Posting this later than anticipated - it happens - but nothing witnessed in the first two weeks of the season has altered my opinion of how the season will play out...
After the rather straightforward process of lending thought to the division winners and wildcard contenders in the AFC yesterday, today's look at the NFC is far more laborious. It is definitely the more talented and competitive conference, and picking the playoff teams promises to be a challenge...
NFC East
Who knows. How many games will Robert Griffin III play? How many games will Michael Vick play? Will the Eagles' defense be able to stop anyone? Will enough Giants stay healthy to field a competitive team? Will the Cowboys' performance ever catch up to the potential of their talent? There are too many questions to be able to make a confident prediction on this division. All four teams could and likely will finish with between 7 and 9 wins, but I guess if one is going to get to 10, it'll be the Cowboys.
Winner: Cowboys
Wildcard: none
NFC North
The Packers are still the class of the division, but could be challenged by either the Bears or Lions. The Vikings are the NFC's version of the Colts - a team that drastically overperformed its potential last year and is due for regression this year. The Bears are the best bet to earn a wildcard birth, while the Lions will likely remain an enigma. There is a ton of talent in Detroit, but both collectively and individually, it just doesn't seem like it's coming together.
Winner: Green Bay Packers
Wildcard: Chicago Bears
NFC South
The Falcons are still loaded and the Saints could be resurgent. Tampa Bay has acquired significant talent through free agency and trades the last two years, but none of that will matter if Josh Freeman doesn't play better and if their offensive line doesn't stay healthy. Carolina has potential to be competitive with Cam Newton at QB and Luke Kuechly on defense, but poor coaching will continue to hinder their ability to learn how to win.
Winner: Atlanta Falcons
Wildcard: none
NFC West
For all the talk of the NFC West being the best division in the NFL, it's really a two-horse race. The 49ers and the Seahawks are the two most formidable teams in the league, with physically tough and imposing defenses and offenses that have the ability to be explosive. The Rams keep adding weapons for Sam Bradford to play with, but losing Steven Jackson will hurt more than most people think as it places more of the offensive burden on Bradford, which is not a likely recipe for success. The Cardinals will again have a tough defense and have some talent on offense. Carson Palmer will help them be better than last year, and maybe better than the Rams.
Winner: Seattle Seahawks
Wildcard: San Francisco 49ers
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