Chuck Burton / AP

The Patriots are the best team in the NFL by far, msnbc.com contributor JT the Brick writes.

JT the Brick

It is time for my annual NFL preview and my goal is always to pick the eventual Super Bowl champion before the season begins. Last year I chose the Indianapolis Colts, but never thought that they would trail the New England Patriots 21-3 at home before they rallied to win the AFC title game and go on to beat Chicago in the Super Bowl.

My choice was the Colts because I believed that Peyton Manning was the best player in the NFL and would eventually win multiple championships. This season, I strongly believe LaDainian Tomlinson is the best player in the NFL, but San Diego has a bull’s-eye on its back as it looks to improve on its 14-2 regular-season record from a year ago.

NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles
The window of opportunity is closing for the Eagles, but this could be their best team in the past five seasons. They are highly motivated and talented on offense. Donovan McNabb is back from his serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2006 season. Brian Westbrook had a breakout year in 2006 and will look to improve on his 1,217 rushing yards (on 5.1 yards per carry). Linebacker Takeo Spikes will be expected to join safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Lito Sheppard as team leaders on defense. Coach Andy Reid has to convince his roster to win at all costs and secure at least one home game in the playoffs. The Birds will win the NFC East with a record of 11-5.

Dallas Cowboys
I do not see how Dallas will be a better-coached team without Bill Parcells. Wade Phillips’ low-key approach might work as a coordinator, but he eventually will have to get in the face of veterans if they don't start fast. Terrell Owens should have another big season as he gains more confidence running routes for Tony Romo, but will running back Julius Jones take his game to a higher level? The defense is nasty and has Demarcus Ware, Roy Williams and Terence Williams, and they should be better under Phillips. There is always big pressure in Dallas, but the Cowboys should secure a wild-card birth at 10-6.

New York Giants
Tiki Barber is gone, and coach Tom Coughlin is back. The loss of Barber will be significant enough to keep the Giants out of the playoffs. Eli Manning must prove he can become a vocal leader and keep his team in the playoff hunt. Tight end Jeremy Shockey must catch more than 66 receptions for 623 yards if he wants to be considered a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Michael Strahan finally ended his holdout, but his career is quickly coming to an end while the rest of the defense is average at best. Coughlin will be fired after an 8-8 season.

Washington Redskins
The end is near for Joe Gibbs and his current coaching staff unless the ’Skins play above their ability. Quarterback Jason Campbell doesn't have enough experience to lead the Redskins to a playoff berth, although the defense will be much better. The addition of rookie safety Laron Landry will help Washington's secondary make big plays and hopefully help the offense get back on the field after they continue to go three and out. This franchise has failed in the draft and free agency the past five years, and they might need an entire overhaul to get them back on track by the end of the decade. Realistic Redskins fans should expect a 6-10 record.