We're under a month from NFL Preseason football kicking off - so let's not waste any more of your time. This week, we will predict the NFC Conference Standings - from records to Playoff Seedings. Just a friendly reminder: I'm no expert by any means, so these rankings really don't carry any weight here. So without further adieu... here's the worst NFL Predictions you can find on the internet this year:
San Francisco 49ers (15-2) The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the season as the NFC favorite, in my opinion. They have (on paper) one of the most dynamic offense's a team can have, and they spent this off-season working to bolster up the defensive side of the ball. They had a lot of success in the draft, adding Dee Winters, Darrell Luter Jr., Jai'Ayir Brown, and Jalen Graham. Let's not forget Jake Moody's big 4-year $5.45M contract. This means Robbie Gould is looking for a new home. That being said, the 9ers have plenty of depth on the offensive side of the ball too. They proved they can do it last year. And in my opinion... they don't need a 5-Star QB to hand the ball off to CMC, or lob a quick-out to Kittle. Don't forget Aiyuk or Samuel who are locked in at WR1/2. This team will be winning games with ease until defenses figure out how to get into the backfield.
Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) Philly is playing the long-game. One of the biggest moves they have made this off-season was sending Miles Sanders packing to Carolina, while they picked up De'Andre Swift from Detroit. Swift is a younger, more versatile back than Sanders - and he's also making about $5.4M less than Sanders. Huge boost to the Eagles room to address any other glaring needs as they gear up for another post-season run. Hurts, Brown, Penny/Swift, Goedert, Smith... this team is stacked offensively. Don't forget their returning O-Line (minus Isaac Seumalo who signed with Pittsburgh), who gave Hurts enough time to become QB1 in fantasy last year. Not much else can go wrong for that group, outside of injuries. Keep tabs on them, and DEFINITELY pick the over on their season win total.
New Orleans Saints (12-5) The New Look Saints are going to be a force to be reckoned with once they get everyone on the same page. They have two primary new faces in the backfield - Jamaal Williams, who will be splitting time with Alvin Kamara, and Derek Carr - the new QB in town. A New Orleans Saints writer and sports bettor says Carr's offensive play style fits in nicely with Jon Gruden's West-Coast playbook. Cadence will be the main focus as the new layers mold into their team's offensive scheme, but they did have a few depth adds after the main Free Agent window died down. Jeese James, Keke Coutee, and Lynn Bowden were added onto the roster, while they thinned out some of the roster count to address other needs. Still - there isn't much variance from last years squad to this year's squad outside of the signal caller - arguably one of the biggest needs for this team heading into the offseason last year. Now with their guy under center and a dynamic duo in the backfield with the speedy Kamara and the tugboat that Jamaal Williams is, this offense could be one of the more dangerous wagons to stop in the NFL this year.
Detroit Lions (12-5) The Brand New Lions are making a name for themselves among the social media craze, but one thing is staying consistent - the internal message from the Lions is "We love the attention - but we haven't done sh*t yet." Brad Holmes is cooking up something special, but it remains to be seen how it's going to translate onto the field. A lot of the national media markets are also buying into the craze - and all of a sudden, the Lions are gaining momentum as the NFC North favorite. It's not a super deep division this year, as Aaron Rodgers left for the AFC East and the Bears are going to be another dumpster fire. The only real concern would be Kirko-Chainz and the Minnesota Vikings - who struggled mightily to win games decisively last year. That being said, a win is a win - and the Vikings had 13 of them. They will be the "team to beat" in the NFC North, but the Lions currently have a target on their back - but they're welcoming the challenge with open arms.
Dallas Cowboys (12-5) * WC1 The only thing stopping the Cowboys from being the NFC East division winner is themselves. Well... them and Jalen Hurts. Dak Prescott has been the go-to guy for the Cowboys for years now, and it looks like his time may be coming to a head. Prescott has yet to win any big post-season games for the Cowboys. Yes, he has two post-season wins... but the Cowboys edged out a struggling Seahawks team in 2018 (24-22), and a more convincing win over the roster-depleted Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 (31-14). Still - he's 2-4 in the postseason with two games over 300yds passing, and 5 INT's in those six contests. And on top of that, Cooper Rush is putting up similar numbers to Dak and he's making considerably less money. "Is Prescott good" is not my question here - but also I would not advise taking him as your QB1. CeeDee Lamb is the top target for the Cowboys, with Michael Gallup still trying to return to form while the speedy Brandin Cooks fills the hole on the opposite side. Tony Pollard is tagged for the year, but he has yet to sign his offer... plus, they now have Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot as their top 2 Tight Ends while they wait for rookie Luke Schoonmaker to find his form. Don't get me wrong - they have a lot of talent on this roster - but they need Mike McCarthy to piece it together. He's taken over the playcalling for OC Brian Schottenheimer, but things won't be as different as you'd expect - as McCarthy and Schottenheimer had been working together in the past to build the playbook according to Todd Archer. Injuries will be the key to this team - if they can stay healthy, they will have a chance at a division title. Otherwise, they will be fighting for a Wild Card spot with the NFC North's #2.
