Welcome back to our NFL preview double feature. These have been a grind to put together, but in many ways, that has been the fun of it. Both conference previews have been written on fumes, in between Springsteen concerts at Metlife Stadium, we’re operating on pure adrenaline at this point. Four divisions down, four to go, and this time they’re in the top-heavy NFC. Maybe a dark horse will emerge this season to crash the party. Let’s take a closer look…cue the music.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles

We begin our preview with the reigning NFC champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds come into the season looking to avenge a deflating Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, and they certainly have the pieces to do it. The unlikely rise to superstardom of quarterback Jalen Hurts has breathed new life into this team’s contending window and I believe he will make a compelling case for the MVP award. Hurts case will be boosted by using some of the best weapons in the league, headlined by dynamic duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, while Dallas Goedert operates at tight end. The running back room has been turned over with newcomers De’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny now sharing the workload. While their o-line remains tough in the trenches, their front seven is utterly terrifying. This who’s who of former SEC stars will be a matchup nightmare and will terrorize quarterbacks while making life easy for a solid secondary. This team looks primed to go back to the Super Bowl.

Dallas Cowboys

There is never a dull moment in “Big D”, and this offseason no exception. The Boys come into the 2023 campaign off of another solid season under Mike McCarthy, that much like the previous one, ended in a frustrating playoff loss to the 49ers. In an effort to take the next step Jerry Jones and company went shopping on both sides of the ball. Stephon Gilmore was added to bolster an already stout defense while Brandin Cooks was brought into add some juice to the offense. Ceedee Lamb and Tony Pollard have fully replaced their longtime predecessors, but keep an eye on their sidekicks, second year wideout Jalen Tolbert and rookie Darren Sproles clone Deuce Vaughn. Their rebuilt o-line will win up front while the dynamic Micah Parsons leads a talented front seven that can wreck a game. The aforementioned Gilmore joins an athletic and deep secondary that features take away extraordinaire Trevon Diggs. While all those pieces are nice to have, everything hinges on Dak Prescott putting an ugly 2022 season in the rear-view mirror. If he does, look out.

New York Giants

As the “Big Blue” enters year two under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants are really starting to act like the Giants again. The Daboll and (Joe) Schoen era got off to a much better start than expected in year one with a playoff berth and wild card round win over the Vikings. Despite a divisional round blowout loss in Philly, much like the Jaguars, a terrific foundation was laid. Danny “Dimes” Jones was re-signed to lead an offense that features returning stand out Isiah Hodgins and newcomers Parris Campbell, rookie Jalin Hyatt and dynamic tight end Darren Waller. Saquon Barkley ended his contract dispute and reported to training camp to play on the franchise tag. These well-rounded skill players will work behind an improving offensive line, led by the talented Andrew Thomas at left tackle. While the defense lacks a true star, it has talent at all three levels. Kayvon Thibodeaux will look to build on a promising rookie season while newcomers Bobby Okereke and Isiah Simmons join a linebacking core that is capable of surprising. Safety Xavier McKinney leads the way at the back end and provides leadership for this group as they progress. This team’s biggest strength is in Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s coaching prowess – with added talent, the question is can they maintain their excellent marks in tight games from a year ago?

Washington Commanders

Much like Dallas, there is never a dull moment in the Nation’s Capital, and no, I don’t mean politically. The Commanders had another bizarre offseason that has featured fighting amongst the coaching staff and an ownership change. Now owned and operated by Josh Harris and his business partners, we can move beyond the nightmarish Dan Snyder era. The fighting on the coaching staff is between lame duck head coach Ron Rivera (entering the final year of his deal) and new OC Eric Bienemy. Bienemy has been a bit of a lightning rod the last few off-seasons as he has been a hot coaching candidate, yet he never left his post as the Chief’s play caller. Rumored disputes between him and Rivera don’t make things any easier for a roster that has talent on both sides of the ball but lacks consistency. The defense’s strength is a front seven built to wreck a game but has been unable to do so due to a consistent rash of injuries, a healthy Chase Young would be a big lift. The offensive line is solid enough while the skill positions are anchored by the eternally underrated receiver Terry McLaurin. All of this operates in service of second year quarterback Sam Howell. The former fifth-round pick debuted in the team’s season ending victory over the Cowboys and made a decent impression. If he and this coaching staff can work together, the commanders may have a QB worth the continued investment.

