We are just one day away from the kickoff of the NFL regular season when the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys. It will mark the start of a journey to crown one team the National Football League Champions for the 2025-26 season.
In the National Football Conference, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to go back-to-back and win their third Lombardi Trophy. They’ll have their hands full with teams like the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and more!
With that in mind, let’s find out how each team will perform in their respective division.
North
1. Detroit Lions
Despite Green Bay trading for Micah Parsons and the loss of their top two coordinators, the Detroit Lions should still be favored to win the NFC North. Even a Green Bay Packers fan like myself can admit that the Lions are the most promising and complete team in the division.
Though they lost some key offensive linemen, they still have the best tackle in the league with Penei Sewell and a certified stud in Taylor Decker. There might be some questions at the center spot, but the unit will still be elite. Plus, the return of David Montgomery will definitely help the rushing attack later in the season. And rookie Isaac TeSlaa has looked like a steal and the potential number-three receiver in what will surely be a good offense.
The defense is a little concerning. We don’t know if Aidan Hutchinson will return to his full potential after suffering such a catastrophic leg injury last year. They’re also dealing with injuries to key starters like Malcolm Rodriguez, Alim McNeill, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. This defense can still be solid, but these injuries are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses.
2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers will be facing a third-place schedule, rather than a second-place schedule like they did last season, which will make it easier for them to compete. With games against the Browns, Giants, Panthers, and Cardinals, they should manage to have a winning record once again. They also probably won’t go 1-5 in the division like they did last year.
Jordan Love will not be dealing with a nagging leg injury this season, which means he’ll probably look more like he did in late 2023 than he did in late 2024. Meanwhile, running back Josh Jacobs will still play an integral role in the offensive scheme. Matthew Golden could be the number-one wideout in this offense, but they would benefit from Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks returning to full health. Jayden Reed’s Jones fracture is worrisome, but rookie Savion Williams should be able to step up and replicate his production as both a runner and a pass-catcher.
The addition of Micah Parsons completely changes the complexion of this defense. Instead of being a unit that will struggle to get after quarterbacks, that will probably be this defense’s specialty with Parsons on one side and former Pro Bowler Rashan Gary on the other. There are definite problems in the secondary, but their elite safety group and new-look pass rush will make the cornerbacks’ jobs easier, which will lead to more takeaways.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are banking a lot on J.J. McCarthy being good right away, but they have the talent to set this kid up for success. They made noteworthy improvements along the offensive and defensive lines, but they lost five cornerbacks, so this team could struggle against the pass yet again.
The defense will probably be really good at getting after the quarterback and defending the run. They return most of their key contributors from last year, while adding two bona fide starters in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Like I said, previously, the cornerback position will probably be much weaker this season, which is saying something considering the Vikes were 28th in passing yards allowed per game. They’ll also need Harrison Smith’s on-field leadership, so his personal health issue is something to watch out for.
This team has the best skill position group in the league and arguably the smartest offensive coach in the NFL. Aaron Jones came out of last season injury-free, which is surprising to see from him. If he can replicate that again, this rushing attack will be strong. Regardless, J.J. McCarthy doesn’t have what it takes to be a good long-term quarterback in the NFL. With an unproven rookie dictating the offense, the Vikings will certainly take a step back this season.
4. Chicago Bears
The Bears could probably end up finishing as the third-place team in the NFC North. Unfortunately, they have a rookie head coach, pass-rush questions, and problems along the offensive line, even after all the moves they made this off-season. There are just too many new variables at play for Chicago to take a step forward in the division, though they will almost certainly be better than they were last year overall.
As things currently stand, the Bears only have one fully healthy running back on the roster, and he’s not an elite runner like Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley; he’s a sixth-year back who has only gone over 1,000 yards once in his career. That means Chicago will rely heavily on the pass, which is not conducive to the offensive scheme that head coach Ben Johnson runs. With questions at both starting tackle spots, Caleb Williams will have a better season, but will still probably deal with a lot of sacks.
The defense should see an improvement, but there are still holes across the board. The right side of the defensive line is questionable. Plus, they have injuries to five players in the secondary, including two of their three starting corners. This unit is still very suspect, even with a former head coach leading the charge on that side of the ball. At least they’re set at the linebacker position.
