2020 NFL Season Preview 1.0 (NFC Edition)

Rejoice, NFL Fans! Now that the NFL Schedules have been released, optimism is in the air that the NFL season can hopefully start on time. Many NFL Facilities have opened, and some familiar faces have already been seen wearing new colors. In the meantime, while we sit around anxiously waiting for what this season could look like, here's how what I think the NFC will look like this fall. And, if you haven't already, be sure to check out my AFC preview as well!

NFC North:

Minnesota Vikings

Projected Record: 12-4

HC: Mike Zimmer (7th Season)

MVP: RB Dalvin Cook

Key Addition: WR Justin Jefferson (acquired via R1 P22 in NFL Draft)

Key Departure: CB Xavier Rhodes (signed with IND in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Does a good draft make Minnesota NFC North favorites?

It was a bittersweet offseason for Minnesota as the Viking faithful had to say goodbye to WR Stefon Diggs. Fans will always remember Diggs' "Minneapolis Miracle" in the 2018 Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints, but after messy negotiations with the team, both sides are better off without each other. The Vikings first round pick (that they received from the Diggs trade) LSU WR Justin Jefferson, certainly aids the need for a deep-threat Diggs left behind. After moving back six spots with their own first rounder, Minnesota snagged TCU CB Jeff Gladney to fill the role Xavier Rhodes left in the secondary. The Vikings look poised to make a postseason run this year, and if they can sign crucial RB Dalvin Cook to an extension before the season starts (whenever that may be), the cherry will be put on top for Minnesota's successful offseason.

Green Bay Packers

Projected Record: 9-7

HC: Matt LaFleur (2nd Season)

MVP: QB Aaron Rodgers

Key Addition: LB Christian Kirksey (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: LB Blake Martinez (signed with NYG in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Is GB still the NFC North frontrunners after an abysmal offseason?

The reigning NFC North Champions seem to have their eyes more towards the long term future than competing for a championship after this offseason. GM Brian Gutekunst had a questionable draft, deciding not to draft ANY much-needed receivers (in a WR-heavy class) for QB Aaron Rodgers, and instead spent a first round pick on his now protege Jordan Love. Gutekunst second round selection, Boston College RB A.J. Dillon, also didn't make much sense with top 10 RB Aaron Jones (who rushed for a league-high 16 TDs last season) and proven backup Jamaal Williams both still on the roster. That backfield confusion, paired with a divided QB room, could make repeating at the top of the division challenging. Look for Green Bay to possibly make some noise as a Wild Card team.

Detroit Lions

Projected Record: 5-10-1

HC: Matt Patricia (3rd Season)

MVP: QB Matthew Stafford

Key Addition: CB Jeff Okudah (acquired via R1 P3 in NFL Draft)

Key Departure: G Graham Glasgow (signed with DEN in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Did Detroit do enough to make themselves playoff contenders?

Coming off a 3-12-1 campaign, Detroit was determined to fix their problems on the defensive side of the ball. Following a year where the Lions finished dead last in passing yards allowed per game, Detroit selected Ohio State CB Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick, a plug-and-play corner who fits perfectly into Patricia's defense and already has Pro Bowl potential. Signings of LB Jamie Collins, CB Desmond Trufant, and DT Nick Williams should also allow the Motor City's defense to have a turn-around year. WR Kenny Golladay, who led the league in receiving touchdowns last season, could see an even bigger role as QB Matthew Stafford tries to push aside rumors his time as a Lion could soon be coming to an end.

Chicago Bears

Projected Record: 4-12

HC: Matt Nagy (3rd Season)

MVP: LB Khalil Mack

Key Addition: QB Nick Foles (acquired via trade with JAX)

Key Departure: LB Nick Kwiatkoski (signed with LVR in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Who starts for Chicago Week 1: New addition Nick Foles or struggling starter Mitchell Trubisky?