NFC North

Detroit Lions

It’s time to bite some kneecaps, well metaphorical ones at least. For the first time in a long time the Lions enter the season with expectations. Dan Campbell’s group broke out last year down the stretch narrowly missing out on the playoffs in the season’s final week. The offense was strong a year ago, and looks to be the improved, once it gets all the pieces on the field at the same time. Second year receiver Jameson Williams is suspended for gambling, he won’t be back until almost mid-year so the workload will fall on Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the more underrated players in the league. Marvin Jones and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta round out the pass catching group. The running back room has been re-made with former Bears back David Montgomery working in tandem with rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. The offensive line is one of the better units in the league and makes this team a physical nightmare to play against. Second year edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson will lead a defense that should improve with newcomers Cam Sutton and C.J. Gardner Johnson joining the secondary. This team has a great chance to make the playoffs and make noise when they arrive.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings enter the 2023 campaign looking to repeat as kings of the north. Last year’s team surprised many, winning several close games in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s first year. Kirk Cousins is back under center, chains and all, coming off another solid performance in 2023. He’ll have to repeat his play with some new faces in the offense. While superstar wideout Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson return, stalwart receiver Adam Thielen and long-time running back Dalvin Cook departed. Bit part back Alexander Mattison will now take the bulk of the carries, while rookie wideout Jordan Addison and third year man K.J. Osborn are tasked with replacing Thielen. The offensive line doesn’t boast a big name but proved to be reliable last year and will need to be again for what is likely to be an air raid offense. The defense returns two long time features in talented pass rusher Danielle Hunter and Safety Harrison Smith. Marcus Davenport comes over to join a linebacking core led by Jordan Hicks. The secondary gains the addition of former Cardinal’s corner Byron Murphy, something they desperately needed to replace the aging Patrick Peterson. The purple people eaters should find themselves in the hunt once again with this group.

Chicago Bears

The “monsters of the Midway” enter the season in a similar position to the Steelers, as one of the leagues “trendy teams.” There is some good reason behind it, as head coach Matt Eberflus’ team showed some signs of life last year. Those signs were mostly centered around the electrifying talent of Justin Fields under center. His scrambling ability and exciting runs made headlines last year, but he is expected to take a jump as a passer this season and will likely need to ensure success. That progression begins with the exciting addition of DJ Moore, who arrives in the Windy City via a trade with the Panthers. Moore should lift a receiving core that features some solid options in Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. With David Montgomery gone, Khalil Herbert is now the featured back, while former Titans back D’Onta Foreman joins him in tandem. The o-line leaves something to be desired and could be concern as the season goes, especially with Fields already taking punishment as a runner. The defense features some playmakers at all three levels as newcomers Yannick Ngakoue and Tremaine Edmunds should help a front seven in need of more dynamic talent. Safety Eddie Jackson leads a secondary that will benefit from this improved group up front. While the playoffs are probably still a year away, don’t sleep on this team.

Green Bay Packers

The Jordan Love era has officially begun in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers leaving for the Jets. Love has been a subject of much debate for a while now, mostly about whether or not he is a fit successor to number 12, the good news is for him he can finally go and prove it. He is surrounded by lots of young skill with second year receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs being joined by rookie Jayden Reed. Veteran back Aaron Jones is back again, running behind a solid offensive line that is still anchored by veteran David Bakhtiari. The defense is led by a strong secondary that features the terrific shutdown corner, Jaire Alexander. The front seven has a strong linebacking core with veterans Preston Smith and De’Vondre Campbell being flanked by youngsters Quay Walker and Rashan Gary. Matt LaFleur’s team will be an interesting one to follow as we go through the season, if Love can deliver under center, they may be able to make some noise in this conference.

