The NFL season is on the horizon, prompting a detailed preview of the NFC as teams prepare for the upcoming campaign. With a mix of playoff contenders and teams looking to rebound, the NFC landscape is set for an exciting year ahead.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles: Playoff Contenders
The Eagles enter the 2026 season with high expectations following their Super Bowl victory in the 2024-25 season and a division title last year. With an offseason grade of A, their projected floor is 10-7, while their ceiling is 12-5. The Eagles boast one of the most talented rosters in the league, particularly on defense, which allowed the fifth-fewest points per game last season. Despite some offseason losses, the unit remains formidable. The key question for Philadelphia will be the performance of their offense under a new coordinator. If the offensive line can maintain its health, running back Saquon Barkley is expected to have a significant impact. Improving their passing game will be crucial for the Eagles to solidify their status as Super Bowl contenders.
Dallas Cowboys: Playoff Contenders
With an offseason grade of B, the Cowboys are also positioned as playoff contenders. They had one of the league's most potent offenses in 2025, led by Dak Prescott and a talented receiving corps including CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. However, the defense struggled, allowing the most points and passing yards per game. This offseason, Dallas focused on strengthening its defense by acquiring key players such as Rashan Gary and Von Miller. Their projected floor is 9-8, with a ceiling of 11-6, making them a team to watch in the NFC East.
New York Giants: Miss Playoffs
After a disappointing 2025 season, the Giants have made significant changes, including hiring veteran coach John Harbaugh. With an offseason grade of C, they face a challenging path, with a projected floor of 6-11 and a ceiling of 9-8. Quarterback Jaxson Dart showed promise in his rookie season, and the team has bolstered its roster with new weapons. However, the defense struggled last year, particularly against the run, and improvements will be necessary for the Giants to contend for a playoff spot.
Washington Commanders: Miss Playoffs
After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Commanders had a disappointing 5-12 season last year. With an offseason grade of B, they are projected to have a floor of 6-11 and a ceiling of 9-8. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had a stellar rookie season, was hampered by injuries last year. The team has made moves to improve its defense, adding pass rushers and a promising linebacker in the draft. If Daniels can stay healthy and the defense improves, the Commanders could return to playoff contention.
NFC North
Chicago Bears: Miss Playoffs
The Bears, who won the NFC North last season, face a challenging 2026 campaign with an offseason grade of C-. Their projected floor is 7-10, with a ceiling of 11-7. Despite their success last year, they are projected to have the hardest schedule in the league. The competition in the division is fierce, with the Packers and Lions expected to be healthier this season.
Detroit Lions: Playoff Contenders
The Lions finished 2025 with a 9-8 record despite struggles, and with an offseason grade of C+, they are projected to contend for the playoffs with a floor of 11-3 and a ceiling of 14-3. The hiring of Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator could rejuvenate their offense, and they will need to capitalize on a favorable schedule.
Green Bay Packers: Playoff Contenders
With a floor of 8-9 and a ceiling of 13-4, the Packers are a difficult team to predict. Their offseason grade is D+, and they lost several key players to free agency. However, if they can overcome injuries and regain form, they could still emerge as contenders.
Minnesota Vikings: Playoff Contenders
The Vikings are looking to bounce back from a rough 2025 season. With an offseason grade of B-, they have a projected floor of 7-10 and a ceiling of 12-5. The addition of quarterback Kyler Murray could significantly improve their offensive output, making them a team to watch in the NFC North.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons: Miss Playoffs
The Falcons are projected to struggle in 2026, with a floor of 3-14 and a ceiling of 7-10. Despite a strong finish to last season, they failed to make significant improvements in the offseason, leaving them with one of the weakest quarterback situations in the league.
Carolina Panthers: Miss Playoffs
With an offseason grade of B+, the Panthers are projected to have a floor of 4-13 and a ceiling of 8-9. Quarterback Bryce Young has struggled, and while they made some key acquisitions, the overall outlook remains bleak.
New Orleans Saints: Playoff Contenders
The Saints are the most improved team in the NFC South, with an offseason grade of A. They have a projected floor of 7-10 and a ceiling of 11-6, bolstered by key additions on both sides of the ball.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Playoff Contenders
The Buccaneers, with an offseason grade of B-, are projected to have a floor of 6-11 and a ceiling of 10-7. With veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield leading the charge, their success hinges on his health and performance.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals: Losers
The Cardinals are projected to struggle in 2026, with a floor of 2-15 and a ceiling of 8-9. Despite offseason changes, they face a tough schedule ahead.
Los Angeles Rams: Contenders
With an offseason grade of A+, the Rams are positioned as serious contenders. Their floor is projected at 11-6, with a ceiling of 16-1, thanks to a powerful defensive lineup and an explosive offense.
San Francisco 49ers: Pretenders
The 49ers, with an offseason grade of C+, face uncertainty as they navigate an aging roster. Their projected floor is 6-11, with a ceiling of 12-5.
Seattle Seahawks: Pretenders
With an offseason grade of D, the Seahawks are projected to have a floor of 7-10 and a ceiling of 11-6. Following a Super Bowl win, they have lost key players, making their outlook less favorable.
As the NFC prepares for the 2026 season, the competition is fierce, and each team's performance will be closely scrutinized as they vie for playoff spots and potential Super Bowl glory.
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