Our NFC 2016 overview provides information on and analysis of each of the NFC’s four divisions. The NFC looks to be very active and, at times, unpredictable. Carolina, Arizona, Seattle, and Green Bay look loaded while teams like Tampa Bay, Minnesota, and Washington offer some potential surprises.
Every one of our team previews considers offensive, defensive and special team units, as well as individual players, coaching and management, and the NFL draft. Utilize this NFC 2016 Overview page to link to our customized previews of each of the 16 NFC teams. For information on the AFC, please link here to connect with our overview of that conference.
NFC East
Our NFC 2016 overview of the East anticipates a reenergized Dallas Cowboys team led by veteran QB Tony Romo. At the same time, we see the Washington Redskins as being very competitive, as QB Kirk Cousins comes into his own. The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles will be adjusting to new head coaches, while dealing with deficits on offense and defense. For the Giants, it’s all about Eli Manning and his health. For the Eagles, there are question marks at quarterback, as well as major depth issues. It’s doubtful that either team will make it into the playoffs in 2016.
Projected Finish 2016 NFC East
- Dallas 11-5
- Washington 9-7
- New York 8-8
- Philadelphia 5-11
NFC North
The NFC North will be a division that pits Green Bay against Minnesota. We anticipate the deep and talented Pack winning that battle. The Vikings, led by QB Teddy Bridgewater, will earn a Wild Card berth. The Chicago Bears have improved from 2015 and could be a contender next season. They have upset potential. With premiere wide receiver Calvin Johnson gone, the Detroit Lions will struggle on offense. In or NFC 2016 overview, we expect the Lions to take a step backwards this season.
Projected Finish 2016 NFC North
NFC South
The NFC South is the home of last year’s NFC champs, the Carolina Panthers. With the versatile and athletic Cam Newton at quarterback and a whole lot of talent on both sides of the ball, this team should take the division. Our dark horse in this conference is Tampa Bay. We have to say in our NFC 2016 overview that we can see the Buccaneers giving a lot of teams a run for their money. For the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees will lead one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL; however, his efforts will be undermined by one of the worst defenses. The question for the Atlanta Falcons is can QB Matt Ryan find his form again?
Projected Finish 2016 NFC South
- Carolina 12-4
- Tampa Bay 10-6
- New Orleans 9-7
- Atlanta 6-10
NFC West
Who will take the NFC West? Our NFC 2016 overview sees this division as being a battle between two exceptional teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. The outcome will be exceptionally tight. The Rams move back to Los Angeles as they work towards rebuilding their franchise. They appear to have the quarterback of the future in number one 2016 draftee Jared Goff (California). He’ll be starting ASAP. But, they certainly don’t want to start him too soon. Finally, the San Francisco 49ers will struggle mightily to win even one game. This is a franchise in deep distress and there’s been very little effort to rebuild it. When will the 49ers be contenders again? We’re not sure.
Projected Finish 2016 NFC West
- Arizona 12-4
- Seattle 12-4
- Los Angeles 6-10
- San Francisco 1-15
