After a strong 14-2 year in 2024, 2025 brought disappointment. J.J. McCarthy didn't meet expectations, the offense stagnated, and despite a solid defense, it only led to a season without playoffs. The new General Manager is Nolan Teasley, who comes from the Seahawks and has several important contract decisions ahead of him. Kevin O’Connell remains Head Coach, with Brian Flores continuing as Defensive Coordinator.
Offense:
Kyler Murray has clearly beaten McCarthy for the starting job and now leads the offense. He brings experience and the ability to play the entire field – even if he's not an ideal fit for O’Connell's system.
The weapons are there: Justin Jefferson remains elite, Jordan Addison is a strong WR2, Jauan Jennings a solid number 3. T.J. Hockenson is reliable. In the backfield, Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason share the workload. The offensive line remains the question mark – especially inside and regarding Christian Darrisaw's health.
Defense:
Flores’ defense in 2025 was once again better than the sum of its parts. The front is thinned out and relies on the development of Dallas Turner and rookie Caleb Banks. The return of Harrison Smith is positive: Athletically, he may no longer be at the absolute top level, but as a locker room leader and identity figure, he remains incredibly important. Together with Josh Metellus, he continues to provide experience and stability in the secondary.
Otherwise, the linebackers and cornerbacks feature solid, but not spectacular, names. A collapse is unlikely, but maintaining the top level of previous years will be difficult.
Outlook:
The Vikings enter a tough NFC North with a solid roster. Murray brings competence, the weapons are present, and the defense remains a factor under Flores. The schedule is manageable. Playoffs would be a clear success – with consistently good quarterback play, more is also possible. However, another season of mediocrity could increasingly put Kevin O’Connell's job in question.
Prediction: 10-7, Playoff Football
Chicago Bears
(2025: 11-6) by fredix
"From Zero to Hero" hits the nail on the head! With new HC Ben Johnson, the team went from last place in the division to first and into the playoffs faster than I expected.
Can the Bears defend their top position this year? Last season, they won no less than seven games where they were trailing with two minutes left, and the defense led the league with 33 turnovers.
Will Caleb Williams have to (or be able to) demonstrate similar comeback qualities this year, or will he achieve a definitive breakthrough in his second year working with Ben Johnson and be able to decide games earlier? Will the defense deliver similar numbers? The Bears are no longer the pursuers this year, but the hunted in a division where all four teams should remain closely matched.
Offense:
The investments in the O-Line last season paid off, and the Bears only had to make minor adjustments in the offseason after center Drew Dalman ended his career. Garret Bradbury (traded from the Patriots) was acquired as a replacement. The rest of the O-Line should be well-practiced, and Right Tackle Darnell Wright was rewarded with a new contract (4 years, $116 million, $93 million guaranteed).
The only other notable departure in the offense was Wide Receiver DJ Moore (traded to the Bills), but with WRs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as Tight Ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, there should be enough targets available to make Caleb Williams the first QB in Bears history with over 4,000 passing yards in a season.
Defense:
In contrast to the personnel continuity of the offense, the defense had to record several departures, including starters: particularly in the secondary, both safeties Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker, as well as C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Nahshon Wright, left the team in free agency. LB Tremaine Edmunds was a victim of the salary cap and released; Devin Bush, acquired in free agency, is expected to replace him.
In the secondary, new acquisition veteran Xavier Woods (most recently Titans) and rookie Dillon Thieneman (1st Round Pick) will form the new safety duo, while the team continues to rely on cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson. In the D-Line, still led by pass rusher Montez Sweat, Grevon Dexter (traded to the Falcons) was replaced by free agent DT Kentavius Street (most recently Falcons).
Prediction: 11-6 and another playoff appearance
Green Bay Packers
(2025: 9-7-1) by fredix
The major overhaul was avoided in the offseason; GM Brian Gutekunst and Head Coach Matt LaFleur had their contracts extended long-term. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley is now HC of the Dolphins, succeeded by Jonathan Gannon, former HC of the Cardinals and DC of the Eagles.
Some players whose rookie contracts expired signed elsewhere, such as backup QB Malik Willis and WR Romeo Doubs, and some were traded, like pass rusher Rashan Gary. While this brought in several middle-round draft picks, they are only for the 2027 draft, meaning the roster depth this year is likely to be somewhat thinner.
