NFC preview

by Steve

The NFC, as the NL in baseball, is the weaker conference in the National Football League. The AFC has won 6 of the last 7 Superbowls and just straight up owns the NFC. But I guess if you're favorite team is in the NFC you still have to care about the games. Here's what will happen:

NFC EAST

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
If Donovan McNabb can stay healthy, which is like if the Bills could make the playoffs, the Eagles should handle this average but from top to bottom tough division. McNabb knows he only has 1 maybe 2 more good years to make a run, and Westbrook shows no signs of wearing down. If Andy Reid would buy a treadmill I would feel better about this pick.

Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
Between Tony Romo's "snapfu" last year, and Gomer Phillips at the helm I don't see the Cowboys being great. Then again maybe Romo forgot about the bad times and just remembers drilling Carrie Underwood, hopefully for Big D, he does.

New York/New Jersey Giants (8-8)
Eight wins might be a gift for Eli, who is in an important year in his development. True he has gotten to the playoffs twice, but what did he do when they got there? Coughlin is an ass-hole, and Barber is gone, why they allowed all of that to transpire is beyond me.

Washington Redskins (7-9)
It isn't tough to get seven wins in this Conference, plus its a tough place to visit for any opposing team in Fedex Field. Their coach is too old, their quarterback is too young, and the offensive line maybe not be as good as last year. Can Portis stay healthy? For my FFL purposes I hope so.

North

Chicago Bears (11-5)
Rex Grossman may be damaged goods, but the defense is still way too solid. Lovie Smith got out coached in the SuperBowl but with that QB play, its tough to win. They beat up on the rest of this division and maintain their hold on the North.

Green Bay Packers (7-9)
Anyone hoping Favre is rejuvenated and has something left in the tank, you're wrong. I have no idea if or when Brett will pack it in and call it a career, but the sooner the better for this franchise.

Minnesota Vikings (7-9)
The defense seems to be getting old, Tavares Jackson is their starting quarterback and I don't like Adrian Peterson. Then again don't count this team out for some reason, mainly because of the division and their dome.

Detroit Lions (6-10)
I don't care what their wide receivers say, what ESPN says, this team isn't going to turn things around until they actually turn things around. Who the hell is Rod Marinelli and why do they think Jon Kitna is the answer? Keep taking WRs in the first round. Two words "Fire Millen"


South

New Orleans Saints (11-5)
Unfortunately last season wasn't a fluke for this team. They got lucky getting Drew Brees instead of Culpepper, and that luck is paying off big time. I don't know how long that city can maintain a football team but enjoy it while you have it. The defense is weak at least compared to the offense and won't win more than 1 playoff game.

Carolina Panthers (8-8)
Again its not tough to get to .500 in this division either. I don't like their quarterback, but he isn't bad compared to some of the stiffs in this league, and shouldn't ruin the season. They have a solid coach, and could contend for a wild card spot, probably with only eight wins.

Atlanta Falcons (7-9)
This is my sleeper pick, true I only have them at 7 wins and thats mostly because of Harrington. There isn't another quarterback available? A trade? Anything? Bill Simmons "Ewing Theory" may hold here, losing the franchise player and doing better than expected. Wild card?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)
Hold on, let me go look up who the hell their quarterback is... Yup, my biggest fear came to fruition. Someone else gave Jeff Garcia a starting job. Simms third on the depth chart? ouch. Carnell may have been a flash in the pan, and the defense peaked a few years ago. Get the resume together boy-genius Jon Gruden.

West

Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
In a tough division, well tough for the NFC, Seattle should get to 10 wins if last season doesn't repeat itself with all those injuries. Coaching and the climate should propel this team into the playoffs.

St Louis Rams (9-7)
No one gives props to Marc Bulger, I won't either, just because he is a good fantasy quarterback and puts up big numbers he is great? That doesn't win football games, necessarily. If Steven Jackson stays healthy, again at least for my FFL purposes, he will have a monster year and the offense should once again excel. Getting long in the tooth at wide receiver could be a concern, but mainly its the defense that could let them down.

San Francisco 49ers (8-8)
Time for Alex Smith to take the proverbial next step, and lead this team. No one can be completely sold on him, but with a good tight end, and a strong running game all they need is a go to wide out to step up. Not sure if they have that guy on their roster, but someone needs to catch the ball. Nate Clements isn't the savior their defense was missing either.

Arizona Leinarts er Cardinals (7-9)
He seems too perfect, from the facial hair to college career to his WR corps. Again until the Cards actually turn the corner, they aren't going to turn the corner. Ahh again, the defense could let them down, but man does Leinart have the weapons on offense to succeed.

Division Winners
Eagles
Bears
Aints
Seahawks

WC
Rams
Cowboys

NFC Championship game
Eagles v Bears
Eagles advance to Super Bowl