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NFC Conference Division Predictions
- Donald Hamilton
- Sep 6
- 16 min read
The NFC is completely loaded. Six of the top ten scoring teams in the league were from the conference. The conference has several contenders for the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February. Whether it's the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles looking to become the third team to repeat this century, or the new look Green Bay Packers, who just acquired All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons and have catapulted into legitimate contenders.
Without further ado, let's dive into our NFC Conference Division winner predictions.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Last season: 8-9, missed playoffs
The Falcons haven’t made the playoffs since 2017, when they lost to the Eagles in the divisional round. They’ll have Michael Penix penciled in at quarterback, who they hope can show promise as a full-time starter and stay on the field. They were 31st in QB sack percentage last season, but bolstered their pass-rushing depth with the signings of defensive end Leonard Floyd (49ers) and defensive lineman Morgan Fox (Chargers). They also added Mike Ford (Browns) and Divine Deablo (Raiders) to strengthen the secondary and backline of the defense.
Last season, the team was 24th in opponent passing yards allowed per game and last in opponent completion percentage when defending the pass. Last season, the Falcons had a strong offensive line that ranked sixth in quarterback sack rate.
They re-signed their offensive linemen Jake Matthews, Brandon Parker, Elijah Wilkinson, and Storm Norton. Pro Football Network has them ranked as one of the top 10 offensive lines that were consistent last season. They finished fifth in pressure rate allowed (36.1%) and led the league with a 2.1% sack rate.
They made changes to their front office by hiring a defensive coordinator in Jeff Ulbrich, who formerly worked with the Jets, to replace Jimmy Lake. They hired defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg from the Jets. Rutenberg helped linebacker Quincy Williams earn First Team All-Pro and Team MVP honors in 2023, becoming the only First Team All-Pro on defense who joined his team via waiver claim since 2000.
Additionally, under Rutenberg's lead, Williams became one of six players since 2015 to record at least 100 tackles (139), 10 tackles for loss (15), and 10 passes defensed (10) in the season. The Falcons have many offensive weapons available, including a talented young running back, Bijan Robinson, and solid young receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, as well as veteran Ray-Ray McCloud.
Robinson is one of four running backs since 2010, age 22 or younger, to rush for 1400+ yards, 12+ touchdowns, and at least 80+ yards per game. The others are Ezekiel Elliot (2016), Jonathan Taylor (2021), and Jahmyr Gibbs (2024). London was one of three Falcons receivers in franchise history in their age 23 season or younger (Julio Jones, Andre Rison) to catch at least 1200+ yards, eight touchdowns, and 70+ yards per game.
The Falcons have many weapons offensively, but with questions at quarterback and defensively, they may miss the postseason again.
Predictions: 8-9, miss playoffs.
Carolina Panthers
Last season: 5-12, missed playoffs
Similar to the Falcons, the Panthers haven’t made the postseason in seven consecutive seasons. Bryce Young, their young quarterback and former No. 1 pick, struggled for most of the season before finding a rhythm and confidence after returning to the starting lineup. In the first six games last season, Young only threw for more than 200 yards in a single game. However, his performance significantly improved on Thanksgiving, when he threw for over 260 yards and a touchdown against the defending champion Chiefs.
In his last eight games of the season, Young threw for 1709 yards, 12 touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 61% completion rate, 4.7% touchdown rate, and 91.7 passer rating. When compared to his first five games last season, there was a significant difference: he threw more interceptions (five) than touchdowns (two) while maintaining a 59% completion rate, a 2% touchdown rate, and a 59.4 passer rating.
The Panthers made some key additions and re-signings by re-signing Jaycee Horn to a
four-year, $100 million contract. They also added to their defensive unit by signing Tershawn Wharton (Chiefs), who’s coming off a strong season last year with 6.5 sacks and should fit their 3-4 defensive scheme. Tre'von Moehrig (Raiders) was signed as a safety to replace Xavier Woods, who left for Tennessee in free agency. Moehrig recorded 104 tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, and two interceptions last season.
Patrick Jones II (Vikings), who bolsters their edge rush after recording seven sacks in one start last season, and running back Rico Dowdle, who serves as insurance while Jonathan Brooks recovers from an ACL injury. They drafted Tetaoira McMillan, who gives Young a primary throwing target, and edge rusher Nic Scourton.
