NFC DIVISION WINNERS

1) BUCCANEERS

2) PACKERS

3) RAMS

4) GIANTS

WILD CARD

5) SEAHAWKS

6) SAINTS

I have no idea what’s going on with the drama between Michael Thomas and the Saints with trade rumors and a faction between them, but they slightly drop until the issue is resolved. If the Michael Thomas trade becomes true, they’ll stay under the Seahawks. Maybe receiver Tre’Quan Smith and tight end Adam Trautman could be main targets for a new starting quarterback, but what about the guys behind them and Alvin Kamara?

7) 49ERS

Trey Lance’s 80-yard touchdown pass may have opened the door to the Niners’ future of something great. Safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Jonas Griffith also caught my attention during the Week 1 preseason game. The only downside is the offensive line. There are still ways to go, but if they can solidify themselves in time, the team will be a playoff threat and beyond.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

VIKINGS

COWBOYS

BEARS

The Bears make a slight jump. Quarterback Andy Dalton should be the starter in Week 1. Justin Fields did well his first game after shaking off some nerves with each series. Could he break the Ohio State quarterback curse when past Buckeye quarterbacks failed in the NFL? He may get the benefit of the doubt for playing one season with Georgia before transferring.

WASHINGTON

This team may end up on the outside looking in unless the Cowboys have another injury-riddled season and the Giants offensive line doesn’t come through in 2021. Washington’s defense will carry again and skilled players should be the NFL’s most underrated position. Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starter but it’ll be rare to see him play an entire season since the 2015 Jets. It’s either his magic dies out in the middle or he gets replaced based on the coach’s decision. The backup quarterbacks are an unknown but keep an eye on Steven Montez. He may have a chance with the second team and maybe the first team.

CARDINALS

It’s hard to tell if the Cardinals will make the playoffs. If the NFL had an 8-team playoff, they would be in the Wild Card spot. I did enjoy watching quarterback Chris Streveler be physical at the point of attack from time to time. However, the Cards made a smart move picking up Colt McCoy. He should help Kyler Murray improve as a pocket passer and hopefully that makes him even more dangerous once Week 1 comes around. Their area of improvement should be lessened-turnovers and completing third downs consistently. Unless the 49ers have another injury-riddled season, the Cards and Kliff Kingsbury are in the fight for their lives this season.