It's the time of year. Time for PFT season predictions. JK, that was actually four weeks ago, but I started an article and didn't finish it. So here it is, 4 weeks into the season. To be fair, I've been super busy and couldn't tell you who is winning any division outside of my own. So I didn't make much changes based off of the preseason when I started. Also, I'm pretty bad at this, full disclosure, but here we go. I figured the Predictions are a nice way to get a few AP without taking 4 hours. It's for fun. The moral of the story? If I don't rank your team where you think you belong, please don't take it personal! Ok, AFC is done, go check it out. Here is the NFC!
NFC East
1.
Philadelphia Eagles
2.
Washington Redskins
3.
New York Giants
4.
Dallas Cowboys
Analysis: The
Philadelphia Eagles are in contention imo to be the best team in the league when all is said and done. Everyone has eyes on Gary in Indy with Peyton Manning, and for good reason, but I think THIS year, Gary Cohen is the guy to watch. I also expect this division to be VERY weak behind them, so they could run up 13 wins pretty easily. The
Washington Redskins have some talent on the roster, and a great GM, but ultimately I don't see them challenging Philly, or even for a Wild Card this year. They are simply 2nd because the Cowboys and Giants (despite the very public showing for rookie QBs in this last draft) are going to be tanking for Eli. I couldn't believe that
New York Giants and
Dallas Cowboys fought over Tony Romo and Chris Simms... but on draft day I assumed it was a cover for the real plan... end up with Eli Manning (or Rivers, or Big Ben, etc). I was VERY surprised to see the Cowboys storm out to an early start with some wins, and I was tempted to move them up in the rankings... but in my preseason I thought they were for sure a contender for (0-16), so to be faithful to that I kept them in 4th. I still think they'll struggle to have 6 wins between these two teams.
NFC North
1.
Green Bay Packers
2.
Minnesota Vikings
3.
Chicago Bears
4.
Detroit Lions
Analysis: The
Green Bay Packers are awesome, and I love that Brad is carrying himself as a favorite for a title. If there is any GM in our SFL pipeline that SHOULD have had a few of these and had them stolen from the injury gods or bad luck, it's him. I think the
Minnesota Vikings will be very good with their unique talent (that Justin Herr stole from me after he banished me to Denver) - but I think Green Bay is just BETTER this year. Is the
Chicago Bears getting the #1 overall pick, as I've seen posted a few places, the LEAST exciting scenario? I think so. Let them develop Kliff Kingsbury.
Detroit Lions are in good hands long term, but I think they'll be in contention for worst team in the league this year. Which isn't a bad thing.
NFC South
1.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2.
New Orleans Saints
3.
Atlanta Falcons
4.
Carolina Panthers
Analysis: I still get choked up talking about the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who my good buddy and fellow teacher Ian Coyle took over. Through talks at the creation of this league, I was very sad that I wasn't gonna be in Tampa after basically making my dream (modern) version of the Bucs in GGL. It was also pretty clearly expressed and communicated through diplomatic vote that teams would have the option to keep their current teams. So I went in with good faith that I'd be in Tampa. Behind the scenes, and I never communicated this to anyone so this is basically breaking news, I had kind of decided to retire if I wasn't in Tampa. But when all was said and done - the idea that it was going to be me or Ian, two real life Bucs fans, I was ok with Ian getting them. Better than ok, in fact, I was happy. In GGL, he drafted before me and could have easily just taken them, but he was nice enough to take Indy so that I'd have a chance at Tampa. I'm happy and hopeful he does great and is in Tampa for a long time. Shouldn't be hard in year one - but GMs like Peter, Neal, and (checks notes)... Leo the Kid? Ok, I don't know the last guy. But Peter and Neal ARE going to build great teams, so Ian better stack some contract years now. I didn't love putting
New Orleans Saints 2nd here, because as a Bucs fan I have such a DEEP hatred for this organization, but Neal is simply one of the best GMs in our community and I trust him to build a winning product. The
Atlanta Falcons for sure have more talent than New Orleans right now, and made aggressive moves to try and win now... but I just can't fully toss myself behind a scrambler. I say that without even looking at their record or knowing how good he's doing so far. Last I heard he had a big preseason? Maybe that'll translate well. The
Carolina Panthers were vacant during the draft. I don't know who Leo is, don't think I've ever been in a league with him or seen him post anything - but considering how much I hate the Panthers in RL, I can't say I'm going to be rooting too much for his success. Especially with my boys Ian, Peter, and Neal in the division. Good luck though.
NFC West
1.
St. Louis Rams
2.
San Francisco 49ers
3.
Seattle Seahawks
4.
Arizona Cardinals
Analysis: The
St. Louis Rams are the clear class of this division. They inherit one of the most talented roster, in a league where they can actually use their playbook, and have a crafty GM who knows how to draft and make good moves. I can see the Rams doing a hybrid where they compete, but also play down to their competition a little during the regular season knowing they're better and can develop young players while they work. Kind of like what I did with the SFL Cowboys. This is bad news if you share a division with Justin, because I think the Rams will be good for a very long time, and during the playoffs every year will be a real threat to win it. The
San Francisco 49ers have had a rocky start this year, but I love Brady and think he'll eventually lock in and turn this team into a destination. The
Seattle Seahawks have a relatively weak roster, but I still think they'll finish better than the
Arizona Cardinals, who appear to have their eyes on next year (or beyond). Will is a very smart dude though, who added some good pieces this year, and once the puzzle is complete, he's the most likely to challenge Justin longterm, imo.
NFC Playoff Seedings
1.
Philadelphia Eagles
2.
Green Bay Packers
3.
St. Louis Rams
4.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5.
Minnesota Vikings
6.
San Francisco 49ers
I expect the Eagles to put up huge numbers this year and be a REALLY tough out in the playoffs. The Packers won't be too far behind them, and I do think they'll be a game or two better than the Rams this year... as Justin won't concern himself too much with a BYE, rather will prioritize developing players while winning an easy division. The question is if the division is SO easy that the Rams still end up with 12-13 wins, in which case you might be able to slide them into the 1 or 2 spot, bumping the Packers down, who are fending off the Vikings. Rounding out the division winners, give me my buddy Ian in Tampa. The Wild Cards I think are Minnesota and WHOEVER in the 6th spot. I went with San Fran, but it was really hard to find a 6th team. Whoever it is will get ate up by the Packers, Rams, or Eagles... so congrats on extending your GM contract and see you next year!
