Philadelphia Eagles – 2017 1st Seed
There shouldn't be a change at the top of the NFC next season. The Super Bowl champions are returning most of their roster from the previous season and have Carson Wentz returning to the lineup from his torn ACL. Barring a massive jump from another NFC East team, the Eagles will be the first team to repeat as division champs since the 2004 Eagles team that went to the Super Bowl.
Minnesota Vikings – 2017 2nd Seed
Minnesota's situation is similar to the Eagles in that they are bringing back virtually the same team that won 13 games last season. The Vikings however, are introducing a new starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins. While he should be an upgrade over Case Keenum, the Vikings should be facing a much tougher road in their division this coming season. The Bears' new coaching staff and the upgraded roster will make them a tough young team, the Lions boast a top-10 offense, and the Packers are returning All-World QB, Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings should make the playoffs, but in a tough division and in the stacked NFC, any trouble with Cousins and the offense could leave them on the outside looking in.
Los Angeles Rams – 2017 3rd seed
After shocking the league and winning the NFC West the Rams look poised to make a run at the Super Bowl. Looking at their offseason additions is basically a Pro-bowler shopping list: Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters, Brandon Cooks, Ndamukong Suh. The Rams shouldn't face too much competition from within their division as the Seahawks figure out their rebuild. The Rams could very likely find themselves with a bye week to start the playoffs.
New Orleans – 2017 4th Seed
With a young defense that improved as the season went on and a top offense led by Drew Brees the Saints should be fine heading into 2018. They had one of the most explosive rushing attacks in the league with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara and a future Hall-of-Famer at quarterback. They face plenty of competition from within their division but should make the playoffs even as a wildcard team.
Carolina – 2017 5th seed
For Carolina, uncertainty comes in the form of both a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator. Can new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who has worked almost exclusively with pocket passers, merge his scheme and play calling with the talents of Cam Newton? Will the pass defense be strong enough to not cause problems? How these issues sort themselves out will determine if they make the playoffs, but with so many teams vying for two NFC wildcard spots, the Panthers may not make it this season.
Atlanta – 2017 6th seed
The big question for Atlanta is if the offense can regain the explosiveness it showed two seasons ago with Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator. The team has the pieces to be a contender with a defense that was top-10 in points allowed per game and should be improving. If the Falcons offense becomes the dynamic force it has the potential to be, the Falcons will be fine. However, if the offense struggles at times like last season, they may find themselves out of the playoff picture in the tough NFC.
