Hold on to your hats... the NFL IS BACK! Which team will lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy at MetLife Stadium next February?
The seemingly endless wait is almost over as the National Football League gears up for another season, starting with defending Super Bowl champions Baltimore's visit to Denver on Thursday, September 5. Sportsmail brings you a guide to all 32 teams set to do battle over the coming months.
Stick with us throughout the season for LIVE text commentary from every match as well as video highlights and interviews. You won't miss a thing.
AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS
KEY MAN: CJ SPILLER
In CJ Spiller, Buffalo possess a lethal running back. Spiller rushed for 1,244 yards at an average of six yards per carry in 2012.
His average was second only to Adrian Peterson. Spiller also added 459 receiving yards.
Buffalo have tried almost everything to end their NFL record 13-year run without making the playoffs. Now, they turn to Doug Marrone from Syracuse University. Head coach Marrone, who worked as an offensive line coach at New York Jets for four years, has been handed the task of rebuilding the Bills and guiding them to the playoffs.
But the Bills rebuild doesn't start from scratch. They possess plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but their problem could lie in the strength of the Patriots, even after a rocky off-season, and in the ambitious free agency spending in Miami.
As it stands, both those teams should finish above Buffalo in the AFC East this season.
Weapon: CJ Spiller was second behind only Adrian Peterson in yards per carry last season
Buffalo drafted Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel in the first round this year, the 16th overall pick. Manuel is big and strong with a lot of potential in years to come and, if he does start behind Kevin Kolb in the pecking order, it won't be for long.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
KEY MAN: RYAN TANNEHILL
Miami’s fortunes will rest with second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
After a solid rookie season, Tannehill's development over the coming months will go a long way to deciding Miami's fate this season.
Miami splashed out over $98m in free agency this year to try and end their four-year run of finishing with a losing record. Since winning the AFC East in 2008, the Dolphins have been disappointing. This year, they must turn things around.
Despite New England's troubled off-season, they are still favourites for the division ahead of Miami, but this Dolphins team should be lining up at least a Wild Card spot.
The addition of wide receiver Mike Wallace signals Miami's intentions to fill the team with stronger and better talent.
Development: Ryan Tannehill is entering his second season in the NFL as Miami's quarterback
Also joining the party in Florida are tight end Dustin Keller and defensive duo Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler. Add in No 3 draft pick Dion Jordan, a 6ft 6ins monster from Oregon, and the Dolphins have become a team to be wary of, if not yet fearful.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
As one of the elite teams in the league, New England are used to their fair share of media spotlight and scrutiny. This off-season, though, the Patriots have struggled to stay out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The ongoing saga involving tight end Aaron Hernandez, who was released by the franchise, has dominated the news in Boston. But while losing Hernandez will hurt the Patriots offence, nothing will match the pain of seeing Wes Welker leave for Denver during free agency to join up with, of all people, Tom Brady's nemesis Peyton Manning.
Key: Tom Brady will once again be crucial for the New England Patriots
KEY MAN: TOM BRADY
Any team with Brady at quarterback will always have a chance in any match.
He has nothing left to prove and, despite his receiving options not being as strong as they once were, he is more than capable of leading the Patriots to another Super Bowl title.
But New England are a team used to winning and with Brady at quarterback they will once again be the team to beat in the AFC East, a division they have dominated for years. Last season, only a poor second half against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game prevented them from reaching the showpiece in New Orleans.
New recruit Danny Amendola has, much like fearsome tight end Rob Gronkowski, struggled with injuries but if the two of them stay fit, Brady will have more than enough options. New England led the league in scoring last year, averaging 35 points per game.
The defence still remains a concern for coach Bill Belichick and the team recognised that in the draft, bringing in linebacker Jamie Collins and cornerback Logan Ryan with two of their top three picks. Unless the defence steps up this year, Brady's search for an elusive fourth Super Bowl will continue.
NEW YORK JETS
The New York Jets may not be a winning team of late, but they certainly entertain, even if it is for all the wrong reasons. Last year, the football-loving public were left baffled, confused and perplexed with Tim Tebow's role.
In waiting: Geno Smith should replace Mark Sanchez as Jets quarterback at some point this season
KEY MAN: GENO SMITH
Smith may not start the season at quarterback, but he will almost certainly end the year in pole position. The Jets’ decision to draft Smith effectively brings Sanchez’s era to an abrupt end, and not before time.
The mistakes Sanchez has made have cost the Jets dear and will continue to do so until they replace him. Once Smith is the starter, the Jets’ fortunes will almost certainly improve.
This year, Mark Sanchez's quarterback competition comes in the shape of second-round draft pick Geno Smith. This time round, though, Sanchez may be spending more time on the sideline rather than looking back at Tebow warming the bench like he did last season.
