Don't need to hear about how things can change over the season. This thread is not a wait and see approach. So play along if you like.
Currently, I predict the top three teams as of now are Tampa Bay, Seattle, and Green Bay (as long as AR plays). My top grouping's ceiling is here with legitimate shots at the SB. Their floor is to finish average (unless injury or non availability of their QB or top three players).
I'd place Dallas in 2nd tier.
A top 5 QB with a top 8 offensive line and top 3 receiving core with some consistency at OC.
The defense will not be lost. Better coach the middle of the line will not be a seive
The second tier are teams that I can envision ending up challenging these top teams for their spots in my ranking but more likely are higher end playoff teams that just fall shy of the elite three. They are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Minnesota. San Francisco is a team that I could envision making a dramatic turnaround with better health (their entire squad had injuries along with their QB).
My third tier is made up of teams that I predict are the rest of the middle tier (which is the largest group because of how closely I view these squads). Any have the potential of joining the second tier here but I just cannot envision any of these teams as tier one at this time. They are Arizona, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Washington, and New Orleans. Arizona is so odd with their moves and team setup (just difficult to predict their outcome).
Bottom tier teams are more in flux (coaching and of player movement) and much more difficult to envision even making the playoffs. Carolina, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
Since we are Cowboys fans, I will give you my thoughts on where I see the Cowboys' season and how they currently stack up. I can envision the Cowboys having a season record between 7 and 10 wins. I cannot really envision a much better or worse record.
Injuries aside from cowboys and opponents, I see them neck and neck with any of the tier 3 teams I mentioned. I would agree that the Cowboys offense is the best of the NFC East, but it almost entirely depends on the health of the offensive line. I predict some problems with availability along the line and play level from the top lineman when they actually play (with existing injuries).
I predict a better defensive unit, but one that has difficulties generating consistent pressure and consistent coverage units. A middle of the pack defense with a sometimes high flying offense is my prediction. If the Cowboys can get a 4-2 division record without being swept by anyone, then I can imagine a division title and playoff appearance.
That's pretty much it. Kinda just more sideways action though some here feel a division title is a major step up. I do not. The NFC East and NFC in general feels too oddball and not enough squads exist with the best run front offices and coaching staffs. There are no organizations like the Patriots, Ravens, Steelers, Chiefs in the conference.
I actually miss Andy Reid being in the same division. At least you could count on him making his squad a decent team for the most part.