As the Cowboys and Superbowl champion Giants get another NFL journey underway on Thursday morning (Australian time), here is a glance at who is likely to be leading the way in the NFC.
Green Bay Packers (15-1 in 2011/12)
With the NFL MVP under centre, an array of offensive weapons at his disposal and the indomitable home field advantage that Lambeau provides, the Packers are deservedly near the top of most prediction lists this year.
After almost completing a perfect regular season (denied when resting Aaron Rodgers at Kansas City in week 15), the Packers were rocked at home by the Giants in the Divisional Playoff.
Now this has had a full eight months to linger, expect Green Bay to make a firm statement in their search for redemption.
San Francisco 49ers (13-3)
Largely considered as the surprise packet of the 2011/12 season, the 49ers got within one kick of the Superbowl.
An extraordinary win over New Orleans capped by a game-winning touchdown in the final 10 seconds ensured the franchise’s first post-season win since 2002, but they fell 20-17 to the Giants in overtime the following week.
As the 49ers are built upon a foreboding foundation of defence, they are less susceptible in the event of a crippling injury to an offensive star.
Furthermore, playing in the less than glittering NFC west means the 49ers are likely to figure among the contenders once again, even when taking a small degree of regression into account.
New Orleans Saints (13-3)
Following a gutting divisional playoff loss in San Francisco, the Saints were demoralised yet again when the ‘Bountygate’ scandal broke in March.
Among those handed suspensions was Head Coach Sean Payton, who is the first modern NFL coach to be stood down for any reason. But how will this impact the team?
In short (and with all due respect to Payton), not a great deal. The Saints have a stellar quarterback in Drew Brees, a versatile group of running backs and arguably the NFL’s most damaging tight end, Jimmy Graham.
With a parochial and passionate New Orleans crowd behind them in a dome conducive to their high octane style of offense, the Saints will be among it again (although don’t be surprised to see the Falcons mount a serious challenge).
Philadelphia Eagles (8-8)
What happened to the Eagles in 2011? One of the most talented teams on paper couldn’t put it together where it mattered most – on the field – where they underachieved in the eyes of most observers.
Andy Reid may well be coaching for his future this year but he definitely boasts the talent at his disposal to succeed in the wild and highly-competitive NFL East.
Much will depend on the health of quarterback Michael Vick. If the injury-prone star can play close to 16 games this season, the Eagles will have every chance to mount a playoff run.
It won’t be easy however, with the defending champion Giants, Cowboys and new-look Redskins all vying for position in the division.
Others: Giants (9-7), Lions (10-6), Cowboys (8-8)
How can you produce a season preview without the defending champs? A 9-7 record is nothing to write home about, but their gritty and determined post-season efforts are what got them over the line.
Expect some degree of regression this year (just how much is unclear) and when combined with improvements from divisional foes, it will be a tough crown to defend.
The spectacular chemistry between Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson was a joy to behold. The duo connected for 16 scores (40% of Stafford’s total touchdown passes) and carried the Lions to a playoff berth where they eventually fell to the Saints.
There’s no reason the Lions can’t be in the post-season mix again, but will need to stay healthy and tighten up on the defensive side of the ball.
The Dallas Cowboys have won just one playoff game in 15 years and adding to that tally will be tough in what looms as an extremely competitive (but entertaining) division.
Drafting the highly-rated corner Morris Claiborne at #6 will help Dallas defensively, but depth is still a problem for the Cowboys, who just can’t seem to click when it matters most.
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