NFC South

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have been lost in the quarterback wilderness for a while now, but they finally found their guy, as they landed Derek Carr from the Raiders this offseason. I’ve always been a fan of Carr, and while I don’t think he is a star, he has proven to be very reliable over the years, while a bad Raider defense held him and the offense back. Number four arrives in the Big Easy surrounded by some solid weapons at the skill positions despite Alvin Kamara’s suspension. Second year receiver Chris Olave looks primed for a breakout season, working in tandem with fellow Ohio State alumni Michael Thomas looking to regain his old form. Jamaal Williams is a capable fill in for Kamara and the tight end room is deep with Juwan Johnson leading Taysom Hill (no longer playing QB), a returning Jimmy Graham and Foster Moreau, who makes for a wonderful story as he returns from cancer treatment. The trenches are solid on both sides of the ball so they should be able to win up front. The secondary is talented with Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye playing safety alongside Marshon Lattimore and third year corner Paulson Adebo. Defensive speed and head coach Dennis Allen are a worry, but this team looks to be the best in a weak division.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons have been a bizarrely run team for the last few years. Several odd drafting decisions have brought us to this point where they have some high-end talent but lack a trigger man to take advantage of it. Desmond Ridder has been made the starter and will be at the controls of an offense that has some fun toys. Stud rookie Bijan Robinson is a trendy pick for both offensive rookie and player of the year. Drake London leads an otherwise mediocre receiver core and Kyle Pitts is still looking to breakout at tight end. Swiss army knife Cordarelle Patterson will once again be a useful weapon to help this offense. The defense added star safety Jessie Bates from the Bengals but outside aging veteran Calais Campbell, they lack a brand name pass rusher. This team’s strength is running the ball in Arthur Smith’s impressive offensive scheme, with Robinson leading their solid stable of backs, but it feels like they’ll live around the .500-mark, Ridder will have to exceed expectations to go beyond that.

Carolina Panthers

It’s a new era in Carolina as the Panthers begin the 2023 season with former Alabama star Bryce Young under center. New head coach Frank Reich is tasked with growing the young signal caller and getting this team back to relevance. He and the front office have done what they can to aid the former Bama quarterback with an array of offseason additions. Miles Sanders arrives from the Eagles to team up with Chubba Hubbard in the back field. Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, and Hayden Hurst come in from the Vikings and Lions to help Young through the air. He’s protected by a decent o-line, anchored by talented second year tackle Ikem Ekwonu. The defense features two exciting young players in defensive end Brian Burns and corner Jaycee Horn. Those two cornerstones will get some help from veterans Vonn Bell and Justin Houston, who should also help with building a culture for this team to grow in. While this year isn’t likely to result in a playoff berth, the Panthers have some youthful building blocks in place to set up a promising future, especially if Bryce Young delivers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A new season begins in Tampa Bay with a very noticeable change to the roster. With Tom Brady retiring, the reigns have been turned over to former Browns and Rams starter Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has battled with backup Kyle Trask during training camp but is presumed to be the starter opening week. He and head coach Todd Bowles are looking to make another trip to the playoffs with this veteran roster as it seemingly is headed for the end of this contending window. Mayfield is protected by a solid offensive line and has plenty of help in the weapons department. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are still a solid tandem that any quarterback would love to have. The defense still boasts talent at all three levels with Vita Vea, Shaq Barrett, Devin White, LaVonte David, and Antonie Winfield leading a solid front seven and secondary. On paper this team looks capable of competing in a weak division…but the game isn’t played on paper. If the season goes south a number of the aforementioned players may get dealt at the trade deadline. There is good news for the Bucs and their fans though, the creamsicle jerseys are back!

