NFC Preview
The NFC is loaded this year. To me, it is a lot like the Western Conference in the NBA – the crème of the crop. There is an argument to be made that each division has multiple teams that are capable of winning the Super Bowl this season. Often times in sports, the term parity is derogatory, but when describing the NFC in 2018 that is not the case; it should be considered the ultimate compliment. With that said, here is how I envision the four NFC Divisions playing out this year.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles. This will turn out to be the most competitive division in all of football. While I could easily see the Giants or Cowboys coming out on top, I have to give the defending Super Bowl Champions the benefit of the doubt. Philadelphia should keep a close eye on Carson Wentz and his ACL recovery, but if they won the Super Bowl with a backup quarterback, why couldn’t they win their division with one?
NFC North: Green Bay Packers. Safe money is on Aaron Rodgers. The dude is the LeBron of the NFL: surround him with 10 lifeless bodies and he will still carve up defenses. I expect the Bears to be significantly improved in Mitchell Trubisky’s second year and for the Vikings to take a step back. Yes, Minnesota signed Kirk Cousins, but last year they caught a number of breaks that this year I do not see falling in their favor.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints. The Mark Ingram suspension certainly hurts New Orleans, but not enough to prevent them from winning their division. New Orleans offensive weaponry is arguably the best that Drew Brees has ever had at his disposal and that is saying quite a lot. It would be a great story for the Falcons to make a push to play in the Super Bowl in their home stadium, but if that happens it will come courtesy of the Wild Card and not winning their division.
NFC West: Los Angeles Rams. If the Rams do not win the NFC West after their glut of acquisitions made this offseason it would be a colossal disappointment. The Seahawks are competitive year in and year out, but I expect them to take a serious step back this season. As for the 49ers, expectations seem to be sky high for Jimmy G and company, but I think it will be another season or so before they are making waves towards the postseason.