Smith's arrival in New York is part of a major facelift led by new general manager John Idzik. The decision to eventually trade Darrelle Revis to Tampa Bay for two draft picks as well as the addition of Smith suggests that Idzik is looking beyond the 2013 season.
By 2014, Sanchez's salary will be wiped off and a decision can be taken on whether head coach Rex Ryan is the man to take the Jets forward. It could be a case of more pain for Jets fans this season before gain next year.
Prediction: New England (1st), Miami (2nd), Buffalo (3rd), New York Jets (4th)
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS
KEY MAN: JOE FLACCO
Despite winning the Super Bowl question marks still remain over the quarterback.
His regular-season numbers weren’t great last year and with a weakened receiving corps he will need to prove he’s worth that huge contract.
Despite being the reigning Super Bowl champions, Baltimore come into this season almost unrecognisable from the team that lifted the Vince Lombardi trophy last February in New Orleans.
On offence, Joe Flacco became the fourth-highest paid quarterback in the NFL after leading his team to the big prize. But that big contract meant that funds were not available for other players and, as a result, the receiver position now looks extremely light. No 1 receiver Anquan Boldin went to the 49ers, while John Harbaugh's men have had some bad luck in training camp, with Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson picking up injuries.
The Ravens' famed defence has been split up, Ray Lewis retired and Ed Reed joined the Texans. However, they were able to pick up Elvis Dumervil, and if Terrell Suggs can continue recovery from injury teams will find it difficult to score against this unit.
Deal: Joe Flacco has signed a mega-money contract extension with the Super Bowl champions Baltimore
CINCINNATI BENGALS
KEY MAN: AJ GREEN
Green is among the very best in the league at his position, with an extra receiving threat at tight end his numbers may be down but by the same token that will mean more open looks and more touchdowns.
As one of the youngest teams in the league, the Bengals ooze potential, they have an array of weapons on offence and defence, but question marks remain over certain players in key positions.
On offence, their receiving corps is one of the best in the NFL. Their offensive line is dominant, AJ Green is already an elite threat, as is Jermaine Gresham at tight end. First round pick Tyler Eifert will only help as they play with more two tight end sets. However, Andy Dalton continues to be questioned, while BenJarvus Green-Ellis struggled at times last year.
Defensively, Geno Atkins set a franchise record with 12.5 sacks last season, while Carlos Dunlap was given a big contract to bring out his potential. James Harrison was added, while undrafted rookie Vontaze Burfict recorded 127 tackles to lead the team.
Strong: The Cincinnati Bengals finished 10-6 and made the play-offs last season
But questions remain over middle linebacker Rey Maualuga who gave up a QB rating of 107 when he was targeted last year. But this is an exciting team going places.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
It's been another off-season of change in Cleveland after unpopular head coach Pat Shurmur was sacked and Rob Chudzinski was appointed to the job.
The Browns, despite what their 5-11 record last season might indicate, have some interesting pieces.
Breakthrough: Trent Richardson (left) scored 12 touchdowns last season, but will expect more this time
KEY MAN: TRENT RICHARDSON
Richardson received some unfair criticism last season. He was a rookie playing with broken ribs in an unimaginative scheme run by Pat Shurmur but still managed more than 1,000 yards total and 12 touchdowns.
Expect a breakout year under Rob Chudzinski.
Trent Richardson was playing with broken ribs last season, yet still managed to score 12 touchdowns. They were excellent defensively at times last season, but were strangled by bad play-calling from Shurmur - the hope is that more spent time with the ball will help Cleveland defensively.
Paul Kruger and first round draft pick Barkevious Mingo will improve the pass rush and their secondary is strong.
However, the Brandon Weeden pick looks worse and worse - he will be 30 this season despite being entering his second season in the league - and there are question marks at tight end and in the receiving corps.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
KEY MAN: BEN ROETHLISBERGER
The Steelers had a 6-3 record before Big Ben went down with injury and they crawled to an 8-8 final record.
Despite losing one of his main men in Mike Wallace, Roethlisberger is still among the best in the league.
The Steelers recorded their first non-winning record for the first time since 2006 last season, and given the strength of the other teams in their division, they could be set to struggle - by their high standards - again.
There are big issues across the offence. The line was one of the worst in the league last season, the departure of Mike Wallace leaves their receiving corps looking light, and Heath Miller's injury means there is a lack of talent at tight end. The Steelers running game was terrible last year, and that looks set to continue.
Defensive leader James Harrison has left to the Bengals, and Troy Polamalu had another poor year. But there is enough talent on the defensive side to keep the offence in with a chance.
Pocket presence: Ben Roethlisberger will be key if Pittsburgh hope to make the play-offs
Prediction: Cincinnati (1st), Baltimore (2nd), Cleveland (3rd), Pittsburgh (4th)
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS
KEY MAN: ARIAN FOSTER
Foster picked up 1,424 yards last season, scoring 17 touchdowns for the Texans. He is a two-time Pro Bowl running back who provides the Houston offence with the balance they need to make the passing game a success.