Nevertheless, expectations are high after three seasons where they made the playoffs as a 7th seed each time but won only one playoff game, and a deep "run" in the playoffs is the goal.
Offense:
Matt LaFleur builds his offense around the run game, and the suspension of Running Back Josh Jacobs will cause major problems: backup MarShawn Lloyd (3rd-Round-Pick 2024) has been injured more often than not in his two previous seasons, and Chris Brooks' greatest strengths are blitz-pickup and pass protection. As a result, Kaleb Johnson was acquired via trade from the Steelers shortly before the season began.
Will LaFleur be forced to rely more on Jordan Love and the pass game this year? The biggest beneficiary could be WR Matthew Golden (1st-Round-Pick 2025), as after the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, the trio of Golden, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed has emerged as starters – along with Tight End Tucker Kraft, who returns from an ACL tear.
However, everything hinges on the O-Line, and this is where the Packers could truly stumble: Apart from Right Tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Tom), there's a question mark behind every single O-Line player: Left Tackle Jordan Morgan (1st-Round-Pick 2024) failed to establish himself for two years, was injured, or didn't impress as a guard; Left Guard Aaron Banks (formerly 49ers) hasn't justified the lucrative contract he received last year with his performance; Center Sean Rhyan (3rd-Round-Pick 2022) is only entering his second full season as a starter; and at Right Guard, Jacob Monk (5th Round 2024) appears to have surpassed Anthony Belton (2nd Round 2025).
Defense:
The biggest question, of course, is when superstar Micah Parsons will return from his ACL tear and in what form? He will miss at least the first four games of the season, and the Packers lack roster depth at many positions: In the D-Line, Devonte Wyatt and newcomer Javon Hargrave, who is known to DC Jonathan Gannon from their time together in Philadelphia, form the starters.
Behind them, however, are players on rookie contracts and without much experience. The same goes for the pass rushers, who, apart from Parsons, are not very inspiring: Luke van Ness (1st-Round-Pick 2023) has not even come close to meeting expectations so far, and alongside him are mainly rookies and second-year players.
Linebacker Zaire Franklin (traded from the Colts) is expected to replace Quay Walker, who left in free agency, alongside Edgerrin Cooper. In the secondary, they can rely on established safeties McKinney, Williams, and Bullard. However, the fact that rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse (2nd-Round-Pick) is preparing to be a Day-1 starter not only speaks to his talent but also volumes about the rest of the roster.
Prediction: Expectations are (far) too high, and with a disappointing 8-9 record, the playoffs will be missed significantly.
Detroit Lions
(2025: 9-8) by fredix
"From Hero to Zero" is probably too harsh, but the Lions have indeed slipped to the bottom of the division after two consecutive division titles. Granted, they had a winning record, were last only due to tie-breakers, and the gap to the second-place team in the division and the last Wild Card spot in the playoffs was razor-thin.
Again this year, the dominant themes of the last one or two seasons can be stated: injury misfortune and victims of their own success. It was payday again for some important Lions players who were previously on favorable rookie contracts. While the Lions have managed to keep the core of their team together, cap space has become tight, and not every star has a new contract yet.
Offense:
Offensive Coordinator John Morton was unsuccessful as Ben Johnson's successor, was relieved of his play-calling duties during the season, and fired in January. The new OC is Drew Petzing, most recently OC for the Arizona Cardinals.
However, much should not change regarding the "typical" Lions offense. QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and TE Sam LaPorta will be the familiar stars, although the latter enters the final year of his rookie contract without a new deal.
The O-Line, in the recent past the heart of the Lions' offense, has been continuously rebuilt and rejuvenated. After the retirement of LT Taylor Decker, superstar Penei Sewell, the last remaining constant in this unit in recent years, will take his place. His previous spot on the right side will likely be taken by rookie Blake Miller (1st-Round-Pick).
Since center Frank Ragnow's return from player retirement last season was over quicker than Dan Campbell could say "hamstring," the Lions had to look for a new center elsewhere in the offseason. This was found in Cade Mays, but he got injured in training camp, so the Lions will start the season with the backup, Juice Scruggs (traded for RB David Montgomery, likely also for cap reasons, from the Texans).
Guard Tate Ratledge (2nd-Round-Pick 2025) looked promising as a rookie, while Christian Mahogany (6th-Round-Pick 2024) looked less so last season. If the development of the young players goes in the right direction, the Lions can get back on track and to their former strength. Otherwise, Jared Goff could face more pressure than last season.
