So the first thing to say is that it’s way to early to make any sort of accurate predictions. Way, way, way too early. Most of the players are at home, or working out in small groups. The rookies are starting minicamps and there are plenty of factors that will come into play before the pre-season, let alone the regular season.

However, there are odds posted and it’s worth getting our thoughts together at this stage, so let’s check them out!

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The Giants have lost Burress – probably Toomer too – but have drafted well, including using their first round pick to take Hakeem Nicks at WR. They also have a new defensive co-ordinator as Spagnola has gone to coach the Rams. But there is no real reason to assume that the D will fall off from last year when they were most impressive. They are certainly one of 3 or 4 teams that are genuine contenders, and I’ll keep an eye out as the off-season progresses.

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I can’t buy the Cowboys this year, not for anything more than early post-season disappointment at best. Not only because I’m a Redskins’ fan, but there are too many questions surrounding them. Romo has yet to prove himself in a clinch… in fact, the entire team fell apart in the final game last season. Roy Williams didn’t establish himself at all, and needs to step up with T.O. gone, but like I mentioned… too many questions.
However, since the Cowboys always have strong support and strong optimism a lay bet on NFC Champions is worth it if you can get a price you like.

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The Eagles have added a lot of personnel to their offense. They may take time to settle in, but are looking more potent than they did last season, and they were by no means feeble in 2008. What they were though, was inconsistent and careless with the ball. They’ll need to sort both of those issues out before they can be considered serious contenders. I fancy them to be strong in this division, probably 2nd, but I’m not sure about beyond that. However, a good start could see me revise my opinion. I’ll be keeping an eye on them.

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Redskins… I’m preparing myself for a similar season to last – a good start, then fading away to a 8-9 or 7-9 record. The NFC East is always tough, but it hurts me to say that the ‘Skins are by far the poor relative in this rich division. But you just don’t know what twists and turns there are going to be!
Orapku was a great pickup with the limited picks they had, and they’ve taken steps to address receiver issues in free agency, but there are still questions about Campbell who, along with the rest of the team, seemed to take a big step backwards the end of last season (Skins were 2-6 in the second half of last year). We could really go either way, but I’d like to see Zorn given this season at least without anything hanging over him… whether that will be the case or not remains to be seen.

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