NFC East

1st - Redskins

The Redskins offense was not impressive in the preseason, but RG3 & Company will be one of the top offenses in the league by mid-season. The defense will be the determining factor in the Redskins turnaround. Their secondary is one of the weakest in the league and needs to be hidden by the pass rush of Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

2nd - Eagles

The Eagles offense has been rejuvenated by Chip Kelly and Nick Foles in 2013. Foles proved to be a valid replacement for Vick with his ability to read defenses and put the ball on the open man. The thing about NFL defenses is that they adjust and throw different looks to try and confuse QBs and Foles will learn this in his first full season as the Eagles starter.

The 2013 Eagles were the healthiest team in the NFL, a trend that is unlikely to continue.

3rd - Cowboys

The Cowboys defense isn’t expected to stop a nose bleed in 2014. They already lost the rookie drafted to replace DeMarcus Ware (DeMarcus Lawrence) for the first month of the season and Sean Lee is out for the season with a torn ACL.

The strength of the Cowboys will be along the offensive line. If the Cowboys can get the offense rolling with the Tony Romo-Dez Bryant connection, the Cowboys could surprise in a year where their expectations are lower than usual.

4th - Giants

The Giants were uncharacteristically aggressive in free agency and changed their offense to a faster paced west coast scheme under new OC Ben McAdoo. If Eli struggles to get comfortable in the offense quickly, things could go south for the Giants quickly.

The Giants are more likely to get the #1 overall pick than to make the playoffs this year.

NFC North

1st - Packers

The Packers will be ready to take control of the NFC North with their leader, Aaron Rodgers, back for a full season. The Packers added some key pieces to a defense that needs to find a way to stop Colin Kaepernick in the playoffs before they can take the next step. Julius Peppers should push Nick Perry in his pass rushing development, while depth at this position never hurts.

Aaron Rodgers should be contending for MVP honors in 2014 as the Packers gear up for another Super Bowl run.

2nd - Bears

Marc Trestman is quickly becoming one of the great offensive minds in the NFL. Jay Cutler is primed to have one of his best seasons as a pro in his 2nd year under Trestman; throwing the ball to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery doesn’t hurt either.

The Bears need new additions on defense (Jared Allen; Lamarr Houston) to make a big impact on the defensive line, while MLB Jon Bostic takes another step in his development. The Bears have championship potential, but they need key players to stay healthy and could easily be a wild card team.

 

3rd - Lions

The Lions seem perfectly content with having one of the top offenses in the league and not much on defense. Their big offseason moves brought in more pass catchers to take some pressure off Calvin Johnson (Golden Tate; Eric Ebron).

Until the Lions commit to improving their defense, they are destined to being a one-dimensional, middle-of-the-pack team.

4th - Vikings

The Vikings are a year away from challenging in the NFC North. Teddy Bridgewater is going to have Vikings fans feeling pretty optimistic headed into the 2015 season. Bridgewater should be starting by Week 6 after the Vikings Thursday Night game in Green Bay, or else the Vikings are doomed to finish in the basement of the NFC North.

New HC Mike Zimmer is going to have fun playing with the versatile defensive pieces the Vikings have acquired.

 

Up Next: NFC South & NFC West