With the 49ers weird injury situation across their depth chart, the NFC is wide open for teams like the NFC North and Atlanta Falcons, but any other team could contend. Seeing Minnesota and Atlanta at 1 and 2 reminds me of the 1998-1999 season, which was the year I became an official NFL fan long story short. However, that would be huge knowing that Kirk Cousins faces his former team in round two for the NFC title. Here are the current NFC Standings through Week 6.

CURRENT STANDINGS

1) MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-0)

The Vikings are off to their best start since 2016. However, that team crashed and burned to an 8-8 record with no postseason. These Vikings could go the distance with a Brian Flores defense led by Harrison Smith and a Kevin O’Connell offense led by…Sam Darnold! Honestly, they could have the best record in the NFC through November. Their only wall is Detroit this weekend and Chicago in the last week of November. What else or who else will stop them?

2) ATLANTA FALCONS (4-2)

The Falcons have things figured out to an extent. I still think there’s a few webs to clear out. Otherwise, this is a solid unit that’ll run the table in the NFC. As long as Kirk Cousins runs the offense and defense stays healthy, they are another NFC team vying for the Super Bowl. However, I feel like their next five games are toss ups. Unless there’s a silver lining for Atlanta, they could win or lose in those next games.

3) WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (4-2)

I know this is early, but I believe the Commanders could be playoff contenders. Jayden Daniels is playing well in the first five games of his career, win or lose. He’s throwing dimes, extending drives, and putting his team in scoring positions almost every time. He’s a gamer and Washington will ride behind him as much as possible. From now to the end of November, they could win any or all of their next six games.

4) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-3)

For anyone that read my post about San Fran in my power rankings, I’ll say this again. This team is great, but injuries are their “Achilles heel” (no pun intended). It sucks not having Christian McCaffrey, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave, Jake Moody, Talanoa Hufanga, Ambry Thomas, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jon Feliciano…I’m stopping before I lose my mind!!!! Anyway, if all of those players were healthy, who besides maybe Minnesota can stop the 49ers??? They face the Chiefs and Cowboys before the bye and could either end up 2-0 or 0-2. Then, their next three games involve teams out for vengeance. I’m talking the Bucs, Seahawks, and Packers. I’m feeling queasy thinking about it…

WILD CARD

5) DETROIT LIONS (4-1)

The Brand-New Lions have playoff aspirations again. Jared Goff, Montgomery and Gibbs, Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Alim McNeil, Alex Anzalone, Kerby Joseph, and more are becoming the faces of hope for what Detroit’s trying to aim for: the Lombardi Trophy. However, losing Aidan Hutchinson is detrimental to their opportunity. We don’t want to think this is the Same-Ol’ Lions creeping in, and MCDC’s doing his best to keep the team and city’s hopes alive. While they’re off to a great start, Minnesota, Green Bay, Houston, and Chicago could bite their kneecaps off. It’s up to MCDC’s squad to bite back.

6) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-2)

Simply understand this about Tampa: When Baker and the defense is cooking, the team is good. When Baker’s not and the defense flubs, the team is not good. I don’t think there’s another way to sum up about the Buccaneers except maybe their offensive line’s health being crucial. They’re in a good position to be a playoff team again as long as no one falls apart. However, their schedule presents a challenge. Baltimore, Atlanta again, Kansas City, and the 49ers are no cakewalks. This is where we find out where Baker Mayfield and the defense stands.

7) GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-2)

After a turbulent beginning to their season with Jordan Love’s injury, he’s back and flowing with the team in a fully stacked NFC North. Don’t question the Packers because they will be a playoff team contending for the Super Bowl. Unless Jordan Love gets hurt or the defense finds that Joe Barry-like mindset, the Packers will at least make the wild card and look their opposer’s hopes and dreams. For now, they focus on CJ Stroud, Detroit, Chicago, San Fran, and Miami if Tua’s healthy in time.

TEAMS IN THE HUNT

8. CHICAGO BEARS (4-2)

9. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-2)

10. DALLAS COWBOYS (3-3)

11. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-3)

12. ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-4)

13. NEW ORLEANS (2-4)

14. NEW YORK GIANTS (2-4)

15. LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-4)

16. CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-5)