NFC DIVISION WINNERS

1) PACKERS

The Packers climb to number one over the Buccaneers because of their depth, especially in the running back position. That should take the pressure off Aaron Rodgers and make the passing game much easier for him. Unless they have any slip-ups during the regular season, they’re in position to win the division again and likely finish overall in the NFC.

2) BUCCANEERS

The Buccaneers are a solid number two team. However, it’s difficult to say if they will stay or move down to number three before Week 1. The Rams play the toughest division in the NFL, but they have the roster necessary to make a serious run and be the second straight team to host the Super Bowl. The Buccaneers also play at the Rams in Week 3. Pay attention to the amount of pass rush Brady will have to deal with.

3) RAMS

Cam Akers is already out, and now Darrell Henderson Jr. gets hurt too. He should still play this season, but the Rams took precautionary measures by signing Sony Michel to help with run depth. He may also give Matthew Stafford an additional option in the passing game.

4) GIANTS

Unless Dak Prescott is ready and raring to go, the Giants have the division title spot at number four. In my opinion, they have the most balanced team in the NFC East if healthy. Can the offensive line protect Daniel Jones consistently this season?

WILD CARD

5) SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks will likely lock up at number five. They’re a guaranteed wild card team as long as Russell Wilson is on the roster. If they play consistently from start to finish, they could challenge the Rams for the division title and make a serious run for a Super Bowl appearance.

6) SAINTS

The Saints may have locked up at the sixth spot and quarterback Jameis Winston is their likely starter for Week 1. Taysom Hill wasn’t bad himself, but he’s not looked at as the long-term starting quarterback. Also, how about those two amazing touchdown catches made by receiver Marquez Callaway? He could make the 53 roster and maybe gain some playing time.

7) 49ERS

The 49ers defense looks set and should be elite again. The entire first team could go down and they would still be fine. There’s also potential for Trey Lance to start a bit sooner rather than later. He’s making good and tough throws and already has three touchdowns in two preseason games. However, he must work on his timing and not hold the ball too long. Jimmy G should still start Week 1, but his questionable performance this past Sunday could shorten his time as a regular season starter. The offensive line still needs some work and we’re in the dark on who and what will happen with the receiver depth chart.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BEARS

The Bears are cutting it close for the 7^th spot with just over a couple of weeks left before Week 1. The defense will be a force again and I’m loving the run game led by David Montgomery and company. Now for the quarterback situation. I think Andy Dalton is the Week 1 starter. He still has some years left and should lead the team for the time being. They brought him in and paid him to be the starter and Matt Nagy made it clear. But if Fields continues to show some sparks, the pressure will be on the coach.

COWBOYS

I can’t decide on the Cowboys yet. The position for the division title rides solely on Dak Prescott’s health. I’ve read and heard that he’s looking good and getting reps in nicely. They have to be sure that he’s ready for Week 1. This defense could slightly improve but they will be tested against the Super Bowl champ Buccaneers on September 9^th for the Thursday Night game.

VIKINGS

It’s hard to tell if the Vikings can out play the Bears and Packers for the division title, let alone a playoff spot. They have a load on the offensive roster, but bringing back defensive end Everson Griffin from the Lions could help the defense’s resurgence. Unfortunately, the Vikes lost five of the last six meetings to the Bears and the Packers’ roster could be too potent for Minnesota to handle.

WASHINGTON

Like the Cowboys, Washington has a similar situation except the conundrum is on offense. I said this a few times, I’m not sure if they will help this team return to the playoffs. Their defense will put them in a lot of positions to win, but the offense must follow through. A lot will weigh on the running back position. Can Ryan Fitzpatrick do enough to lead them to a playoff appearance again?

CARDINALS

If the playoffs involved eight teams, I won’t hesitate to put the Cardinals in the eighth spot. There’s a chance they can sneak up on the NFC West but scenarios in that division must play out to claim the seventh seed at least: the 49ers’ overall health and the reliance on pass-catchers not named George Kittle, the Seahawks’ pass protection and a young coverage, and the Rams’ running back health and durability for 17 games.