NFC PREVIEW

In order of predicted finish

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WEST DIVISION

St. Louis Rams

Coach: Mike Martz, fourth season.

Last season’s record: 7-9.

Key additions: RT Kyle Turley, C Dave Wohlabaugh, LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, P Sean Landeta, FS Jason Sehorn, DT Jimmy Kennedy, S Rich Coady.

Key losses: CB Dre’ Bly, RB Trung Canidate, TE Ernie Conwell, CB Dexter McCleon, WR Ricky Proehl, DL Jeff Zgonina, G Tom Nutten.

Outlook: Quarterback Kurt Warner looked great during the exhibition season and if he stays healthy, the Ram offense will be nearly unstoppable, especially with Marshall Faulk back at full speed. Expect huge seasons from Warner and Faulk behind an improved offensive line that includes standouts Orlando Pace, Kyle Turley and Adam Timmerman. With Sehorn sidelined because of a broken foot until October, the Ram secondary may have some problems with Aeneas Williams at free safety, instead of cornerback.

Bottom line: The Rams are confident again with Warner and Faulk back together. With receivers Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt in their prime and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna becoming more of a target, St. Louis almost has too many weapons. But it will be the defense that will decide the Rams’ fate.

Prediction: 11-5.

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SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Coach: Mike Holmgren, fifth season.

Last season’s record: 7-9.

Key additions: DE Chike Okeafor, DT Norman Hand, LB Randall Godfrey, K Josh Brown, CB Marcus Trufant.

Key losses: FS Marcus Robertson, P Jeff Feagles, K Rian Lindell.

Outlook: Big things are expected from quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who finished strong last season to pass for more than 3,000 yards. Koren Robinson and Darrell Jackson are solid wide receivers; Shaun Alexander is one of the league’s best running backs. The Seahawks also have a strong offensive line, led by tackle Walter Jones. New coordinator Ray Rhodes has to toughen a defense that should be much quicker with Godfrey at middle linebacker. Seattle’s secondary will be a strength with Shawn Springs and Trufant as the starting cornerbacks.

Bottom line: This may be the season that Holmgren finally gets the Seahawks deep into the playoffs if a few things go right. Hasselbeck is more comfortable with the offense and the offensive line should be able to open holes for Alexander. The defense will be better but it still has to prove to be of postseason quality.

Prediction: 9-7.

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SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Coach: Dennis Erickson, first season.

Last season’s record: 10-6, lost to Tampa Bay in divisional playoffs.

Key additions: TE Jed Weaver, DT Travis Kirschke, OT Kwame Harris.

Key losses: OG Dave Fiore, DE Chike Okeafor, LB Quincy Stewart, DT Dana Stubblefield.

Outlook: After taking a beating last season, quarterback Jeff Garcia has struggled with back problems throughout training camp. San Francisco needs Garcia healthy to challenge for the NFC West title. Garcia’s backup, Tim Rattay, has ability but he’s not ready to handle explosive receiver Terrell Owens. The 49er secondary is the weak link of the defense with cornerbacks Jason Webster and Ahmed Plummer, both of whom get beat deep too often. San Francisco is strong at linebacker with Julian Peterson and Derek Smith and on the defensive line with Andre Carter.

Bottom line: Over the years, veteran Garrison Hearst has proven to be a quality running back but it may be time for the 49ers to turn to Kevan Barlow. By going with the younger running back as a starter, San Francisco’s offense has more explosiveness.

Prediction: 8-8.

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ARIZONA CARDINALS

Coach: Dave McGinnis, fourth season.

Last season’s record: 5-11.

Key additions: QB Jeff Blake, RB Emmitt Smith, FB James Hodgins, OG Cameron Spikes, WR Larry Foster, WR Anquan Boldin, FS Dexter Jackson, DE Calvin Pace.

Key losses: WR David Boston, WR MarTay Jenkins, FS Kwamie Lassiter, QB Jake Plummer, WR Frank Sanders.