Minnesota Vikings (11-6) * WC2 The Vikings have a very good chance of finding the post-season this year, one way or another. They could make it easy on themselves and win the NFC North - which is exactly what they did last year. OR, they could run into the offensive troubles that I'm predicting them to, landing them in a Wild Card position come January. Don't worry though, Viking star players won't see any major drop-offs on their fantasy production. It's mostly the losses of Dalvin Cook and their shoddy defense. Last year, they won 13 games - but 11 of them were one-possession games and five of them were decided by a FG or less. That's not a lot of wriggle room for a "reigning division champ" to run it back - and that's why the Lions have overtaken as the divisional favorites. One of the biggest adds (defensively) for the Vikings was trading for OLB Za'Darius Smith from Cleveland before last year - who started 16 games with 44 Tackles and 10 sacks. Having some competence in the secondary will help - but that will come with time thanks to Jay Ward (4th Rd Pick) and Makhi Blackmon (3rd Rd Pick). Still lacking a true RB1, don't be surprised if they add someone like Kareem Hunt or Ezekiel Elliot ahead of the season. Alexander Mattison has shown he can be a fill-in RB, but he has yet to prove his long-term use in a high-powered offense. An RBC may help push the Vikings over the top offensively, but they would still need defensive stops to ensure tallies are going into the W column and not the L column.
Seattle Seahawks (9-8) The Seattle Seahawks had an impressive start to their season last year thanks to the MVP caliber performance we witnessed from Geno Smith. One thing they really wanted to address was the defensive side of the ball - which they did after drafting Jaxon Smith-Ngjiba with their first 1st Rd selection. Seattle came to terms with eight new defensive players this offseason - Forrest Merrill, Austin Faoliu, LaTrell Bumphus, Artie Burns, Montrea Braswell, Benjie Franklin, Jacob Sykes, and Derick Hall. What does that mean for their team? Nothing, yet. But they're trying to help give Geno some added cousin later in the games. Smith helped Seattle bring home 9 wins last year - with only four of those wins being one-possession games. Six of Seattle's eight losses were also one-possession games... What does that tell me? They have the right pieces in place, they just need to get everyone up to game-speed. The offensive corps is still standing strong with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Kenneth Walker, and the newly added WR/RB combo of JSN and Zach Charbonnet. If this team isn't challenging for a WC spot in December, then they're gearing up for a big push next year. Lots of moving pieces on this team - but they're showing they have faith in their group.
Carolina Panthers (7-10) The Carolina media is buying into the hype around 1st Overall Pick Bryce Young and the veteran receiving corps they've brought in to support him. Not to mention the shifty Miles Sanders in the backfield - who will help become a more versatile "oh sh*t take the ball" option for Young as the pocket collapses in record time around him. But the priority focus is appearing on the outside of the formation - rather than the O-Line, which is where most people were hoping to add new pieces. As a matter of fact - they didn't add ANYONE new on the O-Line from the FA market. They did draft Chandler Zavala to push LG Brady Christensen - who struggled to stay relevant last year. Still - DJ Chark is getting most of the attention after signing from Detroit. He's looking to rebound after a few injury-riddled seasons. He played in 11 games last year for the Lions, creating 30 connections for a hair over 500yds and 3TD's. He hasn't posted a 1k season since 2019 with Jacksonville, a year before the injuries began. That being said - it's clear the Panthers need a lot of improvements across the board. They have a favorable schedule this year, and the #1 Overall Pick is expected to generate a lot of buzz (and offense). We'll see how much of a difference Young can make in his first year as a pro.
