Every Batman needs his Joker. Scooby Doo needed Shaggy. Chewbacca needs Han Solo. Basically we all need our counterpart. The NFC is that counterpart to the AFC. Which one is better? Much like the Tootsie pop conundrum the world may never know. But what I do know is that the NFC has lost the last three super bowls when going in each team was a favorite to win. The NFC has some explaining to do. They face many questions. Will the Super Bowl hangover last? Will the Cowboys have a sophomore slump? Don’t worry. I got it covered.
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys now have a huge target on their back. I mean they did before just for being Dallas but now that they’re good again it’s a lot bigger. All eyes will be on Dak and Zeke as they try to do what they couldn’t do in their rookie campaign. Their offensive line is still great so remember where to give credit when it’s due. However, with Zeke most likely being suspended 6 games the Cowboys will have to rely on McFadden for the first part of their season. Yikes. Their defense will be tested this season as well. The offense did a lot of the heavy lifting last season but don’t look for it this season. If Zeke’s suspension is upheld which it probably will be the Cowboys are in trouble. I think they’re going to miss the playoffs this season but just barely with 8-9 wins.
2. New York Giants
The Giants are once again a serious threat in the NFC. They had arguably the best receiving corp in the league last season and with the edition of Marshall they should be even better. The run game still remains a major problem. Last season they were ranked 29th last season in rushing offense. Without someone to give Manning a break in the backfield they have no choice but to win in the air. But if Eli is struggling it’ll be hard. Luckily their defense is one of the best in the league and undoubtedly will be again this season. Odell will have a spotlight on him as he as quickly emerged as one of the best and most colorful players in the league while also having the best hair. If you haven’t heard ramen is in style. The Giants are legit. I think come February they will be in Minnesota playing for the Lombardi Trophy once again.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
For the first five weeks last season everyone thought Carson Wentz was the next saving grace. Then reality hit hard. It was a rough season comparing to how they started. Their division is great and competition is tough. The addition of Alshon Jeffery and LaGarrette Blount should help Wentz this season. Their defense was in the top half of league but it’ll have to improve this season if they want to actually contend in their division. I see them winning 7-8 games this season. Eagles might have some broken wings because they aren’t flying high this year. But the real question is are Pete Wentz and Carson Wentz related? If so there’s a backup plan if the whole quarterback thing doesn’t work out.
4. Washington Redskins
The Redskins had an interesting season in 2016. At times Kirk Cousins looked like an elite quarterback and we liked that. He threw for almost 5000 yards and 25 touchdowns with a 97.2 rating. With some additional help the Redskins could have an elite offense. Rob Kelley isn’t really a franchise running back. But Cousins finds ways to work with what he has. Desean Jackson is kind of really old yet he still had a 1000 yard season last year. Pierre Garcon led the Redskins last season in receiving yards. Yeah you read that correctly. He’s now in San Fran so forget about him. Their defense was miserably bad last season ranking 28th in total defense. The Redskins might have a tough year ahead of them. But they could take advantage of Zeke being out and fight for a wildcard spot. They could easily win 6-7 games as easily as they could win 9-10 and fight for the 6th seed.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks
Did Future really curse Russell Wilson and his Seahawks? It would not be a stretch. The Seahwaks for what seems to be the last few years is not good for the first part of a season. But when they get rolling they are hard to beat. Last season they had arguably the worst offensive line in the league. They were awful. Wilson was sacked 41 times last season. That was 1 shy of the most sacked quarterback in league. Seattle knows Wilson is vital to their success and their o-line isn’t helping anybody. The Seattle run game will be interesting with Eddie Lacy getting off Weight Watchers. Just as he’s been on the couch so has C.J. Prosise with injuries that held him to only 6 games last season. But in those 6 games he looked promising. Is the Legion of Boom still a thing? Yes. Yes it is. The secondary unit is still lockdown when Sherman, Chancellor and Thomas are on the field. Wagner and Wright don’t seem to be slowing down either. If the offense can control themselves the Seahawks will once again be a serious threat come December. They’re going to win the division but I don’t think they will make the NFC Championship.
2. Arizona Cardinals
I still don’t think I’ve ever Larry Fitzgerald drop a pass. He’s 34 and led the league in receptions last season. But if the Cardinals are having quarterback issues it won’t mean much. Two seasons ago Palmer looked like an MVP. Last season seemed like a bad dream. We don’t even want to think where they would be without David Johnson. He is the brightest thing about that franchise at the moment. He led the league in all-purpose yards and you can almost guarantee at least 1 touchdown out of him a night. The defense will be what breaks them though. If the defense can’t perform the Cardinals will watch the playoffs from the couch. If Honey Badger has a say then Arizona will be just fine. While injuries have hurt Arizona they have roles that need filling. With the loss of a few big names Coach Arians will rely on younger talent to take over. Am I the only one that can’t take him seriously because of those hats? The Cardinals will probably win 9 games and fight for the 6th seed. Then hope Larry still has some magic left.
3. Los Angeles Rams
Will Todd Gurley ever meet that fan who destroyed him on Twitter? If last season was an indication then no he won’t meet him. Gurley had an unbelieveable rookie season. The sophomore slumps hit him hard. But it wasn’t all his fault. The entire team was bad. Sean McVay is the youngest head coach in NFL history. But don’t worry he’s cool. Just a young guy living the Cali lifestyle. Unfortunately they all have. Goff has major question marks surrounding his ability as an NFL caliber player. Of course Gurley’s poor performance and their bad offensive line didn’t help the issues. Sammy Watkins should be able to help out this season and if Gurley can get back on track then Goff might not look half bad. Their defense shows promise sooner rather than later. Aaron Donald could easily become the best defensive player in the league this season. Their defense will end up having to do a lot of heavy lifting this season. Look for LA to be better this season. I give them 6-7 wins and come a few years possible contenders.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were bad on both sides of the ball last season. They were really bad. This offseason they went defense heavy and it looks as if they might reap some benefits quickly. If Reuben Foster can stay healthy he will be one the key pieces in their success. But if your team has Brian Hoyer as a starter then you’re in some serious trouble. They might win more than 2 games this season because of the defense. If they want any chance to win they will need to find a good quarterback and running back. Both positions need major fixing. If you’re a fan of San Francisco sports I would just wait until basketball season.
