NFL picks and predictions: Standings, playoffs and Super Bowl LII

While the AFC presents a fairly-clear picture of what to expect, the NFC is like looking at a small picture through a kaleidoscope.

One could easily make a case for any of a half-dozen teams representing the conference in Super Bowl LII, including the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons or even the Carolina Panthers.

Hell, some would argue that the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers belong in that mix, although I’m not party to that line of thinking.

Atlanta, Green Bay and Seattle are the most well-rounded teams of the bunch, although there are holes on all three rosters. if Vic Beasley can’t replicate his league-leading season in sacks, who steps up for the Falcons? The easy answer is Takk McKinley, but he’s still a rookie.

Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers, but the offensive line has question marks and the secondary can appear to be made of Swiss cheese. If the defense can’t stop anybody, are the Packers still a Super Bowl contender? In Seattle, the Legion of Boom is actually playing second-fiddle to the front seven on the best defense in football. Still, the offensive line is bad, and the weapons are average.

Beyond the eight aforementioned teams, who has a chance to make a run? Some love the Philadelphia Eagles, although the combination of Doug Pederson and Carson Went doesn’t inspire confidence. Could the Minnesota Vikings make noise with their defense? Perhaps, but no coordinator is running scared of Sam Bradford, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.

NFC Predictions

NFC East

Cowboys: 10-6
Eagles: 9-7
Giants: 8-8
Redskins: 7-9

NFC North

Packers: 13-3
Vikings: 9-7
Lions: 7-9
Bears: 3-13

NFC South

Falcons: 11-5*
Panthers: 11-5*
Buccaneers: 9-7
Saints: 8-8

NFC West

Seahawks: 13-3
Cardinals: 11-5*
Rams: 6-10
49ers: 2-14