The Texans may be a young franchise but their expectations are very high. Not often is a 12-4 record viewed as a disappointment, but Houston stumbled from 11-1 last season to a 1-3 finish which saw them miss out on home-field advantage in the playoffs, something that was almost unthinkable heading into December.
With quarterback Matt Schaub in full flow and JJ Watt leading an intimidating defence, the Texans looked like Super Bowl contenders for the majority of the season, but ultimately came unstuck at New England in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Not much has changed for Houston over the off-season, their objective is still the same - win the Super Bowl. Gary Kubiak enters his eighth year as head coach hoping to go, at very least, one better than last season's divisional round loss. Indianapolis are the only team capable of stopping them from racking up a third straight AFC South title.
Expectation: Houston will aim to better last season, where they lost in the divisional round at New England
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
KEY MAN: ANDREW LUCK
Luck will once again be the key for Indianapolis. Despite being sacked 41 times during his rookie season, the No 1 draft pick was still able to show his incredible talent on a number of occasions.
With better protection and more receiving options, winning the division is not out of the equation for the Colts.
The Colts' 2012 season resembled the storyline from a fairy tale novel. Coming off a 2-14 2011 season, Indianapolis rebuilt their franchise with a new general manager (Ryan Grigson), new head coach (Chuck Pagano) and No 1 draft pick quarterback Andrew Luck.
Not in their wildest dreams could Colts fans have imagined an 11-5 season or even making the playoffs, where they lost in the wildcard round to Baltimore. Luck tore up all the textbooks and coaching manuals on rookie quarterback development, developing an almost telepathic understanding with receiver Reggie Wayne.
Indianapolis were driven on by the news of head coach Pagano being diagnosed with leukaemia. His recovery, along with the Colts' resurgence, was the most heartwarming aspect of the 2012 NFL season.
Leader: Andrew Luck enjoyed a phenomenal rookie season last year, guiding the Colts to the play-offs
The off-season saw offensive coordinator Bruce Arians move to Arizona and his role was filled by Pep Hamilton, who worked with Luck at Stanford. If the Colts could match their 11-5 record from last season and maybe put pressure on divisional favourites Houston, they will have had another good season after the disaster that was 2011.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Shad Khan regime in Jacksonville kicked into full swing this off-season. The Jaguars owner has made major changes to the franchise heading into his second season after a dismal 2-14 campaign last year.
Out went old general manager Gene Smith to be replaced by David Caldwell while Gus Bradley took over as head coach from Mike Mularkey.
Time of reckoning: Maurice Jones-Drew must prove he is still an elite running back this season
KEY MAN: MAURICE JONES-DREW
After a lengthy injury lay-off, time is running out for Jones-Drew to prove he is still the elite running back Jacksonville need.
He was the leading rusher in the league in 2011. The Jags will hope for a return to that form this year.
As far as the roster goes, Jacksonville used their No 2 draft pick to bring in offensive tackle Luke Joeckel. At quarterback, one area the Jags really need to improve from last season, Blaine Gabbert will compete against Chad Henne for starting duties.
The upcoming season is also important for Maurice Jones-Drew. Coming off a Lisfranc injury, the running back is 28 years old as he enters his eighth season in the NFL. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Jones-Drew will hope to replicate his 2011 season performance, where he rushed for 1,606 yards.
The changes made by Jacksonville are not a short-term fix to their problems and will not bring them immediate success. Just to avoid finishing bottom of the AFC South again is quite a big ask.
TENNESSEE TITANS
KEY MAN: CHRIS JOHNSON
Tennessee have added more depth to take the pressure off ‘CJ2K’. Former Jets running back Shonn Greene is a useful option in the backfield.
If Johnson can stay fresh, he might well be instrumental in any success the Titans have this season.
The Titans know they must improve on their 6-10 record from a year ago in this campaign. The management recognised that the roster needing improving and worked tirelessly in free agency, bringing in 12 players. Among the new recruits are a number of experienced players such as Delanie Walker and Bernard Pollard.
If Tennessee are to better their record from last year, they must do better against their divisional rivals. Last season they had to wait until week 17 for their first and only win against divisional opponents, beating Jacksonville 38-20.
With Chris Johnson in the backfield, they care more than capable of troubling bigger teams especially at home, as they showed with wins over Detroit (44-41) and Pittsburgh (26-23).
Running man: Chris Johnson (CJ2K) is still Tennessee's most potent rusher despite the new arrivals
Johnson was far more productive last year than in 2011, recording 1,243 yards. This campaign, behind a rebuilt offensive line, Johnson will have no excuse for failure. Whether or not they can bridge the gap to Houston and Indianapolis is debatable.
