NFL 2021 Preview - NFC

 It's time for me to shift my crystal ball to the NFL, and determine just how good my powers of precognition are for the pros.  As always, I will break it down by division, starting with the one closest to me.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles (4-2/8-9) : With one more regular season game, injuries become more of a concern.  The Eagles provided QB Jalen Hurts with two capable backups in case he goes down.  Most of the rest of the offense is equally stocked, except they are thin on experienced wide receivers.  That might hurt them as the season progresses.
2. Dallas Cowboys (4-2/8-9) : The offense is more of a concern here.  The Boys need Dak Prescott to remain healthy, and some new offensive linemen make that a question.  They also have new receivers, so it will take Prescott some time to get in synch with them.  This team, if injuries do not derail them, should improve as the season progresses.
3. New York Giants (3-3/8-9) : I think everyone in the organization, and all of their fans, are hoping for more consistency from both starting QB Daniel Jones and his backup Mike Glennon. Glennon looked good in preseason, but he made some serious mistakes, too.  Will he need to play?  Maybe not, as they Giants have improved their offensive line (of course, given how lousy it has been the past few years, they could only go up!).  The defense needs some shoring up, so getting outscored is a likely scenario.
4. Washington (1-5/2-15) : Since they utterly refuse to name themselves, I won't name them (I had enough fun with meaningless names last season).  NFL Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting QB, and he has an interesting backup in Taylor Heinicke.  However, does this team has the receiving corps to help these quarterbacks?  The jury is still out on that question.

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (4-2/11-6) : Injuries have frequently been a concern for this team, but they have spent the past couple of off-seasons shoring up positions.  The left side of the offensive line is still thin, though, which could force Aaron Rodgers to run more.  The defensive secondary is also a bit slow, so Rodgers may find himself having to come from behind more often than he is used to doing.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-2/9-8) : QB Kirk Cousins needs to stay upright and healthy, as inconsistent Kellen Monds is his backup.  That means the team has to watch the left side of the offensive line very carefully, as they have some weaknesses there, and few capable backups.  They are also thin in the wide receivers, so injuries could wipe out this team's season.
3. Chicago Bears (3-3/8-9) : Justin Fields looked good in preseason, but he needs to improve his consistency and his field sense.  That is more important because Andy Dalton seems to have lost zip on his throws, so it is likely that Fields will see more action as the season progresses.  Clearly Nick Foles is just there to tutor Justin Fields, as he is officially listed as the Number 4 QB (and there is NO third string QB listed!).  Fields might get in there sooner than expected, as the offensive line has some holes.
4. Detroit Lions (1-5/2-15) : QB Jared Goff has few really talented receivers to throw to, but young runners makes a run-based system questionable.  That will also be made difficult because the offensive line needs work, which could also result in Goff getting injured.  That just makes things worse, as the Lions don't really have a capable backup.

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Bucs (4-2/14-3) : The defending Super Bowl Champs look well-stocked to repeat as champions.  They are a strong team on all squads, including special teams.
2. New Orleans Saints (5-1/12-5) : The post-Brees era begins with a two-QB system, as both Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill are listed as starters.  Can a modern NFL team really work effectively with a two-QB system?  We shall see.  They have a great offense to support them, so that will at least help.
3. Atlanta Falcons (2-4/8-9) : QB Matt Ryan has Josh Rosen for backup, but a thin tight end corps puts more emphasis on the wide receivers.  The defensive line isn't great, so they may be having to come back from a points deficit for much of the season.
4. Carolina Panthers (1-5/3-14) : Jets washout Sam Darnold starts at quarterback, and the offensive line has some questions about protection.  Truthfully, their best offensive player is running back Christian McCaffrey, so they will be running often.

NFC West

1. Seattle Seahawks (5-1/9-8) : Russell Wilson has steady Geno Smith for backup, but a strong offensive line should keep Wilson in the game.  They have a good receiving corps, but their runners aren't quick.  The defensive has some issues at linebacker and on the line, so a quick-strike high-scoring offense seems in line.
2. San Francisco 49ers (4-2/9-8) : Garoppolo has a solid offensive line to protect him and a great batch of tight ends and runners to support him.  What is lacking are breakout wide receivers, making this a more short-yardage offense.  Their defense is good, but it's only the third best in the division.
3. Los Angeles Rams (2-4/6-11) : Matt Stafford has very little help around him, neither on the line nor in the backfield.  Despite a strong defense, this will be a long and hard season for the Rams.
4. Arizona Cardinals (1-5/5-12) : Kyler Murray and backup Colt McCoy have a great offense built around them.  If this team falters, it is clearly their fault.  However, not all losses may be their fault, as the defense is definitely lacking.