RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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The 2026 NFL season is almost here, and the NFC could be one of the most competitive conferences in football. The defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks are back, the Rams made a major splash by adding Myles Garrett, and several teams are counting on young quarterbacks to take another step forward.
After looking at the schedules, roster changes and overall talent across the conference, here are my predictions for all 16 NFC teams, ranked in order within each division.
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NFC East
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb walk off the field after a loss against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images 1. Dallas Cowboys — 11-6
I’m taking the Cowboys to win the NFC East. Dallas addressed a major weakness on defense by adding Rashan Gary, Von Miller, a full season from Quinnen Williams, and using three high picks on defensive players, including safety Caleb Downs. If Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb stay healthy, this offense should be good enough to make Dallas a playoff team.
2. Philadelphia Eagles — 10-7
Losing A.J. Brown is a significant blow, but the Eagles still have Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith and one of the conference’s better defenses. The schedule is difficult, though, and I expect Philadelphia to take a small step backward after winning the division last year.
3. Washington Commanders — 9-8
Washington is one of my favorite bounce-back teams. Jayden Daniels needs to stay healthy after missing significant time last season, but the Commanders made major investments in their defense. If Daniels takes another step forward, Washington could easily outperform this prediction.
4. New York Giants — 6-11
The Giants should be more competitive under John Harbaugh, but I’m not expecting an immediate turnaround. There are plenty of new pieces, including changes at quarterback and throughout the roster, and I think New York needs another offseason before becoming a serious contender.
NFC East winner: Cowboys
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NFC South
Aug 14, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 10-7
Tampa Bay is my favorite in what could be another wide-open division. Baker Mayfield has enough weapons around him, and the Buccaneers have the roster continuity I want to see from a team trying to make another playoff push.
2. Carolina Panthers — 9-8
The Panthers were the biggest surprise in the NFC South last season. Bryce Young continues to develop, and Carolina has steadily improved the roster around him. I don’t think they’re ready to dominate the division, but another competitive season is coming.
3. New Orleans Saints — 8-9
I like the Saints more than most people, particularly with their young talent and the potential for improvement at quarterback. New Orleans has a legitimate chance to compete for the division, but I still see too many holes to project a winning record.
4. Atlanta Falcons — 7-10
Atlanta is difficult to trust until it proves it can consistently win football games. There is talent on the roster, but the Falcons have too many question marks for me to put them above the other three teams.
NFC South winner: Buccaneers
NFC North
Aug 22, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) stands on the sidelines during the second half in the game against the Cincinnati at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images 1. Chicago Bears — 11-6
The Bears are my pick to win the NFC North. Caleb Williams entering Year 3 with Ben Johnson should be fascinating, and Chicago already showed last season that it can win close games. The Bears won the division at 11-6 last year, and I expect them to remain near the top of the conference.
2. Detroit Lions — 10-7
Detroit remains a legitimate contender and will have an easier schedule this season than last. The offensive line has undergone changes, but Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon Ra St. Brown lead one of the league’s best offenses.
3. Green Bay Packers — 10-7
The Packers are talented enough to make the playoffs, but I’m expecting another frustrating season where they leave some wins on the table. Jordan Love has decent weapons, and the defense should keep them competitive, even without Parsons.
4. Minnesota Vikings — 9-8
The Vikings are one of the hardest teams to project. There is plenty of talent, but the quarterback situation creates uncertainty. I expect Minnesota to remain competitive without quite having enough to get into the playoff picture.
NFC North winner: Bears
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NFC West
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images 1. Los Angeles Rams — 12-5
The Rams are my pick to win the NFC. Sean McVay has one of the league’s best offenses, Matthew Stafford continues to play at a high level, and adding Myles Garrett gives an already talented roster another elite difference-maker. The schedule is brutal, but this team is built to handle it.
2. Seattle Seahawks — 11-6
The defending Super Bowl champions deserve plenty of respect. Seattle returns much of the roster that won the championship, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba gives the offense a legitimate No. 1 target. I expect another strong season, even if repeating as Super Bowl champions proves difficult.
3. San Francisco 49ers — 10-7
The 49ers could be healthier this season, which would make a major difference. Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, George Kittle and Nick Bosa give San Fr...
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