Breaking down the NFC

The Patriots have been to so many Super Bowls, the chances of them facing a repeat opponent if they get back there this season are pretty good.

Will it be the Bears? (’85)

Will it be the Rams? (’01)

Will it be the Eagles? (’04)

Will it be the Panthers? (’03)

Will it be the Packers? (’96)

Well, four out of five are a possibility at least. Preview follows.

NFC East
When it comes down to it, the most unheralded, yet significant change in the NFC East might be Washington’s addition of lineman Pete Kendall, who is only going to help Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts survive a little longer, as well as give more time to young quarterback Jason Campbell, who is going to open eyes this season. The defense in the capital, however, is still a bit too fresh for contention. The most significant return, of course, is Donovan McNabb, who won’t miss a beat with Kevin Curtis replacing Donte Stallworth at the speed position. But while the Eagles are good bet to make the Super Bowl for the second time in four seasons, there are simply better teams out there to contend with. The Giants and Cowboys are not among those better teams. Playing the role of Pete Carroll this season will be Wade Phillips, who…well, we’ll see how he handles the first Terrell Owens episode. And is there, outside of Rex Grossman, a quarterback that people like to see fail more than Tony Romo? I mean, besides Drew Bledsoe, too. As for the Giants, Tom Coughlin has until Game 6. Then he’s out of work.
Prognosis: McNabb’s return is welcomed, but it’s the addition of Takeo Spikes and a smothering defense that makes the Eagles repeat champs in the East.
1. Eagles — 10-6
2. Redskins — 8-8
3. Cowboys — 5-11
4. Giants — 5-11
NFC North
If there is justice in the NFL, Rex Grossman will toss 42 touchdowns, 4,000 yards, and have a QB rating that would make Peyton Manning whistle with admiration. For all that Grossman did wrong last season, the Bears quarterback hardly deserved the criticism and vitriol laid upon him from every talking head across the land. Is Devin Hester at wide receiver going to be that missing piece? Time will tell. We’re all extremely happy Brett Favre came back for one more season if only for the reason we’d love to see if Mike McCarthy has the intestinal fortitude to do the right thing and bench him in favor of Aaron Rodgers. Mike Martz is presenting the sequel to the Greatest Show on Turf in Detroit, but much like the original, there’s nobody to stop the ball. If there is justice in the NFL Part II: The Patriots and Vikings will meet in the Super Bowl following another week of barbs between Brad Childress and Bill Belichick. Despite the addition of Adrian Peterson (who will be a household name come December), that has little chance of happening.
Prognosis: Grossman loses his job despite a 5-0 record, only to get it back three games later after Lovie Smith realizes that his backup is Brian Griese.
1. Bears — 11-5
2. Lions — 8-8
3. Vikings — 6-10
4. Packers — 3-13
NFC South
A year ago, perhaps 4 percent of all of us picked the Saints to go to the NFC title game. Now, yes, they are “America’s Team†and all that fluff, but they’re also one of the best in the game. Drew Brees is second to only Peyton Manning and Tom Brady at his position, and we can’t wait to see what Reggie Bush has up his sleeve for his sophomore campaign. Better than ’06. Alge Crumpler is going to wonder why he couldn’t play with Joey Harrington instead of Michael Vick all these years in Atlanta. A Gates-like season for the Atlanta tight end is the prediction here. After losing Chris Simms and his spleen, Jon Gruden went out and got Jeff Garcia, who was phenomenal in McNabb’s absence in Philadelphia and in Detroit two seasons ago, only to get no love. But at 37 (really?), can he repeat it? The Panthers regressed in ’06, their quarterback in particular. Jake Delhomme needs to either wake up and realize again that he has one of the game’s most dangerous weapons in Steve Smith at his disposal or risk being replaced by David Carr.
Prognosis: By late January, you’ll be hearing your 10,546th Katrina reference of the season.
1. Saints — 12-4
2. Panthers — 10-6
3. Falcons — 5-11
4. Buccaneers — 4-12
NFC West
Perhaps the most underrated quarterback in football, Marc Bulger is making no promises for the Rams offense, but we will. It’s going to be sick, and with a slightly improved defense, St. Louis’s chances of becoming a premier team once again are excellent. The Seahawks will get a full season of Matt Hasselbeck to Deion Branch, but defense remains an issue. Need to pick a running back off waivers in your fantasy league? You could do worse than one going up against Seattle’s porous run defense. The 49ers might be a dark horse, but so was Arizona last season. A year away. The Cardinals are certainly fun to watch, and Ken Whisenhunt is probably a smart choice to lead them in the desert. But while the offensive line — with the addition of Levi Brown — couldn’t be any worse than it was last year, the defense is still dreadful.
Prognosis: The toughest division in the NFC to call.
1. Rams — 11-5
2. Seahawks — 10-6
3. Cardinals — 8-8
4. 49ers — 8-8
Wild cards: Seahawks, Panthers
NFC Champion: St. Louis Rams