It’s the early odds on team’s chances to make the Super Bowl. What are your team’s chances? Just look below. My team, the Falcons, well, they’re pretty much as long a shot as there is, and at 100-1, I think that’s kind of unfair (this one should be somewhere in the thousands or millions). Pats at 7-2? Chargers at 7-1? I like that action. . .

Arizona Cardinals 50 - 1
Atlanta Falcons 100 - 1
Baltimore Ravens 75 - 1
Buffalo Bills 50 - 1
Carolina Panthers 40 - 1
Chicago Bears 35 - 1
Cincinnati Bengals 60 - 1
Cleveland Browns 25 - 1
Dallas Cowboys 6 - 1
Denver Broncos 50 - 1
Detroit Lions 80 - 1
Green Bay Packers 25 - 1
Houston Texans 60 - 1
Indianapolis Colts 7 - 1
Jacksonville Jaguars 12 - 1
Kansas City Chiefs 100 - 1
Miami Dolphins 100 - 1
Minnesota Vikings 18 - 1
New England Patriots 7 - 2
New Orleans Saints 25 - 1
New York Giants 15 - 1
New York Jets 35 - 1
Oakland Raiders 50 - 1
Philadelphia Eagles 20 - 1
Pittsburgh Steelers 15 - 1
Saint Louis Rams 75 - 1
San Diego Chargers 7 - 1
San Francisco 49ers 80 - 1
Seattle Seahawks 25 - 1
Tampa Bay Buccanneers 40 - 1
Tennessee Titans 40 - 1
Washington Redskins 50 - 1

Much like my College Football Is Upon Us section, I’m going to be doing a similar posting with the NFL. I’ll try to get one division out a day, but my work schedule is busy, so some days might not be posted on.

Today’s post will be on the NFC East, a division that appears up for grabs. The next post will probably should come Sunday, but I don’t keep any promises around here. To see my past NFL Season Preview posts, click here. I’m trying to bounce back and forth between NFL previews and NCAA previews. Anyway, enjoy.

1.) Dallas Cowboys: It’s scary for me to pick any team to finish first that’s coached by Wade Phillips, but this conference, which was a powerhouse a year ago, seems to be more on a downslide. Their defense should be solid, and their offense, with more carries expected to come from Marion Barber, shouldn’t have a problem putting points on the board.

Insert: Terrell Owens. You never know what this guy’s going to do, or what team he may be destroy. Wade Phillips admits to treating different players differently, though, so maybe a little bit of favortism thrown T.O’s way will help the head-case out a little.

Biggest Question: Can Tony Romo forget about last year? He went from everyone’s Golden Child to “That Guy That Fumbled The Damn Snap.” It wasn’t the Super Bowl, but losing a playoff game the way he lost a playoff game is always a tough thing to deal with.

2.) Philadelphia Eagles: They return Donnovan McNabb — which I’m yet to determine is a good or bad thing — and Jevon Kearse from injury. The defense looks to be pretty solid, and should anchor the unit. They lost Donte Stallworth, but not having a receiver in the past has never really slowed down this offense; they’ll still spread things out, and even though everyone knows Brian Westbrook’s getting the ball, he’ll still find a way into the end zone.

Insert: D-Nabb. How well will he perform? He’s been injured of late, and after having a nearly MVP like season two years ago, things have gone downhill since.

Biggest question: Can someone step up at wide receiver? I think the offense will be okay no matter what, but having a guy step up would be nice. Reggie Brown is the most likely candidate, but a part of me just can’t take a WR crew very serious whose number one guy is Reggie Brown.

3.) New York Giants: People on the hot seat: Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin. If Coughlin doesn’t reach the playoffs this year, he’s probably gone. If Eli doesn’t turn his completion percentage around a LOT, there may be some grumblings in New York for a new quarterback. Oh yeah, and this:

Insert: No Tiki Barber. I’ve got to hope Brandon Jacobs can pick up some of this slack, because I drafted him for my fantasy team. He’ll be splitting time with Reuben Droughns, but neither is going to provide big play potential.

