Adrian Peterson will have to have another monster season to help the Vikes knock off the 'Boys. Getty Images

Yesterday, Part 1 of my NFL preview was all about the AFC. Now it's time for the NFC.

THE GURU'S FAVORITE: DALLAS COWBOYS

The team that is getting the most love from the experts is the Cowboys. On paper the 'Boys are stacked on both offense and defense. Quarterback Tony Romo has become a superstar. He and Terrell Owens led all NFC quarterback-receiver duos in touchdown passes last season with 15. Running back Marion "The Barbarian" Barber is a touchdown machine. Since 2005, Barber is sixth in the NFL in total touchdowns with 33.

After getting torched in the air last season, the Cowboys made improving their secondary a priority. They traded for Adam "Pacman" Jones. He was suspended for the entire 2007 season for violating the league's personal conduct policy, but Jones has been reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell. They also used a first-round draft pick on South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins, adding even more depth. If the Cowboys live up to the hype, they'll go a long way this season.

CHALLENGER: MINNESOTA VIKINGS

On paper the Vikings are loaded. Second-year star Adrian Peterson might already be the NFL's best running back, and backup Chester Taylor could start for many teams.

The Vikings also play a smashmouth style on defense. Led by the two Williams's -- Pat and Kevin -- in the middle of the D-line, the Vikes are rock solid against the run. They also traded for sack machine Jared Allen, which will make them tougher to pass on.

But the one thing that separates the Cowboys from the Vikings is quarterback play. The Cowboys have two-time Pro Bowler Tony Romo under center, while the Vikings have the unproven Tarvaris Jackson. Jackson's touchdown to interception ratio last season was 9-to-12, and he'll need to play much better to keep teams from stacking the line of scrimmage to stop Peterson.

CHALLENGER: GREEN BAY PACKERS

We all know that the Pack said adios to Brett Favre and handed the keys to the offense over to fourth-year pro Aaron Rodgers. They're being written off because they dumped Favre, but I think they'll be fine.

Green Bay's defense is stout and their offense is filled with playmakers, including running back Ryan Grant and receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver. Rodgers played well last season during a game in Dallas when Favre got injured. He's accurate and has a quick release. Rodgers will shock a lot of people with how well he plays.

CHALLENGER: NEW YORK GIANTS

The defending Super Bowl champion Giants can't be counted out. The confidence Eli Manning gained during New York's playoff run should carry over into 2008. He'll have a career season. After signing a fat new contract this week, superstar wide receiver Plaxico Burress is happy and will play like a Top 5 receiver.

Thanks to the retirement of Michael Strahan and the season-ending injury suffered by Pro Bowl defensive end Osi Umenyiora, the defensive line could be a trouble spot. But Justin Tuck and converted linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka passed their first test on Thursday night. Both ends played well against the Washington Redskins.

CHALLENGER: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Don't forget about Philly. On defense, the Eagles will be strong both in the front seven and in the secondary. Defensive end Trent Cole had 12.5 sacks last season, and free agent cornerback Asante Samuel gives Philly perhaps the best secondary in the NFL.

After being rumored to be on the trade block during the offseason, quarterback Donovan McNabb is motivated to prove that he's still an elite quarterback. Making his job easier will be running back Brian Westbrook. He's the best all-around offensive player in the NFC.

Ah, football is back. All is right in the world.