Alrighty, with the AFC in the books, it’s time to dig into the NFC. This year I think the NFC is pretty top heavy, but those top teams can contend for the Super Bowl title. I’ll use the same format as the AFC previews with odds, departures/additions and prediction.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys (Wins 9.5, SB +2800, NFC +1200, DIV +120) Well, the move to Coach McCarthy started off rocky and really didn’t end up great with the Dak Prescott injury at QB. Still, they have signed Dak to a deal and the offense should be back to incredible levels. Can the D get any stops, though? The addition of Rookie LB Micah Parsons should help solidify the Run D. I like them to be right there for the division. I even like them to contend for the NFC, but McCarthy isn’t great and that will cost them at some point. Prediction: 12-5 NFC East Champ.
Washington Football Team (Wins 8.5, SB +4500, NFC +2200, DIV +230) The Football Team in WAS is one of my favorites. That Defense is beyond legit, and if new QB Ryan Fitzpatrick can find some FitzMagic, then this team is a dark horse for the NFC crown. I really want DE Chase Young to contend for the MVP. I’ll be putting some pizza money on them at +2200 to win the NFC. I think they will just miss the division crown, but Defense travels in the playoffs. Prediction: 12-5 Wild Card Team.
Philadelphia Eagles (Wins 6.5, SB +9000, NFC +4000, DIV +500) The Eagles changed coaches picking up Nick Sirianni as their head man. His terrible opening press conference aside, the Eagles move officially to QB Jalen Hurts. Rookie WR DeVonta Smith may keep things exciting, however I think the aging lines on D and O will hurt them in the long run. It’s going to be a tough year in Philly. Prediction: 4-13 maybe harsh, but down year.
New York Giants (Wins 7.5, SB +10000, NFC +3300, DIV +400) The Giants had a decent year last year, but that was without a healthy Cowboys team in the Division. I’m not sold on Daniel Jones at QB, and even with the addition of WR Kenny Golladay, I don’t love this team. RB Saquon Barkley needs to return to full form after the ACL tear, and I’m not sure he will. I don’t like the Giants to win a lot of games. Prediction: 3-14 really rough year.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers (Wins 9, SB +1200, NFC +600, DIV -160) The off season for the Pack was like a reality tv show. QB Aaron Rodgers was hosting Jeopardy and complaining non-stop. GB gave him a new deal, but on paper it really is just a one year contract. Still, he is back in the building and that’s all they need to win this division. The question is can GB get to the big game after losing in back to back NFC Title Games. Prediction: 12-5 NFC North Winner.
Minnesota Vikings (Wins 8.5, SB +4000, NFC +, DIV +250) The Vikes struck gold last year with WR Justin Jefferson as he helped them play in shoot outs. The problem is the D was awful, which is strange for a Coach Zimmer team. I think they improve some with additions at CB with veterans Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland. They will be right on the cusp of a playoff berth this year. Prediction: 9-8 just outside the dance.
Chicago Bears (Wins 7.5, SB +6000, NFC +2200, DIV +500) The Bears’ GM tried to save his job by trading up for Rookie QB Justin Fields. I like the player, but not the move, so let’s hope it works out for my team. This year should be a rough transition, as the Bears also obtained the Red Rifle, Andy Dalton, to start a few games at QB. Unfortunately, Rookie LT Teven Jenkins had to have back surgery, which leaves his availability in doubt for 2021. Beyond the Offense, the Bears D was underwhelming last year. DE Khalil Mack needs to do more, and the health of Akiem Hicks proved pivotal. I think they miss the playoff this year. Prediction: 6-11 – again overly harsh, but not feeling my team.
Detroit Lions (Wins 5, SB +17500, NFC +8000, DIV +2800) The Lions traded QB Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff and some picks. New Coach Dan Campbell will inherit probably the worst roster in the NFL (contending with HOU). Not really sure what else to say, but it’s going to be another rocky year in Motown. Prediction: 2-15 – Top 3 Draft Pick.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Bucs (Wins 11.5, SB +600, NFC +315, DIV -200) The Bucs caught fire at the right time last year, and the Defense played out of this world while TB12 made plays to get early leads. I see the Bucs winning this division with ease, assuming Brady stays healthy with the Brees retirement. So, it will come down to seeding in the playoffs and match ups if they can repeat. Prediction: 13-4 NFC South Winner and Top Seed.
