NFC South

New Orleans Saints: With any other "surprise" team that has a history of losing, I would predict a massive crash back to earth the next year. I am not doing that here, for only one reason: Sean Payton.

Carolina Panthers: Everybody's summer darling of 2006 turned out to be a total bust. Steve Smith had a sub-stud season (although not a total waste) and Jake Delhomme looked simply lost for large stretches last year.

Atlanta Falcons: Here's a really nutty thought. Joey Harrington leads the Falcons to the playoffs. Okay, when you are done laughing, just think for a minute: doesn't it always happen this way in sports? When a team is dealt a seemingly mortal blow, they end up actually getting better.

Tampa Bay Bucs: Hey Gruden? Your ass getting warm right now? It doesn't matter who plays QB, the Bucs won't be good again until that O-line gets its act together.

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers: I cannot believe I am actually drinking the Niners' Kool-Aid this year, but I am. Everybody is on them like everybody was on the Dolphins last year. Offensively, they could be sick if Vernon Davis gets healthy and starts producing. They just need to move the needle a bit on defense.

Seattle Seahawks: I never like it when a stud RB starts hiding hairline fractures in his foot from us Fantasy Football dorks. Watching Mike Holmgren get very, very mad is a lot of fun. If the 'Hawks don't have to hire a rent-a-DB out of a mortgage company again this year, they should be right there in the end.

St. Louis Rams: Marc Bulger finally got paid. Good for him. Stephen Jackson has emerged as a devastating power back. And guess what? The Rams actually balance run and pass better now. What's not to like? The defense, that's what.

Arizona Cardinals: Yes, I like what Leinart showed last year, despite missing much of camp. Yes, I think their corps of WRs is a Fantasy warehouse of numbers. Yes, I think Wisenhunt can do a better job of Denny Green. But no, I am not yet ready to drink that Cardinals cherry red Kool-Aid. Sorry.

Next week: A look at the AFC.