East
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are still the class of the NFC, even if they lost some contributors in the secondary. The Commanders might be able to make them sweat a little bit, but Philly should still finish with the best record in the division.
The offense is virtually the same as it was last season. The only change is at the right guard spot, where Mekhi Becton is being replaced by Tyler Steen, a former third-round pick who has been waiting for his opportunity to shine. In all likelihood, Saquon Barkley will not go for 2,000 rushing yards again, but he will still put up gaudy numbers and play like one of the five best running backs in the NFL. As long as that offensive line continues to dominate, this team will be fine.
The defensive line obviously looks different with the losses of Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams. Eagles fans shouldn’t be worried, though, because Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will continue to improve. The pass rush will still perform well, especially with the additions of Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and Jihaad Campbell. There will be even more pressure this season on second-year cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, but those two should be up for the task after dominant rookie campaigns. It also helps that Philly used draft picks to add another safety and a cornerback.
2. Washington Commanders
There’s a chance that the Commanders might regress slightly, but they’ll still be one of the better teams in the conference. They’ll undoubtedly be the second-best team in the NFC East, though that isn’t saying much considering how bad the bottom of the division is.
The offense has incredibly high expectations, and the catalyst for that unit will be second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is coming off arguably the best rookie season for a QB in NFL history. Last year, he accounted for 68% of Washington’s offense. The hope is that Austin Ekeler can stay healthy for the whole season, while rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt makes up for the lost production of Brian Robinson Jr. The good news is that the Commanders upgraded the left tackle position by trading for Laremy Tunsil, so Jayden Daniels should avoid taking 45+ sacks this year.
The Commanders might have some problems on the defensive side of the ball. They lost three of their top six pass rushers last year, but are hoping that Javon Kinlaw and Von Miller can replace the sack production they got from Jonathan Allen, Clelin Ferrell, and Dante Fowler Jr. Forcing more turnovers will be the defense’s top priority. Though that should be easier with second-round pick Trey Amos and Marshon Lattimore having the whole off-season to learn Dan Quinn’s defensive schemes.
3. Dallas Cowboys
This is a dysfunctional franchise with an unproven head coach and an idiot owner/general manager. With that being said, the Cowboys will still be better than the Giants because they have an explosive passing attack, and the NFL is a quarterback-driven league.
The ground game will probably not be as good as it was last season, when Rico Dowdle ran for 1,000. However, that won’t matter because this offense will rely heavily on passing. They now have a surefire number-two wideout in George Pickens, who will be an excellent complement to a perennial Pro Bowler like CeeDee Lamb. As long as Dak Prescott remains healthy, this team will put up a lot of points and be competitive in most of their games.
The defense is worrisome. Though their starting cornerbacks force a lot of turnovers, they also give up a lot of yards and passing touchdowns. The run defense will be better than 29th in the NFL, but the loss of Micah Parsons will greatly hinder the effectiveness of the pass rush, which finished third in the NFL in sacks last season. Those limitations will probably cause the Cowboys to go from 17th in pass defense to somewhere in the 24 to 32 range. Similar to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC, the Cowboys’ offense will have to score a lot of points for this team to be successful.
4. New York Giants
This will not be a three-win squad. The Giants have arguably the most dangerous pass rush in the NFL. On top of that, Russell Wilson is nowhere near as bad as Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, or Drew Lock. Regardless, the G-Men will still be bad and the worst team in the NFC East.
Russell Wilson will have an incredibly short leash in New York. With a first-round draft pick waiting in the wings, Giants fans will be quick to turn on Wilson if he struggles at any point early in the season. That seems likely since Big Blue faces playoff teams in six of its first eight games. With no real changes along the offensive line and Malik Nabers already dealing with an injury, this unit is not set up for immediate success. Expect Jaxson Dart to take over as the starter sometime in late October or November.
The good news for Giants fans is that the defense should be incredibly fun to watch. Abdul Carter, playing alongside Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, will be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. They’re also good at the inside linebacker spot with Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden. This group will likely struggle to defend against the pass, but the pass rush should mitigate some of those issues, but not all of them.
South
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There could be a power shift happening this year in the NFC South if Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. takes a step forward. But until we actually see that happen during the season, the Buccaneers should be favored to win this division.
