With the exception of Brian Westbrook and the retired Tiki Barber, when it comes to fantasy players in the NFC East, all that comes to my mind is the word inconsistent. But, things may be looking up. A new coach in Dallas, Eli and Plexico putting in some OT and Brunell as back-up in Washington could all spell value for your squad in 2007.

Before sharing my notes with you I want to explain a few things. I have added a position category for the offensive line (OL). I rarely see anyone else paying much attention to this when breaking down players, but, it is pretty important to consider when getting a feel for their true value. Cliche’ or not, it all starts up front.

Also, when you see PMTS it means “pretty much the same” meaning not much has changed with this teams particular positions since last year. Just saving you some time. You know these teams already and we are just interested in getting up to date at this time.

Ladies and gentlemen, the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys
OL - May lose RG Marco Rivera. Added LT Leonard Davis from Arizona (who weren’t to disappointed to see him go).
QB - Brad Johnson will back up Romo.
RB - PMTS who will get the reps with the new coach?
WR - PMTS
TE - PMTS with Witten getting more looks in the new offense.
K - The veteran leaper Martin Gramatica vs. draft pick Nick Folk.
D - New head coach Wade Phillips has a history of building strong defenses (Chargers most recently). He gets the 14th ranked D, an upgrade at free safety with newly added Ken Hamlin and first round draft pick Anthony Spencer to line up opposite Demarcus Ware on the line. Many think Spencer could get rookie of the year.

New York Giants
OL - This unit is suspect at best. No depth and let LT Luke Petigout go.
QB - PMTS
RB - Lose Tiki. Added Rueben Droughns and have Brandon Jones listed as the starter.
WR - Plexico doing overtime with Eli. Toomer rehabbing. Drafted Steve Smith from USC.
TE - Lost back up to Vikes and added Kenin Boss to back up Shockey.
K - Lost Feely and added Arena Leaguer Marc Hickok (who beat out the stupid kicker Vandy and Edinger in tryouts) to compete with Josh Huston. Update: added Lawrence Tynes (traded from Chiefs).
D - One big question mark. Released Arrington and Carlos Emmons. Left Strahan, Sam Madison and with some rookies.

Philadelphia Eagles
OL - PMTS always solid
QB - McNabb, Feely, Holcombe and drafted Kolb
RB - PMTS with third round pick Tony Hunt
WR - Lost Donte Stallworth. Added Kevin Curtis and Bethel Johnson to work with Reggie Brown.
TE - PMTS
K - PMTS
D - Lost SS Micheal Lewis. Good coaching, always solid.

Washington Redskins
OL - PMTS but Added T Jason Fabini from Dallas. Note: finished 6th in rushing and 15th against the pass last year.
QB - Jason Campbell spending a ton of time with coaches in the offseason.
RB - PMTS added Derrick Blaylock
WR - PMTS
TE - PMTS
K - Shaun Suisham
D - Added MLB London Fletcher and Fred Smoot to the secondary. More depth at corner. Drafted best defensive player in draft LaRon Landry.

Fantasy wise there are ton of question marks with all of these teams but a few things stand out. I am betting the Dallas defense will provide your team with some nice value if they can stay under the radar (Shhhh!). In Washington, I say Jason Campbell figures it out which means Moss, Cooley and Portis (or Betts) look pretty damn good.

In New York a suspect D along with Plex and Shockey coming in to work with Eli in the offseason could signal high point totals (just nervous about that line). I think Kevin Curtis has a chance to see a bunch of balls and its Phili’s division to lose if McNabb can stay healthy.

I’ll be back in a few to give you my notes on the NFC West.