2015 NFC Outlook

Defending Champs:  Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks look locked and loaded to once again make a run at another Super Bowl appearance.  Despite losing cornerback Byron Maxwell and Pro Bowl center Max Unger, they still have the core of their team intact, acquired TE Jimmy Graham in the Unger trade, and drafted dynamic returner/wide receiver Tyler Lockett.  A dangerous special teams returner has always been one thing missing from recent Seahawks squads, and Lockett has already proved this preseason that he will make an impact in the return game this year.  Kam Chancellor's holdout is a legitimate concern, but I would be shocked if the two sides don't come to an agreement by Week 4 or 5.  The Seahawks are also in a rather shaky division with Carson Palmer's health and durability a huge question mark in Arizona, a mass exodus of players in San Francisco, and an underwhelming offense in St. Louis.  Non-divisional games in Green Bay, Dallas, and Baltimore are no walks in the park, but I expect the Seahawks to make the playoffs rather comfortably and make a run at the number one overall seed.

Most Likely To Fall Off:  Dallas Cowboys
I love my Cowboys, but this season comes with more than a few question marks.  After riding DeMarco Murray into the ground last season and letting him walk to the Eagles in the offseason, the Cowboys felt comfortable with the trio of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar as their running backs and chose not to draft one.  While a committee might work, there is still uncertainty if any of them can carry this run game even behind such a dominant offensive line.  The run game was also what helped Tony Romo cut down on his turnovers last season, as he did not have to air it out as often.  Will the lack of a bell cow back cause Romo to revert to his interception-throwing ways?  Lastly, despite having Sean Lee healthy and signing Greg Hardy, this is still not a good defense.  They will give up a fair amount of yards on the ground and a hilarious amount of yards through the air, particularly with CB Orlando Scandrick out for the year.  With NFC East rivals Philly and New York both improving, the Cowboys could be in danger of not making the playoffs this year.

Most Likely To Surprise:  Minnesota Vikings
The Eagles and Saints are close runners up, but I'm going to go with the Vikings with a second year QB in a division with the Packers.  While I don't think they dethrone Aaron Rodgers and Co. this season, I do think they give them a scare throughout most of the regular season.  Adrian Peterson's return would be enough for any offense in the league to be excited, but they also picked up Mike Wallce and are getting TE Kyle Rudolph back from injury.  With Teddy Bridgewater playing decently his rookie year, this offense is a lock to improve upon their 27th ranked attack this year.  Defensively, they have quietly built one of the more sound, young defenses in the league.  They were 14th in total defense last season and bolstered their secondary by drafting CB Trae Waynes 11th overall in the 2015 draft.  It's hard to see them winning the North with the Pack in their division, but a Wild Card spot is within reach.  Don't be surprised if this squad dethrones Rodgers and the Pack in one or two years in this division.

Team With The Most To Prove:  Philadelphia Eagles
You could make a case for the Packers because of how they lost the Seattle game last year or the Cowboys because of how they lost the Green Bay game last year, but I'm going to go with the team that put all its chips in Chip.  The Eagles gave head coach Chip Kelly almost no restrictions this offseason in redesigning the team to his liking.  Jordan Matthews and Darren Sproles are the only notable skill position offensive players returning, as Kelly is determined to make his Oregon based offense work in the NFL.  He's either going to be hailed as an offensive genius and innovator or ridiculed for getting rid of the likes of Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy.  I could see this team finishing 4-12 or 12-4.  Neither would surprise me.

Division To Watch:  NFC East (Dallas, Washington, New York Giants, Philadelphia)
Obviously I'm biased as a Cowboy fan, but this should be the most entertaining division this season.  Chip Kelly has completely overhauled the entire Eagles' roster, and heads into the season with injury prone Sam Bradford at QB.  This team is sure to put up points, but can the explosiveness last all season?  The Cowboys are always in the media simply because they are the Cowboys, but their offense should be something to marvel at as well.  They will be on a mission to avenge the Dez Bryant no catch game against the Packers in last year's playoffs.  The Giants have improved immensely on offense with Victor Cruz coming back and Shane Vereen now in Giants blue.  The defense is more than suspect, however, so they will have to out score everyone they face.  Lastly, although they will likely finish in last place, the Redskins will get plenty of headlines so long as RG3 is there.  Things will get really interesting if Kirk Cousins and/or Colt McCoy get hurt and RG3 has to play once again.  With a NFC East team appearing six times on Monday Night Football, seven times on Sunday Night Football, and the Eagles and Cowboys both playing on Thanksgiving, the nation should get plenty of opportunities to see these teams in action.

Division by Division Final Standings
East
1.  Eagles
2.  Cowboys
3.  Giants
4.  Redskins
North
1.  Packers
2.  Vikings
3.  Lions
4.  Bears
South
1.  Saints
2.  Falcons
3.  Panthers
4.  Bucs
West
1.  Seahawks
2.  Cardinals
3.  49ers
4.  Rams

Playoff Seeding
1.  Packers
2.  Seahawks
3.  Eagles
4.  Saints
WC1.  Cowboys
WC2.  Vikings

Matty O