Prediction: Houston (1st), Indianapolis (2nd), Tennessee (3rd), Jacksonville (4th)
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS
KEY MAN: PEYTON MANNING
At least for the first few weeks of the season, the Denver Broncos success will rest on the shoulders of Peyton Manning.
With an under-strength defence, Manning will need to put points on the board, which we all know he is capable of doing.
The Denver Broncos are coming off an excellent 2012 on the back of acquiring Peyton Manning last off-season, finishing with a 13-3 record before being dumped out of the playoffs in double-overtime by the Superbowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.
The Broncos have added former Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker to their ranks for 2013, and alongside Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker form an excellent receiving core for Manning to utilise.
Defensively, the Broncos could have troubles early in the season as Von Miller is suspended for the first six games, Champ Bailey is struggling with injury and Elvis Dumervil was lost in Free Agency due to a paperwork mix up.
Dream team: Wes Welker (left) joined Denver to link up with quarterback Peyton Manning (right)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
KEY MAN: JAMAAL CHARLES
Charles is a top five back in the NFL, but in Andy Reid’s West Coast offence he must show his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield.
If he shows good hands and pass blocking ability he should have a stellar season at Arrowhead.
Kansas City welcomes former Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid to Arrowhead, and along with him his pass orientated offence. Reid brought in quarterback Alex Smith early in the off-season for a 2013 2nd Round Pick as well as a 2014 pick to run his offence.
Reid will need to rely on running back Jamaal Charles, one of the best in the game, to keep a balanced offence, as Smith is not a game winning quarterback, more a game manager.
Defensively, the Chiefs do not have a bunch of household names, but do have a playmaker at Cornerback in Brandon Flowers, and another at safety in Eric Berry. However, I see them being one of the lower ranked defences.
Duo: New Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith (right) must utilise Jamaal Charles (left) this season
OAKLAND RAIDERS
KEY MAN: DARREN MCFADDEN
The former first round pick has suffered injury after injury with Oakland, and has struggled on a woeful offence.
If the Raiders are to have any success this season, he needs to have a breakout year.
After finishing 4-12 last season, the Oakland Raiders will look to improve majorly in 2013. Problem is, at the time of writing, Oakland still hasn’t decided on a starting quarterback, whether it be Matt Flynn or Terrelle Pryor.
Add to this an underachieving running back in Darren McFadden and list of receivers with very little success; it could be a long season for Oakland fans. The Raiders did draft, however, offensive tackle Menelik Watson from Manchester, so they’ll have a lot of support here in the UK.
Dream: Manchester born Menelik Watson (left) will line up for the Oakland Raiders this season
On defence, things look little better, with their biggest signing this off-season being 36-year-old cornerback, Charles Woodson, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
KEY MAN: SPECIAL TEAMS
In recent years, San Diego’s special teams have been dire, blocked punts, kick-off returns allowed, fumbles, despite having possibly the best Punter in the game Mike Scifres and a good kicker in Nick Novak. They must improve hugely.
San Diego will look to bounce back after a couple of average years, under the stewardship of first year head coach Mike McCoy.
McCoy joins from the Denver Broncos and will be looking to compete with his former team for the division title. McCoy will look to get quarterback Phillip Rivers' career back on track after struggles in recent years. Running back Ryan Matthews must begin to live up to his potential, and the Charger wide-outs need to step up. Antonio Gates at tight end will always be a factor, despite his age.
The defence will be led by All-Pro safety Eric Weddle, but this defence could be will be middle of the road. Rookie linebacker Manti T’eo will bring a media circus to the team, which could provide extra scrutiny on the defence.
Breakdown: San Diego Chargers will need a much better season on special teams than last year
Prediction: Denver (1st), San Diego (2nd), Kansas City (3rd), Oakland (4th)
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS
KEY MAN: DEMARCUS WARE
Every NFL fan knows who DeMarcus Ware is, and what he has achieved in his eight year career.
However, most of his success in the NFL has come as an outside linebacker, rather than having his hand on the ground. How will he cope on the defensive line?
The Dallas Cowboys finished outside of the play-offs with an 8-8 record in 2012, leading to the firing of defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan by general manager Jerry Jones. Jones then hired 73 year-old Monte Kiffin who brings with him his 4-3 defensive scheme.
The Dallas offence, led by Tony Romo will always find ways to score with the talented trio of running back DeMarco Murray, wide receiver Dez Bryant and veteran tight end Jason Witten helping the cause, but the key to their success this year will be their transition to the 4-3, and specifically how the likes of Defensive standout DeMarcus Ware and Linebacker Sean Lee acclimatize to their new roles.
Senior figure: DeMarcus Ware (left) hands out a piece of advice to Jason Vega (right) during pre-season
NEW YORK GIANTS
KEY MAN: DAVID WILSON
The second year man must produce to keep the Giants offence balanced. In their 2007 Super Bowl winning season they were fourth in regular season rushing yards.