Prediction: 9-8, playoff sleeper.
New Orleans Saints
Last season: 5-12, missed playoffs
Tanking for the top overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft may be the ideal thing to do for the Saints. LSU Tiger quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks like the prize of the 2026 draft, and the Saints will be one of the frontrunners to land the potential franchise cornerstone. In the front office, the team hired Kellen Moore, the former offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, as their new head coach. Moore helped revitalize their offense and implement a versatile scheme balancing rushing and passing attacks.
They also appointed Doug Nussmeier as the offensive coordinator and Brandon Staley as the defensive coordinator. The team ranks 14th in the percentage of QB sacks allowed and 25th in the percentage of QB sacks allowed defensively. The team finished 20th in total sacks last season. They executed numerous clumsy plays and achieved the highest penalty yards per penalty (9.1) in the previous season.
They signed DE Chase Young to a three-year, $51 million contract, with a potential value of up to $57 million, as well as OL Will Clapp. They selected QB Tyler Shough, OT Kelvin Banks Jr., and DT Vernon Broughton in the draft, with Spencer Rattler starting as quarterback.
Prediction: 2-15, miss playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last season: 10-7, clinched NFC South Division title, lost to Washington in Wild Card
The Buccaneers were one of the top five offenses in points scored and yards per game last season, as well as being the most efficient team on third downs. It was an offense led by “Mr. Reliable” Mike Evans, who leads all receivers with a decade straight of 1,000+ receiving yards with 11 consecutive seasons, which leads all NFL receivers since 2014.
The Bucs drafted wide receiver Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State, who holds the record for the most receptions (205) in the program's history. They signed edge rusher Hasson Reddick (Eagles) and LB Anthony Walker (Dolphins), along with Lavonte David, who led the team in tackles with 122.
The Buccaneers have an elite offensive line led by Tristan Wirfs, who’s arguably the best at his respective position, leading the league in pass block win rate. The team's 24.4% pressure rate was the lowest in the NFL. Mayfield will need to cut down on the turnovers. Tied first with 16 alongside Kirk Cousins.
Prediction: 11-6, make playoffs. Win NFC South.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Last season: 5-12, last in Division
The Chicago Bears were as active as any team this offseason, making significant changes on the offensive line and at the coaching position. They hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who led the Lions to the NFL's highest-scoring offense last season, and they finished in the top five across multiple offensive categories, including 3rd down conversion percentage and 4th down conversion percentage.
The team hired OC Declan Doyle, who served as the tight ends coach for the Broncos and played an instrumental part in Bo Nix's development. The Broncos reached the postseason after ranking top-10 in the NFL in points per game (25.0, 10th) and red-zone touchdown percentage (62.5, 7th). While the Bears addressed their coaching staff, the most pressing issue last season was their offensive line, which allowed 68 sacks (the most in the NFL).
They completely overhauled their offensive line by adding back-to-back First Team All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney from the Chiefs. Thuney provides legitimate protection for Caleb Williams for a Bears team that had the worst offensive line in football last season, ranking last in QB sack rate %. Thuney has led the NFL in pass block win rate since 2021.
The protection for Williams doesn’t end there. They added Pro Bowl offensive guard Jonah Jackson as well as center Drew Dalman. They drafted TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III, who give the Bears two explosive playmakers and added depth to the receiving corps that supports their franchise quarterback. Caleb Williams is one of six rookies this decade to throw for 3500+ yards and 20+ touchdowns with a 60% or better completion rate. The others are Justin Herbert, Mac Jones. CJ Stroud, Bo Nix, and Jayden Daniels.
The Bears will have the second-toughest strength of schedule in the league.
Predictions: 9-8, miss playoffs
Detroit Lions
Last season: 15-2, won the NFC North division, and was the best in the NFL
The Lions were the best scoring offense in the NFL last season with Ben Johnson as OC of the team, who is now head coach of the Bears. While Johnson contributed significantly to the offensive schematics, the team had a stacked and diversified offense capable of attacking from the ground with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
They also could beat you in the passing game with reliable receiving weapons in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, both having 1,000+ yard receiving seasons as a tandem for what was the best scoring offense in the NFL last year, leading the league in touchdowns per game (4.1).
