With less than one week to go before the big kick-off,
The National's
sports desk looks through the stats, the rosters, and, if needed, uses a hunch, to predict which 12 teams should make it through the regular season and on to the play-offs.
© Sean Gardner / Getty Images / AFP The Saints can rule the NFC South if rookie RB Mark Ingram catches on
The National's pick for the 12 teams to reach the play-offs:
NFC
Atlanta Falcons:
Addressed two main needs by drafting wide receiver
and signing defensive end Ray Edwards.
Philadelphia Eagles:
New corners Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie fortify the defence.
Green Bay Packers:
Solid management and coaching - and lights-out QB Aaron Rodgers.
New Orleans Saints:
Could take South if rookie Mark Ingram catches on.
Dallas Cowboys:
New York Giants' struggles opens the door to second place in NFC East.
St Louis Rams:
Somebody must win NFC West.
AFC
New England Patriots:
Must get something out of underachievers Albert Haynesworth (DT) and Chad Ochocinco (WR).
San Diego Chargers:
Hard to pick them to make the Super Bowl because they usually disappoint.
New York Jets:
Defence is as good as it gets. QB Mark Sanchez is solid but not on level of other contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Newlywed Ben Roethlisberger is fine, but some teammates had troubled off-season.
Houston Texans:
Going out on a limb to pick fall of Colts in AFC South.
Baltimore Ravens:
QB Joe Flacco welcomes newcomer WR Lee Evans.
Do you agree / disagree? Have your say
