CENTRAL
1. Packers
NFC Central Division teams appear to be emerging from a long winter’s nap. If Brett Favre shakes off his youth and Steve McMichael and Sean Jones shake off their age, the Packers could shake up the power structure. NFL overall ranking: 8.
2. Vikings
They think Warren Moon has enough left and their furious pass rush has enough left after losing Chris Doleman. The recovery of running backs Terry Allen and Robert Smith, the health of receiver Jake Reed and the development of new cornerbacks are bigger questions. NFL overall ranking: 9
3. Bears
Fundamentally sound, talent-thin team will again depend almost exclusively on defense. Stopping run and replacing sacks of Richard Dent and Steve McMichael are keys. NFL overall ranking: 12.
4. Lions
Winners of two of the last three NFC Central titles, they will move from a fifth-place schedule to the toughest schedule in the NFC. Scott Mitchell looked good in preseason and there is always Barry Sanders. NFL overall ranking: 13.
5. Buccaneers
The Bucs always advertise some talent ready to break through. Coach Sam Wyche always is optimistic. NFL overall ranking: 26
EAST
1. Cowboys
Last year, Cowboys starters missed only eight total games due to injury. No coach or owner can demand that kind of luck. Any team with the best quarterback and the best running back plus a fast, capable defense and a mission to make three-peat history must be considered No. 1. NFL overall ranking: 1.
2. Cardinals
Buddy Ryan thinks much more highly of his team than this. Games against the Cowboys on Oct. 9 and 23 will tell the tale. It’s doubtful Ryan will have them ready so soon. NFL overall ranking: 11.
3. Giants
With Dave Brown replacing Phil Simms, this looks like a rebuilding year. But much of the core, including running back Rodney Hampton, remains intact. NFL overall ranking: 17.
4. Eagles
Another .500 season should qualify Rich Kotite for the Hall of Fame after losing so many good players in two years. NFL overall ranking: 23.
5. Redskins
The first order of business for new quarterback Heath Shuler and coach Norv Turner is survival. NFL overall ranking: 27.
WEST
1. 49ers
If Ken Norton, Rickey Jackson and Richard Dent can rescue a defense that didn’t have a chance against Dallas, an offense of Steve Young, Jerry Rice and Ricky Watters surely can hold its own. Creative management of the salary cap should make Carmen Policy executive of the year. NFL overall ranking: 3
2. Saints
If Jim Mora believes he has a chance to be better than he has been in recent years, believe him. More speed will help. A lot depends on Jim Everett. NFL overall ranking: 15
3. Falcons
Losing coach Jerry Glanville and gaining quarterback Jeff George and pass rusher Chris Doleman are considered pluses. If Deion Sanders were around, a breakthrough would be less farfetched. NFL overall ranking: 16
4. Rams
Any team with a great running back, Jerome Bettis, and a great defensive tackle, Sean Gilbert, has possibilities. But quarterback Chris Miller is no miracle worker. NFL overall ranking: 21.