The Lions only added to their depth by drafting DL Tyreik Williams (Ohio State), OL Tat Ratledge (Georgia), and WR Isaac TeSlaa. Williams is a highly regarded run-stuffing defensive tackle, while Ratledge can compete for a starting guard spot. Meanwhile, TeSlaa provides the Lions with a young receiver with downfield potential at 6'4 and strong hands who can gradually develop alongside Brown, Williams, and Laporta as a viable tertiary or fourth option.
They signed CB DJ Reed (Jets) to a three-year, $48 million deal and will have their star defensive tackle, Aidan Hutchinson, returning from a broken leg; he was on pace for 25 sacks last season.
Prediction: 14-3. Make the playoffs. Win NFC North.
Green Bay Packers
Last season: 11-6, lost in Wild Card to Eagles
The team that landed the blockbuster prize right before the season was the Green Bay Packers, who acquired All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for two first-round draft picks for 2026 and 2027 and defensive tackle Kenny Clark. Parsons reportedly signed a four-year, $188 million deal with the Packers upon joining the team, including $136 million guaranteed.
He is only the third player in NFL history (J.J. Watt, DeMarcus Ware) to have 172+ solo tackles, 52+ sacks, and 60+ tackles for loss in their first four seasons. The Cowboys released Ware when he refused to take a pay cut in 2014. Parsons was entering a fifth-year option on the final year of his rookie contract, one he’s been eligible for since 2023.
Through four seasons, Parsons has stacked his NFL résumé with a Defensive Rookie of the Year nod, as well as three All-Pro selections (including two on the first team) and four Pro Bowls. He finished top three in DPOY voting in three of his four seasons.
The defensive line lacks depth, except for Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wooden. They have a high-powered offense that finished eighth in points scored (460), which was second in the NFC North behind Detroit and fifth overall in the conference, according to StatsMuse. They drafted wide receiver Matthew Golden (Texas) and offensive tackle Anthony Belton (NC State), who should contribute right away.
They ranked eighth in pressure rate (37.2%), a significant improvement from their 18th-place ranking (32.7%) when not facing the blitz. Green Bay’s run blocking was concerning, as they ranked 14th in RBYBC/rush (0.92) and 23rd in RBWR.
Prediction: 12-5, make playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings
Last season: 14-3, lost to Rams in Wild Card
An incoming rookie at quarterback could either spell trouble for a Vikings team looking to contend or become a wunderkind. J.J. McCarthy is coming off missing his rookie year due to suffering a torn meniscus. He led the Michigan Wolverines to the national championship upon graduating from college. Having not played football for two seasons, it’s normal to question how his rhythm will look on the football field against the best football players in the world.
It'll help that he'll be paired with the league's best wide receiver, Justin Jefferson, to ease the transition. Jefferson has a hamstring injury but is not expected to miss any time. They bulked up on the offensive line to protect McCarthy by signing four-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly alongside Will Fries.
They added to their defense with Pro Bowl players Jonathan Allen (Commanders) and Javon Hargrave (49ers), who can rush the passer and stop the run in addition to creating interior pressure at the line of scrimmage. Improved their secondary by signing Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.
They acquired Jordan Mason through a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, who was among the four players last season who rushed for 700+ yards in six or fewer starts. The others were Jahmyr Gibbs, Tank Bigsby, and Bucky Irving. This acquisition offers the Vikings running back depth and insurance after re-signing lead back Aaron Jones to two years for $20 million.
Prediction: 11-6, make playoffs.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Last season: 8-9, missed playoffs
The Cardinals are one of those wildcard teams in the NFL. They can perform exceptionally well against elite teams, or they can perform poorly and suffer four consecutive losses. They strengthened their defensive interior and added depth to their linebacker corps.
They struggled stopping the run, where they ranked 25th in opponent yards per rush, 20th in rushing yards allowed, and 18th in touchdowns per game. They look to improve that with the signings of edge rusher Josh Sweat, along with defensive linemen Calais Campbell (Dolphins) and Dalvin Tomlinson (Browns).
They selected defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Arizona with the 16th overall pick and added linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, who adds depth and versatility in the secondary, with the addition of depth at quarterback in Jacoby Brissett.