Biggest Question: Can Eli play up to the standards expected? Most people say their biggest question is whether or not the running back duo can replace Tiki. I already have that answer: They can’t. But I don’t know a team who won’t survive without their great running back when they’ve got two pretty good replacements. I do, however, know a lot of teams that won’t survive with QB’s who make bad decisions on a Sundaily (I just made that one up) basis. If Eli rolls, the team rolls with him. If Eli Manning plays like the same Eli Manning we’ve seen recently. . . well, say goodbye to Tom Coughlin, New York.

4.) Washington Redskins: How bad does that Clinton Portis for Champ Bailey trade look now? Clinton was a back like every other back in Denver, and Champ Bailey is one of the top three or four cornerbacks to ever play. Ladell Betts is rumored to possibly be the starter, but they will have a good one-two punch back there. They add London Fletcher on defense, but they’ve got one fairly big issue.

Insert: Jason Campbell. They say his strides have been huge, but this is his first real year under center. He’s got some good targets to throw to — Antwan Randle El and Santanna Moss — but seeing how fast he adjusts to the pros will be something to watch.

Biggest Question: Can Joe Gibbs get the job done? He hasn’t impressed thus far. His best season was a mediocre season, but it at least resulted in a playoff game.

Much like my College Football Is Upon Us section, I’m going to be doing a similar posting with the NFL. I’ll try to get one division out a day, but my work schedule is busy, so some days might not be posted on.

Today’s post will be on the NFC North, a division that, to be honest, isn’t super competitive. The next post will probably come, oh, maybe tomorrow, but probably Thursday. To see my past NFL Season Preview posts, click here. I’m trying to bounce back and forth between NFL previews and NCAA previews. Anyway, enjoy.

1.) Chicago Bears: They’re probably a lock to win the North because, well, look at the North: Detroit is a sleeper pick like they are every year, Green Bay is playing with the interception prone Brett Favre, and Minnesota is playing with. . . well, uh, Tarvaris Jackson? They can go 8-8 and make the playoffs without a problem, except maybe:

Insert: Rex Grossman. I never thought I’d live the day where 40,000 people want Brian Griese to be behind their center. After a full year of Sexy Rexy, though, it’s not that much of a stretch.

Biggest Question: Aside from the Rex Grossman question, it’s this: Can the Bears defense be the same defense it was the first half of the season? In their first seven games they gave up 59 points. In their final nine games, they gave up 186 points. Tommie Harris is healthy, which will help, but someone needs to step up where Tank Johnson’s departed.

2.) Detroit Lions: I guess this is their year. Calvin Johnson shouldn’t be the bust that “CFL” Charles Rogers was, and he’ll surely be better than Mike Williams, whose pre-draft guidance and advice came from Maurice Clarett. John Kitna didn’t have mind-boggling stats last year, but with Mike Furrey and Roy Williams on the other side of Johnson, and with Mike Martz calling the shots, it should be an entertaining offense to watch.

Insert: Matt Millen. The team’s 24-72 since Millen took over. I’d say if things aren’t turned around this year he’d be gone, but if things aren’t turned around this year he’ll probably just draft another receiver. Eleven of their losses came by 9 points or less, so at least they were competitive.

Biggest Question: Can the Lions finally win? It’s that simple. They’ve got a young defense, but their entire defensive line, which was plagued by injuries last year, is back and healthy this year. They’ve added some depth in the backfield with Tatum Bell and TJ Duckett, and adding Calvin Johnson — or anyone from Georgia Tech, for that matter — is the best decision Matt Millen’s made since he got there.

3.) Green Bay Packers: Their first round pick was Justin Harrell, which had fans in Green Bay and everywhere else scratching their heads (I’m a UT fan, and I couldn’t defend that pick). It’s Brett Favre’s last year, which should create some momentum for the team. Their only problem?

Insert: It’s Not Really Brett Favre’s Last Year. Who does this guy think he’s kidding? Some time next April — hell, he may even wait until, like, Sepetember, couple of days before Week 1 — he’ll let everyone know he’s coming back for one last hoo-raw. And Aaron Rodgers, poor Aaron Rodgers, will have one more year on the sidelines looking just as concerned about his career as he did at the draft.

Biggest Question: Can their defense play? If they can, the Pack may have some success. Brett Favre has to cut back on the picks, though, if this team wants to play in January.

4.) Minnesota Vikings: Surprised? Shouldn’t be. Their best player on offense is an offensive guard. Their second best player on offense is a rookie. Their coach looks like a porn star.

