Sam Farmer’s team outlooks are listed in predicted order of finish.

WEST

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2012 | 11-5, 2nd in West
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: This team won seven of its final eight regular-season games — including a 42-13 pounding of San Francisco — before beating Washington in a road playoff game, then nearly winning at Atlanta. The Russell Wilson-led Seahawks are loaded.

They’re doomed: Losing receiver Percy Harvin to injury hurts. A lot hinges on the recovery of defensive end Chris Clemons (ACL surgery). He had at least 11 sacks in each of the last three seasons. What’s more, the team will be without linebacker Bruce Irvin for the first four games after his banned-substance suspension.

Now hear this: “I had no idea how fast he was. I had no idea. By the time I got after the bull rush, I’m looking for this guy. He’s like 5-3, 5-4, whatever he is, and I can’t find him. By the time I find him I was like, ‘Oh, here goes a sack.’ Next thing you know, ‘Oh, no’ and I’m chasing him.” —Dwight Freeney, former Colt and current Charger, to XTRA Sports on Wilson

SAN FRANCISCO
2012 | 11-4-1, 1st in West
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: What’s not to like? They have a phenomenal coach, a stifling defense, a sturdy running game, and a revolutionary young quarterback who plays behind one of the best offensive lines. They’ve steadily improved under Jim Harbaugh, and last season came within five yards of winning the Super Bowl.

They’re doomed: History has not been kind to teams coming off Super Bowl losses. Only two teams have won the Super Bowl a year after losing it, Dallas and Miami, and that was back in the 1971 and ’72 seasons. Getting out of their division will be tough enough for the 49ers, with powerhouse Seattle looming. And remember, St. Louis was 1-0-1 against the 49ers last season. Losing top receiver Michael Crabtree hurts too.

Now hear this: “I’m going on the record saying the 49ers win two Super Bowls in the next eight years. They’ll be the winningest team in the next decade.” — Roger Craig, former 49ers back, to ESPN.com

ST. LOUIS RAMS
2012 | 7-8-1, 3rd in West
Last year in playoffs | 2004

They’re going all the way: The Rams were 2-1-1 against San Francisco and Seattle last season, and Jeff Fisher is one of the NFL’s premier coaches. Their top pick, West Virginia receiver Tavon Austin, could wind up as the offensive rookie of the year. Sam Bradford is in the same offense in consecutive seasons for the first time and the defense, which had a league-best 52 sacks in 2012, has the makings of a top-10 unit.

They’re doomed: Steven Jackson is gone after nine seasons, the last eight of which he rushed for at least 1,000 yards. That leaves a void on the field and in the locker room. Bradford has yet to have a winning record in his three seasons, and even if the Rams are improved, they face an uphill battle in the NFL’s toughest division.

Now hear this: “Defenses are going to have to choose who they pay attention to. There’s just a sense of speed now, where in the past we might have had speed at one position but no true burners.” — Bradford, to USA Today

ARIZONA CARDINALS
2012 | 5-11, 4th in West
Last year in playoffs | 2009

They’re going all the way: Bruce Arians finally gets his chance to be a head coach after winning coach-of-the-year honors last season as an interim in Indianapolis. Maybe he can wring the best out of Carson Palmer, the way he got so much out of Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck and others. The Cardinals have a top-shelf receiver in Larry Fitzgerald and one of the premier athletes in cornerback Patrick Peterson.

They’re doomed: Did the Cardinals even field an offensive line in 2012? It was hard to tell, as Arizona could neither run the ball nor protect the quarterback. The line will be improved this season, but by how much? That’s an ominous question in a division dominated by outstanding defenses, and for a team with a mobility-challenged, drop-back quarterback.

Now hear this: “I don’t see the dominance that everybody else talks about. One of those teams may be [dominant]. It still has to be played on Sunday.” — Arians, to AZCardinals.com, on the NFC West

SOUTH

ATLANTA FALCONS
2012 | 13-3, 1st South
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: The Falcons broke through last season and reached the NFC championship game. They have one of the highest-powered offenses, with Matt Ryan throwing to Julio Jones, Roddy White and, for one last year, Tony Gonzalez. And now they’ve added running back Steven Jackson.

They’re doomed: Defense is a question mark. The Falcons were fifth in points allowed (18.7) and interceptions (20) last season but finished 28th in sacks with 29. Defensive end John Abraham is now with Arizona, Osi Umenyiora will fill his spot, and the Falcons are expecting a lot from rookie corners Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford.

Now hear this: “With [Ryan] pulling the trigger, with Roddy, Julio, myself, we’re going to try and soften up that defense a lot where they got to stand back and play off us a little bit. That is going to make big holes for a guy like Steven Jackson.” — Gonzalez, to the NFL Network

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
2012 | 7-9, 4th in South
Last year in playoffs | 2007

They’re going all the way: Quarterback Josh Freeman is in a contract year and looking to put together the type of season he had in 2010. Tampa has a budding star in running back Doug Martin, a big-bodied deep threat in Vincent Jackson, and has bolstered its porous secondary with the addition of top-shelf talent Darrelle Revis and Dashon Goldson. In a fluid division, this club is upwardly mobile.

