NFC Playoff Teams
1. Los Angeles Rams
I guess the obvious reason why the Los Angeles Rams might not get the top seed in the playoffs is simply how much hype this team has gotten this offseason. This could be one of those cases where the Rams simply don't live up to expectations, which is something we regularly see in the NFL. For now, though, it's hard not to put them at the top.
2. Detroit Lions
I am someone who might be higher on the Detroit Lions than most, but this team did won 15 games in the 2024 season and 27 regular season games across the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, so it's not like they don't know how to win. Furthermore, the Lions were 7-4 at one point last year before a defensive collapse, so a bounce back season is far from an unlikely scenario here.
3. Dallas Cowboys
With the rather major defensive overhaul the Dallas Cowboys went through in the offseason, I like them to win the NFC East right now. Dallas could soon emerge as the most well-rounded team in the division, and it's really not up for debate that Dak Prescott is the best QB in the NFC East.
The improved defense could put the Cowboys squarely in the NFC race.
4. New Orleans Saints
Give me the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC South right now, earning the No. 4 seed in our first predictions. The Saints won four of five to end the season, and if Tyler Shough takes that desired year two leap, the Saints would be able to scrape together 10 wins and win the South. All four teams do have major concerns, but the Saints, in my view, have the highest ceiling.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle won the Super Bowl last year but might slide into a Wild Card spot in 2026 if the Rams end up being as good as many think they can be. This would still give the Seahawks a chance to repeat, but they'd have to do that going on the road, which is no easy task.
For now, we'll have them projected as the top Wild Card in the NFC, and there is a chance that Seattle wins 12 or 13 games but does have to settle for a lower seed.
6. Chicago Bears
Chicago does not repeat as NFC North champions in our predictions, but they are able to slide into the playoffs for a second season in a row. I am not sure the Bears defense is quite ready to make a deep playoff run, and only earning the No. 6 seed in the playoffs this year would just about guarantee that the defense wasn't as improved as it needed to be.
7. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have the misfortune of being a very good team, but also being the third-best team in their own division. This could again lead to another Wild Card spot. Seeing as the 49ers are already dealing with injuries, the 2026 season could be another year where the health again comes into question.
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