NFL NFC Projections

NFC East

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)