NFC previews

(Listed by record for last season)

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA (13-3, 2-1 playoffs)

OPTIMISTIC: Eagles remain class of NFC East and can win fifth straight division title. Return most starters and have improved offense with additions of rookie RB Ryan Moats and rookie WR Reggie Brown, and return of G Shawn Andrews. Jim Johnson-coached defense is always a strength. Determined and hungry to win championship.

PESSIMISTIC: Must avoid post-Super Bowl letdown. Five of last six teams that lost Super Bowl didn't make playoffs in following season. Have to overcome distraction and disruption caused by disgruntled WR Terrell Owens. Loss of WR Todd Pinkston is magnified if Owens doesn't last the season. DT Corey Simon was allowed to become free agent.

ON THE RISE: RB Brian Westbrook, WR Greg Lewis, TE L.J. Smith, CB Sheldon Brown, SS Michael Lewis.

ON THE DECLINE: LT Tra Thomas, RT Jon Runyan.

EXPECT: NFC East championship with strong shot at reaching Super Bowl if Owens stays and plays whole season.

NEW YORK GIANTS (6-10)

OPTIMISTIC: Improved offensive line could give QB Eli Manning better protection and help RB Tiki Barber approach stellar 2004 numbers. Return of healthy DE Michael Strahan and acquisition of LB Antonio Pierce from Washington can improve run defense. TE Jeremy Shockey's return to form he displayed as a rookie and Manning showing more poise and maturity in his second season.

PESSIMISTIC: A team that has gotten used to losing last two seasons and must figure out how to win close games. Defensive backs have to prove they can hold onto ball. Players on both sides of ball have had a year to adjust to schemes of coach Tom Coughlin and defensive coordinator Tim Lewis — now it's time to put up or shut up.

ON THE RISE: Rookie RB Brandon Jacobs, DB Curtis DeLoatch, LB Pierce, WR Plaxico Burress.

ON THE DECLINE: LB Barrett Green, QB Jesse Palmer, DT Fred Robbins.

EXPECT: If numbers fall right, a backdoor entrance into playoffs. If they don't, an improvement over last year's record and a foundation to build upon.

DALLAS (6-10)