Los Angeles Rams (7-10) The rumors of Matt Stafford wanting out of LA earlier this year were just that - rumors. That's according to the Rams COO Kevin Demoff, who said the rumor seemed to be taken out of context. Their Super Bowl team from jut a few years ago is down to the studs - Stafford, Kupp, and Aaron Donald are the mainstays it appears. Cam Akers will have a chance at redemption as Darrell Henderson Jr. hit the high seas looking for a new home himself. All this uncertainty gives us one outcome - Stafford and Kupp might be able to steal a game or two for the Rams, but you can expect the Rams to struggle. Even their hometown blog is predicting the same record as I am - a few divisional wins, and an upset or two. Nothing spectacular. They lack a lot talent on this team - your superstars consist of all the gamebreakers and exciting players to watch now. The only player I'm putting stock in from this organization is Cooper Kupp - so don't expect to see the Rams in the running for MVP.
New York Giants (6-11) The New York Giants will be looking to take a step forward from last year's Wild Card Berth, but things go sideways early for the NFC East hopeful. Saquon Barkley is unhappy with his Franchise Tag, and is refusing to suit up for them. It's gotten so bad that they've resorted to signing former Jags/Jets/Patriots running back James Robinson, who was cut from the Patriots citing concerns over him recovering from his ACL/Achilles injuries from seasons past. Now on his potentially last opportunity with the Giants, Robinson will look to have a similar season to his rookie campaign with Jacksonville where he started 14 games for 1070yds and 7 TD's. UPDATE: Saquon has agreed on a 1 Year, $11M deal with a $2M signing bonus. Barkley will report to camp as of 7/25. The Giants will need to heavily rely on their running game. Last season they traded away Kadarius Toney, and Richie James signed with KC this offseason. To replace them, the Giants brought in Parris Campbell (IND - WR), Darren Waller (LV - TE), Jeff Smith (NYJ - WR), and Jamison Crowder (BUF - WR) on offense, plus A'Shawn Robinson (LAR - DT), Amani Oruwariye (DET - DB), Bobby McCain (WAS - S), Rakeem Nunez-Roches (TB - DT), and Bobby Okereke (IND - LB) on defense. It substantially improves some positions, but their offense will be worrisome even with Saquon - not to mention they're facing one of the league's more difficult schedules, according to Fox Sports metrics. It's more likely to see regression for Brian Daboll's second year at the helm than progression for this team.
Atlanta Falcons (6-11) I just noticed I never added Atlanta into my pre-season predictions (11/2), so that's embarrassing. But that also speaks to how I honestly viewed this team coming into the season - forgettable. They have talent, but no real depth if someone gets hurt. Lots of changes to be expected from this team moving forward, but lots of growth too. Don't be surprised if they're making up ground in the standings over the next few season as their young studs turn into stars in the NFL - as long as they stay in GA.
Green Bay Packers (5-12) Expectations of being perennial playoff contenders are dwindling for the fans of the Green and Gold. Jordan Love has not found much success in his short stints under center with the Packers, and front office executives are finally coming to terms with the fact that they (most likely) won't be in the 'playoff-hopefuls' category. But that doesn't change the expectations from the players. Love wants to be dominant, just like Christian Watson wants to build on his explosive second-half performance from his rookie season. A lot of players WANT things... but can they get it done? Green Bay will have a tough year ahead. Their mainstays on offense are AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, who are quite the 1-2-punch you want from your RB group. But when they are the only highlight you can back up with performance-based stats, it paints a picture that your team may struggle offensively. Green Bay won't be the worst team in the NFC North, but they will need a LOT of things to go their way if they want a chance at a Wild Card spot this year. I'd advise advoiding any Packers this season as a result.
Arizona Cardinals (5-12) Arizona is in a bad spot, and they are slipping into the abyss the more they try to stick it out with Star QB Kyler Murray. A recent report from a (local to Arizona) media outlet says the Cardinals are projected to fall below the mark I have listed - a league-worst 2-15 record. Yes, they're even projecting Houston to get more than two wins... Last year, the Cardinals posted four wins. This was while they had DeAndre Hopkins and JJ Watt rostered. One big thing remains - Houston's season will greatly impact Arizona's future. That's because Arizona owns the Texans 1st Rd Pick next year - meaning the Cardinals have the best chance to land two Top-10 College Prospects in the draft next year. The sportsbooks have Arizona at 4.5 wins this year. I think even with the declining Zach Ertz, the Cardinals have playmakers to get them above that mark (but not by much). Hollywood Brown had a great year, and was even better with Arizona as the deep threat that they've needed for a few years. Extending the playing field for a mobile quarterback helps extends the play - whether the ball moves upfield or downfield is up to Kyler Murray. James Conner is the current RB1 listed on the depth chart, and the next "playmaker" for the Cards is Rondale Moore. Once again, a team lacking depth is at the bottom of the league... *SHOCKING*! James Conner (RB22 - 177.2pts, 0.65RelVal in 13 Games) and Hollywood Brown (WR44 - 123.3pts, 0.52RelVal in 11 Games) may be the only Cardinals getting claimed off of the waiver wire this year. If you're adding Rondale Moore (WR74 - 69.1pts, 0.40RelVal in 8 Games) or Greg Dortch (WR86 - 82.6pts, 0.25RelVal in 15 Games) - you're either desperate, or you're reaching. Don't be desperate or reach for anyone not listed at the top of the Cardinals depth chart. It won't pay the dividends you're looking for.
