Predictions are the fun part. The upcoming NFL season is a blank slate as teams prepare for Training Camp. While we think we know what’s going to take place, do we really? That’s not going to stop us from trying, though, so let’s take a look at who we think will make the playoffs in the NFC.
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NFC East – Philadelphia Eagles
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It really doesn’t matter what happens; just pencil the Eagles in at the top of the division. As long as they have Jalen Hurts under center and sharing the backfield with Saquon Barkley, it’s difficult to count the Eagles out. Of course, they are a lot more than that on both sides of the ball, and that’s what keeps them on top.
NFC North – Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams deserves our respect. He continues to develop under center, and we should expect to see the output of that this season. The Bears have surrounded Williams with a strong receiving corps of weapons, and their defense should be better this season.
NFC South – Carolina Panthers
Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) looks to pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
This is always a difficult division to forecast. It’s likely going to come down to the last week of action, as no one team is going to run away with it. The lean here is for Bryce Young to continue in his career development.
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NFC West – Los Angeles Rams
As the Rams continue to roll with Matthew Stafford under center, they are committed to total domination. Between Puca Nacua and Davante Adams running routes and Kyren Williams in the backfield, there are some legitimate weapons in the offensive huddle. And then they added Myles Garrett, among others, to the defense. That was a message to the NFC that they are the team to beat.
Wild Cards – Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, New York Giants
NFL Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Coming off their Super Bowl victory, the Seahawks might take a small step backward, but they are still going to make the postseason. Sam Darnold should be a little better in his second year with Seattle, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is truly a cheat code. There is a lot left from their championship team, and first-round pick Jadarian Price should help in the backfield.
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Getting through the NFC North isn’t going to be easy for the Lions, but it’s hard to count out Dan Campbell and company. There will be a void to fill with David Montgomery in Detroit, but Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the best running backs in the league. That’s also not the end of the Lions’ offensive weapons, along with a solid defense.
Let’s take a stab here and go with the Giants. It’s a quarterback league, and Jaxson Dart is certainly trending in the right direction. Adding John Harbaugh as their head coach will also have a positive impact, along with the combination of Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Arvell Reese getting after opposing quarterbacks.
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