Defense:
The defense is led by superstar pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson; together with DT Alim McNeill and linebackers Derrick Barnes and Jack Campbell, he forms the core of "Homegrown Talent" in the front seven, i.e., players who were drafted by the Lions and have now signed their second lucrative contracts.
However, this also affects the rest of the roster; the departure of LB Alex Anzalone can be seen as a "cap casualty," and while safety Kerby Joseph signed a new contract a year ago, Brian Branch is still waiting for an offer. Both, however, will start the season on IR and miss at least four games, and the Lions will likely wait for Branch to return from his Achilles injury and in what condition before extending his contract.
Since much has also changed at cornerback, and former 1st-round pick Terrion Arnold was released, one can expect a revamped secondary, at least at the beginning of the season.
Prediction: 11-6 and the Lions return to the playoffs.
NFC East (by cruehead)
After an outstanding 2024 season with a Division Championship Game between the Eagles and Commanders, culminating in Philadelphia's Super Bowl LIX victory, last season was rather disappointing, especially in Philadelphia and presumably also Dallas, where more was certainly expected.
But what about this year? Can the Eagles become serious Super Bowl contenders again, will the Cowboys live up to their reputation as the most valuable team brand athletically, and what are the Commanders doing after their great 2024 season? Giants, still in constant flux with a positive trend? Who will be the Beast in the East this season? Will several teams make the playoffs? Yes, but not excessively many. ;-)
Philadelphia Eagles
(2025: 11-6, Wild Card Round) by cruehead
Offense:
Year one after the departure of superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown will likely be a challenge for the WR corps – depending on the play scheme, it will show whether DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon, etc. can compensate for the departure or if the offensive game will primarily be defined by rushing yards.
With Saquon Barkley as running back, the team is certainly well-positioned there. However, a good running back alone is not enough for the Eagles' goals. The passing game, also through tight end Dallas Goedert, must be intensified and made more versatile than it was last year; in my impression, it was too transparent in many areas.
The O-Line certainly belongs among the better ones in the NFL, but as I said, OC Dean Mannion's goal must absolutely be to improve the passing game, otherwise, the season will end earlier than desired again this year. Note: if the rumors about Zach Ertz prove true, it could provide a small but effective boost for the offense.
Defense:
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio can look forward to an absolute NFL elite defense. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis will ensure a certainly dominant defensive line. The secondary, especially Quinyon Mitchell, now has enough experience and will improve in man-coverage – which was identified by experts as a minor weakness.
Only the safety position remains a small question mark and could be singled out as a weak point here. Regardless of whether it's Andrew Makuba or Marcus Epps, there's a lot of work ahead if the opposing offense overcomes the front defensive lines. If that succeeds and the run defense improves compared to last year, it will be a joyful year for Eagles fans.
Outlook:
The Eagles no longer enter the division as a clear favorite, but will still reach the playoffs as division winners. Then, as in the previous year, it can end quickly or go very far again. Until Week 7, where Dallas awaits, they only have one opponent, the Rams, who could be considered stronger on paper.
Until then, with Washington, Tennessee, Chicago, Jacksonville, and Carolina, they have very manageable opponents, so a good start to the season is almost guaranteed, and the usually volatile Eagles fans can limit themselves to creating a positive mood.
Prediction: 11-6 Divisional Champ and Playoff Football
Dallas Cowboys
(2025: 7-9-1) by cruehead
Offense:
The offense is certainly the stronger unit in a relatively balanced roster. Here, they focused on fine-tuning in the offseason rather than going the route of blockbuster trades or similar moves. For example, Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver George Pickens was given the Franchise Tag.
With CeeDee Lamb, they certainly field a respectable WR duo that will cause a lot of headaches for opposing defenses. For me, Dak Prescott is no longer among the league's top QBs; missing the playoffs two years in a row would simply contradict that too much. Of course, he is still in the upper third, but over an entire season, there are more consistent leaders at his position who can carry their team far enough (i.e., to the Super Bowl).
I also generally see the Running Back and Tight End units as very strong, especially with the presumed starters Javonte Williams (RB) and Jake Ferguson (TE), a lot can happen this year. The former will primarily gain yards, which the WRs will then finalize for touchdowns, as the Cowboys are very likely to rely on the passing game. In this regard, the stable O-Line will also ensure that Prescott gets enough time to complete his passes. Because the O-Line must also be counted among the stronger ones in the NFL.