A balanced attack will keep defences honest, so it is imperative that Wilson has a good season. He has all the skills to be a very good NFL running back.
Having won two of the last six Super Bowls, the New York Giants will be looking to return to the play-offs after missing out by one game last season.
The New York offence led by Eli Manning can put up points in bunches, but can also go through baron spells during the season, but with Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks at wide reciever, there will be more good games then bad for the offence.
On defence, the defensive line is always the team’s strong point, led by fourth year defensive end Jason Pierre Paul and Veteran end Justin Tuck. The Giants are always up near the top of the league in sack total and this year should be no different.
Combination: Giants quarterback Eli Manning (right) hands off to running back David Wilson (left)
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
KEY MAN: JASON PETERS
Peters is one of the best offensive lineman in the league, but suffered a catastrophic injury in the summer of 2012 rupturing his Achilles twice.
Without Peters, the Eagles offensive line struggled hugely. With the return of Peters, and the drafting of Lane Johnson, the offensive line will see a drastic improvement, as long as Peters is near 100%.
The Philadelphia Eagles come into the season off the back of a horrendous 2012 campaign, finishing 4-12 and drafting 3rd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
New head coach Chip Kelly brings his high tempo Oregon offence to the National Football League and will look to make a big impact. Quarterback Michael Vick, running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver DeSean Jackson should all excel in this offence. However, Vick has competition in Nick Foles for the starting quarterback role.
On defence, the Eagles are making the transition from a 4-3 defence to the 3-4. They do not have the ideal personnel as of this moment for the 3-4, and return just one starter from their 2012 secondary.
Pressure: Michael Vick throws a pass with protection from Todd Herremans (79) and Jason Peters (71)
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
KEY MAN: ROBERT GRIFFIN III
The success of the Redskins lies on the shoulders, and knee, of one Robert Griffin III. Griffin had a sensational rookie season leading the Washington Redskins to a playoff berth and winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award before tearing his LCL and ACL.
Can Griffin be as effective after the knee injury, will the injury affect his mobility, a huge part of his success? Only time will tell.
The current NFC East champion Washington Redskins will be looking to repeat the success of last season led by second year men quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris.
Morris last season broke the Redskins rushing record in his rookie season after being drafted in the 6th round of the NFL draft, he should have another big year in the Mike Shanahan offence.
On defence, the Redskins will see the return of Stars Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker after injuries in the 2012 season, adding to the Redskins pass rushing threat. 38 year old Linebacker London Fletcher will once again lead the unit, entering his sixteenth NFL season.
Long road back: Robert Griffin III has been recovering from tearing his ACL last season
Prediction: New York Giants (1st), Washington (2nd), Dallas (3rd), Philadelphia (4th)
NFC NORTH
CHIGAGO BEARS
KEY MAN: MATT FORTE
The previously underused Forte is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries of Trestman’s scheme.
The 27-year-old will be used as a twin-threat and with his safe hands and route running, could Forte become the second running back in NFL history to post 1,000 rushing yards and catch 100 receptions?
New head coach Marc Trestman joins from the Canadian Football League, sweeping the West Coast offense into Soldier Field. The 57-year-old will hope to align a fast-paced attack with the top-five defense forged by the departed Lovie Smith.
Quarterback Jay Cutler is in his contract year, and his ability get a new deal hinges on his ability to remain on his feet and reach the play-offs for just the second time in his career.
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod joined from New Orleans to protect Cutler’s blind side and with superstar talent such as Brandon Marshall, giant tight end Martellus Bennett and versatile running back Matt Forte, the pieces are in place.
Beneficiary: Matt Forte could be used a lot more this season with the arrival of head coach Marc Trestman
But for the first time since the Clinton administration the Bears are without Brian Urlacher. Fellow linebacker Nick Roach has departed too, and key defensive figures such as Julius Peppers, Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs are the wrong side of 30.
Jon Bostic, a second round draft pick, is expected to step into Urlacher’s cleats at middle linebacker.
DETROIT LIONS
A team boasting game-changers such as record-breaking receiver Calvin Johnson and defensive rocks Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley should not implode as spectacularly as the Lions did last season.
Reggie Bush adds a run threat to franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford’s offense, and with receivers Ryan Broyles (should he stay fit), Nate Burleson and back-up Joique Bell, the Lions have the talent, but do they have the mentality to follow up 2011’s play-off appearance?
Versatile: Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (centre) rushes during pre-season
KEY MAN: REGGIE BUSH
As defenses stack up to thwart Megatron’s prodigious receiving downfield, should the do-it-all running back – who has been touted to catch between 60 and 80 passes this season – exploit the space and continue to average anything like 1,200 yards a season, the Lions could rack up the scoreboard and hit the post-season.