Insert: Help. They’ll need it. Tarvaris Jackson, with all due respect, isn’t an NFL quarterback. This team is pretty much playing for the Brian Brohm sweepstakes next year.

Biggest Question: Too many to answer.

Much like my College Football Is Upon Us section, I’m going to be doing a similar posting with the NFL. I’ll try to get one division out a day, but my work schedule is busy, so some days might not be posted on.

Today’s post will be on the NFC South, home of my Atlanta Falcons. I’ll be bouncing around after that, with no method to my madness, but all divisions will be covered. Enjoy.

1.) Carolina Panthers: Most people will be picking the Saints to win the NFC South, and why not? Their offense is deep, explosive, and second-year coach Sean Payton looks like the second coming of Bill Parcells (but a little more exciting). That said, the NFL is a tricky business to repeat success, and last year’s feel good story might be this year’s disappointment.

Insert: Carolina. They were a popular Super Bowl pick last year, only to finish 8-8. Jake Delhomme looked terrible, but says he’s past it. Steve Smith will need a receiver to step up — Dwayne Jarrett, mainly –to take some of the pressure off Carolina’s Wonder Man. The defense is solid: If Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker can stay healthy, the Panthers may have the best defensive line in the NFL (with Julius Peppers, of course).

Biggest Question: Can Jake Delhomme return to being Jake Delhomme? No one will know until the season starts. The guy had a great first few years, but last year’s disappointing season has Carolina fans in a hissy. I never thought I’d say this, but you may see some people start calling for David Carr.

2.) New Orleans Saints: It’s tempting to pick this team to win the division, and maybe even the NFC. But I’ve never subscribed to the theory that great offense beats great defense. The Saints will put up a lot of points this year, with Drew Brees in his second season under Payton’s system, not to mention guys like Marques Colston and Reggie Bush a year older and wiser. They only added to their offense when they drafted Robert Meachem, a speed receiver that brings decent size (about 220). Their problem?

Insert: The defense. Will Grant, Charles Grant and Hollis Thomas are solid on the line. . . but after that, there isn’t much support. Their linebacking crew is undersized and not super-quick, and their secondary is vulnerable to the big play.

Biggest Question: Can Drew Brees and the entire city of New Orleans continue their magical run? They were a sleeper last year, a team many were expecing to lose 8 to 10 games, and they took advantage of teams overlooking them. They won’t go undercover this year — Marques Colston is going to see many doubles, and Devery Henderson may have to become more than just a speed receiver who catches it deep (led the league with a 23.3 average yard per catch).

3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jon Gruden was a hero around this town five years ago; now he’s hearing those same fans that cheered him calling for his exodus. The Buccaneers’ offense last year was awful: 10 of their 16 games they scored 14 or fewer points. Their offensive line is suspect, their receivers not as fast as they should be, and their starting quarterback. . . wait.

Insert: Jeff Garcia. I’ll be the first person to say that I don’t believe last year’s run by the Eagles was the product of Jeff Garcia working miracles. He had a very good defense behind him, and he didn’t turn the ball over. This defense, which used to be great, is only moderate, if even. Their best player, Derrick Brooks, is approaching an age where he shouldn’t be your best player. Simeon Rice and Shelton Quarles helped anchor a sub-par D last year, and both are now elsewhere. So, Jeff, now you’re not to lose the game. . . you’re asked to win it.

Biggest Question: A lot of ‘em. Can Jeff Garcia spark the Bucs the same way he did the Eagles? Can a wide receiver finally step up for Jon Gruden? Can an aging defense become a smart, veteran defense? This team has a lot of holes, and are probably still a few years away from really turning this thing around.

4.) Atlanta Falcons: This should come as no surprise. Our receivers are: Joe Horn (old), Michael Jenkins (can’t catch) and Roddy White (see: Michael Jenkins). We’ve got a good tight end, sure, but when all you can say about your offense is, “Hey, we’ve got a good tight end,” things aren’t going well. Jerious Norwood will break a few big ones under Petrino’s system, but, ultimately, we’ve got Joey Harrington throwing to some guys who haven’t proven much in their two or three years in the league.

Insert: Michael Vick. Yeah, right.

Biggest Question: Can Joey Harrington win? Though it’s a question most have an answer to, Bobby Petrino has a way of turning bad quarterbacks into good quarterbacks.