2020 is going to be an experimental year for the Bears. Chicago still has a top 5 defense, loaded with talent that shouldn't be wasted, but that might happen with the Bear's horrific offense. QB Mitchell Trubisky (17/10 TD/I, 83.0 QBR)'s 2019 Season made many question if he's the guy in Chicago, and the addition of Nick Foles makes it seem like the QB Competition is wide own in the Windy City. Foles, coming off a opening-week broken collarbone, should be healthy for Week 1 and is the betting favorite to be under center to start the season. Besides WR Allen Robinson, the pieces around Foles/Trubisky aren't great, with RB David Montgomery (only 3.7 YDs per carry) and WR Anthony Miller (2 Total Touchdowns) forced to be big-time contributors. Khalil Mack and Co. can still hold teams to under 20 PPG, but it could be all for done if the offense can't put any points on the board.

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys

Projected Record: 13-3

HC: Mike McCarthy (1st Season)

MVP: QB Dak Prescott

Key Addition: WR CeeDee Lamb (acquired via R1 P17 in NFL Draft)

Key Departure: CB Byron Jones (MIA) and DE Robert Quinn (CHI) (both left in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Will Dak's contract situation distract one of the league's most talented rosters?

The Cowboys sent a message this offseason: Watch out for Dallas this fall. As IMHer and Eagles fan Patrick Dallahan wasn't very happy to hear, the Cowboys got the biggest steal in the draft, nabbing Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb with the 17th pick. Lamb, who was projected to go in the 11-15 range, becomes another great pass-catcher for QB Dak Prescott to throw to in new coach Mike McCarthy's offense. The defense shouldn't take much of a hit despite some free agency loses; credit to Jerry Jones again for hitting draft luck with Alabama CB Trevon Diggs and Lamb's college teammate, DT Neville Gallimore. After gambling on himself last season and having his most productive year, Prescott once again turned down the contract extension Dallas offered and is playing under the Franchise Tag this season. Behind the best O-Line in football, and with RB Ezekiel Elliott and WR Amari Cooper signing big contract extensions, Prescott needs to have another breakout year; a first-place NFC East finish could just garner the Patrick Mahomes-type money he's looking for.

New York Giants

Projected Record: 10-6

HC: Joe Judge (1st Season)

MVP: RB Saquon Barkley

Key Addition: CB James Bradberry and LB Blake Martinez (both acquired via FA)

Key Departure: N/A

Biggest Storyline: Is Daniel Jones a Playoff-Ready QB?

Although the Giants underwent a lot of change this offseason, New York is looking like a darkhorse team to make a playoff run. Sophomore QB Daniel Jones proved a lot of haters wrong during his rookie season, finishing with more passing TDs than Tom Brady and almost as many yards as MVP Lamar Jackson, despite only playing 13 games. That was in no small part due to sharing a backfield with a top 5 RB, which Jones did in RB Saquon Barkley. And, unlike last season, Big Blue's defense and OL could actually help the team this year, not hurt them. GM Dave Gettlemen's FA signings of LB Blake Martinez and CB James Bradberry, paired with rookies OT Andrew Thomas and S Xavier McKinney, could all finally be the missing pieces to the Giants puzzle, and lead New York to their first winning season since the Ben McAdoo days.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Record: 8-8

HC: Doug Pederson (5th Season)

MVP: QB Carson Wentz

Key Addition: DT Javon Hargrave (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: FS Malcolm Jenkins (signed with NO in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Can Carson Wentz stay healthy for a full season?

After being the only team to finish with a winning record in football's worst division last year, 2020 could be a different story for the Eagles (once again, sorry Pat). Both Dallas and New York got significantly better since the start of the new league year, and Philadelphia was unable to match their signings. Yes, the birds do have somethings going for them. They're the only team in the NFC East to have a returning HC, and GM Howie Roseman was able to get a playmaker up-front with Javon Hargrave and a receiver for Carson Wentz in Jalen Reagor. However, the decision NOT to move up for CeeDee Lamb in the first round, and make a luxury pick with the second round selection of QB Jalen Hurts could seriously hurt Philly. I'm not saying it's impossible, but a draft pick in the 8-12 range is looking more likely than an NFC Divisional Game appearance for the Eagles.

