The Scout sports staff picks the best teams in the NFL this year.
NFC East Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Although the Cowboys have only won one game without Tony Romo the past three seasons, I’m ready to bet on Dak Prescott. Prescott demonstrated his value by putting together an excellent pre-season, and he should be able to hold the Cowboys afloat until the return of Romo. Prescott also has three solid running backs to hand off to, including running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Although this makes for a fairly inexperienced backfield, the Cowboys possess the best offensive line in the NFL, which makes their lives a little bit easier. The defense has a few early suspensions to deal with, but has a strong core led by Sean Lee, Morris Claibourne and Orlando Scandrick. Most of Dallas’ toughest matchups are at home, so I think that gives them a chance.
NFC South Winner: Carolina Panthers
The Super Bowl runner-up Panthers are clear frontrunners in this division. They thrive on getting out to early leads and holding them. Cam Newton has solidified his status as an elite quarterback in the NFL. He can burn defenses on the ground, and he can hurt them the air with his rifle of an arm. The defense lost cornerback Josh Norman to the Redskins, but they still have one of the best defenses in football led by linebackers Thomas Davis and Luke Keuchly. The best is yet to come for this franchise as they’re stocked with young talent, and their window for success is huge.
NFC North Winner: Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers and company will lead the Packers to the playoffs once again. Last year, the Packers’ receiving core was depleted with injuries, yet Rodgers still managed to save some games at the end. This year wide receivers Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams and Randall Cobb will all be back, along with fellow wide outs Ty Montgomerey, Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis. Mike McCarthy said he’s pleased with running back Eddie Lacy, even after weight concerns limited his play last season, but backup running back James Starks has proved to be a reliable backup, and they tend to stick with their aerial identity most of time. Their veteran defense has a chance to be really good with a more experienced secondary and long-time anchors Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers.
NFC West Winner: Arizona Cardinals
Even at his age, quarterback Carson Palmer had one of his most productive seasons ever last year. His great receiving corps are led by the ever-young wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown and Michael Floyd. Running back David Johnson has developed into a great NFL running back after taking over for backup Chris Johnson last year. He’s everything you could want in a running back and his success on the ground allows them to have success in the air. Their defense improved, and they bring back a great secondary with cornerbacks Tyron Matthieu and Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals are in position to get back to the NFC championship once again.
Wild Card Winners: Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings
The Seahawks could challenge the Cardinals in the West, but the loss of running back Marshawn Lynch to retirement means the rushing workload will fall on Thomas Rawls. Their defense returns a lot of key pieces, and I expect that to carry them in tough games. Quarterback Russell Wilson has also proven to be a top quarterback in the league and will once again lead his team to the playoffs.
Minnesota’s defense is one of the best in football, and they don’t get enough credit for it. Linebacker Anthony Barr is a future defensive player of the year. Sure, injured quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is out, but he wasn’t an elite quarterback, he was a game manager most of the time. If Sam Bradford can keep defenses honest, running back Adrian Peterson will be the same guy he’s been in the past. Plus, with a new stadium, Minnesota fans will have a home-field advantage similar to the Metrodome.
