NFC Season Preview

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

2008 Record: 9-7, 3 rd NFC East

Head Coach: Wade Phillips; 3 rd year

Key Additions: LB Keith Brooking, DE Igor Olshansky

Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens, DE Chris Canty, LB Zach Thomas, S Roy Williams

DT Tank Johnson, CB Adam Jones, LB Greg Ellis

1st Round Draft Picks: -

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

Gone our their days when America's Team proved dominant in the NFC, this year the Cowboys are in a transition, playing in a brand new stadium and suffering the many losses of free agency including disgruntled wide out Terrell Owens.

Jerry Jones, who in my view, is in the same annoying owner boat as Al Davis, has been wanting a Super Bowl championship for years, has done anything and everything to bring the Lombardi trophy but alas Tony Romo is not Troy Aikman, Roy Williams is not MIchael Irvin and Marion Barber is not Emmitt Smith.

Tony Romo, who Jerry Jones spent over $40 million dollars on, as proven to be a success in the regular season but a lackluster quarterback in the post season.

Offensively, the Cowboys will have to adapt with Terrell Owens and rely on Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton for receivers and bank on a huge year from tight end Jason Witten.

The Cowboys should still have a strong year this year to contend for the NFC East, especially with a defense led by last year's sack leader DaMarcus Ware.

A new stadium and no T.O. will not be enough to get Dallas to the playoffs but should be able to win as many games (same) as in 2008.

New York Giants

2008 Record: 12-4, 1 st NFC East; 1 st round playoff bye, 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin; 6 th season

Key Additions: DT Rocky Bernard, LB Michael Boley, DT Chris Canty

Key Losses: WR Plaxico Burress, RB Derrick Ward, DE Renaldo Wynn, S James Butler, S Sammy Knight, CB Sam Madison, RB Reuben Droughns

1st Round Draft Picks: Hakeem Nicks ­ Wide Receiver

2nd Round Draft Picks: Clint Sintim ­ Linebacker; Will Beatty - Tackle

The Giants overcame the Plaxico Burress situation last year, to claim the top record in the NFC, but were clearly overmatched in the playoffs without their top receiver.

Now, with Burress on the unemployment line, Eli Manning must work with a core that includes Dominik Hixon and rookie Hakeem Nicks.

If the Giants are to excel offensively, they will need a big year from the running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

Defensively, the Giants should improve with the returning Osi Umenyiora, and joined by Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. I see big things for the Giants in 2009, but they will win fewer games (less) than in 2008.

Philadelphia Eagles

2008 Record: 9-6-1, 2 nd NFC East; 2-1 in postseason, lost to Cardinals in NFC Championship

Head Coach: Andy Reid; 11 th year

Key Additions: OT Jason Peters, OT Stacy Andrew, CB Ellis Hobbs, QB Michael Vick

Key Losses: S Brian Dawkins, CB Lito Seppard, WR Greg Lewis, TE LJ Smith, OT Tra Thomas, RB Correll Buckhalter

1st Round Draft Picks: Jeremy Maclin ­ Wide Receiver

2nd Round Draft Picks: - LeSean McCoy ­ Running Back

A team who is a clear favorite this year to come out of the NFC, the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the sports world with the signing of Michael Vick.

A move that could cause an eventual quarterback controversy between Vick and long-time starter Donovan McNabb who has yet to sign a contract extension.

However, if the Eagles went after one of the key free agent wide receivers this year like Braylon Edwards or TJ Houshmandzadeh, McNabb would put pen to paper so quick.

The Eagles will have to overcome the losses on the defensive line with safety Brian Dawkins and safety Lito Sheppard, but scored two big free agents with cornerback Ellis Hobbs from the Patriots and offensivelty with Jason Peters from the Bills.

Currently, the Eagles are having to deal with even further injuries with running back Brian Westbrook, if the Eagles are going to make a push back to the playoffs they are going to need an injury free year from their all-pro halfback.

I predict the Eagles to get back to the playoffs and will win more games than in 2008.