Baker Mayfield has looked like one of the ten best quarterbacks in the NFL for a couple of years now. Then again, it doesn’t hurt that he has been throwing to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. With first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka coming into the fray, the Bucs might have the best passing attack in the league. Pair that with the emergence of second-year running back Bucky Irving, and this is arguably the NFL’s most balanced offense.
There are clear-cut concerns on the defense. They will need rookie cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish to be immediate difference makers after Tampa finished the regular season with the fourth-worst pass defense in the NFL. The good news is the Bucs are one of the best run-defending and pass-rushing teams in the NFL, so those rookies will mostly just have to focus on breaking up passes and catching interceptions. Tampa Bay will also need 2023 Haason Reddick to show up as opposed to the 2024 version, who only recorded one sack.
2. Atlanta Falcons
I really went back and forth deciding if the Falcons or the Buccaneers would win the division. I believe wholeheartedly in Michael Penix Jr. and that he will take that next step this season. But at the end of the day, Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are a proven entity, while there are still some questions surrounding the Dirty Birds. Either way, they’ll be good enough to finish second in the NFC South.
Outside of maybe the Vikings, Bengals, and Lions, the Falcons have the best skill position group in the NFL from a talent standpoint. Bijan Robinson is a top-five running back who can make things happen both on the ground and through the air. This will also be the year that wideout Drake London proves why he was a first-round pick. Meanwhile, Kyle Pitts still can be a top-five tight end in the league. With these offensive weapons and decent blocking, Michael Penix Jr. could easily throw for 3,500+ yards this season.
Expect the defense to be much better, too. After using two first-round picks on edge rushers and signing Leonard Floyd, Atlanta will not be the second-worst pass-rushing team in the NFL this year. The Falcons also used premium draft capital to add two young, dynamic players to the secondary, while cornerback A.J. Terrell continues to improve and fly under the radar as one of the most promising defensive backs in the league. That combination will ensure Atlanta doesn’t finish 29th in quarterback rating allowed.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers will not be a good team this year, but they also won’t be as bad as they were the last two years, which is the type of improvement that you want to see from a franchise that has the worst point differential in the NFL since 2023.
It feels like third-year quarterback Bryce Young is finally putting things together. In his final seven starts last season, Young recorded 16 total touchdowns compared to just three interceptions. He also averaged 226.1 passing yards per game, a massive improvement over the 117.1 yards per game average he had in his first seven starts last season. With a bona fide number-one wideout in Tet McMillan and the continued ascent of running back Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers will finish better than 23rd in scoring.
The defense has to improve, simply because there’s no way that unit can be any worse after finishing dead last in points per game allowed. The return of star defensive lineman Derrick Brown guarantees that the Panthers won’t allow almost 180 rushing yards per game, which was the worst mark in the NFL. Brown, in combination with rookies Princely Umanmielen and Nic Scourton, will also improve the pass rush, which generated the fourth-fewest sacks in the league last year. If Carolina doesn’t see a noticeable defensive improvement, that would be truly shocking.
4. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will be the worst team in the National Football League this season by almost every metric. Whether it’s record, point differential, or yards per game, it doesn’t matter; they’re going to stink.
The Saints have three quarterbacks on their roster that might be third-stringers on most of the other teams in the league. Spencer Rattler may be the starter for now, but he will eventually be replaced by rookie Tyler Shough. With opposing teams expecting New Orleans to rely heavily on the run to generate any sort of offense, they will load up the box against this squad and force the Saints to beat them through the air. And, they’re already dealing with injuries to two of their starting linemen while breaking in a rookie at the left tackle spot. Even with Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara, this will likely be the worst offense in the league.
The defense could actually be respectable. Unfortunately, this unit is too reliant on old players. Their best defensive end and linebacker are both 36 years old, while their starting nose tackle is turning 31. One of those guys is bound to face some injuries during the regular season, which could greatly hinder the effectiveness of this group. On top of that, the offense will likely turn the ball over a bunch, putting the defense in no-win situations in their own territory or down near the goal line. The ineptitude of the offense will be a strain on the defense.
