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2016 NFL Predictions: Green Bay Packers Re-take NFC

By Dan Salem

Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) dives forward against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half in an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) dives forward against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half in an NFC Divisional round playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Is the NFC really good, or kinda weak? Either way its all about Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton, but its the Green Bay Packers who are favorites next season. 2016 NFL Predictions. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

The 2015 season is complete, which means it’s time to glance ahead at next year and try to figure out who the favorites are to take home the Super Bowl LI title. Yesterday, we discussed the AFC and who looked like the best shot there. Today, it’s the NFC’ turn. ESPN has released its rankings for next season, as has Las Vegas.

ESPN marks Carolina as the best team in all of football for the 2016 season, and I don’t quite get it. Sure, the Panthers had a magical and nearly peerless 2015, but there were signs that it was a bit fluky. The most obvious reason is that folks said, week after week for seemingly the entire 15-1 regular season, that Carolina was a bit of smoke and mirrors. The schedule was weak, and the team simply overachieved thanks to Cam Newton’s MVP season. I don’t see that being repeated even with a healthy Kelvin Benjamin at wide receiver.

Vegas pits Seattle as the NFC favorite, which also seems silly. This team is slowly being gutted by the salary cap, one season after another. A number of important linemen and skill players are pending free agents again this offseason. Add to that the likely retirement of Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks are running out of that talent edge they held for so long.

The Cardinals may be good again, but they are getting old. I could see teams like Dallas or even Tampa Bay taking a step up, but that won’t put them on the level of championship contention.

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The team to beat in the NFC is the Green Bay Packers, as boring as that sounds. The offense will be special again in 2016 with the return of its second-best player, Jordy Nelson. While the defense could look drastically different because of free agency, the key cogs of Clay Matthews and that young secondary will be back. Plus, GB will have more than $25 million in cap space if it doesn’t bring back some of its guys.

Also, what are the chances that Aaron Rodgers is ordinary two years in a row? This guy will be back to MVP-caliber in 2016.

Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after the game. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after the game. The Panthers defeated the Packers 37-29 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

DAN:

Is it possible to both agree and completely disagree at the same time? Nothing you said was technically wrong, except for a blatant disregard for what the Panthers accomplished this season. Cam Newton and his MVP caliber abilities are not going anywhere. That being said, there’s no way Carolina doesn’t take a step back next season.

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No one repeats a 15-1 season and two years in a row of total dominance is unlikely. What isn’t at all unlikely is the return of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. He is a future hall of famer, and one less than stellar season does not a trend make. The lack of consistency at running back is concerning, but in the NFC its small potatoes.

There are few sure things in the NFC in 2016, but Rodgers return to greatness is one of them. Nearly every other division is up for grabs, with huge question marks surrounding this past seasons’ winning teams. Green Bay has the core in place. It’s due for a resurgence. While Carolina will likely suffer a Super Bowl hangover, the Packers are primed to win this mediocre conference.

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I’m not scared by any team in the NFC right now. The defenses aren’t there yet. But the Packers are the favorite. I feel like a broken record at times, but the league’s top quarterbacks will continue to dominate. Expect the same in 2016.

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