NFC WEST

The 49ers are every bit formidable in all facets. Brock Purdy is the key cog to make them go while their defense does their job and keeps opposing offenses at bay. They scored 30 points in three straight games this season and Purdy was responsible for the team’s 30-plus point performance nine times since Week 13 last season. Allowing 23 points to the Rams shouldn’t be a surprise since it’s a rivalry, but they kept the Steelers and Giants under 20. Their October schedule looks a tad light with key injuries affected by San Fran’s four of next five opponents, but Week 5 against Dallas will be a gauntlet test. They must make sure they keep their own team healthy.

Seattle got whooped by the Rams but bounced back with a key win at Detroit and held off Andy Dalton and Carolina. Seattle looks improved maybe, but the division loss is something to be aware of. Defense is also worrisome after allowing around 29 points per game. Quarterback Geno Smith played better after struggling against the Rams and should continue in October. Despite an early schedule that could be costly in the long run, let’s not think about it yet. They travel to the Giants, Cincy after the bye before hosting Arizona, and then the Browns. The Giants should be interesting, but the next three are a little worrisome.

The Rams took care of business against Seattle. Unfortunately, they lost back-to-back games against San Fran and Cincinnati. However, they competed as best as they could (for whatever it was worth against Cincy). They lost those games by a touchdown or less, so at least their competitiveness is there. Their issue is durability of the roster, line protection, and lack of at quarterback. I was told by a fan that Stetson Bennett’s NFI listing may have more of a story than what was told, allegedly. Anyway, the Rams are competitive and young players are stepping up, but they aren’t good enough to be a playoff team as of right now. Maybe Cooper Kupp’s return could change it, but it’s hard to believe the Rams have a higher ceiling after trading away Cam Akers.

The Cardinals came out and smack Dallas in the mouth from start to finish. They now have Dallas’s number for seven of the last eight meetings, but let’s not hype up those red birds just yet. They will be mightily tested in October against all their division rivals on the road, including Cincinnati and Baltimore at home. If Josh Dobbs continues producing well, maybe they’re a surprise NFL playoff contender. Maybe coach John Gannon’s making progress with this roster without Kyler Murray’s presence.

NFC EAST

Philadelphia was questionable in the first two games, but the win over Tampa reminded us why they were NFC champs. Jalen Hurts is playing well as usual while the offensive line looks as good as last year’s with the infamous tush push in short yardage and goal line situations. Defense took some time to figure things out while dealing with injuries. Once a couple of players returned, they looked as formidable as last year’s team. It’s likely they run through their October schedule, but they have a date with Miami, which will really test their defense.

After bulldozing the East New York teams (Giants and Jets), the hype was all about Dallas. Once they ran into Arizona and was outplayed in the trenches, the concern’s centered around them. They’re a good team with an elite defense led by Micah Parsons, but the loss of Trevon Diggs caused the secondary to adjust. The offense played efficient through the first two games, but Arizona immediately exposed them. If Dallas can’t handle an opponent’s physicality, their next two games against New England and San Francisco will be complicated. They have a fair shot against L.A. teams back-to-back at least.

Washington looked alright in the first two games, including a massive comeback against Denver. But they eventually ran into a buzzsaw against Buffalo and returned to reality. The offensive line’s an issue, but the offense as a whole has potential with quarterback Sam Howell. Defense should be fine, but hopefully Chase Young stays healthy for the whole season. They face the Eagles at the beginning and end of October while facing the Bears, Falcons, and Giants in the middle. There’s optimism, but their offensive line must improve to give Sam Howell and company that chance.

The Giants were moderately hyped to make a playoff return this season, but I had some skepticism during the offseason. Giving Daniel Jones a contract extension over Saquon Barkley didn’t make much sense, but it’s hard to debate when Saquon Barkley hasn’t stayed healthy for most of his early career. Jones has the arm and legs to get the job done, but the rest of their roster outside of Saquon Barkley are either par or subpar. Defense hasn’t played up to the standard, but I can’t say they were responsible for being boat raced by Dallas due to the offensive struggles. Allowing 28 points to Arizona and struggling against San Fran tells they haven’t played up to similar expectations. Their October schedule doesn’t get any easier and they hope Barkley’s return from injury helps the offense perform to par level.

NFC NORTH

The Lions were nearly 3-0, but their loss to Seattle was due to turnovers. Otherwise, they have playoff and division title potential. Out of all four NFC North teams, the Lions looked like the best thus far. Defense did lose CJ GJ, but they seem fine in the front seven to keep them upright. Jared Goff’s playing well with a mix of vets and youth humming pretty dang well together. If they get over the hump against Green Bay for the third straight time, Detroit begins their October against the Panthers, back-to-back road games against the Bucs and Ravens before returning home against the Raiders.

The Packers are now in a new era with Jordan Love after a comeback win over the Saints. They battle Detroit for control of the division, but can Green Bay continue their forward progress with this young, ailing roster? With the receivers and the offensive line a bit beat up, it’s hard to tell how far they’ll go. The rest of their schedule’s up in the air as they face back-to-back road games at Vegas and Denver before returning home to host the Vikings and Rams.

The Vikings are wishy washy. Despite the talent they have and a defensive coordinator in Brian Flores, they still can’t close out games properly. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson can get this team so far, but someone on defense must step up. The loss to the Chargers created so many questions and perspectives on whether they should trade Kirk Cousins and move on. They have an opportunity for their first win against the Panthers and Bears, but then they face stiff competition against the Chiefs, 49ers, and Packers.

It’s difficult to say, but Chicago’s season is probably over before it began. The off-the-field drama, the on-the-field lackluster performance were all centered around the Bears first three games of the season. The Bears were hyped to play better and supposedly Justin Fields could play at an MVP level, but none are happening. However, their next four of five games are against some of the most untrustworthy teams in the NFL: Denver, Minnesota, Vegas, and the Chargers with Washington in the middle. If there’s an opportunity to get one win in October, one of those four games are possible.

NFC SOUTH

The opportunity is in the hands of the Dirty Birds of Atlanta. They won two games to start out the season with a young, talented roster led by Bijan Robinson in a deep backfield and an improved defense led by Jessie Bates III. However, Desmond Ridder still needs a tad more progression in the passing game. They face the Jaguars, Texans, Commanders, Bucs, and Titans, which are all mum on production. There’s no reason why Atlanta can’t capitalize on any of those five.

The Saints offense hasn’t played up to the potential just yet. Maybe it’s everyone still coinciding or maybe they’re awaiting Alvin Kamara’s return from suspension to get further production out of the offense. Defense played their best football so far and are probably one of the best that no one’s talking about with the 49ers, Cowboys, and Jets getting the attention. However, Derek Carr’s shoulder injury will be the conversation going forward. Hopefully it’s nothing serious to where he can return to lead them to a division title.

Two wins for the Bucs was a much-needed breather for Baker Mayfield and company, but Philadelphia gave them a heaping helping of reality on primetime TV. The Bucs are an upstart team, but they’re in the thick of the division race alongside Atlanta and New Orleans. They have a solid defense, and the passing game isn’t bad with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but the run game needs more help, and the offensive line isn’t that consistent which causes issues for Baker when he’s under pressure. Aside from the Bills potentially being a strong October opponent, their next three games are 50-50 in fairness. The offensive line and Baker under pressure will play a key part in their performance.

Despite the potential the Panthers have with Bryce Young and a good defense, it’s not enough to be a playoff team. There’s still too much youth on offense to yield enough wins, and they’re currently beat up on both sides of the field. The offensive line is an issue, which led to Bryce running for his life and getting injured in the process. They also lost Shaq Thompson, Jaycee Horn, Brady Christensen, and Henry Anderson to IR. Minnesota is a toss-up and maybe the team could compete against Detroit and Houston but expect a loss by Miami for sure. It’s early, but let’s say this team will be a playoff contender next season.