NFL 2010 NFC Preview

NFC EAST
1.  New York Giants (11-5; 5-1 in division):  Victor Cruz is proving to be an excellent addition to this slate of talented receivers.  Sorgi's injury means that Sage Rosenfels backs up Eli Manning.  Thankfully the offensive line seems capable of protecting him.

2.  Philadelphia Eagles (10-6, 3-3; wildcard):  The offense seems fairly strong, but the defense has a few question marks.  Perhaps the biggest question mark is new starting QB Kevin Kolb.  Although Kolb was admirable in filler roles last year, can he handle full-time starting duties?  I think so.

3.  Washington Redskins (8-8, 3-3):  Donovan McNabb moved from Philly to start this team.  Unfortunately, his backup is Bears washout Rex Grossman.  McNabb is getting old enough that they have to really hope they can protect him.  At least Washington has a decent running corps to help take off some pressure.  The starting wide receviers are good, but the depth of the receiving corps is not great.

4.  Dallas Cowboys (6-10, 1-5):  The Cowboys looked weak in preseason.  Romo's timing is definitely off.  The offensive line doesn't look strong, and the defense has some weak spots.

NFC NORTH
1.  Green Bay Packers (11-5, 5-1):  The Packers should improve from last season.  While everyone is focussing on their games against Minnesota and Brett Favre, it's some of their non-divisional opponents who should concern fans.

2.  Minnesota Vikings (8-8, 5-1):  The offensive line isn't strong enough to hold back their opponents.  Favre won't last the whole season.  Tavaris Jackson is okay, but not strong enough for the quality schedule the Vikings have this season.

3.  Detroit Lions (3-13, 1-5):  QB Matt Stafford is looking better.  The offensive line still needs some work, but they're improving, too.  The offense definitely drives this time, especially since the corners are a weakness on the defense.

4.  Chicago Bears (3-13, 1-5):  The team let Dan LeFevour go, so elder Todd Collins backs up inconsistent Jay Cutler.  Devin Hester is not working out well at wide receiver.  I'd recommend putting him back on special teams as a full-time return specialist, but Johnny Knox and Rasheed Davis need someone to attract defenders.  TE Greg Olson should still be a popular target.  A weak offensive line means that Cutler will be throwing on the run, and that's when he gets into trouble.

NFC SOUTH
1.  New Orleans Saints (14-2, 6-0; playoff bye):  Drew has most of his playmakers back to make a serious run at repeating as Super Bowl Champions.  The defense has two key injuries, but they still are loaded.  The offense drove this team last year, and they will again.

2.  Tampa Bay Bucs (5-11, 2-4):  They add Arrelius Benn and Mike Williams to the wide receivers.  That's good, but their real value will only be seen if Josh Freeman lives up to expectations.  I think it'll take some time.  The defense also have some question marks, but some of their promising rookies could help them later in the season.

3.  Atlanta Falcons (4-12, 2-4):  The offense is good, but it's thin in many key positions.  Injuries could seriously impact this team.  The defense has depth problems, too.

4.  Carolina Panthers (4-12, 2-4):  Former Lion Matt Moore takes over as quarterback with former Irish Jimmy Clausen backing him up.  With a thin receiving corps and weak offensive line, this team will struggle to move the ball.  Defensive is a bit better, but not enough for a good season.

NFC WEST
1.  Arizona Cardinals (12-4, 5-1; playoff bye):  Kurt Warner retired, but releasing Matt Leinhart puts Derek Anderson under center.  With his arm and the speedy receivers the team added for Warner, I don't think they'll miss too much.  The defense has some holes, but a strong backfield means they won't give up many big plays.

2.  San Francisco 49ers (11-5, 4-2; wildcard):  David Carr is likely to start at quarterback, as Alex Smith hasn't been as impressive as hoped.  The 49ers have a strong running game, and they have good receivers, but their corps is thin.  They need to stay healthy.  The defense isn't as good as Coach Singletary would like, but they're still potent.

3.  Seattle Seahawks (8-8, 3-3):  Remember Charlie Whitehurst?  Apparently Pete Carroll does, as he's the backup quarterback.  Carroll released Houshmandzadeh, but they still have lots of talented receivers.  Julius Jones and Justin Forsett make up the reconstituted backfield.  The defense has bright spots, but there is some questions about the line.

4.  St Louis Rams (2-14, 0-6):  Sam Bradford will start at quarterback with AJ Feely serving as back-up.  With a marginal wide receiving corps, RB Steven Jackson will be the workhorse.  The defense is somewhat improved from last season, but it'll still be a long year.