After taking care of the AFC last week, it’s now time to make predictions for the other conference–the NFC.

This year, there will be a drastic drop-off between the good and the ugly teams in the National Football Conference. Less than half of the teams in the NFC post records better than .500.

But, we get to see some old contenders start to creep back up and one in particular break a drought and return to the postseason.

Like always, this is the most comprehensive analysis of the upcoming season I could manage, and while it may be close I wouldn’t run to Vegas on my word.

If you do, and we win however, I will post my address on here for you to send portions of your winnings.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys (12-4) This prediction likes to bite me in the backside on an annual basis. But really, how can this team not make a run at being the first to ever host and play in a Super Bowl?

New York Giants (10-6) Eli Manning nearly gets the G-men back to the playoffs, but an always tough in-conference schedule hurts. Close, but no cigar.

Washington Redskins (7-9) A healthy Donovan McNabb all but guarantees a team seven wins, so I don’t find this much of a stretch. They need better receivers though to break into the top two in the East.

Philadelphia Eagles (7-9) Kevin Kolb and the rest of a very young offense will make some noise, but where is the leadership on either side of the ball? 2010 equals growing pains, but still not bad.

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings (11-5) Brett Favre returns, but not to the level he was last season. With more teams focusing on him, Adrian Peterson should have a great year though.

Green Bay Packers (11-5) Same record as their rivals, but until Favre loses to his former team, they lose on the tie-breaker. I agree with the Aaron Rodgers praise, and he’ll get his team back to the postseason.

Chicago Bears (6-10) I think Jay Cutler + Mike Martz will work, but this is a very old team on the defensive side of the ball. Matt Forte will lead the team in receptions and rushes.

Detroit Lions (5-11) That’s right, the Lions are not the worst team in the NFL anymore–they’re the sixth worst. A brutal division hurts despite great out-of-conference play.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (11-5) I could really see this going either way, boom or bust. Was last year a fluke? How will they play with a target on their back? Lots of questions heading into the year.

Atlanta Falcons (11-5) A healthy Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White could spell great success for the Birds. Add to that a stellar defense and Atlanta will be back in the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers (6-10) Talk has already begun about Jimmy Clausen making an earlier-than-expected appearance this season. Too bad for John Fox, this team needs a lot on both sides of the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13) Head coach Raheem Morris should be the first out of a job this season. How long can you have the reigns when you repeatedly tell your team/fans you’re rebuilding?

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers (10-6) Welcome back to the playoffs San Fran, we’ve missed you. A top-notch defense and running game spells success in a very weak division.

Seattle Seahawks (6-10) Not bad for Pete Carroll’s first year back in the NFL, where you can legally pay players. A lot of work is still needed though and they face a tough schedule.

Arizona Cardinals (6-10) The schedule is brutal–no matter which quarterback opens the season. The Cards are slipping back down the mountain–fast.

St. Louis Rams (3-13) Hey, at least they won’t have a top-2 pick in the 2011 draft – they’ll have the fourth. Sam Bradford will suffer the Matthew Stafford/David Carr growing pains of playing behind a poor o-line.