Outlook: The offensive line is not that bad with tackle L.J. Shelton and guard Leonard Davis. That’s good news for Smith and Blake, two veterans looking to revive their careers in Arizona. Blake’s biggest problem is that the Cardinals do not have any proven receivers with Boston and Sanders leaving during the off-season as free agents. And Arizona will still have problems stopping teams. Super Bowl MVP Jackson, a free agent from Tampa Bay, has the makings of being the next Larry Brown, who flopped at Oakland after winning the award playing for Dallas.

Bottom line: It’s hard not to root for Smith with the Cardinals but the odds are against him when it comes to having a successful season playing with his new team. Arizona just does not have enough talent to compete every week.

Prediction: 4-12.

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NORTH DIVISION

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Coach: Mike Sherman, fourth season.

Last season’s record: 12-4, lost to Atlanta in wild-card round.

Key additions: LB Hannibal Navies, LB Nick Barnett, CB Al Harris.

Key losses: WR Terry Glenn, LB Hardy Nickerson, CB Tyrone Williams, LB Nate Wayne, DT Billy Lyon, DE Vonnie Holliday.

Outlook: The key to the Packers’ season is having running back Ahman Green healthy. Last season, Green was slowed with an assortment of injuries and Green Bay’s offense was inconsistent. When Green is at his best running and catching the ball out of the backfield, receivers Donald Driver, Robert Ferguson and Javon Walker are much more effective. Although end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who had 12 sacks last season, is back, the defensive line is just so-so. But the Packer defense has plenty of speed, especially with linebackers Na’il Diggs, Navies and Barnett.

Bottom line: The Packers believe the offensive line will be better than last season’s with healthy tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher and Mike Flanagan moved back to center. If Green Bay does get improved line play, it may be able to return to rank among the elite teams in the NFC.

Prediction: 11-5.

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DETROIT LIONS

Coach: Steve Mariucci, first season.

Last season’s record: 3-13.

Key additions: DT Dan Wilkinson, LB Boss Bailey, LB Earl Holmes, CB Dre’ Bly, WR Charles Rogers, RB Shawn Bryson, RB Olandis Gary.

Key losses: LB Chris Claiborne, WR Larry Foster, WR Germaine Crowell, WR Jacquez Green.

Outlook: Mariucci takes over a team in transition. In Joey Harrington, the Lions have a quality young quarterback who’ll work well with Rogers, a big-play receiver. With running back James Stewart expected to be sidelined six weeks with a dislocated shoulder, the Lions traded for Gary Sunday. He could be an effective runner behind an offensive line that returns almost intact from last season. Defensive veterans such as Holmes and Wilkinson are short-term starters until Mariucci is comfortable with rookies such as defensive end Cory Redding and Bailey.

Bottom line: Because the NFC North is such a weak division, the Lions have a chance to surprise. And if Detroit can get some strong play from its defense early while the offense gets familiar with Mariucci’s coaching style, the Lions may finish above .500.

Prediction: 8-8.

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MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Coach: Mike Tice, third season.

Last season’s record: 6-10.

Key additions: RB Onterrio Smith, DE Kevin Williams, LB Chris Claiborne, CB Denard Walker, P Eddie Johnson, OT Mike Rosenthal.

Key losses: CB Tyrone Carter, FS Ronnie Bradford, QB Todd Bouman, LB Patrick Chukwurah, LB Jim Nelson, P Kyle Richardson.

Outlook: With starter Michael Bennett sidelined until at least November and Doug Chapman and Moe Williams more situational backs, Smith may end up as the Vikings’ No. 1 running back. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper needs a breakaway back to help him better utilize the talents of wide receiver Randy Moss. The Viking defense is not too strong. Their lack of big-time players with speed will make it difficult for Minnesota to stop opposing offenses. Claiborne is a solid player who’ll help the Viking linebacker corps, but their secondary needs help.

Bottom line: The Vikings always will be an exciting team to watch because of Moss and Culpepper. But making highlight plays doesn’t always add up to victories, which will be difficult to come by this season because of the shaky defense and running game.

Prediction: 7-9.

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CHICAGO BEARS

Coach: Dick Jauron, fifth season.

