Cowboys (10-6)
The Cowboys could have easily won this division last season. Between a second half collapse against the Jets Week 1, and two weeks in a row with a missed potential game-winning field goal as time expired, the 'Boys cost themselves a playoff spot. Tony Romo is a good quarterback, but lacks the clutch gene, and that separates him from the elite. DeMarco Murray showed flashes of brilliance when he was healthy last season. The trio of Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, and Jason Whitten gives Romo a variety of targets. The second season under Rob Ryan, their 23rd ranked pass defense should improve with the additions of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.
Giants (9-7)
The defending champs were a 99 yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz (against the Jets on Christmas Eve) away from not even making the playoffs. That just goes to show how crazy the NFL season is. They are as talented on the offensive side of the ball as any team in the NFL. Eli Manning proved he was Eli-te last season after making controversial statements in the offseason by saying he was one of the best QB's in the game. Ahmad Bradshaw is an average back and isn't asked to do much. The loss of Brandon Jacobs hurts Big Blue in goal line and short yardage situations, but rookie David Wilson has looked explosive in preseason. Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz each bring a unique weapon to their passing game. Defensively, after their great defensive line, the Giants are below average. Osi, Tuck, and JPP know how to get after the QB, they combined for 30 1/2 sacks last season. I just don't see much talent in their group of linebackers. Injuries to Prince Amukamara and Terrel Thomas weaken an already poor secondary. The fact that they can get pressure on QB's can hide the fact that their secondary is under par though.
Redskins (8-8)
The Redskins invested in their future, pulling off a blockbuster trade for Robert Griffin III. RG3 in my opinion is a perfect mix between Michael Vick and Cam Newton. Roy Helu, Tim Hightower, and Evan Royster gives Mike Shanahan a three-headed attack at running back. Pierre Garcon is a good addition to an average receiving corps that includes Santana Moss. The 'Skins have an underrated defense that includes DeAngelo Hall, Brian Orakpo, and London Fletcher.
Eagles (8-8)
The "Dream Team"is in for another disappointing season. Michael Vick is becoming way too fragile, and I wouldn't bet on him playing more than ten games this season. LeSean McCoy is a top tier running back and is in the conversation with Arian Foster and Ray Rice. DeSean Jackson is a good receiver when he is motivated. The defense is pretty good, but they have a very tough schedule and if/when Vick gets injured again the Eagles are in trouble.
NFC North
Packers (13-3)
Green Bay ran through the NFL last season, and it's usually difficult to have that kind of success in multiple seasons. However, Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league, and as long as he's still standing you have to consider Green Bay the favorites of the NFC. They bring back the same group of wide receivers as last season. Cedric Benson is an upgrade to their almost inexistent running game. Clay Matthew, AJ Hawk, and rookie Nick Perry are the one of the most talented linebacker groups in football.
Lions (11-5)* Wild Card
The Lions took a step up last season mostly due to their great passing game. Matthew Stafford showed he was worth of a number one overall pick in the 2009 draft passing for over 5,000 yards. Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in the game (unless the Madden Curse hurts him). Mikel Leshoure and Kevin Smith don't provide much of a running threat, even if they can stay on the field. Aside from a great defensive line, that includes Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, the Lions defense doesn't scare anyone.
Bears (10-6)* Wild Card
Da Bears finally have a receiver that scares the opposing defense. Teaming Jay Cutler with his former Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall could be the biggest trade this offseason. After a controversial couple seasons with Miami, Marshall should be happy in the Second City. Teaming Michael Bush and Matt Forte at running back gives Chicago a legit two-headed attack. The Bears defense is good, but I think that they may start to show their age a little bit.
Vikings (3-13)
Christian Ponder had a rough rookie season, and I don't see things getting easier for him in year two. Adrian Peterson's health is a legit question mark . Without him the Vikings are going to struggle to score points. The defense was ranked 31st in points allowed last season, and they didn't make any real additions.
NFC South
Falcons (12-4)
Atlanta has all the offensive weapons to be able to have a good run this season. Matty Ice had a good 2011 campaign with receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones along with tight end Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner is one of the more consistent running backs in the leagues. The addition of Asante Samuel should help improve their 20th ranked pass defense.
Saints (10-6)
After an off-season that was filled with controversy the Saints will be distracted this season. Bounty Gate cost the Saints head coach Sean Payton and starting linebacker Jonathan Vilma, as well as creating a huge distraction to the team. Drew Brees is still a great quarterback, and the three headed running attack of Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles, and Pierre Thomas provide a spark to the offense. Steve Spagnuolo has a tough task of running a defense that was the center of the Bounty controversy.
Buccaneers (8-8)
I have faith that Greg Schiano is a great coach that can help turn around the Bucs franchise. Josh Freeman took a step back 2011 after an impressive sophomore season in 2010. The additions of Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark will help him tremendously in the passing game this year. Rookie running back Doug Martin will get a chance to start over LeGarrette Blount who had attitude problems last season.
Panthers (7-9)
Cam Newton had a history-making rookie season, and the Panthers still finished 6-10. Even if Newton improves this season, I don't think the Panthers have enough around him. Steve Smith is a good receiver when his head is in the game. Their running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are average. Carolina didn't try to improve their 28th ranked defense, and that is going to be a glaring hole on this team.
NFC West
49ers (10-6)
San Francisco doesn't always look pretty, but they win games. Jim Harbaugh's formula worked last season, and in a weak division it should work again, but it will be a little more difficult because they're not flying under the radar this season. The additions of Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, Brandon Jacobs, and LaMichael James on the offensive side of the ball will go a long way in making this team better in the playoffs. Alex Smith is an average quarterback, and is at his best when he isn't asked to do a lot. Frank Gore should be healthier this season, especially since his workload will be lessened by the additions of Jacobs and James. Their fourth ranked defense comes back almost completely intact. Patrick Willis and Justin Smith are two important cogs to their front seven.
Seahawks (8-8)
After signing Matt Flynn to a big contract, Pete Carroll made the interesting call to name Russell Wilson his starting quarterback. The rookie Wilson wowed the Seahawks in camp and in preseason, but if he falters in the regular season Flynn may be given a second chance. The Skittle loving Marshawn Lynch had a resurgent 2011 season, and should be a 1,000 yard back again. After trying out Terrell Owens, Seattle stuck with Sydney Rice and Braylon Edwards, and sophomore Golden Tate may get a chance to prove his worth.
Rams (6-10)
After a horrific 2011 season, new coach Jeff Fisher is hoping to instill some faith in the franchise again. Sam Bradford had a disappointing season, and with no real wide receiver threat, I find it hard to believe that he is going to be successful this year. Steven Jackson puts up 1,000 yard seasons despite missing a hand-full of games every year. With 6 projected new starters on defense including Cortland Finnegan they should improve but not before some growing pains early on.
Cardinals (5-11)
First, Arizona has to decide if they want Kevin Kolb or John Skelton as their starting quarterback. I see it more as one guy losing the position more than either one of them winning it. Larry Fitzgerald will be teamed up with rookie Michael Floyd to provide a powerful one-two punch at wide receiver. Beanie Wells doesn't wow me at running back. Patrick Peterson and William Gay man the two corner spots for an average defense.
NFC Playoffs
Divisional Round
Packers over Bears
49ers over Falcons
NFC Championship
Packers over 49ers
Super Bowl
Packers over Broncos
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