NFL

NFC West

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1. Los Angeles Rams

The defense is playing at an elite level and if QB Matthew Stafford stays healthy they could be a force in the NFC.

2. San Francisco 49ers

If RB Christian McCaffrey is back to what he was for the 2023 season, they will be in contention for another Super Bowl.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Which version of QB Sam Darnold will they get? The one who lived up to his billing as a potential MVP candidate for parts of last season for Minnesota. Or the one who faltered in the last two games he played for them.

4. Arizona Cardinals

This will likely be the last hurrah for QB Kyler Murray in the desert if Arizona doesn’t make a significant playoff run this season.

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NFC South

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1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

They have established an elite level offense. Now they need their defense to match the output that QB Baker Mayfield and company can produce.

2. Atlanta Falcons

It’s not everyday that a franchise has a backup quarterback that is making over twice as much as the starting quarterback.

3. Carolina Panthers

Progress was made last season and with that there is optimism for this franchise going forward.

4. New Orleans Saints

Will Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough really be the long term answer at quarterback for them?

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NFC North

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1. Detroit Lions

It will be interesting to see how they adjust to the loss of both offensive and defensive coordinators, but the return of DE Aidan Hutchinson should help a lot.

2. Green Bay Packers

The time is now to see if this current iteration of the Packers can finally punch their ticket towards a Super Bowl.

3. Minnesota Vikings

The J.J. McCarthy era was delayed by one season. He has a plethora of weapons at his disposal and a defense that can get after the quarterback.

4. Chicago Bears

New head coach Ben Johnson comes with a lot of fanfare. Can he get QB Caleb Williams on track to live up to his number one overall draft selection?

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NFC East

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1. Philadelphia Eagles

The defending Super Bowl champions defense took a hit in free agency. The offense will have to shoulder more if they want to defend their title.

2. Washington Commanders

They were one win shy of making an appearance in the Super Bowl. Can QB Jayden Daniels repeat or exceed his fantastic rookie season?

3. Dallas Cowboys

Oh what a season we have to look forward to. Where will the Cowboys find themselves come January?

4. New York Giants

Three new quarterbacks have been brought in. Their future will ride with Jaxson Dart, but for now they have Russell Wilson in the twilight of his career.

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AFC West

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1. Kansas City Chiefs

Until it actually happens and they are dethroned, they will remain atop the AFC West.

2. Los Angeles Chargers

A completely revamped backfield has the Chargers offense setup to make some noise in a crowded field in the AFC.

3. Denver Broncos

Last season wasn’t a fluke. If QB Bo Nix can duplicate his rookie season with the defense they have put together they could surprise some opponents.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

They could be poised to finally start turning things around. Hiring Pete Carroll as their head coach is a step in that direction. I’m not so sure about acquiring QB Geno Smith though.

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