The Rams, Redskins and Buccaneers all have the talent to win a championship this season. Problem is, only one of them will reach Super Bowl XXXV as the NFC's representative. Who'll be making the trek to Tampa in January? We asked the experts at Bristol University.
Who will win the NFC?
Mike Golic |
St. Louis Rams
The Rams lost two starting offensive linemen, Mike Gruttadauria and Fred Miller. But they think Ryan Tucker, who replaces Miller, is even better. Otherwise, they have everyone else back. Somebody still has to stop the Rams' high-powered offense. Peter Giunta's attacking-style defense is underrated. | |
Mark Malone |
St. Louis Rams
Washington and Tampa Bay could give the Rams a run for their money. It wouldn't be shocking if either the Redskins or the Bucs were in the Super Bowl. But St. Louis has to have a huge mental letdown or a lot of injuries for someone to knock them out. They play in a relatively easy division with some expected wins. Plus they have a ton of talent, a great attack on offense and a solid mentality. All of these factors should make the Rams the NFC champs. | |
Marty Schottenheimer |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The general sentiment is that the Redskins will step forward and win it all,
but I'm not sure you can buy a championship (yet) in the NFL. On that basis, I'm inclined to think Tampa Bay is going to prevail over Washington, even with the Bucs' uncertainty at quarterback. | |
John Clayton |
St. Louis Rams
Despite being torn about going for Washington's all-star talent or the Bucs' dominating defense, I still think the Rams have the best chance to repeat, even though repeating is very tough. In their division, the Rams can win six or seven games. In doing that, that could earn them the home-field advantage. And I would take the Rams on their home field. No team other than Tampa Bay has been able to get them out of their passing success and their tempo. | |
Andrea Kremer |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I like Tampa Bay to beat the Rams in the NFC title
game. But Shaun King is such a question mark. When
someone comes in during the middle of the season, I don't feel teams have as much
time to prepare for him as they do in the offseason. And King doesn't have
Daunte Culpepper's size. That's the only hesitation I have. But I do like
their defense, and Keyshawn Johnson gives them the receiver they didn't
have. The Bucs have never been a dive-into-free agency team. They have
always been a build-through-the-draft team. That is Rich McKay's philosophy.
But they got to the point where they thought they needed the proverbial one
missing piece, and that was Keyshawn -- as long as they can get him the ball. | |
Sean Salisbury |
Washington Redskins
It will be between the Redskins, the Bucs and the Rams, but I think the Redskins will live up to their expectations. I like every part of their game. Jeff George was a great addition as a backup to Brad Johnson, who is as good as anybody. Stephen Davis showed last year he could be a Pro Bowl back when he plays full time. Albert Connell is an underrated receiver. They have upgraded their offensive line. Rookie LaVar Arrington is hungry but undisciplined. And they have added some great defensive veterans in Deion Sanders, Bruce Smtih and Mark Carrier. | |
Merril Hoge |
Washington Redskins
The Redskins have an explosive, complete offensive package, and their defense will have a full complement of run stoppers and pass defenders. | |
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