Defense:
Last season was a forgettable one for the defense, one might say. With 30.1 points allowed, they were at the bottom of the league. They also found themselves in the cellar regarding turnovers. Without a somewhat functional offense, it would probably have been a historically bad season. Consequently, the team had to be significantly reshuffled.
The most important component for this is probably DC Christian Parker, who was lured from arch-rival Philadelphia to the Lone Star State. He had already proven with the Eagles that he can build a defense or elevate it to a higher level. But young players like Caleb Downs and Jaishawn Barham should also bring agility and speed to the defense, which has been somewhat lacking in recent years.
And the signing of Von Miller – incidentally born in Dallas – could also have a positive effect on the team dynamic. Not to forget DT Quinnen Williams, who is one of the best at his position and should now have enough experience to provide more stability to the entire defense.
Outlook:
Dallas will certainly have to improve compared to the previous season. Despite the rather difficult schedule, they will succeed, provided they win crucial games early in the season against Baltimore (Week 3), Houston (Week 4), and Green Bay (Week 6). If that happens, it can be a good season for the Cowboys. It won't be enough for first place in the division, which remains reserved for the Eagles, but a Wild Card ticket should still be the minimal goal for America's Team.
Prediction: 9-8 Playoff Football
Washington Commanders
(2025: 5-12) by cruehead
Offense:
Quarterback Jayden Daniels has already proven that he *could* have the potential to be a true star QB – yes, *could*.
Injuries and a rather weak offensive line can make you look brutally bad very quickly. And I consider the remaining offensive players and receiving corps to be rather average NFL talent. No one stands out among the running backs, and among the wide receivers, Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs could be quite serviceable players – but they also need to be thrown to by a protected QB, see above.
An exceptional flow would have to develop for the Commanders' offense to make up for the weak defense and play a more significant role than generally predicted.
Defense:
Which brings us to the franchise's Achilles' heel. Already considered rather unthreatening last season, they are now trying to replace veterans Von Miller, Bobby Wagner, and Marshon Lattimore with younger successors.
Edge Odafe Oweh and safety Nick Cross can certainly play a role, as can #7-overall pick linebacker Sonny Styles, who is predicted to have a great future due to his excellent physique and corresponding speed.
Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the newly formed defense will perform; the D-Line is also not exactly a beacon of hope, which will make it difficult to win games with the defense if the offense – and this will happen – has an off day.
Outlook:
The Commanders are likely facing another very tough year. The 2024 Conference Finals were nothing more than an exception to the rule. A very young, admittedly talented QB on one of the oldest rosters in the NFL doesn't sound bad in principle, but the schedule doesn't offer much hope, and if the admittedly "okay" offense had a corresponding counterpart in the defense, they might, with a lot of luck, eye the playoffs. Realistically, however, it will be the red lantern in the division.
Prediction: 5-12
New York Giants
(2025: 4-13) by cruehead
Offense:
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's season was certainly promising; if the playbook and talent continue to develop together, it could be a season where the young star performs even better and perhaps allows the Giants to become a serious franchise again.
The strongest unit is probably the wide receivers, led by Malik Nabers, even after his ACL injury. Darius Slayton, and not to forget Odell Beckham Jr., could also play a significant role with top performances.
Tight end Isaiah Likely is also among the better players at his position, and reports from training camps indicate great chemistry between Dart and him. Whether these few difference-makers can carry the team from win to win, I highly doubt, as the entire offense is simply too weak.
Defense:
The fact that the defense, or its improvement, is a major undertaking was evident in the draft. Two first-round picks and several free agents for the D-Line speak volumes. It was also the D-Line in the past that made the overall picture of the defense look bad. On the other hand, they are very well-staffed with edge rusher Brian Burns and corner Paulson Adebo. Generally, however, the defense will have to find its footing, especially since – not only within the division itself – some offensive powerhouses await the NYG.
Outlook:
Undoubtedly, the Blue Men will improve their record, at best doubling their win total. The break was used to address weaknesses, which was urgently needed given the very tough schedule. Nevertheless, a playoff spot is rather in the realm of fantasy, but I think the management knows that and it is not yet this year's goal.
