This is going to be one of the tough picks. Three out of the four teams in the NFC East could be playoff teams if things unfold just right. On the other hand those same three could be complete flops if a few key things unfold badly.

The one exception to that is Dallas, who are as usual stacked with talent, especially on offense. If Dez Bryant can stay healthy and Miles Austin doesn't become a one year wonder, then they should have no problem complimenting their always solid running game with a high power passing game. The secondary gave them some problems last year, but outside of that, they played pretty well on defense. They did finally manage to get over the hump and win a playoff game last season. Things should go about the same or even better this year.

Last year, the Giants ran away with the first half and then injuries (and attitudes) caught up to them and they bowed out rather unceremoniously with some ugly losses that knocked them right out of the playoffs. Barring the same sort of injuries again this year, New York should be pretty good on offense. The place they need to worry about is on defense. Last year, they were absolutely terrible in the second half of the season. If they improve the defense and get after the QB again, they'll be fighting for the division title. But if they play like they did down the stretch last year, they will be fighting not to finish at the bottom of the division.

In Philadelphia, it all revolves around Kevin Kolb. The Eagles took a huge risk by shipping McNabb off to Washington and handing the reins of the offense over to Kolb. However, with WR's DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, TE Brent Celek, and RB LeSean McCoy lining up around him, Kolb has all the weapons he needs to make that gamble pay off. Last year, the problem was the offensive line's inability to keep anyone out of their backfield, especially once center Jamaal Jackson was injured. Unfortunately for Kolb, they have looked a bit shaky during the preseason and the offense has continued the trend of the past few years of sputtering in the red zone. On the positive side, Kolb's sense of timing and accuracy are much better fits for the West Coast Offense if he can manage to find time to throw the ball. However, a leaky line and a new QB usually doesn't add up to instant success and how good Kolb plays will be the determining factor for the Eagles this season.

It also doesn't help when that perennial starter you just replaced is going to be standing on the other sidelines twice a year. Philly sending Donovan McNabb to Washington was the big surprise move (and possibly most foolish) of the offseason. Nothing like putting pressure on the new guy right off the bat. The Redskins do have the potential to be competitive this season. Their defense will be solid and can keep them in games. If D-Mac can add enough to the offense to get them over the hump, they could possibly land a wildcard spot. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a lot to work with outside of TE Chris Cooley. As is the tradition, most of Washington's free agent pick ups were overpriced and past their prime. It's pretty much going to be all McNabb again like it was in the early days with the Eagles. Except he isn't twenty something years old like he was then, which is why I don't think they finish any better than third in the division.

I'm picking the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East.

