NFC Predictions from a Fan's Point of View

As an avid football fan, it is my passion to write about the NFL. As this is my first article, I feel that a good start would be to provide my outlook on the upcoming season and, specifically, my views on the NFC.

NFC East

1. Cowboys

2. Giants

3. Redskins

4. Eagles

Why?

I think the Cowboys are gearing up to get themselves stronger than last year and will be able to top the world champions.

Rumors say that Jeremy Shockey may be on his way out of the Big Apple, and that could help them. The Giants are strong and will be in it through the year.

The Redskins will be a step closer now with a full roster. Last year's unfortunate loss of Sean Taylor left them without a great safety and pro-bowler.

This year they will head into the season with a full defensive backfield, however I see them coming in third due to Jason Campbell still developing. Campbell will get there with the help of his supporting cast.

The Eagles seem to be staying in the basement as they just can't seem to make anything happen for their team.

I know they signed Asante Samuel to a big deal and that should sure help them defensively, but I'm not convinced. Samuel will help, but they are just too old.

NFC South

1. Saints

2. Buccaneers

3. Falcons

4. Panthers

Why?

Okay, here's the deal. I think the Saints have the players to make a serious run this year. Reggie Bush has another year under his belt, and Drew Brees has another year in this system.

They don't have a very high draft pick, but should be able to grab some talent at No. 10.

The Buccaneers just seem to be getting older by the day, but still have a serious amount of talent. They should be able to contend for another playoff run.

The Falcons, assuming they use their pick wisely, should be able to add some talent and get over the shock of the Michael Vick loss.

They have a full off season to prepare, and they should be getting better.

The Panthers haven't made very many strides so far to help their team. They will be helped by the recovery of Jake Delhomme, but will need a strong draft to improve.

NFC West

1. 49ers

2. Seahawks

3. Cardinals

4. Rams

Why?

What am I thinking, putting the 49ers first?

They have a great group of young talent on both sides of the ball, and are finally almost done rebuilding. Look for them to emerge from this fairly weak division.

This just in: the Seahawks have a good running back. Yes, Sean Alexander but also the addition of Julius Jones. These two running backs are just a sample of their full back field.

Look for the possibility of a split locker room between the two backs.

The Cardinals are riding on the development of Matt Lienart and the thought that Edgerinn James couldn't possibly keep struggling. I think they will keep making improvements but it will take time.

The Rams have a good running back, but their team still needs a lot of improvement.

NFC North

1. Vikings

2. Lions

3. Packers

4. Bears

Why?

The combination of Adrian Peterson with a developing Tarvaris Jackson is crazy. They will develop together and become a good team. They are young and should keep getting better.

The Lions should have success with their young team and, though they've lost some players on defense, should keep getting better.

The Packers will need Aaron Rodgers to be their leader and that may take some time. They also have a young team and should be better in a year or two.

The Bears resigned Rex Grossman and will need him to lead, too. His ability to do this will effect the team's record.

They may need a strong draft or free agency to be truly successful.

These are the standings from where I sit.

I think the NFL is such a beautiful part of life and provides us with the normal range of emotions, like nervousness, excitement, heartache.

And for those chosen fans every February, pure joy.

This is our world and these are our teams.