nose tackles in the league. Franklin broke through with San Francisco and is one of the rising defensive tackles in the league. Together, they look to improve the Saints' run defense.

Drew Brees and company will be extremely dangerous as always, and the moves on defense make them much more physical. I think they are being under hyped this year, but they'll soon remind everyone how good they are.

NFC West


Talk about a division that needs to redeem itself. One of these teams hopefully will have a winning record to take this division, and I believe they will. It's a tough call to say who is going to win here, but I like the Rams. Sam Bradford had a solid rookie season and I think he'll be even better. Look for new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to ignite Bradford's talent even more, like he did with Tom Brady back in New England. Quietly, they have built on their defense as well, adding Al Harris as a slot corner and grabbing Justin Bannan to play defensive tackle. Combine that with tackling machine James Laurinaitis at middle linebacker and new linebacker Ben Leber, and the Rams defense is looking better.

The other teams in this division could very well win it, but there are too many question marks. Can Tarvaris Jackson finally succeed in Seattle? Will Kevin Kolb live up to his hype in Arizona? Are the 49ers actually capable of using all of their talent to win? In fact, if San Francisco had a solid quarterback, I would easily give them this division. But with no consistent quarterback play and a new coach, I don't think San Fran has it this year.

NFC East


Yes, this is the home of the NFL's dream team, the Philadelphia Eagles. With a whole new cast of characters, they should take this division. Their cornerback trio of Asomugha, Rodgers-Cromartie, and Samuel is the best in the NFL. Having Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, and Trent Cole on the defensive line will bring much more pressure on the quarterback. Having Ronnie Brown to provide a power role instead of LaSean McCoy will also benefit Philly in short yardage situations. The sleeper acquisition of this team could be former Giants wide receiver Steve Smith, who if healthy, could bring even more talent to an already talented passing attack. Oh, and they have the new and improved Michael Vick at quarterback.

The Eagles will not walk through this division though. The Giants had them beaten and out of the playoffs last year, and will be looking for revenge after such an embarrassing loss. They did go 10-6 and return a strong defensive line, along with talented wideouts on offense. with Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. Bringing back Ahmad Bradshaw at running back was also a needed signing.

Dallas will come back strongly this year as well, with a new focus and no hype. Romo returns, and we all know the Cowboys have more than enough talent to contend. I believe Jason Garrett will have his team ready to return back to prominence, earning a wild card berth this year. The lack of attention will end up paying off for this team, as there will be no more circus acts at practice and camp. But in the end, I think they will fall short of Philly.