Thoughts in a Skitoliv World

Just because my AFC predictions were not enough, it is time for more shocking NFC predictions.

NFC East:

1. Washington Redskins - This is the hardest division to predict, as every team has a legitimate chance of clinching the title. Washington has the best coaching staff and just tons of players. They will not win if Portis is not healthy, and Mark Brunell can not duplicate his success of last year.

2. Philadelphia Eagles - The defense is going to keep them in alot of games, Donte Stallworth gives them a home run threat at wideout, but i do not think they have enough weapons on offense. They will not win if the offense struggle too much.

3. Dallas Cowboys - Due to the circus caused by "the player" I do not believe that the ‘boys have a a real chance at taking the division. Their defense is going to be nasty, but I do not think their secondary is all that spectacular. They failed to address their most glaring need on the O-line, and Bledsoe is not known for his mobility and quick release.

4. NY Giants - Another East team that could either win the division or finish last. The only real noise coming out of NY is Jeremy Shockey (big surprise). Tiki is over 30 and backs break down at that age. O-line is a concern here.

NFC North

1. Chicago Bears - The Bears of this year will be roughly akin to the Bears of 2001. They will win 12-13 games and then get exposed for the frauds that they are in the playoffs. Great great Defensive team but their QB’s are useless, and both running backs are banged up/not that good. They have no real wideout threats nor a capable TE. They win the division based on their defense.

2. Detroit Lions - The team that finishes second in the North is going to have no more than 6 wins. So why not the Lions. I think they are sort of on the right track now, but they will not be a viable contender until Millen is gone. Their QB situation is just bad, I like Kitna but he is a career backup, McCown is well Josh McCown.

3. Minnesota Vikings - A team that pins it’s hopes on Brad Johnson is in for a big surprise. They have no WR threat, and Chester Taylor is a good change-up back, not a starter. They have no LB’s but their DL could be decent.

4. Green Bay Packers - Brett Favre threw an interception against the Bengals on Monday, and Joe Theisman quickly announced that it was not his fault, that the ball tipped off of Donald Driver’s hand. Yes Joe, it did, because Driver had to leap 10 feet into the air to even get a finger tip on it. Favre looks horrible out there, he is just jamming his past legacy at the Packers in order to get another paycheck. Due to Favre, the Pack is not a contender. Did you ever think that you would hear that being said?

NFC South:

1. Carolina - On paper, all the pieces are there for a Superbowl run. I see question marks at the RB position, inexperience and injury concerns, plus the inevitable Keyshawn blow-up for not getting "thrown the damn ball". Defense has safety concerns, but they are one of the favorites to take it all.

2.  Atlanta - The Falcons will still be fighting for the division on the strength of their defense alone. They will not make the playoffs due to Michael Vick. Vick has simply shown that he is an average NFL QB. Yes he makes highlight reel plays, but that is it. He is not going to go out and win you a game ala Tom Brady.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tampa is much the same as Atlanta, great defense, useless quarterback. Chris Simms was never able to go out and win games at Texas, plus he could not clearly beat out Major Applewhite. People seem to think that he is his dad, or are afraid of his dad and thus afraid to criticize Chris.

4. New Orleans Saints - The main reason to watch the Saints; Reggie Bush. The reason not to watch the Saints; their defense is terrible. Also, these are the Saints so can you really expect them to do anything at all?

NFC West:

1. Seattle Seahawks - Forget all the Superbowl hangover stuff, if they stay healthy, the ‘hawks will be fighting for the NFC title again. Loaded on offense, Nate Burleson will only help their receiving corps. They continue to have concerns at Cornerback, but they play in an easy division so they will be in the playoffs.

2. Arizona Cardinals - I am basing this position on Matt Leinart becoming the starter over Kurt Warner at some point this season. I think that this is the year they make a serious improvement. Defense will be stout and they have too many weapons on offense no tot be good, unless of course their O-line can not open holes for Edge.

3. St. Louis Rams - The greatest show on turf has a new coach that wants to pound the ball with the running game. Defense will continue to be a concern for the Rams. I just don’t see them doing too much this year.

4. San Francisco 49ers - I would like to point out that the niners took Alex Smith number one overall a year ago when had they drafted somebody else they would have had a chance at Leinart, Cutler or even Brodie Croyle this year, and Brady Quinn next year. Smith played in a crazy shotgun/5-wide system at Utah and has shown no inclination towards picking up the pro-game. Defense is too young and lacks play makers. Keep on rebuilding by the bay.

NFC Wild Card:

Arizona (6) at Chicago(3) - Cardinals no match for Bears at Soldier field

Eagles (5) at Washington (4) - After splitting in the regular season, Philly in the upset.

NFC Divisional Playoffs :

Eagles (5) at Carolina (1) - Panthers ‘D’ too much for Birds

Chicago (3) at Seattle (2) - Seattle handles the Bears

NFC Championship

Seattle (2) at Carolina (1) - Rematch of last year ends the same, Hasselbeck and the ‘Hawks head back to the superbowl

Champion: Seattle

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