The first weekend of the 2016 NFL season begins Thursday night, September 8, when the Broncos host the Panthers and it ends on Monday night with the 49’ers welcoming the Rams. The other teams all play on Sunday. So that can only mean one thing – it is time for my season outlook. Last week, I looked at the AFC and this week it’s the NFC. Remember everyone is 0-0 at the moment and the aspirations of the fans are running high. If I dampen your spirit with my thoughts, just remember I don’t know any more than you do and, quite possibly, even less.
NFC EAST
- Washington Redskins – They won the division last year so I will go with them again. Their offense can be explosive and the defense might just be good enough. This division is wide open, but the Tony Romo injury helped everybody but the Cowboys.
- New York Giants – They had to shore up their defense and they did with money and draft picks. The offense should be problematic for opponents under new head coach Bob McAdoo. It would be no surprise if they win the East.
- Dallas – All they needed to be favored in the East was to get their offense healthy again. Well, forget that with the injury to Romo and a defense that does not impress. They needed to outscore opponents and now that will not happen. But even with rookie Dak Prescott, they should win more games than the Eagles.
- Philadelphia – I would have picked them third, with the injury to Romo. Then they went and traded Bradford. Their schedule includes some of the best of the AFC and the NFC North so there are no easy wins. The offensive line is a real concern. And now, they start a rookie quarterback. So, back to last place.
NFC NORTH
- Green Bay – Who else could be favored here? Aaron Rodgers has his receivers back and the defense looks strong again. They have a tough opener at Jacksonville, so don’t panic if they lose that one.
- Minnesota – Does this team EVER catch a break? They won the division last year and looked to be really good this season. Then their starting quarterback goes down with a freak non-contact serious knee injury and is likely out for the year. But they went out and got Sam Bradford. Their defense is solid, and the offense if Bradford stays healthy should be pretty good now.
- Chicago – If only their offense was better. The Bears will be as fierce as ever on defense and John Fox’s teams improve with him at the helm. They may surprise.
- Detroit –They played exceptionally well after their horrendous start last year (1-7). Calvin Johnson has retired and that hurts. With a tough division, they are still picked last.
NFC SOUTH
- Carolina – This could be the NFL’s best offensive team with some added weapons. The defense is certainly good enough to compete for a Super Bowl.
- New Orleans – Drew Brees always makes them dangerous and Mark Ingram is back at running back. If defense wins games as they say, the Saints will fall short in that department.
- Atlanta – They have a very tough road schedule (Oakland, Denver, and Seattle) which could keep them from the playoffs. If Matt Ryan has an exceptional year, they could be a wild card.
- Tampa Bay – How good is Jameis Winston at quarterback after a year under his belt. I don’t think he’s good enough to overcome their other deficiencies.
NFC WEST
- Arizona – This will be one of the very best teams in the NFL – the defense is strong and the offense is ridiculous. Could be a good Super Bowl pick.
- Seattle – The best defense and a solid offense. They will make the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year and are always a contender for the title.
- Los Angeles – They will probably start #1 draft pick, Jared Goff, at QB; travel to London for a game; and await a new stadium. Lots of distractions, not to mention their HBO Hard Knocks show.
- San Francisco – Chip Kelly tries his system in a MUCH tougher division than the NFC East where the Eagles sat. He will struggle this year, but gets to spend four weeks back on the East Coast.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
NFC Playoffs
Championship Game – Cardinals vs Carolina
NFC Champions – Arizona Cardinals
Super Bowl Champions – Arizona Cardinals
NFL Picks – Week One
Carolina
Houston
Atlanta
Tennessee
Philadelphia
Cincinnati
Oakland
Kansas City
Baltimore
Green Bay
Seattle
Giants
Indianapolis
Arizona
Pittsburgh
Los Angeles
