Last week, we discussed which teams have the best potential to win the AFC, this week we will be discussing the other conference in the NFL, the NFC. The NFC is always competitive and always seems a little harder than the AFC. Today, we'll put in early predictions for who we can see representing the NFC in the big game.
NFC North:
The NFC North is on the rise in terms of most competitive division. The Chicago Bears seem to be one of the most unpredictable teams in the league. Although there's speculation that Jay Cutler has no care for his team due to his lack of emotion, he is an elite signal caller. When Cutler had a good offensive line, he finished among the top 10 in completion percentage and QBR. The combination of Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White, this could be one of the more dynamic offenses in the NFC; look out for this team to be towards the top of the power rankings week in and week out. Last years NFC North winners are continuing to get better. Being the youngest team in the league with a developing QB in Teddy Bridgewater and a really good defense, this team could be the champs of the north for a second year in a row. The Lions took a big hit losing future HOF Receiver Calvin Johnson. This team seems to be entering a rebuilding phase on offense as they need time to build around Matthew Stafford. The defense seems to be in the middle of the pack. Look for this team to win six to eight games and to enter a rebuilding phase next offseason. Do we even need to talk about the Packers? They have the best Quarterback of all-time in Aaron Rodgers and have a top five receiver returning in Jordy Nelson. Clay Matthews returning to the outside is huge for this defense. This team could easily win 12 games and is my best bet to win the North.
NFC East:
NFC East or NFC Least? I have to give this division credit, it's very competitive and unpredictable. Although, if you can manage a 9-7 record this season chances, are you'll win the division. The Eagles seem to be the worst team in this division because their completely changing the culture former Head Coach, Chip Kelly, had in the locker room. I personally see this team winning five games and taking them a few years to get back to play-off form. The Cowboys seem to be the most overhyped team of this division with, rookie running back, Elliot expected to take the league by storm. This offense is expected to lead Dallas back to the glory land. The Redskins are irrelevant. Period. The Giants seem to be the safest bet to win the division even though Eli Manning is the definition of inconsistency. Eli will put up MVP type numbers with Odell and Cruz both being 1,000 yard receivers.
NFC South:
We don't even need to discuss this division. Carolina has this division on lock, the only team that will come close might be Atlanta. This is unlikely considering Matt Ryan threw an interception to his coach in practice (yes it was during a live drill).
NFC West:
This is one of the toughest divisions in all of football. Let's get this out of the way now, San Francisco had no chance. I do believe in Chip Kelly, but this team is three years away from getting to be competitive in the division. The Rams will struggle with a rookie QB. The Seahawks will just barely slide into the playoffs with nine wins, with Thomas Rawls having big shoes to fill, and Russell Wilson having complete control over this offense now. Maybe the reunited LOB can lead this team back to a Super Bowl. The Cardinals have the best defensive player in the HoneyBadger and have future HOF QB Carson Palmer. This team is built to win and will be the 2nd seed going into the playoffs with a 12-4 record.
