For the past two seasons, I've loved (or hated as a Giants fan) how the Cowboys roster looks. They're a very talented team but they're undisciplined. Say what you want about Eli Manning, but he easily exposed them for that. Even when he was amidst his Eyore-like slumps, he was still able to make them jump offsides. They would also commit horrendously stupid penalties. So up until this year's playoffs, the Cowboys were never hurt by their undisciplined play. Thus, for that reason I cannot pick them to represent the NFC.
The Giants would be ideal, of course, but I would love for Eli to put together a full season of consistently good football. So just like the Cowboys, the talent is clearly here with the Giants' QB, but just as present are the reservations.
I'm sure I'll draw an imense amount of hatred for this but...I don't see any contenders in either the NFC South or West. My reason for the former is simple: For the past few years, in a given year the division winner was the previous year's basement dweller. I suppose someone's gotta win that division. The Seahawks are barely able to keep at bay the Niners, Cardinals and Rams. None of them are world beaters.
People are down on the Packers because Favre finally retired, but that's a mistake. They're a young, talented team. Plus I liked what I saw when Rogers took the field in Dallas. Their (GB's) defense is solid--despite what Plax did to them.
However, my gut feeling is that whoever emerges out of the NFC East will represent the Conference.
As far as the AFC goes, I like the Jags or the Colts.
Baltimore isn't going anywhere: They have to solve the QB drought and by the time they do, that defense will only be ancient and useless. They don't have any weapons on offense anyway.
The Broncos will continue to be inconsistent as long as Shanahan is coach.
The Patriots are only getting older at key defensive positions--Drafting Mayo doesn't change that. Plus, they can no longer cheat IN PRACTICE ONLY (like they didn't use it in games) because the defense has the mic-ed up helmet now. They can't stop the run and are questionable running the ball themselves.
If I were pressed, I'd probably say Jags versus Cowboys. However, that is opperating under the assumption that Harvey was worth trading up for (kinda iffy on that) and the Cowboys can end their 12-year futility and actually win playoff game 1.