Washington Redskins

2008 Record: 8-8, 4th NFC East

Head Coach: Jim Zorn; 2nd season

Key Additions: DT Albert Haynesworth, OG Derrick Dockery, OG Jeremy Bridges,

DE Renaldo Wynn

Key Losses: OT Jon Jansen, CB Shawn Springs, DE Jason Taylor, LB Marcus Washington

1 st Round Draft Picks: Brian Orakpo ­ Defensive End

2 nd Round Draft Picks: -

At least for one year, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder didn't go out and spend way too much on free agents, who am I kidding? The signings of DeAngelo Hall and Albert Haynesworth was worth $160 million dollars total.

The team moves on into 2009 , under head coach Jim Zorn. The question is how well will quarterback Jason Campbell play knowing that in the off season, the Redskins were heavy contenders in the Matt Cassell sweepstakes.

The defensive will see an improvement with the additions of draft pick Orakpo, Haynesworth and Hall, players that will be against their division foes.

The running game, should produce a good year, as long as Clinton Portis can stay healthy.

This may be the final year for Zorn as head coach, but I think the Redskins will win fewer games (less) than in 2008.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals 2008 Record: 9-7, First AFC West; 3-1 in postseason, lost Super Bowl to

Pittsburgh Steelers

Head Coach: Ken Whisenhunt; Third Year

Key Additions: CB Bryant McFadden, TE Anthony Becht, S Keith Lewis

Key Losses: DE Antonio Smith, LB Monty Beisel, CB Rod Hood, RB Edgerrin James

1st Round Draft Picks: Chris Wells ­ Running Back

2nd Round Draft Picks: Cody Brown ­ Defensive End

The defending NFC champions are back, looking to prove the critics wrong that last year's Super Bowl run wasn't a fluke.

The Cardinals handled the free agent issues in the off season with quarterback Kurt Warner, however are still in dealings with disgruntled wide out Anquan Boldin.

The Cardinals are looking to improve on the running game in 2009, with second year man Tim Hightower and draft choice Chris "Beanie" Wells, a running game that finished dead last, last year.

Also in 2008, wide out Larry Fitzgerald made his name as one of the top receivers in the league, with an all-pro year and MVP honors during the NFC Conference Finals and Pro Bowl.

As much as this pains me to write, because I am a loyal 49er fan, I see the Cardinals winning the division but will win the same amount of games as they did in 2008.

St. Louis Rams

2008 Record: 2-14, Fourth NFC West

Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo; First Year

Key Additions: SS James Butler, C Jason Brown, FB Mike Karney

Key Losses: WR Torry Holt, OT Orlando Pace, QB Trent Green, S Corey Chavous

1st Round Draft Picks: Jason Smith ­ Offensive Tackle

2nd Round Draft Picks: James Laurinaitis - Linebacker

Just as the Dallas Cowboys have lost their mojo in the AFC East, the St. Louis Rams are no longer the "Greatest Show on Turf," but after last year they were clearly the "Worst Show on Turf." New Head Coach Steve Spagnuolo inherits a team who was near dead last in every offensive and defensive category in 2008.

The Rams failed to benefit from free agency, and yet lost notable players like Torry Holt to the Jaguars and Orlando Pace to the Bears.

Star running back Steven Jackson who dealt with injury-riddled 2008 season, should return to all-pro prominence in 2009, and help the Rams to win more, not much more but more games than 2 in 2009.

San Francisco 49ers

2008 Record: 7-9, Second AFC West

Head Coach: Mike Singletary; First full season

Key Additions: WR Brandon Jones, CB Dre Bly, DE Demetric Evans, FB Moran Norris

Key Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson, CB Donald Strickland, QB

J.T. O'Sullivan, DT Ronald Fields

1st Round Draft Picks: Michael Crabtree ­ Wide Receiver

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

Well as a 49er fan, I'm looking forward to the 2009 season, the 49ers have all their key pieces in place to make a run at the West.