Washington Redskins

Projected Record: 3-13

HC: Ron Rivera (1st Season)

MVP: DE Chase Young

Key Addition: DE Chase Young (acquired via R1 P2 in NFL Draft)

Key Departure: OT Trent Williams (via trade with SF)

Biggest Storyline: Is Dwayne Haskins the future in Washington?

Washington made the decision this offseason that even under new HC Ron Ron, QB Dwayne Haskins is their future. Although some thought they would pick a QB with the second overall pick in the draft after Haskins' below average rookie campaign (7 TDs and 7 INTs with a 2-5 starter record), the R-Words instead picked the best player on the board with OSU DE Chase Young. Young's potential is through the roof; he's someone who could already have a Pro Bowl on his resume by this time next year and should be a nice defensive counterpart to Ryan Kerrigan. Did Washington make the right decision sticking with Haskins? Only time will tell, but especially in such a close division, the Capital City shouldn't be expecting much production this season.

NFC West:

Seattle Seahawks

Projected Record: 13-3

HC: Pete Carroll (10th Season)

MVP: QB Russell Wilson

Key Addition: WR Philip Dorsett (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: T George Fant (signed with NYJ in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Are MVP-like expectations too high for Russell Wilson?

The NFC West may just be the most competitive division in all of football, and Seattle is my pick to win it. QB Russell Wilson seems to have a chip on his shoulder after once again another great year (1 of 4 QBs to throw 30+ TDs, only one to also throw 4 or less INTs) followed by 0 MVP Votes and an early Seahawks playoff exit. This is his year to finally get over that hump and take home a MVP alongside a great offense: Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Chris Carson, Philip Dorsett make up arsenal of weapons Wilson has at his disposal. Seattle's defense isn't "Legion of Boom" caliber that we saw during their SB appearances, but it's still headlined by the best MLB in the NFL and a Corner poised for a breakout campaign: Bobby Wagner and Shaquil Griffin. This division is a toss-up between Seattle and San Fran (maybe even Arizona too), but an experienced coach and a PO ed signal-caller could be the difference makers for the Seahawks.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Record: 11-5

HC: Kyle Shanahan (4th Season)

MVP: DE Nick Bosa

Key Addition: OT Trent Williams (via Trade with SF)

Key Departure: DL DeForest Buckner (via Trade with IND)

Biggest Storyline: Is a Super Bowl Hangover in store for the Niners?

Oh, San Fran. Just a few months ago the Niners were 7 minutes away from being Super Bowl Champions, holding a 10 point lead (and a 95.3% win probability) over Kansas City. As we all know, Kyle Shanahan's squad choked away the big game, losing to the Chiefs 31-20. That's the past, and the question for the future is can the 49ers return to their SB form? Don't bet on it, especially with how much better the division got. San Francisco didn't seem to have that "Win Now" mindset this offseason you would expect the Super Bowl runner-ups to have, trading away the likes of DeForest Buckner, Matt Breida and Marquis Goodwin for draft picks. You can't deny how good this DL was last season, and the selection of Javon Kinlaw in the first round nulls the loss of Buckner. San Fran could have the opposite problem that Seattle is facing, as the Niners offense could be playing catch-up to their top tier defense. But if QB Jimmy Garoppolo, with help from TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel, can shake off that late game collapse in SB LIV, the 49ers could repeat as division winners.

Arizona Cardinals

Projected Record: 9-7

HC: Kliff Kingsbury (2nd Season)

MVP: QB Kyler Murray

Key Addition: WR DeAndre Hopkins (via Trade with HOU)

Key Departure: RB David Johnson (via Trade with HOU)

Biggest Storyline: Where does Arizona fit into the crowded NFC West?