Prediction: 6-11
NFC South (by kloisg11)
The NFC South remains the weakest division in the league in 2026. In 2025, it delivered a curiosity: not a single team with a winning record, three teams at 8-9 – and in the end, the Carolina Panthers secured their first division title since 2015 via the three-way tiebreaker.
Little has changed in the balance of power, but much has changed in the circumstances: In New Orleans, Head Coach Kellen Moore enters year two with QB Tyler Shough and has significantly upgraded the offense; in Tampa, a dual era ended with WR Mike Evans and LB Lavonte David; and Atlanta has a new Head Coach in Kevin Stefanski, but still no quarterback. Bookmakers see Tampa slightly ahead, followed by New Orleans and Carolina. This time, however, something else is likely to decide: the schedule.
New Orleans Saints
(2025: 6-11) by kloisg11
Offense:
After a 1-7 start, rookie Tyler Shough took over in Week 9, and the Saints finished the season 5-4, winning four of their last five games. Enough to convince GM Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore: Shough is the starter, and investments around him were made like in no other team in the division.
Running back Travis Etienne Jr. arrived for four years and $48 million, forming a duo with Alvin Kamara that suits Moore's up-tempo scheme. With WR Jordyn Tyson (No. 8 overall pick) joining the extended Chris Olave, a second true outside receiver is ready – although Tyson is likely to miss the start due to a hamstring injury – plus tight end Noah Fant as a second option in the middle, and with Left Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., Center Erik McCoy, Right Guard Cesar Ruiz, and Right Tackle Taliese Fuaga, one of the youngest and best O-Lines in the league.
Defense:
Brandon Staley in year one got more out of the unit than expected. EDGE Chase Young, upon returning to the starting lineup, boosted the team's pressure rate by almost ten percentage points with ten sacks – and Defensive End Cameron Jordan turned back the clock at 36: 10.5 sacks (team-best), starting all 17 games, his franchise-record-tying seventh double-digit season, surpassing Rickey Jackson.
However, in 2026, a key voice is missing: LB Demario Davis signed with the Jets, and CB Alontae Taylor is also gone. As a replacement and Staley's declared favorite toy, LB Kaden Elliss returns from Atlanta, a chess piece the coordinator can use anywhere. Behind them, a young, athletic secondary is growing with CB Kool-Aid McKinstry and S Jonas Sanker.
Outlook:
It's interesting who all has left: With Davis and Taysom Hill, two more veterans have departed the Saints. If you will, only Cameron Jordan and Alvin Kamara remain from the pre-Moore era – both brought back for another year on reduced terms. For both, it's likely their last year in NOLA, and the most exciting question of the season is whether Jordan, at 37, will indeed experience a third spring or if 2025 was his last great surge.
Added to this is by far the most friendly schedule: The Saints' opponents in 2025 combined for a winning percentage of .434 – only five of them were in the playoffs. This is the second-easiest calendar league-wide.
Prediction: 10-7 – Division Title
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
(2025: 8-9) by kloisg11
Offense:
After a 6-2 start, Tampa looked like a contender, then came Baker Mayfield's shoulder problems and seven losses in nine games. When Mayfield is fit, this team is good – that's the whole equation.
But apparently, no one wants to pay him for it: Mayfield had set the start of training camp as a deadline for an extension, but the Bucs let it pass and only offered two years significantly below the $50 million per season he was aiming for. The QB publicly called it "disrespectful" and "undervalued," put an end to discussions until the end of the season, and thus enters his final contract year in a season where he must prove himself what the franchise isn't willing to put in writing.
UPDATE: Only two players paid more - Baker Mayfield signs new deal >>>
Athletically, he's working with his third coordinator in three years: OC Zac Robinson comes, ironically, from Atlanta and brings the same McVay lineage as Liam Coen, under whom Mayfield thrived in 2024.
Speaking of the end of an era: Mike Evans left the Bucs after twelve years, six Pro Bowls, and all franchise records, signing a three-year deal in San Francisco. WR Emeka Egbuka inherits the role as number one, followed by Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and TE Cade Otton; in the backfield, RB Kenneth Gainwell replaces the departed Rachaad White. Number one running back remains Bucky Irving.
Defense:
Another farewell here: Lavonte David ended his career in March after 14 years. Tampa reacted with the draft – EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. at position 15 and LB Josiah Trotter in round two – and in free agency with LB Alex Anzalone, LB Christian Rozeboom, and DL A’Shawn Robinson.
