Breaking down the NFC, where we think every team will finish the coming season and some big predictions at the end.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles absolutely nailed their off-season, getting a star WR in A.J. Brown while looking like they aced the draft. This team has a chance to grow immensely, especially on offence if Jalen Hurts can take a step forward as a passer and expand his game to be more than just a running QB.
Prediction: 11-6
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas, on the other hand, suffered some big losses in terms of personnel and looks like it could be in for a season of struggles. The pre-season injury to Tyron Smith only further complicates things. The defence is likely to regress after scoring an inordinate amount of return TDs while the offence is lost some key pieces. And let’s not forget Mike McCarthy is the coach here, either.
Prediction: 9-8
New York Giants
Sure, Daniel Jones remains the Giants QB for now, but there’s some actual hope for Big Blue with a seemingly competent coach in charge with Brian Daboll running the show. While we’re not expecting a quick turnaround from the ex-Bills OC, it’s reasonable to expect a slight improvement over last year’s disaster.
Prediction: 7-10
Washington Commanders
The Football Team got a new name and a new QB, but neither are any good. The Commies essentially did Indy a huge favour taking Carson Wentz off their hands and actually giving them something in return. The Commies’ defence should be alright, but this franchise is one of the messiest ones in sports with an owner who is living on a yacht to avoid subpoenas.
Prediction: 6-11
NFC NORTH
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes needed a coaching change more than any contender and got it. After watching a team that was seemingly disinterested in playing for Mike Zimmer, the change to Kevin O’Connell should work wonders, even if he’s still wet behind the ears. He should make an already-talented offensive unit even more explosive.
Prediction: 11-6
Green Bay Packers
With two-time reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers back in the fold, it’s hard to see the Pack slide too far back into the pack, even after dealing Davante Adams. The defence remains a solid unit and the coaching staff is top tier. Now, can they make noise in the playoffs? That’s the real question.
Prediction: 11-6
Detroit Lions
Anyone touting the Lions as a sleeper playoff contender should just remember that it’s still Jared Goff at the helm of this offence. After another off-season of building up this roster, there’s no question Detroit can take a step forward – just not too big of one.
Prediction: 6-11
Chicago Bears
It could get pretty grim on the Midway this season as the Bears have one of the worst-looking offensive units in the league on paper. With a defence that also lost Khalil Mack and has a disgruntled Roquan Smith, that side of the ball is no bright spot either.
Prediction: 4-13
NFC SOUTH
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady is back from an ever-so-brief retirement and ready for another deep run into the post-season. The offensive line took some hits, but Brady always finds a way to work around deficiencies. The defence can expect some positive regression too, after dealing with a lot of injuries last year.
Prediction: 11-6
New Orleans Saints
With Sean Payton stepping away from football, the Saints are in a bit of a transition, but not as jarring as it might seem. The staff is largely intact from last year with Dennis Allen stepping into the head coaching job. The offence may regress a little without Payton, but the defence has been built into a top unit over the past few years.
Prediction: 10-7
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are a team very closely tied to its best player, but unlikely many other teams, it’s their running back, not their QB. Christian McCaffrey is a game-changer when he’s on the field, but that hasn’t been often enough the past two seasons. With a strong defence and Baker Mayfield now under centre, the Panthers can make a run to the post-season – if CMC can stay healthy.
Prediction: 9-8
Atlanta Falcons
After a season of trying to hold on to past glory, the Falcons are now embracing the rebuild, having traded away stalwart QB Matt Ryan and looking towards the future. It’s not good news for this season, especially with star WR Calvin Ridley suspended for 2022 due to gambling. Expectations are low in the Dirty South.
Prediction: 4-13
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
A lot is hinging on the arm of sophomore QB Trey Lance this season in San Fran after the club anointed him the starter over Jimmy Garoppolo – who is still around as a backup. Lance has the tools to make a leap in his first extended playing time while the defence also is poised for a big year.
Prediction: 11-6
Los Angeles Rams
The defending champs brought back most of the crew and even made some additions. But the big concern is how the offensive line – minus retired Andrew Whitworth – can hold up with Matthew Stafford already nursing an elbow injury. While coach Sean McVay assures that it won’t be an issue, it’s hard to look past it with an offence so reliant on the passing game.
Prediction: 10-7
Arizona Cardinals
The Cards gave all the key figures in their leadership extensions this off-season – and we’re not sure why. Every year, the team starts out hot and fades down the stretch, but will it even get a chance to roll up early wins with DeAndre Hopkins suspended and the defence looking below average?
Prediction: 8-9
Seattle Seahawks
While Pete Carroll will never admit it, the Seahawks are going into a rebuild. When starting Geno Smith or Drew Lock are your only options at QB, it’s an issue. Seattle did well in the draft, but there’s still a lot of work to be done and playing in a tough division like this one doesn’t help in the slightest.
Prediction: 6-11
PLAYOFFS
Division winners: Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers, 49ers
Wild-card teams: Packers, Rams, Panthers
NFC Championship: Buccaneers over Eagles
Super Bowl: Chargers over Buccaneers
MVP: Josh Allen, BUF
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, CLE