The offensive line receives a complete overhaul, with three new starters, among them 2012’s first round draft pick Riley Reiff at left tackle.
The defensive line is equally turbulent. First round draft pick Ziggy Ansah pencilled in for defensive end for the season-opener against the Vikings, should he recover from a suspected concussion sustained in preseason.
The re-signing of Louis Delmas at safety should not be underestimated, with Glover Quin, recruited from the Houston Texans, forming a solid safety partnership.
If there’s no significant improvement on last year, expect head coach Jim Schwartz to be moved on.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
KEY MAN: AARON RODGERS
How could it be anyone else? If Rodgers gets injured, Green Bay can kiss their Super Bowl chances goodbye.
Rodgers threw 45 touchdown passes during Green Bay's 15-1 campaign in 2011 and, although he didn't quite match those numbers last season, he still managed 39 touchdowns in 2012... not too bad.
The two biggest signings in Green Bay over the off-season were two players already wearing the famous yellow helmet. Both Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews put pen to paper on lucrative contract extensions to keep them at Lambeau Field.
Aside than that, head coach Mike McCarthy has recognised the need for improvement in more than one area. In Rodgers, the Packers have arguably the best quarterback in the league, which makes for an incredibly efficient passing game.
The rushing game, though, has been non existent for the Packers. But all that could change this season if second round draft pick Eddie Lacy, a running back from Alabama, can make gains with the ground game. It's a big ask in his rookie season, but Lacy's arrival provides this Green Bay offence with some much needed balance.
Eggs in one basket: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a mega contract extension over the off-season
Green Bay drafted defensive end Datone Jones with their first-round pick, recognising the defense must improve, especially after being destroyed by San Francisco 45-31 in the divisional round of the play-offs last year.
One area of concern for the Packers is the offensive line - Rodgers was sacked a league high 51 times last year. The unwelcome loss of Bryan Bulaga to injury will do nothing to ease the anxiety. Rodgers must start passing the ball quicker to avoid being sacked.
The Packers are still favourite to win the NFC North and go deep into the play-offs, but they will need to be on their game right from the start of the season with their daunting trip to the 49ers.
Expect big things from Randall Cobb on offence this year.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Another aggressive draft by general manager Rick Spielman addressed key weaknesses of a play-off reaching roster.
Three first-round picks arrived in the shape of defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, cornerback Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
Unstoppable: Adrian Peterson fell eight yards short of breaking the rushing record last season
KEY MAN: CHRISTIAN PONDER
If he can recapture the form that saw the Vikings win their final four games, the play-offs beckon again. With Jennings, Patterson and Pro Bowl MVP Kyle Rudolph to aim at, he has the weapons.
But if his poor pocket presence, disappointing record on third downs and unhappy knack of throwing interceptions continue, it’s time for a new franchise quarterback in Minnesota. And that’s unlikely to be back-up Matt Cassel.
Sure, they lost Percy Harvin and Antoine Winfield to the Seattle Seahawks, but the former is out until November and the latter recently retired.
Two-time Pro Bowler Greg Jennings adds experience to a weak receiving corps, and then there’s MVP Adrian Peterson, who has targeted 2,500 rushing yards after missing the all-time rushing yard record by nine yards.
Serious question marks remain at middle linebacker and cornerback, with second-year Josh Robinson attempting to fill Winfield’s void in the slot.
Facing two divisional rivals on the road in the opening games means the start of the season is crucial, and how will Peterson cope with the loss of Pro Bowl full back Jerome Felton until Wembley in Week Four?
Prediction: Green Bay (1st), Chicago (2nd), Minnesota (3rd), Detroit (4th)
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS
Up 10 points at half-time of the NFC Championship game, Matt Ryan and the Falcons felt the full brunt of the San Francisco 49ers defense in the second half of that game and ultimately fell to an agonising loss.
But Atlanta have had an excellent off-season, and can count themselves as one of the top five teams on both sides of the ball.
Last season's major weakness, the running game, has been significantly upgraded with Steven Jackson replacing Michael Turner.
Turner struggled last season, averaging just 3.6 yards per career as he trundled his way to 800 yards. Though Jackson has heavy mileage on his 30-year-old body, the former St Louis Ram still carried for more than 1,000 yards for the eighth consecutive season at 4.1ypc.
Agonising: Atlanta were beaten on home soil in the NFC Championship by San Francisco last season
KEY MEN: THE RECEIVERS
Perhaps a cop out but the trio of White, Jones and Gonzalez is the best in the league. If the three are fit and firing they, and Matt Ryan, can expect a deep play-off run.
Jackson is also much more of a threat in the passing game - he once caught 90 passes in a season - and will give Matt Ryan and the rest of the receiving corps greater room to manoeuvre as the screen game improves.