Last season’s record: 4-12.

Key additions: QB Kordell Stewart, QB Rex Grossman, TE Desmond Clark, DE Michael Haynes, WR Bobby Wade.

Key losses: LB Rosevelt Colvin, C Kevin Dogins, WR Marcus Robinson, DT Ted Washington.

Outlook: Stewart gets a new start in Chicago, but he’ll need a consistent ground attack to turn things around for the Bears. Anthony Thomas will start the season as Chicago’s top running back, but Adrian Peterson will get plenty of playing time. Marty Booker is one of the most underrated receivers in the league, but he’ll need Stewart to get him the ball. Don’t be shocked to see Grossman play sooner rather than later. The defense again will be the strength of the team, thanks to Brian Urlacher at middle linebacker. The secondary also should be solid with R.W. McQuarters and Jerry Azumah at cornerback, and Mike Brown and Mike Green at safety.

Bottom line: The offense is nothing to brag about and the defense will not be as good because of the losses of Colvin and Washington. But returning to a renovated Soldier Field this season should give the team some type of boost.

Prediction: 5-11.

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SOUTH DIVISION

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Coach: Jon Gruden, second season.

Last season’s record: 12-4, defeated Oakland in Super Bowl.

Key additions: RB Thomas Jones, C John Wade, RG Jason Whittle, LB Dwayne Rudd.

Key losses: C Jeff Christy, FS Dexter Jackson, LB Al Singleton, QB Rob Johnson.

Outlook: A team has repeated as Super Bowl champion seven times, most recently by Denver in the 1999 season. Tampa Bay seems poised to accomplish the feat, especially if Wade can duplicate Christy’s play at center and Brad Johnson can keep up his solid quarterback play. Michael Pittman, Mike Alstott and Jones give the Buccaneers a competent trio of ballcarriers and the receiving corps is better than average. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin believes that his unit is better than last season’s, which is a scary thought. With the addition of Rudd to an already strong group of linebackers, that may be true.

Bottom line: The Buccaneers’ all-around depth will be the key behind their bid to repeat. Tampa Bay is deep enough at nearly every position to withstand a major injury, but its offense can still be a little shaky. Johnson will have to prove again that he can get the job done.

Prediction: 11-5.

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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Coach: Jim Haslett, fourth season.

Last season’s record: 9-7.

Key additions: CB Ashley Ambrose, OT Wayne Gandy, LB Orlando Ruff, FS Tebucky Jones, P Mitch Berger, TE Ernie Conwell.

Key losses: OT Kyle Turley, SS Sammy Knight, LB Charlie Clemons, DT Norman Hand, CB Ken Irvin.

Outlook: Aaron Brooks has the potential to be one of the league’s top quarterbacks, but he has to cut down on his interceptions and increase his completion percentage. Running back Deuce McAllister returns after rushing for nearly 1,400 yards last season. But the offensive line will miss Turley. Another player who will be missed is Knight, who would have worked well with Jones at safety and Dale Carter and Ambrose on the corners. The defensive line isn’t bad with end Darren Howard and tackle Jonathan Sullivan.

Bottom line: The Saints are a team that needs everything to fall in place to win. McAllister has to be able to gain yards on the ground, Brooks has to be efficient with his passes and the defense can’t give up big plays. That’s asking a lot, but the Saints have enough talented players at key positions to get it done.

Prediction: 10-6.

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ATLANTA FALCONS

Coach: Dan Reeves, seventh season.

Last season’s record: 9-6-1, lost to Philadelphia in divisional playoffs.

Key additions: WR Peerless Price, SS Cory Hall, CB Tyrone Williams, FB Justin Griffith.

Key losses: CB Ashley Ambrose, FB Bob Christian, DE Shane Dronett, WR Shawn Jefferson, TE Reggie Kelly.

Outlook: It will be difficult for the Falcons to win without injured quarterback Michael Vick, who will be sidelined at least a month because of a fractured right leg. Doug Johnson is a decent fill-in, but he’ll be leading an offense built around Vick’s athletic skills. It will be up to the defense to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive. Safety Keion Carpenter heads a secondary that swapped Ambrose for Williams and added Hall for more toughness. Veteran corner Ray Buchanan has lost a step and that will hurt the Falcons.

