The Majors Sports Network NFL Analyst “Downtown” Russell Brown has taken the time to preview the whole NFC. Take a look inside and figure out who he has making the playoffs.
NFC East
New York Giants (9-7):
Their schedule isn’t the most difficult but they’ll lose some games due to their tough division schedule and the question marks on defense. If Victor Cruz can stay healthy, then expect Eli Manning to be better than predicted. Especially, with the trio of running backs that they have.
Washington Redskins (4-12):
I don’t expect much from this team this year, if anything at all. Kirk Cousins or RGIII at quarterback won’t make a difference for them. They don’t have a solid defense and their offensive play-makers consist of Alfred Morris and that’s it. Morris not going to be able to win them more than four games by himself.
Dallas Cowboys (10-6):
The run game has me skeptical of this team regardless of having the “best” offensive line in football. There are too many injury concerns for their backfield and their secondary is going to have the same issues after losing Orlando Scandrick in the preseason.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-5):
Their defense has lost some key players like Bradley Fletcher and Brandon Boykin but they still have a good front seven. New quarterback Sam Bradford should have a huge year with this new offense and the running game will help him with that.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers (3-13):
Who do they even beat on their schedule? Idk my BFF Jill? Colin Kaepernick is terrible at quarterback, their defense has lost a lot and they’re going to be playing some stiff competition within their division.
St. Louis Rams (5-11):
Nick Foles is in at quarterback and they have no weapons for him. Todd Gurley will be good once he’s healthy but until then, their run game will be ineffective. They do have a good defense but the health of that defense will be key to winning an extra game or two.
Arizona Cardinals (8-8):
I know they have a really good defense and Carson Palmer is healthy again. However, I question their offensive line, their injured and aging receivers, and do they really have a good enough run game. I think they’re going to disappoint a lot of people this year.
Seattle Seahawks (12-4):
Beast mode – check. Jimmy Graham – check. Legion of Boom – check. Russell Wilson – check.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12):
The Buccaneers have the right pieces in place but their offense will need another year. Their defense will also need to get a better plan in place to stop guys like Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. Next year, Jameis.
Carolina Panthers (6-10):
Losing Kelvin Benjamin is going to hurt this team because Funchess sin’t close to being comparable to him yet. Also, their defensive secondary is extremely thin and they play some pass heavy teams.
New Orleans Saints (9-7):
They have some winnable home games and should be able to manage some road wins. Overall, they lost a huge piece on offense in Jimmy Graham and their defense isn’t as good as it was a year ago but they should be able to manage some wins in a weak division.
Atlanta Falcons (8-8):
The NFC South will come down to the last game of the year between the Falcons and Saints. The Falcons always seem to choke so give me Drew Brees and them Saints. However, Julio Jones is going to have a huge year and the Falcons defense will look much improved.
NFC North
Chicago Bears (5-11):
They might win 5 games but it’s going to be tough. Jay Cutler is awful and their defense is highly questionable. I like what they have running back but they play in a really toughest division in the NFC.
Minnesota Vikings (7-9):
Mike Zimmer has the right pieces but they’ll need one more year. The defense is extremely young and I think Bridgewater will hit that sophomore slump. Jump off the wagon while you still have a chance.
Detroit Lions (10-6):
The pieces on the offense are there and the defense will get highly overlooked. Ngata is no Suh and Levy is hurt but they have a great coaching staff and should be able to outscore most teams they play.
Green Bay Packers (12-4):
Jordy Nelson out? No problem. Aaron Rodgers will make someone else emerge as a star and they still have a great running back in Eddie Lacy. Oh, and their defense is pretty good with Clay Matthews leading the pack.
NFC Playoff Predictions
1st Round Byes: Green Bay Packers & Seattle Seahawks
Division Winners: Philadelphia Eagles & New Orleans Saints
Wild-Card Winners: Detroit Lions & Dallas Cowboys
NFC Championship: Detroit Lions at. Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers