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The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL and is comprised of four of the most popular teams in the league. The Super Bowl Champion Giants hail from this division, but there are three other worthy challengers to steal headlines in 2008.

The New York Giants are still on top of the football world after last year’s improbable run to the world title. But the team took some hits in the off-season as well, DE Michael Strahan retired, TE Jeremy Shockey had a contract dispute that almost ended with a trade at a few different points throughout the spring and WR Plaxico Burress also had problems with his contract. The defense was pilfered in free agency as DB Gibril Wilson, LB Kawika Mitchell, LB Reggie Torbor and DT William Joseph all left for bigger money.

But, that has not dampened spirits too much. New York will still enter the season as the Super Bowl champs and are more than capable of defending their crown. The maturation of QB Eli Manning was evident during the playoffs and he now looks to be the leader that the Giants front office was always hoping for. There is a formidable thunder and lightning duo in behind Manning in RB Brandon Jacobs and RB Ahmad Bradshaw. With Burress back in place as the go-to guy, and if the team can get Shockey back on good terms, they should be in good shape to be an elite team in the league again.

The Dallas Cowboys are the most talented team in the league. A roster that has too many Pro-Bowlers to name added a controversial former All-Star in the off-season. Troubled DB Adam “Pacman” Jones was signed, promising to get rid of his bad-boy image (and also his catchy nickname). The new “Big 3” is comprised of QB Tony Romo, WR Terrell Owens and RB Marion Barber and is as talented a combination as there is in the NFL. They will be replacing RB Julius Jones, who left for Seattle, but with Barber as the feature back and the addition of rookie RB Felix Jones, the backfield may be even better in 2008.

While the offense gets the lion’s share of the attention, there may be more star-power on the defense. LB Zack Thomas was added along with Adam Jones to bolster the unit. If he can stay healthy that is yet another star that will shine on the Dallas defense. This team has been built to win a Super Bowl, and soon. This year may be the year that Jerry Jones sees his team hoist the Lombardi Trophy again, as the lineup is as formidable as any in the NFL.

The Washington Redskins said goodbye to legendary coach Joe Gibbs for the second time this off-season and said hello to new coach Jim Zorn. The new coach is considered a quarterback guru and he will get to mold young QB Jason Campbell. RB Clinton Portis another 1200 yard season last year, and will again be the feature back behind Campbell. But, the pass catchers have changed quite a bit since last year. Receivers Reche Caldwell and Brandon Lloyd are gone, but the 2008 NFL draft gave Zorn and Campbell some new toys. WR Devin Thomas, WR Malcolm Kelly and TE Fred Davis were the ‘Skins top

three choices. Those additions will join Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El and should help Washington keep pace with the rest of the division’s firepower.

For the Redskin defense, a mostly unchanged unit will hope to match last year’s stingy numbers. Washington ranked 3^rd in the league allowing only 77 yards rushing per game. But, to win this division you will likely have to defend the pass, and defend it very well. The ‘Skins were also a top-10 unit in pass defense, a good sign for the upcoming season. If Campbell and the offense can put up a few more points, this is a team that could surprise people with their finish in this very tough division.

The Philadelphia Eagles have lost their hold as one of the best teams in the NFC. After an 8-8 finish last year, which placed them last in the division, the Eagles are looking for one more run at a title with this core or players. QB Donovan McNabb ended 2007 on a very strong note, but as always his health will be a concern. He has been held out of some off-season activities for shoulder soreness and the team’s success will once again rely on his ability to play a full 16 game schedule. RB Brian Westbrook is one of the league’s most complete players and should put up solid numbers again. Keeping those two on the field will go a long way toward Philly returning to the playoffs.

Defensively, Philadelphia landed one of the big free agent catches in DB Asante Samuel from New England. He will team with Lito Sheppard and Brian Dawkins to form one of the NFL’s best defensive backfields. It is a talented roster that knows how to win, but it is hard to see the Eagles returning to dominance with the rest of the division so ripe with talent as well.

Predictions

Dallas 12-4

New York 10-6

Washington 9-7

Philadelphia 7-9

Division MVP

RB Marion Barber

Rookie to Watch

RB Felix Jones