In the pregame show before the Bears and Commanders’ week 5 matchup, one host mentioned that he believed that the Minnesota Vikings were coming out of the NFC. The Vikings have had a tremendous season, but a blowout loss to the Justin Fieldless Broncos highlighted some key weaknesses. Another host claimed that the 49ers were coming out of the NFC. The 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship last year, and with the team that beat them struggling, some believe that they will cruise to the Super Bowl. With that in mind, I decided to make a case for the top teams in the NFC. The talent in the NFC is underrated. With the last three Super Bowl Champions coming out of the AFC (Chiefs, Bengals, Titans), can the NFC finally take one? Well here are the teams I think have a chance to represent the NFC come February:
1. 49ers
As stated before, the 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship game last season. This was under their new head coach who took no time in maxing out his team’s potential. With a season under his belt, I expect the 49ers to get over the hump this year. The 49ers did make a bold move in trading for Malik Willis. Brock Purdy is still on the roster, so this could lead to locker-room issues as some players may want to stick with the quarterback who was a part of the winning. If there are no chemistry problems, I don’t see why this team would not be the favorite. They have the best defense in the NFC (ranked 3rd overall). Other than their blowout loss to the Titans, their opponents are averaging 13 points a game! Although the offense has not been as explosive as last year, the 49ers hope that the addition of Malik will take them to the next level. This is not an opinion-type article, but if it were, the 49ers would have my vote on making it out of the NFC.
2. Vikings
Who would have thought that the Vikings would be here? Nobody! A change in ownership, coaching, and a new quarterback have put the Vikings in contention. They are legit contenders for the championship. Jalen Milroe and the Vikings’ offense is a huge reason why. From the beginning of the season, the Vikings put the league on notice. Their high-powered offense seems to have a counter to every defensive adjustment. The two rookies Jalen Milroe and Tetairoa McMillian already have a great connection as both players are putting up numbers. Justin Jefferson looks to be having so much fun, knowing that he does not have to do all the lifting for the Vikings to get a victory. A couple of years from the Lions trade, T.J. Hockenson is finally getting involved in the offense which is another huge reason they are winning. The defense does need some work, but with a lot of seasons left, I think they can figure it out.
3. Saints
Who dat said they gon beat them Saints? Many people were wondering what was next for the Saints after their head coach resigned after a loss to the 49ers in the playoffs. The old head coach was the reason that Derek Carr was starting, so people wondered who would be leading the charge now. In the third round, that question was answered as the Saints drafted Cade Klubnik from Clemson. And he is balling out as a rookie. He has 1179 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season. Superstar wide receiver Chris Olave makes life easier for the rookie as he continues to ball out. On paper, the Saints don’t look like they would be as good as they are. But the great coaching gives them a legit shot to win the NFC. A win against the Cardinals in week 1 put the league on notice. Two weeks from now they play the 49ers where we will see where they stand when it comes to top talent in the league.
4. Cardinals
The Cardinals started the season 0-2, but since then have shown glimpses of the team we expected of them. No glimpse better than their comeback and game-winning drive last week. There is one thing that I have learned about the Cardinals over the last two seasons: Never Count Them Out. However, when it comes to winning the big games, the Cardinals tend to shrink. That being said, when it comes to coming out of the NFC, the Cardinals are a wildcard. At their best, they can beat anybody. But I’m not sure that their locker room has full confidence in each other. And for that reason, I’m not so sure they will make it out of the NFC
5. Giants
If the playoffs started today, the Giants would not even make it. But when it comes to the most consistent teams, the Giants are up there. With a great young promising roster, the Giants could do damage as quickly as today. Their offense is up there with the best, but like a lot of teams, they do struggle defensively. Last season, the Giants snuck their way into the playoffs by winning their last 6 games. No matter how slow this team starts, they seem to find a way. For that reason, I think they have a shot to make it out of the NFC.
6. Commanders
How do you go 5-1, be at the top of your conference, but still get disrespected? The Commanders have never got the attention they deserved. They have been consistent throughout the years, but the belief is that they will never get over the hump. Last week, the Commanders bullied the then #1 defense in the Bears. I was completely shocked. Then the realization hit me. The Commanders don’t get the respect they deserve because nobody watches their games. If you watch their games, you will see why they are contenders. As long as Sam Howell takes care of the ball, they are tough to beat. They have the best running back duo in Henry and Robinson Jr. I was sleeping on their offense, but I never slept on their defense, as they forced Sanders to 3 interceptions and a fumble. Regardless of what anyone thinks, the Commanders will be a wreck to be messed with come playoff time.
Now it is only week 6, so if your team did not get mentioned, you can calm down. These are the teams in the NFC that have caught my eye so far. Yes, the Eagles are a 6th seed, but their loss to the Giants makes me wonder where they truly stand. Yes, the Rams are making noise, but I am not so sure they have enough this year to compete with the top teams. There is plenty of season left for them to prove themselves, as for now, these 6 teams have the best chance to make it out of the NFC.
©Any Given Sunday News