Shaun Hill surprised a lot of critics last year, with his performance as the starter, due to the inconsistent play of former #1 pick Alex Smith. A performance that led to the eventual move of naming Hill as the starter for the upcoming season.

Running Back Frank Gore returns from an injury plagued 2008, as the 49ers starter but could be challenged by draft pick Glen Coffee.

The 49ers defense, and no this isn't because I'm a fan, is one of the underrated defenses in the league led by all-pro linebacker Patrick Willis and joined by former all-pro linebacker Takeo Spikes and free agent pickup Dre Bly.

Sure I should have pointed out the draft earlier, but I went from excited to disappointed once I learned that our draft pick Michael Crabtree turned out to be nothing more than a "diva."

So, as far as 2009, I think the 49ers will win more games than 7 in 2008, but my more I say a record of 8-8.

Seattle Seahawks

2008 Record: 4-12, Third NFC West

Head Coach: Jim Mora; First Year

Key Additions: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, DT Colin Cole, CB Ken Lucas, DT Cory Redding

Key Losses: LB Julian Peterson, DT Rocky Bernard, WR Bobby Engram, RB Maurice Morris

1st Round Draft Picks: Aaron Curry - Linebacker

2nd Round Draft Picks: Max Unger ­ Offensive Tackle

The Seahawks, another disappointment from last year, is back to challenge for the West crown in 2009.

This year, marks the first year in the tenure of coach Jim Mora, Jr. who took over for long-time head coach Mike Holmgren.

Offensively, the Seahawks look strong with a healthy QB Matt Hasselbeck, a running game core that includes Julius Jones and Edgerrin James and free-agent wide reciever TJ Houshmandzadeh.

The Seahawks in my opinion, as long as they can stay healthy will make one of the big turnarounds this year, and pose a threat in the NFC, as long as they can stay injury free, as opposed to last season where injuries were the cause of their 4-12 record.

I predict the Seahawks to win way more games than four in 2008.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

2008 Record: 9-7, Second NFC North

Head Coach: Lovie Smith; Sixth year

Key Additions: QB Jay Cutler, OT Frank Omiyale, OT Orlando Pace, OT Kevin Shaffer

Key Losses: QB Kyle Orton, QB Rex grossman, OT John Tait, OT John St. Clair

1st Round Draft Picks: -

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

The Bears who continue to be one of the best defensive teams in the league, had a rough 2008 with a 9-7 finish, with the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler, they are looking to make a comeback in 2009.

If the off season is any indication, Cutler has yet to adapt to the Bear's offensive system, a completely different system that he was used to in Denver.

Cutler should be well protected on the offensive line with the addition of former all-pro Orlando Pace, and excel at running back with former top draft pick Matt Forte.

Defensively, the Bears who showed a lack of dominance last year, should be back in 2009, as long as Urlacher can stay healthy and Lance Briggs is over his contract drama.

Despite that, all the NFC North in my opinion is a two-horse race between the Packers and Vikings. I predict the Bears to win as many games (same) as they did in 2008.

Detroit Lions

2008 Record: 0-16, Fourth NFC North

Head Coach: Jim Schwartz; First year

Key Additions: LB Julian Peterson, LB Larry Foote, CB Phillip Buchanon, CB Anthony Henry, DT Grady Jackson, OT Jon Jansen, WR Bryant Johnson, RB Maurice Morris, WR Ronald Curry, CB Eric King

Key Losses: CB Leigh Bodden, DT Shaun Cody, DT Cory Redding, DE Corey Smith,

QB Jon Kitna, QB Dan Orlovsky, WR Shaun cDonald, FB Moran Norris, G Edwin Mulitalo, S Dwight Smith, WR Travis Taylor

1st Round Draft Picks: Matthew Stafford ­ Quarterback, Brandon Pettigrew ­

Tight End

2nd Round Draft Picks: Louis Delmas - Safety

When you finish 0-16 for the season, there is no way to go but up for the

Detroit Lions in 2009. As you can see, the Lions were one of the most active teams for free agents in 2009 that included linebacker Julian Peterson, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and wide receivers Ronald Curry and Bryant Johnson. New Head Coach Jim Schwartz inherits a team with a brand new offense led by #1 draft choice Matthew Stafford at quarterback, who the Lions recently chose to start the regular season over Daunte Culpepper) and rookie Brandon Pettigrew at tight end.