Bottom line: Without Vick, Atlanta is not much better than Dallas. The Falcons have to find a way to stay competitive until Vick returns. Second-year running back T.J. Duckett needs to step up and take over as the Falcons’ No. 1 ballcarrier. Atlanta’s defense is still a player away from being dominant.

Prediction: 8-8.

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CAROLINA PANTHERS

Coach: John Fox, second season.

Last season’s record: 7-9.

Key additions: RB Stephen Davis, LB Greg Favors, OT Jordan Gross, QB Jake Delhomme.

Key losses: LB Mark Fields, DT Sean Gilbert, TE Wesley Walls.

Outlook: Even without Fields, who will sit out the season after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease in mid-August, the Panthers will have one of the best defenses in the NFC. Julius Peppers had 12 sacks in 12 games last season as a rookie and he’s one of many solid young players on defense. Tackle Kris Jenkins, end Mike Rucker and linebacker Dan Morgan are potential Pro Bowlers and strong safety Mike Minter is one of the league’s hardest hitters. Carolina is counting on Davis to be a workhorse. Veteran quarterback Rodney Peete will keep the Panthers competitive but they’ll need Davis to be effective if they are to win games.

Bottom line: The Panthers may not crush too many teams because of their lack of firepower on offense, but they’ll be a tough team to beat because of their defense. If the Panthers do struggle early, look for Fox to replace Peete with either Delhomme or Chris Weinke.

Prediction: 5-11.

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EAST DIVISION

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Coach: Andy Reid, fifth season.

Last season’s record: 12-4, lost to Tampa Bay in NFC championship game.

Key additions: FB Jon Ritchie, LB Nate Wayne, LB Mike Simoneau, P Dirk Johnson, DE Jerome McDougle.

Key losses: LB Shawn Barber, KR Brian Mitchell, SS Blaine Bishop, LB Barry Gardner, DE Hugh Douglas, P Sean Landeta, FB Cecil Martin, RB Dorsey Levens.

Outlook: Expectations remain high for the Eagles. Quarterback Donovan McNabb is healthy and looking for a big season with running back Duce Staley back with the team after ending a training-camp holdout. McNabb’s ability to make plays makes the Eagle offense run, but receivers Todd Pinkston, James Thrash and Freddie Mitchell need to have big seasons. The Eagles will be more athletic in the secondary with starting strong safety Michael Lewis teaming up with Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins.

Bottom line: The Eagles have all the pieces to go all the way this season, but their running game is still questionable. If running back Correll Buckhalter can be effective, the Eagles will be a stronger team come December.

Prediction: 11-5.

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NEW YORK GIANTS

Coach: Jim Fassel, seventh season.

Last season’s record: 10-6, lost to San Francisco in wild-card round.

Key additions: K Mike Hollis, P Jeff Feagles, CB Ray Green, KR Brian Mitchell, RB Dorsey Levens.

Key losses: CB Jason Sehorn, OL Jason Whittle, OT Mike Rosenthal, TE Dan Campbell.

Outlook: Over the last three seasons, Kerry Collins has passed for 60 touchdowns with only 43 interceptions while leading the Giants to a 29-19 record and two playoff appearances. But Collins still needs plenty of help, especially from running back Tiki Barber and the offensive line. Pro Bowl end Michael Strahan leads a strong defense that held opponents to 17 points or fewer in 10 games last season. The kicking game should be much improved with Hollis, once he returns from a back injury, and Feagles.

Bottom line: If Collins can get the ball to them, the receivers (Ike Hilliard, Amani Toomer and Jeremy Shockey) will make defenses pay. The Giants need more big plays, which means more downfield passes but not necessarily bombs. Fassel has done a good job retooling the Giants, who have qualified for the playoffs three times under his guidance.

Prediction: 10-6.

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DALLAS COWBOYS

Coach: Bill Parcells, first season.

