In the latest NFL offseason rankings, the NFC contenders have been ranked and divided into five different tiers based on their potential for success in the upcoming season. The Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys lead the way in Tier 1 as the top trophy hunters in the conference.
The Cowboys may have the least recent success among the trio, but they have won 12 games in back-to-back years and have made significant upgrades to their roster. With star power and young defensive talent, they could make a strong push for the championship. However, concerns remain about the conservative coaching style of Mike McCarthy and the late-year struggles of quarterback Dak Prescott.
The Eagles and 49ers have had recent success in the playoffs, with combined NFC Championship appearances and Super Bowl bids in the last six years. The 49ers have a strong system in place under coach Kyle Shanahan and possess a defense with playmakers at every level. The Eagles, on the other hand, boast what is considered the best all-around roster in the NFL for the second consecutive year, thanks to general manager Howie Roseman’s crafty moves.
In Tier 2, the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and New York Giants are growing contenders. Despite being surprise playoff teams last year, none of these teams are considered extremely trustworthy. The Giants have questions surrounding their quarterback Daniel Jones but could benefit from the addition of experienced veterans. The Seahawks are hoping for their quarterback’s breakout season to continue, while the Lions have surrounded Jared Goff with a sturdy line and young playmakers.
Tier 3 consists of the wild card wanderers, including the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons. These teams are expected to hover around .500 and could surprise with a playoff push. The Vikings have a strong offense but a stripped-down defense, while the Packers are relying on young players to step up in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. The Saints have a suffocating defense but face uncertainty with key players’ availability. The Panthers are going through a reset but have potential with a growing defense and a promising quarterback-head coach pairing. The Falcons have a talented group of young playmakers but follow an old-school recipe for success.
Tier 4 is made up of restoration projects, including the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These teams have uncertain futures despite their varying track records. While the Bears have added help for their young quarterback, the Commanders are betting on an unknown at the quarterback position. The Buccaneers, despite being talented on defense, face uncertainty with their quarterback situation. The Rams have a strong coach, quarterback, and wide receiver, but questions remain about the rest of their roster.
Finally, in Tier 5, the Arizona Cardinals are the draft-pick darlings. They could face challenges with their franchise quarterback Kyler Murray‘s injury recovery, leaving them with uncertainties in key positions.
Overall, these rankings provide a glimpse into the NFC landscape for the 2023 season. While some teams have established themselves as top contenders, others face significant challenges and uncertainties. As the offseason progresses, these rankings may evolve, but for now, these are the teams to watch in the NFC.
