It's Time To Start Answering Some Questions

The NFL's annual hype machine is whirring, eager to suggest the Chiefs are on the rise, the Bills are ready to challenge New England, and the Lions are only a few fortunate bounces away from upending Green Bay as NFC North champions.

Trust none of what you hear and less of what you see.

It's magic time.

From Flowery Branch, Ga., to Flagstaff, Ariz., every player looks like a stud in training camp. Quarterbacks are sharp, kickers split the uprights and rookie receivers routinely make fingertip grabs.

You don't need a team physician - Dr. Feelgood roams the premises.

All that optimism will fade in the next two months as the league's 89th season ushers in some harsh realities. Until then, these are the most compelling division-by-division issues to be settled before the Giants open defense of their Super Bowl title against the Redskins on Sept. 4.

NFC SOUTH

Can Jake Delhomme return from elbow surgery and help secure John Fox's job?

The Panthers have gone 15-17 since reaching the 2005 NFC Championship Game, and owner Jerry Richardson is running out of patience. Those Bill Cowher rumors continue to surface in Charlotte, where Fox and GM Marty Hurney must turn things around quickly.

Delhomme threw eight TD passes in the first three games before an elbow injury sidelined him for the remainder of the 2007 season. He remains the inspirational leader of the Panthers, who signed WR D.J. Hackett from Seattle and brought Muhsin Muhammad back after a three-year absence.

A lot of elements have to come together for Carolina this fall, but Delhomme's return to form tops the list. The Panthers could threaten Tampa Bay and New Orleans if the noted Bucs-killer recuperates fully from Tommy John surgery.

NFC EAST

Was Philadelphia's late-season surge a mirage?

The Eagles never recovered from a 1-3 start as QB Donovan McNabb looked rusty in September. Philly closed with a three-game winning streak, but the Cowboys, Giants and Redskins advanced to the postseason.

Coach Andy Reid enters his 10th season determined to restore Philadelphia as a perennial NFC power. Free-agent CB Asante Samuel will help a defense that registered only 11 interceptions.

NFC NORTH

Where's No. 4?

The Brett Favre saga hangs over this division like a $12 million shroud. While the Packers evidently don't want him, the Vikings are salivating for him.

With inexperienced Aaron Rodgers under center, the Packers figure to come back to the division. The Lions need a defense, the Bears need a quarterback and the Vikings appear ready to emerge as a power, especially with new DE Jared Allen packing heat off the edge.

NFC WEST

When are the Cardinals going to wise up?

Arizona has enough talent to challenge the Seahawks, but how can a team that beat Seattle, Pittsburgh and Cleveland lose twice to the 49ers?

Second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt has upgraded the roster. Now he has to decide between Matt Leinart and the popular Kurt Warner at QB and crack down on an immature club that leads the league in flags and penalty yardage.

AFC EAST

Will the Bills play in January?

The Clinton administration was in power when Buffalo last made the playoffs in 1999, and Coach Dick Jauron is going with second-year QB Trent Edwards.

Edwards has weapons in speedy WR Lee Evans and talented-but-troubled RB Marshawn Lynch, but giving up 94 points to New England in two lopsided losses is no way to announce you have arrived in the division.

AFC NORTH

Wherefore art thou, Romeo?

The Browns won their final seven home games but were edged by Tennessee for the final wild-card spot.

Coming off a 10-win season, Coach Romeo Crennel saw young QB Derek Anderson gain confidence behind a sturdy line. Perhaps a change of scenery can motivate underachieving DT Shaun Rogers, but Cleveland had better be ready early because five of the first seven games are against 2007 playoff teams.

AFC SOUTH

Houston, do we have a problem?

The Texans won three of their final four to finish 8-8 as Mario Williams emerged as a dynamic young defensive end. It's time to reach for the next level.

Houston scored more points than the Super Bowl champion Giants, and look for Sage Rosenfels to give Matt Schaub a run for the starting QB job.

AFC WEST

Can Shanahan survive?

An awful defense doomed the Broncos to a 7-9 finish, and they were outscored by the Chargers 64-6 in two games. As S John Lynch enters his 16th season, Denver lacks playmakers on both sides of the ball.

Owner Pat Bowlen has been a strong supporter of Coach Mike Shanahan, but those two Super Bowl rings are starting to lose their luster.

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Dallas: Stocked with Pro Bowl players, but Wade Phillips is 0-4 in the postseason.
New England: Not perfect, but still hungry. And still feared, as long as Mr. Brady is healthy.
San Diego: Talent-laden roster heads to Tampa on Dec. 21, plans a return trip six weeks later.
Seattle: Motivated by Mike Holmgren's final season, the Seahawks boast a heavy pass rush.
N.Y. Giants: Michael Strahan is gone ... Eli Manning has just arrived.
Jacksonville: You can see them on the championship horizon, charging hard.
Indianapolis: This proud franchise could go south in a hurry.
Minnesota: Can young QB Tarvaris Jackson manage the game?

THEY HAVE A CHANCE
Tampa Bay: This defense and offensive line could carry the Bucs a long way.
Philadelphia: Never count out a team with McNabb and Westbrook.
Pittsburgh: If Mike Tomlin tightens up this secondary, look out.
Cleveland: How will this young club deal with great expectations?
New Orleans: New MLB Jonathan Vilma will help, but a better pass rush is the key.
Washington: A Jason Taylor away from being dangerous. Go get him.

MIDDLE OF THE PACK
Buffalo: Young team on the rise, should arrive in 2009.
Carolina: Seen Julius Peppers lately? Neither has John Fox.
Green Bay: Bump them up a category if Favre's under center.
Denver: It's time for a Rocky Mountain overhaul.
Chicago: Drop 'em down if Devin Hester is sidelined.
Arizona: Only a matter of time before they win ... in the year 2525.
Tennessee: Jeff Fisher will not be outcoached.
Houston: Some good young talent, but not enough.
Cincinnati: Carson Palmer deserves a better fate.

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St. Louis: This defense and O-line are in shambles.
San Francisco: Sorry, Frank Gore can't do it alone.
Detroit: Rod Marinelli is still weeding out the bums.
Oakland: JaMarcus Russell, come on down to the Black Hole.
Baltimore: A weak attack must now replace LT Jonathan Ogden.
Miami: Bill Parcells likes reclamation projects - and he's found a whopper.
N.Y. Jets: Were they really in the playoffs two years ago?
Kansas City: Herm Edwards rebuilds his defense around rookie tackle Glenn Dorsey.
Atlanta: Michael Vick says he is broke. Isn't it rich?