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks

Through a series of moves in the last few offseasons the Seahawks have quickly rebuilt their team to contend in the NFC once again. Pete Carroll is back for another season at the helm in the great northwest. Caroll’s team is full of talent on both sides of the ball, especially at the skill positions. Star second year running back Kenneth Williams will now work in tandem with rookie Zack Charbonnet to create a thunder and lightning approach in the run game. The receiving core is loaded with talent as stalwarts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are now joined by former Ohio State standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The offensive line outperformed expectations last season with left tackle Charles Cross making a name for himself as a rookie. The already strong secondary will now get Jamal Adams back in the mix after missing all of last season and Bobby Wagner returns to help the linebacking core. This team’s success will come down to the play of Geno Smith, who defied belief last year with a strong first year in Seattle. If Geno can run it back this year, this team is dangerous.

San Francisco 49ers

The Niners return many of the same faces that have come of so close to tasting glory over last few years under Kyle Shannahan. Brock Purdy is back under center despite missing most of the offseason program due to an injury he sustained in the NFC Title game. With Trey Lance traded to Dallas, Purdy will be backed up by Sam Darnold. While this offseason is very QB friendly, should Purdy get hurt again, Jimmy G is walking through the door to bail this team out. Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and George Kittle comprise a versatile array of weapons for Purdy to continue to develop with. Trent Williams anchors a solid o-line that has seen some turnover the last few campaigns. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner lead one of the best defenses in the league that will need to continue to play at that level to provide the balanced attack we have grown accustomed to. If Niners fail to get it done again, big changes to the Lynch and Shannahan regime may finally come.

Los Angeles Rams

What we are now witnessing in Los Angeles is the end result of GM Les Snead’s infamous catchphrase “F*** them picks.” Snead dealt a ton of draft capital to fortify his team’s chances at hoisting the Lombardi, and while they did reach their ultimate goal, it is now coming at the expense of sustained success. With the roster mostly a shell of its championship form, head coach Sean McVay and star pass rusher Aaron Donald have threatened their retirement over the last year. But with both back in the fold, at least for now, and Matthew Stafford healthy under center, the Rams have at least some hopes of being competitive. Cam Akers, Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson and Tyler Higbee headline the offensive skill positions. With the o-line being re-tooled, Stafford may find himself running for his life a lot this season. Unfortunately for Donald, he doesn’t have as much backup as Stafford. If you have heard of Russ Yeast and Christian Rozeboom, congratulations, you’re a better fan than I. The team looks set to finish near the bottom of the standing, which is good news given the quarterbacks in this year’s draft…now if only they had those picks.

Arizona Cardinals

If you thought the Rams were a mess, check out the Cardinals. The once promising Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray partnership is in shambles with Kingsbury unemployed and Murray too worried about Call of Duty skills than his play. Murray is out injured until at least week eight but the rumored plan in the desert is to hold him out and prepare to trade him in the offseason. With the team effectively tanking for Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, expect them to deal some players by the deadline, namely Budda Baker, Zach Ertz, James Connor, and Hollywood Brown. Josh Dobbs and rookie Clayton Tune are expected to split time under center. All eyes are on rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon, who takes over a brutal situation on and off the field. If Gannon can at least weed out the roster and start to build a culture, this season will be a success.

Preseason Picks

NFC East: Eagles

NFC North: Lions

NFC South: Saints

NFC West: Seahawks

Wild Card: Cowboys

Wild Card: 49ers

Wild Card: Giants

In The Hunt: Vikings, Bears, Falcons

NFC Champion: Eagles

Super Bowl Champion: Bengals

So that concludes our NFL preview for the 2023-24 season. Share your picks with me on Twitter @YNWA9623 and subscribe to the site for continuing NFL coverage by hitting the follow button in the bottom right of your screen and entering your email. Enjoy the season everyone!