On that receiving corps, Ryan has arguably the best trio in the NFL with Roddy White, Julio Jones and veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez. Convincing Gonzalez to stay for one more year was a major coup, with the 37-year-old posting the best numbers of his Atlanta career last season. The only question mark offensively is that there will be three new starters on the offensive line, they will need to gel quickly.
Defensively, veteran end John Abraham will be a big loss, he had 10 sacks last year, but he has been replaced by former New York Giant Osi Umenyiora.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina brought in a new style of play towards the end of last season and it yielded immediate results, with the side posting a 6-1 record in the final weeks the campaign.
That work has continued this off-season, with Cam Newton becoming more of a pocket presence than he has been in his opening years in the league. Despite being a statistical beast - he posted the best numbers of any quarterback in his first two years in the league ever - Newton's good play has not turned into victories.
Point to prove: After an underwhelming second season, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton must show more of the promise of his rookie year this campaign
KEY MAN: CAM NEWTON
Superman is expected to play a new, pass-first style this season.
He has been good in the past but he needs to turn his excellent stats into wins, though a lot of that will be up to those around him on both sides of the ball
They have good weapons offensively, DeAngelo WIlliams and Jonathan Stewart make a nice combination of speed and strength, and Steve Smith and Greg Olsen both in the top tier in their positions. However, they do lack depth outside of these players.
Defensively, last season's top rated pass rush has been improved. Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy combined for 23.5 sacks last year, while rookie defensive tackle Star Lotulelei will add a ferocious inside element to that attack.
However they have questions at linebacker and especially in the secondary, where a lot of changes have been made to improve upon last year's stuttering unit.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
KEY MAN: DREW BREES
Some people like Aaron Rodgers, some people like Tom Brady and some people like Drew Brees. It’s a simple fact that he is among the elite at the most important position in the sport.
He should surpass 5,000 yards (again) as the Saints get back to winning ways.
The only way is up for the Saints after a poor 2012. And with Sean Payton back in charge the return of an up-tempo attack, and huge numbers for Drew Brees, should be just around the corner.
Brees' numbers were still incredibly last year, more than 5,000 yards, 43 touchdowns, just 16 interceptions and a 63 per cent pass completion rate - expect it to be better this year with Payton back at the helm.
Last year's problems were all defense. New defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan has looked to address this with a change in formation, switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4.
They may not have the outside linebackers to create a fearsome pass rush, but Ryan's playbook should make the team more solid against the run. The secondary is still a weakness, but they drafted safety Kenn Vaccaro in the first round to help.
Below par: Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints endured a disappointing campaign last season
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
KEY MAN: DARRELLE REVIS
It would be easy to pick Josh Freeman as the main man but in a division with three of the best quarterbacks in the league, strong play from Revis is a necessity.
So good was his play pre-injury that his nickname is Revis Island when on the field, as receivers would get marooned there without the ball. He must get back to that for the Bucs to have success.
Big questions remain over quarterback Josh Freeman. His play has gone backwards and after a breakout year in 2010 his numbers, outside of touchdowns thrown, have been significantly worse.
He set a franchise record with his 27 touchdowns last season but his play got more jittery as the season went on, despite receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams having excellent seasons.
Doug Martin was a revelation at running back and it will be interesting to see if the sophomore can continue the unbelievable play from his rookie year. However, there are questions at tight end and on the offensive line.
More of that, please: Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis makes a catch
Defensively, the big news was a move for Darrelle Revis, the former New York Jet who was indisputably the best cornerback in the NFL before his ACL injury. If he returns as the same, or something near the same, player he was before his injury, Tampa Bay will have received a major upgrade.
But there are concerns elsewhere in the secondary, exacerbated by a lack of a threatening pass rush. In a division with such explosive quarterbacks as Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan, that could spell trouble for this young team.
Prediction: Atlanta (1st), New Orleans (2nd), Carolina (3rd), Tampa Bay (4th)
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS
KEY MAN: PATRICK PETERSON
Already one of the most fearsome cornerbacks in the NFL, All-Pro Peterson led the league in punt returns in his rookie season in 2011 with 699 yards.
With four touchdowns on returns and nine interceptions to his name in his two-year career, Arians is talking up the 23-year-old as an offensive weapon – and a potential top-five receiver.
With a new coach and a new quarterback in Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer, the Cardinals have a chance of utilising seven-time Pro Bowler Larry Fitzgerald after a poor statistical season by his incredibly high standards.
But Arians will first have to overhaul a terrible offensive line, which rates as the least effective in NFL history, ranking worst for pass rush and sacks given up per pass attempt last year.
Guard Jonathan Cooper, the seventh pick of the draft, was expected to lead the revamp, but a broken leg sustained in the third game of preseason looks to have put him out for the season.
Work to do: New head coach Bruce Arians is left with the task of overhauling Arizona's offensive line
The Cardinals do, however, have a defense of which to be proud, ranking second in interceptions with 22 last time out. They will need it to function again in a pass-heavy division where the read-option will feature heavily.
