Conference By Conference Predictions For The 2009 NFL Season—NFC.

(Photo by Jarrett Baker/Getty Images)

NFC North

This division can go one of two ways, depending on what Brett Favre does. 

Favre can bring a division title to the Vikings this year...if he stays at home. 

The Vikings will find success with Tavaris Jackson with short passes (watch for Sidney Rice to become more effective this year).  Combined with a fantastic running game and the occasional down-field pass to Berrian, the Vikes' offensive game will compliment their great defense. 

Don't forget the addition of Percy Harvin to the team. The kid is a game breaker who can change things fast.

If Favre does decide to move to Minnesota, you can expect the Packers to take the division in a close race.  Favre had a good season his last year in Green Bay, but in the few seasons before that as well as last season, he was mediocre at best. 

If Favre's goal is to inspire the Packers to play great, he should join the Vikings.  Think Favre wants to prove something to the Packers? 

Aaron Rodgers will have even more of a chip on his shoulder to play well if Favre is in his division. 

By the way, Favre threw for 3,472 yards 22 touchdowns and 22 interceptions last season while Rodgers threw for 4,038 yards 28 interceptions and 13 touchdowns.  Not a bad move for Green Bay.

Bonus: The Bears' defense is not going to be stellar this year, but they won't be bad. 

Jay Cutler doesn't have the same receiving corp he had in Denver, so don't expect the same kind of numbers.  Do expect Devin Hester to be much better this year as he was last year. 

The Bears will be okay and should compete in the conference, but I can't see them winning it without a true No. 1 receiver and a little work in the defensive secondary.

Extra Bonus: The Lions will win two games this year. Not one, not three, but two.

NFC South

It's hard to bet against the Falcons in this division. 

As far as quarterbacks go, New Orleans trumps all.  Delhomme's health is a question mark every season for Carolina.  The Bucs have no idea who their quarterback is (and I'm still not sure who their coach is.  Not sure about that hire, but we'll see). 

I like Matt Ryan.  I think Ryan has the potential to be an NFL stud.  He had a very good rookie year, but he is not even close to Brees level.

When you look at running games, you have to be okay with just about every team. 

New Orleans' success will depend on Pierre Thomas.  He has potential, but he will have to carry the load quite a bit.  Bush has shown that he is a role player and not an every-down back. 

I love the running tandem in Carolina. How can you not? 

Michael Turner is a beast. 

Tampa Bay have potential to have a good running game if they can keep everyone healthy. But it is very hard to predict what will happen with a new coaching staff and such a young head coach.

The defense would go to Tampa Bay, but they lost an amazing coordinator.  They still should have the best, but we'll wait and see.  Coming in second is Carolina followed by the Falcons. 

There are four teams in this division, meaning that New Orleans' defense comes in at roughly seventh.

The Falcons will win the division followed closely by Carolina. 

Tampa Bay will be okay, but not ever really look like a division winner with a new coach and an unsure quarterback situation. 

The Saints will be the Saints.  Great offense, but no defense.  The third spot will be a toss up between the Saints and the Bucs.

NFC East

The Giants' defense is great, but Eli Manning isn't a star quarterback without Plax. 

The Cowboys are...well, we don't know what the Cowboys are for sure. 

The Redskins have a coach who feels like its a good idea that their best offensive player (that's Portis by the way) sit on the bench inside the ten yard line. 

The Eagles are good as long as they stay healthy, and since Westbrook is already injured, that isn't looking too good right now.

I can see the Cowboys defense being really good this year.  Ware is just amazing.  I like Dallas' young corners too.  They lost Canty, but picked up Olshansky. 

The running game should be good with Barber, Jones, and Choice.  The passing game is the big question mark.  With Owens gone, Romo only has himself to blame. 

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