This was necessary: Before the bye week, Tampa's defense was the sixth-best in the league by EPA per play; afterward, it was only 28th. A poignant comparison to the Mayfield case: DT Vita Vea demanded a trade in July, stayed away from camp – and on August 19th, received a one-year extension worth $30 million. Who gets paid and who doesn't in Tampa says a lot about the internal hierarchy.
Outlook:
It's interesting that Todd Bowles was allowed to continue after the collapse. His seat is warm to hot: If Tampa misses the playoffs again, he's likely gone, and with him, the defensive identity that has shaped the franchise since 2020. Thus, two men in the same team are playing for their future – one for his job, the other for his market value. This can generate energy or fall apart in the first crisis. The schedule helps, at least (ranked 21st in difficulty); the Bengals arrive for the opener.
Prediction: 9-8 – just missing the title, but a Wildcard candidate
Carolina Panthers
(2025: 8-9, NFC South Champion, Wild Card Round) by kloisg11
Offense:
Bryce Young delivered his best season by far with 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eleven interceptions, and WR Tetairoa McMillan was named Offensive Rookie of the Year. Despite this, Carolina only picked up his fifth-year option ($25.9 million guaranteed) and is holding off on an extension – this year is meant to provide the proof.
The team continued to build around him: WR Jalen Coker extended for three years, and WR John Metchie III, LT Rasheed Walker, C Luke Fortner, and first-round tackle RT Monroe Freeling were added. A bitter note: LT Ikem Ekwonu, a top-10 pick, starts on the Reserve/PUP list and will miss at least the first four games. In the backfield, Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, and A.J. Dillon will share snaps.
Defense:
This is where the real progress lies. EDGE Jaelan Phillips arrived as a true pass rusher, LB Devin Lloyd closes the biggest gap of recent years, and DT Lee Hunter (second round) joins Derrick Brown. CB Jaycee Horn and CB Mike Jackson form one of the best cornerback duos in the league. Setbacks: EDGE Nic Scourton starts on Injured Reserve, DT Tershawn Wharton on the PUP list, and Derrick Brown has missed several practices with knee issues in camp.
Outlook:
On paper, the Panthers are on par with Tampa and New Orleans. However, as defending champions, they must play a first-place schedule: their opponents in 2025 had a combined winning percentage of .521 – ranked tenth league-wide and by far the toughest calendar in the division. Tampa is 21st, Atlanta 28th, New Orleans 31st.
In a division recently decided by a single tiebreaker, this is precisely the difference. The opener is a duel of first-round picks against Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Prediction: 8-9 – better team than 2025, but the wrong schedule
Atlanta Falcons
(2025: 8-9) by kloisg11
Offense:
The weapons remain almost unique in the NFL. Running Back Bijan Robinson was First-Team All-Pro, Tight End Kyle Pitts (career-high 88 catches) was Second-Team, and Wide Receiver Drake London – all three were extended long-term over the summer (London four years/$141 million, Robinson three years/$66.75 million, Pitts three years/$54 million).
Kevin Stefanski's 12-personnel offense is perfectly suited for this trio. However, no one really knows who should, must, or wants to play quarterback: Tua Tagovailoa came for one year and $1.3 million, started camp with back problems, and at times seemed absent and not integrated in preseason. Michael Penix Jr., after his ACL tear, was only cleared for 11-on-11 at the end of August and played no preseason snaps.
One week before the opener in Pittsburgh, there was no named starter – and four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Only this week was Tua named the starting QB. The nice story behind it: Jack Strand, undrafted from Minnesota-State–Moorhead (Division II), looked the best of all quarterbacks with two touchdowns against Indianapolis.
And then there's the bitter punchline: Kirk Cousins was released in March, two years after the $180 million contract. Atlanta will still pay him $8.7 million in 2026 and carries a total of $35 million in dead cap, spread over two years. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, he has beaten out first-round pick Fernando Mendoza and will start Week 1.
After Penix's ACL tear, Cousins had started eight games in 2025, delivering a 5-3 record – more reliability than Atlanta has seen from anyone this summer. So Atlanta continues to pay for a quarterback they don't have.
