Last season, your four division winners in the NFC were the Saints, Rams, Bears and Cowboys, while the Seahawks and Eagles won both wild-card spots.
Those six teams top the first power rankings to start this upcoming season, but things always change every NFL season.
Here’s a look at my first NFC power rankings of 2019:
1. Rams
I like the blend of offense and defense the Rams have put together. I do have some questions, starting with Toddy Gurley’s health and Cooper Kupp coming off an ACL recovery. A lot of times, the team that loses the Super Bowl has a drop-off the following season, but I think this Rams team is too solid to fall off that much.
2. Saints
Not an easy schedule to start for the Saints. They’ll host the Texans before going on the road to face the Rams and Seahawks in back-to-back weeks before hosting the Cowboys. That’s four playoff teams to start the season. We saw some signs of an aging Drew Brees in 2018, so there’s reason to think he might be on the decline, but I’ll believe it when I really see it.
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3. Eagles
The Eagles got off to a slow start last year before making their playoff run. This offseason, they loaded up on talent, but everything really hinges on Carson Wentz. If he returns to near-MVP form, the Eagles could be Super Bowl bound again. Like always, this team is built around its offensive and defensive lines. That’s always important in Philly.
4. Seahawks
Seattle wasn’t supposed to be good last year, but nobody told Russell Wilson. He’s a future HOF quarterback in his prime and he has the ability to take over games. And the addition of Jadeveon Clowney was huge. He has a chance to have a special season in Seattle.
5. Bears
I think there’s a chance the Bears take a step back this year. I’m not a huge Mitchell Trubisky fan and there’s something unsettling about Matt Nagy’s obsession with the field goal kicker. It’s been unhealthy this offseason. Overall, I think Nagy is a solid coach and that defense is good, but it will probably miss Vic Fangio, who took the head coaching job in Denver.
6. Cowboys
Dallas is breaking the bank for everyone this offseason and it might eventually hurt it, but it enters this season with a very good roster. The Cowboys have a good offensive line, good quarterback and some dynamic skill players. On defense, they have a couple of the best young linebackers in football and a premier pass-rusher. They’ve had the Eagles’ number in recent years, so those two division games will be huge.
7. Vikings
Minnesota had a down year in 2019, but it could have a bounce-back season. How much do you trust Kirk Cousins? Because he has some real weapons around him — Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs — and an improved offensive line.
8. Falcons
If Matt Ryan can have a good season, this Falcons’ offense could have a good year. Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, a healthy Devonta Freeman and a better OL. If the pass rush can get home on defense, they could be a surprise team.
9. Packers
To me, the Packers have sort of wasted Aaron Rodgers’ prime. I know he won a Super Bowl, but this is one of the best quarterbacks we’ve ever seen. Now, the big question in Green Bay is how he and Matt LaFleur will work together.
10. Panthers
Carolina escaped a possible disaster scenario when Cam Newton wasn’t seriously injured in the preseason. The Panthers will go as far as he takes them. Tough matchup against the Rams in Week 1.
11. Redskins
Maybe this is too high for Washington, but I really don’t think it's as bad as some people think it is. If it gets Trent Williams back at some point, it'll have a decent OL and a good DL. I definitely don’t believe in Case Keenum, but it’s not like Washington is going to ask him to win games; it's just going to ask him not to lose them.
12. 49ers
One of the biggest questions heading into the 2019 season is about Jimmy Garoppolo. This time last year, there was a ton of hype around the 49ers, but now we’re all sort of in wait-and-see mode as their QB comes off a torn ACL.
13. Lions
Detroit went 6-10 in Matt Patricia’s first year and I don’t really know what to make of it this year. The Lions did add talent on their lines, which should help and Matt Stafford is still a decent quarterback.
14. Giants
How long will Eli Manning hold off Daniel Jones? It’s interesting because the better the Giants do, the more it just prolongs the inevitable. And the Giants aren’t making a real run this season.
15. Buccaneers
This is the last chance for Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay. Perhaps the Bucs have a better season with Bruce Arians at the helm. Winston is going to have a big season if they do anything.
16. Cardinals
Rookie quarterback, rookie head coach. It’ll be fun to watch Kyler Murray this season, but I’m not sure if he has enough talent around him for the Cardinals to climb out of the basement.
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