The Lions losing streak will not last two seasons, according to ESPN"s Marcellus Wiley, the Lions have the best chance to pick up a win against the St. Louis Rams. Looking at the schedule, the Lions have a strong chance to win much more games in 2009, well at least two or three.

Green Bay Packers

2008 Record: 6-10, Third NFC North

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy; Fourth year

Key Additions: S Anthony Smith, C Duke Preston

Key Losses: DT Colin Cole

1st Round Draft Picks: B.J. Raji ­ Defensive Tackle, Clay Matthews ­

Linebacker

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

The Packers in 2008 were in a rebuilding process, as long-time quarterback Brett Favre moved on to the Jets and Aaron Rodgers stepped in his fifth year in the league as the starter for the first time.

A debut that was successful for Rodgers as he threw for over 4,000 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, a year that Rodgers should duplicate in 2009, with a returning receiver core of Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones. Defensively, the Packers played strong in 2008, and this year improved their chances with draft choices B. J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

The Packers now fresh off their rebuilding year, should improve their win total from last year and make a run at the Vikings for the NFC North crown. I predict the Packers to win way more than six games in 2008.

Minnesota Vikings

2008 Record: 10-6, First NFC North; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Philadelphia Eagles

Head Coach: Brad Childress; Fourth year

Key Additions: QB Sage Rosenfels, QB Brett Favre

Key Losses: C Matt Birk, QB Gus Frerotte, S Darren Sharper

1st Round Draft Picks: Percy Harvin ­ Wide Receiver

2nd Round Draft Picks: Phil Loadholt ­ Offensive Tackle

After weeks of "Will He?" or "Won't He?", the Minnesota Vikings finally got their quarterback, no not Tavaris Jackson, but retired then unretired quarterback Brett Favre.

Favre now takes command of a team with a lot more promise than the Jets team he led in 2008. Now Favre, can hand off to AP (running back Adrian Peterson) more and he now has a young deep ball threat in both Bernard Berrian and rookie Percy Harvin. Defensively, the Vikings fronted by Jared Allen (17 sacks last season) returns intact except for the loss of safety Darren Sharper. Despite the news of Favre, the drama started in the locker room, between some players who felt that the Vikings have a much better chance of winning with Jackson or Rosenfels, ARE THEY CRAZY?

Reportedly, Favre held a team meeting where he apologized for the media his story caused, and promises the team he is focused on winning and hopes that they could come together in winning a championship.

For 2009, I predict the Vikings to win as much games as in 2009, and the NFC North will be the closest division in the NFL, perhaps coming down to the final weeks, where the Packers will edge out the Vikings and take back the NFC North title.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

2008 Record: 11-5, Second NFC South; 0-1 in postseason

Head Coach: Mike Smith; Second year

Key Additions: TE Tony Gonzalez, C Jeremy Newberry, LB Mike Peterson

Key Losses: LB Mike Boley, LB Keith Brooking, CB Domonique Foxworth, DT Grady Jackson

1st Round Draft Picks: Peria Jerry ­ Defensive Tackle

2nd Round Draft Picks: William Moore ­ Safety

Next to the Eagles, a team that should gain serious talk for contending in the NFC, is the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons, a team who dealt with the MIchael Vick scandal, took just one year to return to the playoffs fronted by first year coach Mike Smith and led by Offensive Rookie of the Year, quarterback Matt Ryan.

The offense returns intact for Ryan in 2009, led by all-pro wide receiver Roddy White, all-pro running back Michael Turner and huge free agent pickup Tony Gonzalez.

