As we move on to the NFC side of the card, I’ll start the same way working through the divisions.
NFC East Preview
Philadelphia Eagles (+2000 Super Bowl, +900 NFC, +145 NFC East)
- Coaching: HC Nick Sirianni returns after a good first year, and he returns his same staff – OC Shane Steichen and DC Jonathan Gannon. The schemes will stay the same, and you would think on O, QB Jalen Hurts will get a more expanded plan versus running so much. Who knows, though.
- Personnel: On O, the biggest move was the acquisition of WR AJ Brown from TEN. Brown is a legit #1 WR who thrived in a run heavy system, which is similar to PHI’s mix. He is a tough competitor with lots of yards after the catch. I like this move a lot. Brown should free up room for 2nd year WR Devonta Smith, as well. On D, the front office looked to get better in free agency: PHI signed LB Hasson Reddick (CAR) who has been moving around of late, but he has been a good player; CB James Bradberry from the Giants. The D should be solid again, but no impact rookies in this Draft just depth guys.
- Outlook: The Eagles made the playoffs in 2021, and I’ve got them toe to toe with DAL for the Division. Although the odds makers have DAL even with PHI to win the Division they are healthier, they give PHI a better chance to win the NFC and Super Bowl – probably due to coaching. I think the Eagles will be a tough team, but Hurts limits their upside in the playoffs.
- Record: 12-5
Dallas Cowboys (+2200 Super Bowl, +1000 NFC, +145 NFC East)
- Coaching: HC Mike McCarthy returns and continues to disappoint. His end of game decision in the playoff game is the reason why I continue to think the Cowboys will not reach their potential with him in charge. Coordinators – OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn return this year, and they were solid. So, the same scheme should be employed on both sides of the ball.
- Personnel: On Offense, WR Amari Cooper departed for CLE opening the door for WR CeeDee Lamb to be the clear #1 WR. Yet, WR Michael Gallup is returning from injury, so they will need help – enter rookie Jalen Tolbert (So Alabama). TE Dalton Schultz was paid and will be another good target for QB Dak Prescott, and Tyler Smith from Tulsa was added to start at G to protect him, but in camp, Left Tackle Tyron Smith has a major injury that is going to keep him out several games (returns Week 13). That hurts them running and passing. On D, Quinn had this unit playing much better than in 2020. The D unit remains intact from last year, and if LB Micah Parsons continues to dominate, then the Boys will be formidable.
- Outlook: It’s the same outlook for the past 3-4 years. Great talent, more talent than most teams, but can they win in the playoffs. I think they can take the division, but an NFC East team can’t seem to repeat. In my final review of records, I will actually drop this win total.
- Record: 12-5
Washington Redskins (+8000 Super Bowl, +3300 NFC, +500 NFC East)
- Coaching: HC Ron Rivera is firmly on the hot seat yet again. He will need a playoff berth or he’s out, in my view. Coordinators: OC Scott Turner and DC Jack Del Rio return in a ho hum situation. Schemes will change a bit on Offense, but D should be the same.
- Personnel: On Offense, the big move was the signing of QB Carson Wentz from IND. Wentz was not good last year, in fact, I think he was the main reason IND didn’t make the playoffs. This will be Wentz last stop, so the pressure is on. WAS signed OGs Andrew Norwell (JAC) and Trai Turner (PIT) who should help both the run and pass game, but Reefe was a stud for WAS for a while moving to JAC. They did draft an impact WR in Jahan Dotson out of Penn State to go with Terry McLaurin, but they are similar sized WRs with no big body outside of the TE Logan Thomas who returns from injury. Rookie RB Brian Robinson was shot in a carjacking yesterday, but luckily he did not sustain any life threatening injuries, so he should return soon. On D, they “young” unit needs to play to its potential. The biggest disappointment in 2021 was that Front 4 – DE Chase Young returns from injury, but he wasn’t good before the injury. That unit will determine WAS success.
- Outlook: I’m pretty lukewarm on this team. I was all in for the 2021 campaign, and the Commanders fell squarely on their face. Wentz is an upgrade of sorts, but his inconsistency will cost them games. Perhaps, Turner can help him, but I’m not sold. WAS will be lucky to win than 6 or 7 games.
- Record: 6-11
New York Giants (+12500 Super Bowl, +5000 NFC, +750 NFC East)
- Coaching: Another big shake up in NY, which is becoming an every other year affair. HC Brian Daboll steps in after making Josh Allen a star in BUF. OC is Mike Kafka who was the Passing Game Coordinator for the Chiefs. DC is Don Martindale who “parted ways” with the BAL. So, you have some good coaches on paper.
- Personnel: On O, QB Daniel Jones returns which will be his final year unless he proves something in Kafka’s system. NYG has drafted guys to start in WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Kentucky), OT Evan Neal (Alabama) and TE Daniel Bellinger (San Diego State) to infuse some youth. Robinson is a quick guy like WR Kadarious Toney, so it appears they are trying to recreate the KC mold of quick and fast over size. On D, they need some impact players. The Giants signed NT Justin Ellis (BAL) and drafted explosive pass rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux out of Oregon (he was injured in the preseason, but it was not catastrophic), to try and get some big plays. Martindale is known for exotic blitz packages, so Thibodeaux could have a very good rookie year.
- Outlook: The Giants are really in rebuilding mode. Jones may play better, but he is not the answer at QB. The D is another good draft away from competing. So, it is going to be a long year from the G-men.
- Record: 4-13
Prediction: Eagles win this division, but very close over DAL.
Wegs