Team to Team Pre-preseason NFC Predictions for the '06 Season

(teams listed in order of how I predict them to finish in the division)

NFC South

Carolina Panthers – Rookie running back Deangelo Williams will have more carries than DeShaun Foster for more yards. Steve Smith and Keyshaun Johnson will each record at least 80 catches. The Panthers will be picked by most to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, but will not be playing on the final Sunday of the postseason.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – The signing of David Boston will have no impact on the 2006 season, and neither will any of the Buccaneers draft picks. Newly acquired Jerald Sowell will play more snaps at fullback than Mike Alstott, who will retire at the end of the season. Michael Clayton will have 90 catches, Joey Galloway 60.

New Orleans Saints – Drew Brees will start the opener against Cleveland and complete 18 of 27 passes for 212 yards and 1 TD. Will Smith will finish tied for the conference lead in sacks with 13.5. Deuce McAllister will finish the season with 257 carries, Reggie Bush with 123 carries. Donte Stallworth will lead the team in receiving with 78 catches for 1,136 yards. Fred McAfee will retire at the end of the season.

Atlanta Falcons – Michael Vick will continue to struggle in the West Coast offense, revert back to running the ball more and suffer a season ending injury in week six against the Giants. John Abraham will finished tied for the conference lead in sacks with 13.5. No Falcon wide receiver will have 50 catches or 1,000 yards, but Alge Crumpler will catch 80 balls for over 1,000 yards. Jim Mora Jr. will be fired at the end of the season and Ron Rivera will be named the new head coach.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys – TO will remain quiet, catch 83 balls for 1,400 yards (16 TD’s), and get serious consideration for league MVP. Rookie linebacker Bobby Carpenter will lead the team in tackles, Demarcus Ware will lead in sacks. The Cowboys will be representing the NFC on the final Sunday of the season in Miami. Bill Parcells will retire at the end of the season and Jim Fassel will be named the new head coach.