A little later than what I wanted, but ignoring politics and other issues, here's how I look at the NFL's NFC Conference.
The East is open as there aren't many positives. Potent offenses in Dallas and New York. Each have issues defensively. Facing the AFC North and NFC West won't be easy. Philadelphia has issues on both sides with health and whether Carson Wentz will even be starting. Change could occur. Only a matter of when in the season. Washington seems to be rebuild. Ron Rivera knows how to build a team considering his early years with Carolina. How many chances will he get? Maybe a team you will see be relevant in a couple years if there aren't any major problems.
If I'm looking at the North, I'm looking at Minnesota and Green Bay. They both sport top offenses and can run the ball. One of the few times since 1992 that Green Bay had a back of that caliber. Minnesota may have the edge defensively, but the Packers could prove last year was no fluke despite losing in the Championship game. Chicago is a make or break year. They have a defense that can make plays. Can whichever quarterback play lights out and will the run game be good? Truly Mitch Trubisky's last chance to be relevant. And Detroit is a question mark. Ultimately, health on offense and a defense that desperately needs to be better. For a defensive minded coach, Matt Patricia hasn't done anything. Who knows how many more chances he'll get for a franchise that hasn't had many positives since 1999.
Any team in the South has a legit chance in winning the division. New Orleans has the best opportunity. Most of the offense is intact and the defense has been good the last couple of years. Getting past the hump to another Super Bowl is all that is needed. The many additions to Tampa Bay make it an interesting team. They look ready offensively, but I do question if they'll be healthy throughout the year and the run game. Have an above average defense, and it will be playoffs for the first time since 2007 Atlanta needs the run game badly. Matt Ryan can only do so much. Todd Gurley could solve their issues, but he is injury prone. Health of the defense will also play a factor. Could be a playoff team, but I don't know. Carolina has guys on offense, but I'm not sure for defense. Very slim chance of them being in the postseason, but you never know.
I'd say the West will be the toughest division. All four teams have quarterbacks that can make big plays and the defenses are strong groups. San Francisco loses a little in the run game, but they still got a strong committee that can keep them in games. They lost some guys on defense, but there's still a good chance for the postseason. Seattle's run game can be good when healthy and that will be the key along with the young defensive unit. Is there enough to stop opposing offenses? Arizona could be the dark horse. If they click, they will surprise the league. They got pieces on offense and when good, the defense can hold its own. But they have to be committed every snap they play. And the Rams are a tough group to determine. Jared Goff can be good, but the run game will take a hit and it's hard to know how the defense will be. They did okay last year, but it could be a different story in a little more than a week.
Overall, this should be an interesting season as the league enters its second full century of football.
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