1. New Orleans Saints: 14-3
2009 was a magical year which saw everything come together. The offense was the offense, the defense bought into DC Gregg Williams’ philosophy, and the Saints faced a last place schedule. No such luck this year.
Everyone is coming to get them and their 1st place schedule will be much more difficult. This team will be fighting for a Wild Card in 2010 but will be bounced no later than the 2nd round of the playoffs.
2. Dallas Cowboys: 19-4
A very realistic shot of winning the NFC. The team is stacked on both sides of the ball and enters this season with both the swagger and momentum from a year ago. It won’t be easy, it never is, but if they can remain healthy, and get Tony Romo and Wade Phillips to forget it’s January, this could be the first team to ever play in a Super Bowl that it is hosting.
3. Green Bay Packers: 11-2
Another team with an excellent shot at winning the Conference. The Packers are loaded offensively and QB Aaron Rodgers is only getting better. While DC Dom Capers had a tremendous impact on this defense in his 1st season a year ago, there are some questions along the defensive line and in the secondary.
Keep an eye on the Packers around Thanksgiving and if they begin to pick up momentum, they may just ride it all the way to Dallas.
4. Minnesota Vikings: 6-1
The Vikings took a huge hit on Tuesday with the loss of star WR Sidney Rice for a minimum of eight weeks due to hip surgery. His absence impacts everything the Vikings intend to do offensively, and certainly makes Brett Favre’s life more difficult (it also drops Favre way down in fantasy football).
If Harvin is forced to miss any time due to migraines then the receiving corps is down to Bernard Berrian and Javon Walker. Ouch! The defense will be fine but it’ll probably end up being the offense which derails this season’s hopes.
5. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-1
The Eagles season hinges primarily on QB Kevin Kolb’s ability to lead this team offensively. If he steps up, they’ll contend; if he doesn’t, the entire team will struggle. The Eagles defensively are built to jump on teams when they have a lead and can pressure opposing teams into turnovers. That plan goes out the window when the games are close and teams are able to run a balanced offense against them.
6. New York Giants: 11-1
This is an interesting sleeper pick to win the NFC. The talent is there on both sides of the ball but it remains to be seen how the defense responds to new DC Perry Fewell and his schemes. If they take to them, the Giants will be tough down the stretch ala 2007. If they don’t, it’ll be a middle of the road season with an outside chance at the post season.
7. Atlanta Falcons: 11-1
The Falcons have a legitimate shot of coming out of the NFC and we think they’re an excellent football bet at 2-1 to win the NFC South. Matt Ryan, already on the verge of stardom, is entering year three, which is usually a big year for Quarterbacks. The rest of the offense is intact – RB Michael Turner is healthy and back in shape – and the organization strategically added pieces to the defense.
8. San Francisco 49ers: 13-1
The Niners should walk into the post season in the NFC West this season. Their ability to make noise once there will depend on the progress Alex Smith makes over the course of the year. Odds are they’ll be one and done once the competition stiffens in the Wild Card round.
Pro Football 101 Betting Strategy
Put money on the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons. All have betting odds of almost 5-1 or better, and each team has a legitimate shot, provided there are no major injuries, of winning the NFC. If the Giants defense returns to 2007 form, you can add their name to the list as well.
* Betting odds from World Sports Exchange.
Wdmail915
August 30th, 2010 at 22:40
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Where are the Chargers?? Why do you hate San Diego so much?
admin
August 31st, 2010 at 21:23
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The Chargers are in the AFC. This story covered the NFC.