Predictions: 9-8, miss playoffs
San Francisco 49ers
Last season: 6-11, missed playoffs.
The 49ers had a down year due to numerous injuries following their Super Bowl run in 2023, which ended in a loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. They hope to stay healthy and regain relevance, but will do so without some key players, such as wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders, linebacker Dre Greenlaw joined the Broncos, and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave left for the Vikings.
The defense struggled to get stops on 3rd down, ranking 25th in third-down conversion percentage. They also struggled with offensive ball control, finishing 20th in takeaways and lacking defensive playmaking. Brock Purdy will need to return to his 2023 form, when he finished fourth in MVP and passed for over 4,000 yards with a passer rating of 113, if they want to compete.
The 49ers have the easiest schedule in the league this season.
Prediction: 10-7, miss playoffs
Seattle Seahawks
Last season: 10-7, missed playoffs.
The Seattle Seahawks are still trying to find their footing in the post-Pete Carroll era under Mike Macdonald, and they will now need to adjust with a new quarterback following Geno Smith's trade to the Raiders. They traded receiver DK Metcalf to the Steelers and released Tyler Lockett. Other players released to free up salary cap space included Dre'Mont Jones, Rayshawn Jenkins, Roy Robertson-Harris, and George Fant.
They signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million in guaranteed money and $37.5 million guaranteed at signing to become their new starting quarterback. The deal features a $32 million signing bonus. He reunites with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from the New Orleans Saints after dismissing Ryan Grubb after one season.
Darnold will have weapons to throw to, such as former triple-crown winner Cooper Kupp, on a three-year deal. He was the second leading receiver in receptions and touchdowns for the Los Angeles Rams last season. Can he stay healthy? He has missed at least five games in the last three seasons. He'll join Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in a revamped receiving corps.
The team had a struggling offensive line that surrendered a 39.4% pressure rate (30th) and an 8.3% sack rate (24th), where they hope their 18th overall first-round draft pick in OL Grey Zabel can help. They added defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, signing him to a three-year, up to $42 million deal, adding a veteran presence and pass-rushing ability to the defensive line. He'll reunite with defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
Prediction: 9-8, miss playoffs
Los Angeles Rams
Last season: 10-7, lost to Eagles in Divisional Round
The Rams acquired All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the New York Jets. This move addressed a clear need at the receiver position following the departure of Cooper Kupp. Adams signed a two-year, $44 million contract with $26 million guaranteed. He is expected to be a major contributor to the Rams' offense.
The Rams also strengthened their defense by signing DT Poona Ford from the Chargers to a three-year contract worth up to $29.6 million, with $17 million guaranteed. Ford is one of the best run-stoppers in the league. He was ranked as the fifth-highest graded interior defender by Pro Football Focus in 2024.
A big concern is the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford has had lingering back issues that are a cause for concern, but he has stated he’ll play through the injury.
Prediction: 11-6, make the playoffs, and win the NFC West.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys: 7-10, missed playoffs
The soap opera that somehow never ends and keeps getting worse is the Dallas Cowboys. They made the headlines once again by trading away their star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, before the season in exchange for Pro Bowl DT Kenny Clarke and two first-round draft picks.
The Cowboys acquired WR George Pickens from the Steelers, who led the team in reception yards and targets, providing them with a player who can serve as a secondary or tertiary receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb and Jalen Tolbert. However, the Cowboys love running a West Coast offense called the “Texas Coast,” where they run lots of play action, screens, short passes, and deep shots.
Pickens was in the 88th percentile of deep shot throws. Since he entered the NFL as a second-round pick from Georgia, only Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown have produced more receptions of at least 25 yards than Pickens (41).
The team acquired Kaiir Elam from the Bills for draft capital, which resulted in the acquisition of CB Jordan Hancock and a 2026 seventh-round pick. Elam struggled to find consistent minutes as a starter in Buffalo, and they were looking to clean his guaranteed salary off their cap.
The team had a good offensive line (9th in sack rate%) and a pass rush (2nd in sack rate%) last year. They have drafted LT Tyler Guyton and center Cooper Beebe to pair alongside All-Pro LG Tyler Smith, adding to their young, formidable offensive line.