NFC South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Deep down we all miss the Jon Gruden days of Tampa Bay. But now that the Bucs have a promising future we aren’t as nostalgic. Jameis Winston and Mike Evans are an incredible duo and both have been putting up strong numbers since they got into the league. Winston does throw interceptions but expect those to cut down this season. Doug Martin will look to come back from his suspension and take over once again. Expect a bit of roid rage from Martin as he’s gotten of PEDs. But if all goes well it could end up aiding Tampa Bay. The defense needs improvement from last season. Midway through last season the defense improved drastically and I believe they will continue that. I see the Buccaneers winning the division this year with 10-11 games. In many ways there are the NFC equivalent to the Tennessee Titans. If that was a Super Bowl in about 5 years I don’t think too many people would be complaining.
2. Atlanta Falcons
The new Mercedes Super Dome is the equivalent to a parent buying their kids a pet after divorce. It isn’t gonna change the glaring elephant in the room. The Falcons were a quarter away from one of the most dominant Super Bowl runs in NFL history. And then they fell like a house of cards. The Super Bowl hangover sometimes isn’t real. This is not one of those times. The Falcons will look to finish what they started last season but it will be much tougher this year. Devonta Freeman is now the highest back in the league and Jones is still a monster. Matty Ice probably had the best season he’ll ever have. Don’t look at Atlanta to put up the numbers they put up last season. I think the Falcons struggle a year after the biggest blown lead in Super Bowl history. They win 8-9 games and the division titles shifts to Tampa Bay.
3. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees is still putting up video game numbers in what seems to be his 100th year in the league. Brandin Cooks leaving will hurt the offense but he’s done better with worse. The addition of Adrian Peterson will be extremely interesting. If he can stay healthy the New Orleans could potentially be dangerous. The defense isn’t good. But is it really ever good? The answer is no. It must be all the vudu in the gumbo. Either way look for the Saints to float around .500 all year with Brees looking like a Madden player once again.
4. Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton was the league MVP just two seasons ago. Last year they won 6 games. The hangover was real. Cam Newton was even killed last season on a few occasions. Let me rephrase that. Every other team he went against attempted to kill him. I guess all that dabbing came back to haunt him. Aside from Olsen they lacked on offense talent last season. Drafting McCaffrey could be exactly what they needed in he is explosive and has the ability to break a game open. While McCaffrey is great I don’t believe he alone can save the Panthers. They might win 9 games this season but I feel a playoff spot is outside of their reach.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
Run the table? Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the league by a fair margin. He has plenty of weapons in his arsenal. Nelson led among receivers in touchdowns last season. Green Bay added Martellus Bennett this season as well which should add even more talent to the passing game. The run game is still a murky area for the Packers. Ty Montgomery isn’t quite the running back you want to lead your Super Bowl campaign. The offense will flourish this season. If Rodgers can start fast he will make an extremely strong case for the MVP. The Packers defense typically has a laundry list of injuries. The defense has not been the strongest in years past but we know that isn’t their bread and butter. Aaron Rodgers is the deciding factor for this team. I think the Packers will find themselves once again in the NFC Championship game. While I don’t think they make it out I believe it will be a spectacular season for Green Bay.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Sam Bradford is the guy in Minnesota. That’s where we are in football at the moment. They may have started 5-0 last season. They won 3 games after that. With a strong quarterback this is a Super Bowl contender. Dalvin Cook will look to replace Adrian Peterson as the primary back. Kyle Rudolph has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the league as well as a leader and great weapon. Stefon Diggs will be analyzed this years as many think it is finally time for his to break out. If not then the Vikings could be in some trouble. The defense was outstanding and probably will be again. If by some miracle Bradford can do something at quarterback the Vikings might actually make the playoffs. But if they do make the playoffs it won’t be an extended stay. They win 8-9 games this season and will keep doing so until they find the quarterback they need.
3. Detroit Lions
If you put all the starting quarterbacks in a group and you took out Aaron Rodgers you would have the equivalent of two JV quarterbacks and the backup varsity quarterback. Matthew Stafford is that backup varsity player. While he is great he has not really proven himself an elite quarterback. That didn’t stop him from getting paid . Stafford is now the highest paid quarterback in the league passing Derek Carr. The Lions aren’t good without Stafford. In fact they’re kind of hopeless without him. Have you ever seen baby ducks without a mother? This is that. The Lions got better this offseason adding to the defense and making the offensive line better. The playoff battle will be interesting as I see them barely over .500 and fighting for a wildcard spot.
4. Chicago Bears
Mike Glennon is a human giraffe in every way. If we’re being technical he’s the one from Madagascar played by David Schwimmer. The Bears drafted Mitch Trubisky. He doesn’t have much playing experience but he is an immediate improvement from Glennon. Victor Cruz was just cut which means no salsa dancing for the remainder of the year. I mean even if he did play we probably wouldn’t see it much but I guess now we’ll never know. The Bears are in a rebuilding stage and have been for a couple years. This year might actually have some promise to it. They won’t win more than 4 games but if Mike Glennon isn’t the starting quarterback something is falling right.
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