NFL NFC Projections

1. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)

The Dallas Cowboys were arguably the most gifted team in the NFC last year. However, they suffered an agonizing late-season collapse, and failed to appear in the NFC Championship showdown. With the same core of stars returning on both sides of the ball, anything less than a Super Bowl trophy would be a disappointment.

2. New York Giants (11-5)

Despite their impressive post-season run, the defending Super Bowl champions head into the 2008 campaign as long shots to repeat. The Giants victory over the Patriots was one of the most popular victories of all-time. A Super Bowl repeat is not that far-fetched, but they would once again have to defeat teams that are superior during a crucial stretch of the season.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)

The Eagles are a solid team, but they are in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. A Wild Card berth is a realistic expectation, but I would not count on them being this year's Cinderella Story.

4. Washington Redskins (6-10)

The second post-Joe Gibbs era begins this season for the Redskins. In fact, a complete facelift to the coaching staff took place during the off-season. The Redskins will likely struggle under the new system.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (10-6)

For the first time in a decade in a half, the Packers will feature a quarterback other than Brett Favre. The Packers are a talented enough group to prove that losing Favre is not the end of the world. They are still the team to beat in the NFC North.

2. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

The Vikings Achilles' heel is clearly at the quarterback position. They are a solid defensive unit, especially against the run. Overall, the Vikings have the personnel to contend for a Wild Card slot, but that is about as far as they will go.

3. Detroit Lions (7-9)

Believe it or not, the Lions could be the sleeper in the NFC. They recently added veteran Rudi Johnson to help bolster the running game. If Johnson remains healthy, and rookie Kevin Smith lives up to his elevated expectations, the Lions could challenge for a Wild Card slot.

4. Chicago Bears (7-9)

The Bears are hardly the dominating defensive monster they were in 2005 and 2006, but they are still respectable. There are too many kinks in the offense, however. They could replace the Lions as the NFC North's bottom feeder.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints (12-4)

Following their NFC Championship loss to the Bears in 2006, the Saints were branded a Super Bowl contender in 2007. They began the season 0-4, and never challenged for a post-season spot. Expect a significant improvement in 2008. They are easily the best team in their division, and one of the top three teams in the entire NFC.

2. Carolina Panthers (9-7)

The Panthers should marginally improve from their middling 7-9 record. They were renowned for their robust defense a couple of years ago, but recently knocked on mediocrity's door. At best, they are a Wild Card contender.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)

Throughout the decade, the Buccaneers reach the playoffs one year, only to fall off the radar the very next year. There is no reason to believe this time will be any different.

4. Atlanta Falcons (3-13)

The Falcons are one of the worst teams in the NFL. If you recall, they had the same perception heading into the 1998 season, the year of the 'dirty birds'. A Super Bowl appearance is extremely unlikely, but there is potential for a six or seven win season.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Former MVP Shaun Alexander will not return to the Seahawks, and replaced by a running back by committee. However, they are still the superior team in the West. Injuries could hinder the Seahawks, as wide receiver Bobby Engram will miss the first six to eight weeks of the season.

2. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

As much as the Cardinals want Matt Leinart to be their starting quarterback, the old wily veteran Kurt Warner consistently outplays him. The Cardinals should surpass the .500 mark and qualify for the playoffs for only the second time in two decades.

3. St. Louis Rams (6-10)

Even with a healthy Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger, the Rams are not a playoff caliber squad. They will win more than three games, however.

4. San Francisco 49ers (5-11)

The 49ers use to dominate the NFC West. They have not made the playoffs since 2002, and that streak is likely to continue in 2008.

Wild Card teams- Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants

NFC Championship Game- Dallas Cowboys over New Orleans Saints