Hello everyone, thanks for taking time to check out my NFL early predictions. This is not a set finish as things will change as the season gets close. Things may change depending on who’s playing, who’s cut, who’s hurt, who’s added, etc. I will keep you all updated on the next post on any changes for these teams.

NFC DIVISION WINNERS

1) BUCCANEERS – The Super Bowl champs has everyone returning and ready for another Super Bowl run. Youth from last season should be a year better and this defense should be as good as last year too. The offense played solid but consistency and injuries shouldn’t be forgotten from last season. Tom Brady has played very well, but when there’s a pass rush on him, it’s unavoidable with his lack of mobility. Pass protection from a healthy offensive line is needed as they face teams with a defensive front with pass rushing capabilities, starting Week 3 at the Rams.

2) RAMS – The Rams should be motivated for a Super Bowl return since 2018 and adding Matthew Stafford to a formidable offensive line could be the key. There’s not many flaws to account for except maybe keeping Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp healthy and lessening turnovers. However, losing running back Cam Akers to a torn Achilles could hinder their chances. They must overcome that while playing in the toughest division with pressure from home fans to be the next team to play a Super Bowl at home.

3) PACKERS – Everyone, especially Packers fans, are wondering if Aaron Rodgers will return. His only response is “I don’t know”. Outside of Rodgers, the team should be fine with plenty of returns on both sides. The coverage should be the strength after drafting Eric Stokes. The front seven is on watch, especially the edge, but should improve in that area. If the center spot could solidify after losing Corey Linsley to the Chargers, the offensive line should be fine. With Rodgers, they are a Super Bowl contender again, without him, they are a playoff team and it depends on Jordan Love’s progress as a potential starter.

4) COWBOYS – They were expected to be 2020 division winners last season, but the loss of Dak Prescott and poor performance on defense hurt their chances. Prescott should be ready by Week 1 and drafting beast rookie linebacker from Penn State, Micah Parsons, should spark their defense. The front four’s improvement is a must after finishing 31^st against the run and 20^th in sacks. Despite the flaws, this team’s expected to win the division this time.

WILD CARD

5) SAINTS – Drew Brees retiring is a big loss and replacing him becomes a huge challenge. Taysom Hill went 3-1 while Brees was out, but he’s not a permanent starter. Jameis Winston is a reasonable starter and his past numbers show he’s capable, but can he carry the mantle for a team again? Trevor Siemian has starting experience but is not likely to make the roster during preseason. Sean Payton likes Ian Book, so could he be the quarterback of the future?

6) SEAHAWKS – Despite Russell Wilson’s issues with the front office, he will play this season. They will be a tough out for the division title and the playoffs but questions surround the offensive line’s performance. Former Raider offensive line Gabe Jackson’s arrival could help turn things around. The coverage is a weak spot but their pass rush should help with progression. The Seahawks will never be overlooked for a playoff push, but they also won’t overlook their own division.

7) 49ERS – San Fran had one of the most injuries and replacements in the NFL last season. Everyone should return healthy, but they already have a couple hurt during the offseason, including Jeff Wilson’s unorthodox injury in the locker room. They do expect Jimmy G, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Jaquiski Tartt to be ready by Week 1. Despite all the mishaps last season, they finished 6-10 and still competed the best they could with who they have had. They must trim down the turnovers, convert better on third downs with confidence, create more opportunities downfield, and STAY HEALTHY!

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

GIANTS – This may be the most underrated NFL team this season. If anyone forgot, they were a win and a Washington loss away from the playoffs due to advantage in head-to-head wins over Washington last season (2-0). Quarterback Daniel Jones started 2-0 his rookie year in 2019, but went 8-19 since and won only one game by 10 points or more in two seasons. Small blame is on him, but the majority is on the offensive line, receivers, and the lack of offseason preparation due to COVID-19. They made major upgrades at receiver and the offensive line should hopefully improve. All that, a full offseason of training, and Jones taking a big step could make them a viable threat in the NFC East.

VIKINGS – The offense played exceptional last season but not the defense. The main struggle came from the front four, which used to dominate in that area at playoff level. Adding defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson from the Giants and players returning from opt outs or injuries could repair that issue. Former Cardinal cornerback Patrick Peterson comes in to help the young guys improve. If the offense stays on and cuts down their turnovers while the defensive side improves, the NFC North could be up for grabs.

CARDINALS – The Cards started 5-2 and was up 2-0 in the division, but then won only three in the last nine games and lost their last four division games. The team did go from five wins to eight wins with Kyler Murray as the quarterback. They also added key pieces to their roster: J.J. Watt, A.J. Green, Malcolm Butler, James Conner, Colt McCoy, and Matt Prater. Forcing more turnovers and getting stops against the run, especially in this division is a must if the Cards want to vie for a Wild Card position.

WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM – How will Washington replicate their late season success without Alex Smith? He was a major reason the Football Team got there. He ripped off the last five of their most important wins in his five starts to clinch the NFC East division and a playoff berth. Even though Ryan Fitzpatrick is a good replacement, how big of a replacement is he? He’s a spark but he could also fizzle. The last two times he was off to good starts, he was replaced. His last full season was with the 2015 Jets and they were a win away from the playoffs. If the offense plays a full season well and Fitzmagic is consistent, they’re also a viable threat in the NFC East with their best front four defense in the NFL.

BEARS – The Bears got into the playoffs with their defense, run game and the misfortunes from the rest of the NFC. Rookie quarterback Justin Fields has made good impressions on the staff and team, but Andy Dalton is expected to start and may have some years left. Their schedule beefs up and they need more from their receivers besides Allen Robinson. The offensive line must improve especially on third downs after finishing 31^st in the NFL in that category. The team also must cut down on turnovers. It’s difficult to tell if they can return to the playoffs, but everything starts with the offense making improvements.