Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

I got to attend my first game at the updated Hammer Field Complex Tuesday night when the boys’ soccer team hosted Austin. Although it wasn’t quite completed all the way, it was still magnificent. Not having to walk around the coaches standing outside the press box is going to be great, and — not that I didn’t enjoy sitting with Joe Sczublewski, Steve Alford, Jeff Halverson and anyone else who was working the scoreboard or play-by-play — but I’m sure we would all agree it could get a little cramped in there at times.

In order to get all of my NFL predictions on the record before the start of the regular season (with the exception of Thursday’s game) I’m going to do a quick, simplified version for the three remaining divisions.

First, the NFC South. I really don’t see anyone competing with the Saints here. As long as Drew Brees can continue to play at a high level and the weapons around him stay healthy, the Saints should win the division by a comfortable margin. The only team I might see giving them a run are the Panthers, but Cam Newton is going to have to play like he did when he first came into the league.

 

Final NFC South predictions

1. Saints 11-5

2. Panthers 8-8

3. Falcons 6-10

4. Buccaneers 6-10

The NFC West is going to be a lot tighter this year. I think the Rams are going to fall off a bit from the way they played last season. The team that competes with them is the Seahawks. After that, there’s going to be a big drop off. Although, the Cardinals could be a surprise with Kyler Murray at quarterback.

 

Final NFC West predictions

1. Rams 11-5

2. Seahawks 10-6 (wildcard)

3. 49ers 4-12

4. Cardinals 4-12

Finally, the NFC East. The two teams competing at the top at the end of the year will once again be the Cowboys and the Eagles, with the Eagles coming out on top late. Ezekiel Elliot got paid, but now he needs to prove it this season. Hopefully, for you Cowboys fans, he does.

 

Final NFC East predictions

1. Eagles 10-6

2. Cowboys 9-7 (wild card)

3. Redskins 6-10

4. Giants 6-10

Next week, I’ll have my playoff breakdown with my eventual Super Bowl winner.

 

Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.