Who is the best team in the NFC?

Sean Salisbury

New Orleans Saints Because they have the ability to make huge plays on both sides of the ball, the Saints are the NFC's best team. They have a big-play defense that can give a bunch of different looks. Offensively, they're explosive with Aaron Brooks, who I believe is a future Pro Bowler. They have a home-run hitter in running back Deuce McAllister, who has been an awesome fit. The Saints got rid of the bad apples from last season. This year head coach Jim Haslett has kept them as disciplined as any team in the league.

Mark Schlereth

Philadelphia Eagles Defensively, they have three good cover corners and a front seven that can stop people consistently. Offensively, the Eagles have had some injuries, but they are getting better. If Antonio Freeman can raise his level of play, they can become less one-dimensional. Donovan McNabb is still the focal point of the offense, which has been efficient. But they also have the potential to grow and become a more cohesive unit. I like rookie Brian Westbrook and think he doesn't get enough opportunities at running back. Still, the Eagles are the best. Now they have to go out and prove it.

Andrea Kremer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers The outcome of the Bucs-Eagles game will go a long way toward answering the question, but I pick the Bucs for now. The defense is outstanding, stingy (no touchdowns allowed last three games), mean, nasty and relentless -- great qualities for a championship-caliber squad. The offense is still a major work in progress. But while Raider players have said that it takes about three years to master Jon Gruden's system, I believe Brad Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson and the supporting players are smart enough and hungry enough to accelerate the process. Watching the Rams this year, teams should know they have to strike while the iron is hot because there are no guarantees. I believe the Bucs have that mindset.

Mark Malone

New Orleans Saints The Saints were able to resolve a lot of the turmoil and distractions from last season. They seem to have made all the right personnel moves, on both sides of the football. Entering a new division, the Saints overhauled their defensive philosophy and let go of two good players in La'Roi Glover and Joe Johnson. The Saints felt they needed a bigger, more physical defense. That decision seems to have paid off. The Saints are also growing and progressing offensively. Donté Stallworth provides a more experienced Aaron Brooks with an added weapon as a third wide receiver. Deuce McAllister gets the tough yards between the tackles and is a home-run hitter who can catch the ball. The Saints look like the most complete NFC team right now.

Merril Hoge

San Francisco 49ers They have the most complete team. While the 49ers can score points, they can also manage and control the game with their running attack. Jeff Garcia is one of the NFL's most efficient quarterbacks, one who understands the timing, rhythm and execution of the offense. They can be explosive or wear out defenses with a grind-it-out approach.Their defense allows them to play tight games and even win games. Their secondary plays well against both the run and the pass, even when offenses try to spread them out. Their special teams can give the 49ers a spark when needed. The 49ers are not a one-dimensional team, and the more versatile a team is on both sides of the ball, the better chance they have of being successful.

Joe Theismann

Green Bay Packers I like the Packers, but not because they have Brett Favre, a three-time MVP who is still playing at an MVP level and is one of the best to ever play the position. The reason I pick the Packers is Ahman Green, a running back who helps Favre be as effective as he is throwing the football.