Early NFC Division Predictions

Parth Borker & Raiyaan Shaik
November 13, 2019

Early NFC Division Predictions

With the NFL season in full swing, many analysts are already predicting who will win each division. Many divisions are extremely competitive, while others have essentially been predetermined. The information in this article is as of week 5 and will cover the NFC. We assume that no more major injuries will happen.

NFC East

Though Dallas seemed to be the favorites early, we predict that the Eagles will win the division. With a healthy (knock-on-wood) Carson Wentz and an improved defense, it is clear that the Eagles are superior in this relatively weak division. Despite a slow start to the season, the Cowboys should still finish second in the division, as Dak Prescott is having a “breakout” season. However, they will have to significantly improve their run defense if they want to make the playoffs. Ranking third in the division are the New York Giants, as rookie QB Daniel Jones has proved haters wrong so far. This ranking is due to the abysmal Giants defense. The final team is the Redskins, who have experimented with rookie QB Dwayne Haskins Jr., though it is clear he is not game ready.

Quote: “ The east has been rather underwhelming” – Diego Piscoya, AMST Junior, a Packers fan

NFC West

Though the Rams were heavy favorites coming into the season, the 49ers have done enough to prove themselves. With Jimmy Garoppolo playing like a star and the defensive line having a collective breakout season, the 49ers seem poised to win. Next, are the Rams, who have struggled early but should hit their stride mid-season. Moving on, the Seahawks should rank third, with Russell Wilson playing like a top-5 QB and the defense stepping up as well. In last comes the Cardinals with a new rookie coach and rookie quarterback the Cardinals are attempting to restart this season and will unfortunately not find much success this year. Overall, this division should produce 3 playoff teams.

Quote: “This may be the best division in football in terms of competition behind the NFC North” – Diego Piscoya

NFC North

Coming in first for the NFC North should be the Green Bay Packers. With “new” head coach Matt Lafleur taking over, the offense seems to be rejuvenated. However, to become true Super Bowl contenders, they will have to greatly improve their run defense. Moving on, the Vikings will probably take second place in this division. Their defense has played very well so far, continuing their dominance from last season. The success of this team will be determined by Kirk Cousins. Next, the Chicago Bears will most likely place third in this division. With (possibly) the best defensive end in the league — Khalil Mack — it is no surprise that their defense has established itself as elite, though Mitchell Trubisky’s underperformance hinders the potential of the team. The last team in this division should be the Detroit Lions. Similar to past years, the Lions have made very few significant upgrades from last season.

Quote: “Best division in football in terms of competition and teams” – Diego Piscoya

NFC South

At the top of the NFC South will likely be the New Orleans Saints, who lost their Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees. Nevertheless, due to a weak division, their other star power (Alvin Kamara, Micheal Thomas, and Marshon Lattimore), a genius coach, and the fact that Teddy Bridgewater is not that bad, *deep breath*, the Saints should still finish first. Moving on, the second team in the division should be the Carolina Panthers, with new QB Kyle Allen and RB Christian McCaffery leading the way. Moving on, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should finish third in the division, as Jameis Winston continues to disappoint. There are very few bright spots on this team, so don’t expect much this season or the next, or maybe even the one after that. Lastly, we come upon the Falcons, who have looked terrible this season and may need to start a rebuild.