They’re doomed: The Buccaneers were last in the league against the pass last season. Yes, they bolstered their defensive backfield, but will it be enough in a division in which they face Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton?

Now hear this: “He had a real good year. People give him so much scrutiny. I’m like, ‘Man, you all got to relax. Like, calm down, man.’ I think he gets treated unfairly a lot. Like I said, to me, it’s a sensitive area because, you know, I got it for two years. Actually still get it.” — Gerald McCoy, defensive tackle, on Freeman

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2012 | 7-9, 3rd in South
Last year in playoffs | 2011

They’re going all the way: Sean Payton is back after a one-season ban, and that can only be a good thing for the Saints, who have the league’s premier play-caller at the helm. Quarterback Drew Brees remains among the NFL elite, and receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jimmy Graham can give any secondary problems.

They’re doomed: The Saints’ defense gave up 7,042 yards last season, the most in league history. New coordinator Rob Ryan will switch the Saints to a 3-4 scheme for the first time since the “Dome Patrol” defenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Now hear this: “We’re driven and motivated to win, but it can’t come out of spite or anger towards the league office or the commissioner. I think it’s something that has to be in the rearview mirror. And our focus has to be on the things we have to do to improve. There’s a lot of areas from a year ago that we have to be better at if we’re going to aspire to do that.” — Payton

CAROLINA PANTHERS
2012 | 7-9, 2nd in West
Last year in playoffs | 2008

They’re going all the way: The Panthers surged at the end of last season, winning five of their final six games, and three on the road. Cam Newton is still a conundrum for defenses, and finished last season with a career-best passer rating of 86.2. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula has replaced Rob Chudzinski, now coach of the Browns, and he has simplified the terminology.

They’re doomed: Newton ran for 741 yards last season, which is great for a quarterback. But the fact that he was the team’s leading rusher indicates the kind of season running backs DeAngelo Williams (inconsistent) and Jonathan Stewart (injured) had. If the Panthers want to keep the ball away from opposing quarterbacks, they need to be able to run the ball.

Now hear this: “They’ve been doing an unbelievable job with being that gnat in my ear, saying, ‘Cam, forget about it. Go to the next play.’ And that’s a good thing.” — Newton, on assistant coaches Shula and Ken Dorsey

NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS
2012 | 11-5, 1st in North
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: Aaron Rodgers is still the quarterback. If you have Rodgers, you have a chance. He had the league’s best passer rating in 2012 for the second consecutive season, and his two-season average of 114.9 was the best in NFL history. Rookie running back Eddie Lacy should add punch to a Green Bay ground game in need of a boost.

They’re doomed: The Packers reshuffled their offensive line in a big way, moving every starter except their center to a new position. Then, near the start of camp, they lost left tackle Bryan Bulaga to a season-ending knee injury. Rodgers is coming off a season in which he was sacked a league-high 51 times.

Now hear this: “Something clicked last year midseason … and it’s carried over this spring. He’s got himself in unbelievable shape, and he’s come in and been dominating out there. I’m really proud of him and the steps he’s made.” — Rodgers, on tight end Jermichael Finley

CHICAGO BEARS
2012 | 10-6, 3rd in North
Last year in playoffs | 2010

They’re going all the way: Is Marc Trestman the quarterback whisperer he’s billed to be? If so, he just might turn the Bears into a viable, reliable offense. In fact, if Chicago can generate an offense to match its defense and special teams, this team will be scary good. Jay Cutler is heading into the last year of his contract, so he’s looking to turn in a Joe Flacco-type performance.

They’re doomed: In what has become a rite of fall, the Bears’ offensive line is again in upheaval. There are four new starters in that unit, two free agents and two rookies. Cutler needs protection, and the onus is on some lightly experienced players to provide it. With journeyman Josh McCown backing up Cutler, the Bears are essentially working without a net.

Now hear this: “You guys are hitting the panic button after two preseason games and 30 plays. Yeah, we’re gonna spread it around.” — Cutler, to reporters, on how the Bears will distribute the ball

MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2012 | 10-6, 2nd in North
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: Adrian Peterson is coming off the most amazing performance in NFL history, rushing for more than 2,000 yards less than a year after his knee was shredded. His 2,097 yards were the second-most in NFL history, falling nine yards short of eclipsing Eric Dickerson’s record. The addition of receivers Greg Jennings and rookie Cordarrelle Patterson could give the Vikings the pass/run balance they have been seeking, even with Percy Harvin gone.

