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Way too early NFL predictions for the NFC playoff picture in 2023

By Lou Scataglia

Jan 14, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs onto the field before a wild card game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs onto the field before a wild card game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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We haven’t even hit the 2023 NFL Draft yet, but let’s put together some way too early predictions for the 2023 NFC playoff field.  I do think the NFC is a weaker conference and should be rather easy to predict the playoff teams.

Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers were the crop of the conference, and I’m not sure that changes for 2023.

Other teams who made some noise include the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.  We haven’t even hit the 2023 NFL Draft yet, so these predictions might be way too early, but let’s take a shot and try to guess the seven playoff teams in the NFC, with seeding, for the 2023 season.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 05: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers and NFC looks on during the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium on February 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 05: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers and NFC looks on during the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium on February 05, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Getty Images) /

Way too early predictions for the NFC playoff picture – Division winners: top 4 seeds

1. San Francisco 49ers

I think the 49ers are going to take off when Brock Purdy returns to the lineup in 2023.  He may miss a game or two, but I wonder how many more games they’d have won if Purdy ended up being the week one starter.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

The defending Super Bowl champions pick up right where they left off, win another NFC East title, and secure the second seed in the NFC playoffs.  They did bring back most of their starting 22 from the previous season.

3. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions went 9-8 last year with one of the absolute worst defenses in the NFL.  They added a ton of talent to their weak secondary this offseason and have two first-round picks.  This is a serious club that is ready to win.

4. Carolina Panthers

I am banking on the excellent coaching staff that Frank Reich has assembled in Carolina.  I think they win the division with an 9-8 or 10-7 record, being led by a rookie QB, likely either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud. (See: 2021 New England Patriots).

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