Monday 5 September 2016 15:51, UK
What should we expect from the Giants, Cowboys, Redskins and Eagles? Sky Sports takes a look...
New York Giants
Head Coach: Ben McAdoo
Key Man: Odell Beckham Jr is a superstar and continues to make plays from nothing. He needs to work on temperament, especially with two match ups against rival Josh Norman, but his star quality is unparalleled.
Major Additions: The Giants spent big money on upgrading their defense. This included the acquisition of defensive end Olivier Vernon, as well as cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive tackle Damon Harrison. Big Blue finished last in defensive rankings in 2015, so McAdoo had no choice but invest.
Last Season: The Giants lost several close games, finishing a disappointing 6-10. The main positive was the understanding between quarterback Eli Manning and OBJ.
Prospects: Vernon can be a great addition to New York's pass rush, and if Jason Pierre-Paul improves on last year to get somewhere close to his best, the defensive line could be one of the greats. On the other side of the ball, Manning possesses an artillery of weapons with Beckham, rookie Sterling Shepherd and Rashad Jennings all establishing themselves as week one play makers. If Victor Cruz can get himself healthy, the Giants could be in line for their first return to the playoffs since Super Bowl victory in 2012.
Prediction: 1st (11-5)
Dallas Cowboys
Head Coach: Jason Garrett
Key Man: After an impressive preseason, 4th round pick Dak Prescott looked to have earned the backup quarterback job. But after Tony Romo broke a bone in his back during preseason, Prescott has been thrown into the spotlight. Big pressure on inexperienced shoulders.
Major Additions: As well as Prescott, the Cowboys look to have struck gold in running back Ezekiel Elliot, who is already predicted to be one of the top backs in the league. The Cowboys have also gambled on linebacker Jaylon Smith, who will miss his rookie year with a serious knee injury. It remains to be seen whether he can ever recover fully to repay the Cowboys' faith.
Last Season: Injuries ravaged the Cowboys season as they fell to 4-12. Romo and star wide receiver Dez Bryant both missed large chunks of the year, and the atmosphere turned poisonous as Greg Hardy picked fights with teammates and management alike.
Prospects: There is a lot of talent in the Cowboys' building, but when injuries occur the cracks begin to show. This is most apparent at the quarterback position. Romo's injury is a massive blow, if not a complete surprise, and the success of the franchise will largely be determined by Prescott. Elliot is already being touted as a star and the offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL, but the defense is lacking, particularly the secondary which ranked 30th in the NFL last year.
Prediction: 2nd (7-9)
Washington Redskins
Head Coach: Jay Gruden
Key Man: Franchise quarterback Kirk Cousins is the 20 million dollar man. Its a 'prove-it' season for Cousins, who will be determined to to justify the franchise tag placed upon him.
Major Additions: After the majority of free agency was complete, the Carolina Panthers announced the release of Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman. The Redskins were first to pounce and got their man. First round pick Josh Doctson has yet to play for the team, but appears to have overcome an Achilles injury and will be in contention for week 1.
Last Season: The Redskins won the East with a 9-7 record, but fell foul of Green Bay Packers, who made sure their return to the Playoffs was short lived.
Prospects: Arguably the hardest team to predict in the NFL, the fate of the Redskins rests largely on the success or failure of Cousins. The acquisition of Norman was a huge boost to the defense, and ensures that the cornerback will face up against fierce rival Odell Beckham Jr at least twice a year.
Prediction: 3rd (6-10)
Philadelphia Eagles
Head Coach: Doug Pederson
Key Man: Wide receiver Jordan Matthews is a difference maker and can be a huge factor in the success of the Philly offense, if he can get the ball.
Major Additions: Quarterback Carson Wentz was selected second overall in this year's Draft, and Eagles fans will be hoping he can develop into their latest 'quarterback of the future', particularly after the departure of Sam Bradford. The offensive line is made stronger with the arrival guard Brandon Brookes and centre Stefen Wisniewski.
Last Season: It went down to the wire for the Eagles, who needed a win against the Redskins to make the Playoffs. They didn't, finished 7-9 and Chip Kelly was shipped out.
Prospects: With less than a week to go until the season opener, the Vikings swooped for QB Bradford, and now the Eagles will start with either rookie Wentz or career back-up Chase Daniel. Philadelphia got ride of a lot of under performing 'stars' this offseason, with DeMarco Murray, Kiko Alonso, Bryon Maxwell and now Bradford all leaving, but this team, still has way more questions than answers.
Prediction: 4th (4-12)