With the Saints and Panthers issues with injuries, the Falcons stepped up in 2008 both offensively and defensively to earn a wild card berth, but unlike the Ravens who won two games led by their rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, Ryan and the Falcons were unable to win in the post season.

I expect the Falcons to continue their success in 2009 by winning more games than 11 in 2008 and winning the NFC South from the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers

2008 Record: 12-4, First NFC South; 0-1 in postseason, lost to Arizona Cardinals

Head Coach: John Fox; Eighth year

Key Additions: C Justin Geisinger

Key Losses: CB Ken Lucas, OT Frank Omiyale, OG Geoff Hangartner

1st Round Draft Picks: -

2nd Round Draft Picks: Everette Brown ­ Defensive End, Sherrod Martin Defensive Back

A team that excelled in 2008 was the Carolina Panthers who won the NFC South, who failed to knock off the eventual Arizona Cardinals in last year's post season.

The Panthers made no impact on the free agent market this year, why would you when all-pro QB Jake Delhomme continues to excel, along with wide-recievers Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad and defensive all-pro Julian Peppers.

Carolina may struggle out the gate with the recent injury to Steve Smith, , but with Atlanta's stock on the rise I see Carolina winning fewer (less) than 12 games in 2009.

New Orleans Saints

2008 Record: 8-8, Fourth NFC South

Head Coach: Sean Payton; Fourth year

Key Additions: CB Jabari Greer FB Heath Evans, S Darren Sharper, S Pierson Prioleau, DE Paul Spicer

Key Losses: RB Deuce McAllister, LB Dan Morgan, CB Mike McKenzie, FB Mike Karney, DT Hollis Thomas

1st Round Draft Picks: Malcolm Jenkins ­ Defensive Back

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

The Saints return in 2009, with the league's top offense and a revamped defense ready to challenge the Falcons and the Panthers for the NFC South. Drew Brees returns fresh off a career year in 2008, a year that came close to breaking the records for passing yards and touchdowns in a season held by Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. The offense returns at full strength this year, with wide out Marques Colston and now full-time starter Reggie Bush, following the release of Deuce McAllister during the off season. What hurt the Saints last season, was clearly the defense. As the Saints was lighting the scoreboard offensively, the defense gave up just as many points, a fact that the Saints looked to improve in 2009 with free agent additions Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper and draft choice Malcolm Jenkins. I predict the Saints to have a better 2009, in fact they will comeback from an 8-8 record to winning at least 10 games and a playoff berth.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 Record: 9-7, Third NFC South

Head Coach: Raheem Morris; First year

Key Additions: QB Byron Leftwich, RB Derrick Ward, TE Kellen Winslow

Key Losses: LB Derrick Brooks, CB Phillip Buchanon, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Joey Galloway, QB Jeff Garcia, DT Jovan Haye, LB Cato June, WR Ike Hilliard, TE Alex Smith

1st Round Draft Picks: Josh Freeman - Quarterback

2nd Round Draft Picks: -

In 2009, the Buccaneers now under new head coach Raheem Morris looks to make a run at a world championship, their first since their Super Bowl victory over former head coach Jon Gruden's former team the Oakland Raiders. Morris inherits a team with a possible "ferris wheel" at quarterback from second rate QB Josh McCown, former Falcon backup Byron Leftwich and rookie Josh Freeman.

Two big moves this off season, include running back Derrick Ward from the Giants and the trade that brought tight end Kellen Winslow from the Bucs to the Browns.

Ward should excel at halfback, as he steps in as starter for the first time leaving his backup role for Giant's halfback Brandon Jacobs, however wide out Antonio Bryant may struggle for numbers this year with the losses of receivers Hilliard and Galloway.

The Buccaneers may suffer huge on defense with the loss of players that included all-pro Derrick Brooks (who oddly enough has yet to sign with a team) and linebacker Cato June.

As well as the other teams in the division, should excel this year, I see the Buccaneers winning fewer (less) than 9 games in 2009.