Carolina Panthers: The Panthers were one of the surprise teams in the NFC last season after failing to live up to their potential in the few years prior. The team is well-rounded that has playmakers on both sides of the ball. Carolina unleashed one of the more feared backfield duos in the league last season in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. This tandem should wreak havoc on opposing defenses, much like they did last season, and give this team a good chance to move the ball consistently. Quarterback Jake Delhomme had a decent 2008 season, but it looks like his career could be winding down a bit.

He had a disastrous playoff performance against the Cardinals last season and he\'ll have to perform well in the early going to make Panthers fans forget about that debacle. The defense on this club is solid, though there is some question concerning what the team will do with defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers seems to want out of Carolina, but he\'s the best player on their defense and makes the kinds of plays that sell NFL tickets.

New Orleans Saints: The Saints have probably the most dynamic offensive attack in the league. Drew Brees took a run at Dan Marino\'s seemingly unbreakable single-season passing yards record last season, falling just short. The talent around Brees is not overwhelming, but head coach Sean Payton and Brees really know how to work this offense. It\'s not like Brees\' supporting cast is a bunch of slouches or anything, though. With Marques Colston and Lance Moore on the outside, Brees is provided with sure-handed receivers that prove to be reliable for him.

If the team can get tight end Jeremy Shockey going this season, the offense could improve even further. It looks as though Reggie Bush will be sharing time with Pierre Thomas in the backfield, and the spotlight will be on those backs to perform now that fan favorite Deuce McAllister is gone. The team will not succeed if they can\'t improve their defense. The team drafted defensive back Malcolm Jenkins to help out, but one player can\'t make all the difference.

Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons were a big surprise last season, mostly due to the fantastic play of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan and the addition of running back Michael Turner helped turn this franchise around and make the playoffs in 2008. The offense also features a genuine number one wideout in Roddy White and newly-acquired tight end Tony Gonzalez. The defense is coming along nicely under former defensive coordinator Mike Smith and this team could be in store for big things in 2009.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs have a new head coach in Raheem Morris and are in a bit of a rebuilding phase. The team does not have a starting quarterback set as of June 19th, but I\'d expect Byron Leftwich to win the job by opening day. The team drafted Josh Freeman in the first round of the draft, but as ready as he may be physically, he needs a lot of work on the mental aspect of his game. Leftwich gives the team the best chance to win now and will have some help on the offensive side of the ball, including wide receiver Antonio Bryant and running backs Derrick Ward and Ernest Graham. The defense is younger than it has been in years past and the coaching staff will be looking toward talented youngsters like Gaines Adams to step up and make plays.