New Orleans Saints (Wins 9.5, SB +3000, NFC +, DIV +315) The Saints lost their leader in QB Drew Brees and turn the huddle over to Jameis Winston, which could work. I would expect Taysom Hill to get a good snap count, too. WR Michael Thomas starting on the PUP list doesn’t help the transition. So, the only way the Saints make the playoffs is if the D plays lights out. I don’t see it happening, but the bottom of the NFC isn’t great so it is possible. Prediction: 10-7 – really close to the playoffs, but not in.
Atlanta Falcons (Wins 7.5, SB +8000, NFC +3000, DIV +750) The Falcons moved on from Coach Dan Quinn mid-season and hired Arthur Smith. It seems the Falcons are trying to rebuild by shipping off WR Julio Jones, but still keep Matt Ryan in the building. Sure Rookie TE Kyle Pitts is a great weapon with WR Calvin Ridley, but this Defense is going to give up 28 points a game. Gonna be tough down in ATL this fall. Prediction: 5-11 complete rebuild.
Carolina Panthers (Wins 7.5, SB +8000, NFC +3000, DIV +1000) CAR picked up the former top QB pick, Sam Darnold in the off season. Perhaps Coach Matt Rhule can rework his mechanics some and get him to full potential. In the meantime, the offense will still run through RB Christian McCaffery. I just think the team lacks depth and a good D-Line to contend. Prediction: 4-13 struggling all year.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers (Wins 10, SB +1400, NFC +550, DIV +175) The 49ers had more injuries than any team I can remember last year. So, the main additions were just getting players back on the field. Still, GM John Lynch went for it in trading up to get Rookie QB Trey Lance who has thrown minimal passes in college. I would expect Jimmy G to start the season, but Lance will take over sooner rather than later – after Lance’s pre-season buzzworthy performance. Rookie RB Trey Sermon is also turning heads at camp. I like SF to contend for the NFC title this year and win this division. Prediction: 12-5 NFC West Winner.
Los Angeles Rams (Wins 10, SB +1400, NFC +600, DIV +190) The Rams are the talk of the league. With the trade to get QB Matthew Stafford, there is a feeling that they are the team to beat in the NFC. Personally, I don’t buy it. I do love Coach McVay, but Stafford has really never been a winner. RB Cam Akers tore his Achilles which will hurt. So, I’m in bet against mode on the Rams. I’m sure I’ll be wrong given their D is great, but can new DC Raheem Morris call the same game that Brandon Staley did last year. They will make the playoffs, but not go too far. Prediction: 10-7 Last Wild Card In.
Arizona Cardinals (Wins 8.5, SB +4000, NFC +1800, DIV +550) The Cardinals are one of those teams that would love to be in any other division. The gauntlet of the 49ers, Rams and Seahawks make this team never get a break. Still, QB Kyler Murray played very well last year prior to his injury. If he stays healthy, plus the additions on D – CB Malcolm Butler and Rookie LB Zaven Collins, then this team is dangerous. It’s hard to get them in the playoffs, but they will be right there. Prediction: 10-7 squeaks as a Wild Card.
Seattle Seahawks (Wins 9.5, SB +2200, NFC +1200, DIV +280) The Seahawks have the QB in Russell Wilson and the WRs (they did address O-Line trading for OG Gabe Jackson), but the issue with this team has been Defense. S Jamal Adams wants more money, but he is essentially a blitzing LB with no cover skills. I want them to be better, but I see them losing to the better teams in this division let alone the rest of the conference. Prediction: 9-8 just missing playoffs.
Playoff Picture
Wild Card
7 Rams at 2 Packers – Packers win
6 Cardinals at 3 49ers – 49ers win
5 WAS at 4 Cowboys – WAS win
Divisional Round
5 WAS at 1 Bucs – Bucs win
3 49ers at 2 Packers – 49ers win
Championship Round
3 49ers at 1 Bucs – 49ers Win
NFC Champ: San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl Champion: Chiefs over 49ers – Kansas City Chiefs take it.
Who do you like?
Wegs