Have an offseason, Arizona. The Cardinals made one of the biggest (and most one sided) move of the offseason by trading for disgruntled Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins is the perfect pass-catcher for QB Kyler Murray, who's coming off a ROTY season. Plus, since Arizona only gave up aging RB David Johnson and a few non-first round picks pick for D-Hop, the Cardinals were able to bolster their defense when one of the highest-potential guys in the draft fell into their lap at pick 8: Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons. With the addition of Simmons, Arizona quietly adds to one of the better defenses in the league (top 10-11). Simmons joins DC Vance Joseph's defense featuring sack master Chandler Jones (11+ Sacks in 6 of the last 7 seasons; career-high 19 sacks last season were the second most) and two of the league's best tacklers in Jordan Hicks (3rd most total tackles last season) and Budda Baker (League Leader in solo tackles). The Cards certainly have the talent to be a playoff team, the only question is what does that look like within their own division. Unfortunately for fans, the Cardinals are in a really tough position among San Fran and Seattle; if Arizona was in the AFC South they would be clear cut favorites. Last year, the 3rd place finishing Rams fell one game short of being the last Wild Card team. With an extra playoff spot being added this year, look for the Cardinals to capitalize as a playoff team even with a 3rd Place finish.

Los Angeles Rams

Projected Record: 4-12

HC: Sean McVay (4th Season)

MVP: DT Aaron Donald

Key Addition: RB Cam Akers (acquired via R2 P52 in NFL Draft)

Key Departure: WR Brandin Cooks (via Trade with HOU)

Biggest Storyline: Are the Rams going to regret moving on from Cooks and Gurley?

Unlike Arizona, Los Angeles' offseason wasn't one to knock their fans socks off. Along with rebrading and switching to awful jerseys, the Rams cut ties with RB Todd Gurley, who's recent tenure has been plagued by injuries and mediocre on-field performance following one of the best starts to a ball carrier's career in recent memory. GM Les Snead's first selection of FSU RB Cam Akers will gladly take Gurley's touches and fits perfectly in Sean McVay's fast-paced offense. Akers was a second round pick; the Rams didn't have a first round pick due to the trade for CB Jalen Ramsey. Los Angeles might be rethinking that trade right now, as Ramsey was a shell of his Jacksonville-self over 9 games with the missing-a-few-defensive-pieces Rams. LA, who could've used that first-rounder on K'Lavon Chassion or Kenneth Murray, needs more production in the front-7 to aid superstar Aaron Donald. Unless the Rams find a way to fix a defense that lost several key members this offseason (Cory Littleton, Donte Fowler Jr., Nickell Robey-Coleman, Eric Weddle), they could be taking a back seat in the division this year.

NFC South:

New Orleans Saints

Projected Record: 13-3

HC: Sean Payton (14th Season)

MVP: WR Michael Thomas

Key Addition: WR Emmanuel Sanders (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: S Vonn Bell (CIN) and LB A.J. Klein (BUF) (both left in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Can Drew Brees' body hold up for a deep postseason run?

2019 was another disappointing year for the Saints, and it once again felt out of their control. A non called pass interference by Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph, who seemed to have pushed off a defender while catching the GW TD in OT, was the culprit this time. New Orleans seems ready to avenge that early playoff exit, and this might finally be there year. Coach Payton's offense still features an elite QB in Drew Brees, but his talks with CBS regarding post-football life raise questions about how many years he has left in the tank. Brees has plenty of weapons around him, including newly signed receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a top 15 RB in Alvin Kamara, and the league's best WR in Michael Thomas, who could very well be in MVP talks this season. In a season where NOLA's defense will have to face Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady (2x), look for the new faces, LB Zach Baun and S Malcolm Jenkins, to have a big impact in a oh-so intriguing NFC South.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Record: 9-6-1

HC: Bruce Arians (2nd Season)

MVP: QB Tom Brady

Key Addition: QB Tom Brady (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: DE Carl Nassib (signed with LVR in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Will the Buccaneers be able to live up to the hype surrounding this much-anticipated season?