Last season’s record: 5-11.

Key additions: FB Richie Anderson, TE Dan Campbell, WR Terry Glenn, RT Ryan Young, CB Terence Newman.

Key losses: LB Kevin Hardy, LB Brandon Noble, RB Emmitt Smith, DE Peppi Zellner.

Outlook: Parcells believes that quarterback Quincy Carter gives the Cowboys the best chance to win because of his mobility. But the Cowboys would be better off if they developed a better running game. With Smith gone, Troy Hambrick will open the season as Dallas’ No. 1 ballcarrier, but don’t be surprised to see veteran Adrian Murrell take over by midseason. The Cowboys have a better-than-average collection of wide receivers with Joey Galloway, Antonio Bryant and Glenn. Thanks to talented players such as end Greg Ellis, linebacker Dat Nguyen and safeties Darren Woodson and Roy Williams, Parcells inherited a solid defensive core.

Bottom line: Look for Dallas’ defense to be a major force, but the Cowboys will struggle to win until their offensive line develops. Veteran guard Larry Allen is the key, but he’s closer to retirement than he is another trip to the Pro Bowl.

Prediction: 6-10.

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WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Coach: Steve Spurrier, second season.

Last season’s record: 7-9.

Key additions: RB Trung Canidate, WR Laveranues Coles, K John Hall, WR Patrick Johnson, QB Rob Johnson, CB Alex Molden, KR Chad Morton, OG Randy Thomas, DE Regan Upshaw, WR Taylor Jacobs.

Key losses: RB Stephen Davis, DT Daryl Gardener, OG David Loverne, OG Brenden Stai, WR Derrius Thompson.

Outlook: Second-year quarterback Patrick Ramsey will open the season as starter, but Spurrier doesn’t have a good track record when it comes to sticking with one for a season. Canidate may not be as strong a runner as Davis, but his ability to catch the ball will add more variety to the Redskin offense. In Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot, Washington has two of the best cornerbacks in the game and linebacker LaVar Arrington continues to improve. But the rest of the Redskins’ defensive starters are nothing special.

Bottom line: Ramsey will have his moments but don’t expect the Redskins to win many games -- their offensive line is too shaky. Washington’s defense will miss former coordinator Marvin Lewis, but the Redskins still will give offenses problems because of Bailey and Smoot.

Prediction: 5-11.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Final 2002 Standings

*--* West W L T Pct PF PA NFC AFC Div San Fran.* 10 6 0 625 367 351 8-4-0 2-2-0 5-1-0 St. Louis 7 9 0 438 316 369 5-7-0 2-2-0 4-2-0 Seattle 7 9 0 438 355 369 5-7-0 2-2-0 2-4-0 Arizona 5 11 0 313 262 417 5-7-0 0-4-0 1-5-0 North W L T Pct PF PA NFC AFC Div Green Bay* 12 4 0 750 398 328 9-3-0 3-1-0 5-1-0 Minnesota 6 10 0 375 390 442 5-7-0 1-3-0 4-2-0 Chicago 4 12 0 250 281 379 3-9-0 1-3-0 2-4-0 Detroit 3 13 0 188 306 451 3-9-0 0-4-0 1-5-0 South W L T Pct PF PA NFC AFC Div Tampa Bay* 12 4 0 750 346 196 9-3-0 3-1-0 4-2-0 Atlanta* 9 6 1 594 402 314 7-5-0 2-1-1 4-2-0 New Orleans 9 7 0 563 432 388 7-5-0 2-2-0 3-3-0 Carolina 7 9 0 438 258 302 4-8-0 3-1-0 1-5-0 East W L T Pct PF PA NFC AFC Div Phila.* 12 4 0 750 415 241 11-1-0 1-3-0 5-1-0 N.Y. Giants* 10 6 0 625 320 279 8-4-0 2-2-0 5-1-0 Washington 7 9 0 438 307 365 4-8-0 3-1-0 1-5-0 Dallas 5 11 0 313 217 329 3-9-0 2-2-0 1-5-0

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*Qualified for playoffs