West
1. Los Angeles Rams
Make no mistake about it, we should all be worried about Matthew Stafford’s back injury. But, we shouldn’t make divisional predictions based on the possibility of a starting quarterback missing significant time due to injury when that QB has played in 31 of the Rams’ 34 regular-season games since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
There are some issues along the offensive line, mainly at the left tackle spot. But if Alaric Jackson can remain healthy, this group should play well. They have three excellent playmakers in Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams. Unlike Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams will likely stay healthy over the entirety of the 2025-26 season, which will make him a better receiving threat than Kupp, who has missed 18 regular-season games over the last three years. As long as the Rams can manage Matthew Stafford’s disc injury, this offense will be good.
The expectations for LA’s defense will be sky-high after their impressive performance in the playoffs, where they recorded 16 sacks in just two games. Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse must continue to build on what was an excellent first season. They also added Poona Ford in the middle of the defensive line, which will take some pressure off of defensive ends Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner. There aren’t many holes on this side of the ball, and this group is still incredibly young, which is very promising. As long as they don’t outright lose the Rams games, then LA will win the NFC West.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The season hasn’t even begun, but the Niners are already dealing with a depleted roster that has been absolutely ravaged by injuries, trades, and free agency. Eight key contributors from last year’s squad are either out for the season or no longer with the team. Yet, the 49ers will undoubtedly be better than they were last year.
The offense will have the full services of its two best players: Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams. McCaffrey does not have any lingering injury issues at the moment that will force him to miss the start of the season, so he has a chance to return to his Offensive Player of the Year form. Trent Williams also seems to be fully healthy, which is huge for this unit. With those two back in the fold, Brock Purdy and head coach Kyle Shanahan will have a much easier time executing their offensive schemes.
The defense might have lost some starters, but it brought back a familiar face in Robert Saleh, who once helped the 49ers rank in the top ten in terms of turnovers forced, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and sacks. They also have an incredibly polished rookie pass rusher who can play opposite Nick Bosa and cause some havoc in opposing teams’ backfields. With Fred Warner manning the middle and still looking like the best linebacker in football, this group will not rank 29th in points allowed per game.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Even though they’re positioned to be the third-place finisher in the NFC West, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the Cardinals will be bad. I just expect the 49ers and Rams to be that good. Arizona could go 9-8, and that still might not be enough wins to earn them second place in the division.
The Cards’ biggest question mark on offense is once again quarterback Kyler Murray, who has not played a full season since the NFL expanded the schedule to 17 regular-season games. His overall performance has taken a dip, too. In his first three seasons, Murray had a quarterback rating of 93.9 and averaged 15.3 starts per year. Since 2022, he has averaged only 12 starts per season, and his quarterback rating has dropped to 3.3 points. Murray needs to be better if the Cardinals want to succeed. Thankfully, he has a Pro Bowl tight end and an incredibly promising wideout in Marvin Harrison Jr. This feels like a prove-it year for the former number-one overall pick.
The defense should be noticeably better this season. They added prized free agents like Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Calais Campbell, who will help this team establish a top-ten pass rush. The Cardinals also have numerous young players that I am infatuated with, like Max Melton, Will Johnson, Denzel Burke, and Watler Nolen III, who will all benefit from learning behind savvy vets like Campbell and All-Pro safety Budda Baker. Arizona’s defense will take the leap this year from average to good, which will be crucial in competing for a playoff spot.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Just like the Cardinals, the Seahawks are another team that could surprise everybody and finish second in the NFC West or maybe even win the division. The defense will be good once again. The offense will be the determining factor in how well this squad does.
Head coach Mike Macdonald was a huge influence on the defense, which went from 25th in points allowed two years ago to 12th last season. This unit might be even better this year after adding a difference-making pass rusher like Demarcus Lawrence, who averages almost 4.5 sacks a season over the last three years. Pairing him with Leonard Williams will bolster a pass rush that finished tied for eighth in sacks last season. There should also be high expectations for rookie Nick Emmanwori, who is the top-ranked strong safety in the NFL over the last 38 years in terms of Relative Athletic Score (RAS). He’ll basically be this team’s Kyle Hamilton, which Mike Macdonald will love as the former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
There are a lot of questions about this offense. Was Sam Darnold a one-year wonder, or can he put together another Pro Bowl season? Did Seattle do enough to improve its offensive line? Can Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and rookie Tory Horton make up for the losses of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf? One positive is that Seattle is bringing back its top two rushers from last season, which will take some pressure off of Sam Darnold. Regardless, this team will need Darnold to match Geno Smith’s yardage and touchdown outputs if they want a chance to compete late into the season.
