I begin my division predictions with a look at the NFC East:
ORDER OF FINISH
1. DALLAS COWBOYS (11-5): Assuming that Tony Romo can break out the spell that Jessica Simpson has played on him and T.O. can stay quiet (big assumptions on both fronts), the Cowboys are my pick again in the NFC East. The offense is potent under the leadership of coordinator Jason Garrett. The passing game with Romo throwing to Owens and tight end Jason Witten is tough. Marion Barber is a bruising back and rookie Felix Jones replaces Julius Jones as the playmaker. Defensively the key could come down to a pair of off-season gambles. Jerry Jones didn't blink at signing Pacman...er Adam Jones and also took a chance on the rapidly aging veteran linebacker Zack Thomas. Without those guys Dallas has a good D. If they both pan out, the Cowboys could suddenly have an elite D.
2. NEW YORK GIANTS (10-6): The Super Bowl champs will have to do it as wildcards once again. Eli Manning is finally stepping out of Peyton's shadow not that he is boasting a ring. This year will go a long way. I expect him to be good enough for the Giants to be a factor once again. The running game is deadly and gets even better if Brandon Jacobs can stay healthy. Plaxico Burress is reliable, but after that the targets for Manning drop off. The D lost Michael Strahan, but that won't be as a big of factor as most fans think.
3. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (7-9): I loved the Asante Samuel signing and the defense is going to be better than last season with that move alone, but offense leaves its question marks. Durability becomes more of a concern every year for Donovan McNabb and Mr. Everything Brian Westbrook is always banged up. The passing game does not impress me enough within this division to be looked than anything more than a .500 team, and that's if they stay healthy.
4. WASHINGTON REDKSINS (6-10): Two words. Jason Campbell. I am still not sold on this guy being able to be the man. Clinton Portis is a force, but he's not what he used to be and if he falls so to will the Redskins. I did like the additions to receiving corps this off-season, particularly in the draft and the defense is always respectable. However, they are easily the weakest team in the NFC East.
DIVISION AWARDS
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Donovan McNabb
BIGGEST SURPRISE: Ahmad Bradshaw
MVP: Tony Romo
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Felix Jones
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