This list is alphabetical, not a ranking.

1. Bucs 

I still cannot believe the Bucs did not take a coaching hit after their 2021 Super Bowl win. Neither Todd Bowles (now head coach) nor OC Byron Leftwich was nabbed by another team. Perhaps QB Tom Brady was surprised too, and realizing the band was not breaking up, he un-retired. the Bucs’ season could hinge on their questionable offensive line. The Bucs must also keep their other Hall of Famer healthy — WR Mike Evans, leading the NFL with eight straight 1,000-yard seasons.

2. Cowboys
The NFC East, having favorable schedules, should produce two playoff teams.  At the position that matters the most, Dak Prescott is the division’s proven passer and leader. 
 
3. Eagles
With one of the NFL’s weakest schedules, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles could make the division race interesting, especially after adding WR AJ Brown.  
 
The Giants are improving, but just not there yet, and the Commanders are badly in need of a commander-in-chief. 
 
4. Falcons
The NFL’s youngest team has impressive talent, especially on offense, with QB Marcus Mariota targeting TE Kyle Pitts and RB Cordarelle Patterson.  The defense is in flux but improving.  Despite a super tough schedule, the Falcons will surprise the NFL this season. 
 
5. Packers
The Packers got weaker when WR Davante Adams left for Vegas, but if they keep Aaron Rodgers happy, they remain a top contender. They also have a solid running game and a stout defense.  
 
If there were a surprise in the division, it would come from Detroit. The Lions’ defense, which ranked 18th last season, continues to improve under DC Aaron Glenn. 
 
The Bears have suffered tremendous player turnover. The Vikings are still sporting a potent offense, but it will likely take new HC Kevin O’Connell more than one season to have an impact. 

6. Rams
After their super season, the champs could be even more confident, particularly on defense — not a happy thought for opponents.  The Ram offense will continue to hum without former OC Kevin O’Connell — they lost WR Robert Woods but not much else. 
 
This season may be too soon to expect playoffs for QB Trey Lance and the Forty Niners.

The Cardinals, playing the NFL’s toughest schedule after the Rams, will go only as far as QB Kyler Murray takes them. Their defense lost DE Chandler Jones. 

The Seahawks, minus QB Russell Wilson, are likely in for a rocky ride, despite a very good defense. 

7. Saints
New Orleans welcomes WR Jarvis Landry and welcomes back WR Michael Thomas from injury.  If QB Jameis Winston can stay healthy, they will have a monster deep passing game. 

In a tough division, the Panthers are probably cruising for a bruising.

My 14 playoff picks are (alphabetically): NFC - Bucs, Cowboys, Eagles, Falcons, Packers, Rams, Saints.  AFC - Bengals, Bills, Chiefs, Colts, Raiders, Ravens, Titans.

My Week One game predictions are coming soon.  Thursday, I'll take the Bills over the Rams.

Bring on the fun!