After a wild 2020 offseason, Bucs fans finally have a squad to get excited over. Tampa Bay won the ultimate free agency sweepstakes, signing 6x SB Champion Tom Brady to a two year deal. The Brady effect carried over to one of his favorite targets during his tenure in New England, as the Buccaneers traded for now unretired TE Rob Gronkowsi to pair with one of the best WR duos in the game, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. As or questions about Brady's O-Line, GM Jason Licht fixed that problem by trading up to select Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs, solidifying one of the NFL's highest potential offenses. As for the defense, that might be another story. Yes, LB Shaquil Barrett (19.5 sacks) is a monster, but the pieces around him are lacking. LB Levonte David is a few years passed his prime, and it's the opposite problem for second-year LB Devin White. As far as the secondary goes, last year's DBs weren't doing the team any favors by allowing the third highest passing yards per game. Overall, the Buccaneers got a lot of better this offseason, but I wouldn't be surprised if they disappoint many and miss the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers

Projected Record: 6-10

HC: Matt Rhule (1st Season)

MVP: RB Christian McCaffrey

Key Addition: QB Teddy Bridgewater (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: LB Luke Kuechly (retired)

Biggest Storyline: How will Carolina's new defense hold up against the NFC South?

Carolina's main concern last year was defense, and boy did they address it this offseason. The Panthers became the first team in the modern draft era to use every pick they had in the draft on defensive players, and they got some good ones. The D-Line got much better with GM Marty Hurney's first two picks: Aurbun DT Derrick Brown (R1 P7) will provide much needed interior pressure while second round-steal, Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos (R2 P38), can give new HC Matt Rhule's defense 7+ sacks across from Brian Burns. Concerns still linger in the LB group and secondary, rightfully so with the losses of LB Luke Kuechly and CB James Bradberry (signed with NYG). Remember, 1/4 of Carolina's season is facing off against Tom Brady and Drew Brees. As far as the Panthers' offense, it could look a little different this year. Following the releasing of former MVP Cam Newton, a new era has officially begun in Charlotte, and recently signed Teddy Bridgewater is the QB to start it. Bridgwater has some toys to play with, the most obvious being the now highest-paid RB in NFL History, Christian McCaffrey; WRs DJ Moore and Robby Anderson (who played for Rhule at Temple) will be Bridgewater's top pass-catchers. Expect this year to be an experimental year for Carolina: 11-12th seed finish in the NFC, Bridgewater getting comfortable in the offense, and McCaffrey bringing home OPOY honors.

Atlanta Falcons

Projected Record: 4-12

HC: Dan Quinn (6th Season)

MVP: QB Matt Ryan

Key Addition: DE Dante Fowler Jr. (acquired via FA)

Key Departure: TE Austin Hooper (signed with CLE in FA)

Biggest Storyline: Where does Atlanta fit into the NFC South puzzle?

It's hard to imagine just three years ago, Atlanta was one quarter away from being Super Bowl Champions. Now, they could be staring at a last place NFC South finish. Atlanta's offense shouldn't be the problem. They still have 11 first round picks on offense alone, a top 5-6 receiver in Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley coming off of a good rookie year, young TE Hayden Hurst and an experienced veteran in Todd Gurley looking for a fresh start. However, Dan Quinn's defense is still a concern with this Falcons team. 1st round pick AJ Terrell fits well into Quinn's Cover 3 style of defense, but he won't have much help around him after Atlanta cut their interception leader, Desmond Trufant. The depth of the Falcons is what could hurt them; Deion Jones is the only solid LB they have and Grady Jarrett can't be the only one getting after Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara on the D-Line. The NFC South got a lot better as a whole offensively, and unless multiple Falcons defenders have a breakout year, it could be a long season.

AFC CHAMPION PREDICTION AS OF 5/19: New Orleans Saints PLEASE STAY AT HOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND FOLLOW ALL OF THE GOVERNMENT'S SUGGESTED AND MANDATED PROTOCOLS. REMEMBER, IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT YOU, AND YOU COULD BE PUTTING OTHERS AT RISK.