There is only one more preseason game left and it's time to start looking at what teams will contend and who are pretenders. In my AFC predictions, I have Houston and Cincinnati in the AFC Championship game. Here's my look at the NFC.NFC East:

1. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys need to find a better balance on offense between the run and pass to help relive the pressure that Tony Romo has been getting the past few seasons. I do like the wide receivers with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin and the Tight End Jason Whitten. Romo will put up big stats but often makes mistakes at crucial times. The defense is led by DeMarcus Ware, but they must improve their overall defense to win the division.

2. Washington Redskins: RGIII is a great athlete but he's coming off a serious injury and we'll see how quickly he returns to form. Alfred Morris is a top ten running back. The Redskins defense needs to vastly improve from 2012 where they were 30th in the NFL against the pass. The NFC will be a three team race.

3. New York Giants: Eli Manning is a solid QB and the running game will be led by David Wilson. Victor Cruz is an exciting wide receiver so offensively they should be alright. There defense was 31st overall last year and that must vastly improve for the Giants to make the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Oregon coach Chip Kelly brings his high-flying offense to the NFL. He has an athletic quarterback to pull it off with Michael Vick. LeSean McCoy is a good running back, so look for the Eagles to score some points. They will be hurt by turnovers and injuries.The defense is average and the team should so some improvement this season.

NFC North:

1. Green Bay Packers: They have one of the best QB's in the league with Aaron Rodgers. They will try to establish a running game with Eddie Lacy. The offensive line and their defense aren't very good. Look for a lot of 34-24 scores when the Packers play.

2. Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler will throw some great passes and then throw an interception at a crucial time to end a drive. They have good offensive skill players with RB Matt Forte and WR Brandon Marshall. Much like Green Bay their offensive line if weak but the defense should be rock solid.

3. Detriot Lions: Matthew Stafford needs a bounce back season and the addition of Reggie Bush should bolster the offense, who already has the best WR in the league with Calvin Johsnon. The front 7 on defense are strong, with the secondary needing to improve. The can make dumb mistakes and they get way too many penlities that stall a lot of drives.

4. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Petersen is all world. Christian Ponder needs to balance out the offense. They brought in Matt Cassel as the backup QB. The defense needs to create more turnovers but they are solid up front. This division will be very competitive.

 

NFC South:

1.Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan leads a balanced offense with a great pair of WR's in Jones and White and TE Gonzalez. Add running back Stephen Jackson to the offense and they will be a classic ball control team. There weakness is on the defensive side, especially against the run.

2.New Orleans Saints: Sean Payton is back and Drew Brees should have another 5,000 yard season passing the ball. They play running back by committee and they have three good ones with Ingram, Sproules and Thomas. The receiving core will get stronger with rookie wide receive Kenny Stills and all-pro TE Jimmy Graham. If the defense improves they could win the division.

3.Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton can run and has gotten better as a passer. The group of running backs have gotten old, but they have a good offensive line and they will score plenty of points. They finished strong last season winning their final four games. The could contend for a playoff spot.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Doug Martin had a big year last season and leads the offense. Josh Freeman has the tools to be a good QB but he must cut back on the turnovers. The defense should be better with Derrell Revis and Dashon Goldson. This team is heading in the right direction.

NFC West:

1. Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch led a balanced offense. Seattle's defense is one of the leagues best finishing 4th overall last season. This team could represent the NFC in the Superbowl.

2.San Francisco 49ers: Colin Kaepernick is a dynamic player with a big arm. The loss of Michael Crabtree is big. They have a good group of running backs with Gore, James and Hunter. They have the best linebacker in the game with Patrick Willis. They will be back in the playoffs.

3. St.Louis Rams: Sam Bradford needs to put up a good season this year, because he has a good group of receivers with rookie Tavon Austin. The Rams defense led the league with 52 sacks last season and they will be solid again this year. They have a chance at the playoffs.

4. Arizona Cardinals: They will be better with Carson Palmer at QB and that should help Larry Fitzgerald have a better season and they have rebuilt their offense line and should be solid up front. The defense is alright but not as good as the other three teams in their division. Maybe 6 wins.

NFC Championship Game: Seattle versus New Orleans and Seattle going to the Superbowl.

More From B98.5