Defense:
It is bitter that both first-round edge rushers from the 2025 draft will miss the start of the season. Jalon Walker suffered an ACL tear in practice on August 6th and is out for the entire season. James Pearce Jr. was suspended for the first eight games due to a violation of the Personal Conduct Policy following an arrest in February – he is not allowed to return until Week 9 against Cincinnati in Madrid.
The two combined for 14.5 sacks in the last ten weeks of their rookie season, contributing to a franchise record. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich must now compensate for this with EDGE Samson Ebukam, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, and rookie LB Harold Perkins Jr.
Outlook:
The Falcons are the wildcard of this division – as always, really. After two 8-9 seasons, Head Coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot had to leave. Franchise legend Matt Ryan joined as the newly created President of Football with final decision-making power and personally selected Stefanski and GM Ian Cunningham.
The schedule is the fourth easiest in the league, the talent at the skill positions is playoff-caliber, and Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year. If the quarterback question is quickly resolved and Penix stays healthy, eight or nine wins are possible. If not, even a soft schedule won't save them.
Prediction: 7-10 – the biggest weapons, the biggest question marks
NFC West (by Ralph and sportfan_1990)
Seattle Seahawks
(2025: 14:3, SB-Champ) by Ralph
What a year for the Seahawks, one that probably few of us expected. With a formidable defense, a superb offense, and QB Sam Darnold seamlessly building on his 2024 regular season performance with the Vikings and keeping his nerves in check during the playoffs, the ultimate prize was achieved: a Super Bowl triumph.
It will be exciting to see how the Seahawks start the season. Many a champion has had to rediscover themselves and their hunger for new successes at the start of a new season. If there's one area for improvement for HC Mike Macdonald's team, it's the turnover battle. At the end of last season, their balance here was -3.
Offense:
Last season, the offense was Top 10 in all categories. However, significant changes occurred in the off-season. This includes the departure of successful OC Kubiak, who left the Hawks for Las Vegas. Brian Fleury was appointed as the new OC.
In recent years, he served as the Run-Game and Tight-End Coordinator for the 49ers. What the offense will look like under the new leadership remains to be seen. Another prominent departure was the reigning Super Bowl MVP Running Back Kenneth Walker III. With RB Charbonnet not yet fit and expected to be out until Week 5, the big question is how the running game will function.
Running backs like Price (Rookie), Holani, and Wilson still need to prove themselves. The wide receiver situation, however, is quite different, with the Seahawks being excellently positioned. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the "Offensive Player of the Year 2025," had his contract extended for four years, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Defense:
With only 292 points allowed, the defense gave up the fewest points league-wide. Against the run, they were the third-best team, and against the pass (by yards per game), they were number ten in the league. With more seasons like the last, they could make the "Legion of Boom" a distant memory.
After no edge rusher was picked in the draft, the Seahawks brought Defensive End Dante Fowler on board, as well as signing Cornerback Trevon Diggs, who has 20 career interceptions. As mentioned initially, the goal is to win the turnover battle. Since there have been some changes in the offense, the defense will have to step up and generate even more turnovers.
Outlook:
The competition doesn't sleep. Especially not in the NFC West, where the LA Rams, arguably the toughest challenger in the NFC, await – a division rival who further strengthened their squad in the off-season. Depending on the outcome of direct matchups, it will show where the Seahawks will be in the playoffs: in the Wild Cards or even as the Number 1 Seed. I see them in the Wild Cards. In the NFC Championship Game, they will then be outplayed by the Rams.
Prediction: 12-5 Playoff Football
Arizona Cardinals
(2025: 3:14) by Ralph
If one believed the Arizona team was on the right track after the 2024 season and a playoff appearance, they were dramatically proven wrong in 2025, with only three wins.
Neither the offense nor the defense managed to impress. Consequently, no stone could be left unturned. The coaching staff was replaced, with Mike LaFleur now at the helm as Head Coach, and there's also a new Offensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Quarterback Coach, among others. Another important personnel decision was the separation from long-time QB Kyler Murray.
Offense:
The offense will have a completely new look. Under HC LaFleur, the offense should no longer be as predictable as in the past. The Cardinals will probably start the season with QB Brissett. Backups are veteran Minshew and rookie QB Beck.
It will be important to establish the rushing game. In 2025, no running back had over 340 yards! So it was no wonder that the first of five players drafted for the offense was 3rd-overall pick RB Jeremiyah Love. The newly acquired running back Allgeier should also revitalize the run game. In addition to the weak rushing game, QB protection was also in need of improvement, allowing 59 sacks.
