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Season Predictions – NFC Central
The top seed from the NFC has come from the Central the last couple of years, and promises to do so again this season; that said, I think the race to win the division will be spirited and competitive.
1) Chicago Bears
Why will the Bears win the division?
There simply isn’t a hole in this team, and they should go into every game as the favorite to win. Jalen Hurts is a dual threat QB, who will be throwing to the top WR in the PAFL…all of this behind one of the best OL in the league. The DL boasts 2 top-end rushers and the top shutdown corner in the league; in short, good luck trying to score on the Bears or stopping them from scoring against you.
Where could the Bears fall short?
Maybe depth…but then again, the Bears are at the cap, so there is no way to add any. Given the quality of their pass rush and their secondary, the best chance to beat them will be on the ground, though that is hardly a given. Also, Green Bay has built a very nice roster too, and should be able to win on any random week.
Verdict
Calvin has built this team to win a championship and anything less will be disappointing. They hiccupped again last year and could have been going for the 3-peat, but getting to the show is the main objective, and only an act of God and/or Koch will prevent a top seed for Chicago.
2) Green Bay Packers
How could the Packers win the division?
Anthony has all the pieces to win, and have a front 7 that stands up with any other in the PAFL. Prescott is probably the best QB in the division, and there are enough weapons on offense to win on MOST weeks.
Why the Packers might finish lower in the division?
Really looking forward to seeing the Bears/Packers games this year; does Anthony choose to take on the Bears secondary, or does he decide to test his chances on the ground? And will Green Bay have a choice if Lamb goes off, but can Hurts handle the Packers pressure behind his stellar OL? Chicago is the main thing stopping Green Bay from winning the division
Verdict
I think there are 5 solid teams that will be in the playoffs, and this is one of them, with a gunfight for the last spot. Good luck and coaching will have a lot of say as to who ends up with a bye and who is a wild card.
3) Minnesota Vikings
How could the Vikings make a run for the playoffs?
As I am writing this, Eric is having a yard sale, so everything might be garbage by the time it is read, but as of right this moment, this would be my favorite to get the final playoff spot. Goff is solid, Allen is one of the best WR’s in the league and the defense is legit.
Why the Vikings might want to continue their yard sale?
I love and respect Eric like a brother, but this team is very old; I honestly think he could sneak into the playoffs, but beating Chicago or Carolina would be a tall order…so I get what he is doing. Of course, when he is done, this ranking might not matter, but for now, he is a great coach and this team is 3rd IMHO.
Verdict
Eric has taken a lot of teams to the playoffs, so he gets a bit of a nod here coaching-wise; that said, while Goff should improve the Vikings, they have enough other holes to cause concern. Minnesota may make the playoffs; they just may not get to enjoy it long when they get there.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
How could the Buccaneers make the playoffs and push to be in the top 3?
Lawrence is a respectable QB and there are some nice pieces across the board; depending on what Minnesota does in their wheeling and dealing, there may be a couple of more wins there, and so with a lucky game or two, they might manage to sneak in the back door (they do, after all, get to play the AFC Central this season).
How could the Bucs finish last in the division?
Some of those games might not turn their way; while they have some weapons on offense, they are still a bit light on depth and defense. I think there is a gap between Tampa and Detroit though, so it would be bad luck that would drop them to the cellar
Verdict
In just a few season, Brendan has taken the worst team in the league and made it respectable, so hats off to you. Looking at their draft last year and their young DL this season, and there will be a major upgrade again next season, so whether Tampa makes the playoffs this year or next, they are going in the right direction.
5) Detroit Lions
How could Detroit finish out of last place?
Everything is on board with the announced Minnesota fire sale, so that is one possibility. There a few pieces on the team that can make a difference, though I am more skeptical.
How could Detroit finish in the basement?
There simply isn’t the talent to go far in this division, especially on defense. There is also a major need for youth in the WR room, so it might a bit of a rough go for the time being.
Verdict
Caleb Williams should be the starting signal caller next year, and the Lions had a decent draft; that said, it might be a bit of work to get this team to the level of competing with the big boys.
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