NFC 2007-2008 Division Predictions

With preseason only days away and countdowns ticking away the hours every where you look, it’s only natural that predictions begin to surface everywhere. Who will be this year’s team to beat? Who will be the team for everyone to beat? And, of course, who will be this years division leaders going into the playoffs?

NFC EAST

Last years Washington Redskins came in last in the division with an awful 5-11 record that was just a display of their trials and tribulations throughout the year. This year may not prove to be any better, as the team is already experiencing some notable injuries including Santana Moss and Clinton Portis. The New York Giants bested Washington with an 8-8 record to place 3^rd, but their loss of Tiki Barber and continuing woes revolving around Tom Coughlin will probably keep these two teams in a battle to stay out of last place. This leaves the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles to battle for the number one slot in the NFC East. Given the loss of Bill Parcells in Dallas, the NFC East ranks as follows:

1) Philadelphia Eagles

2) Dallas Cowboys

3) New York Giants

4) Washington Redskins

NFC NORTH

This is probably the easiest division for picking a winner in the entire NFL this year. There is no contest, hands down that the Chicago Bears will continue to own this division this year. The only question to be asked is in what order does the other three get ranked in? Jon Kitna, of the Detroit Lions, has actually gone on record guaranteeing a 10+ win season for the Lions this year. As laughable as that may be, an improvement should be a very likely prediction for a team that finished 3-13 last year. However, much improvement isn’t seen in Green Bay after an 8-8 season that ranked them 2^nd in their division last year. With an ageing QB in Brett Favre and no foreseeable hope for a championship, this team is set to struggle through another year. All in all, ranking for the NFC North will be:

1) Chicago Bears

2) Minnesota Vikings

3) Green Bay Packers

4) Detroit Lions

NFC SOUTH

With the impressive season displayed by the Saints last year, there seems to be no indication that they will be unable to repeat this process. With the return of Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, and Marques Colston, there high powered offense should be set to run up a few scoreboards. The noticeable changes to this division this year will come at the hands of the Buccaneers and Falcons. Expect Tampa to rebound from last year to give Carolina a run for their money. The Falcons are going to have their down and out year this season as Michael Vick brings turmoil to the Atlanta club and Bobby Petrino wishes he had held on to Matt Schaub. It looks as if Joey Harrington is left to take up the starting quarterback job.

1) New Orleans Saints

2) Carolina Panthers

3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

4) Atlanta Falcons

NFC WEST

Despite all the talent in Arizona, that franchise has got a curse hanging over it’s head and can’t be considered a contender until they break it. That doesn’t mean they can’t win a few games and create an upset. The NFC West is simply going to be a tough division to win this year. The Seahawks pulled off the number one slot last years through numerous injuries, but will be starting off this season with starters Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander off the injury reports. The Rams broke even last year, but will be looking to improve upon that record. However, the team to be watching in this division this year will be the 49ers. There’s improvement in this club and they are looking to rise up in the rankings.

1) Seattle Seahawks

2) San Francisco 49ers

3) St. Louis Rams

4) Arizona Cardinals

That wraps the NFC 2007-2008 predictions. With the season staring it’s fans the face, they can only wait and see who truly will be this years division leaders.