They’re doomed: Everything hinges on quarterback Christian Ponder, who heads into a make-or-break season with a reputation for looking very good occasionally, followed by a string of so-so outings. Accuracy has been an issue. Minnesota’s top three corners are unproven: Chris Cook, Josh Robinson, and rookie Xavier Rhodes.

Now hear this: “I’ve got my bar set for 2,500. If I could go up to that, the record is shattered.” — Peterson, to Sports Illustrated, about his rushing-yards goal

DETROIT LIONS
2012 | 4-12, 4th in North
Last year in playoffs | 2011

They’re going all the way: The Lions have an incredibly prolific quarterback-receiver tandem in Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, so they figure to put up some big fantasy numbers. Reggie Bush should help establish a running game for a franchise that has seldom turned to the ground game in recent years.

They’re doomed: After improving their record in each of Jim Schwartz’s first three seasons, the Lions took a giant step backward last season. They need to relocate their confidence. They have new starters at both tackle spots on the offensive line, and at right guard. The ballyhooed defensive line finished 20th in sacks last season and was part of a defense that ranked 16th against the run.

Now hear this: “I went up to Reggie afterward and I was like, ‘Nobody ever drops Calvin for anybody.’ It was kind of awesome having a corner drop Calvin to play Reggie coming out of the backfield.” — Stafford

EAST

WASHINGTON REDSKINS
2012 | 10-6, 1st in East
Last year in playoffs | 2012

They’re going all the way: The Redskins have one of the league’s most exciting, explosive players in quarterback Robert Griffin III, last season’s offensive rookie of the year. Yes, he’s coming off a devastating knee injury, but so was Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson last season, and he went on to rush for 2,000 yards and win league most-valuable-player honors.

They’re doomed: Although Washington should be able to put a lot of points on the board, its defense will have a tough time keeping opponents out of the end zone. Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins will miss the first four games for violating the league’s drug policy, promising rookie safety Phillip Thomas suffered a season-ending foot injury in the exhibition opener, and a lot of hopes hinge on 38-year-old linebacker London Fletcher.

Now hear this: “If RGIII’s knee holds up, straight Skins, homie.” — Randy Moss, receiver-turned-analyst, on Fox Sports 1’s “Fox Football Daily.”

NEW YORK GIANTS
2012 | 9-7, 2nd in East
Last year in playoffs | 2011

They’re going all the way: The NFL is a quarterbacks’ league, and the Giants have a very good one in Eli Manning, who has proved he can come through in the biggest games. Receiver Victor Cruz (heel) was hobbled in the exhibition season, but he should be OK, and counterpart Hakeem Nicks is motivated in a contract year.

They’re doomed: The Giants ranked 31st in defense last season, and the pressure is on coordinator Perry Fewell to find answers. The team could start the season without defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (recovering from back surgery), has a host of so-so linebackers, and again fields a questionable secondary.

Now hear this: “Yeah, we’re under a microscope and we know it. And as a veteran player on this team, I know how it goes. We come out here and we put on too many performances like that, and we won’t be together very long.” — Mathias Kiwanuka, defensive end, to the New York Daily News, after a 20-12 exhibition loss to the Colts.

DALLAS COWBOYS
2012 | 8-8, 3rd in East
Last year in playoffs | 2009

They’re going all the way: This could be the year that quarterback Tony Romo comes through and redefines his legacy. He certainly has capable receivers in Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, and a sure-handed tight end in Jason Witten, who caught a career-high 110 passes last season. The defense is switching back to a 4-3, the familiar scheme of the Cowboys’ Doomsday Defense days.

They’re doomed: Protecting Romo will be tough for an unstable line that lost six guards at various times in camp. Monte Kiffin takes over as defensive coordinator. That might be good — he does have a Super Bowl ring — but he wasn’t the answer at USC. Now Kiffin gets to face Philadelphia’s Chip Kelly twice a season. Gulp.

Now hear this: “When you give somebody $100 million, you’d like to get every ounce of anything they can bring to the table to win a football game.” — Jerry Jones, Cowboys owner, to the NFL Network, on what he expects from Romo

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
2010 | 4-12, 4th in East
Last year in playoffs | 2010

They’re going all the way: Throughout the organization, everyone is buying into Chip Kelly’s system. John Madden is among those who believe Kelly will have a lasting impact around the league with his up-tempo style. It has certainly clicked with Michael Vick, who had a tremendous training camp and claimed the starting quarterback job after two exhibition games.

They’re doomed: Eagles defenders are going to be going through a lot of oxygen tanks on the sideline if that offense can’t get first downs. Who cares if this team can run three plays in less than a minute if it means that shaky defense has to trot right back onto the field?

Now hear this: “We understand the rules, and we’ll play by them. It’s a real simple concept to me. If the speed limit is 65, even though I want to go 85, if there’s a cop out there, I’m not going to go 85.” — Chip Kelly, on officials spotting the ball for his up-tempo offense