Chicago Bears (4-13) Justin Fields can throw a football a long way, but he can't throw it accurately. That's a problem for an NFL quarterback. He IS pretty good on his feet though. Aaaand we're out of positive things I can say about this offense. Chase Claypool will be in his first full year with the team after being moved mid-season from Pittsburgh, while DJ Moore will be a new face on the outside of the formation altogether - not to mention Donta' Foreman and the only other returning player to the backfield other than Fields - Khalil Herbert. This team is pretty new in the skills-positions, AND they added two Undrafted Free Agent tackles to the squad (plus Guard Nate Davis). The only major change upfront will be Darnell Wright from the University of Tennessee (10th Overall). This team has a LOT of growth needed still, both offensively and defensively. Now WR3 - Darnell Mooney says otherwise, claiming the Bears are getting "ready to win". I love the enthusiasm, but I don't see where it's coming from - or where they've improved yet. The talent is definitely in place... it's just a matter of getting them to NFL speed. That will take a season or two.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers replaced Tom Brady with a guy that was claimed off the Waiver Wire last year. Baker Mayfield was drafted by the Browns in 2018 and made his debut with the team that season - filling in for an already depleted QB room. Thing is, he has had one season with respectable numbers and a playoff berth. Tampa also lost RB Leonard Fournette. So not only do they have an inexperienced RB at the top of the depth chart, they also have a desperate QB with a lot to prove. Chris Godwin has an Opt-Out clause after this year, and Mike Evans is on the final year of his contract. Cade Otton is the starting TE, but that's not a great option for the inconsistent Mayfield. The only big move that could happen (outside of adding another QB in Free Agency ahead of the season) would be Chase Edmonds climbing from RB3 to RB1 - something that he is entirely capable of from past experience. Rachaad White is the current RB1, while Ke'Shawn Vaughn battles for reps as well. Needless to say, there's not a lot of depth on this roster. Evans and Godwin will be able to help keep the team in games, but asking them to bring home a division title is quite the reach. You can put some stock in the big names, but you shouldn't rely on them to be regular game-breakers like in years past.
Washington Commanders (3-14) I've been trying to find new information on the Commanders offseason and how their team is adjusting to the new ownership group. There isn't much out there that doesn't focus entirely on Dan Snyder and his antics over the last several years, which tells me A.) the Commanders will not be an NFL ready team this fall or B.) the team is so bad that the only focus the journalists have is to cover how horrendous the backlash from Dan Snyder has been. The team shocked the NFL world when they declined Chase Young's 5th Year Option this offseason. The 2020 5th Overall Pick will now potentially walk into Free Agency next year - if they don't trade him for a haul of draft picks. Several teams are rumored to be in the market for Young, but nothing has emerged officially from other teams. They are expecting a major step forward offensively since hiring Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy from Kansas City. But the thing is - especially when it comes to hiring new coaches - the players will need a bit of a learning curve before the plays start to click. Another major "red flag"... if you will... is the current Commander Starting QB is: Sam Howell. Howell has been taking First Team Reps so far this offseason, competing with former Browns QB Jacoby Brissett. That competition between Howell and Brissett will be great for this team - as Brissett has already proven he is capable of leading an offense. Just take a look at how the Browns performed up until DeShawn Watson was cleared to rejoin the team. Brian Robinson will be a great Flex add for fantasy coaches, and Terry McLaurin will be a top WR target once again. The question marks will be Jahan Dotson (WR53 - 109.4pts, 0.46RelVal in 11 Games), who performed well during his rookie campaign - and Curtis Samuel (WR32 - 146.4pts, 0.42RelVal in 16 Games) - the YAC king for the Commanders. Take some swings on Dotson/Samuel if they're available late in your drafts - as most coaches will probably overlook them. But this team will struggle in the standings.
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