NFC South/NFC West

NFC South
1) Atlanta Falcons - Matt Ryan Matt Ryan Matt Ryan. Poised to be the next favorite person to jump on the bandwagon with, the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan Matt Ryan Matt Ryan. They no longer can sneak in as the dark horse, so people are going to be prepared when they see them coming. The have a boatload of talent on offense but we will have to see how well they can handle the success. They benefited from an easy schedule last year, they should be able to win a surprisingly declining NFC South. They have the 4th hardest schedule entering this year (AFC East/NFC East)
"No, I am not going to do 'The Dirty Bird' after every touchdown this year. I'm not him. I play defense. 10 wins" - Jamaal Anderson, DE
2) New Orleans Saints - 5,000 yards, 34 TDs, 96.2 rating... and the team finishes 8-8. This actually will work in their favor, because now they get the last place schedule (Lions/Rams). The defense is much improved but their secondary is still questionable. Expect Jonathan Vilma to have an All-Pro season.
"No my last name is not a euphemism for the female reproductive organ. 9 wins." - Scott Fujita, LB
3) Carolina Panthers - Despite a lights out running game, they showed their true colors in the Divisional Playoffs when they were curb stomped by Arizona. Jake Delhomme preformed an amazing illusion last year, tricking us into thinking he was the same QB from 2005. The once dominant defense looks weaker and Steve Smith is not the same receiver either.
"I don't see what everyone is so fired up about. I can still throw the ball 10 yards down the field with some zip. What are they gonna do? Bring back Wienke? 6 wins" Jake Delhomme, QB
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Wow. Talk about a melt down. On Dec. 7th 2008, they were 9-3, riding a 4 game winning streak and fighting for 1st place in their division and a 1st round bye in the playoffs. They loose 4 in a row and miss the playoffs. In the offseason they blow up the team and start from scratch. They have an very difficult schedule and little talent on the team except at running back (where they have too much). Its gonna be sometime before we see a winning team on the Gulf side of Florida again.
"No, Anna Paquin did not show me her tits. Its just my last name man!. 3 Wins." - Jeremy Trueblood, RT

NFC West
1) Seattle Seahawks - No team suffered more injuries last year than Seattle. Matt Hasselbeck is back from a bad back. Now he has The Great Kali's look alike to throw to. There defense will be dangerous with the addition of 4th overall pick Aaron Curry If Julius Jones can get back to the form he had a few years ago, and the line can keep Hasselbeck off his bad back, then they should be able to take the division.
"Do I every wife-swap with my brother? No. Have I ever wanted to? Oh Yeah. 10 wins." - Matt Hasselbeck, QB
2) San Fransicso 49ers - Talented defense with a good blend of youth and experience. Solid running game. They have a bit of a tough schedule but should be poised to make a serious run at the playoffs. Don't be surprised to see them in the headlines come late December.
"Some people think I'm crazy for my means of coaching. I was just asking them to make sure the mole on my leg was not cancerous. 9 Wins." - Mike Singletary, Head Coach
3) Arizona Cardinals - If any team is set up for disappointment this year, its Arizona. Their defense was 28th in points allowed last year. Lack of a serious running game, and now they have a tough schedule. Anquan Boldin wants out, Kurt Warner is getting old and could at any point get into fumblitous mode again, and there is always the chance of the 'Madden Curse' with Larry Fitzgerald. 'All signs point to yes' for a down year in the desert.
"It pronounced like 'deuce', like the number 2. Not 'douche'. 6 wins." Early Doucet, WR
4) St Louis Rams - This team is a few years from being good again, but a lot closer than people think. They were injury riddled on the offensive line last year. With Steven Jackson back at 100%, he is poised for a monster year. Their amazing receiver tandem of years past is gone and newcomer Donnie Avery needs to take over. He showed flashes of production last year, but will need consistency stepping into the #1 roll.
"We are gonna sneak in there. Like, no one is going to see us coming. It will be like we are never there." Ray Incognito, RG


Tomorrow I will be posting season predictions including teams, players and events. Friday will showcase the playoff predictions through the Super Bowl.