The Cowboys have the fifth-toughest schedule in the league and a questionable running back core, along with a depleted defensive unit in the aftermath of the Parsons trade. Albeit they stayed competitive against the Eagles in their 24-20 Week 1 loss, it’s going to be a long season.
Prediction: 6-11, miss playoffs
New York Giants
Last Season: 3-14, last in division; missed playoffs.
The Giants drafted Abdul Carter out of Penn State, and he will tremendously help their defense as a pass rusher, demonstrating why he was awarded the Nagurski-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. Carter, a pass rusher wreaking havoc in the preseason, has shown ferocity, explosiveness, and strength off the line of scrimmage.
They also drafted DE Darius Alexander (Toledo), RB Cam Skattebo (Arizona State), and Jackson Dart out of Mississippi. They signed Roy Robertson-Harris to add depth to the primary defense. They added veteran quarterback Russell Wilson from Pittsburgh and signed Jameis Winston to a two-year deal to give them a quarterback trio.
They re-signed CB Paulson Adebo, who’s a ball hawk and versatile scheme defender who can play man or zone coverage effectively. He disrupts passes and forces incompletions. They also added Javon Holland, a crucial member of the Dolphins' secondary.
The Giants have the toughest schedule in the NFL, with the Commanders, Chiefs, Chargers, and Eagles in four of their first six games.
Predictions: 4-13, miss playoffs
Washington Commanders
Last Season: 12-5, lost in the NFC Championship to the Eagles.
The Commanders had a Cinderella season last year after not making the postseason since 2020. They were led by their precocious rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who led the Commanders to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1992. He’s one of three rookie quarterbacks in NFL history (Justin Herbert, Bo Nix) to throw for 3,500+ yards, 25+ touchdowns, and a 65% completion rate.
The team re-signed All-Pro receiver Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension with a base value of $87 million and an AAV of $29 million. Additionally, the initial guaranteed money is set at just over $44 million, which includes a $30 million signing bonus. However, that figure could rise to $50 million by April 2027, and there is no guarantee of additional funds.
McLaurin was one of three receivers last season (Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown) to receive 1,000+ yards and 10+ touchdowns with a catch percentage of 70 or better.
The Commanders acquired WR Deebo Samuel in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, providing them with another legitimate receiving threat as a secondary target option. They drafted Jaylin Lane from Virginia Tech, who has impressed the coaching staff and his teammates and looks to be an immediate starter for this offense. The Commanders added Pro Bowl OT Laremy Tunsil and drafted Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon), providing a significant upgrade to the offensive line.
The team struggled against the run last season, and they hope the addition of All-Pro and future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner, who brings a championship pedigree and veteran presence to the Commanders' locker room, will help, along with DT Javon Kinlaw.
They signed Matt Gay, one of the NFL's best kickers, who will help them win some games with the league's eighth-toughest schedule.
Predictions: 11-6; make the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles
Last Season: 14-3, won NFC East, Super Bowl Champions
The reigning Super Bowl champions' defense played a significant role in their postseason success. They had the NFL's best defense, allowing the fewest points per game (18.1) and yards to opponents (288.6). The release of Darius Slay and the departures of Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and the CJ Gardner-Johnson trade resulted in the loss of many key members of last year's Super Bowl defense, as well as Mekhi Becton on the offensive line.
However, they added linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche, as well as TE Kylen Granson, re-signed OT Lane Johnson, and signed AJ Dillon, a talented backup running back for Saquon Barkley, giving the Eagles more running back depth.
Last year, the offensive line had the NFL's worst pressure rate and the second-worst sack rate. Barkley proved his value despite those circumstances, proving why he’s the best running back in the league, becoming the eighth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000+ yards and 12+ touchdowns in a season. He had the most combined regular and postseason rushing yards in NFL history with 2,504.
Despite some key losses, the Eagles still have a dynamic offense with threats in the passing game and the most dominant rusher in the league. Pair that with a poised quarterback in Jalen Hurts coming off a Super Bowl MVP, and his confidence should be at an all-time high as they are the NFC favorites to come out of the conference.
Predictions: 13-4, make playoffs, win NFC East.
Who will win the NFC?
Philadelphia Eagles
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Other
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