But with running back Rashard Mendenhall and receivers Michael Floyd and Andre Roberts complimenting Fitzgerald, the Cardinals will be no pushovers.
And with Patrick Peterson mentoring third-round draft pick Tyrann Mathieu, keep an eye on the progress of the cornerback known as the Honey Badger.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Colin Kaepernick enters his first full season as starting quarterback, hoping to continue Jim Harbaugh’s seemingly inevitable assault on the Lombardi Trophy. Runners up in the NFC championship in his first season, the 49ers lost in the Superdome in February and are favoured by many to taste victory in MetLife Stadium.
But Kaepernick’s favourite target Michael Crabtree is out for much of the year with an achilles injury, weakening a lightweight receiving corps. Expect Anquan Boldin – brought in on a one-year deal from Super Bowl winning Baltimore Ravens – and tight end Vernon Davis to have additional receptions.
Heartbreak: San Francisco were beaten in the Super Bowl by Baltimore last season
KEY MAN: ERIC REID
The 18th overall pick is tasked with replacing Goldson, who joins the Buccaneers on a $41.25m five-year deal.
Expectations are high for the LSU rookie, and he will lean on Donte Whitner for support.
With the 49ers facing seven quarterbacks who ranked top 10 in pass completion, including Aaron Rodgers in Week One, Reid will need to fast.
Frank Gore leads a gutsy running game behind the best offensive line in the league, with talent such as Joe Staley, Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati on show.
On defense, the front seven is nothing short of fearsome, with a pass rush featuring the likes of Justin Smith – whose injury last season heralded a significant downturn for the Niners - and Aldon Smith, who recorded 19.5 sacks last season.
If there is a weakness, it’s in the secondary. All-Pro Dashon Goldshon is replaced by first round pick Eric Reid at free safety, and how will cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Carlos Rogers bounce back after a poor end to last year?
Expect the two games with hated rivals Seattle Seahawks – in Weeks Two and 14 - to settle the most competitive division in the NFL.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
The addition of do-it-all receiver Percy Harvin was meant to be the final piece in the jigsaw after the Seahawks came within a whisker of the NFC Championship game. But a hip injury sees the dynamic playmaker out until mid-November.
Such a blow would hinder the hopes of many a franchise, but not Pete Carroll’s finely-tuned roster. Boasting a dynamic offense marshalled by the mobile Russell Wilson and featuring the fearsome running of Marshawn Lynch, who posted career-figures of 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns, the Seahawks are a frightening prospect with and without the ball.
Contenders: If Russell Wilson repeats his excellent rookie season, Seattle should at least make the play-offs
KEY MAN: PERCY HARVIN
Hear me out. With Harvin scheduled to return around Thanksgiving, should he recreate the MVP-esque form he showed in his final nine games in Minnesota, the Seahawks will gain a deep threat receiver, capable of winning any game with big plays. And that’s a useful tool to have coming into the stretch.
Defensive end Cliff Avril comes in from Detroit - although he is banned for the first four games – alongside defensive tackle Michael Bennett to improve the pass rush to improve one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.
Elsewhere, a fearsome secondary features hard-hitting Kam Chancellor at safety, Earl Thomas at free safety and Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman a corner, who will doubtless continue to mouth off and rough up receivers.
With the experience gained from his first year, Wilson has everything at his disposal to give the Seahawks a run at a first Super Bowl.
ST LOUIS RAMS
KEY MAN: TAVON AUSTIN
Don’t be fooled by his diminutive stature. At 5ft 9in, Austin is one of the smallest receivers in the NFL, and while he will be targeted by opposition corners, the explosive former running back will be utilised on punt returns and even in the backfield.
Jeff Fisher laid the foundations for success in his first year as head coach, assembling a young roster which only lost one divisional game.
Sam Bradford has the makings of an elite quarterback, despite never posting a winning season, and goes into 2013 season with an unfamiliar asset: continuity.
For the first time in his four-year NFL career, he has the same offensive co-ordinator - Brian Schottenheimer - as the season before.
While Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson departed in free agency, the Rams traded up for exciting wide receiver Tavon Austin in the first round. Stedman Bailey followed in the third round.
Fisher plundered free agency for offensive tackle Jake Long to protect Bradford’s blindside, while tight end Jared Cook gives Bradford another offensive weapon.
Potential: St. Louis Rams' Sam Bradford has the makings of an elite quarterback
The loss of running back Steven Jackson to the Falcons sees the Rams reliant on Daryl Richardson, Isiah Pead and Terrance Ganaway.
While the Rams are certainly in the ascendancy, they will need to improve their non-divisional record (3-7) and an unfeasibly strong division makes a play-off appearance unlikely.
Prediction: San Francisco (1st), Seattle (2nd), St Louis (3rd), Arizona (4th)
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