Therefore, in addition to draft picks, several reinforcements were made for the offensive line positions. If other targets emerge for the starting QB alongside the two strongest receivers - TE McBride and WR Wilson, especially Harrison – the 2026 season could be more offensively successful.
Defense:
The defense is an even bigger construction site for the Cardinals. In almost all categories, they are at the bottom of the table: points allowed, sacks, yards per game. Above all, the weak performance against the opposing passing game must be quickly improved.
To remedy these weaknesses, several veterans (including cornerbacks and safeties) were signed for practically all units. The goal is to exert more pressure on the opposing quarterback and significantly improve the poor statistic of only 30 sacks. Will this succeed in LaFleur's first full off-season?
Outlook:
Bitter for Cardinals fans, but at the end of the season, they will again finish last in their own division. The competition is too strong. Nevertheless, improvements should already be visible in the first year under the new HC – and more than just three wins should be secured.
Prediction: 5-12
Los Angeles Rams
(2025: 12:5, NFC Championship game loss) by sportfan_1990
Last season, the Rams narrowly lost to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Now, it's safe to say: The Rams are all-in.
They acquired two defensive stars, Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, via trade. Additionally, Aaron Donald returned at the end of August – after a two-year absence. Thus, the Rams will likely start the season with the best D-Line in the league.
The team's showpiece – the offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford – remained unchanged. Only the first-round pick in this year's draft didn't fit the all-in strategy. Here, they selected Ty Simpson at pick 13, who is currently only third on the quarterback depth chart.
Offense:
Last season, the Rams had the most offensive touchdowns and the second-most yards gained. Stafford is experiencing his umpteenth spring. Nacua and Adams make his life easy. The integration with the run game also works splendidly. The O-Line is solid. If all key players stay healthy, then the Rams' failure to reach the Super Bowl will certainly not be due to the offense.
Defense:
Significant investments were made in the defense. A completely new cornerback duo with McDuffie and Watson – both came from Kansas City, one via trade and one via free agency. Added to this are arguably the best defensive player of recent years, Myles Garrett, and the recalled Aaron Donald from his premature retirement. These two players have combined for five NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in the last nine seasons. The only notable departure is Jared Verse, who was involved in the trade for Garrett.
Outlook:
The Los Angeles Rams are the clear favorites for the Super Bowl. It will, incidentally, take place in February at SoFi Stadium – their home arena. Perhaps this is also a good omen, as the last time a Super Bowl was held there in 2022, the Rams also won the title.
The only spoilsport could be injuries to stars, as the roster depth is probably not as strong. If everyone stays healthy, they will be the next Super Bowl champions.
Prediction: 14-3 Division Win and Super Bowl Victory!
San Francisco 49ers
(2025: 12:5, Loss in the Divisional Rounds) by sportfan_1990
Last season, the injury bug struck San Francisco once again. Numerous key players suffered severe injuries (Bosa, Warner, Williams, Kittle).
Brock Purdy also wasn't fully fit for a long time and missed games. Despite this, they managed to qualify for the playoffs. After an away win in Philadelphia, they lost in the Divisional Round to eventual champion Seattle.
Offense:
In the offense, they lost only one playmaker, Jauan Jennings. However, they acquired two seasoned veterans in Mike Evans and the re-signing of Deebo Samuel. Additionally, with their first pick in the draft, they selected De´Zhaun Stribling. Even before the season starts, the Niners must contend with a season-long absence; Ricky Pearsall is out with an ACL tear. Nevertheless, the offense will function again due to the class of its players and mastermind Kyle Shanahan.
Defense:
The biggest setback occurred off the field. Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh moved to the Titans. On the field, stars like Warner and Bosa are returning after injuries.
Dre Greenlaw is also back. He and Warner can once again form the brilliant duo at the linebacker position. Furthermore, Osa Odighizuwa was acquired via trade, a good inside D-liner who should bring more stability, especially against the run.
Outlook:
San Francisco plays in a tough division, yet possesses enough quality to be expected to make the playoffs again this year. But, as in every year for the Niners, injuries will be a factor. If the stars remain healthy this year, much is possible, even if both direct competitors in their own division have an edge.
Prediction: 10-7 Playoff Football
