NFC Record Predictions

We already took a look at the AFC, but let’s jog over to the NFC and see what we expect that conference to look like in 2021. Tampa Bay not only won the conference but also the Super Bowl as well. Could they run it back with Tom Brady (everyone’s favorite sports collectibles find) this season?

NFC North

Green Bay Packers 12 - 5

Minnesota Vikings 9 - 8

Chicago Bears 8 - 9

Detroit Lions 4 - 13

The main storyline in the NFC North is whether or not Aaron Rodgers will be in a Packers jersey once again in 2021. At this point it seems like it could be unlikely, but we will have to wait and see. After Green Bay we have Minnesota as a fringe playoff team. They finished up the season crazy hot but they dug too deep of a hole early in the season and they just couldn’t climb out. The Bears just added a brand new quarterback by the name of Justin Fields and by most accounts, he is the most talented QB that the Bears have had in decades, maybe ever! The Lions are in transition after trading away Matthew Stafford and nabbing Jared Goff. They definitely improved during the draft, but I am not sure that it’s enough to get these “knee biters” out of the cellar. 

NFC East

Washington Football Team 10 - 7

Dallas Cowboys 9 - 8

New York Giants 7 - 10

Philadelphia Eagles 7 -10

The NFC East was a complete dumpster fire last season. That said, expect that this division will be at least moderately better this season. I really like how Washington is building their team. They have a very good defense, playmakers at running back and wide receiver and some great players on their offensive line. They are just a quarterback away from being incredible. Let’s see if Fitzpatrick has any magic left in that arm of his. The Cowboys get back Dak Prescott and they just look lost without him. I expect them to go back to being the prolific offense we saw the first 5 games. The Giants passing attack was pretty sad last year. They added Kenny Golladay and Ka’darius Toney so that should change. The Eagles are in an interesting spot. They have a new coach and a QB that may or may not be their future. Only time will tell. 

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13 - 4

Atlanta Falcons 9 - 8

New Orleans Saints 7 - 10

Carolina Panthers 6 - 11

Reigning Super Bowl Champion Buccaneers are ready to run it back. They literally brought back everyone in the starting lineup on both offense and defense. They will be hard to stop. Atlanta is going to attempt to give it one last chance. Right now, Julio and Matty Ice are facing the end of their careers, but the additions of Mike Davis and Kyle Pitts could add a needed jolt to this offense. For the first time since 2005 the Saints will be looking at life post Drew Brees (look for some of his autographed sports memorabilia in our upcoming NFL live breaks). I think this could be the beginning of the end for the Saints. The Panthers acquired Sam Darnold this offseason. Will he be unlocked by leaving Adam Gase and joining Joe Brady? We will have to wait and see, but it feels like there is hope for the first time in a while.

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks 11 - 6

Los Angeles Rams 10 - 7

San Francisco 49ers 9 - 8

Arizona Cardinals 8 - 9 

I expect that this division will be as close as the NFC East, except this division is full of much more competitive teams overall. Despite all the rumors floating around this past spring, it looks like Russell Wilson will be in Seattle at least a little longer. As long as he dons a Seahawks jersey, this franchise will be competitive. The Rams have a new signal caller this year. Will Stafford be able to run the offense in a way that could fully unlock McVay’s offense? If so, this team could be scary. After a Super Bowl appearance 2 years ago, injuries really derailed their 2021 season, but with much of that defense returning, Trey Lance could help get them back to their former glory. The Cardinals added some big time veterans in JJ Watt and AJ Green. Despite the name value, we're not convinced they will be enough to take them to the top of the division.